Reviewed by Morgan
Title: Unwanted Appeal
Author: Kaje Harper
Series: Hidden Wolves #2.5
Heroes: Aaron/Zach, Simon/Paul
Genre: MM Paranormal
Length: 66 Pages
Publisher: Kaje Harper
Release Date: April 24, 3013
Available at: Smashwords
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: A free sequel to, and contains spoilers for, Unexpected Demands – Hidden Wolves Book 2.
Werewolf packs traditionally stay aloof from one another, but gossip still spreads like wildfire. Whispers and rumors about Simon and his mate-bonded male lover, and the pack’s experiences with human were-hunters, are still making the rounds. Aaron, the Alpha of Minneapolis West, would love to see his pack’s fame fade into the past. But the arrival of two strange wolves makes it clear that for some outsiders, his pack is still considered a pariah, or a threat. For others, it has unwanted appeal.
Review: GAH. Another super intense story. This time we start to see a crack in Aaron’s leadership… or do we? There’s so much pressure on him. From outside the pack, inside the pack, between him and Zach and inside his own mind.
In fiction land it would be easy to make this the “gay pack” and let it magically attract all gay shifters. It’s a pretty gutsy move to have the pack NOT move in that direction. Instead, Aaron tries to keep his pack off the radar – for good reason – but it’s just not that easy.
I loved that we get a little more inside Zach’s head in this story. A look at just how much Aaron means to him. Their relationship is balanced on a knife edge but I think, with this story, we see it definitely moving toward solid ground.
The smexy times are abundant and hot in this short-ish story but the feels are abundant as well.
I think it’s fascinating how Paul and Aaron interact with one another. Finding yourself essentially in a new government – a dictatorship – has to be mind blowing. Knowing you absolutely cannot let it get to you or it could be agony for your lover/mate must be so difficult for Paul. I love their byplay in this story.
It’s hard reading how unsettled Aaron and Zach are but still lovely to see Simon and Paul.
This is an exciting and intense series – highly recommended!
On to Book 3!
Overall Impression: It was amazing!
*I obtained my own free copy for my review.*