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Hidden Wolves #4
Unjustified Claims
Brandt Davis loved being part of his Michigan werewolf pack, until they found his stash of gay porn. He escaped their anger, running in wolf-form into the wilderness, but he can’t live that way forever. And he can’t hide in fur like a coward when an injured man needs his help.
Ethan Sjulstad knows life is making him crazy when a solo hike into the Minnesota Boundary Waters seems reasonable. Then a bad fall leaves him seriously hurt and facing death. Delirious, he hallucinates being rescued by a big grey wolf and a naked woodland godling. For a man who has always loved fantasy, it's worth surviving just to find out what the hell is going on.
Ethan Sjulstad knows life is making him crazy when a solo hike into the Minnesota Boundary Waters seems reasonable. Then a bad fall leaves him seriously hurt and facing death. Delirious, he hallucinates being rescued by a big grey wolf and a naked woodland godling. For a man who has always loved fantasy, it's worth surviving just to find out what the hell is going on.
398 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2014
27 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
90 books2,711 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 15, 2025
Updated review and rating: re-read in 2025 (11 years later)
Another book I repurchased to re-read since I have long since lost my digital copy. My original rating still stands for this one. A very good read, but the first few books have my heart.
(see below for my 2014 review)
I'm a total Kaje Harper fan-girl (this book is my 10th full length from her!) for good reason- She never lets me down! I'm serious. I have yet to dip under 4 stars for any of her stories and they consistently make my favorites lists. This book is no exception.
"Unjustified Claims" was another wonderful story in the Hidden Wolves series. It features what Kaje does best: Slow-burn romance, scorching hot sex, and a thoughtful storyline. And this book had a delicious twist, with the MC, Brandt, being bisexual (and REALLY bisexual, no bi-erasure here), and kinky in a way I don't see too often in M/M.
Curious?
Does this turn you on?
Well, if it didn't before, after this book it will! Damn, Kaje always knows how to get me with her sex scenes! Smoking!
I really enjoyed everything about this book, especially the length and pacing, which never seemed too long or too slow, despite it being almost 400 pages. The story flowed really well for me.
My only issue with this one was that I wasn't completely sold on Brandt and Ethan as a couple. There was a lot of potential there, but also a lot of ground still to cover. There were a lot of trust issues and a lot of back and forth between them, which I didn't particularly love. I also thought that I didn't get to know Ethan as well as Brandt, and I didn't feel quite as connected to him.
Overall, this was an excellent story. I loved seeing the boys from the first two books in the series and seeing how their relationships were progressing. I really loved Aaron and Zach getting closer and more couple-y, and seeing more of the supporting characters.
This book felt like coming home to me, and I'm already chomping at the bit for book #4.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
*~*Follow me on instagram for more reviews, book talk, and deals posts*~*
Another book I repurchased to re-read since I have long since lost my digital copy. My original rating still stands for this one. A very good read, but the first few books have my heart.
(see below for my 2014 review)
I'm a total Kaje Harper fan-girl (this book is my 10th full length from her!) for good reason- She never lets me down! I'm serious. I have yet to dip under 4 stars for any of her stories and they consistently make my favorites lists. This book is no exception.
"Unjustified Claims" was another wonderful story in the Hidden Wolves series. It features what Kaje does best: Slow-burn romance, scorching hot sex, and a thoughtful storyline. And this book had a delicious twist, with the MC, Brandt, being bisexual (and REALLY bisexual, no bi-erasure here), and kinky in a way I don't see too often in M/M.
Curious?
Does this turn you on?
Well, if it didn't before, after this book it will! Damn, Kaje always knows how to get me with her sex scenes! Smoking!
I really enjoyed everything about this book, especially the length and pacing, which never seemed too long or too slow, despite it being almost 400 pages. The story flowed really well for me.
My only issue with this one was that I wasn't completely sold on Brandt and Ethan as a couple. There was a lot of potential there, but also a lot of ground still to cover. There were a lot of trust issues and a lot of back and forth between them, which I didn't particularly love. I also thought that I didn't get to know Ethan as well as Brandt, and I didn't feel quite as connected to him.
Overall, this was an excellent story. I loved seeing the boys from the first two books in the series and seeing how their relationships were progressing. I really loved Aaron and Zach getting closer and more couple-y, and seeing more of the supporting characters.
This book felt like coming home to me, and I'm already chomping at the bit for book #4.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
*~*Follow me on instagram for more reviews, book talk, and deals posts*~*
December 3, 2014
3.5 Not My Thing Stars
Brandt Davis fled his pack after they found his stash of gay porn and discovered his cross-dressing fetish. In most of the packs there is zero tolerance for gay wolves but a gay wolf with a kink is close to unheard of. So he decides to abandon his pack and his home and live in the wild park in Minesota. That is where he meets Ethan, injured and doomed if Brandt decides not to help him.
Ethan Sjulstad has had a hard time most of his life after he came out as gay. When yet another incident leaves him shaken he goes off on a hike that could have had easily proved fatal if not for the stranger who saved his life. A stranger who decides to stick around for a while and work for Ethan in exchange for food and a place to stay. A stranger who insists he isn't gay but who makes Ethan want him at every move.
The book isn't bad. The romance is well structured and progresses slowly. No insta-love, not even insta-lust, in this book. The writing is as good as ever, the story interesting and the characters well-developed. But there was that one thing I didn't like at all.
Brandt is a nice and complex character and he was very interesting to read about. BUT his cross-dressing fetish did not work for me. It made him interesting as a character and I'm happy I read the book but this image in my mind...
...really killed the hot and heavy scenes for me. Luckily not all of them included Brandt wearing lingerie but the idea alone was enough. I don't have anything against men having a drag kink or liking wearing lingerie, what anyone does is their bussiness, it just isn't an image that turns me on.
The other thing that series lacks is powerful Alpha male character. Aaron could have been but there wasn't enough edge in his book to get him there for me. And Ethan with Brandt switching roles, with neither of the two being dominant enough did little things for me. I don't necessarily need an Alpha male to like a book but they are definitely my type.
But the story was solid, the appearance of the Minesota pack only made things more interesting and despite the fact that the book was quite long, I wasn't bored for a minute(the opposite really, I pulled an all-nighter to finish it). And my favorite thing was by far
I don't know if there will be more books in the series but if there are I will be reading them!;)
Brandt Davis fled his pack after they found his stash of gay porn and discovered his cross-dressing fetish. In most of the packs there is zero tolerance for gay wolves but a gay wolf with a kink is close to unheard of. So he decides to abandon his pack and his home and live in the wild park in Minesota. That is where he meets Ethan, injured and doomed if Brandt decides not to help him.
Ethan Sjulstad has had a hard time most of his life after he came out as gay. When yet another incident leaves him shaken he goes off on a hike that could have had easily proved fatal if not for the stranger who saved his life. A stranger who decides to stick around for a while and work for Ethan in exchange for food and a place to stay. A stranger who insists he isn't gay but who makes Ethan want him at every move.
The book isn't bad. The romance is well structured and progresses slowly. No insta-love, not even insta-lust, in this book. The writing is as good as ever, the story interesting and the characters well-developed. But there was that one thing I didn't like at all.
Brandt is a nice and complex character and he was very interesting to read about. BUT his cross-dressing fetish did not work for me. It made him interesting as a character and I'm happy I read the book but this image in my mind...
...really killed the hot and heavy scenes for me. Luckily not all of them included Brandt wearing lingerie but the idea alone was enough. I don't have anything against men having a drag kink or liking wearing lingerie, what anyone does is their bussiness, it just isn't an image that turns me on.
The other thing that series lacks is powerful Alpha male character. Aaron could have been but there wasn't enough edge in his book to get him there for me. And Ethan with Brandt switching roles, with neither of the two being dominant enough did little things for me. I don't necessarily need an Alpha male to like a book but they are definitely my type.
But the story was solid, the appearance of the Minesota pack only made things more interesting and despite the fact that the book was quite long, I wasn't bored for a minute(the opposite really, I pulled an all-nighter to finish it). And my favorite thing was by far
I don't know if there will be more books in the series but if there are I will be reading them!;)
May 27, 2021
4.5 stars
Brandt’s kink is pretty much at the bottom of things I like to read about, if it would even make the list at all. BUT I loved this book anyway the first time I read it and I loved it this second time—maybe just a tiny bit less, hence the 4.5 stars—because I loved both MCs, especially Brandt, and how perfect they are for each other. I also appreciated how the author took the time to give each MC a solid background and the time to develop their relationship gradually, setbacks and all. Last but not least, I loved how Ethan and Brandt’s story was integrated with the West Minneapolis pack and the development revolving around the shifter community at large. Plot-wise, that was my favorite part of the book.
Brandt’s kink is pretty much at the bottom of things I like to read about, if it would even make the list at all. BUT I loved this book anyway the first time I read it and I loved it this second time—maybe just a tiny bit less, hence the 4.5 stars—because I loved both MCs, especially Brandt, and how perfect they are for each other. I also appreciated how the author took the time to give each MC a solid background and the time to develop their relationship gradually, setbacks and all. Last but not least, I loved how Ethan and Brandt’s story was integrated with the West Minneapolis pack and the development revolving around the shifter community at large. Plot-wise, that was my favorite part of the book.
September 19, 2014
Hidden Wolves
is one MM shifter series that I really love – although my loving Kaje Harper’s stories might also contribute to it. Unjustified Claims is the third book in this series, and for me, it’s another solid one.
Slightly different than the previous two books, this story takes place ‘outside’ the pack environment. Since Brandt is a runaway wolf – he left his Michigan pack immediately after they find his stash of gay porn and secret kink – and he is basically ‘stranded’ with Ethan, the human he saves after suffering a bad fall, the story lacks some viciousness of the previous books. I don’t mean that as a bad thing, it just feels different.
Both Brandt and Ethan had this sadness in them and of course I fell for that plot like a moth to a flame. See, Brandt has a kink – he likes to dress in lingerie and garters and corsets and feels the smoothness of the material on his skin. In the eyes of his pack, that is worse than just being a gay wolf. I really loved how Kaje Harper explored this. Being a wolf with its non-human strength, it was easy to picture Brandt as the dominant. However, the truth was, when Brandt wore the lingerie, he always pictured himself being bent over and the one being f*cked. I loved this contrast – the strength and the vulnerability. It made such an intriguing characterization.
Ethan’s sadness came from guilt – there was a back story about him, which included the death of his brother and why he returned to Minnesota. It was good but at the same time I didn’t find Ethan as layered as Brandt. I did like the relationship between Ethan and his sister-in-law. Somehow, Kaje Harper can make bigotry or homophobia not just simply black and white, there’s always shades of grey (oh, except maybe for the wolf pack).
I loved the slow-built relationship. Brandt did keep his identity as wolf a secret – and the fact that he was still connected to the Michigan pack became sort of a ‘threat’ that clouded his relationship to Ethan. It was also part that kept the tension for me as a reader because I wondered what would happen when Ethan found out. And he did find out.
For those loving Aaron’s pack, no worries, they were still here. They become guests at Ethan’s motel and of course, they played an important part in Brandt and Ethan’s life and whether or not they could be together. By the way, if you ever wonder about Cord’s sexuality (was he gay, was he not gay), well, you will get your answer here *laugh*.
There was also a huge progress update on Aaron and Zach’s relationship and it made me so damn happy. And there was quite a twist in the end related to the identity of wolves and the Council’s decision. I figure this will be very important plot should there be more books coming our way. I wish that there are more written here about that, because the epilogue seems, well, jumping in time a little bit. I do hope for sequel *cross fingers*
Slightly different than the previous two books, this story takes place ‘outside’ the pack environment. Since Brandt is a runaway wolf – he left his Michigan pack immediately after they find his stash of gay porn and secret kink – and he is basically ‘stranded’ with Ethan, the human he saves after suffering a bad fall, the story lacks some viciousness of the previous books. I don’t mean that as a bad thing, it just feels different.
Both Brandt and Ethan had this sadness in them and of course I fell for that plot like a moth to a flame. See, Brandt has a kink – he likes to dress in lingerie and garters and corsets and feels the smoothness of the material on his skin. In the eyes of his pack, that is worse than just being a gay wolf. I really loved how Kaje Harper explored this. Being a wolf with its non-human strength, it was easy to picture Brandt as the dominant. However, the truth was, when Brandt wore the lingerie, he always pictured himself being bent over and the one being f*cked. I loved this contrast – the strength and the vulnerability. It made such an intriguing characterization.
Ethan’s sadness came from guilt – there was a back story about him, which included the death of his brother and why he returned to Minnesota. It was good but at the same time I didn’t find Ethan as layered as Brandt. I did like the relationship between Ethan and his sister-in-law. Somehow, Kaje Harper can make bigotry or homophobia not just simply black and white, there’s always shades of grey (oh, except maybe for the wolf pack).
I loved the slow-built relationship. Brandt did keep his identity as wolf a secret – and the fact that he was still connected to the Michigan pack became sort of a ‘threat’ that clouded his relationship to Ethan. It was also part that kept the tension for me as a reader because I wondered what would happen when Ethan found out. And he did find out.
For those loving Aaron’s pack, no worries, they were still here. They become guests at Ethan’s motel and of course, they played an important part in Brandt and Ethan’s life and whether or not they could be together. By the way, if you ever wonder about Cord’s sexuality (was he gay, was he not gay), well, you will get your answer here *laugh*.
There was also a huge progress update on Aaron and Zach’s relationship and it made me so damn happy. And there was quite a twist in the end related to the identity of wolves and the Council’s decision. I figure this will be very important plot should there be more books coming our way. I wish that there are more written here about that, because the epilogue seems, well, jumping in time a little bit. I do hope for sequel *cross fingers*
January 26, 2024
I give up, clearly I'm just going to tear through this entire series as fast as I can hit the Buy Now with One Click button.
I have one complaint about this installment:
But I really like that the deus ex machina moment doesn't resolve the moral dilemma presented by the imperative to keep wolf society secret. I'm interested to find out what, if anything, human society learns about the means by which secrecy was kept, and what the reaction is. Perhaps in the last two books?
I have one complaint about this installment:
But I really like that the deus ex machina moment doesn't resolve the moral dilemma presented by the imperative to keep wolf society secret. I'm interested to find out what, if anything, human society learns about the means by which secrecy was kept, and what the reaction is. Perhaps in the last two books?
February 28, 2025
And yet another very enjoyable addition to this series, with another difficult dilemma for a wolf who falls for an unsuspecting human.
What I loved:
.) very engaging romance
.) all of Brandt’s firsts with a guy
.) Brandt’s love of lace and ‘pretties’ which he starts to gradually accept and enjoy
.) Ethan’s acceptance of Brandt, despite the mystery around him
.) the insecurities surrounding their relationship
.) Ethan’s cooking
.) the angst about what Brandt’s pack would be up to
.) the very surprising plot development towards the end (I didn’t see that coming that early!)
.) all the heat in the bedroom
.) Aaron and the pack appearing around 40% and then, as I’d hoped, playing a major role in the story - I had been waiting very hard for all my favourites to pop up!
What niggled me:
.) Sometimes descriptions and thoughts about the past are too lengthy for me, ripping me out of the plot.
.) I really thought that Ethan’s spying would cause MAJOR relationship trouble and cause Aaron’s pack massive trouble. That doesn’t happen.
.) It was strange that Ethan’s traitorous act, breaking trust all the way (at least in my books, even if what he does is very understandable from a human POV), is never discussed between him and Brandt. It just disappears with one little mention.
Needless to say that these niggles nowhere outshone my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
I will return to this universe, that’s for sure.
What I loved:
.) very engaging romance
.) all of Brandt’s firsts with a guy
.) Brandt’s love of lace and ‘pretties’ which he starts to gradually accept and enjoy
.) Ethan’s acceptance of Brandt, despite the mystery around him
.) the insecurities surrounding their relationship
.) Ethan’s cooking
.) the angst about what Brandt’s pack would be up to
.) the very surprising plot development towards the end (I didn’t see that coming that early!)
.) all the heat in the bedroom
.) Aaron and the pack appearing around 40% and then, as I’d hoped, playing a major role in the story - I had been waiting very hard for all my favourites to pop up!
What niggled me:
.) Sometimes descriptions and thoughts about the past are too lengthy for me, ripping me out of the plot.
.) I really thought that Ethan’s spying would cause MAJOR relationship trouble and cause Aaron’s pack massive trouble. That doesn’t happen.
.) It was strange that Ethan’s traitorous act, breaking trust all the way (at least in my books, even if what he does is very understandable from a human POV), is never discussed between him and Brandt. It just disappears with one little mention.
Needless to say that these niggles nowhere outshone my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
I will return to this universe, that’s for sure.
July 27, 2024
3.5 stars
I read this story 9 years ago along with the previous stories in the series. Unlike the first three, though, I don't remember any of this one. Not the plot, the characters, the appearances from Aaron & Co. Nada. Also, unlike the first 3, I'm downgrading my original rating from 4 to 3.5 (rounded down). Ethan just took way too much grief from everyone all the time and pretty much everyone being so bigoted was a bit much. I did like Ethan, mostly, and I liked Brandt, too, and I'm glad they found each other, but damn. I found the story kind of dragged on for too long, especially the first half.
I am glad to have reaquainted myself with this universe, though, because there are several books out I've never read and now I can without feeling like I started in the middle.
----original review April 2015----
Though a bit slow in spots, I really enjoyed Unjustified Claims. This novel features Brandt, a bisexual wolf who, after being caught with some gay porn and some pictures of himself wearing lingerie, ran away from his pack in Montana and Ethan, a gay human who is trying to revive the family hotel in a small bigoted town in Minnesota.
For about the first third of Unjustified Claims, I was practically yelling at Ethan and Brandt to just cut their losses and leave the backwater town that Ethan's motel is in. Really, life is too short to have to live with death threats and vandalism because some folks, not wanting to take responsibility for their own fuck ups, want to blame the gay guy for everything bad that has ever happened to them. Anyway, this series seems to be about overcoming adversity and maybe even expanding the minds of bigoted folks appearing in each story. Sometimes it even works.
Both Ethan and Brant really needed to find someone to accept them for who they are. And they found that in each other. Ethan is all kinds of turned on by Brandt wearing lace and silk and Brandt loves having someone to protect.
The main story line about the wolves and their secretiveness and the inevitability of being outed plays a bit part in this book and I loved it. The wolves, not only need to find acceptance in mainstream society (though that will not be easy, I have no doubt), but they also need to learn to accept each other. I think in Unjustified Claims, they make strides with learning to accept their gay and bi pack members.
Also, and I'm very happy about this - but will enclose in spoiler tags, just in case readers might not to know this beforehand
This was the first series by this author I have read and I loved it, so am not only looking forward to more books in this series, but also, I look forward to reading other books of hers. I've really enjoyed them, so far.
I read this story 9 years ago along with the previous stories in the series. Unlike the first three, though, I don't remember any of this one. Not the plot, the characters, the appearances from Aaron & Co. Nada. Also, unlike the first 3, I'm downgrading my original rating from 4 to 3.5 (rounded down). Ethan just took way too much grief from everyone all the time and pretty much everyone being so bigoted was a bit much. I did like Ethan, mostly, and I liked Brandt, too, and I'm glad they found each other, but damn. I found the story kind of dragged on for too long, especially the first half.
I am glad to have reaquainted myself with this universe, though, because there are several books out I've never read and now I can without feeling like I started in the middle.
----original review April 2015----
Though a bit slow in spots, I really enjoyed Unjustified Claims. This novel features Brandt, a bisexual wolf who, after being caught with some gay porn and some pictures of himself wearing lingerie, ran away from his pack in Montana and Ethan, a gay human who is trying to revive the family hotel in a small bigoted town in Minnesota.
For about the first third of Unjustified Claims, I was practically yelling at Ethan and Brandt to just cut their losses and leave the backwater town that Ethan's motel is in. Really, life is too short to have to live with death threats and vandalism because some folks, not wanting to take responsibility for their own fuck ups, want to blame the gay guy for everything bad that has ever happened to them. Anyway, this series seems to be about overcoming adversity and maybe even expanding the minds of bigoted folks appearing in each story. Sometimes it even works.
Both Ethan and Brant really needed to find someone to accept them for who they are. And they found that in each other. Ethan is all kinds of turned on by Brandt wearing lace and silk and Brandt loves having someone to protect.
The main story line about the wolves and their secretiveness and the inevitability of being outed plays a bit part in this book and I loved it. The wolves, not only need to find acceptance in mainstream society (though that will not be easy, I have no doubt), but they also need to learn to accept each other. I think in Unjustified Claims, they make strides with learning to accept their gay and bi pack members.
Also, and I'm very happy about this - but will enclose in spoiler tags, just in case readers might not to know this beforehand
This was the first series by this author I have read and I loved it, so am not only looking forward to more books in this series, but also, I look forward to reading other books of hers. I've really enjoyed them, so far.
June 9, 2015
I loved this next installment in the Hidden Wolves series. Kaje wrote a great, sexy story for Brandt and Ethan. I enjoyed watching Brandt figure out what is most important to him and fight against his pack bonds to get away from a situation that was about to become deadly. Seeing Simon, Paul, Aaron, and Zach was GREAT and I loved the interaction between them all. I was a bit annoyed at the lack of real consequence to Ethan's actions and wish it was discussed a bit more. Otherwise, I loved this and can't wait to see what comes next for the pack as they gear up for and live through Plan B.
February 9, 2015
Oooh, a cross-dressing werewolf! I never saw THAT coming!! I loved Brandt and Ethan together…they were totally sexy!
Anyway, I really loved this book and it definitely might be one of my favorites in this series.
I also loved seeing all the other pack member and I’m happy to finally have “closure” with Zach and Aaron.
Looking forward to the next book because I NEED to know what happened after the big “coming out”!
4.5 Stars
Anyway, I really loved this book and it definitely might be one of my favorites in this series.
I also loved seeing all the other pack member and I’m happy to finally have “closure” with Zach and Aaron.
Looking forward to the next book because I NEED to know what happened after the big “coming out”!
4.5 Stars
August 23, 2021
I liked this one too but it dragged a bit around the middle. We start this book far from the pack we've been following during the last two books and while that might be risky taking into consideration the paths that were still open, it helped to put the wolves actions into perspective. Seeing how humans can behave around those who are different from what the mayority consider "normal" (I hate that word by the way), helped to shift the focus a bit from the brutality of the wolves traditions. That change of pace was helpful for me, because I keep struggling with the wolves society, and I think the author was clever with that twist in the middle of the series. It's good to be able to put things into perspective.
However, despite what I said above, I still liked the book even taking into consideration how unconfortable make me feel the blind obedience the wolves rule themselves by. I'm not much for blind obedience myself and that, among other things, doesn't sit right with me. Still, I kept going because the story is well written and I'm really curious how things are going to conclude after what happened at the end.
This was a pleasure to discuss with my fellow BR, Ele. I'm moving on the next one, let's see how that one goes!
However, despite what I said above, I still liked the book even taking into consideration how unconfortable make me feel the blind obedience the wolves rule themselves by. I'm not much for blind obedience myself and that, among other things, doesn't sit right with me. Still, I kept going because the story is well written and I'm really curious how things are going to conclude after what happened at the end.
This was a pleasure to discuss with my fellow BR, Ele. I'm moving on the next one, let's see how that one goes!
August 22, 2021
2.5
So sorry to give that rating but I had a hard time to make a connection with Ethan and Brandt although it felt like Ms. Harper spent a much longer time with both of them than with any of the previous couples and allowed them more sex time. Most of the time I just missed the Twin Cities West pack and was relieved when they finally showed up.
My biggest pet peeve wasn't so much Brandt's tendency to always run when things got to complicated in his mind and leave Ethan behind with no explanation, it was how Ethan worked out his suspicion and doubts and how everyone seemed to understand why he had to do it that way. Regardless of the situation you don't do that as a lover and you certainly aren't allowed to do it as a business owner.
At that point I still believed a round up into 3 stars would be appropriate but then Ms. Harper dropped a bomb at that last meeting with Brandt's Alpha. Such a big change but it's only treated as a means to an end and after reading the preview of the next book it's not even an unexpected cliffhanger (while I still hope I'm wrong about that).
Sometimes I didn't see what I appreciated so much in the previous books: the logical causality based on the careful world building, and I admit I would have been okay without seeing nearly everyone outside of the pack being a homophobe one way or another.
So sorry to give that rating but I had a hard time to make a connection with Ethan and Brandt although it felt like Ms. Harper spent a much longer time with both of them than with any of the previous couples and allowed them more sex time. Most of the time I just missed the Twin Cities West pack and was relieved when they finally showed up.
My biggest pet peeve wasn't so much Brandt's tendency to always run when things got to complicated in his mind and leave Ethan behind with no explanation, it was how Ethan worked out his suspicion and doubts and how everyone seemed to understand why he had to do it that way. Regardless of the situation you don't do that as a lover and you certainly aren't allowed to do it as a business owner.
At that point I still believed a round up into 3 stars would be appropriate but then Ms. Harper dropped a bomb at that last meeting with Brandt's Alpha. Such a big change but it's only treated as a means to an end and after reading the preview of the next book it's not even an unexpected cliffhanger (while I still hope I'm wrong about that).
Sometimes I didn't see what I appreciated so much in the previous books: the logical causality based on the careful world building, and I admit I would have been okay without seeing nearly everyone outside of the pack being a homophobe one way or another.
July 31, 2021
This was a really well written book but the reason I'm only giving it 3 stars is based on my overall feeling after I was done. I was still upset with how Ethan went about finding out the secret Brandt and the pack had, it was so unethical and in my opinion devious as well and such a breach of invading someone's privacy I couldn't get it. Maybe had Ethan apologized and or seemed remorseful for doing it but nothing was ever said about it even in the end of the book. When Ethan did find out their secret he seemed both intimidated and disgusted by it. I just felt Brandt gave so much of himself to Ethan with helping him with his guilt over his brother and helping protect him from the town bullies and setting his sister-in-law straight with her also negative opinion/blame. Ethan gave Brandt a roof over his head, a job and great sex and taught him to embrace his kinky side, helping Brandt with that was a win and self serving for Ethan himself. So I'm sure you can see way I gave a 3 star review.
April 9, 2019
4.5 Stars
Best one yet.
Ethan's nosiness meant some serious existential angst in regards to werewolves (no airy acceptance, no automatic submission) but I absolutely love how he (along with Paul & Megan) don't "roll over" for the Alpha - that as human partners they want to be included in pack decisions and important meetings.
And I'm very eager to see how the . I'm assuming the reference to something happening in Chicago prematurely forcing their hands will be addressed in the next book?
Also, I'mma leave this here. Because Reasons.
*lick*
Best one yet.
Ethan's nosiness meant some serious existential angst in regards to werewolves (no airy acceptance, no automatic submission) but I absolutely love how he (along with Paul & Megan) don't "roll over" for the Alpha - that as human partners they want to be included in pack decisions and important meetings.
And I'm very eager to see how the . I'm assuming the reference to something happening in Chicago prematurely forcing their hands will be addressed in the next book?
Also, I'mma leave this here. Because Reasons.
*lick*
July 13, 2015
I was so into this story I did not take the time to highlight any passages. I just read. Brandt's kink was sexy as hell. Ethan acceptance and hot appreciation made for steamy scenes. The pack relations tense in a good way. Kaje Harper never disappoints.
Read
April 6, 2021Now rereleased April 6 2021 with this pretty new cover - note this book has only mild superficial editing from the 2014 original novel.
March 28, 2023
I really like this series, although it is set in a a very harsh world that will not be for everyone. These are not cute and cuddly werewolves: packs and pack culture is insular, traditionalist, at times brutal, and almost always violently homophobic. The pack at the heart of this series is pushing back against that culture, both internally and within the broader wolf ecosystem, but the overarching context is still one of secrecy, violence, and extreme resistance to change or tolerating difference.
While the previous books had MCs that were all in the same pack, weaving in the romance and the internal pack politics with the wider divisions and conflicts in the wolf world, this one moves us outside the pack to an outcast wolf, Brandt -- who fled his pack when his gay and cross-dressing porn is discovered (note: "cross-dressing" because Brandt is cis and bi, not trans or genderqueer; he has a lingerie fetish, both seeing it on women and other men and wearing it himself in a bedroom/ sex setting, but does not otherwise present as gender nonconforming) -- and Ethan, a similarly outcast human who has returned to his rural hometown to run his parents' motel, but faces ostracism that is both homophobic and rooted in townspeople's loyalty to his estranged (now dead) brother. The point is, they're both extremely isolated, vulnerable, and dealing with a lot of trauma, including, in Brandt's case, internalized homophobia. Circumstances conspire to not just throw them together, but keep them together, and a relationship slowly develops out of that. And then, just as Brandt and Ethan are figuring out this new thing between them, Aaron and his pack (most prominently Zach, my hunky fave Cord, and to a lesser extent Simon and Paul) show up, bringing the question of Brandt's secret and pack loyalties to the fore.
This is not fated mates (yay!), and I thought the evolution of Brandt and Ethan's friendship and intimacy was really well done. The main reason I'm three-starring is because what Ethan does to try to figure out Brandt's secret and involvement with Aaron's pack is, to me, a really gross betrayal of trust -- primarily against Zach and Cord, but no less against Brandt. And there are just no consequences for it, at all. Not even an apology for what, to me, is bordering on an unforgivable breach of trust; it's just kind of overtaken by events, waved off, and Brandt seems to have no problem or qualms with trusting Ethan despite Ethan's lack of trust in him. The thing is, I can see why Ethan acted as he did -- I understand the motivation, even if I don't agree with the means -- but I would have liked to see the wrongness of it acknowledged and apologized for, even if he felt like it was necessary. I guess Brandt feels like Ethan's sin is balanced out by the lies he (Brandt) told to hide his wolfiness, and therefore they're even (although who knows; like I said, Brandt never even acknowledges the wrongdoing); I, personally, do not. (And I also don't buy that Aaron is so forgiving of it, given that Zach is involved.)
So that aspect kicked me out of the story quite a bit, which is a shame -- because otherwise, this installment really moves the overarching wolf-world story forward pretty dramatically, and gives us lots of good Aaron and Zach and Cord content. And for the most part, I really did like Brandt and Ethan; I just didn't like how that aspect shook out. But even though this series has been a bit uneven for me, I plan to keep reading. Not everything works, but it's still compelling and well written, with well-rounded characters and a fascinating -- albeit harsh -- world.
Note that this is a lightly edited re-release of the 2014 original, set in 2011 -- so some of the language reads a bit dated, and marriage equality in the US was still state-specific.
While the previous books had MCs that were all in the same pack, weaving in the romance and the internal pack politics with the wider divisions and conflicts in the wolf world, this one moves us outside the pack to an outcast wolf, Brandt -- who fled his pack when his gay and cross-dressing porn is discovered (note: "cross-dressing" because Brandt is cis and bi, not trans or genderqueer; he has a lingerie fetish, both seeing it on women and other men and wearing it himself in a bedroom/ sex setting, but does not otherwise present as gender nonconforming) -- and Ethan, a similarly outcast human who has returned to his rural hometown to run his parents' motel, but faces ostracism that is both homophobic and rooted in townspeople's loyalty to his estranged (now dead) brother. The point is, they're both extremely isolated, vulnerable, and dealing with a lot of trauma, including, in Brandt's case, internalized homophobia. Circumstances conspire to not just throw them together, but keep them together, and a relationship slowly develops out of that. And then, just as Brandt and Ethan are figuring out this new thing between them, Aaron and his pack (most prominently Zach, my hunky fave Cord, and to a lesser extent Simon and Paul) show up, bringing the question of Brandt's secret and pack loyalties to the fore.
This is not fated mates (yay!), and I thought the evolution of Brandt and Ethan's friendship and intimacy was really well done. The main reason I'm three-starring is because what Ethan does to try to figure out Brandt's secret and involvement with Aaron's pack is, to me, a really gross betrayal of trust -- primarily against Zach and Cord, but no less against Brandt. And there are just no consequences for it, at all. Not even an apology for what, to me, is bordering on an unforgivable breach of trust; it's just kind of overtaken by events, waved off, and Brandt seems to have no problem or qualms with trusting Ethan despite Ethan's lack of trust in him. The thing is, I can see why Ethan acted as he did -- I understand the motivation, even if I don't agree with the means -- but I would have liked to see the wrongness of it acknowledged and apologized for, even if he felt like it was necessary. I guess Brandt feels like Ethan's sin is balanced out by the lies he (Brandt) told to hide his wolfiness, and therefore they're even (although who knows; like I said, Brandt never even acknowledges the wrongdoing); I, personally, do not. (And I also don't buy that Aaron is so forgiving of it, given that Zach is involved.)
So that aspect kicked me out of the story quite a bit, which is a shame -- because otherwise, this installment really moves the overarching wolf-world story forward pretty dramatically, and gives us lots of good Aaron and Zach and Cord content. And for the most part, I really did like Brandt and Ethan; I just didn't like how that aspect shook out. But even though this series has been a bit uneven for me, I plan to keep reading. Not everything works, but it's still compelling and well written, with well-rounded characters and a fascinating -- albeit harsh -- world.
Note that this is a lightly edited re-release of the 2014 original, set in 2011 -- so some of the language reads a bit dated, and marriage equality in the US was still state-specific.
September 23, 2014
I flew through this book, as I do all Kaje Harper's work, because she's an amazing writer and I do quite enjoy her characters. There were a few things in this book that didn't work for me, but that seems to be an ongoing trend with this series. In this book, it was that I didn't connect as well as I wanted to with both of the main characters, and I also wasn't much of a fan of the very convenient deus ex machine (the author even called it that in her book) at the end. It felt cheap and contrived, the way it was handled, and actually hurt the relationship from book 2 in my eyes...all that angst and hardship and secrecy Aaron and Zach had been dealing with, and then just like that everything is sparkles and rainbows? I dunno. :\
But aside from that (and in spite of how it sounds like I'm really down on the book), I did like it quite a bit. I always love this universe, and there was a lot to like about this book in particular, and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes all this new upheaval in her wolves' lives. :)
But aside from that (and in spite of how it sounds like I'm really down on the book), I did like it quite a bit. I always love this universe, and there was a lot to like about this book in particular, and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes all this new upheaval in her wolves' lives. :)
May 16, 2015
There were too many things I just didn't like about this story. And this particular kink felt more like an unexplored plot bunny than an organic part of the story. I didn't even like Ethan.
I well and truly had to force myself to finish this one. I quite liked the first book, thought the second one was just "ok", but I'm done with this series. Even though it was well written and edited, it held no interest for me.
I well and truly had to force myself to finish this one. I quite liked the first book, thought the second one was just "ok", but I'm done with this series. Even though it was well written and edited, it held no interest for me.
January 13, 2016
My guilty secret......I like werewolf stories.
Another wonderful novel from Kaje Haper's Hidden Wolves series, with new protagonists; characters from the previous two novels making guest appearances. One of the main characters in this story identifies as Bi-sexual and has a kink. The kink I found somewhat odd, not my cup of tea and I can't say I know of any gay friends who would admit to this kink, perhaps it's more common for male bi-sexuals?
Can't fault the writing, can't fault the plot. Although not as intense as Books 1 and 2 this is still a page-turner and I loved it.
This is a long story, approximately four hundred pages in length and well worth reading if you're a fan of werewolves.
Another wonderful novel from Kaje Haper's Hidden Wolves series, with new protagonists; characters from the previous two novels making guest appearances. One of the main characters in this story identifies as Bi-sexual and has a kink. The kink I found somewhat odd, not my cup of tea and I can't say I know of any gay friends who would admit to this kink, perhaps it's more common for male bi-sexuals?
Can't fault the writing, can't fault the plot. Although not as intense as Books 1 and 2 this is still a page-turner and I loved it.
This is a long story, approximately four hundred pages in length and well worth reading if you're a fan of werewolves.
November 20, 2014
I love the author and this series, this however was not a fav of mine. I wait for the next book in this series and i hope it gives me the smile the other books in this series did.
November 7, 2019
I'm really enjoying this series and the world and characters. Brandt and Ethan are both great characters - lots of depth and very likable. Brandt is such a unique shifter character and I really loved him. He's running from his pack and trying to avoid his past/thoughts/feelings when he stumbles across Ethan injured in the forest. He ends up saving him and then working with him to
get his business up and running. Ethan has his own issues to deal with including a town that seems to hate him and guilt over his brother's death. The romance is a slow burn which is very fitting as Brandt also struggles with the secrets he must keep from Ethan. It was a lot of fun to revisit Aaron and a few members of his pack when they come to stay at Ethan's cabins. Some great pack politic scenes and some very interesting movement in the overall plot.
get his business up and running. Ethan has his own issues to deal with including a town that seems to hate him and guilt over his brother's death. The romance is a slow burn which is very fitting as Brandt also struggles with the secrets he must keep from Ethan. It was a lot of fun to revisit Aaron and a few members of his pack when they come to stay at Ethan's cabins. Some great pack politic scenes and some very interesting movement in the overall plot.
July 5, 2021
This one felt out of place in the series for about the first half of the book. It starts with a lone wolf and a human, neither of whom has shown up before. Not even mentioned in passing by someone. Absolutely strangers. It took a while to see characters we'd seen before, but when we did it felt more as part of the series and not a random outlier.
The story in itself was good, and I liked Brandt and Ethan a lot. The way it toed around the secrets both main characters hold was pretty clever, in my opinion.
I usually try to avoid reading blurbs in series in case I spoil myself, but I did see the next book will be even more retired from the main pack than this one. I wouldn't be surprised to not see them at all, which kind of bums me out.
The story in itself was good, and I liked Brandt and Ethan a lot. The way it toed around the secrets both main characters hold was pretty clever, in my opinion.
I usually try to avoid reading blurbs in series in case I spoil myself, but I did see the next book will be even more retired from the main pack than this one. I wouldn't be surprised to not see them at all, which kind of bums me out.
May 9, 2021
Luckily the larger pack storyline is still working for me because something about the romance in this one didn't. (And I like this kink fine, so that wasn't the problem.) Still looking forward to continuing the series, but I had to take a break after this one. I'll probably wait until Book 6 gets released, which I didn't even realize was happening!!
May 21, 2016
I love this series. I love the world that's created here. And as much as I loved both Ethan and Brandt, I admittedly waited on pins and needles for the moment that Aaron and his crew were bound to enter their quiet little world. I was not disappointed.
So Ethan and Brandt were awesome together even though I spent 90% of the book wanting to smack their heads together and scream TALK TO EACH OTHER!!! I kept waiting for the bad shoe to drop due to all the inability to actually explain anything going on. I adored Brandt's vacillations when he first discovered Ethan injured and he wasn't sure whether to leave his isolation living as a wolf. Once he did though, and stepped back into the shoes of a man, Brandt was so cute in his need to fix things. I loved watching him take care of Ethan without knowing why or having even spoken to the man again, he just couldn't help himself.
This book does a lot to move the greater plot line of wolves vs humans along. Things are quickly spiraling towards a big reveal and those really aware of things (aka Aaron) know it's going to happen sooner or later. I adore Aaron and his alpha machinations. I loved seeing all the old gang making their appearances into the quiet little world at Ethan's hotel. I can easily see it becoming a wolf safe haven. Remote cabin in the woods style. ;)
Really enjoyed this book, it had some great reveals we've been waiting on (Aaron and Zach news was high on my list!), and set up a bunch of things sure to take us into the land of awesome in the next book. Great continuation of the series.
So Ethan and Brandt were awesome together even though I spent 90% of the book wanting to smack their heads together and scream TALK TO EACH OTHER!!! I kept waiting for the bad shoe to drop due to all the inability to actually explain anything going on. I adored Brandt's vacillations when he first discovered Ethan injured and he wasn't sure whether to leave his isolation living as a wolf. Once he did though, and stepped back into the shoes of a man, Brandt was so cute in his need to fix things. I loved watching him take care of Ethan without knowing why or having even spoken to the man again, he just couldn't help himself.
This book does a lot to move the greater plot line of wolves vs humans along. Things are quickly spiraling towards a big reveal and those really aware of things (aka Aaron) know it's going to happen sooner or later. I adore Aaron and his alpha machinations. I loved seeing all the old gang making their appearances into the quiet little world at Ethan's hotel. I can easily see it becoming a wolf safe haven. Remote cabin in the woods style. ;)
Really enjoyed this book, it had some great reveals we've been waiting on (Aaron and Zach news was high on my list!), and set up a bunch of things sure to take us into the land of awesome in the next book. Great continuation of the series.
April 10, 2021
I could've smacked myself when I realized I'd overlooked the release of 'Unjustified Claims', book three in Kaje Harper's series 'Hidden Wolves'. This is a big deal, people. This is one of my favorite shifter series, and I spaced. What was I thinking? Or, better yet, where in the hell was my mind? Please accept my apologies, Kaje. I'm late, but no less devoted to the series. *grins*
"Ethan was a master at ignoring facts, though. By now he had a PhD in reality-avoidance and wishful thinking, and sometimes that was the only way to survive the present."
One of the things I love about this series, and this book is no exception, is the reality the author imbues the story with. Ethan is badly hurt in the woods when Brandt meets him. There's no easy rescue, or easy resolution to this issue. Brandt doesn't lie to himself about not wanting to get involved, and once he's done helping Ethan, Brandt will be on his way, preferably back to living his life deep inside his wolf. Brandt has come three hundred miles to get away from his own problems. The last thing he needs, or wants, is to get involved in anyone else's. But you know what they say about good intentions.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
"Ethan was a master at ignoring facts, though. By now he had a PhD in reality-avoidance and wishful thinking, and sometimes that was the only way to survive the present."
One of the things I love about this series, and this book is no exception, is the reality the author imbues the story with. Ethan is badly hurt in the woods when Brandt meets him. There's no easy rescue, or easy resolution to this issue. Brandt doesn't lie to himself about not wanting to get involved, and once he's done helping Ethan, Brandt will be on his way, preferably back to living his life deep inside his wolf. Brandt has come three hundred miles to get away from his own problems. The last thing he needs, or wants, is to get involved in anyone else's. But you know what they say about good intentions.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
October 20, 2023
Reread and I can still say I definitely think this is my favorite of the series.
April 27, 2025
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Brandt Davis barely escaped from his pack when his Alpha, his Uncle Charlie, finds out that he’s not only gay, but that he enjoys dressing in women’s lingerie. Barely escaping with his life, he moves in wolf form over two states until he finds himself in the north woods of Minnesota. As he’s trying to decide whether to join up with a pack of wild wolves that he’s been following, he hears a human cry, followed by deep silence.
Ethan Sjulstad has gone hiking in the north woods by himself, primarily to escape the homophobic slurs that someone painted across the motel which he recently took over. It’s his parents’ motel, one that his brother Stephen had run into the ground before an overdose of drugs killed him earlier that year. Blaming himself for his brother’s fate, and guilty that his parents’ lifelong work would be lost, he’s agreed to get the motel up and running and profitable again. But the town he’d escaped years earlier still remembers him as the gay boy who ran away after townsfolk turned against him for his role in the accident that killed his brother’s football career. Carrying enough guilt in the first place, the cruel words spray-painted across the front of the motel are enough to send him to seek solitary peace by hiking in the woods.
But when he falls and a tree limb pierces through his leg, it’s a naked man who helps him to safety. A man, and possibly a wolf— a big wolf who is likely a part of Ethan’s imagination, but then again, how many naked men do you encounter in the woods? Brandt has decided that he needs to help this handsome young man. There’s something about him that draws Brandt to him and despite his own best interests in staying hidden, he feels that he needs to help. After assuring that Ethan is not going to die immediately from blood loss, Brandt leaves him to get help. He then ends up hanging around when he discovers that he has Ethan’s keys in the backpack he’s been carrying. This leads to being present when Ethan comes home from the hospital and is the start of a slow burn romance in which the two men begin to build a little trust in one another.
When Aaron (Unexpected Demands)and several of his pack members arrive to scout out the location for a pack retreat, it’s immediately evident to both he and Brandt that they are wolves. After getting to know Brandt, Aaron offers him a place in his pack. But Brandt’s ties to his own alpha have never been severed; why is unknown, but it complicates the issue and it’s finally decided that Charlie will be invited to the motel for the weekend when Aaron and his pack will be there. At that point Brandt can decide if he wants to go back or stay, and if he stays, he’ll be welcome in Aaron’s pack. But the big issue and complication is Ethan. Ethan has become suspicious of the behavior of the pack members, primarily Brandt, but others as well, and he’s taken steps to learn more about them. When he discovers that not only are they werewolves but that they generally kill any human who finds out, he finds it very difficult to act normally with Brandt. Add to that the complication that Brandt is expecting his alpha and hasn’t told Ethan that anyone other than Aaron and his “family” will be arriving this weekend, the tension between the two men comes to a head.
Without giving away spoilers, I can say that the balance of that weekend was both better than anticipated, surprising, and absolutely perfect. And for fans of the love between Aaron and Zack, there’s an additional surprise.
The author builds an amazing world with this werewolf series and has left an opening for a whole different type of danger and intrigue for any future books she may add. I enjoyed the fact that this was a complete story, easily a standalone, yet with links to the past two books in the series for those readers who want to devour the whole set. The love between Ethan and Brandt was a very slow build as the author was concurrently filling us in on their backgrounds, pack life, Ethan’s dreams, and Brandt’s secrets. The lighthearted times they had together were as important as the more serious issues, and the introduction of Aaron and his pack added another layer of complexity. And I loved the Epilogue! What a nice send off with a definite HEA for this couple.
If you like paranormal stories, shifters, sexy guys in women’s lingerie, survival stories and just plain love stories, then you’ll like this one. I highly recommend it to all lovers of M/M romance.
UPDATE: Successful reread in April, 2025 and though I honestly didn't remember the meat of this story, I loved it just as much the second time through. If anything, I appreciated it more as it's still a stellar look at shifters, even eleven years later. This and book one remain my favorites with the others coming in a close second.
Brandt Davis barely escaped from his pack when his Alpha, his Uncle Charlie, finds out that he’s not only gay, but that he enjoys dressing in women’s lingerie. Barely escaping with his life, he moves in wolf form over two states until he finds himself in the north woods of Minnesota. As he’s trying to decide whether to join up with a pack of wild wolves that he’s been following, he hears a human cry, followed by deep silence.
Ethan Sjulstad has gone hiking in the north woods by himself, primarily to escape the homophobic slurs that someone painted across the motel which he recently took over. It’s his parents’ motel, one that his brother Stephen had run into the ground before an overdose of drugs killed him earlier that year. Blaming himself for his brother’s fate, and guilty that his parents’ lifelong work would be lost, he’s agreed to get the motel up and running and profitable again. But the town he’d escaped years earlier still remembers him as the gay boy who ran away after townsfolk turned against him for his role in the accident that killed his brother’s football career. Carrying enough guilt in the first place, the cruel words spray-painted across the front of the motel are enough to send him to seek solitary peace by hiking in the woods.
But when he falls and a tree limb pierces through his leg, it’s a naked man who helps him to safety. A man, and possibly a wolf— a big wolf who is likely a part of Ethan’s imagination, but then again, how many naked men do you encounter in the woods? Brandt has decided that he needs to help this handsome young man. There’s something about him that draws Brandt to him and despite his own best interests in staying hidden, he feels that he needs to help. After assuring that Ethan is not going to die immediately from blood loss, Brandt leaves him to get help. He then ends up hanging around when he discovers that he has Ethan’s keys in the backpack he’s been carrying. This leads to being present when Ethan comes home from the hospital and is the start of a slow burn romance in which the two men begin to build a little trust in one another.
When Aaron (Unexpected Demands)and several of his pack members arrive to scout out the location for a pack retreat, it’s immediately evident to both he and Brandt that they are wolves. After getting to know Brandt, Aaron offers him a place in his pack. But Brandt’s ties to his own alpha have never been severed; why is unknown, but it complicates the issue and it’s finally decided that Charlie will be invited to the motel for the weekend when Aaron and his pack will be there. At that point Brandt can decide if he wants to go back or stay, and if he stays, he’ll be welcome in Aaron’s pack. But the big issue and complication is Ethan. Ethan has become suspicious of the behavior of the pack members, primarily Brandt, but others as well, and he’s taken steps to learn more about them. When he discovers that not only are they werewolves but that they generally kill any human who finds out, he finds it very difficult to act normally with Brandt. Add to that the complication that Brandt is expecting his alpha and hasn’t told Ethan that anyone other than Aaron and his “family” will be arriving this weekend, the tension between the two men comes to a head.
Without giving away spoilers, I can say that the balance of that weekend was both better than anticipated, surprising, and absolutely perfect. And for fans of the love between Aaron and Zack, there’s an additional surprise.
The author builds an amazing world with this werewolf series and has left an opening for a whole different type of danger and intrigue for any future books she may add. I enjoyed the fact that this was a complete story, easily a standalone, yet with links to the past two books in the series for those readers who want to devour the whole set. The love between Ethan and Brandt was a very slow build as the author was concurrently filling us in on their backgrounds, pack life, Ethan’s dreams, and Brandt’s secrets. The lighthearted times they had together were as important as the more serious issues, and the introduction of Aaron and his pack added another layer of complexity. And I loved the Epilogue! What a nice send off with a definite HEA for this couple.
If you like paranormal stories, shifters, sexy guys in women’s lingerie, survival stories and just plain love stories, then you’ll like this one. I highly recommend it to all lovers of M/M romance.
UPDATE: Successful reread in April, 2025 and though I honestly didn't remember the meat of this story, I loved it just as much the second time through. If anything, I appreciated it more as it's still a stellar look at shifters, even eleven years later. This and book one remain my favorites with the others coming in a close second.
September 20, 2014
Another fantastic book of my favorite werewolf series. In this one, we get to met Ethan, a human who is injured while hiking in the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota. He'd been hiking alone, trying to come to terms with his life after being targeted - again - by homophobic jerks in his hometown, who had damaged the motel/lodge he was trying to put back to rights.
Alone, and mostly likely going to die from his injuries, he is found by Brandt, a werewolf from Michigan, who ran away after his sexual orientation and kink were discovered by his home pack. Brandt comes up with a cover story about why he is alone and naked in the BW and helps get Ethan to safety so that he can receive medical treatment.
The two of them stay connected, Brandt needing a place to stay and Ethan, needing help getting around and help getting his lodge and motel ready for inspection. They slowly start to learn more about each other, how Ethan's brother and his problems and death had impacted his life, and how Brandt's particular kink had caused his separation from his "cult" (AKA his pack). But both of them still hold important secrets from the other.
Thing get complicated when the Minneapolis West pack show up to scout out the area and the lodge for retreat purposes. Things come to a head, both for Brandt and the pack in general, and times definitely change for both.
Ethan and Brandt are complex characters, who have suffered betrayal and lost in their lives. Neither one of them had felt that their lives could ever get better, let alone that that the loss and betrayal could lead them to finding someone who could fill the holes and spaces in their lives. I loved how Brandt's particular kink was handled and explained, making it just a part of who he was. Whenever Brandt had to face revulsion about it, whether it was past or present, I found myself wanting to jump into my NOOK and defend him.
This book holds some major changes in the story lines for the series. A number of them had me doing major mental squeals in my head! I look forward to the next book in the series, and can't but hope that there will be additional ones after that one.
Alone, and mostly likely going to die from his injuries, he is found by Brandt, a werewolf from Michigan, who ran away after his sexual orientation and kink were discovered by his home pack. Brandt comes up with a cover story about why he is alone and naked in the BW and helps get Ethan to safety so that he can receive medical treatment.
The two of them stay connected, Brandt needing a place to stay and Ethan, needing help getting around and help getting his lodge and motel ready for inspection. They slowly start to learn more about each other, how Ethan's brother and his problems and death had impacted his life, and how Brandt's particular kink had caused his separation from his "cult" (AKA his pack). But both of them still hold important secrets from the other.
Thing get complicated when the Minneapolis West pack show up to scout out the area and the lodge for retreat purposes. Things come to a head, both for Brandt and the pack in general, and times definitely change for both.
Ethan and Brandt are complex characters, who have suffered betrayal and lost in their lives. Neither one of them had felt that their lives could ever get better, let alone that that the loss and betrayal could lead them to finding someone who could fill the holes and spaces in their lives. I loved how Brandt's particular kink was handled and explained, making it just a part of who he was. Whenever Brandt had to face revulsion about it, whether it was past or present, I found myself wanting to jump into my NOOK and defend him.
This book holds some major changes in the story lines for the series. A number of them had me doing major mental squeals in my head! I look forward to the next book in the series, and can't but hope that there will be additional ones after that one.
February 20, 2017
Kaje is one of my favorite authors and she does not disappoint with this continuation of her series.
This is the only story I know of where werewolves are 'outed' to the general public. There are books where they are 'hidden; and no one knows about them as well as 'after' society has been introduced, but to me this is a first for when it actually happens. Truth be told, that portion of the story is not complete in this novel. It ends right at the very hour of the "coming out" and the epilogue is only focused on the MCs Brandt and Ethan after the reveal. I assume how this plays to the general public will happen in the next book.
The coming out of the werewolves to the general public is combined with the werewolf MC, Brandt, coming out to his probable mate MC, Ethan as a werewolf. Lots of other serendipities occur as well. Lots of education is done both on the homophobia of the secondary characters and the internal homophobia as well. Lots of parallels too between weres having to hide just like gay people have to hide.
Another point that I like in this series is that each book builds on the previous portion of the story. It is not simply another "pairing" of guys and the other couples put in a cameo appearance. She just keeps adding to the mix with more information on established couples and characters.
Kaje really gets to the heart and soul of a character. You really understand how they think and why they do something, even if it's stupid. You also see everyone's growth and understanding and how that can change society for the better. Not to say that everything is spiritual, there is also some great sex. This one features a lingerie wearing were. This is not a real turn on to me, but I have seen some photos on Tumblr that do look kind of sexy.
On to Hidden Wolves #4.
This is the only story I know of where werewolves are 'outed' to the general public. There are books where they are 'hidden; and no one knows about them as well as 'after' society has been introduced, but to me this is a first for when it actually happens. Truth be told, that portion of the story is not complete in this novel. It ends right at the very hour of the "coming out" and the epilogue is only focused on the MCs Brandt and Ethan after the reveal. I assume how this plays to the general public will happen in the next book.
The coming out of the werewolves to the general public is combined with the werewolf MC, Brandt, coming out to his probable mate MC, Ethan as a werewolf. Lots of other serendipities occur as well. Lots of education is done both on the homophobia of the secondary characters and the internal homophobia as well. Lots of parallels too between weres having to hide just like gay people have to hide.
Another point that I like in this series is that each book builds on the previous portion of the story. It is not simply another "pairing" of guys and the other couples put in a cameo appearance. She just keeps adding to the mix with more information on established couples and characters.
Kaje really gets to the heart and soul of a character. You really understand how they think and why they do something, even if it's stupid. You also see everyone's growth and understanding and how that can change society for the better. Not to say that everything is spiritual, there is also some great sex. This one features a lingerie wearing were. This is not a real turn on to me, but I have seen some photos on Tumblr that do look kind of sexy.
On to Hidden Wolves #4.
June 17, 2021
3.5 rounded down
Somewhat mixed feelings on this one. Like all the previous books, this one is quite long, and it did feel like it dragged more than the others. Unlike the others, it's not clear until around 1/3 of the way through the book how the pack from the previous book will come into play, which I actually found a bit distracting, knowing they'd be making an appearance but not knowing how/when. As for the characters themselves, I quite liked Brandt, and was very much into the way his kink and desires were woven into the narrative, but I found Ethan to be a little all over the place and I actually ended up liking him less and less the more I read. I also found Brandt's pack positioning in terms of his submission/dominance within the pack to be a bit confusing/inconsistent. And I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting the big coming out to happen already, and I'm not totally sure how I feel about it, but I guess we'll see how it plays out in the next book!
Still, I did enjoy this one overall and am excited to keep reading.
Somewhat mixed feelings on this one. Like all the previous books, this one is quite long, and it did feel like it dragged more than the others. Unlike the others, it's not clear until around 1/3 of the way through the book how the pack from the previous book will come into play, which I actually found a bit distracting, knowing they'd be making an appearance but not knowing how/when. As for the characters themselves, I quite liked Brandt, and was very much into the way his kink and desires were woven into the narrative, but I found Ethan to be a little all over the place and I actually ended up liking him less and less the more I read. I also found Brandt's pack positioning in terms of his submission/dominance within the pack to be a bit confusing/inconsistent. And I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting the big coming out to happen already, and I'm not totally sure how I feel about it, but I guess we'll see how it plays out in the next book!
Still, I did enjoy this one overall and am excited to keep reading.
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