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The First and the Last
“Why would I choose, when anyone can see the two of you come as part of a package?”
That’s what she said. Those were the words that changed my life.
Until then Jules and I were friends. Best friends only. Best friends since before we could remember. We had to be. We were the last two wolves born into an aging pack. Our pack was secretive and a little backward, but we had a great life. Sure, our alpha was a bit of a douche, but all alphas are douches. Everyone knows that. Thank God, Jules and I were both going to be betas.
The night new-girl Storm refused to choose between Jules and I, changed everything. The way I looked at him changed forever. He went from my goofball best friend, to being the hottest creature I’d ever seen. At the time I thought it was the end of the world.
It wasn’t the end of the world...It was just the beginning.
Then our first shift happened, and confusion hit harder.
Why was one of us acting distinctly douche-y? And why was the other running a fever and pleading for things only an omega would want?
The First and The Last is a paranormal omegaverse MM romance. It features a bi-awakening that happens during a shared experience with a woman. It contains a dash of knotting, a pinch of gratuitous violence, and a heat that’s hot enough to put your eReader at risk of melting. This story does not contain MPREG.
That’s what she said. Those were the words that changed my life.
Until then Jules and I were friends. Best friends only. Best friends since before we could remember. We had to be. We were the last two wolves born into an aging pack. Our pack was secretive and a little backward, but we had a great life. Sure, our alpha was a bit of a douche, but all alphas are douches. Everyone knows that. Thank God, Jules and I were both going to be betas.
The night new-girl Storm refused to choose between Jules and I, changed everything. The way I looked at him changed forever. He went from my goofball best friend, to being the hottest creature I’d ever seen. At the time I thought it was the end of the world.
It wasn’t the end of the world...It was just the beginning.
Then our first shift happened, and confusion hit harder.
Why was one of us acting distinctly douche-y? And why was the other running a fever and pleading for things only an omega would want?
The First and The Last is a paranormal omegaverse MM romance. It features a bi-awakening that happens during a shared experience with a woman. It contains a dash of knotting, a pinch of gratuitous violence, and a heat that’s hot enough to put your eReader at risk of melting. This story does not contain MPREG.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2022
159 people are currently reading
922 people want to read
About the author
Jesse H. Reign
19 books1,275 followersI'm Jesse, and I write contemporary and paranormal MM romance.
Whether my characters are born magical, or whether magic is something they make between the sheets, I strive to take the reader into the mind of the narrator. My ultimate goal is to leave the reader feeling like they’ve made a new friend or have spent a few hours flirting with a brand-new book boyfriend.
I love coffee, chocolate and daydreaming, in no particular order. I love conflicted characters, lust at first sight and angst – no seriously, ALL the angst. Give it to me!
Whether my characters are born magical, or whether magic is something they make between the sheets, I strive to take the reader into the mind of the narrator. My ultimate goal is to leave the reader feeling like they’ve made a new friend or have spent a few hours flirting with a brand-new book boyfriend.
I love coffee, chocolate and daydreaming, in no particular order. I love conflicted characters, lust at first sight and angst – no seriously, ALL the angst. Give it to me!
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November 12, 2022
Jesse H Reign's The First and The Last is FREE ON AMAZON TODAY!!!! (11/12/2022) GO GET IT -> AMAZON
The First and the Last is the story of Sully and Jules, two best friends from an aging and regressive pack. Jules is older and more extroverted, while Sully is more introverted. They have been close friends since childhood. They are the only young members of the pack, and despite closing in on their 20th birthdays, they have yet to shift, and their true nature has been kept from them.
I enjoyed how the story takes place over several years. We follow them from high school to post-university as they grow and mature. Jesse did an amazing job creating a unique omegaverse world. The world-building is seriously amazing and felt very immersive as I read it.
In the first half is a bit slow as we watch Jules and Sully navigate their teenage and young adult lives. They are trying to figure themselves out and find some kind of understanding as they start to question their pack's way of life and loyalty. This is because they slowly learn that there is a lot that things aren't what they seem and that their pack is very different compared to others once they hear stories of others.
They also start to explore their sexuality. They sleep with women, but when they meet an older female shifter and start to have threesomes - something between them changes. I am not a fan of MFM/MMF at all. However, I enjoyed how Jesse wrote about their sexual awakening and how there was no bi-erasure. They are both attracted to women but slowly discover that they find men attractive.
The second half is when things go wild. I do not want to give away too much, but as they spend more time together and see each other in a new light, new and hidden feelings are awakened. When the time for their first shift comes, they essentially have everything they have ever known and understood about themselves shattered.
I loved seeing Jules become so submissive to Sully. It was like there was a slight role reversal as they came together as omega and alpha. The way that Sully cares for his mate....my heart. I think my fave part of the story was their awakening. I love the sensuality of the sex scenes. There isn't a lot but those scenes were...*chef kiss*. The build-up, the emotions, the intensity of it. Seriously this is why I am addicted to reading heat sex in omegaverse, so thank you, Jesse, for giving me everything I love in Omega/Alpha sex.
I also loved how the women in the story were strong.
The threesomes initially made me apprehensive about the story. I am not a fan and actively avoid anything with MFM/MMF. However, those scenes were brief and in a way, I can see how they were necessary, especially regarding their sexual discoveries. So if you're not a fan of it like me, those scenes are relatively brief. I also wish there was Mpreg - that's a me thing. This is the first book but I would like to see it in the next book since it's possible in this universe.
Overall I loved The First and Last and adored Sully and Jules. If you enjoy friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, sexual awakening, omegaverse/shifters, and you enjoyed any of Jesse H Reign's past work; you will like The First and the Last. I honestly can not wait until the next book, so excited.
**I received a complimentary copy and this is my honest thoughts**
The First and the Last is the story of Sully and Jules, two best friends from an aging and regressive pack. Jules is older and more extroverted, while Sully is more introverted. They have been close friends since childhood. They are the only young members of the pack, and despite closing in on their 20th birthdays, they have yet to shift, and their true nature has been kept from them.
I enjoyed how the story takes place over several years. We follow them from high school to post-university as they grow and mature. Jesse did an amazing job creating a unique omegaverse world. The world-building is seriously amazing and felt very immersive as I read it.
In the first half is a bit slow as we watch Jules and Sully navigate their teenage and young adult lives. They are trying to figure themselves out and find some kind of understanding as they start to question their pack's way of life and loyalty. This is because they slowly learn that there is a lot that things aren't what they seem and that their pack is very different compared to others once they hear stories of others.
They also start to explore their sexuality. They sleep with women, but when they meet an older female shifter and start to have threesomes - something between them changes. I am not a fan of MFM/MMF at all. However, I enjoyed how Jesse wrote about their sexual awakening and how there was no bi-erasure. They are both attracted to women but slowly discover that they find men attractive.
The second half is when things go wild. I do not want to give away too much, but as they spend more time together and see each other in a new light, new and hidden feelings are awakened. When the time for their first shift comes, they essentially have everything they have ever known and understood about themselves shattered.
I loved seeing Jules become so submissive to Sully. It was like there was a slight role reversal as they came together as omega and alpha. The way that Sully cares for his mate....my heart. I think my fave part of the story was their awakening. I love the sensuality of the sex scenes. There isn't a lot but those scenes were...*chef kiss*. The build-up, the emotions, the intensity of it. Seriously this is why I am addicted to reading heat sex in omegaverse, so thank you, Jesse, for giving me everything I love in Omega/Alpha sex.
I also loved how the women in the story were strong.
The threesomes initially made me apprehensive about the story. I am not a fan and actively avoid anything with MFM/MMF. However, those scenes were brief and in a way, I can see how they were necessary, especially regarding their sexual discoveries. So if you're not a fan of it like me, those scenes are relatively brief. I also wish there was Mpreg - that's a me thing. This is the first book but I would like to see it in the next book since it's possible in this universe.
Overall I loved The First and Last and adored Sully and Jules. If you enjoy friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, sexual awakening, omegaverse/shifters, and you enjoyed any of Jesse H Reign's past work; you will like The First and the Last. I honestly can not wait until the next book, so excited.
**I received a complimentary copy and this is my honest thoughts**
November 3, 2023
Okay. I don't have a lot of words right now and I feel like whatever I say won't be enough to express my thoughts but i will TRY.
If I look at this objectively, I would say the underlying plot was a little straightforward and something I've already encountered before so not a lot of surprise plot-wise. What made me love this was the STORYTELLING! 🥰
This was a single POV narration with around 85% storytelling and 15% dialogue but Sully's perspective on everything from their childhood to adulthood was... fascinating? enchanting? For lack of a better word. His innocence as a child talking about his childhood best friend drew me in quickly, but as his tone changed along the way as he came of age and reached adulthood with Jules, it gripped my attention and consumed me. I just can't stop reading! Like having a front row view of his life as he discovered his possessiveness with his best friend, their rivalry on the same woman, his bi-awakening, and the best part, his perspective on their first shift and mating. The best word to describe this was... BEAUTIFUL. 😊😊😊
Again, there's nothing super unique about the underlying plot. An ABO bi-awakening or GFY story between best friends. Sully grew up and discovered he's a special alpha and that his best friend, Jules, was his omega mate. But Sully's perspective in this book made ALL the difference. ❤️ The main point was their friendship, discovery of each other, introspections, realizations, falling in love, caring for the other, and sealing their fate forever. I kinda wished Jules had a chapter in his POV just to know how he viewed Sully and how it felt for him to love his best friend. Ugh! That potential would stay in my head for days.
Anyway, I love these boys and I'm glad I tried this author!!! I will definitely check their other works. 😍😍😍
If I look at this objectively, I would say the underlying plot was a little straightforward and something I've already encountered before so not a lot of surprise plot-wise. What made me love this was the STORYTELLING! 🥰
This was a single POV narration with around 85% storytelling and 15% dialogue but Sully's perspective on everything from their childhood to adulthood was... fascinating? enchanting? For lack of a better word. His innocence as a child talking about his childhood best friend drew me in quickly, but as his tone changed along the way as he came of age and reached adulthood with Jules, it gripped my attention and consumed me. I just can't stop reading! Like having a front row view of his life as he discovered his possessiveness with his best friend, their rivalry on the same woman, his bi-awakening, and the best part, his perspective on their first shift and mating. The best word to describe this was... BEAUTIFUL. 😊😊😊
Again, there's nothing super unique about the underlying plot. An ABO bi-awakening or GFY story between best friends. Sully grew up and discovered he's a special alpha and that his best friend, Jules, was his omega mate. But Sully's perspective in this book made ALL the difference. ❤️ The main point was their friendship, discovery of each other, introspections, realizations, falling in love, caring for the other, and sealing their fate forever. I kinda wished Jules had a chapter in his POV just to know how he viewed Sully and how it felt for him to love his best friend. Ugh! That potential would stay in my head for days.
Anyway, I love these boys and I'm glad I tried this author!!! I will definitely check their other works. 😍😍😍
December 28, 2022
Talk about a good Shifter book, where the insta something doesn't ruin it.
Here it is!!! This book, this right here is why I read with hope every Shifter book I find. And Jesse H. Reign made me gain hope again.
This was brilliant, any other word is not enough, it was a very slow burn, very deep complicated book, the story had a lot of space to grow before the characters grew feelings, I mean they were always there, the feelings, but it happened in a way THAT MADE FUCKING SENSE!!
We ask so little of books with fated mates tropes, I realize.
And this delivered, read it! Make yourself a favor! The sex is off the charts, and the alpha is grrrrrr. There will be a woman involved somewhere, don't be scared of it, she's cool and a tool to make the story go.
So just read it!!! 🫠🫠🫠
Here it is!!! This book, this right here is why I read with hope every Shifter book I find. And Jesse H. Reign made me gain hope again.
This was brilliant, any other word is not enough, it was a very slow burn, very deep complicated book, the story had a lot of space to grow before the characters grew feelings, I mean they were always there, the feelings, but it happened in a way THAT MADE FUCKING SENSE!!
We ask so little of books with fated mates tropes, I realize.
And this delivered, read it! Make yourself a favor! The sex is off the charts, and the alpha is grrrrrr. There will be a woman involved somewhere, don't be scared of it, she's cool and a tool to make the story go.
So just read it!!! 🫠🫠🫠
February 16, 2025
3 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
I really enjoyed this! No one writes pining quite like Jesse H. Reign, especially when it comes to friends to lovers. The way Sully wanted Jules was so palpable, it was a relief when they finally got together.
I love omegaverse, and I really enjoyed Jesse’s take on it. I loved everything about their time at the cabin, their first shifting, their designations, Jules’s first heat and Sully’s protectiveness over him. It was just sweet and romantic and sexy. I was obsessed.
I just wish we got more background on things that were mentioned. The white wolf lore, Mrs. O’Malley’s background, other packs and what became of Storm, the decline of births, the ban on male-on-male mating, etc. The conflict was resolved so quickly and everything ended so abruptly. I just wish we got a bit more world-building and lore and stuff.
I hope Jesse revisits this world or has another crack at omegaverse. I’d be really interested in reading more!
Also this brings me up-to-date on all of Jesse H. Reign’s books, and now I’m kind of unsure what to do with myself other than wait for her next release.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Format: ebook
I really enjoyed this! No one writes pining quite like Jesse H. Reign, especially when it comes to friends to lovers. The way Sully wanted Jules was so palpable, it was a relief when they finally got together.
I love omegaverse, and I really enjoyed Jesse’s take on it. I loved everything about their time at the cabin, their first shifting, their designations, Jules’s first heat and Sully’s protectiveness over him. It was just sweet and romantic and sexy. I was obsessed.
I just wish we got more background on things that were mentioned. The white wolf lore, Mrs. O’Malley’s background, other packs and what became of Storm, the decline of births, the ban on male-on-male mating, etc. The conflict was resolved so quickly and everything ended so abruptly. I just wish we got a bit more world-building and lore and stuff.
I hope Jesse revisits this world or has another crack at omegaverse. I’d be really interested in reading more!
Also this brings me up-to-date on all of Jesse H. Reign’s books, and now I’m kind of unsure what to do with myself other than wait for her next release.
October 21, 2022
”We’ve been mates since before I could remember. Best Mates. Fated Mates. Soulmates.”
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Single – Sully’s POV
HEA: HFN – First part of duet
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
”Bite me, Sully. Bite me. Mate me for life.”
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
This was my first shifter omegaverse and I ended up forfeiting sleep to finish it! I was hooked the entire time and the writing flowed perfectly. Told from Sully’s perspective, we are introduced to life within the aging pack and the expectations that are put upon Sully and Jules as the only ones left to shift. Neither of the two are ready for what is expected of them, and they try to put it off by attending college and end up having a threesome with a travelling shifter, Storm. This awakens something inside Sully he wasn’t aware of, and we see his feelings for his best friend grow, unsure of how Jules feels in return. After a trip to Sully’s family’s cabin, they both experience their first shifts and everything between the two of them is heightened, leading to an influx of wondering will they, won’t they, hoping they would get their happy ending, despite what is waiting for them back home. This book had me gripped so tightly, and I was feeling so many emotions the entire time! Overall this was such an amazing read, and I cannot wait for the next part of their story!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Best Friends-To-Lovers
❣️ Fated Mates
❣️ Paranormal Omegaverse
❣️ Bi Awakening
❣️ Shifters
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Single – Sully’s POV
HEA: HFN – First part of duet
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
”Bite me, Sully. Bite me. Mate me for life.”
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Overall Opinion
This was my first shifter omegaverse and I ended up forfeiting sleep to finish it! I was hooked the entire time and the writing flowed perfectly. Told from Sully’s perspective, we are introduced to life within the aging pack and the expectations that are put upon Sully and Jules as the only ones left to shift. Neither of the two are ready for what is expected of them, and they try to put it off by attending college and end up having a threesome with a travelling shifter, Storm. This awakens something inside Sully he wasn’t aware of, and we see his feelings for his best friend grow, unsure of how Jules feels in return. After a trip to Sully’s family’s cabin, they both experience their first shifts and everything between the two of them is heightened, leading to an influx of wondering will they, won’t they, hoping they would get their happy ending, despite what is waiting for them back home. This book had me gripped so tightly, and I was feeling so many emotions the entire time! Overall this was such an amazing read, and I cannot wait for the next part of their story!
Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Best Friends-To-Lovers
❣️ Fated Mates
❣️ Paranormal Omegaverse
❣️ Bi Awakening
❣️ Shifters
March 16, 2023
the writing for the first half of the book was seriously out of my worst nightmares, i’m pretty sure i used a similar writing style in 5th grade. it was choppy and unfocused, the author’s writing telling us everything instead of showing us. and the time skips….why…literally why why why…..completely unnecessary i promise we really truly didn’t need to start that far back. and we first get introduced to the girl they share in chapter freaking eight. it irritates the shit outta me when authors put shit in the description of their book and then take forever to get to that starting point bc that’s what a description is really, a starting point, and now i’ve just read 7 fucking chapters wondering what the fuck is going on and if i’m reading the same story the description promised…..my god….once they got to the cabin in the woods it was more palatable, if only just. the description sounded so fun smh i feel bamboozled
November 3, 2022
"I might be your first, but I'm also your last." There was no way I could argue. "Yeah, you are, Jules. You're the first and the last."
This was the first Jesse H Reign book I've read that wasn't contemporary MM (note: I have loved all of her previous books, soooo much steam and great story telling) and in fact I believe The First and the Last may actually be her first PNR book. If so, what a fabulous debut in the genre!
So The First and the Last is a MM werewolf shifter omegaverse romance (no m/preg), with fated/soul mates (Sully and Jules) who also happen to be best friends from childhood. The world building is great and the character development grows with the story. I'm not sure if this was originally written as a standalone, but it could certainly be the start of a fabulous series.
I loved all the tropes - including the double bi-awakening during an MFM scene - and who doesn't love a HEA?! The steamy scenes were HOT but this was most definitely a love match.
Loved it! Recommended.
4.5 steamy, shifty stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was the first Jesse H Reign book I've read that wasn't contemporary MM (note: I have loved all of her previous books, soooo much steam and great story telling) and in fact I believe The First and the Last may actually be her first PNR book. If so, what a fabulous debut in the genre!
So The First and the Last is a MM werewolf shifter omegaverse romance (no m/preg), with fated/soul mates (Sully and Jules) who also happen to be best friends from childhood. The world building is great and the character development grows with the story. I'm not sure if this was originally written as a standalone, but it could certainly be the start of a fabulous series.
I loved all the tropes - including the double bi-awakening during an MFM scene - and who doesn't love a HEA?! The steamy scenes were HOT but this was most definitely a love match.
Loved it! Recommended.
4.5 steamy, shifty stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 15, 2024
This was pure entertainment - love some best friends to lovers angst combined with omegaverse smuttiness!
April 11, 2023
I have a love hate relationship with the way Jesse writes timelines because MAN DO THEY HURT (and damn if it isn't so refreshing to read).
February 18, 2024
That was short, but packed a really hot punch. It's Jesse Reign's one and only paranormal book about 2 young wolf shifters growing up together in an isolated pack with only each other for company. The book is only from the perspective of Sully, a shy, naive but very clever young wolf. He narrates his life to us, and it mostly revolves around his best friend, Jules. The first half of the book spans their childhoods up to college, and this is just us getting to know these two. There's a bit of explicit MFM in there, which serves its purpose, but just be warned. Eventually, in classic Jesse Reign style, they end up alone in a cabin together for reasons, and wow is all I can say about that. Genuinely one of my favourite tropes. There are plot elements that are introduced but not super-well fleshed out, but there was some talk of a sequel, and I'm very curious about whether that is happening or nah. Anyway, this was a great read for me and could be infinitely improved upon by giving us a sequel (please?).
October 19, 2022
The good
+ Sully. He was a real sweetheart
+ Jules' endless honesty
+
+ Neither man hiding or being ashamed of their relationship when they get back home
+ Sully and Jules talking openly about how neither of them wants to have children
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Jules obviously enjoyed topping girls, so I hope he also gets a chance to top Sully in the next book
The bad
- Their parents basically sent them off to Sully's parents' sex cabin while Sully's mom knew full well what was going on. She basically pimped out her own son. Also, with the way heats work, she basically took away their consent
-
- Sully's mom was really forward-thinking and open-minded, but decided to let her son grow up in a toxic, homophobic and backwards pack anyway? Why?
- Sully's mom's excuse for not telling him what she knew was the worst excuse ever. Yeah, you are who you are inside, but having some prior education would have saved a lot of pain and problems! She was forgiven much too easily
-
I really liked Sully. He was adorable, which is a trait not found in alphas often enough. I like how happy they were together and how much they loved each other. However, I did not like Sully's mom. She did a lot of very problematic things, and was forgiven much too easily. But I'm very curious about how the story will continue, so I'll probably read the second book when it comes out. The role of Sully's mother will probably be smaller in that one, so I hope I'm going to enjoy it a lot more.
+ Sully. He was a real sweetheart
+ Jules' endless honesty
+
+ Neither man hiding or being ashamed of their relationship when they get back home
+ Sully and Jules talking openly about how neither of them wants to have children
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Jules obviously enjoyed topping girls, so I hope he also gets a chance to top Sully in the next book
The bad
- Their parents basically sent them off to Sully's parents' sex cabin while Sully's mom knew full well what was going on. She basically pimped out her own son. Also, with the way heats work, she basically took away their consent
-
- Sully's mom was really forward-thinking and open-minded, but decided to let her son grow up in a toxic, homophobic and backwards pack anyway? Why?
- Sully's mom's excuse for not telling him what she knew was the worst excuse ever. Yeah, you are who you are inside, but having some prior education would have saved a lot of pain and problems! She was forgiven much too easily
-
I really liked Sully. He was adorable, which is a trait not found in alphas often enough. I like how happy they were together and how much they loved each other. However, I did not like Sully's mom. She did a lot of very problematic things, and was forgiven much too easily. But I'm very curious about how the story will continue, so I'll probably read the second book when it comes out. The role of Sully's mother will probably be smaller in that one, so I hope I'm going to enjoy it a lot more.
May 30, 2023
Do you know how hard it is to love Alpha/Omega books but to fucking despise mpreg? Let me tell you, it’s fucking hard.
When I saw a friend label this as “Roe Horvat level sex” I had to try it. Imagine my immense joy when I realised it not only didn’t have mpreg but the MCs didn’t even want children!!! Fucking score.
Anyway, this is everything an Alpha/Omega mate book should be and I am SO happy to read the author’s not at the end that this will be a duology. These two were so wonderful and I’m so excited to read more about them! I am really hoping there’s no mpreg in the second book.
And yeah, that was absolutely the hottest sex scene I’ve read in years…
When I saw a friend label this as “Roe Horvat level sex” I had to try it. Imagine my immense joy when I realised it not only didn’t have mpreg but the MCs didn’t even want children!!! Fucking score.
Anyway, this is everything an Alpha/Omega mate book should be and I am SO happy to read the author’s not at the end that this will be a duology. These two were so wonderful and I’m so excited to read more about them! I am really hoping there’s no mpreg in the second book.
And yeah, that was absolutely the hottest sex scene I’ve read in years…
August 11, 2024
A very cool PNR, fated mates, omegaverse story.
Read
November 5, 2023This is my second book from the author and the first was a DNF, so I didn't have my hopes up.
I am not sure how to rate this. It was a 4 stars up until the 70% mark, when I realized much MUCH of the story would not be explained.
First of all, it's HEAVY on the romance. It just centers on the couple. By the cover, I thought we would have a fantasy romance, but so many plot points were just scattered and never again revisited or explained. We could take all the fantasy elements away and it wouldn't make a difference for the romance.
I'l try to summarize my issues. Spoilers ahead.
The ending? Rushed. Inexplicable. We did not seat enough with the side character who was a main point after to have a full circle of a plot.
If I understand correctly, there will not be a second book, which the story would benefit greatly from.
I am not sure how to rate this. It was a 4 stars up until the 70% mark, when I realized much MUCH of the story would not be explained.
First of all, it's HEAVY on the romance. It just centers on the couple. By the cover, I thought we would have a fantasy romance, but so many plot points were just scattered and never again revisited or explained. We could take all the fantasy elements away and it wouldn't make a difference for the romance.
I'l try to summarize my issues. Spoilers ahead.
The ending? Rushed. Inexplicable. We did not seat enough with the side character who was a main point after to have a full circle of a plot.
If I understand correctly, there will not be a second book, which the story would benefit greatly from.
November 5, 2022
4.5
Such a gorgeous story!
This was my first Jesse H. Reign novel, and I already know I'm going to be devouring more of her backlist very, very soon.
"The First and the Last" was ridiculously good: it's an angsty, highly emotional, unbelievably sexy, gem of a book, and, although it features some of the usual, delicious (shifter) omegaverse themes and tropes, I found it very, very original.
Jules and Sully's story sucked me in from the start, and I really adored seeing their relationship change and progress, slowly but surely, from childhood best friends to lovers to soulmates.
"The First and the Last" could have easily been a full, 5-star rating, if not for some very minor issues I had, mainly the fact that I was sorely missing a Jules' POV. Reading his thoughts and feelings about what was happening, first with the whole Storm situation, and then with his surprise heat, woud have been immensely useful to better understand his relationship with Sully, and the slowly changing alpha/omega dynamic between them.
But yes, that was a truly minor issue and I loved this book to bits, regardless of my preferences about the choice in POV.
The romance was truly fantastic. It's got pining and secret, hidden attraction, double bi-awakening, soulmate love and all the usual omegaverse and shifter tropes I desperately love and crave: a double whammy of the Secret Surprise Alpha and Secret Surprise Omega™, heat and knotting, mating and scenting. The second half of the novel was truly phenomenal stuff and the steam was unbelievably good: gah, more of this PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
And the writing? Jesse H. Reign has a true talent; her writing is gorgeous and vivid and lovely, and it made me feel so damn much.
I cannot wait to see what else she has in mind for these two characters: I'd totally sell my soul to have the sequel in my greedy hands.
Such a gorgeous story!
This was my first Jesse H. Reign novel, and I already know I'm going to be devouring more of her backlist very, very soon.
"The First and the Last" was ridiculously good: it's an angsty, highly emotional, unbelievably sexy, gem of a book, and, although it features some of the usual, delicious (shifter) omegaverse themes and tropes, I found it very, very original.
Jules and Sully's story sucked me in from the start, and I really adored seeing their relationship change and progress, slowly but surely, from childhood best friends to lovers to soulmates.
"The First and the Last" could have easily been a full, 5-star rating, if not for some very minor issues I had, mainly the fact that I was sorely missing a Jules' POV. Reading his thoughts and feelings about what was happening, first with the whole Storm situation, and then with his surprise heat, woud have been immensely useful to better understand his relationship with Sully, and the slowly changing alpha/omega dynamic between them.
But yes, that was a truly minor issue and I loved this book to bits, regardless of my preferences about the choice in POV.
The romance was truly fantastic. It's got pining and secret, hidden attraction, double bi-awakening, soulmate love and all the usual omegaverse and shifter tropes I desperately love and crave: a double whammy of the Secret Surprise Alpha and Secret Surprise Omega™, heat and knotting, mating and scenting. The second half of the novel was truly phenomenal stuff and the steam was unbelievably good: gah, more of this PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
And the writing? Jesse H. Reign has a true talent; her writing is gorgeous and vivid and lovely, and it made me feel so damn much.
I cannot wait to see what else she has in mind for these two characters: I'd totally sell my soul to have the sequel in my greedy hands.
May 29, 2023
Roe Horvat level sex
December 15, 2022
This was such a beautiful surprise!
I saw it was an "omegaverse" and I thought it would be dirty fun (which lets be honest, im not above reading too, thats why i opened this in the first place), instead i found raw beauty and such an honest narration.
The atmosphere and the voice are very much reminiscent of T. J. Klunes Wolfsong series in the best possible way. The story also spans years which give as a real chance to see the boys connection instead of just being told about it.
We get a little bit of lore, and a little bit of pack politics just enough to keep us interested and intrigued to read the next one.
Cant wait for the sequel, I'm squeezing my fingers hoping it would live up to my, now, super high expectations.
(for those interested, it doesn't end on the cliffhanger, it just makes a nice setup to give us a hint where the next book will go)
I saw it was an "omegaverse" and I thought it would be dirty fun (which lets be honest, im not above reading too, thats why i opened this in the first place), instead i found raw beauty and such an honest narration.
The atmosphere and the voice are very much reminiscent of T. J. Klunes Wolfsong series in the best possible way. The story also spans years which give as a real chance to see the boys connection instead of just being told about it.
We get a little bit of lore, and a little bit of pack politics just enough to keep us interested and intrigued to read the next one.
Cant wait for the sequel, I'm squeezing my fingers hoping it would live up to my, now, super high expectations.
(for those interested, it doesn't end on the cliffhanger, it just makes a nice setup to give us a hint where the next book will go)
January 22, 2023
This book was the one that sent me down a Jesse H. Reign rabbit-hole, so I was surprised to find that it was the first foray into PNR.
Sully and Jules were absolutely awesome – they fit together so incredibly well from the beginning and the awful summer that Sully spent without Jules really brought that home almost immediately. The interactions were so honest, so real, that I wondered when the penny was going to drop about their feelings for each other. The introduction of Storm, a female werewolf, could well have led to an epic falling out. Instead, it led to the two of them discovering a whole new dynamic. I was surprised – I didn’t expect things to be quite so explicit between the three of them, but it didn’t take away from the book, or make me feel like it should have been labelled MFM like some other stories have.
Once the two of them were sent away, things got even hotter. And I admit it, I was expecting the dynamics to be the other way around – I don’t know why, I just did. However, I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest – this book got ALL of that right and then some. I loved how the omega/alpha dynamic was explored, with the power shifting between them so that the balance was maintained.
I really enjoyed how things were built up between Jules and Sully – you could almost feel their skin itching as changes began, and then the way they dealt with things afterwards was incredibly hot. I was concerned about how things would go once they went home, but even then I was pretty well satisfied. I’m not quite sure how I feel about Sully’s mother – there is a part of me that feels like she could have been clearer with the boys about what was going on, and sending them away with no information or instruction felt a bit ‘Dumbledore-esque’.
As a final aside, I loved Mrs O’Malley and would have loved to see her fly!
Sully and Jules were absolutely awesome – they fit together so incredibly well from the beginning and the awful summer that Sully spent without Jules really brought that home almost immediately. The interactions were so honest, so real, that I wondered when the penny was going to drop about their feelings for each other. The introduction of Storm, a female werewolf, could well have led to an epic falling out. Instead, it led to the two of them discovering a whole new dynamic. I was surprised – I didn’t expect things to be quite so explicit between the three of them, but it didn’t take away from the book, or make me feel like it should have been labelled MFM like some other stories have.
Once the two of them were sent away, things got even hotter. And I admit it, I was expecting the dynamics to be the other way around – I don’t know why, I just did. However, I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest – this book got ALL of that right and then some. I loved how the omega/alpha dynamic was explored, with the power shifting between them so that the balance was maintained.
I really enjoyed how things were built up between Jules and Sully – you could almost feel their skin itching as changes began, and then the way they dealt with things afterwards was incredibly hot. I was concerned about how things would go once they went home, but even then I was pretty well satisfied. I’m not quite sure how I feel about Sully’s mother – there is a part of me that feels like she could have been clearer with the boys about what was going on, and sending them away with no information or instruction felt a bit ‘Dumbledore-esque’.
As a final aside, I loved Mrs O’Malley and would have loved to see her fly!
October 20, 2024
2.5⭐️
Well that was something. I’m thinking omegaverse just isn’t for me? Idk I’m down with the knot but the whole heat thing doesn’t tickle my fancy ya know? However it might also be the fact that the writing for this left much to be desire. For me the sentence structure was just all wrong and nothing really flowed. Plus the dialogue didn’t sound anything like normal human speech (though they are shapeshifters.) Just too stilted and matter of fact and just had no sauce. It really pulled me out of the book. Now the sex was fine, spicy and just explicit enough ( though I like a heavier hand). Idk I just wasn’t feeling it. I wouldn’t even say I had fun, was more of a chore and I just wanted it to end. Idk just wasn’t for me sadly. And it’s such a shame because childhood friends to lovers is literally my favorite trope. Also they fuck women, which I don’t mind at all but I know some people ain’t into that 🤷🏽♀️ I couldn’t care less.
Well that was something. I’m thinking omegaverse just isn’t for me? Idk I’m down with the knot but the whole heat thing doesn’t tickle my fancy ya know? However it might also be the fact that the writing for this left much to be desire. For me the sentence structure was just all wrong and nothing really flowed. Plus the dialogue didn’t sound anything like normal human speech (though they are shapeshifters.) Just too stilted and matter of fact and just had no sauce. It really pulled me out of the book. Now the sex was fine, spicy and just explicit enough ( though I like a heavier hand). Idk I just wasn’t feeling it. I wouldn’t even say I had fun, was more of a chore and I just wanted it to end. Idk just wasn’t for me sadly. And it’s such a shame because childhood friends to lovers is literally my favorite trope. Also they fuck women, which I don’t mind at all but I know some people ain’t into that 🤷🏽♀️ I couldn’t care less.
August 18, 2024
4 stars
Working through my backlog of books. Although there were some ongoing themes shared with other shifter novels, there was enough that was different in this one to make it feel new. I do wish that we had a short epilogue of sorts to see the white wolf become the leader, but the novel's ending was a good one proving hope for the future.
Working through my backlog of books. Although there were some ongoing themes shared with other shifter novels, there was enough that was different in this one to make it feel new. I do wish that we had a short epilogue of sorts to see the white wolf become the leader, but the novel's ending was a good one proving hope for the future.
May 4, 2023
Best friends to lovers, double bi-awakening, fated mates, and all sorts of shiftery goodness.
This book was so dang cute. I really loved the friendship depicted and sweet every interaction was between the two. Time progressed quickly here and I could feel the tension building slowly between the MCs. It all felt like it happened quickly once they got to the cabin, but it worked. The boon was shorter so it made sense to see that progression speed up when they shifted.
MFM scenes, but it made sense.
This book was so dang cute. I really loved the friendship depicted and sweet every interaction was between the two. Time progressed quickly here and I could feel the tension building slowly between the MCs. It all felt like it happened quickly once they got to the cabin, but it worked. The boon was shorter so it made sense to see that progression speed up when they shifted.
MFM scenes, but it made sense.
May 2, 2023
Story had A/B/O, no mpreg in this book but was mentioned that it has happened before in their pack history. There was best friends to lovers, bi-awakening, fated mates, big wolves, a good dose of lore, one bed, struggling with heat, and everything finished well. I loved this book. I felt the feelings along with them and was only slightly bothered by the slowness of the burn.
There is an MF aspect to this in the beginning but its glossed over.
There is an MF aspect to this in the beginning but its glossed over.
July 10, 2023
Fuck yeah! ALL the yeses! So damn enjoyable!
May 12, 2023
I'm not sure how to feel about this book. Based on the cover, I was expecting a somewhat plot-heavy book, but it ended up as a book that seemed to be mostly an excuse for "plot" (if you catch my drift).
Not that there's anything wrong with that but to me it felt like the book didn't know what it was trying to be. The actual plot was mostly irrelevant for most of the book and is mostly window-dressing for the circumstances of the "plot", but for a window-dressing, it took up wayyy too many pages. The important parts where stuff actually happened were the last 15% of the book - which is way too little to have a decent plot, but what transpired was a bit too out there to have it crammed into the last three chapters.
Even disregarding the strange plot, I feel like this book would have benefitted a lot from trimming down the unnecessary fluff - particularly in the beginning there was a chapter dedicated to the details of the neighbourhood and who lived where and how and whatnot, which is imo boring to read at any time of the book, but is especially egregious in the beginning when the reader hasn't even committed to being interested in the book yet.
Not that there's anything wrong with that but to me it felt like the book didn't know what it was trying to be. The actual plot was mostly irrelevant for most of the book and is mostly window-dressing for the circumstances of the "plot", but for a window-dressing, it took up wayyy too many pages. The important parts where stuff actually happened were the last 15% of the book - which is way too little to have a decent plot, but what transpired was a bit too out there to have it crammed into the last three chapters.
Even disregarding the strange plot, I feel like this book would have benefitted a lot from trimming down the unnecessary fluff - particularly in the beginning there was a chapter dedicated to the details of the neighbourhood and who lived where and how and whatnot, which is imo boring to read at any time of the book, but is especially egregious in the beginning when the reader hasn't even committed to being interested in the book yet.
January 12, 2023
🐺Review🐺
“I might be your first, but I’m also your last.” There was no way I could argue. “Yeah, you are, Jules. You’re the first and the last.”
Wooowweee, what a delicious book. The First and the Last, by Jesse H. Reign, was so good!!!! I devoured this book, forgoing sleep for the night, because I couldn’t put the book down. 🫣🫣
Highlights:
🖤fated mates
🖤best friends to lovers
🖤single POV
🖤shifter romance
🖤double bi-awakening
🖤grumpy/sunshine
🖤high heat 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I love a good shifter romance, so when I saw the author had written one, I was all over that. Sully and Jules were perfect together, with a bond that was evident as kids and then developed into so much more in adulthood. The chemistry and intimacy was “classic Jesse,” with the scenes almost melting my kindle. 🔥
Favorite quote:
“Sully,” he said, taking the side of my face in his hand and pulling it toward him sharply. “I don’t just love you. I wake up in the morning so I can see you. I eat and drink so I have the fuel I need to run beside you. I go to sleep at night so the next day will come sooner, and I can see you again. I don’t just love you. I live for you.” 🫠🫠🫠
If you love getting lost in the omegaverse, then I recommend this book!!! I need more from Sully and Jules, and cannot wait for the second book! 🖤
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
“I might be your first, but I’m also your last.” There was no way I could argue. “Yeah, you are, Jules. You’re the first and the last.”
Wooowweee, what a delicious book. The First and the Last, by Jesse H. Reign, was so good!!!! I devoured this book, forgoing sleep for the night, because I couldn’t put the book down. 🫣🫣
Highlights:
🖤fated mates
🖤best friends to lovers
🖤single POV
🖤shifter romance
🖤double bi-awakening
🖤grumpy/sunshine
🖤high heat 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I love a good shifter romance, so when I saw the author had written one, I was all over that. Sully and Jules were perfect together, with a bond that was evident as kids and then developed into so much more in adulthood. The chemistry and intimacy was “classic Jesse,” with the scenes almost melting my kindle. 🔥
Favorite quote:
“Sully,” he said, taking the side of my face in his hand and pulling it toward him sharply. “I don’t just love you. I wake up in the morning so I can see you. I eat and drink so I have the fuel I need to run beside you. I go to sleep at night so the next day will come sooner, and I can see you again. I don’t just love you. I live for you.” 🫠🫠🫠
If you love getting lost in the omegaverse, then I recommend this book!!! I need more from Sully and Jules, and cannot wait for the second book! 🖤
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 25, 2023
Sully and Jules have been best friends practically since they were born. Being the last born in their aging pack, they spend all their time together and know everything about the other. After a Storm, in the form of a she-wolf 😏, comes into town, Sully starts noticing his attraction towards his friend and doesn’t know exactly how to deal with it. Their pack is not managed by an ordinary Alpha, and he has certain rules that would prevent them from being together.
After the night of their first shift, they discover their designation as Alpha and Omega. The circumstances bring them together and their friendship turns into something more. I loved the connection between Sully and Jules, it was clear from the beginning that they were made for each other, and I was simply waiting for them to get with the program 😅. You could tell how much Sully desired Jules and was willing to do anything for him. He wanted to protect and care for him, and Jules wanted the same for his friend turned lover.
I found this book very interesting and different from other shifter romances I have read in the past. The different intrigues throughout the story had me invested in finding out more. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book.
This book is written in single POV.
After the night of their first shift, they discover their designation as Alpha and Omega. The circumstances bring them together and their friendship turns into something more. I loved the connection between Sully and Jules, it was clear from the beginning that they were made for each other, and I was simply waiting for them to get with the program 😅. You could tell how much Sully desired Jules and was willing to do anything for him. He wanted to protect and care for him, and Jules wanted the same for his friend turned lover.
I found this book very interesting and different from other shifter romances I have read in the past. The different intrigues throughout the story had me invested in finding out more. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book.
This book is written in single POV.
March 19, 2024
I was in a conversation with two of my coworkers, and we were talking about romantasy (which this is not, to be clear) and one coworker started talking about how much she respected my taste in books because I always chose so well and had such a discerning mindset for selections.
I did not bring up this title.
Anyways I don't know what shocked me more, the surprise omegaverse or that I was into it EYYYYYYYY (for reference, I didn't go in completely blind, I knew it was a shifter romance, but I typically like to prepare myself for the mention of slick, gird my loins as it were. I did not afford myself that preparation this time.)
I did not bring up this title.
Anyways I don't know what shocked me more, the surprise omegaverse or that I was into it EYYYYYYYY (for reference, I didn't go in completely blind, I knew it was a shifter romance, but I typically like to prepare myself for the mention of slick, gird my loins as it were. I did not afford myself that preparation this time.)
January 12, 2024
2.5
This had a definite YA Vibe. The story felt somewhat too simplistic and predictable for my personal taste.
This had a definite YA Vibe. The story felt somewhat too simplistic and predictable for my personal taste.
October 25, 2022
I have loved every book this author has put out in the past. I expected to love this book as well. I don’t think “love” covers my feelings for it, though. I was consumed by this book! From the very first page, I knew I was going to be sucked in. I was not wrong in the slightest. The characters were so real, so flawed yet so ideal, and so adorably oblivious to what is obvious to the reader. The way this book flowed through the years and events kept me so hooked on the prose that I didn’t even realize I was halfway through the book already. The relationship between the two MCs is unlike any I’ve read before (this is an MM story even though it starts out sort of MMF). Certainly not like any shifter omegaverse story I’ve read before. The author added such an interesting twist to it that I found so satisfying and fun to experience. I can’t remember the last time I felt like a book was such an experience! I felt all tingly reading some of the later scenes. The author captured everything I love in general about omegaverse stories in one book.
The protective nature of one of the MCs comes out in the most hilarious ways, and the submissive nature of the other MC seduces the reader into some of the most deliciously written omegaverse spice scenes I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
We follow these two on their journey of not only self-discovery as they grow from children to adults, but also as they discover their sexuality and develop their distinct shifter identities. This really makes the reader feel like they know the characters inside and out, and invests us fully in their success.
If you enjoy shifter omegaverse, I think you’ll love this book. If you don’t typically enjoy shifter omegaverse, I still think you’ll love this book. If you’ve read the author before and liked her style, I think you’ll love this book. If you’ve never read her other works, well, go do that! And also read this book :)
It may be her first omegaverse shifter story, but it isn’t her last. I, for one, cannot wait for the second book in this series (this book has a HFN/implied HEA but the story is continued in a future second book according to the author).
The protective nature of one of the MCs comes out in the most hilarious ways, and the submissive nature of the other MC seduces the reader into some of the most deliciously written omegaverse spice scenes I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
We follow these two on their journey of not only self-discovery as they grow from children to adults, but also as they discover their sexuality and develop their distinct shifter identities. This really makes the reader feel like they know the characters inside and out, and invests us fully in their success.
If you enjoy shifter omegaverse, I think you’ll love this book. If you don’t typically enjoy shifter omegaverse, I still think you’ll love this book. If you’ve read the author before and liked her style, I think you’ll love this book. If you’ve never read her other works, well, go do that! And also read this book :)
It may be her first omegaverse shifter story, but it isn’t her last. I, for one, cannot wait for the second book in this series (this book has a HFN/implied HEA but the story is continued in a future second book according to the author).
August 24, 2023
This read is full of everything I love:
🐺 best friends-to-lovers
🐺 double sexual awakening
🐺 fated mates
🐺 grumpy/sunshine
🐺 forced proximity
🐺 omegaverse/shifters
🐺 heat and knotting
Jules & Sully grabbed my heart from the very beginning! Like all of Jesse’s MCs, these boys are dynamic and real, but flawed; giving them an added depth that turns a good book into a great one. This book is a bit angsty, a LOT sexy, and so damn sweet. My heartstrings were pulled every which way and I loved every second of it.
Even if you don’t think you like pnr, I say give this one a shot. It may change your mind. 😉
🐺 best friends-to-lovers
🐺 double sexual awakening
🐺 fated mates
🐺 grumpy/sunshine
🐺 forced proximity
🐺 omegaverse/shifters
🐺 heat and knotting
Jules & Sully grabbed my heart from the very beginning! Like all of Jesse’s MCs, these boys are dynamic and real, but flawed; giving them an added depth that turns a good book into a great one. This book is a bit angsty, a LOT sexy, and so damn sweet. My heartstrings were pulled every which way and I loved every second of it.
Even if you don’t think you like pnr, I say give this one a shot. It may change your mind. 😉
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