Ok I can honestly can I am seriously into this series now. While I didn’t love the first story, and only liked the second book, this third story was amazing and I cannot wait to read more in the series. The more I get to know these characters and the dynamics of their inter and intra-pack relationships the more intriguing they all become, though the Grey Wolf pack certainly is my favorite. Ms. Ballenger has a unique take on the shifter/vampire mythos and throwing in the way she brings the rancher viewpoint makes it even more interesting to me. Maeve went through a very intense and terrifying ordeal in the previous novel, but she met the wolf that grabbed her attention and split her loyalties in the worst way. Now she has to deal with the consequences of her actions and the fallout of her decisions, but there is no way she handle everything she is feeling when he turns back up in her life. Jared Black was forced from his pack when he was a youth, giving us everything he knew in order to protect the woman he loved, but he has lived on the edge ever since as the Rogue. When he knows that there is only one way to do what needs to be done for his people, he doesn’t left the betrayal he will have to inflict on the woman he loves stop him. Rogue takes Maeve knowing that he needs her in order to enact his plan, but having her back in his life, without her knowing his true identity, is driving him slowly insane. The more time they spend together the more their emotions are roused and the closer they come to the edge, but the ultimate betrayal is still to come and there is no way to know whether or not they will be able to have a relationship even if they want to. I really loved Maeve and her kickass, sassy, and never give up attitude. She refuses to give up even when faced with the most dangerous of challenges and when she decides that she even though she tries to resist his pulls she wants the Rogue to much to give him up. She was dedicated to doing what was right for her people, even to the point of hurting herself, but at the same time she was willing to open her mind and heart when faced with hard truth about the way her pack –and others—were treating the Rogue wolves of their world. Jared has lived hard life since he was expelled from his pack, losing the woman he loved, and ever since of security he’ even known, and while it certainly hardened him in a lot of ways, he has never let it turn him away from the plight of those weaker than him. As the stronger non-pack wolf around he knows he’s a badass and he is willing to do whatever it takes, including further damaging the woman he loves, if he thinks it will protect the people he has taken under his care. While Jared was written as one of those characters that you “love to hate” he was also one of the strongest, bravest, and most dedicated of wolves and ultimately he made sure that he found a way to save his people without too badly damaging Maeve’s love for him. I loved these two together and the pull and passion between them was there from beginning to end. I am really looking forward to more in this series now and for sure want to know what will happen next in the overall story arc for these wolves and the vampires that are out to exterminate them. Ms. Ballenger has definitely moved to my must read and favorite authors lists.

Third in a series. Cowboy ranchers that shift into wolves...what's not to enjoy? It's sort of like a fairy tale with a twist.

I really liked this book. I thought the plot and storyline were interesting and gripping. It’s intense at times. And had me on the edge of my seat. The Rogue Wolf has a notorious reputation That proceeds him,near and far. He is feared by all. But Rogue is more complex than just what other packs know him for. I found him to be intriguing and alluring. There is so much more to him than meets the eye. I loved how fierce he is his mates and for his way of life. His passions and his beliefs are a big factor of his character. But along with those the need for revenge and retribution are what shaped him. Maeve is the sister of the pack master of her pack. She does what is expected of her. For her pack mates and the ranch. She’s loyal and strong. When circumstances has her and Rogue needing to depend on one another. Both are awaken to what they truly desire for themselves. I loved the chemistry between Rogue and Maeve. And the connection they had. Mae was drawn to him and deep down she knew there was more to their bond. But secrets and betrayals will be unveiled and revealed. If they survive the vampires. They may not get survive the past coming to light.

Years ago, Grey Wolf Jared Black was cast from the pack for a crime he didn't commit. Now, he's the mysterious criminal wolf known only as the Rogue, a name his former packmates won't soon forget. But when a vampire threat endangers the lives of their entire species, Jared must confront his former packmates again, even if that means betraying the only woman he's ever loved…Ever since Maeve Gray escaped the pack's bloodsucking enemies, she's been determined to save her species—and fast. Each passing day risks the lives of her friends and family. But when a wicked cowboy wolf shows up on the Grey Wolf ranch, offering everything Maeve's heart desires, her eyes are opened to a whole new world beyond the packlands. For this cowgirl, sleeping with the enemy could prove as desirable as it is deadly…
This was a great story by a great author. I’ve read the other books in this series and loved them, I was excited to read this one. I really liked both main characters as well as the plot. Having read the other books, I was already introduced to Maeve and slightly to the reputation of the Rogue. My only issue was Maeve being a little late on the identity. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

An unexpected second chance
This book contains so many of my favorite things, shifters, vampires, and cowboys, yum! The author really did a fantastic job of creating these characters and building their current situations around the back story that Maeve cannot remember the details of. I love that both of them have turned into protectors of the innocent. Their reconnection is a long rough ride, but we are talking about cowboys here, they always take the hard path to the HEA. The author was able to capture me within the pages of the book from the very first chapter and then I was unable to put it down until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and now I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

I enjoyed this book. The story captured and held my attention. I thought that it was easy to become invested in Mauve and Rogue as individuals and as a couple. This book is more about emotion than heat but I will say that when things do get hot they get sizzling hot. A solid blend of drama, turmoil, tension, action, adventure and excitement provide a strong backdrop for this couple's "All The Feels" romance.

******
Overall Rating: 3 stars
Kindle Unlimited: No
Standalone: Yes
Steam: 2 flames, it's a little hot
******
This book was good. The story was interesting and kept me engaged. The Rogue, is the King of the Misfit shifters and he is on a mission to save all rogue shifter's, while also exacting his revenge on the pack that left him for dead almost 20 years ago.

When he needs to find the antidote for a serum that could kill all shifters, there is only one person that can help. Maeve Grey, Princess of the Grey Wolf Pack. Maeve Grey owes the Rogue a favor, and when he comes to collect, she won't go back on her word. That's were things will get interesting.

The story was suspenseful and I did enjoy the story. However, I took off a star for the editing. There was a couple of parts in the book that through me out of the story because the story looped (the character did the same action twice). I had to go back a couple of times to see if I was reading things wrong. If the editing was a little better I would give this four stars.

I did enjoy the story, and will probably read future books in the series.

WICKED COWBOY WOLF by Kait Ballenger is the third book in the Seven Range Shifters series. I have only read one other book in the series, but was able to follow the story.

Jared and Meave are two characters that bonded by the past. They carry scars both inside and outside. They are layered characters, they have hope and dreams and sides of themself they don't show to everyone. They have great interaction.

That make this a wonderful book to read. Forme this was mostly a character driven book, but the story itself leaves plenty of room for another book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend to everyone.

Wicked Cowboy Wolf (Seven Range Shifters #3). By Kait Ballenger. 2020. Sourcebooks Casablanca (ARC ebook).

Years ago a young Jared Black was cast from the Grey Wolf pack for a crime he took the fall for. Surviving the years that followed shaped the boy into a hardened criminal. As the leader of misfit wolves, he is known only as Rogue, and he is now offering a solution to the oncoming vampire threat to Maeve Gray, the sister of the Grey Wolf pack's alpha. All she has to do is ally herself with the mysterious wolf with as many scars on his soul as his body.

A new author and series for me, Ballenger delivers a story full of banter, misfits, secrets, chemistry and an ornery pet pig. I will be picking up more books in this series. Fans of paranormal romance and shifters will enjoy the protective alpha hero and feisty heroine in Wicked Cowboy Wolf.

This was my first book by Kait Ballenger and I want to read the previous in this series immediately. I usually like to read a series in order but I didn't have time before this was released. Looking forward to learning more of the back story to this one.
This was a different concept to me, having shifters as ranchers. I liked it. There was humour (adored the side characters especially the big Scottish wolf), action, mystery, secrets, strong characters and steam.
Can't wait to read more!

Book three in Seven Range Shifters, Wicked Cowboy Wolf tells the story of Jared Black cast from the pack for a crime he didn't commit and Maeve Gray who escaped the pack's bloodsucking enemies and fights to save her species. Engaging characters and a large dynamic support cast this is a story of betrayal, secrets and possibilities keeping me engrossed throughout.

Seven Range Shifters #3, This one is my favorite of the three so far. I knew I would love Rogue and Maeve. I loved that they had history, even if Mae doesn't know it at first. The romance between them definitely has some Beauty and the Beast like qualities. I think this can be read as a standalone but I would at least recommend reading book #2 even though certain events are mentioned and explained book two is where it happens so you get the full story, if I remember correctly.

Maeve is once again the target of the vampires, her blood was used to create a serum so that the vampires could drink from the shifter and now the vampires want her dead so an antidote can't be made. Rogue's plan is to hide her away safe from everyone while they track down the scientist who created the serum in the first place and have him make the antidote. Mae reluctantly agree for the safety of her pack. She doesn't trust Rogue especially since she has an undeniable attraction to him. Rogue has always loved Mae, even before he became Rogue, not that Mae recognizes him anymore, and he plans to keep it that way until necessary. But the longer she's on his ranch the more she worms her way into his heart and the hearts of his people.

Overall, I think this one was paced better than the previous books. I loved all the characters, I felt a connection for both Rogue and Maeve, loved the secondary characters especially the kids. I'm really getting into the series I can't wait to find out what happens next.

Since reading Cowboy in Wolf’s Clothing, I was dying to find out more about Rogue and what the intense smoldering tension between him and Maeve was all about it and this book did not disappoint.

With each book, this series gets better and better. I loved Colt and Belle and then I read Rogue and Maeve’s story and I somehow got more blown away then ever. The pack politics is even more ramped up and the war with the vamps is quickly escalating.

This book definitely focuses more on Rogue and Maeve’s journey both romantically and externally with the ongoing plot, which I appreciated. I did miss seeing the previous couples but this story spanned time and horrible injustice to get to the happily ever after bit and no one deserved it more than these two.

Rogue is basically the Robin Hood of the rogue wolves. He fought his way to the top and amassed power to be able to stand up for those the pack wolves had abandoned. He was a hero in every sense of the word. Self Sacrificing? Check. Protective? Check. Ride or Die? Check and check! Then there’s Maeve, she was such a perfect fit for him. She was strong, brave, smart and loyal. She had a soft heart but a spine of steel. Her life might seem perfect on the outside by Maeve is a hard core survivor and a fighter. I loved watching her story unravel and intertwine with her wicked cowboy wolf :) The author paired these two perfectly!

I’m beyond ready for Maverick’s story but I definitely wanted to knock some sense into him in this one. There was just so much wrong with the pack laws and traditions that he upheld and I know he’ll probably go through his own emotional growth and come out the better person for it but the spot light that was shown on how rogues were thought of and treated broke my heart. The excuse that it is just how things are, felt like such a cop out and I’m totally Team Rogue over it.

I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next book. This author has quickly become an auto buy/author to watch for me!

Highly entertaining, sexy, fun and action packed adventure filled with danger, intrigue, engaging charters, witty banter and undeniable passion... a great read. Really enjoyed this heart racing and emotional journey!

If you're looking for an out of this world PNR to read, then stop you're scrolling, because I have a recommendation for you! The title of the book is Wicked Cowboy Wolf, written by Kate Ballenger.
I am so in love with this story.

To lose everything in a single night is a struggle if you're a wolf, whose only existence is about the pack. To know you're well being is everything, is paramount to a young wolf. Something that Rouge never got to experience. Rouge knows what it means to be tormented, to relinquish it all for one person. The one person in his life, who cared if he lived or died, who made sure he knew he was loved, now that person was in trouble again.

Maeve Gray, in a single night, she lost everything. She saw her best friend surrender it all to make sure she was safe from any more harm. Now, it's her turn to perform the ultimate sacrifice to save her pack.

The story of Rouge and Maeve is bound to touch your heart, while Kate Ballenger spends her tale of betrayal and revenge.

Wicked Cowboy Wolf, was funny and fun to read. This story had at "Smart bacon."

This series is just not for me. I like the characters and plot but I continue to feel like I am missing pieces of the story.

WICKED COWBOY WOLF is the third instalment in Kait Ballenger’s contemporary, adult SEVEN RANGE SHIFTERS erotic, paranormal, romance series- a spin off from the author’s EXECUTION UNDERGROUND series. This is rogue Grey wolf leader Jared Black, and Maeve Gray’s story line. WICKED COWBOY WOLF can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Shifters have been targeted by a group of vampires in an effort to procure a ‘pure blood’ donor in their plans to develop an injectable serum that would allow vampires to feed from shifters, a feeding that would make the vampires ten times stronger. The vampires’ latest victim is Maeve Gray, a pure bred wolf princess whose blood can also be used to develop an antidote making Maeve Gray a threat to their own success.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jared and Maeve) WICKED COWBOY WOLF follows the building but tempestuous relationship between rogue leader/ Grey Wolf Jared ‘Rogue’ Black, and Maeve Gray. Twenty years earlier Jared Black was banished from the Grey Wolves, taking the fall for a murder he did not commit. Fast forward to present day wherein, following the rescue of Grey Wolf princess Maeve Gray, Jared aka Rogue, takes Maeve to the rogue wolf compound in an effort to procure a cure for the vampire serum. But Maeve is unaware of Rogue’s true identity, an identity with links to the Grey Wolf past. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Maeve and Rogue, and the potential fall-out when the truth is revealed.

Jared ‘Rogue’ Black has never stopped loving our story line heroine but a past mired in secrets and lies, and the death of an alpha finds Jared Black a rogue wolf whose reputation as a fighter and killer is known to all. Maeve Gray keeps the memories of the wolf she once loved, close to her heart, but her attraction to Rogue brings with it the familiarity of years before.

The relationship between Rogue and Maeve is one of immediate attraction but Rogue believes he is not worthy of love especially from the woman that has always called to his heart. A twenty-year secret threatens any sense of peace between our leading couple but Maeve believes she has fallen in love with a man whose is scarred both inside and out. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Maeve’s brother and the Grey Wolf Alpha Maverick Gray; Wes Calhoun (Cowboy Wolf Trouble #1), as well as a number of elite Grey Wolf warriors. We are introduced to Rogue’s team: Murtagh, Frenchie, Sterling and Boone; casino owner and rogue wolf Walker Solomon; and Sophia, a woman whose struggling under the control of Solomon.

WICKED COWBOY WOLF is a story of second chances; of secrets, lies, betrayal and loss; of enduring love and happily ever after. The character driven premise is action packed and engaging; the characters are colorful and energetic; the slow building romance is heart breaking and edgy.

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The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: When he was still a kid Jared Black was framed for murder, driven out of his pack and left for dead, and in order to survive he became the criminal known as The Rogue. He protects those without a pack and will do anything to eliminate the vampires that threaten all wolves and that means confronting his old pack and the love he left behind. Maeve Gray has had her entire life dictated by pack duties and she’s had enough of it so when The Rogue shows up with not only a way out but a plan to save her friends and family from the vampires, she has no choice but to trust that he will keep his end of the bargain they strike.








Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? The third installment of the Seven Range Shifters series shakes things up a bit and I couldn’t have been happier about it. Wicked Cowboy Wolf takes a walk on the darker side where the line between right and wrong gets blurred and emotions run high. It also has a sense of urgency and desperation to it that its predecessors didn’t have and I felt that it aided in bringing Rogue and Maeve full circle since the circumstances all but kept these two side by side.

For me the one thing I loved about Rogue and Maeve’s relationship is how it evolved. In the beginning there was a lot of mistrust, doubt, tension, resentment, and a small amount of attraction. Rogue is more beast than man and he’s not afraid to let everyone know. In his world, brutality reigns supreme so I also found it interesting that while he resented the memories of his past that Maeve brought, her presence is what actually brought back his humanity.

For Maeve’s part, I’m so glad she wasn’t a whiny, pampered wretch of a woman. She’s technically considered wolf royalty due to her bloodline and her brother’s reputation as leader of the Grey Wolf pack. You’d think that being who she was Maeve would have acted like an entitled princess, but she didn’t. I felt her frustration at being more prisoner than member of her own pack, and how she was treated more like a broodmare than an individual. Honestly, her life was dull, hopeless, and totally in the hands of the MALES around her.


She was a quick learner and wasn’t prone to hysterics. But I do wish Maeve had adapted more to the lifestyle of the outsiders she was with and fought in the actual battles rather than just having as Jack Sparrow once put it a “fight to run away” role. I felt that Maeve was used throughout the whole book as simply a tool to make Rogue seem more heroic and dashing by making him always rush to her rescue. Not that their relationship wasn’t romantic, it was when there wasn’t any male posturing or fighting going on and Rogue and Maeve could talk and get to know each other again. Well, I say again for Rogue because he never forgot Maeve while she didn’t even know who he really was.


All in all though, Wicked Cowboy Wolf is such a welcome addition to the series. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed the previous two books in the series but thus far it’s been a very male dominated series. The men do all the heavy lifting, fighting, and saving, while the women are mostly hidden away with little to do except be protected. It’s starting to get old. But by the end of Mae and Rogue’s story I had hope that maybe, just maybe, we’ll see the women take more proactive, more aggressive roles in future books. I want to see an alpha female dang it!

Click It or Skip It? Click It. I’m loving the grittiness of the series but I’m hoping that all the macho man/rescuer stuff tapers off soon and that we get to see the women become their equals in the battlefield and that they step into more dominant, leading roles.

This is an enjoyable paranormal western romance. The Rogue. The name alone lends itself to mysery and he is quite the rogue. Maeve is a reluctant princess. You wouldn't expect the two to mix. The ending was very good. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and freely leave this honest review.