Title: Corey
Series: The Atherton Pack 03
Author: Toni Griffin
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novella (144pgs)
Publisher: Silver Publishing (23rd November 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Ethan Stone grew up in the foster care system, moving from house to house, never having a home of his own. When he meets his mate, Corey Jones, he’s overjoyed at the prospect of finally getting the one thing he wants more than anything.
Corey’s had his heart broken in the past and vowed never to go down that road again, sticking to one-night stands only. It’s a lonely way to live but it’s better than the soul crushing devastation he’s felt previously. When he meets Ethan Corey does the only thing he can in order to protect his heart, he runs.
Ethan won’t give up his chance at love and a home that easily though, and will a costly mistake cause the entire pack to be put in danger?
Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/corey-ebook-p-60424.html
Review: This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Ethan has been in the Atherton pack for only a short time. He has hopes of finding his dream in the future but is happy for the time being and then his dream walks through the door. Corey has had his heart broken in the past and does not intend to fall in love again. But, fighting the mating pull is harder than he thought especially when his mate is pulling out all the stops to woo him. Ethan knows that they can be blissfully happy together but first he has to convince Corey to give him a chance, even when it seems that fate is putting obstacles in their path.
So we meet two head strong shifters who are both determined to have their own way, it makes for an interesting story with some heart searching but with little angst. Ethan has been alone for many years and has only ever wanted his own family, he looks forward to the day he will meet his mate and is so happy when he finds him in his new pack. Corey doesn’t want to find love again, his last attempt left him heartbroken, and he knows he wouldn’t survive another failed relationship, so when he meets his mate he does everything in his power to ignore the man even as his wolf strains his control. When the two men come to an agreement it is with hope on one side and doubt on the other.
I did enjoy this story and loved the dance between Corey and Ethan as they both try to get their own way. The story really is mainly about their relationship dance and the gaining of trust. But, it also has Tommy and Ben as they come to the end of their pregnancy. While I liked both Corey and Ethan, I found Ethan to be too confident and aggressive in his pursuit of Corey, yes, they were mates and Corey was trying to deny their bond but Ethan overrode what Corey wanted and, to me, became creepy in his pursuit. Corey is heart sore and doesn’t trust that he won’t be hurt again so you can understand him being wary even with his fated mate, there should a been a gentle courtship (yes Ethan did know why Corey was wary) to suit the situation.
There’s lots of sexual tension and some humorous situations, we also see some diva action from Tommy and Ben losing it, the threat that comes to the pack doesn’t seem to be that bad in the grand scheme of things, but carelessness could bring deep trouble.
I recommend this if you enjoy shifters finding their true mates and having to work for it, learning to be patient and accepting what you can get, accepting love and opening your heart, and giving the man, you come to love a chance.