Series: A Series of Fates
Volume: 1/3Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre/s: Paranormal Comedy, M/M Romance
Length: 23 500 words
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✬✰
Max is a crazy and lively teenage wolf shifter, who for years has been convinced that fate chose his pack's alpha to be his mate. The problem is that the man rejects this possibility, although he undoubtedly feels that this boy is more than just his young pupil. When Max's brutal father throws him out of the house, his best friend and the alpha he called come to his aid. The boys move into the alpha's house, and Max decides to use this situation to his advantage to eventually conquer his unwilling beloved's heart.
"Denying Fate" is the first volume of a small series of paranormal romances concerning shifters entitled "A Series of Fates" written by C.C. Dado. Although the very beginning of this volume has a rather dramatic vibe, as we read this story we quite quickly notice the undeniable humorous side of the novella. Humor is one of the most characteristic features of "Denying Fate", and at the same time is one of the greatest advantages of this book. It is not without significance that the main character, though his situation was difficult as he grew up in a dysfunctional family, didn't let this toxic atmosphere break him. He not only can laugh, but above all he lives his life to the fullest and he's the main source of humor that we find in the novella. In the case of this volume, by focusing on showing the brighter, positive side of human nature, C.C. Dado makes this story unique and different than so many others.
Another great advantage of "Denying Fate" are the characters. On the one hand, they are quite ordinary, yet they very quickly show the readers that they have in them something that makes them unique, one of a kind. What's more, each character has much more to offer than it might seem. Let's look at Max. The family in which he grew up was far from perfect, which would undoubtedly in many cases be used by other authors to build the drama and show this character as a survivor. However, C.C. Dado puts an emphasis on something completely different. Max is the one who didn't break, who didn't stop dreaming and didn't close himself to love. He is a crazy, strong and lively guy with whom we immediately fall in love. The creation of other characters looks similar, as in one way or another it also differs from the pattern, thanks to which the novella gains a lot.
The story presented in "Denying Fate" is built in the same way as the characters. On the one hand, we have here a simple, humorous romance with a bit of a dramatic vibe, which is extremely interesting and lovely. But when we look at it more closely, we see everything that has been hidden somewhere between the lines. In this novella, one small but meaningful sentence is enough to make us start seeing some events and characters in a completely different way. I think that this is a great advantage, because to some extent the story we read takes place on two planes, one of which touches the topic of the characters' emotions and psyche. However, it is so subtly presented that the reader doesn't feel the weight of serious and often dramatic subjects, such as parents' death or attempt to match their perfection.
In conclusion, "Denying Fate" is a really good and interesting beginning of a nice series in which humor combines with the elements of the drama in perfect proportions. We read this novella quickly, with real pleasure and we really want more. I recommend it!
Headcanon: When Max is really angry at Christian, he doesn't speak to him for a week, which is even worse than his constant chatter.
Fanfiction idea: Christian has to find 101 ways to apologize to Max who is really mad at him.
AU idea: Max is a crazy teenage scientist who creates his perfect mate to have someone to go to the prom with.
Here's some more about:
BOOK 1
Buy Links
Buy Links
Book Title: Denying Fate
Author: C.C. Dado
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht
Trope/s: Fated Mates
Themes: Shifters
Release Date: August 31, 2018
Overall Heat Rating: 2 flames (my stories are intended to be more comedy romance, bordering on young adult)
A Series of Fates Series and Anthology
Easter Valley is a place for shifters to thrive, protect each other, and be themselves. It’s also a place for friendships, laughs… and love. From the Alpha, to the shyest of pack members, these mates find their way into each other’s arms in this trio of romantic comedy tales, and while the path to love can be bumpy when fate is involved, the endings are always happy.
The stories should preferably read in order but can be read individually as they have their own main characters and HEA.
The stories should preferably read in order but can be read individually as they have their own main characters and HEA.
BOOK 1
Blurb
A Series of Fates: Book One
Fate is a funny thing. Some try to cut its threads, while others wrap themselves in it like a blanket.
Young wolf shifter Max is cocky and crass. Unlike others his age, he has yet to discover a talent that will serve his pack. Since childhood, he’s been convinced the pack alpha is his mate, but Alpha Christian cannot envision unfiltered and directionless Max taking the place of his elegant mother at the head of the pack. As Max begins to build a life with his best friend, he also begins to see that maybe what he thought was inevitable was all in his head, and it’s time to move on.
Or are they both denying fate?
Fate is a funny thing. Some try to cut its threads, while others wrap themselves in it like a blanket.
Young wolf shifter Max is cocky and crass. Unlike others his age, he has yet to discover a talent that will serve his pack. Since childhood, he’s been convinced the pack alpha is his mate, but Alpha Christian cannot envision unfiltered and directionless Max taking the place of his elegant mother at the head of the pack. As Max begins to build a life with his best friend, he also begins to see that maybe what he thought was inevitable was all in his head, and it’s time to move on.
Or are they both denying fate?
Buy Links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK
BOOK 2
Book Title: Embracing Fate Length: 27 222 words/ 91 pages Release Date: October 26, 2018
BOOK 2
Book Title: Embracing Fate Length: 27 222 words/ 91 pages Release Date: October 26, 2018
Blurb
A Series of Fates: Book Two
Sometimes you just have to embrace your fate.
Seth has a secret: he has a crush on the human next door. His brilliant plan to meet Jack, the man of his dreams who happens to be an animal trainer? Take wolf form and ask his best friend, Max, to take him next door for training. Seth is the only one surprised when things go horribly awry.
Still, can this shy wolf and a human meet their fate as mates?
Sometimes you just have to embrace your fate.
Seth has a secret: he has a crush on the human next door. His brilliant plan to meet Jack, the man of his dreams who happens to be an animal trainer? Take wolf form and ask his best friend, Max, to take him next door for training. Seth is the only one surprised when things go horribly awry.
Still, can this shy wolf and a human meet their fate as mates?
Buy Links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK
BOOK 3
Book Title: Fearing Fates
Length: 21 250 words/ 71 pages
Release Date: December 14, 2018
Blurb
He is a fearless protector by nature and in his heart. But nothing’s ever simple with love… or fate.
At nearly seven feet tall, Zeus’s role had always been to protect the pack—but his newest charges need him more than most. Kimber and Kron are transplants from another pack, and they have a dangerous stranger on their tails. Zeus is determined to do his duty and drive the human out of town. But when he confronts Toren, his wolf has other ideas….
Something isn’t right, but should a huge, tattooed wolf with a secret soft heart fear his fate—to love a man with secrets of his own?
At nearly seven feet tall, Zeus’s role had always been to protect the pack—but his newest charges need him more than most. Kimber and Kron are transplants from another pack, and they have a dangerous stranger on their tails. Zeus is determined to do his duty and drive the human out of town. But when he confronts Toren, his wolf has other ideas….
Something isn’t right, but should a huge, tattooed wolf with a secret soft heart fear his fate—to love a man with secrets of his own?
Excerpt from Embracing Fate
Seth walked down to the bakery to get the ovens warming and opened the window behind the sink so it didn’t get too hot. It was still early morning, but it was already at least seventy degrees out. He could smell the morning dew burning off under the sun. He spent the next few hours preparing the backup set of baked goods for the display cases. Max had come in a little while ago to get the front ready for another busy Saturday. Seth was really glad they had high school kids helping out in the afternoons now, so they didn’t have to put in such a long day. Seth was on his last batch of cupcakes. He’d grabbed the muffin tin off the cooling rack and started filling the paper cups with batter when he heard a commanding voice pierce through the window.
“Sit.”
Seth was unable to control his response as he dropped his spatula and sat his butt hard onto the floor. What the hell was that? Not even his alpha had that type of control over him. His premonition of undecidedly awful things coming ran through his mind—this is it. He barely registered the squeak of the swinging half doors as Max walked into the kitchen from the front.
“Whatcha doing there?” Max asked, leaning across the kitchen island.
Seth stared up at Max, his eyes blown wide. “I have no idea,” he said, the cupcake tin he had somehow managed not to drop still held awkwardly in the air.
“Lie down.” The voice came through the window again.
Max looked at Seth questioningly as Seth instantly fell onto his back.
“Okay…,” Max said, obviously trying to stay calm. “That was weird, right? Did you just lie down because someone outside said to?”
Seth whined, lying on the floor of the bakery in shock, scared eyes staring toward the ceiling.
Max came around the island, rushing to help Seth up.
“Okay, I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m calling Christian.” Max pulled his phone out of his pocket.
“Wait,” Seth said, needing a moment to process.
“Umm, no. We should call Christian.” Max leaned over the sink to see out the window into the backyard. “There’s a guy out back at the house next door. I think it’s the new neighbor. Maybe he’s an evil wizard or something. Is that a real thing? Oh….” He paused. “He’s pretty hot, but like not really my type. I like them with a little more muscle, to the point where their shirts stretch just a bit across their chest and shoulders, like Christian’s do. But he’s not bad, lanky, brunet too,” he said, sounding disappointed. “I prefer blonds, and he has on glasses. Can’t say I’ve ever been a fan of a man in glasses, but they fit on him.”
“Are you seriously checking out my neighbor right now?” Seth demanded, his anxiety starting to lower from DEFCON 3 as he took calming breaths.
“No, I mean yes, but not for me. Sorry, okay. Focus. Let’s get you up off the floor. We’ll call Christian and Zeus.”
Seth let Max help him up off the ground, and he peeked out the window. “Wait,” he said again, stopping Max’s hand as he reached for the phone in his pocket. “I’m not scared anymore.”
“What do you mean, you’re not scared anymore? You just laid down on the ground because someone told you to.”
“I know. And it scared me at first too. Normally I’d still be having a full-blown panic attack in the corner, probably crying a little, but I’m not.”
“Okay, so, you don’t want me to call Christian because you’re not freaking out anymore that someone is controlling your mind?” Max sarcastically summarized.
Seth shook his head at his friend. “I meant, I’m not panicking. The voice, it makes me feel different, like in a good way, peaceful almost.”
“I don’t know what’s going on, but you’re obviously not thinking clearly. You’ve lost the ability to make your own choices. I’ll have Christian’s lawyer draw up papers. I’ll be your legal guardian from now on.”
“If you’re ever the rational one out of the two of us, we’re both screwed, and I’m not insane, just curious, I guess. I don’t want to tell them yet.” Seth looked out at the stranger again. He was tall, his dark brown, wavy hair fell just past his shoulders, his nose was a little too big for his face, and Seth thought it was perfect. “Handsome but not too perfect.” His earlier words to Max about his preferences played back through his mind, making him take a deep breath.
Max leaned in next to him a bit to get a better look. “What is he doing out there?” Max attempted to whisper, watching intently out of the window.
“Zeus said he was a trainer.”
“Oh, Seth,” Max said, pausing to choke back a laugh with his fist. “He’s a dog trainer.” He snorted, apparently unable to hold it in any longer, “And you’re… you’re obeying his commands.”
Seth could barely make out what Max was saying past his laughter.
“Shit, I think I may die,” Max said, bent over the counter, holding his side. “This might be the best thing that has ever happened in my life.”
“I hate you,” Seth said, focusing his attention back out the window. Recalling his conversation with Zeus, the new neighbor was a dog trainer. Seth watched as the man knelt down in the grass and patted his leg for the dog to come. The chocolate lab bounced his way across the yard, ramming into the man.
“That’s a good boy.” The man’s purr sent chills over Seth’s body. His wolf was definitely awake, pulling at him to get closer.
About the Author
I write about painfully awkward, usually embarrassing, romance because long confident gazes followed by sexy dancing NEVER happens to me. I am a native of the Pacific Northwest, and will probably never leave. I'm like a hypochondriac sundae, with claustrophobic sprinkles, and a big cherry of anxiety on top, so I don't travel much. I read to relax my mind, so I love getting lost in someone else’s story, even if it is only for a little while.
Author Links
Twitter: @C_C_Dado
Twitter: @C_C_Dado
Giveaway
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