I'm reposting this review because I don't know what happened with my review. It has vanished. I posted it back on June 30, 2021 and it was to the new lightly edited version with the new Amazon Kindle cover. I have no idea what happened to that cover version either because it's not here except in paperback form which I didn't read. This review is for the new mobi version.

Unacceptable Risk is the first book in the ‘Hidden Wolves’ series. Also included with this book, is the next story which is Unsettled Interlude, which I’ll also review. Both stories are told from the povs of Simon Conley, a gay werewolf, and Paul, a veterinarian.



First I’ll start with the cover. The author recently had all the covers redone by Jay Aheer, and they are gorgeous. It’s definitely one of those covers that if I saw it, I’d pick up the book to read the blurb to see what it was about.

The blurb does a good job giving a quick rundown of the plot. Boy, was this a gripping story! There was so much tension in every scene. I wanted to read the book straight through, but I had to put the book down often because of the tension. I’m pretty sure the multiple conflicts won’t bother the majority of readers though. The werewolves in this series are not the cuddly type of wolves. They have a strict hierarchy and do not like gay werewolves, which means Simon has to watch his back. These werewolves fight each other and wait to better their position within the pack. They are all male werewolves with antiquated ideas. Some of the conflict is because Simon is gay and werewolves kill off werewolves as soon as they display any signs of it, even if the wolf is just a boy. More tension happens because of Simon’s attraction to Paul, Simon having to keep the secret of him being a werewolf, the aging of the Alpha, Kurt who looks poised to try to take command of the pack but who is a werewolf monster. There’s also Paul who’s had a terrible childhood, and that is affecting his attraction to Simon. Also, Paul struggles with the idea he is gay. One more dark cloud hanging over all werewolves, and not just this particular pack, is the time is soon arriving when humans will discover who and what werewolves are, and this is why Paul is a threat to their existence since he is not bonded to Simon. There is a tremendous amount of conflict happening, but the author does a terrific job of having it all make sense. The story doesn’t feel overwhelmed with all of the situations and emotional turmoil. Not all of the conflict is completely solved by the end of the first book. Book 1.5 takes up immediately the day after Book 1 ends. It reads like a very long epilogue. I think it was a good idea to include Book 1.5 with this book because it ties events together better.

Simon’s position in the pack is somewhere in the middle because he wants it that way. He figures it’ll make less waves. Simon is supposed to be the snarky one in the pack. I didn’t get that impression while he was with them, I noticed it more when he was with Paul. I won’t be giving anything away on how Paul and Simon met since it’s been mentioned as an excerpt from the book. Simon is severely beaten by Karl and others in the pack and Paul finds and saves him. From then on, Simon is drawn to Paul, and Simon’s wolf is already calling Paul, ‘Mate’. Paul is a workaholic. He’s trying to outrun all the abuse his mother did and the things she said about him. He’s trying to prove her wrong. His insecurity interferes with seeing himself as desirable. Simon tends to be pushy, he’s a werewolf after all, but tries to move slower for Paul’s sake. But trouble with the pack, lead to the revelation that Simon is a werewoif and that means death for Paul and Simon. They then have to figure their way out of it. From the first time they meet, to when they come in front of the Alpha to be judged, is about two weeks. The author did a terrific job with the revelation of each characters’ personality and the growth of each of them in that short time. Paul started as flighty, insecure, unsure and seeking haven in his vet clinic with the animals. Simon appeared as an Alpha male in relation to Paul. But as the story progresses, we see how Simon grows more caring for Paul, it’s not just about sex for him and trying to get Paul into bed. Simon grows very protective. On the other hand, Paul’s stubbornness makes an appearance, showing how he was able to keep living despite his mother’s abuse. Also, his independence streak that says he doesn’t need help from Simon or anyone. Paul reveals more about his background towards the end.

The one quibble I had was I thought the conclusion was too quick and a bit dangly, but what helped was the addition of Book 1.5 which I’ll review next.

Unacceptable Risk has a gripping plot with multiple conflicts happening with the pack dynamics and also the romantic dynamic between Paul and Simon. There’s great character growth. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes shifter stories, especially werewolves who aren’t your typical nice romantic werewolves. I give this book, 5 Stars.

*****
Unsettled Interlude is the perfect title for this short story. It starts immediately the next morning after the first book. In this book Paul and Simon get down to some serious talks about whether or not they should leave the pack or stay. Paul hates the fact that a child was killed by the pack and doesn’t want to have any part of ‘people’ that do that. Simon tries to explain why it was necessary. Simon also understands better than Paul that there are still werewolves that hate the idea that he’s gay and will come after both of them. They have more protection within the pack than alone.

I’m not sure how long after the first book this story was written but the characters’ personalities are consistent. I liked that the author had Paul and Simon debate some serious issues that weren’t resolved from the first book. Paul shows a lot more anger about the werewolves’ methods of ruling their pack.

Unsettled Interlude isn’t action-packed like the first book, but the emotional turmoil Paul and Simon are dealing with in their relationship carries the plot. Some of their issues are resolved at the end, but not all. I’d give the book 4.5 stars only because it’s more low-keyed than Book 1. But this story is just as well written and since I can’t give half stars, I’m giving this book, 5 Stars

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This pack didn't make me feel quite so suffocated as prior werewolf romances. They really are part horror to me.

Anyway, if you want authentic Minnesota setting in the dead of winter (I mean, really, who doesn't?), Kaje Harper NAILED it. I found the beginning of the book slow, but was having a glorious time knowing the names of all the cities, the geography, etc.

While beautifully written generally, there was a lot--and for me, Paul's insecurities were often so overwhelming I had to take a break from the book frequently. I really started enjoying it when the action outdid the romance, and I'm truly hoping it's a first in the series thing. 70% in though, and I think Aaron is hot because of course I do. (he's not the main character, but his charisma outdid the MCs by that point in the book for me)

Simon and Paul are sweet and I do love that it didn't seem to be an easy road for them-it's got a weirdly unrequited undercurrent for being extremely mate-pair-bonding and instalove-centered. ( )

Loved this story. Fast-paced and well-written.

One minor gripe is I wish writers wouldn't use abbreviations eg PC where I'm from means Police Constable which is NOT what the story was referring to. I had to Google to discover it meant politically correct. And there were many others that I skipped to avoid halting the story flow but otherwise, I couldn't put it down. ( )

Re-read #3 Oct 2020 -
I'll be honest, I wasn't really in the mood for any book - I had exams and was stressed and couldn't focus and was in a bit of a book burnout after a really intense group challenge - but maybe exactly because of all of it, this story came as a balm for my soul. I would work hard during the day and then, when I go to bed at something o'clock in the morning, I would read about Simon and Paul, and the easy familiarity of an old favorite soothed me enough I could fall asleep, even stressed as I was. And the first thing I did when I finished my last exam today - I sat in my favorite chair and I finished it.

I love Kaje Harper's stories. To me, re-reading her books is like warping myself in a favorite blanket and being all warm & toasty while listening to the falling rain outside. And re-reading Unacceptable Risk this time was like meeting an old friend you didn't think you really missed until you met them again by accident.

Re-read #2 Jun 2016 - This re-read around I was really annoyed by Simon's constant use of "sugar" :/ Still awesome though!

Re-read #1 Apr 2013 ( )

Loved it! Review shortly. ( )