I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

This book was one I can't even remember requesting on NetGalley, but I needed something to read one day, and just clicked on this on my kindle app, and flew through it. The Big Bad Wolf is all about werewolf princess, Kensey, who though she's still in school, her dad reckons it's time for her to be 'claimed' and to find a mate. Basically, he wants to marry her off, and Kensey really is not happy about this, especially when her dad has someone in mind who really, really is not a good match. So, Kensey hatches up a scheme with former best friend, Slade, asking him to fake a relationship so that it gives her a reprieve, if only for a little while. Slade isn't a nobody either. His dad is an alpha - not a well liked one, mind - and he wants to get away from him, and this could be the perfect opportunity for him. Kensey's dad is not happy with this plan, especially because of the reputation Slade's family has, but Kensey is adamant this is 'real', and if they can sell it, it could be the making of them both. Tested from all sides, Kensey and Slade have a lot facing them, but really, their chemistry is undeniable.

Think Romeo & Juliet when you read this book. Kensey and Slade's families are just like the Montague's and Capulet's, and their romance is just as star-crossed. Okay, it's somewhat acceptable, but both sides are against the match, and the fact that it's not real, at least at the beginning, brings with it its own difficulties. However, Slade and Kensey definitely had the chemistry and attraction, and it wasn't long before they weren't pretending, and were actually falling for each other. They weren't all cuteness though, there was a little bit of angst and tension, due to the fact they hadn't seen each other for a while, but their banter with one another was fantastic, and really made this book.

The Big Bad Wolf by Jus Accardo is a highly entertaining and enjoyable paranormal YA romance featuring two tangible characters, sizzling chemistry and delectable romance.

Kensey Deaton comes from an elite linage of werewolves, but just because she’s royalty doesn’t mean she’s going to roll over for her alpha father. Especially since he’s just given her an ultimatum; find a mate or he’ll choose someone for her. Kensey can only imagine the wolf her father will choose and she refuses to be sold off like property for the good of the pack, which is why she comes up with a plan, if only she can convince her surly neighbour to help…..Slade McAlister has lived next to Kensey since they were teenagers. A fellow werewolf from a pack renowned for its thieving no-good ways, Slade has a reputation within the packs and his brutal father will stop at nothing to drag Slade down with him. When Kensey approaches Slade with a plan to solve both their problems, Slade agrees in the hopes it will get him the one thing he’s always wanted; freedom. Yet pretending they’re a couple is harder than either teen thought and as real feelings begin to develop, suddenly staying together takes on a whole new meaning….

Having read a few Jus Accardo novels in the past, I was unsure what to expect heading into The Big Bad Wolf as her novels have been hit and miss for me; some I enjoy very much and others fall flat. So in saying that, I was thrilled to discover The Big Bad Wolf soared for me.

While the storyline within The Big Bad Wolf is never going to win awards for originality---werewolf romance after all—boy was it well told and deliciously fun! This is the kind of YA paranormal you can sink your teeth into and just relax with because it really is just downright good. The Big Bad Wolf has everything I enjoy; romance, tension, conflict, forbidden, humour and friendship. Accardo gave me just what I needed to fall in love with Kensey and Slade.

Told in their varying POV’s, The Big Bad Wolf follows neighbours and former friends Kensey and Slade as they attempt to get out of arranged marriages. Themes of neighbours-to-lovers often make for great romances as there’s normally a history between the two characters, something that is the case with The Big Bad Wolf. Kensey and Slade were once close and as the novel unfolds, you can see remnants of this previous friendship shining through.

I really liked both Kensey and Slade, even if Slade did have his own demons plaguing him. They were both personable individually and really had chemistry as a couple. I highly enjoyed their interactions and watching their relationship develop. I think Jus Accardo wrote things well between them and got Kensey and Slade just right—they were highly entertaining and sizzling together.

Fast and enjoyable reading, The Big Bad Wolf by Jus Accardo is a solidly written YA paranormal romance that I highly recommend if you’re looking for something fun, flirty and romantic.

I loved the spin this book had on the classic werewolf story. First off, I liked how Alpha had a specific ability. I wish they had elaborated a lot more on that. The world building was lacking in regards to that. It's stated in the first few pages that Sam has a fire ability, but you never see him use it. We did get to see the McCalisters use their ability. However, that was only probably because it was made and used to move the story along and add an element to the conflict. That was very obvious. They did do a good job with the responsibilities of the sons and daughters of the Alphas. There have been similar things done in other books where they had to marry for political reasons, but this book took it one step further by saying that usually the Alpha sons and daughters didn't like what they were.
Throw into that the swoony romance and this is a great cute & fluffy for a Saturday afternoon.

A fun light hearted read if you don't have high expectations. Relies heavily on tropes but a fun nonetheless.

Note: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read a paranormal romance in a while and have never read one about shifters but I enjoy Jus Accardo so was happy to receive an ARC via Netgalley. I'm also a sucker for a good enemies-to-lover romance and Accardo definitely delivered. The tension and romance between Kensey and Slade was not only fun to read but Accardo did a good job of having it be a slow build rather than insta-love.

I also thought that Kensey was a great female lead - strong, smart and willing to stand up for what she believed in.

The Big Bad Wolf by Jus Accardo is told from both Slade and Kensey's point of view. I loved their personalities. Kensey is the sweet, yet rebellious girl next door. Slade is the boy next door too except he's more like the boy from "the wrong side of the tracks". Neither have an ideal home life as their father's are Alphas which gives them the right to dictate the lives of their kids in their wolfy world. Their story brings us some light fun, but it also has dark elements as well. There is much going on in their lives, most is out of their control, but they are trying desperately to make their lives their own. This was a fast and engaging story. I read it in almost one sitting.. things like sleep and work always seem to get in the way. I can see how this could be turned into a series, but it seems to be a stand alone novel for now. I actually like it that way. Sometimes a good stand alone is just what I need! (Not that I'd be opposed to reading more!)

I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved the characters and the settings, I just loved everything about it. This book NEEDS to be on your tbr!

This book is based on werewolf romance. Though the book has some unique features, i found the book to be just okay. I think the characters could use some more development and the plot may be helped with some novelty. I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Big Bad Wolf was a very cute story.

Kensey and Slade used to be best friends. One night changed everything and now they pretty much can't stand each other.

Kensey and Slade's father are forcing them to marry someone in the pack. Kensey's father has someone in mind, but Kensey has other plans. While her family is considered wold royalty, Slade's family might as well be bottom of the barrel in the pack order. Kensey asks Slade to marry her in hopes of changing her fathers' mind.

Big Bad Wolf is a cute, fast read. A fake relationship turned real.

Cute read.

Rating: 3.5

I am not sure why I am surprised....I heart every single book that Jus writes and one about a bad boy wolf? Well, there ya go...I was smitten right from the start!

I loved both the main characters and really enjoyed their banter back & forth. A tale of star crossed love..what couldn't be more perfect?

I adored Kensey and loved her no-give-a-shit-attitude, the one where she really didn't care what anyone thought of her and showed it by just being true to herself. I also enjoyed the fact that she pushed Slade and never backed down from what she wanted.

Slade is another bad boy that needs to be added to the long book boyfriend list:) He was bad with a capital B! And I loved him! I liked the dual POV and being able to see what he was thinking every step of the way. He tried so hard to push Kensey away but she was having none of that!

Be prepared to marathon read this one! Just like I did...all in one sitting because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!

REVIEW
I have read and adored other titles by Jus Accardo so her name drew me to this title and of course, the fact the book is published by Entangled is another plus point. The fact the genre is paranormal shifter, was the main attraction for me as I enjoy the pack politics and ancient rites and laws so I was hoping this one would be right up my street.

The cover has a couple on the front, a long blonde haired male in a suit and a long darker haired girl with her arm around the male and her head on his shoulder. This is a difficult one for me but I stand by always being honest and the truth is I really do not like this book cover. I guess it could be the two main characters, Slade and Kensey but to be totally honest, neither of the people on the cover are anything like I envision them to be from Jus Accardo's descriptions within the book.

The genres I have seen listed for this book and agree with are Teen, YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, and Romance. I would add that this book also has a contemporary feel to it as well. I think it will be a popular read that will appeal to a wide range of ages.

The basis of the book is two packs, the elite, wealthy and well respected Deatons and the McAlisters a more lowly or as some call them more low-life family of misfits. The Deatons and McAlisters live in close proximity to each other, in fact they have been next door neighbours for some time.

The two main characters of this book are Kensey Deaton and Slade McAlister, they used to happily play together in the wood surrounding their properties when they were younger. Then one time whilst they were in Kensey's tree house something happened and they stopped hanging out together.

Now both of them are older which means their families are putting pressure on them to claim a mate. Not all claimings are love matches some, in fact it seems most, are pairings arranged by two packs wanting to better their own pack's social position. So Alpha, Sam Deaton is putting pressure on his daughter saying she should look for a mate as if she doesn't choose someone herself he will choose for her. Kensey certainly doesn't want to think about the possibility of being paired with Carter Pennington the son of a man who has ingratiated himself into Sam Deaton's radar for possible matches for his daughter. Some packs arrange and force pairings against the free will of the female. Within a pack the males are considered to have all the power.

Living next door to Kensey, Slade is subject to a similar pressure to take a mate, though Slade has more of a hook up now and then, relationship with a pack member called Lupe. Lupe seems to be hoping for more of a future with Slade, where as he is happy as he is with the odd hook up. Slade has had a rough life with his father Gavin, who makes him do "jobs" for him and if he deosn't deliver well enough either he beats up Slade or his two enforcers Teegan and Mick beat up Slade on Gavin's orders.

Each pack has a special ability within them, such as the McAlister's have some sort of "mojo switch gift" which when in use makes the person they are working it on attracted to them and also makes it much easier for them to coerce them into doing whatever the McAlisters want! The Deaton's have the gift of fire within them, so to say Kensey is fiesty is an understatement! I would have loved to have known some of the other packs special gifts as well as how they could be used, to their pack's advantage.

Though Kensey comes from a wealthy pack her father and Alpha Sam wishes to arrange suitable males for her to choose from, though when she expresses that she would prefer to choose for herself he is fairly happy for her to choose someone for herself. Until she chooses Slade McAlister. Kensey talks Slade into pretending they are in a relationship together. Which he agrees to thinking he has nothing to loose and in return Kensey agrees to talk to her father about dissolving the trouble making McAlister pack which would set Slade free from his father and enable him to move away and start anew elsewhere. Kensey's father isn't so easily beaten and demands that Slade and Kensey have a formal courting.. . .Can the two former friends pull off this mutually beneficial pairing long enough?

I really loved the love/hate kind of relationship between Slade and Kensey. They had once been good friends, in fact once there had been a hint of them maybe being even more to each other. Both sides have to compromise with each other spending time with each others family/pack. It's not as easy as they thought it would be to fool everyone.

I loved the book and would have to say Jus Accardo is one my favourite authors. Her books flow so well, making them easy to relax with and read. Jus had me caring about what happened to both Kensey and Slade within reading a couple of chapters. I had inklings how things would perhaps end but that didn't spoil my reading and there were still a few surprises in store as the plot unfolded. There are some tender moments between father and daughter, as well as some tense scenes between father and son too. Gavin McAlister really enjoys provoking Slade and when he sees his son with Kensey, a possible mate he knows he has yet another way to get Slade to carry out his orders.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing this book were, that it was a great blend of paranormal shifters with a contemporary romance feel, I loved it. Didn't want to put this one down once I started reading it. It took just two reading sessions! This book could be the start of another potentially brilliant shifter series!

I really hated having to put this book down! Of course after just 26% of the way into the book I was already hoping for a happy ending for Slade & Kensey ..... maybe they could run off and start their own pack?! I had forgotten how addictive Jus Accardo books are!

Both Kensey and Slade’s daddies are Alpha’s of their packs. The difference is that Kensey’s daddy is respected in the community they live in and Slade’s daddy is hated. Both are expected to make a good match. Both are expected to have arrange marriages unless love prevails. Both are given ultimatums from their parents. Kensey comes up with a plan, and Slade reluctantly agrees. As long as they stick to the plan no one gets hurts. As long as they stick to the plan no one loses their hearts. They just have to stick to the plan, too bad the plan may just cause them to all in love after all.

I liked Kensey…. she has a lot of grit. She doesn’t think she has to flaunt her womanly nature just to get stuck in a marriage where she is not an equal. She embraces her wolf and both of them coexist nicely together. She changes the status quo and goes after what she wants. She doesn’t understand where she and Slade went wrong as friends but she has his back if he needs.

Slade is a trickery wolf to like. He fights his wolf tooth and nail, he fights his nature, his family/friends and well everyone. He distances himself from those he know he could possible hurt and he is not comfortable in his own skin. This makes him difficult. He does all of this out of love, which makes him even more likeable.

The chemistry between the two are off the charts. I love how comfortable their interactions are even when they are uncomfortable. They clearly know each other and have a history together. What went wrong is pretty heartbreaking, and made me sad for both of them. So much missed time, if only they would have talked.

The Big Bad Wolf was a fun, light read which is just what you need sometimes. You will cheer both Kensey and Slade on, you may even yell at him a time or two. I did shed a tear at one point when Kensey and another girl are talking. Overall, it brings out the feels without being overwhelming.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Pack daughters were revered and showered with love- because we had the hardest lot in life.”

Other People
Clarissa- Slade’s half sister
Carter- suitor for Kensey’s hand in marriage

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4 Teenage Angst Stars

The Big Bad Wolf is a standalone young adult paranormal novel featuring shifters. However, the paranormal aspects were underlying in the world-building. Not a complaint, just an explanation. Pack politics was the driving force, as well as a hefty dose of good ol' teenage angst.

Kensey and Slade are the children to two rival alphas. As a female, Kensey has no rights once she is mated, used simply for the worth of her bloodline and forging bonds between packs. Our hero and heroine are informed they have to mate, so they take matters in their own hands.

I read The Big Bad Wolf from cover-to-cover in one sitting. The novel featured a few of my favorite tropes. Fake relationship. Early childhood friends who had a falling out once hormones struck, adding a tension and a love-hate vibe. The good girl and the bad boy – "I'm not good enough for you" trope. Our parents don't want us to be together trope. Political gain.

All of these tropes melded into a yummy page-turner that had me emotionally invested and rooting for Kensey and Slade's happiness.

I highly recommend for readers who are seeking a novel featuring a paranormal twist, wanting to dive into a world where two kids find love against all odds. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

Young Adult age-range: 13+ due to kissing and violence.

Having read one other book from this author thought I would try again with this one being more along what I like to read. This one shows me right away it has a good foundation that causes you to sit right down and settle in. You are also given a story that is jammed pack with drama and sometimes tension. This centers around Kensey and Slade who also have a family that is larger than life in theirs. What is also funny it is a bit of feud relationship story that usually has consequences depending on the roll of the story. Since this is a YA more drama than most which I do enjoy lol. This one has you engaging and does not let go easily wanting to not miss a thing. Followed all the way to the end having been given why I read.

Kensey Deaton is the daughter of one of the werewolf leaders and considered a pampered princess. She has no intention of being handed off to the son of one of her father's allies and instead chooses Slade McAllister, her onetime friend and the son of the worst werewolf in town. It doesn't help that Slade has a bad reputation all of his own, but she is determined not to simply fall in line with tradition.

Werewolf stories sometimes bother me when it plays up the alpha/beta/omega dynamics because it often seems an excuse to have characters be terrible and abusive toward one another, especially female characters. There are certainly hints of that in this story, but it isn't to a terrible extent. The text explicitly states that Kensey has power in the pack dynamics, and she certainly defends herself when under threat. There are also characters that seem to be one-note sociopaths just because they can be.

The Big Bad Wolf plays up more of the 'society girl and boy from the wrong side of the tracks' dynamic and reminds me of some Regency and Victorian romances in the way that their werewolf society is run. It's very rigid and structured around gender and class roles, focusing on tradition and not straying from expectations. Werewolf shifting is rather secondary to that aspect of it.

I liked Kensey a lot, and Slade was a sympathetic hero. He's caught between an abusive father, his family reputation, his own reputation, and his anger. I like the fake dating turning into a real relationship trope, and this book does that very well. The end is a bit sudden to reach the happily ever after, but it's still a fun read.

Thought this book had an interesting concept but was just not for me. Too much like Twilight.

Noteworthy experiences while reading this book: Better than I thought it was going to be.

Check out author's other books? Yes
Recommend this book? Yes

Notes and Opinions: Man this shifter mash-up book was really good. I never know how I am going to like these books but this one worked out well. I loved the alternate POV and the story was great. I do think that parts of it could have been a little better but overall it was a solid story. It was a light quick read if you are wanting something quick to read.

Go Into This One Knowing: Great characters and solid story

Sadly this book didn't work for me. I really wanted to love it so much. I love this genre, normally I read it and can't wait for more, but this time was a bit different. I just didn't connect with the characters or the writing style. Sometimes books aren't for you and I'm alright with that.

The Big Bad Wolf by Jus Accardo is a young adult contemporary paranormal romance. If you are looking for a curious take on friends to enemies to lovers then I would recommend this novel. This story is an amazingly quick read. There are dark elements to The Big Bad Wolf so this isn’t your typical cutesy story. If you would like to read a story about the irredeemable bad boy who thinks he is nothing worth saving then this might be right up your alley.

Kensey Deaton is the daughter of the most powerful Alpha in her region and as such she is expected to marry for power or peace not convenience although her father is allowing her the chance to pick her mate. Under threat. She has to pick one soon or one will be picked for her. Slade McAlister is Kensey’s next door neighbor, ex-best friend and also the son of a fellow alpha. Unfortunately, he’s the son of the “bad boy biker cum mob boss”. Kensey overhears Slade getting the same ultimatum from his father. Kensey comes up with a plan that will get both of their fathers’ off their backs for the time being.

Slade is willing to go along with Kensey’s plan because he has something he wants her to do if they can pull of their fake relationship. Of course, people don’t believe them at first because Kensey is an Alpha Princess while Slade is the Bad Boy enforcer. They have been enemies for the last several years. Kensey’s father calls the relationship out enforcing ancient werewolf rules that can only end terribly for the both of them if the relationship is revealed as a scam. Slade and Kensey decide they have to go all in for as long as they can because the other options will be detrimental/deadly.

The writing starts off a bit juvenile and it took me a bit to really feel sorry for Kensey. She makes herself come off as a pampered princess in the beginning before getting to the horrible rules/life that is forced on Alpha daughters. Kensey is worried about her future and begins to really work on her relationship with Slade. Kensey lets it be known that the suicide rates for female wolves is very high because they are forced into relationships they don’t want. The male wolves are territorial and brutal towards the women so there aren’t many happy relationships in this world. Honestly, I’m surprised Kensey would even get the opportunity to choose since her father already had someone chosen for her.

Slade is the ultimate bad boy and he lives up to that reputation. His father often sends him out on jobs to torture or kill wolves that have gotten on his dad’s bad side. He believes he can’t be redeemed for all the bad he’s doing plus he doesn’t have a good relationship with his wolf which is detrimental in werewolf society. They must hide their existence at all costs. Slade doesn’t get why Kensey sees anything good in him and wishes she would just give him what he wants from their bargain.

One thing I was really disappointed in was that each wolf family has a different affinity. Kensey’s family has an affinity towards fire while Slade’s family has a bit different type of affinity… The story does go into detail about how Slade’s affinity is used but we never see Kensey’s affinity in action. I would have loved to have seen that.

Overall, I enjoyed The Big Bad Wolf. It was a quick read and felt that way but I do feel that some minor things weren’t addressed or skipped over to get to the ending which to me felt a bit rushed but I was still satisfied with how things turned out.

The Big Bad Wolf was such a great read for me, because it had pretty much everything I look for in the "perfect book" all rolled into one. Young adult, paranormal, alternating POV, a bad boy, and a romance. What more could you ask for? So, let's start from the beginning.



Kensey and Slade used to be best friends when they were little but had a falling out. Now they are eighteen and are both "royalty". As in they are the next eldest heir to each of their wolf packs' Alpha's. Pack rules say that they must choose a mate that will help better the packs bloodlines and carry on their Alpha's gift. In Slade's case that is the gift of charm. In Kensey's case it is the gift of fire, but women only carry the trait while men manifest it. These days pack members don't mate for love, but marry who will help make their pack better and Kensey and Slade want nothing to do with that for different reasons. Kensey doesn't believe that women should still be carrying on the archaic role that woman have played in the pack (to just be a puppy making machine) and Slade hates his abusive father and wants nothing to do with pack life. So, they agree to fake court each other so that they can both get out of this situation.



Let's start with the characters. The Big Bad Wolf is a pretty quick read and i was pleasantly surprised how much detail and personality were packed into Kensey and Slade's characters. To make me feel a real connection with these characters in a short amount of time really proves just how brilliant of an author Jus Accardo truly is. I loved that Kensey was such a huge rebel. She is so against playing the stereotypical female role that the pack demands and wants more from her life. She does everything she can to go against the system and piss off her dad. Slade has been kicked one too many times. His abusive and manipulative father has him almost completely broken beyond repair, but Kensey doesn't let that stop her from helping him see just how strong and worthy he is of finding love and happiness. I am a huge fan of the "bad boy" role so I was Slade's biggest fan from the beginning, and of course I am a huge fan of strong, independent women so Kensey was a sealed deal too.



I felt the romance between Kensey and Slade was very well done. It didn't feel fake, rushed or flat. They have known each other for a long time, yes they had a falling out, but their feelings for each other were around before the falling out. I think that really helped sell the romance, because it didn't just come out of nowhere. They had crushes on each other when they were little so when they truly get to know each other later and those feelings only got stronger, it really made it believable. The fact that they are both stubborn and not afraid to tell it like it is also made this a multi-dimensional romance. They are constantly going from wanting to kill each other to just honestly being there for one another when they need it most. That made the romance feel truthful and complex.



What also helped us not only learn who these characters were, but understand their love was the fact that their story is told in alternating points of view. I will forever be a huge fan of this writing tactic, because it not only gives the story shape, but it fills in the blanks when it comes to romances. It really has to be done right or the story falls apart. Trust me, I have seen alternating POV done wrong. It's not pretty. What Jus Accardo did so well is that wherever one left off, the other began. It really helped build the timeline of the story and made it feel seamless when this all takes place over the course of (I think) weeks (maybe a couple months).



I am definitely a huge fan of all things paranormal, so of course I loved the fact that they were wolves. Adding in a paranormal element just makes the story feel fuller and more complex. Again it has to be done right, and again Jus Accardo came with the win. What I really liked is how she kept the romance the main feature. Yes they are wolves, and that definitely plays a large role in this book, but where some authors might have made pack life the main feature (making pack conflict the main headline and the romance a bonus feature), Jus did exactly the opposite and I loved it!



My only complaint, which is always my complaint with books I truly love, is that it wasn't long enough. I enjoyed this story SO much and I do wish it was longer so that we could stay in their world a bit longer. However, I did feel the story was complete when it finished. It didn't feel rushed or like there were too many loose ends quickly resolved. I do hope that this turns into a series, because there is definitely more I would like to see from this world and these characters. I would definitely read more!



Overall:

I absolutely adored this book. Kensey and Slade were great characters who were totally made for each other. I loved that they already had a history from when they were younger so it really helped the romance feel authentic and not rushed. I loved that the story is told in alternating points of view, which not only added to the authenticity of the romance, but also helped make the timeline feel seamless. I loved that this takes place in a paranormal world, but keeps the romance as the main event. I really hope this turns into a series as I would love to read more!