This is the story about Ness, and she is a only a couple of months away from eighteen. When is forced to get back to her old town and the pack that’s living there. But can she really belong to the people that has never been there for her.

This story is captivating and full of action and has you keep guessing what’s going to happen next. Can’t wait to read book two, A pack of wows and tears. So I can learn what is going to happening next. I read this one in one sitting, so good is it.

I was given this book to give an honest review from netgalley.

Fall foliage is beginning to transform into bare branches and blanketed snow, and the colder the weather gets, the more reason readers have for staying indoors with a cozy new read. Whether you're in the mood for a steamy romance, heart-pounding thriller, or riveting historical fiction, there's a book for everyone on this list. Check out our list of the best books winter 2018 has to offer, complete with publishers' descriptions.

I should probably start by saying I hadn't read a full-length werewolf book in a while before this one, so I was really excited. I've always associated werewolf books with amazing romance stories filled with tension and action.



First impressions
Going into this book, the beginning struck me as quite lackluster. I obviously wasn't sure what was going on, and the mundane scene that starts us off doesn't make matters easier. My excitement for the story wobbled. Because, as a reader, at the beginning I want to be curious, but also have enough answers to keep me reading. I hope things would speed up and get more interesting as I kept turning pages.



Patience is rewarded
Soon enough, I was reading about complicated pack dynamics and quite an unfair leadership system. No matter because Ness is prepared to defy it. Well, not actually prepared, but willing enough.

I think my favorite thing about this book, and something that surprised me, is how at all times there seems to be something that is being withheld from you, like there's something the book isn't telling you and you keep reading because you're desperate to find out. Some books are pretty straightforward with how they tell the story, and I appreciated this one had a bit of technique to it.

I read the thing in one day because of it.



Should we root for the suggested couple?
Liam Kolane is the apparent heir to the pack, after his father died. But the pack has other rules for assuming the Alpha role, as it's more about other skills than genetics. That's all great. The thing is, most of them are mysoginistic assholes.

Ness is convinced Liam is one too. His father had been the worst of all and she's wary of trusting his son.

Liam does something really disturbing at one point, and Ness is... she is outraged. And from that point, it was hard for me to imagine an outcome in which he can redeem himself. The story does try, but by the end, I wasn't completely convinced.

He has his good qualities, but it was hard for me to root for them 100% after that. I did like that Ness has a hard time for a while too. At least there's that.

Maybe if there'd been more scenes in which they bonded emotionally, like really got to know each other. But there weren't a lot of those, so the romance part was a little wobbly for me. I hope we can explore this further in the next book because I'm genuinely curious about it!



And finally, more questions than answers
The main conflict of this book was solved, which I was grateful for. My patience paid off! But oh my god, that ending was... mysterious. I mean, this book tied things up pretty neatly, but just when I thought I knew what this was all about, some clues were dropped that I just couldn't ignore. They're related to the romance so you can bet I'm dying to see if my theories are correct!


This werewolf story was slightly different than the usual ones, and I'm happy I got to read this one. The characters have potential, even the morally questionable ones, and I can't wait to see how it all ends.

*I received a free copy of this for review from Netgalley*

3 stars. The story was okay. I found the pacing a little weird in some places as well as how or when things were revealed. I somehow didn’t see the twist coming so that was pleasantly surprising but it also took me a while to work my through this book because while I enjoyed it I wasn’t eager to get back to it every time I put it down. I don’t think I’ll continue with the series.

A very good paranormal book that kept me hooked till the last page.
The book was engaging and entertaining. I loved the style of writing and the cast of characters.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Twilight Press and Netgalley for this ARC

Dear reader, if you like a light read, or you're in a mood for a light read, my friend, this book is for you.

With a decent storyline, a badass female main character (woot woot!), charming male lead (oooh), well written side characters, romance, action, mystery and et cetera, the writing was pretty good. There's a satisfactory balance between plot and romance. The themes aren't too heavy or mature. It's honestly the perfect YA read.

However, if you're a reader who prefers heavier, more mature reads, this isn't for you. It suitable for a younger audience or people who just enjoy books that lack extreme depths. The book is mildly superficial and it doesn't bring originality to the genre. But that shouldn't discredit it.

A Pack of Blood and Lies, while it isn't the most fantastic book out there, certainly is entertaining and honestly, a really pleasant read that i had on my vacation. I enjoyed it and am curious to see what the in store for our lovely MC in the next book in the future to come.

I really enjoyed this, though I felt the plot was a little tenuous in places but I felt that by the end this wasn’t an issue. I liked the characters and their chemistry and I felt it was well-written and I’m excited to read the next one.

Ness challenges the patriarchy in this fun, yet problematic, young adult paranormal romance.

You’ve probably read this book before – a young woman goes up against an all-boys club. You’re going to come across all the familiar stereotypes: the one guy who supports you; the one guy you think is a good-ole-boy, but secretly supports you and your agenda; the cadre of women not supporting you and actively antagonizing you; the one female character cheering you on; etc. They all make an appearance here, and, for the most part, they are enjoyably written. Add in a sarcastic narrator, shape shifting, romance, friendships, and betrayals and you got a fun, if predictable, novel. It’s not bringing much originality to the story or structure, but what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in consistency. It’s like eating chicken noodle soup – pleasurable, if not all that exciting.

I had two major issues with this book. First, Ness ends up attracting a lot of male predators. Even her romantic interest does some shady shit that did not sit well with me. The behaviors she experiences with these men were problematic and not well addressed. Add on to the fact she is seventeen-years-old and I have a whole world of concerns. I’m unsure I would want my daughter reading this book, thinking that some of these behaviors are okay as long as the person apologizes to you. There is a difference between forgiveness and ignoring problematic behavior.

My other issue involved the weird love triangle between Ness and two of the men in her pack. I’m…unsure why there is a love triangle? It was pretty obvious the author wanted Ness with one particular guy. The other love interest was 10 years older than Ness, away for the majority of the novel, and only appeared to take away from the other romantic lead. I get the impression the second novel will only grow the love triangle, but why? What, really, is it adding to the story other than unnecessary drama? All that said, I was entertained and engaged during the read. I may have found it problematic, but I still intend to read the second book in the series.

<b>tl;dr A paranormal romp with a fun premise, interesting characters, and problematic relationships made this an uneven read.</b>

A Pack of Blood and Lies opens with Ness, our protagonist, heading home after a long day cleaning houses. The only hints we get that she is a werewolf are the detailed descriptions of scents. Working multiple jobs to afford her apartment after her mother died, Ness starts off as a relatable heroine. A strong woman trying to live her life with the help of some close friends. Unfortunately, as the story progresses, and Ness is whisked off to Cinderella-type servitude for her relatives, she becomes completely unrelatable and seems to loose ay cognitive capacity she had at the beginning of the book.
Being just under 18 years old, Ness’s extended family are able to force her into going back to the Colorado town she grew up in. And they are werewolves. Well, the men are. Ness is the only female werewolf in town and this leads to some typical reactions: hate, envy and lust. Ness decides to compete against the men to become the next alpha of a pack that didn’t except her and ignored her when she was a child and her father was killed. This seems ridiculous, and you are correct. Ness decided to compete just to irritate her family, but as the book progresses, she realizes that was a dumb reason and tries to back out of the competition (mostly unsuccessfully).
While competing in the three alpha challenges, Ness somehow has time to go on some dates and fall in love with Liam, the son of the hated and now-deceased alpha. Ness treats Liam pretty terribly right from the start because of her (completely justified) hatred of his father. However, she finally recognizes he isn’t so bad, and is really really hot. Like, super-hot. Ness is very clear about that fact.
Add to all of this a crazy soap-opera-like and convoluted back story with some side characters and a magic artifact that somehow prevents female werewolves from being born, and you have A Pack of Blood and Lies. The book started in a better place than it finished, but I have no interest in reading it again. The characters didn’t seem to have reasons for their behavior, and I hated the ending. (Ness, why, WHY?). With nothing but a pretty cover to recommend it, and no redeeming parts to the romance, I would warn people who expected a story in the vein of Stray by Rachel Vincent or Paper Princess by Erin Watt that they will be disappointed.

A Pack of Blood and Lies
(The Boulder Wolves #1)
by 
Olivia Wildenstein

Please note: This book is yet published. It is not available on Amazon.com for pre-order. The Publication Date, as of 11/19/2018, is scheduled for4/18//2019

I received an eARC via NetGalley and opting to leave a fair and honest review.

A fascinating, nail-biting romance reminiscent of Bitten by Kelley Armstrong! I loved the characters and had several #whychoose? Moments. Truly gripping and fun! I loved it enough that I will put this on my re-read wish

Werewolves are real. And Ness is one of them. She and her other left her pack after her father's death. Left because, in the Boulder Pack, werewolves were never female. She returns, somewhat against her will, when her Uncle Jeb and Aunt Lucy track her down in LA and drag her back to Boulder. A moment of poor decision making lands her in the Competition to become the Alpha of the Pack.

Ness is a perfect blend of alpha female and vulnerable child. She is too proud to ask for help and too set on finding out who murdered her father and why. She is also set on keeping Liam from taking his rapist father's position of Alpha. The friction between them is sizzling. There is also a big spark between Ness and August. I hope these three and Lucas, the cranky one, all star in the next one as this is a series I can't wait to continue.

The Competition is a phenomenal blend of the Hunger Games and boot camp for wolves.

Ms Wildenstein's work reminds me of a YA Werewolf version of Interview with the Vampire.

I highly recommend this.

5 big furry paws out of 5.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

Ness is the only female werewolf in a pack of males, shunned and a virtual outcast after the death of her Father and her Mother's relocation to LA. Even though Ness has been happy in LA she is forced back to Colorado by her Uncle and Aunt after her Mother's death - and that is where the action really begins as Ness finds herself in a contest to be the next Alpha of the pack.

Ness is a strong female protagonist who pits herself against the sexist views of the all male - beside her - pack in an attempt to change the attitudes and actions of the pack. What she encounters is stern opposition, a conspiracy to see her fail and the possibility of death for both her and the people she loves.

Warning, this title is not suitable for younger readers due to certain themes and storylines.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy to read and give my honest opinion.


My first book by this author and it was a great ride. Otherworldly phenomenon of werewolves and pack rules that will hook you and not let go until that huge cliffhanger at the end. Ness is the only female werewolf in the pack, and after reading this through the author tells you why. Her and her mother were ousted from the pack after her father was killed. After her mother passes, the pack wants her back and her family comes to take her home. The Alpha of the pack is dead and now there will be a fight for a new Alpha. Ness throws herself in the pile of wolves vying for the next Alpha. With danger no matter where she turns Ness doesn't give up.

What did I like? It's a really great story and I just can't give it justice. Liam and Ness are doing a sort of dance that makes you want to see them as a couple. Even though his father wasn't a good man Ness paints Liam in that same light believing the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He is jealous of her around any other man and it's easy to see.

Would I buy this book? Yes, I'm sure this is going to be a lovely series and I can't wait for the next part!

Five stars of fun.... I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great new shapeshifter series.

A Pack of Blood and Lies is an amazing story following Ness, a werewolf shifter, who is forced back to her old home in Colorado. Unfortunately for Ness things aren't a seamless transition as she finds herself shunned by her old pack, and discounted for being born a girl.

I don't want to spoil too much so I won't, but the only thing that absolutely needs to be said about this book is how great it was! To say I loved it would be a complete understatement. I engulfed it in one sitting, and wish I had the next one to continue the journey with Ness. I loved the dynamics between her and the pack, and I loved her determination. I loved how it tackled sexism in the pack dynamics, and how Ness was not about to stand for that at all. This was everything I wanted in a werewolf shifter book, and more. I adored it.

I cannot wait until the next book is available...I need it in my life.

This story is a 4,5 stars and I got it from Netgalley

Overall, this books was really good. The plot is well developed, the flow of the story is pretty good and the characters are easy to like. However, I feel there were some flaws that could be optimized.

First: at the beggining, it felt like the story started at the middle or as an spin-off of another book. The way the narrative goes felt like the author didn't focus on explaining things or presenting Ness as a characters. Instead of being something like "I'm... or I'm used to doing... or "It happened like that", it happened more like "and then that happened! or but you should have seen that. Of course it's a mild exageration, but it explain how it felt. Just a bit more of developement at the first few chapters would be cool.

The whole plot is good, but still feel a bit unconnected. There's a mistery or maybe more than one (and that's the problem: I'm not sure lol), and we kinda can see the culmination, but at the same time we cannot because it felt like maybe it wasn't a mistery or maybe the story didn't have a definitive finale at the time it was written.

In the other hand, we have very handsome young men, who are a bit arrogant and maybe disrespectful at some points but we can like them because it was just a facade. Matt is my favorite, though.

Ness is a good girl too. I could feel her lonelyness at some points, even if she didn't and it was sad =/

To end this "review", the bad guy was a surprise to me, even though I knew he wasn't being honest about what he "preached". I'm eager to know what the alpha will do to the pack and with said bad guy. I hope the next book is out (or avaliable) soon.

Took a little while for it to build, but I really enjoyed where it went once it started. Looking forward to the series!

I just didn't enjoy this novel very much. I thought the premise sounded intriguing. Unfortunately, the execution was lackluster. The main character, Ness, was very unlikable, and I'm not sure if we were supposed to be rooting for her or not. There are many scenes where it feels like the reader should be agreeing with her; however, I usually found myself rolling my eyes at her. She was the most fleshed out, but she ultimately had little redeeming qualities. The other characters fell into this trap: They're mean to the MC, so they're antagonists and bad people. Wait, turns out they misjudged her; it's alright -- they're good people now. This happened a lot. It seemed like a lot of characters would be introduced as though we were supposed to already know them. For example, there's a scene where Ness goes to a club with her coworkers. Except prior to that, we've heard nothing about her coworkers or that she even has any that are around her age.

Normally, I don't mind unlikable characters as long as there are other elements to make up for it. That didn't happen here. The plot felt like it was being made up on the spot with seemingly a new plot twist every few chapters or so. The prose took me out of the story quite a bit, as though I could imagine someone going, "This will be a great scene right here!" Some parts felt pretty creepy, too. Liam constantly being aware of where Ness was? It came off as incredibly stalkerish. The fact that he would become the love interest was clear as day from the moment his character was introduced. He shares a lot of similarities with Rhys from the ACOTAR series. In fact, I was reminded heavily of the ACOTAR series from this novel...but unfortunately, the aspects I didn't like.

Some positive things about this novel would include its readability. While I didn't enjoy it, this book was at least highly readable with a plot that kept moving (even if it didn't know where it was going). It also includes a F/F relationship while implying others. While they were only very minor characters, I do appreciate their inclusion in the story. I'd also say that some elements of the plot were interesting to read about -- such as the wolves being able to change at will, as well as the trials to become the Alpha. All in all, though, this wasn't for me.

I was actually just complaining about not having enough werewolf books in my life, right, and then I find this on Netgalley so of course I have to put in a request for it and then I get it and I'm so excited because, werewolves and the next thing I know I've stayed up an entire night to read this thing.
What I did love: Evelyn: doesn't everyone need an Evelyn in their life? Just a really Protective grandma who loves you a lot but needs some time to process after you've given her a lot of information.

This wasn't what I was expecting, there was a lot of reparative action: Ness does something --> someone reacts badly --> Ness reacts badly --> repeat. I thought that they should have learned that the same thing was going to happen each time but that was just me.

Something I don't like either was the amount of slut shaming there was? Especially between the women in this day of age, I really thought we were past the point where that was something we casually did.

I think that,
as a whole this book is missing some scenes that would have been valuable to have, like actually meeting Heath, I know that a big part of this book is that we are supposed to hate Heath on principle because of who he is and what he's done but it's easier to hate people when we've seen them be terrible in person and can think it on our own. As of now, I think that this can be a great standalone book, and I'm not really sure where I stand on picking the next one up when the time gets there but I can honestly say that I'd buy this, if given the chance and I never wanted to give up on this book.

I was so excited to read this book! Werewolves, love, mystery? Sign me up! Despite some slower moments, and moments that felt as though they lacked flow/connection, I found myself enjoying this book and my time with the Boulder Pack. Ness was strong, although I questioned, and occasionally became frustrated/confused by, the motivation for her actions. Liam was certainly swoon worthy, and I look forward to getting to know him better in the future. If you are looking for a book that throws you into the shifter world and offers intrigue, action and some romance along the way, this is certainly one you should consider reading!

DNF. Reading late into the night, I really liked the book that much. Til I got to the part of the call to go to the "job". She's 17 years old. She says "I'll have champagne", She lived in LA, but this stuff happened in Boulder? She hasn't returned in 6 years, but Liam's father is mentioned with her? Becca is in a coma, but she is somehow is in Ness' world even though her pack cousin dated her? The Heath/Ness tiny storyline was so implausible, I was done. I'm glad so many liked it, I did not. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC form Netgalley.

I loved this book, it was a wbderful fast paced addictive read, I was gripped from the start. The characters were well written, empathetic and full padded out shades of grey 'real' characters. A full length book that has no cliffhangers and although will be a series can be read as standalone. Ness is a werewolf outside her pack and is basically forced to return, she chooses to put her name in the ring t be Alpha and this puts her at odds with the former pack alphas son Liam and his pack mates. She is attracted to Liam but she can't believe he isn't like his father, who was violent. I can't reveal too much here without spoilers but it's a really good story with lots of twists and keeps on on the edge of your seat. Ness is a great strong female lead with lots of empathy with some strong females lack in some books. I loved this and I am looking forward to the next book so much , hope Ness gets lots of future books if they are as good as this.

I was given a free e-book from netgalley and the publisher for an honest review