Book Review: Accepting the Alpha by J.J. Black

Title: Accepting the Alpha
Series: Great Lakes Wolves, Book 1
Author: J.J. Black
Genre: Paranormal Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Published: February 14, 2014 by Totally Bound

Can an Alpha wolf convince his straight mate to give love a chance, before an unexpected enemy tries to rob them of all they hold dear…even their own lives?

Eli Steele is a wolf without a pack. An invitation from his best friend, brings him to Grand Rapids, and a meeting with the local Alpha changes Eli’s life in ways he ever expected.
Kellan Reeves, Alpha of the Grand Rapids Pack, had lost hope of ever finding his mate until Eli came to him, looking for a pack. Realising Eli is his mate, he feels things couldn’t be more perfect…discounting the angry pack Eli left behind. There’s also the insignificant fact that Eli’s not gay. It’s nothing an Alpha wolf can’t handle.

While Eli struggles to understand his feelings for Kellan, an unexpected call for help has everyone on edge. As enemies move in and a horrifying plot is revealed, Kellan and Eli fight back, not only for themselves, but for the fate of all shifters.

amazon | goodreads

Reviewed by: J9

In a Nutshell: Good, quick read, even if the ubiquitous mate trope was in full effect.

Why I Read This Book: The gay-for-you trope is one of my het-girl faves so I read it every time I see it in a synopsis.

What I Liked: I liked both Eli and Kellan and their sexually intense relationship. I especially liked how Eli wasn’t typical of Kellan’s type but how Kellan totally looses himself in Eli’s body. Additionally, Eli didn’t become “lesser” just to be the mate to Kellan’s Alpha. Eli stood up for himself and set limits and I really liked how Kellan respected them. 

I also liked the pack set up. Kellan has all these delicious Beta soldiers around him and I just know they’d make for yummy leads in future books.

What I Didn’t Like: The mate trope is what draws Kellan and Eli together and that’s that. The sexual intimacy happens lightening fast and the emotional connection just snaps into place because MATES! As a gay romance fan I’ve read this a million times and I’ll likely read it a million more. It’s like white bread, everywhere because it gets the job done.

Additionally, the gay-for-you set up offers a little introspection on Eli’s part but it was totally overwhelmed with the mate trope.

IMO: If you like the mate trope in your gay romance then this erotic read will fit perfectly. I admit I’m looking for a little more complexity in my gay romance these days so I won’t be continuing the series, even though this read was good enough.

J9’s Rating: