Stolen and Forgiven (Branded Packs #1) by Alexandra Ivy, Carrie Ann Ryan

Stolen:

Alpha Holden Carter knows he is about to break the law when he decides to save the life of the dying human woman he finds by turning her into a wolf-shifter. Trouble is the woman is his mate and letting her die is not an option.

Holden is the Alpha of the Canine Pack. He is an excellent leader who hates the suffering of his people as well as all shifters that have been branded, collared, and imprisoned by the humans who fear them. The shifters are a good race that were wrongfully accused. Holden knows what it was like to live free. He tries his best to shield his pack. I really like Holden. He struggles with his feelings and tries to do what is best.

Ariel Sands was an orphaned human that was tortured and left to die on shifter land in order to frame the pack. She is a worthy heroine who struggles with everything she was taught and needs to adapt to a new life as an imprisoned wolf-shifter. She is strong and an easy character to admire.

Forgiven:

Beta wolf shifter, Soren Slater, is devoted to his pack. Years ago, he met his potential mate, Tigger Princess, Cora Wilder. He put his pack above his own needs and left Cora behind. Now they are reunited and need to work together in order to survive the SAU.

Soren is a noble character. He is brave and cares for his people. He is a loyal Beta and pack mate. He is determined and will not make the same mistake twice.

Cora is loved by her father and pack. Soren’s rejection hurt her. She still has feeling for Soren even though she doesn’t want to forgive him. Despite that, they work together well, coming up with clever ways for their packs to gel and when faced with danger. I enjoyed Cora’s character and her chemistry with Soren.

Stolen and Forgiven is an excellent read. I really enjoyed this collaboration between Alexandra Ivy and Carrie Ann Ryan. The plot was original and carefully thought out. The details and description are commendable. The story was very believable. My heart went out to all the shifters and what they endured. This is one series I will definitely want to continue to read.

Complimentary copy provided by authors in exchange for an honest review. ( )

**I received an e-copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
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Alphas never have it easy, and the trials of the River and Golden Eye Pack Alphas is no different. In a post-apocalyptic world where shifters have had to reveal themselves in an attempt to save the humans from the Verona Virus, they instead find themselves the subject of animosity. Subjected to wearing metal collars and brands that indicate their shifter status they have been rounded up into compounds - unable to leave the gated & fenced areas without explicit permission from the government.

Stolen -
Holden, the River Pack Alpha, has given up hope of ever finding his true mate when she is suddenly thrust into his life. He has decisions to make, and their results could endanger the lives of every shifter in his care... or, make the Pack even stronger.

Forgiven -
Soren, the River Pack Beta, has put the needs of his pack before his own in the past and has the ghosts to prove it. When the Golden Eye Pack is forced to move into the same compound as the River Pack it comes back to slap him in the face. Can he and his true mate overcome those ghosts to ensure the continuation of their Packs, or will their choices bring the danger even closer?

I have enjoyed MANY of Alexandra's series, and jumped at the chance to read the beginning of a new one - co-authored or not. Much like the Bayou series co-authored with Laura Wright my only complaint is they always seem to be over too soon! ( )

Our review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
--Actual rating 4.5 Skulls

Wolves, tigers, and bears. Oh my! Stolen and Forgiven was two amazing books, grouped together into a very fun new series by two superstar authors. Shifter fans will be overjoyed!

In Stolen, we meet Holden (Alpha of the River Pack) and his unexpected mate, Ariel as they try to make sense of the new world they've been thrust into. One 25 years into the future, following the outbreak of a virus that caused the shifters to come out and thus become caged by humans. Conflict, intrigue, and strong characters abound in Carrie Ann's Branded Pack debut.

In Forgiven, we are further introduced to Soren (the Beta of the River Pack) as he's forced to come face-to-face with his old flame, Cora, the princess of the Golden Pack once again. And as if their history and tension wasn't enough, they have to deal with the fact that the Canine and Feline compounds have been thrown together, more than likely in hopes that they'll just kill each other off and constantly look over their shoulders for the danger posed by the humans. Danger, sacrifice, compromise and growth are beautifully rendered in Alexandra's Branded Pack contribution.

As mentioned, if you're a shifter fan, I think you will adore this compilation. I personally cannot wait for Abandoned and Unseen. ( )