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Hidden Wolves #1.5
Unsettled Interlude
*Contains Spoilers for Unacceptable Risk - Hidden Wolves book 1
Paul Hunter just spent two days as a captive to werewolves, his life hanging in the balance, a witness to crimes and craziness. Now he's back in his regular life, and living with Simon, the man he's been falling for. And he's part of a werewolf pack. He needs his brain to somehow catch up with all of that.
Simon thought saving his human mate from his own pack would be the hardest thing he'd face with Paul, but he's beginning to realize that was just the beginning. He has to figure out how their future will work, and convince his skittish lover that staying with the pack is better than leaving it, while hints of threats to Paul's safety keep him awake at night. Fortunately Simon is up for the challenge.
(This is a significantly expanded version of the short story "Interlude" that was previously on my website)
Paul Hunter just spent two days as a captive to werewolves, his life hanging in the balance, a witness to crimes and craziness. Now he's back in his regular life, and living with Simon, the man he's been falling for. And he's part of a werewolf pack. He needs his brain to somehow catch up with all of that.
Simon thought saving his human mate from his own pack would be the hardest thing he'd face with Paul, but he's beginning to realize that was just the beginning. He has to figure out how their future will work, and convince his skittish lover that staying with the pack is better than leaving it, while hints of threats to Paul's safety keep him awake at night. Fortunately Simon is up for the challenge.
(This is a significantly expanded version of the short story "Interlude" that was previously on my website)
25 pages, ebook
First published April 14, 2013
About the author
Kaje Harper
80 books2,596 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 11, 2014
Written January 10, 2014
3.7 Stars - a good very short sequel to Paul & Simon's love story - thanks for that!
I really enjoyed the great and thrilling PNR novel Unacceptable Risk (4.3 stars from me). This is a 25 pages sequel shorty with more yummy stuff about these two newly bonded lovebirds.. - and in addition; Kaje Harper's stories are always quite amazing to read.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Unsettled Interlude" is a quickly read sweet story about the days just after novel ended with an dramatic resolution and a fine HEA. Everything still feels slightly disturbing and new to the still somtimes uncertain human vet Paul. He is now the wolf shifter Simon's bonded mate. Paul really love his mate Simon deep, but still there are a lot of questions. - ...Which house should they live in, , does really Simon need to be and always join a controlled wolf pack etc etc.
I must admit I was a bit annoyed at Paul sometimes, but at the same time, I really understand him. I myself would of course not just swallow and accept all the new with the world of shifters, wolves, pack battles etc. I would certainly also had a thousand questions, questioned a number of facts, rules, traditions, etc. and maybe also whined some to begin with. Thankfully, are in any case these two lovely guys completely and firmly secure with their strong love for each other.
Short, but very well written and a sequel so worth to waste a moment on.
I LIKE - Yay.. I seems to like evertything written by this great author
~~~~~~~~~~
A freebie to download here: https://www.goodreads.com/reader/3719....
3.7 Stars - a good very short sequel to Paul & Simon's love story - thanks for that!
I really enjoyed the great and thrilling PNR novel Unacceptable Risk (4.3 stars from me). This is a 25 pages sequel shorty with more yummy stuff about these two newly bonded lovebirds.. - and in addition; Kaje Harper's stories are always quite amazing to read.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
”“The beginning of everything. When you can’t get enough of your husband’s smell and his taste and the touch of his hands.”
"Unsettled Interlude" is a quickly read sweet story about the days just after novel ended with an dramatic resolution and a fine HEA. Everything still feels slightly disturbing and new to the still somtimes uncertain human vet Paul. He is now the wolf shifter Simon's bonded mate. Paul really love his mate Simon deep, but still there are a lot of questions. - ...Which house should they live in, , does really Simon need to be and always join a controlled wolf pack etc etc.
”His green eyes shone under hair that was nearly black. Across his flat pecs, a dusting of equally dark curls led the eye downward to a clear six-pack. And on down to that... Paul jerked his gaze upward, to meet Simon's grin.
“It's all yours,” Simon said.”
I must admit I was a bit annoyed at Paul sometimes, but at the same time, I really understand him. I myself would of course not just swallow and accept all the new with the world of shifters, wolves, pack battles etc. I would certainly also had a thousand questions, questioned a number of facts, rules, traditions, etc. and maybe also whined some to begin with. Thankfully, are in any case these two lovely guys completely and firmly secure with their strong love for each other.
Short, but very well written and a sequel so worth to waste a moment on.
I LIKE - Yay.. I seems to like evertything written by this great author
~~~~~~~~~~
A freebie to download here: https://www.goodreads.com/reader/3719....
November 28, 2014
3 Short Stars
Hmm... This is a small story following the events of Unacceptable Risk and although I did think that more was needed to the story to resolve the problems between Simon and Paul, this story wasn't enough. It was just a few more pages that resolved nothing. Simon and Paul talked a bit about their problems and revealed a few stuff but no solution was given. I'm hoping things will be smoothed out in the next books.
Hmm... This is a small story following the events of Unacceptable Risk and although I did think that more was needed to the story to resolve the problems between Simon and Paul, this story wasn't enough. It was just a few more pages that resolved nothing. Simon and Paul talked a bit about their problems and revealed a few stuff but no solution was given. I'm hoping things will be smoothed out in the next books.
October 21, 2013
A very nice short followup to Unacceptable Risk. I was happy to see this little short because I wasn't ready to put these guys down yet!
April 15, 2013
This free short story (about 10,8K) featured Simon and Paul from Unacceptable Risk. It is advisable to that one reads that book first because some of the things here will make more sense...
I love this ... I'm a sucker for established relationship, especially when the couple is dealing with issues by TALKING.
Here, we dig a bit deeper on Paul's discomfort with the violence within werewolf pack -- how easy for pack to kill or how big the power of an Alpha is. I love that he addresses his concerns and Simon tries to explain, to make Paul understand.
While yes, Paul does ask Simon, when push comes to shove, will Simon "chooses Paul or pack", but I don't think it's a kind of ultimatum. As a bonded mate, they sure still have things to work out ... but that's just like any kind of relationship. And I love that. Then there are those sweet moments (like Simon offering to cook, or Paul asking Simon about keeping kittens as pets :p)
Now I can't wait for Aaron's freebie story. Considering I wasn't fully satisfied with his story.
I love this ... I'm a sucker for established relationship, especially when the couple is dealing with issues by TALKING.
Here, we dig a bit deeper on Paul's discomfort with the violence within werewolf pack -- how easy for pack to kill or how big the power of an Alpha is. I love that he addresses his concerns and Simon tries to explain, to make Paul understand.
While yes, Paul does ask Simon, when push comes to shove, will Simon "chooses Paul or pack", but I don't think it's a kind of ultimatum. As a bonded mate, they sure still have things to work out ... but that's just like any kind of relationship. And I love that. Then there are those sweet moments (like Simon offering to cook, or Paul asking Simon about keeping kittens as pets :p)
Now I can't wait for Aaron's freebie story. Considering I wasn't fully satisfied with his story.
May 29, 2014
Unsettled Interlude is right! Reads like the missing epilogue from Unacceptable Risk, it's the morning after the events of the first book and this sets up a bit of what'll be happening in the second book of the series: . We get a bit more of Aaron which is nice and there are a few sweet scenes with Simon and Paul that help balance out the tension that is pretty strong after what they went through in book one.
I'm not sure if the second book will touch on anything that was discussed here but if it doesn't this may be required reading before heading off to book two.
ETA: Bumping up my rating on this one after a re-read of the series. Loving Paul and Simon here.
I'm not sure if the second book will touch on anything that was discussed here but if it doesn't this may be required reading before heading off to book two.
ETA: Bumping up my rating on this one after a re-read of the series. Loving Paul and Simon here.
May 25, 2013
Starting exactly where Unacceptable Risk left off, this short story deals mainly with Paul and Simon coming to terms with the events from the last two days, so don’t try to read this as a standalone because it contains major spoilers for book one, for that reason alone its hard to do a non spoiler review so sorry, this won’t be a long in-depth one.
The person who is struggling most is Paul. As a human he finds it hard to understand the pack mentality and he’s still not sure that the decisions he’s had to make very quickly are the right ones. He knows by this point he does love Simon …but is it enough to give up the life he’s built up for himself and can he ever adapt to being part of a pack?....please read rest of review at http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/05/...
The person who is struggling most is Paul. As a human he finds it hard to understand the pack mentality and he’s still not sure that the decisions he’s had to make very quickly are the right ones. He knows by this point he does love Simon …but is it enough to give up the life he’s built up for himself and can he ever adapt to being part of a pack?....please read rest of review at http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/05/...
April 15, 2013
It's probably best to read this one right after Unacceptable Risk, since it takes place directly after that story.
Paul is still coming to terms with being part of a pack, what that means for him, for Simon and for them as a couple.
I like that Simon is open and honest with Paul, doesn't try to make it easier or better than it really is, and he listens to Paul's concerns and takes them seriously.
There are also some lighter moments and since I've already read Aaron's story, I know how the kitten thing is going to turn out.
Paul is still coming to terms with being part of a pack, what that means for him, for Simon and for them as a couple.
I like that Simon is open and honest with Paul, doesn't try to make it easier or better than it really is, and he listens to Paul's concerns and takes them seriously.
There are also some lighter moments and since I've already read Aaron's story, I know how the kitten thing is going to turn out.
January 31, 2014
This starts out where book 1 Unacceptable Risk leaves off. Newly bonded Paul and Simon are working out their relationship and the possibility of fallout from the other pack. Paul is trying to deal with his conflicting emotions and feelings from the last few days. The abrupt bonding is having is leaving Paul feeling unsure and uneasy. And Simon is trying to keep his fears for Paul's safety to himself.
my issue with this....too short! onto the next book! YAY!
my issue with this....too short! onto the next book! YAY!
December 20, 2020
This is more of an epilogue of the first book in the series than a separate short story. It starts the morning after the ending of …. and adds a little bit of closure to some aspects of Simon and Paul’s relationship, in addition to showing how the (spoiler for the previous book)
The perfect bridge to the following book.
The perfect bridge to the following book.
April 16, 2013
Very good short story follow-up to Hidden Wolves 1 Unacceptable Risk. (And has the extra bonus of being free.)
Steer away if you haven’t read Unacceptable Risk since this story is set immediately after the events in that book. (And I don’t think things are easy to understand nor will you really feel for the characters without reading that book first.)
Here, Simon and Paul are adjusting to their post-mate-bond life, and the new pack. Although Paul loves Simon, he still has some reservations about the pack’s rules, and Simon realizes that life (and relationships) aren’t easy just because you’re bonded.
I dug Simon and Paul’s chemistry in book 1, so it was a treat to read this story (an expanded version of an earlier short that Harper had on her website.) Simon is trying to balance protecting his mate while being honest about what it means to be “pack,” and Paul is struggling with his love for Simon, and also how pack policies clash with his moral beliefs. At the core though is still their love, which was very palpable even as they were disagreeing with each other.
I’ve read book 2 in the series, Unexpected Demands, and can say that their story continues there. Although the focus is on pack alpha Aaron in book 2, Simon and Paul are major side characters, and you’ll get a good dose of them as they continue to strengthen their bond and love.
If you liked book 1, you’ll probably dig this short, and it will provide a nice bridge to book 2. I’m definitely looking forward to any more from the Hidden Wolves series. I think Harper excels at creating sympathetic characters and interesting/sexy relationships, so it’s always fun to read them.
This story is available free on both GR and Smashwords.
Steer away if you haven’t read Unacceptable Risk since this story is set immediately after the events in that book. (And I don’t think things are easy to understand nor will you really feel for the characters without reading that book first.)
Here, Simon and Paul are adjusting to their post-mate-bond life, and the new pack. Although Paul loves Simon, he still has some reservations about the pack’s rules, and Simon realizes that life (and relationships) aren’t easy just because you’re bonded.
I dug Simon and Paul’s chemistry in book 1, so it was a treat to read this story (an expanded version of an earlier short that Harper had on her website.) Simon is trying to balance protecting his mate while being honest about what it means to be “pack,” and Paul is struggling with his love for Simon, and also how pack policies clash with his moral beliefs. At the core though is still their love, which was very palpable even as they were disagreeing with each other.
I’ve read book 2 in the series, Unexpected Demands, and can say that their story continues there. Although the focus is on pack alpha Aaron in book 2, Simon and Paul are major side characters, and you’ll get a good dose of them as they continue to strengthen their bond and love.
If you liked book 1, you’ll probably dig this short, and it will provide a nice bridge to book 2. I’m definitely looking forward to any more from the Hidden Wolves series. I think Harper excels at creating sympathetic characters and interesting/sexy relationships, so it’s always fun to read them.
This story is available free on both GR and Smashwords.
February 2, 2015
I read this one a little out of order (after Unexpected Demands), and I was little sad seeing Paul and Simon so unsettled here after knowing how happy they eventually end up.
Love these two!
Love these two!
April 14, 2015
I loved the first book in this series, Unacceptable Risk, quite a lot, but I found this short follow up rather tedious. Paul whines a lot about the events that happened at the end of Unacceptable Risk and there was no steam at all to offset the whining. I really liked Paul in the first book and I get he's had to face a lot of reality shifts in a short period of time, but I really just wanted to give him a time out.
It's a short read, at least, so I would probably still recommend reading this one between the first two books, but just be ready for the whining.
It's a short read, at least, so I would probably still recommend reading this one between the first two books, but just be ready for the whining.
March 29, 2015
This is a nice little companion piece to the first book. Paul and Simon are bonded, they're together, but not everything is smooth sailing. Paul has a lot to learn about the shifter world and it doesn't all jibe with his values. The balancing act these two are going to have to go through is only just beginning, but I like its start. :)
December 2, 2014
i loved seeing this couple again. I didnt plan to contuine this series but I would if these guys got another book.
September 11, 2019
This was a great little follow up from book one that really gave a bit more information on how they are settling into a relationship and dealing with all the changes. I really enjoyed it and it left me wanting to read more ... so on to book 2.
July 2, 2021
I'm glad this short exists. It feels like the necessary epilogue that book one was missing. I'm glad it came with the book
October 3, 2015
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because of the ethical issues this tackles.
March 24, 2018
A short, but sweet, follow-up to book one, Paul and Simon are still feeling their way into their relationship. With an unconventional start, the bonded mates, one human, one wolf, have to establish trust without neglecting other things that will make them a happy couple and this story serves to remind them about all the issues.
Love this series!
Love this series!
March 20, 2020
I love that even though they're bonded, Simon and Paul have plenty of things to work out between them still. So much more realistic than instant-agreement in mates, making them both feel more like real people to me. Lovely!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
Read in 2021 edition of Book 1.
September 21, 2013
Oh, lovely sequel to Unacceptable Risk.
Laughed out loud at some of Simon's jokes. Really like his take on things. And I'm glad that I get to read more about this pair.
Laughed out loud at some of Simon's jokes. Really like his take on things. And I'm glad that I get to read more about this pair.
April 15, 2013
It was wonderful coming back to these two men after having read Unacceptable Risk. Paul still struggles with what he had witnessed in the first book, and one has to wonder if this will cause problems between Paul and the pack. However, the love that is between Paul and Simon keeps growing stronger.
I love this Hidden Wolves 'verse, and anytime there is a new read in it, I'm going to grab it up with both hands!
I love this Hidden Wolves 'verse, and anytime there is a new read in it, I'm going to grab it up with both hands!
December 27, 2014
It wraps up the first novel very well and sets up some of the issues for the second, but mostly it is simply a short, delicious read all by itself. I recommend reading it afterUnacceptable Risk so that it does not spoil any of the novel it helps wrap up.
November 8, 2013
Thank you, Kaje, for giving an extended glimpse into Simon and Paul right after the events of the meet. It was wonderful to see them continuing to work on their relationship and try to understand each other's perspective!
Love these guys.
Love these guys.
April 28, 2021
This is a short novella continuation of the Simon and Paul story. Set right after the last book ends. Paul struggles on how a human will fit into a werewolf pack. Simon is very accommodating. Off to read book two. This book was a bonus at the end of book one.
November 30, 2014
This is a great little addition! Like any newly weds Paul and Simon are still figuring their new lives out.
March 5, 2016
Nice addendum to the first. Made me like the Alpha more and has me curious to proceed with the series.
January 15, 2016
This was the epilogue I felt was missing from book one.
July 1, 2021
I read this story as part of this two book collection: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
If you read my review to Unacceptable Risk the review for this book is at the bottom since I reviewed both together. I'm going to post here, my review for 'Interlude'.
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
If you read my review to Unacceptable Risk the review for this book is at the bottom since I reviewed both together. I'm going to post here, my review for 'Interlude'.
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
November 23, 2016
Wow! Book one definitely left Paul and Simon on thin ice, but they were headed toward solid ground. This absolutely showcases how far they have to go. Paul is SO not ready for all the stuff involved in being part of a pack but he absolutely adores and loves Simon so he’s willing to work on it. He’s afraid of their moral compass but is beginning to understand their pull as well as their needs.
Simon, on the other hand, is all in with Paul and the pack, but he’s SO worried about the potential threat to both the pack and especially to Paul. He wants to protect them but he also needs to convince Paul that staying with the pack is for the best.
Together these guys are a bit stressed. BUT they don’t run from each other. Instead they stick it out and work with one another. That’s awesome. I love that about their relationship.
I know book two is about a new couple but I really hope we see a lot more from these guys, too, so that we get to see their relationship cementing.
Kaje is a gifted writer and this is such a compelling series! Highly recommended.
Simon, on the other hand, is all in with Paul and the pack, but he’s SO worried about the potential threat to both the pack and especially to Paul. He wants to protect them but he also needs to convince Paul that staying with the pack is for the best.
Together these guys are a bit stressed. BUT they don’t run from each other. Instead they stick it out and work with one another. That’s awesome. I love that about their relationship.
I know book two is about a new couple but I really hope we see a lot more from these guys, too, so that we get to see their relationship cementing.
Kaje is a gifted writer and this is such a compelling series! Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews