An Alpha's Path: A Redwood Pack Prequel Novella

Every thing about this book was just awful. And what is up with people publishing books without even attempting to edit them. This seems to be happening more and more often. Publishers need to crack down on this, and writers need to realize they are selling this stuff for money.

This was a horrible story. The "heroine" was seriously stupid. A woman with a Ph.D who could not decide a single thing. This woman had no desire or interest in the 2nd guy but refused, for unknown reasons, to let that be known.

She did not have to "choose" the first guy for ever. Just indicate her interest. She did nothing but let them fight over her and even then, she acted like an idiot.

Awful story. Awful. I paid .99 but it wasn't worth the month. Ugh

Ok, the title sounds good... the cover is alright. The writing sounds like something a high school teen would hand in. Here this is what is happening, exactly in detail, no suspense, no thought. I'm going to vomit a story for you to pay to read. I'd ask for my money back, if I thought I could get it.

I loved this book. Great characters and story. It's a quick read and a quick introduction to this world. It pretty much focuses on our main characters and that's mostly who we get to know, except for their 2 best friends who set them up on the date. Mel and Kade have both had their head down and focused on work for quite a while for the most part and haven't had time for anything else. Their 2 best friends get involved and say enough is enough and set them up on a date with each other. Neither knows what to expect and weren't prepared for it to be more than just a date/one night. Mel has no idea that Kade is a werewolf and that she's his mate. She has a hard time because she is a chemist and so her thinking is very fact based and logical. It creates a problem for them as she is trying to wrap her mind around it and Kade tries to give her the time she needs. I liked the way the story was written and really enjoyed the characters. There was enough to keep my attention and it was a quick read. It enticed me into wanting to read the next book in the series and learn more about the Redwood pack.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

I received a reissue copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Kade and Melanie are set-up on a blind date with each other. Kade and Mel only want one night away from their responsibilities and futures until Kade realizes that Mel is his mate. After a night of passion, Kade blurts out the truth of him being a wolf shifter, and Mel freaks out and runs away. Another shifter from Kade's pack comes forward to claim Mel is his mate, too. Mel has a hard time coming to terms with wolf shifters and being the possible mate to one. She is unable to make a choice between the two, and they must fight for the right to mate with her. Kade is afraid that another potential mate will walk away from him. Will their love overcome their insecurities? This is a great start to the Redwood series.

Melanie Cross has spent most of her life with her head stuck in a book. It had its benefits, for now she is a Doctor of Nuclear Chemistry. Unfortunately all that studying hasn't left much time for finding love or even just a little hot sex. Her friend thinks it's about time Mel got her swing back and sets her up on a blind date guaranteed to lead to a night of hot fun.

Kade Jamenson is the Heir of his family's werewolf pack. He takes everything in life seriously. Recently he's been dealt a bad hand. Kade thought he found his mate but the vicious shewolf had eyes on someone else. His brother thinks he needs to get back in the dating game and sets him up on a blind date. Kade is stunned to discover that the woman waiting on him is his true mate. Will she be able to accept his wolfy nature and join with him for forever?

Carrie Ann Ryan gets off to a spicy hot start with An Alpha's Pack. The first book in her Redwood Pack series may be a novella but it's full of sexy werewolves and an enticing story. Melanie and Kade steam up the pages with their uncontrollable lust for each other. One of the things I really like about this story is the humor Ms. Ryan so easily infused within the pages. Melanie cracks me up with her nervousness and Kade does the same while communicating with his wolf. However, it's not all laughs there are some very serious things that happen in An Alpha's Path that make this story a keeper. I like that Mel's not all `oh you're a werewolf cool let's live happily ever after.' Her scientist mind forces her to think about every aspect of her circumstances. I am very excited about this new werewolf series from Ms. Ryan. I look forward to learning more about the extremely hot and brooding Jamenson men and their spitfire of a sister.

Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC

Fair warning- this is a short novella so the read is quick. With that being said, I did enjoy it. Melanie is a heroine who is too smart for her own good. It actually works to her own detriment. This might make her a less likeable character to some but it works for this story. It is difficult to act outside the box when logic is all you know, even where love is concerned. Kade is a hero you can sympathize with, the poor guy goes through a thing or two, finding and keeping his mate. The end does justify the means though. Melanie learns that love isn't logical and Kade learns that patience does pay-off. It made for a good read and Made it worth my while to come matinee reading more about the Redwood Pack.

Short, sexy, entertaining escape into a magical world with a quirky love story.

Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist, she is career driven and ready to take on the world on her own terms after doing things dictated for her early in her life. She was only looking for a one night encounter to get out of her lab and live a little. Kade, a werewolf and the heir to the Redwood Pack has been burned by love once already and was just looking to have a relaxing night with a beautiful woman. Neither bargained on forever and though Kade knows right away Melanie is a lot harder to convince. Looking forward to visiting the Redwood Pack again.

This book is the first in The Redwood Pack series, so we start off with Kade Jamenson who is the Heir to the pack and Melanie Cross who is a human. With it being a novella it was a fast pace read, you know the ones where they have only one date and sleep together and fall in love with each other all in a couple of days.
I loved that Kade talks to his inner wolf and the way he was with his brother Jasper. I liked the Grease movie reference between Kade and Jasper. You do get a small incites into the wolf world in this book and I cant wait to read more in this series.
**Was given complimentary copy from author for an honest review**

This book is the first in The Redwood Pack series, so we start off with Kade Jamenson who is the Heir to the pack and Melanie Cross who is a human. With it being a novella it was a fast pace read, you know the ones where they have only one date and sleep together and fall in love with each other all in a couple of days.
I loved that Kade talks to his inner wolf and the way he was with his brother Jasper. I liked the Grease movie reference between Kade and Jasper. You do get a small incites into the wolf world in this book and I cant wait to read more in this series.
**Was given complimentary copy from author for an honest review**

I voluntarily reviewed this book
Melanie's unwillingness to make a decision got irritating at times but I can't take issue with it since without it the story would have been either shorter or very different towards the end. That hesitance totally fits for her chemist character faced with what she doesn't understand that can't be scientifically proven. Since I had already read recent books from this author and knew this was her first book, it was obvious to me that there has been a lot development in her writing style since, as happens with any good author. As I'm used to reading this author's contemporary stories, it felt unusual to read Kade's communication with his wolf and the wolf's thoughts

Melanie goes on a blind date with Kade and things get interesting! Melanie is Kade's mate but he's been hurt in the past and has some trust issues. She also doesn't understand werewolf life. I loved how this series started and it made me want the next book immediately. I was a bit mad at Melanie for a minute for not speaking up sooner. She could have saved Kade from so much drama. But every good story needs some drama and some headstrong characters!

Voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book

This is the prequel for the Redwood Pack series. Melanie is a dedicated chemist who's friends think she needs a social life. Kade is the unexpected recipient of the set-up. With his responsibilites within the Pack, he was looking for an easy night out. Who would have guessed that their lives were about to be changed by something so simple as a blind date? Not too long and just perfect as an introducation into the series.
Voluntarily reviewed

Review by Kimberly
Kade and Melanie meet on a blind date. It is meant to be a one night stand but when Kade sees and smells her he knows Melanie is his mate. But how do you convince a human she is meant to be the mate of a werewolf?

This is the first in the Redwood Pack series. It is a short story of about 50 pages. And it is a great short read. It will only take about an hour or two to read it but if you like man/wolf stories then you will want this book to add to your stories.

It was hard for me to get passed the werewolf terminology. Lovers of paranormal books have come to call them shape-shifters and honestly it reads better. Werewolves make you think of a hairy man walking around but Kade does actually become a wolf. And once you realize he is not going to look like "Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man" version of a werewolf it is better. **Possible spoiler - but I doubt it ** The book could have been a little longer so it did not feel so rushed for answers and we could have met Kade's opponent in Melanie's love and it would have read a little better but that being said I enjoyed it and I have the next two books in my hands (FYI: which are longer) and I think they will be just as enjoyable.

This is an extremely short read, if you blink your eye you miss something. I wouldnt even consider this a novella/ shortstory is even pushing it. I was disappointed that Kade and Melanies story was so short. I really did like the idea of the plot, but there just isnt enough meat and potatoes. The characters were likeable, even if some of the dialogue reads like a bad porn movie. I would think that since Kade is the heir to the pack that there would be more story to tell. The editing was bad, I had a blank page between chapters that made me go back and make sure I had the whole book. Everything was rushed between the characters, which made the story really annoying at times. I have ordered worse books so I wont complain considering the price. I dont know if Ms. Ryans series gets any better, I will say Im tempted to give the next installment a try.

Kade Jameson is a single successful male that holds a deep secret till he met Melanie who is a strong independent woman on a career driven path. A blind date is all it took to know these two where destined for each other. Being a chemist Mel is a very black and white kinda gal who needs facts and can't wrap her brain around the fact there is more out there in the world than what we know. The changes and lust between these two is amazing. I like the plot as it brings you into the Redwood packs and introduces you to the characters and does a good job on setting up the future plots for the next books. I can't give you to much without spoilers so don't believe me... Read it yourself!

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing start to a series!! This was Kade and Mel's story. Mel is just a human who agrees to go on a blind date little does she know it's with Kade whom is the Heir of the Redwood Pack and he's a werewolf. This is their incredible journey and all the stumbles that pave the way. Another great book by Carrie Ann Ryan!!

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
This was a great read!
I love the storytelling.
The interaction between Melanie + Kade was so cute + sexy at the same time.
They were attracted to each other.
I would recommend this book.
HEA ending!

Melanie hasn't let her hair down, pretty much ever, and now after her friends ruthless pressure she'd said yes and is heading out to a blind date. Anxious and nervous she contemplates rationality of her decision.

Kade agreed to a blind date only to escape his Pack for a night, expecting to meet a cute girl and have a nice evening he's thoroughly shocked when he smell his mate in the restaurant, deciding to do the right thing regardless he walks to his date - only to discover that it's her, his mate.

Doing the stupidest thing possible to über-logical Melanie he confesses he's a werewolf and shape shift in front of her after a night of hot sex - only to find out she won't take nicely to it and walks out. And now someone else is sniffing around her as well, and the Pack Law promises blood will be shed.

I truly enjoyed this novella! I loved the whole aspect of a blind date bring werewolf to his mate, and I loved when he freaks the crap out of her. Melanie was so conservative and prober that when something so out of the normal happened she flat out froze and refused to deal with it - of course that is where I started to get angry with her, a good story always brings out strong emotions in a reader. I wanted nothing more than to see her with Kade, letting go of some of that hard-headed logic.

Kade, oh he was good! I loved how he blurted out he was a werewolf and got laughed at, and I echo his brother's Jasper's statement of "Are you kidding me?" no one should drop that bombshell of a first date! I liked how Kade was already wounded, having to have fought over a girl he had though might have been his mate, and now he had to face the fact that he might have to fight for Melanie as well. He was kind though, considerate and sexy but very much set on waiting for Melanie to come to him - giving her the choice to choose him, instead of forcing her to be his mate. I liked it, but it was frustrating! Strong emotions again.

This story was quickly read, An Alpha's Path was satisfying, romantic, entertaining, had action and threat! A great shifter story! I'd definitely read more on the series!

The cover is great, I loved the darkness and the moodiness which went perfect with the feel of the story, plus look at those abs, yum! The cover pulls you in, the blurb hooks you and the story keeps you reading!

I voluntarily reviewed this book for the author, and it was an interesting story. It was a traditional romance storyline, faster pace, and spelling and grammar were also well done. All in all a solid story.

This was a plausible/realist werewolf story, not over the top like many.
I seriously cheered for this alpha male, and I'm not a fan of the werewolf genre. A friend suggested that I read this one and I'm glad I did.

Ms. Ryan has done an excellent job. It was a smoking hot paranormal. The plot was well developed and continued to build. If you love a good werewolf story, this one is for you.

2-2.5 stars

***warning, this review may get rather spoilerish so don't read it if you don't want possible spoilers***

This was a decent story but the sheer annoyance factor of the heroine, Mel, made me struggle to get through it. I actually found myself yelling at her about her stupidity while listening (I did this in audio) to the book. This is the first story I've read by this author and based off this I'm unlikely to try more of her work...at least unless I can be assured the heroine isn't the same type, the story itself was relatively good.

Mel is a chemist who just completed her PhD. She's gotten a position teaching that's starting soon, it being the culmination of a lot of hard work. She's been working so hard that she hasn't had a date in quite a while. Mel's BFF sets her up with a blind date for what's supposed to just be a one night stand.

Kade is an architect for the construction business he has with his family. He's also a werewolf and the oldest son of the pack alpha, making him the heir to the pack leadership. Kade thought he found his mate once but it ended up being a bad situation and she ended up with someone else.

So Kade and Mel are set up on a blind date that's also a hookup. They're in a restaurant in the ground floor of a hotel and have a room reserved for the night. Mel's freaked but does go in to meet Kade and they hit it off. Kade is surprised to find that his blind date is a possible mate. He's strongly attracted to her, much stronger than the last woman he thought might be his mate. Kade has always been a firm believer in giving his mate a choice in the matter so he decides he'll have to win Mel's heart and convince her to stay with him. Mel feels a strong attraction to Kade and they do end up in the room for the night. There's a halting start but they do have sex...a lot of sex. In the morning, Mel sees some things that freak her out and Kade ends up telling her what he is and what she is to him. Mel is too freaked to think so she gets his number and promises to call after thinking things out.

Here's where things get really dicey... As Mel's leaving the hotel, she meets another werewolf that tells her she's him possible mate as well and wants her to chose him over Kade. Mel has no interest in the new guy but doesn't want to admit she wants Kade so she doesn't tell the guy to bug off. For some reason Mel has the idea that she'll have to give up everything she's worked for to be with Kade and I'm not sure where she got that idea because I don't remember Kade telling her anything that would lead her to believe this. When it's found out that there is another possible mate, pack laws say they have to fight if she wont decide. Mel is disgusted by the thought of a fight and knows she doesn't want the other guy but yet she wont pick Kade so they don't have to fight. TBH, I just found Mel to be a real wuss. Yeah, she was being rushed in her decision making process, I get that. But through the whole story she was thinking to herself that she knew she didn't want anyone but Kade and how she missed him so much after one night. With all that crap I just couldn't help thinking that she didn't deserve Kade. Her actions were just so ludicrously stupid that I had a hard time believing that this woman had a PhD. The story does end with Mel and Kade working things out and starting their HEA.

I can't really say I enjoyed this story. There were parts I enjoyed but mostly it was ruined by my extreme annoyance with Mel. She was a wuss and there's not much I like about her except her turnaround at the end and even her actions there were a bit lackluster. Kade was a decent hero but he could have taken charge a bit more. I know he didn't want to force Mel in to anything but there's a big difference between force and standing back and letting her make all the decisions with little to no input from Kade. I have the second book already (I got it in a boxset) so I may try it one of these days if the reviews indicate the heroine is decent...

* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a very good job.

This book introduced me to Kade & Mel, but also started an addiction that other books would have to feed. An addition for the Jamensons. Fell in love with Kade. This book was the perfect way to launch into all other stories in this series

This was a plausible/realist werewolf story, not over the top like many.
I seriously cheered for this alpha male, and I'm not a fan of the werewolf genre. A friend suggested that I read this one and I'm glad I did.

Ms. Ryan has done an excellent job. It was a smoking hot paranormal. The plot was well developed and continued to build. If you love a good werewolf story, this one is for you.

2-2.5 stars

***warning, this review may get rather spoilerish so don't read it if you don't want possible spoilers***

This was a decent story but the sheer annoyance factor of the heroine, Mel, made me struggle to get through it. I actually found myself yelling at her about her stupidity while listening (I did this in audio) to the book. This is the first story I've read by this author and based off this I'm unlikely to try more of her work...at least unless I can be assured the heroine isn't the same type, the story itself was relatively good.

Mel is a chemist who just completed her PhD. She's gotten a position teaching that's starting soon, it being the culmination of a lot of hard work. She's been working so hard that she hasn't had a date in quite a while. Mel's BFF sets her up with a blind date for what's supposed to just be a one night stand.

Kade is an architect for the construction business he has with his family. He's also a werewolf and the oldest son of the pack alpha, making him the heir to the pack leadership. Kade thought he found his mate once but it ended up being a bad situation and she ended up with someone else.

So Kade and Mel are set up on a blind date that's also a hookup. They're in a restaurant in the ground floor of a hotel and have a room reserved for the night. Mel's freaked but does go in to meet Kade and they hit it off. Kade is surprised to find that his blind date is a possible mate. He's strongly attracted to her, much stronger than the last woman he thought might be his mate. Kade has always been a firm believer in giving his mate a choice in the matter so he decides he'll have to win Mel's heart and convince her to stay with him. Mel feels a strong attraction to Kade and they do end up in the room for the night. There's a halting start but they do have sex...a lot of sex. In the morning, Mel sees some things that freak her out and Kade ends up telling her what he is and what she is to him. Mel is too freaked to think so she gets his number and promises to call after thinking things out.

Here's where things get really dicey... As Mel's leaving the hotel, she meets another werewolf that tells her she's him possible mate as well and wants her to chose him over Kade. Mel has no interest in the new guy but doesn't want to admit she wants Kade so she doesn't tell the guy to bug off. For some reason Mel has the idea that she'll have to give up everything she's worked for to be with Kade and I'm not sure where she got that idea because I don't remember Kade telling her anything that would lead her to believe this. When it's found out that there is another possible mate, pack laws say they have to fight if she wont decide. Mel is disgusted by the thought of a fight and knows she doesn't want the other guy but yet she wont pick Kade so they don't have to fight. TBH, I just found Mel to be a real wuss. Yeah, she was being rushed in her decision making process, I get that. But through the whole story she was thinking to herself that she knew she didn't want anyone but Kade and how she missed him so much after one night. With all that crap I just couldn't help thinking that she didn't deserve Kade. Her actions were just so ludicrously stupid that I had a hard time believing that this woman had a PhD. The story does end with Mel and Kade working things out and starting their HEA.

I can't really say I enjoyed this story. There were parts I enjoyed but mostly it was ruined by my extreme annoyance with Mel. She was a wuss and there's not much I like about her except her turnaround at the end and even her actions there were a bit lackluster. Kade was a decent hero but he could have taken charge a bit more. I know he didn't want to force Mel in to anything but there's a big difference between force and standing back and letting her make all the decisions with little to no input from Kade. I have the second book already (I got it in a boxset) so I may try it one of these days if the reviews indicate the heroine is decent...

* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a very good job.

This book introduced me to Kade & Mel, but also started an addiction that other books would have to feed. An addition for the Jamensons. Fell in love with Kade. This book was the perfect way to launch into all other stories in this series

An Alpha's Path (Redwood Pack)

A refreshingly well-written debut novel, An Alpha's Path is captivating and enjoyable. The characters are so realistic, and even more important, so likeable. Reading this novel is like being a silent, invisible, observer, watching the events unfold, and cheering for both sides-because both sides are right, they just may not know that yet.

At age twenty-five, with a newly-minted Ph.D. and a guaranteed Ivy League Associate Professorship, Melanie is self-confident, self-assured, and capable-until her best friend starts matchmaking, pretending that she is only helping Melanie to find one blind date for one night's pleasure-that's all! But behind the scenes, Larissa and Jasper are setting up Melanie to mean Jasper's gorgeous brother Kade, who just happens to be the Alpha male and heir to the kingship of the Redwood Pack. Kade, some years back, thought he had found his mate-but discovered his mistake. No mistaking it now, though, he sensed Melanie as mate even before he saw her-and he's intending to make her his own and to mold her life to his.

If you enjoy this sexy, heartwarming story, you'll be gratified to know Jasper's story will be told in the next novel.

18+ for erotic sensuality

Melanie is a career driven young woman who has spent way too much time working and not enough time playing. So when her best friend convinces her to go on a blind date Melanie reluctantly agrees. What could one night with no strings attached hurt? Nothing could prepare her for this tall stranger whose sensuality radiated off him in waves though.
Agreeing to this crazy hook-up by his brother, Kade is ready to blow off some steam. After losing one potential mate, one wild night with a beautiful stranger is looking pretty good to him right now. But as soon as Kade walks into the bar him and his wolf senses his mate is close, and surprisingly turns out to be his date for the night.
After experiencing the best night of their lives, Kade spills his secrets. But is it too much for this human woman to handle? When a potential rival for Melanie's affections shows up, Kade's future looks bleak. Will giving Melanie time to decide on a future with him bring her back to his arms, or will she end up in another's?

An Alpa's Path was a good read and a fun novella with a heart-throbbingly sexy alpha wolf. I felt Kade was wonderfully written and I was easily captivated by him. He see's Melanie and knows she is the one for him but is understanding about her uncertainties and even though it kills him he gives her the space she needs, hoping that she will eventually come back to him. I wasn't too keen on the heroine, Melanie, though or her indecisive ways but she was smart and quirky. Their one wild night of fun definitely didn't lack in the sexiness department and is sure to get readers all fired up. The plot moved at a good pace, never a lull, while the supporting characters are appealing and left me wanting to read more of their own stories. All together, An Alpha's Path was a nice introduction to the Redwood Pack and an entertaining quickie.

A good start, a fun little read, but the grammatical and typographical errors were extremely distracting. A good friend with a red pen and an English degree would increase the value of this story immensely.