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Raised by Wolves Complete Box Set
I didn't run when he kissed me.
Why didn't I run?
I thought we were just two friends going to see a movie. He thought it was a date.
When he picked the movie Threesome, I thought it was odd. Then his arm pressed against mine.
When he kissed me, I thought my heart might burst.
What followed was a hilariously authentic beginning to a lifetime of love and laughter.
In Raised by Wolves, you'll walk with Michael as he discovers who he is, who he loves, and who he wants to become. He will fumble through first-time experiences, find new friends and a wonderful found family, and face the many challenges of love and loss.
You’ll love this story because everyone, gay or straight, can identify with Michael's journey and root for him as he grows and evolves.
Why didn't I run?
I thought we were just two friends going to see a movie. He thought it was a date.
When he picked the movie Threesome, I thought it was odd. Then his arm pressed against mine.
When he kissed me, I thought my heart might burst.
What followed was a hilariously authentic beginning to a lifetime of love and laughter.
In Raised by Wolves, you'll walk with Michael as he discovers who he is, who he loves, and who he wants to become. He will fumble through first-time experiences, find new friends and a wonderful found family, and face the many challenges of love and loss.
You’ll love this story because everyone, gay or straight, can identify with Michael's journey and root for him as he grows and evolves.
1000 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
359 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Casey Morales
62 books417 followersCasey Morales is an LGBT storyteller and the author of multiple bestselling MM romance novels. Born in the Southern United States, Casey is an avid tennis player, aspiring chef, dog lover, and ravenous consumer of gummy bears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 4, 2022
It Gets Better With Time
As I read your personal story in this series, I identified many parallels with my own life. I have a strong sense that I was born too soon (1950 - yes, a true "Baby Boomer"). I wasn't as clueless as you were, but I was terrified to be myself. I tried almost to the point of insanity not to be gay, but we all know how that works. I've self published (Lulu.com) a book of 8 short stories, 2 of which are autobiographical. I did meet my soul mate when I was 29. He was 44, so do the math. He was 15 years older. We were married in 2013 in San Fran, with his health failing. We were fully monogamous and HIV-, but that doesn't mean you're immune to lung cancer. He lived to the age of 80. He passed in 2015, exactly four weeks after the US Supreme Court handed down the "Hodges Decision". We celebrated, quietly, the one thing we thought we'd never experience: two men legally married in Texas. It's been seven years since he went Home to Jesus, we were married for over 35 years (before it became legal), and he still fills my heart.
To you and "Heath" I say, enjoy every moment. To new "gay babes", I say, hang in there. There will tough times along the way, but it's definitely worth it. It WILL get better!
Thanks for sharing your story, Casey. It was well written! I laughed and cried, and thoroughly enjoyed your gift.
Lance Kenman (nom de plume)
As I read your personal story in this series, I identified many parallels with my own life. I have a strong sense that I was born too soon (1950 - yes, a true "Baby Boomer"). I wasn't as clueless as you were, but I was terrified to be myself. I tried almost to the point of insanity not to be gay, but we all know how that works. I've self published (Lulu.com) a book of 8 short stories, 2 of which are autobiographical. I did meet my soul mate when I was 29. He was 44, so do the math. He was 15 years older. We were married in 2013 in San Fran, with his health failing. We were fully monogamous and HIV-, but that doesn't mean you're immune to lung cancer. He lived to the age of 80. He passed in 2015, exactly four weeks after the US Supreme Court handed down the "Hodges Decision". We celebrated, quietly, the one thing we thought we'd never experience: two men legally married in Texas. It's been seven years since he went Home to Jesus, we were married for over 35 years (before it became legal), and he still fills my heart.
To you and "Heath" I say, enjoy every moment. To new "gay babes", I say, hang in there. There will tough times along the way, but it's definitely worth it. It WILL get better!
Thanks for sharing your story, Casey. It was well written! I laughed and cried, and thoroughly enjoyed your gift.
Lance Kenman (nom de plume)
July 23, 2022
Only Biography I've Ever Read And It Was FANTASTIC!
Readers, I got on Amazon and searched funny MM romances because I needed something light and humorous to read after experiencing a loss. This series about the author's life has helped me through a rough time these last few days. He writes with such humor that even the sad parts of his journey make you smile because of his positive outlook on life. I constantly cheered for him and felt every victory and every loss right along with him. I can't recommend this series enough and want to say Thank You to Casey Morales for sharing his journey.
Readers, I got on Amazon and searched funny MM romances because I needed something light and humorous to read after experiencing a loss. This series about the author's life has helped me through a rough time these last few days. He writes with such humor that even the sad parts of his journey make you smile because of his positive outlook on life. I constantly cheered for him and felt every victory and every loss right along with him. I can't recommend this series enough and want to say Thank You to Casey Morales for sharing his journey.
October 20, 2022
This series so engaged me emotionally from Michaels first experiences to each of his loses to meeting Heath. The writers writing style so describes each moment of the story so I felt his happiness, his fear, his joy, anger, loss. Knowing the story is autobiographical made each period of his life more real because as a gay man from a period probably 10 years before this story, I experienced similar relationships and all that those relationships meant to me and the people around me. I consider this series one of the best works I have ever read! I cannot thank the author enough.
October 1, 2022
A lovely read following one man's journey from his acceptance of himself as gay through his various experiences into romance and relationships covering 15-20 years. Rings true throughout and the author owns this in the end. Some gaps where characters are introduced but seem to disappear or are not mentioned again like his own family members but generally an enjoyable read with lots of humour and some spicy sexuality too!
October 21, 2025
Aww! Wholesome smut :p
May 12, 2025
I could relate
Very similar to my story, but I was
slightly older. The people are described in a way that makes them real. I feel like I may have met some of them.
Very similar to my story, but I was
slightly older. The people are described in a way that makes them real. I feel like I may have met some of them.
January 7, 2023
I absolutely loved this collection! The writing style is different than anything I’ve read before, but I quickly adjusted and especially loved the snarky humor! It was both beautiful and at times difficult to read Michael’s journey. I laughed and cried and could only take my eyes away from the page long enough to replace it with the audiobook! The narrator Jon Curtis is excellent. It’s based on the author’s life experience from discovering his sexuality in his early twenties and spans until his late thirties. I highly recommend.
January 25, 2024
An upward story
I read 2books and tucked the rest away as it was too close to my real life. I opened the rest back up and finished. The last chapter was very very close to my story except I was the one who had to come to grips with the sickness. But I overcame that and survived at least 40 years and found a true love. Its a great storyline and everyonr should read all straight thru
I read 2books and tucked the rest away as it was too close to my real life. I opened the rest back up and finished. The last chapter was very very close to my story except I was the one who had to come to grips with the sickness. But I overcame that and survived at least 40 years and found a true love. Its a great storyline and everyonr should read all straight thru
May 30, 2023
A Must Read self discovery adventure
**** May have spoilers ****
I have never started a book review this way, but I must tell the author Thank You. Thank you for having the Courage to tell your story. Thank you for not sugar coating or glossing but saying it like it was. Thank you for showing what it’s really like for someone discovering who they are and how it goes against everything they were raised to believe was right and wrong.
His story is one that needed to be told. The story of discovering your gay, the naivety of not really understanding the aids epidemic, and what HIV was and how it could affect you. Showing how puppy love and lust can be misconstrued as the real thing, especially when it feels so real in that moment. Love found and lost and then showing up when you’d given up all hope.
I had a college professor in the 90s, who gave me an assignment of writing a paper on what homosexuality was. I wish a book like this had existed then because this book explains so much told from the authors own experiences. In the 90s even the mid to late 90s when I was in school it was very difficult to find that information is this book would have been one. I would’ve recommended all of my friends in fact right now it’s a book that I want to gift to all my friends, and let them all read this, so they can see the other side another point of view from their own.
This book has open my eyes more to what my own close, friends and family members possibly went through. I cried so much this because it made me think of people I’ve known friends I’ve had loved ones in my own life that have been touched by some of these experiences people I’ve loved and lost as friends or friends are considered family.
As I stated at the beginning, this is not my normal type of book review. I don’t normally go for autobiographical books. I tend to read more fiction romance I do have a soft spot for M/M novels. But this story just shows how far things have progressed in the last 30+ years and how much Moore still needs to change it’s showing a good example of where we’re going backwards as a society, because look at how much Michael went through Michael and his friends and his loved ones went through that probably wasn’t even touched on in this book but there’s still so much more that we can learn. I am just thrilled that Michael got his happily ever after because I know there are so many members of the LGBTQ community out there that may not get theirs that are still scared still hiding so just a huge, thank you to the author for writing this book and putting his story out there so the future generations will be able to read it and see there is hope they don’t need to hide especially those kids that are being raised in the Bible belt with her being told it’s wrong.
If you’ve made it this far in my review, I am sorry for my rambling. I just needed to get it out. I apologize now for the boxes of tissues that you will go through while reading this book or I guess technically it’s a series of books, but it’s so worth it stick it out to the end you will not regret it in the least and honestly once you get to the end do you really want to want to give the author a hug and say look you made It!!!!
**** May have spoilers ****
I have never started a book review this way, but I must tell the author Thank You. Thank you for having the Courage to tell your story. Thank you for not sugar coating or glossing but saying it like it was. Thank you for showing what it’s really like for someone discovering who they are and how it goes against everything they were raised to believe was right and wrong.
His story is one that needed to be told. The story of discovering your gay, the naivety of not really understanding the aids epidemic, and what HIV was and how it could affect you. Showing how puppy love and lust can be misconstrued as the real thing, especially when it feels so real in that moment. Love found and lost and then showing up when you’d given up all hope.
I had a college professor in the 90s, who gave me an assignment of writing a paper on what homosexuality was. I wish a book like this had existed then because this book explains so much told from the authors own experiences. In the 90s even the mid to late 90s when I was in school it was very difficult to find that information is this book would have been one. I would’ve recommended all of my friends in fact right now it’s a book that I want to gift to all my friends, and let them all read this, so they can see the other side another point of view from their own.
This book has open my eyes more to what my own close, friends and family members possibly went through. I cried so much this because it made me think of people I’ve known friends I’ve had loved ones in my own life that have been touched by some of these experiences people I’ve loved and lost as friends or friends are considered family.
As I stated at the beginning, this is not my normal type of book review. I don’t normally go for autobiographical books. I tend to read more fiction romance I do have a soft spot for M/M novels. But this story just shows how far things have progressed in the last 30+ years and how much Moore still needs to change it’s showing a good example of where we’re going backwards as a society, because look at how much Michael went through Michael and his friends and his loved ones went through that probably wasn’t even touched on in this book but there’s still so much more that we can learn. I am just thrilled that Michael got his happily ever after because I know there are so many members of the LGBTQ community out there that may not get theirs that are still scared still hiding so just a huge, thank you to the author for writing this book and putting his story out there so the future generations will be able to read it and see there is hope they don’t need to hide especially those kids that are being raised in the Bible belt with her being told it’s wrong.
If you’ve made it this far in my review, I am sorry for my rambling. I just needed to get it out. I apologize now for the boxes of tissues that you will go through while reading this book or I guess technically it’s a series of books, but it’s so worth it stick it out to the end you will not regret it in the least and honestly once you get to the end do you really want to want to give the author a hug and say look you made It!!!!
November 8, 2025
Quintessential!!!
A marvellous refreshing story, right from the start we know its gonna be good, a perfect balance between emotion and comedy, a journey through Michael’s life, it was vastly entertaining, almost like a great chat with your bestie, I laughed several times, I was a wreck, smitten, angry, happy, sad, aroused…, surprisingly I also related to the character, the accuracy to the real life was spot on, the good and the bad, the hello and the farewell, the moments when characters drifted apart was sorrowful, truly sad, following by the excitement of new adventures, the richness of details were exhilarating, the intimate scenes were exceptionally hot, steamy hot, the writing was extremely funny, light and heavy, deep and very smart, the prefaces were funny and epilogues were suberb, the last epilogue was my favourite, the cherry on top!!!
Michael’s journey was a pleasurable experience that I’ll remember forever! I had a whale of a time with this book!!!
Standing ovation to Casey Morales for this exquisite masterpiece!!!
I have this book on Audible as well, I bought the complete series, it was little disappointed when I noticed that if you buy the bundle you lose the prefaces, only the first remained, I have the ebooks so I was able to read them, I also was able to listen for now because the separated books are available on plus catalogue, in my opinion the prefaces were very interesting and fun that unfortunately were edited out.
Jon Curtis was impeccable, he is one of the best narrators, sometimes I like to read and listen at the same time, and often enough some narrators changed a line from the book, most of the time it doesn't harm the story but it can change the meaning or the intention of the moment, Jon was very accurate to the lines, he was magnificent in his performance, stupendous acting, fully committed, the reading was clear and on point, incredible technique, gourgeous voice!
He was the perfect choice for this story, the voice was light and fresh, with a up-lifting quality, it brought charisma, innocence and vulnerability! I enjoyed tremendously!!! Congratulations!!!!
5⭐️
Cæsar
As I finished the series I decided to see Casey’s page on FB, coincidentally he was celebrating his anniversary, I was so filled with emotions that I couldn’t help myself so I wrote:
"WOW, I just finished Raised by Wolves (listening and reading, yes, I’m a weirdo, I like to do that sometimes) I was going to write my review however I decided to come here first and what do I see??? This amazing post from just a few hours, I saw the photos, I recognised some of them!!!! My eyes just sparkled, that's so amazing,..., congratulations on the anniversary!!!!"
A marvellous refreshing story, right from the start we know its gonna be good, a perfect balance between emotion and comedy, a journey through Michael’s life, it was vastly entertaining, almost like a great chat with your bestie, I laughed several times, I was a wreck, smitten, angry, happy, sad, aroused…, surprisingly I also related to the character, the accuracy to the real life was spot on, the good and the bad, the hello and the farewell, the moments when characters drifted apart was sorrowful, truly sad, following by the excitement of new adventures, the richness of details were exhilarating, the intimate scenes were exceptionally hot, steamy hot, the writing was extremely funny, light and heavy, deep and very smart, the prefaces were funny and epilogues were suberb, the last epilogue was my favourite, the cherry on top!!!
Michael’s journey was a pleasurable experience that I’ll remember forever! I had a whale of a time with this book!!!
Standing ovation to Casey Morales for this exquisite masterpiece!!!
I have this book on Audible as well, I bought the complete series, it was little disappointed when I noticed that if you buy the bundle you lose the prefaces, only the first remained, I have the ebooks so I was able to read them, I also was able to listen for now because the separated books are available on plus catalogue, in my opinion the prefaces were very interesting and fun that unfortunately were edited out.
Jon Curtis was impeccable, he is one of the best narrators, sometimes I like to read and listen at the same time, and often enough some narrators changed a line from the book, most of the time it doesn't harm the story but it can change the meaning or the intention of the moment, Jon was very accurate to the lines, he was magnificent in his performance, stupendous acting, fully committed, the reading was clear and on point, incredible technique, gourgeous voice!
He was the perfect choice for this story, the voice was light and fresh, with a up-lifting quality, it brought charisma, innocence and vulnerability! I enjoyed tremendously!!! Congratulations!!!!
5⭐️
Cæsar
As I finished the series I decided to see Casey’s page on FB, coincidentally he was celebrating his anniversary, I was so filled with emotions that I couldn’t help myself so I wrote:
"WOW, I just finished Raised by Wolves (listening and reading, yes, I’m a weirdo, I like to do that sometimes) I was going to write my review however I decided to come here first and what do I see??? This amazing post from just a few hours, I saw the photos, I recognised some of them!!!! My eyes just sparkled, that's so amazing,..., congratulations on the anniversary!!!!"
June 24, 2025
I had already adored this author having begun reading the Shadows & Secrets series and listening to the Nashville series (at the same time), when this series was recommended.
This review is going to be full of spoilers, but I need to pour out my heart.
It was recommended bc I was looking for MM romance stories of people 50+ living with HIV. TBH, I was frustrated with the recommendation. I LOVED the series, Casey's writing is brilliant and funny and soul searching and heartbreaking. But 50% in, the HIV topic was the exact opposite of what I wanted. I knew it was a memoir so I don't criticize the story, but wondered if the recommender really understood how badly HIV is stigmatized and I was looking for something NOT stigmatized.
The author is my age(ish). I am cis fem sorta het but could relate somewhat. I grew up in a strict Catholic environment but in Los Angeles and not sheltered. A college student in 1987, I was inundated with safe sex/free condoms everywhere, and by the time his story starts, I was finishing public health school and immersed in the world of HIV. I understood being sheltered, but was also VERY frustrated. I screamed "CONDOMS" so often. And no mention of testing?! In part because in my world, we preached that incessantly and it's what slowed the epidemic. Then when a partner with HIV comes up and is rejected, I understood (it was the 90s and pre-PrEP and drugs were new), but also yelled - at the recommender because this is the opposite of what I wanted. It was enhancing the stigma of HIV. Still, a memoir, so I read on because also the writing is excellent and the author was very honest.
I guessed, before the last book, that HIV would again play a role, and when it did was handled well. The story isn't *about* living with HIV so it didn't dwell on that, but a person living with HIV who finds love when they're older is what I was looking for, and this ultimately delivered.
Before I got to the last book, I was describing the story to my staff (30-40yo gay men)- we run a sexual health clinic born of the AIDS epidemic and are struggling to get people on PrEP, condom use is low, and we have a 1-2% new HIV positivity rate AND the US is slashing prevention funding and we're trying to figure out how to provide services with no $. I was ranting about the lack of condom use given this was the 90s, and the *lack* of information (we also do HIV education in schools so this drove home the importance of that). That prompted a larger discussion about the mindset of today's young gay men...
I wanted to read a hopeful story because I know many 50+ PLWH who feel very much alone. This did deliver. I'm also glad I got to the final epilogue, which explains all my questions throughout. And, TBH, we all had our "oops" moments in the 90s and 00s even with being fully aware about HIV prevention.
The series is beautifully written and its honesty makes it powerful.
I read on kindle, but am buying the box set for my office, where I have a little gay library.
This review is going to be full of spoilers, but I need to pour out my heart.
It was recommended bc I was looking for MM romance stories of people 50+ living with HIV. TBH, I was frustrated with the recommendation. I LOVED the series, Casey's writing is brilliant and funny and soul searching and heartbreaking. But 50% in, the HIV topic was the exact opposite of what I wanted. I knew it was a memoir so I don't criticize the story, but wondered if the recommender really understood how badly HIV is stigmatized and I was looking for something NOT stigmatized.
The author is my age(ish). I am cis fem sorta het but could relate somewhat. I grew up in a strict Catholic environment but in Los Angeles and not sheltered. A college student in 1987, I was inundated with safe sex/free condoms everywhere, and by the time his story starts, I was finishing public health school and immersed in the world of HIV. I understood being sheltered, but was also VERY frustrated. I screamed "CONDOMS" so often. And no mention of testing?! In part because in my world, we preached that incessantly and it's what slowed the epidemic. Then when a partner with HIV comes up and is rejected, I understood (it was the 90s and pre-PrEP and drugs were new), but also yelled - at the recommender because this is the opposite of what I wanted. It was enhancing the stigma of HIV. Still, a memoir, so I read on because also the writing is excellent and the author was very honest.
I guessed, before the last book, that HIV would again play a role, and when it did was handled well. The story isn't *about* living with HIV so it didn't dwell on that, but a person living with HIV who finds love when they're older is what I was looking for, and this ultimately delivered.
Before I got to the last book, I was describing the story to my staff (30-40yo gay men)- we run a sexual health clinic born of the AIDS epidemic and are struggling to get people on PrEP, condom use is low, and we have a 1-2% new HIV positivity rate AND the US is slashing prevention funding and we're trying to figure out how to provide services with no $. I was ranting about the lack of condom use given this was the 90s, and the *lack* of information (we also do HIV education in schools so this drove home the importance of that). That prompted a larger discussion about the mindset of today's young gay men...
I wanted to read a hopeful story because I know many 50+ PLWH who feel very much alone. This did deliver. I'm also glad I got to the final epilogue, which explains all my questions throughout. And, TBH, we all had our "oops" moments in the 90s and 00s even with being fully aware about HIV prevention.
The series is beautifully written and its honesty makes it powerful.
I read on kindle, but am buying the box set for my office, where I have a little gay library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
The Raised by Wolves box set comprises five books following Michael Reid, a naive preacher’s kid, from his late teens to his mid 30s. We see Michael confused about his first gay sexual experience (#1 My Accidental First Date); we see him experience the gay club scene for the first time and meet his first great love (#2 My Next Date); we see him get acquainted with an established gay couple (#3 My Wildest Date); we see him meet his second great love (#4 My Dream Date); and we see him meet his forever love (#5 My Last Date). Along the way, Michael takes some risks and gets his heart broken a few times, but he always dusts himself off and maintains his innate decency, optimism, and his big heart.
In the final epilogue, author Casey Morales lets us know this is more than semi-autobiographical, this is actually his coming out / sexual / romance story. Casey chooses to break the fourth wall throughout the series, directly speaking to us in asides and jokes, and this creative choice helps us feel the realism and honesty of his story as well as making us bond with Michael all the more. I could relate to lots of the stories and character choices and remember my own religious upbringing and naïveté when I came out. The series is heartwarming, happy / sad, steamy, and absolutely positive about life as a gay man. The first four stories end with a HFN with the fifth one providing a totally satisfying HEA. 🎧 Audio narrator Jon Curtis was a breath of fresh air. He has a youthful, enthusiastic, and playful voice that absolutely suited Michael in age and character—Jon did an amazing job and I hope to hear a lot more from him!
In the final epilogue, author Casey Morales lets us know this is more than semi-autobiographical, this is actually his coming out / sexual / romance story. Casey chooses to break the fourth wall throughout the series, directly speaking to us in asides and jokes, and this creative choice helps us feel the realism and honesty of his story as well as making us bond with Michael all the more. I could relate to lots of the stories and character choices and remember my own religious upbringing and naïveté when I came out. The series is heartwarming, happy / sad, steamy, and absolutely positive about life as a gay man. The first four stories end with a HFN with the fifth one providing a totally satisfying HEA. 🎧 Audio narrator Jon Curtis was a breath of fresh air. He has a youthful, enthusiastic, and playful voice that absolutely suited Michael in age and character—Jon did an amazing job and I hope to hear a lot more from him!
June 29, 2025
Hmm. While I commend the author for being so open about their personal experiences, I was really torn about this book, or books as the case may be, which leads me to my first issue—each of these stories just isn't substantial enough in its own right. They have to be read as a collection, which I was okay with, but others may find annoying. Sadly, even then, everything is so surface-level. It seems like the author has worked hard to lay the foundations, but when it came time to turn their history into an actual story, rather than a diary, they decided to publish as is, which is perhaps why two or more author's notes were necessary (at least in the audio verion). If I hadn't heard these, I might have been harsher tbh, so I'm conflicted about the content, which had some real wtf moments. The MC comes across as incredibly superficial and thoughtless, and the plot, while brutally honest, is neither a positive representation of the gay community nor original. It's a story that has been told. A lot. Negatives aside, there are lessons that young people can learn here that they may not have learned through other media, so its value can't be dismissed. Also, I commend the author on the autobiographical writing style, the humour, and the MCs very strong tone of voice. Great narration!
August 28, 2023
I enjoyed this series, two on audio and then read the others. It is fictionalized autobiography and I really hadn’t read anything like it. Grateful to the author for sharing his story. I wanted to write a quick review because there were parts that didn’t work for me, I think because it’s autobiographical. For one thing, this is not a romance. The first book is very light but it gets a little heavier. At the beginning of the series, family is very important to the author, but by the end they are totally absent. It isn’t clear whether there was a falling out or some distance taken, or if the author just chose to focus on something else. The same goes for friendships, like Dwayne and Connie.
The biggest has to do with the diagnosis. I think it’s brave to share this in a book. I also think the author’s feelings about it are personal. But I did feel like it was glossed over. The author was engaging in high risk behavior throughout but is sure where he got it, but never mentioned precautions or testing. I would think it’s a lot to grapple with but we really don’t see that at all.
I gave a high star rating because it’s well written and an interesting set of stories. It doesn’t totally work for me as fiction because of those major omissions though.
The biggest has to do with the diagnosis. I think it’s brave to share this in a book. I also think the author’s feelings about it are personal. But I did feel like it was glossed over. The author was engaging in high risk behavior throughout but is sure where he got it, but never mentioned precautions or testing. I would think it’s a lot to grapple with but we really don’t see that at all.
I gave a high star rating because it’s well written and an interesting set of stories. It doesn’t totally work for me as fiction because of those major omissions though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Wow this was absolutely a six star read.
It feels like such an honour to read Casey Morales (Matthew) life through this series. I say life and not love life because although these books feature mostly around his relationships we get to see him grow from an incredibly naive 22 year old, travel through all the ups and downs life brings him and finally get to his own HEA and his happiness and contentment with his life, relationship and career.
"So many times I thought I'd known forever. So many times I'd been wrong.
That night, beyond reason or doubt I knew that *blank* was my forever. He was my last date."
I listened to the audiobook alongside reading and it was a truly immersive experience. I was so happy and giddy at times reading this and then I'd cry and feel anger and frustration at the circumstances Matthew found himself in. I was rooting for so many of his relationships and my heart broke with his each and every time they didn't work out.
This is one of those series that I know will stay with me for a long time.
It feels like such an honour to read Casey Morales (Matthew) life through this series. I say life and not love life because although these books feature mostly around his relationships we get to see him grow from an incredibly naive 22 year old, travel through all the ups and downs life brings him and finally get to his own HEA and his happiness and contentment with his life, relationship and career.
"So many times I thought I'd known forever. So many times I'd been wrong.
That night, beyond reason or doubt I knew that *blank* was my forever. He was my last date."
I listened to the audiobook alongside reading and it was a truly immersive experience. I was so happy and giddy at times reading this and then I'd cry and feel anger and frustration at the circumstances Matthew found himself in. I was rooting for so many of his relationships and my heart broke with his each and every time they didn't work out.
This is one of those series that I know will stay with me for a long time.
May 27, 2023
"Raised by Wolves" by Casey Morales is an 'autoboyography' that had me embarking on a hilarious yet heartfelt story set against a background of self-discovery and acceptance. With skillful storytelling and a wickedly funny writing style, the author captivated me and left me longing for more.
These books follow the journey of Michael, who navigates the complexities of growing out of the tight, secluded upbringing of a Priest's kid. Morales delves into personal struggles, fears, and desires with humor and a positive outlook on life, and his writing style is engaging and humorous, creating vivid images that bring the setting and emotions to life.
"Raised by Wolves" completely blew my mind as I embarked on this journey alongside Michael. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected.
These books follow the journey of Michael, who navigates the complexities of growing out of the tight, secluded upbringing of a Priest's kid. Morales delves into personal struggles, fears, and desires with humor and a positive outlook on life, and his writing style is engaging and humorous, creating vivid images that bring the setting and emotions to life.
"Raised by Wolves" completely blew my mind as I embarked on this journey alongside Michael. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected.
September 25, 2023
funny read and great insight into gay relationships
This series was interesting to say the least. While in the beginning, it was different to what I normally read - and no, I don’t mean gay sex. I love gay sex! The more detail the better! It was the dialogue of the author speaking to the reader. At first, I put it down and thought - no. Not for me…but then I couldn’t stop thinking about it and ended up liking the authors address to the reader. Overall, I enjoyed the read. And, author - if you’re reading this, I almost cried when you received the news (HIV) I was mad at you for not being more careful! As I read the last page of he authors address- I’m happy you are still alive and well and with your last date! 😘
This series was interesting to say the least. While in the beginning, it was different to what I normally read - and no, I don’t mean gay sex. I love gay sex! The more detail the better! It was the dialogue of the author speaking to the reader. At first, I put it down and thought - no. Not for me…but then I couldn’t stop thinking about it and ended up liking the authors address to the reader. Overall, I enjoyed the read. And, author - if you’re reading this, I almost cried when you received the news (HIV) I was mad at you for not being more careful! As I read the last page of he authors address- I’m happy you are still alive and well and with your last date! 😘
December 13, 2023
Real, fun, sad, happy, and (have I said this?) Real!
In the words of the author after one section of life lived -
"Fear mingled with desire wrapped in pleasure. Yeah, that summed it up."
Yes, I felt this story in every pore.
I laughed
I cried
I chuckled and giggled
I remembered horrific times and sweet moments
My own acquaintances', good friends', relatives' and family members' trials and fears, discoveries and losses - all wrapped into this one person's narrative, and the people encountered along the biography of a life.
This is a review based on personal feelings because this story felt very personal, written in such a way that the author seems to be chatting in a familiar way with a good friend, the reader
In the words of the author after one section of life lived -
"Fear mingled with desire wrapped in pleasure. Yeah, that summed it up."
Yes, I felt this story in every pore.
I laughed
I cried
I chuckled and giggled
I remembered horrific times and sweet moments
My own acquaintances', good friends', relatives' and family members' trials and fears, discoveries and losses - all wrapped into this one person's narrative, and the people encountered along the biography of a life.
This is a review based on personal feelings because this story felt very personal, written in such a way that the author seems to be chatting in a familiar way with a good friend, the reader
December 5, 2024
Listened to the audio version on the beach this week in Cancun. Kudos to Casey for having the guts to author his own true story for the rest of us to absorb. Just sensational. Having all 5 books together under one banner means so much. You don't have to wait for the next edition to come out months later. It's seamless and you go through his whole universe simultaneously.
I find myself with a huge book hangover. Want to know if Donna walked Michael down the aisle, if Dwaine was Michael's maid of honor, if Michael still has contact with any of his "formers" (and Carter's boys), and what Michael's sister and parents think of Heath. So I guess I'll do some sleuthing when I get home.
I highly recommend this "listen". 5 stars all the way!
I find myself with a huge book hangover. Want to know if Donna walked Michael down the aisle, if Dwaine was Michael's maid of honor, if Michael still has contact with any of his "formers" (and Carter's boys), and what Michael's sister and parents think of Heath. So I guess I'll do some sleuthing when I get home.
I highly recommend this "listen". 5 stars all the way!
September 17, 2023
I was completely hooked…
Gosh, I still feel slightly heartbroken and have a feeling it’s going to take a few days or weeks to get over this book. I’m not even sure how I can across it, I’ve never read this author before, but now plan to read everything he’s written.
This is autobiographical, which I’m not sure I registered when I started reading, there’s humour and heart break, joy and hope, such a generous spirit, the biggest thing I wanted to do when I finished reading was call the author and ask him if I could give him a big hug. Seriously I don’t know how he’s remained so gracious, thank you for sharing your story Casey
Gosh, I still feel slightly heartbroken and have a feeling it’s going to take a few days or weeks to get over this book. I’m not even sure how I can across it, I’ve never read this author before, but now plan to read everything he’s written.
This is autobiographical, which I’m not sure I registered when I started reading, there’s humour and heart break, joy and hope, such a generous spirit, the biggest thing I wanted to do when I finished reading was call the author and ask him if I could give him a big hug. Seriously I don’t know how he’s remained so gracious, thank you for sharing your story Casey
September 24, 2025
Heartbreaker
I didn't know anything about this author when I started this series. I thought it was going to be just a regular story(stories) about a guy having fun and meeting his forever after. Wow was I wrong to think that. I fell so hard for Michael that I cried and laughed so hard through his ups and downs. I honestly had a hard time finishing the book because I wasn't sure if I could read anymore of his heartbreaks. But I pushed through and I am so glad I did. I'm so happy he found Heath. I'm crying writing this because I hated to see the end but am also happy that he's happy now. Love you Michael!!
I didn't know anything about this author when I started this series. I thought it was going to be just a regular story(stories) about a guy having fun and meeting his forever after. Wow was I wrong to think that. I fell so hard for Michael that I cried and laughed so hard through his ups and downs. I honestly had a hard time finishing the book because I wasn't sure if I could read anymore of his heartbreaks. But I pushed through and I am so glad I did. I'm so happy he found Heath. I'm crying writing this because I hated to see the end but am also happy that he's happy now. Love you Michael!!
October 30, 2023
** My review is for the audiobook narrated by Jon Curtis **
Michael's journey (or adventures) to finding himself, his truth, the life he wants to live, what he will leave in the past and the love of his life made for a very interesting, funny, sad and ultimately uplifting story.
It was definitely different from other series I've read, following one person from a young age to maturity but I absolutely loved it.
Jon Curtis is one of my favourite narrators and was the perfect choice for this series.
Michael's journey (or adventures) to finding himself, his truth, the life he wants to live, what he will leave in the past and the love of his life made for a very interesting, funny, sad and ultimately uplifting story.
It was definitely different from other series I've read, following one person from a young age to maturity but I absolutely loved it.
Jon Curtis is one of my favourite narrators and was the perfect choice for this series.
November 2, 2023
An educational autobiography that everyone can learn from! A series mixed with equal parts humor and heartache, the realistic journey to finding happiness at the least expected time, took me through so many emotions. The way Casey wrote this piece shows just how positive of a man he truly is, always taking his failed attempts as a lesson and finding the humor in every situation. I am genuinely happy that you were able to find your forever person in “Heath”, and wish you both nothing but happiness for all the years to come!
December 20, 2023
I binged the whole series on audible
This story was absolutely amazing, loved it soooooooo much and yes I was definitely waiting on a heath and am soooo happy to see we’re the story went.
This story is so relatable- in so many ways
I loved the innocence and naivety because we all start that way when we are growing and learning to become the people we are today.
I’m so thankful to have come across a beautiful and realistic story this is one of my top reads on 2023
Such a beautiful story 💜
This story was absolutely amazing, loved it soooooooo much and yes I was definitely waiting on a heath and am soooo happy to see we’re the story went.
This story is so relatable- in so many ways
I loved the innocence and naivety because we all start that way when we are growing and learning to become the people we are today.
I’m so thankful to have come across a beautiful and realistic story this is one of my top reads on 2023
Such a beautiful story 💜
December 22, 2023
This five book series by author Casey Morales is the true story of his life. I got so enthralled in the story and laughed pretty near all the way through. There were tears as well as relationships fell apart and life threw nasty curveballs at him. The "consciences" in the form of an angel and devil were totally comical and lovable. Constantly clothed in a huge variety of different fashion items that I found really amusing.
The style of writing is different and I am going to be looking for more books by this author.
Highly recommended.
The style of writing is different and I am going to be looking for more books by this author.
Highly recommended.
March 10, 2024
highly affected
My story is very similar. I had two suicide experiences along with being Ryan with two exes,and Donny becoming HIV positive. I also became an alcoholic, now almost 37 years sober. I, on the other hand gave up on relationships 24 years ago. Your life stirs hope. I’m seventy now and sharing a home with my second ex living next door to our son and his 12 year old. I have a daughter with my first wife and three much older grandchildren. I still don’t like me enough to look for someone, to marry excuses. I needed your story. Thank you!
My story is very similar. I had two suicide experiences along with being Ryan with two exes,and Donny becoming HIV positive. I also became an alcoholic, now almost 37 years sober. I, on the other hand gave up on relationships 24 years ago. Your life stirs hope. I’m seventy now and sharing a home with my second ex living next door to our son and his 12 year old. I have a daughter with my first wife and three much older grandchildren. I still don’t like me enough to look for someone, to marry excuses. I needed your story. Thank you!
July 19, 2024
I guess I should have looked a little deeper beyond the name, lol. I thought I was gonna read an MM Paranormal Series. Guess I should have paid attention to the cover picture, lol But to my surprise, delight and later, admiration, it was so much more. Never thought it would be the true journey of the author's life, exposed to all his experiences,
no matter how painful. A very gutsy move for the author. There was a lot of joy, sadness, steam and heartache, even ruding awakenings. In the end, it was something I thoroughly enjoyed.
no matter how painful. A very gutsy move for the author. There was a lot of joy, sadness, steam and heartache, even ruding awakenings. In the end, it was something I thoroughly enjoyed.
December 17, 2025
I laughed, I ached, I cried, I marveled - all along with the author and MC of this amazing set of books.
I felt seen and identified with so much that went on in this journey. I felt like I was learning the life lessons and receiving comfort from the words of good friends and found family along the way. Some parts made me hurt so much, I took a couple of days to recover before reading on.
And the ending, that was actually a wonderful new beginning, gives me hope for the future for myself as well.
I felt seen and identified with so much that went on in this journey. I felt like I was learning the life lessons and receiving comfort from the words of good friends and found family along the way. Some parts made me hurt so much, I took a couple of days to recover before reading on.
And the ending, that was actually a wonderful new beginning, gives me hope for the future for myself as well.
June 16, 2023
Oh man! What a journey I’ve just been on with Michael. From the beginning, where he was delightfully naive, to the rest of his ‘adventures’ both happy and sad I was completely riveted.
My heart broke for him at times and as for that Ryan!!😠 I was holding my breath when Heath came along just hoping that he would be ‘the one’😍
Apparently this is the author’s true story bravely told and I loved every word.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ well deserved!
My heart broke for him at times and as for that Ryan!!😠 I was holding my breath when Heath came along just hoping that he would be ‘the one’😍
Apparently this is the author’s true story bravely told and I loved every word.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ well deserved!
October 15, 2023
I loved this series. The author's humor and honesty compelled me to finish the series in less than a week. This series brought me back to places in my own life that I didn't think about. It broke my heart in a couple spots, and I'm normally a heartless b¡tch, but there was something about this author's story and the way he told it that endeared me. Dammit I'm even tearing up writing this review. Don't read this series if you hate emotions, or caring about other people, or dogs.
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