peppermintbat's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rakhya's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I don't actively seek out paranormal stories, but was immediately hooked by the author's reading of Christiana's and Micah's first encounter.
I very much enjoyed the cast of characters, pack dynamics, and the two leads' relationship. I would have hoped to get more about the latter, as well as Micah's backstory.
The book includes content warnings, which I appreciated because one of the hard topics hits a little too close for my comfort.
Despite my personal struggles, I found Her Wolf in the Wild to be an enjoyable read.
I very much enjoyed the cast of characters, pack dynamics, and the two leads' relationship. I would have hoped to get more about the latter, as well as Micah's backstory.
The book includes content warnings, which I appreciated because one of the hard topics hits a little too close for my comfort.
Despite my personal struggles, I found Her Wolf in the Wild to be an enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
Minor: Gaslighting
mommasaystoread's review against another edition
3.0
Her Wolf in the WIld is an entertaining fated mates story. It's not the first time I've seen the MC storyline for shifters, but there were some elements that stood out - particularly the wardens. The world Rien Gray has created here certainly has a lot of potential, and I don't know if another book is planned, but I'd like to see where things go for some of the other characters. There was also some intriguing backstory for Micah that would make for an exciting storyline.
As for this one, the story has good pacing, and it has a fair amount of action and danger to keep the blood pumping. The romance between Micah and Christiana is sexy, and they do have good chemistry. The danger comes by way of a crazy ex, and while I liked the angle, I had some issues with the way things happened. There were some things that I felt were overlooked or glossed over to further the plot, and those things stood out. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the romance, and I'd definitely be interested in reading more about this world.
As for this one, the story has good pacing, and it has a fair amount of action and danger to keep the blood pumping. The romance between Micah and Christiana is sexy, and they do have good chemistry. The danger comes by way of a crazy ex, and while I liked the angle, I had some issues with the way things happened. There were some things that I felt were overlooked or glossed over to further the plot, and those things stood out. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the romance, and I'd definitely be interested in reading more about this world.
annarella's review
3.0
Even if i liked this book and found it entertaining I found it a bit on the average side.
The world building is interesting, there's a lot of potential but it never became exciting or gripping.
The characters are bit underdeveloped and the romance is sweet but very average.
I think this could have been a gripping story but somehow it didn't work for me.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The world building is interesting, there's a lot of potential but it never became exciting or gripping.
The characters are bit underdeveloped and the romance is sweet but very average.
I think this could have been a gripping story but somehow it didn't work for me.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
jenaw1n's review
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
see_sadie_read's review
3.0
I thought this was a super sweet romance. Though if I’m honest, the platonic love between Micah and her pack-mates was my favorite part of the book. The book is chocked full of representation. The writing is easy to follow. The editing is fairly clean. And the whole thing actually concludes, no cliffie.
However, I did feel a little bit like the villain was villainous just because. There wasn’t much steam in the book; no sex until the last chapter, in fact. There was also very little down time for the reader to get to know the main characters outside of the drama, which I found a little exhausting.
[SPOILER] Lastly, I was confused by the fact that Christina was supposed to be hiding from her crazy ex, but just went to work like normal—the most predictable place to find her. It made no sense that she would decide to do this, and having done it, it made no sense that he didn’t find her there. I was also irritated that she made no effort to inform anyone that she hadn’t, in fact, been kidnapped. I understand she was nervous about in-person police working with the ex. But she made no effort to—or even seemed to consider—informing anyone of anything and it felt like a convenient oversight for no reason but plot progression.
All in all, however, I enjoyed more of this than I didn’t and would happily read another Gray book.
However, I did feel a little bit like the villain was villainous just because. There wasn’t much steam in the book; no sex until the last chapter, in fact. There was also very little down time for the reader to get to know the main characters outside of the drama, which I found a little exhausting.
[SPOILER] Lastly, I was confused by the fact that Christina was supposed to be hiding from her crazy ex, but just went to work like normal—the most predictable place to find her. It made no sense that she would decide to do this, and having done it, it made no sense that he didn’t find her there. I was also irritated that she made no effort to inform anyone that she hadn’t, in fact, been kidnapped. I understand she was nervous about in-person police working with the ex. But she made no effort to—or even seemed to consider—informing anyone of anything and it felt like a convenient oversight for no reason but plot progression.
All in all, however, I enjoyed more of this than I didn’t and would happily read another Gray book.
smartie_chan's review
5.0
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Carina Press for giving me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
5 / 5 Stars!!!
You know, I think this book did it. I don't think I will ever be able to read a sapphic werewolve stroy ever again. Because no sapphic werewolve story will be able to compete with this one. Just wow. I was not expecting this to be as good as it was. I mean yeah, the blurb made it sound really good already, but I still felt like the execution was just *chefs kiss*.
So whats's happening is, that this book took all the tropes I was not so sure about, like Insta-Love, shoved them in my face like a freshly made birthday cake and said:
"The trope is not at fault. The other books you read that incuded that trope were to blame!"
And you know what? MAYBE THEY WERE. I don't remember the last time I was so on board with a story that had Insta-Love in it, because in this book, it never felt like Insta-Love, or rather, it really did feel like love and NOT like lust. Those two had a real connection, that doesn't stop after they kiss for the first time. The book could have called it a day and given us lots of sexy times, but it decided to not go that route. Instead we spend more time with the characters and their relationships. Because the Insta-Love thing wasn't the only trope that this book was writing about. There is so much Found Family in this - which is my favourit trope ever - I'm sure I was lost to this books charm the second I started the first chapter.
I'm sure you read the blurb, but what's going on is the following:
Christina is on the run from her abusive, stalker (cop) ex and runs into the arms of the buff and muscular Micah who safes her from her ex and takes her back to her little found family where she falls deeper in love with Micah, but also her family.
That set up alone is already great, but things like COMMUNICATION made them even better. Yes, there is one secret that Micah is keeping from Christina, that is tied to another trope this book is featuring, but I didn't really mind that we kept that from each other.
Because you see, I LOVE the Soulmate trope, but only, if it's done right. And you see, this book DOES it right. I hate it, when characters have 0 chemistry or reason to date and are only going at each other because they are soulmates. If you want me to root for them, gimme a reason to do so. Let them fall in love first and AFTER THAT drop the 'Oh oops, you were soulmates all along' bomb on that. So the secret in question, is the soulmate one. There are understandable story/plot reasons for as to why this infomartion wasn't shared earlier too, that are kinda understandable and human, so it's only getting more plus points from me.
Besides the amazing characters, build up and romance, the story was also realling exciting because said EX Stalker Cop Dude was not taking 'no' for an answer. The sweet, wholesome ship combined with the exciting, heart-pounding danger kept me hooked till - all of a sudden - I noticed that I had reached the end.
Other stuff that made me happy: The Rep. I think I've never read a more inclusive book. Thank you so much to Rien Gray. Especially for the ace rep. As an asexual, it ment a lot.
So yeah, what rep is there:
+ Lesbian Rep
+ Bi Rep
+ Trans Rep
+ Nonbinary Rep
+ Gay Rep
+ Ace Rep
+ Polyamory Rep
+ Black Rep
+ Asian Rep
+ Latina Rep
& + Indigenous Rep.
I don't think, that there was a single thing in there, that I didn't like.
Which means, the only thing left for me to say is: What a great book.
5 / 5 Stars!!!
You know, I think this book did it. I don't think I will ever be able to read a sapphic werewolve stroy ever again. Because no sapphic werewolve story will be able to compete with this one. Just wow. I was not expecting this to be as good as it was. I mean yeah, the blurb made it sound really good already, but I still felt like the execution was just *chefs kiss*.
So whats's happening is, that this book took all the tropes I was not so sure about, like Insta-Love, shoved them in my face like a freshly made birthday cake and said:
"The trope is not at fault. The other books you read that incuded that trope were to blame!"
And you know what? MAYBE THEY WERE. I don't remember the last time I was so on board with a story that had Insta-Love in it, because in this book, it never felt like Insta-Love, or rather, it really did feel like love and NOT like lust. Those two had a real connection, that doesn't stop after they kiss for the first time. The book could have called it a day and given us lots of sexy times, but it decided to not go that route. Instead we spend more time with the characters and their relationships. Because the Insta-Love thing wasn't the only trope that this book was writing about. There is so much Found Family in this - which is my favourit trope ever - I'm sure I was lost to this books charm the second I started the first chapter.
I'm sure you read the blurb, but what's going on is the following:
Christina is on the run from her abusive, stalker (cop) ex and runs into the arms of the buff and muscular Micah who safes her from her ex and takes her back to her little found family where she falls deeper in love with Micah, but also her family.
That set up alone is already great, but things like COMMUNICATION made them even better. Yes, there is one secret that Micah is keeping from Christina, that is tied to another trope this book is featuring, but I didn't really mind that we kept that from each other.
Because you see, I LOVE the Soulmate trope, but only, if it's done right. And you see, this book DOES it right. I hate it, when characters have 0 chemistry or reason to date and are only going at each other because they are soulmates. If you want me to root for them, gimme a reason to do so. Let them fall in love first and AFTER THAT drop the 'Oh oops, you were soulmates all along' bomb on that. So the secret in question, is the soulmate one. There are understandable story/plot reasons for as to why this infomartion wasn't shared earlier too, that are kinda understandable and human, so it's only getting more plus points from me.
Besides the amazing characters, build up and romance, the story was also realling exciting because said EX Stalker Cop Dude was not taking 'no' for an answer. The sweet, wholesome ship combined with the exciting, heart-pounding danger kept me hooked till - all of a sudden - I noticed that I had reached the end.
Other stuff that made me happy: The Rep. I think I've never read a more inclusive book. Thank you so much to Rien Gray. Especially for the ace rep. As an asexual, it ment a lot.
So yeah, what rep is there:
+ Lesbian Rep
+ Bi Rep
+ Trans Rep
+ Nonbinary Rep
+ Gay Rep
+ Ace Rep
+ Polyamory Rep
+ Black Rep
+ Asian Rep
+ Latina Rep
& + Indigenous Rep.
I don't think, that there was a single thing in there, that I didn't like.
Which means, the only thing left for me to say is: What a great book.
mina_reads_30's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Christiana is running away from two stalkers, when she is helped by an MC President and wolf shifter, Micah. The rules are that no one outside of their pack or world can know about what is happening, Micah lays a lot of trust in Christiana by sharing. I loved how their relationship developed and felled in love. I considered it emotional and slow burn, and them ending up as fated mates was a chef's kiss.
Christiana is running away from two stalkers, when she is helped by an MC President and wolf shifter, Micah. The rules are that no one outside of their pack or world can know about what is happening, Micah lays a lot of trust in Christiana by sharing. I loved how their relationship developed and felled in love. I considered it emotional and slow burn, and them ending up as fated mates was a chef's kiss.
dmniccoli's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Lady human bartender + lady werewolf biker.
Christiana is trying to escape an abusive ex when her car tire blows out on an almost empty desert highway. (Her ex is a state trooper, and she can literally hear his sirens in the distance). Micah, a hot motorcycle-riding badass, offers her a getaway ride and she takes it. The circumstances of their first meeting are dire, and quite terrifying, but the take-my-helmet and grab-onto-me-tight rescuing bit is quite hot.
Her Wolf in the Wild has a lovely cast of LGBTQ+ characters, and from the start the romantic leads are emotional attuned to each other, so there’s very little couple angst overall, which I personally loved. The stakes are mostly external.
The story is set in Arizona. There’s desert sex and a sensual naked times kiss in a lake under the light of the moon. *swoon*
Wow, it’s SO good!
F/F paranormal romance.
Content notes: sex, drinking, abusive ex/stalker, corrupt law enforcement, blood, violence, guns.
Christiana is trying to escape an abusive ex when her car tire blows out on an almost empty desert highway. (Her ex is a state trooper, and she can literally hear his sirens in the distance). Micah, a hot motorcycle-riding badass, offers her a getaway ride and she takes it. The circumstances of their first meeting are dire, and quite terrifying, but the take-my-helmet and grab-onto-me-tight rescuing bit is quite hot.
Her Wolf in the Wild has a lovely cast of LGBTQ+ characters, and from the start the romantic leads are emotional attuned to each other, so there’s very little couple angst overall, which I personally loved. The stakes are mostly external.
The story is set in Arizona. There’s desert sex and a sensual naked times kiss in a lake under the light of the moon. *swoon*
Wow, it’s SO good!
F/F paranormal romance.
Content notes: sex, drinking, abusive ex/stalker, corrupt law enforcement, blood, violence, guns.
judeinthestars's review against another edition
3.0
Christiana is running away from her abusive ex when her car breaks down. Just as she begins to believe all is lost, a gorgeous biker saves the day. Micah isn’t just any biker, however. As Christiana soon finds out, Micah is a werewolf, and her merry band of companions is her pack.
Her Wolf in the Wild is a lot lighter than I expected. Having read – and loved – Rien Gray’s debut Love Kills Twice (I still need to find time for the follow-up), I was looking forward to seeing how the dark and cynical atmosphere would translate to paranormal. What I got instead is a pretty traditional werewolf story with a cute romance.
Micah is a dreamy alpha, sinewy and earnest, the kind of leader who makes you believe in a world at peace while looking hot and in charge at all times. Christiana is much stronger than she gives herself credit for, open-minded and ready to love with all her heart. She might not have been prepared to become a werewolf’s mate but the way she takes it in stride is admirable.
All in all, this wasn’t the exciting read I was hoping for, but it was pretty enjoyable all the same.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her Wolf in the Wild is a lot lighter than I expected. Having read – and loved – Rien Gray’s debut Love Kills Twice (I still need to find time for the follow-up), I was looking forward to seeing how the dark and cynical atmosphere would translate to paranormal. What I got instead is a pretty traditional werewolf story with a cute romance.
Micah is a dreamy alpha, sinewy and earnest, the kind of leader who makes you believe in a world at peace while looking hot and in charge at all times. Christiana is much stronger than she gives herself credit for, open-minded and ready to love with all her heart. She might not have been prepared to become a werewolf’s mate but the way she takes it in stride is admirable.
All in all, this wasn’t the exciting read I was hoping for, but it was pretty enjoyable all the same.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.