Genre: Paranormal, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Serena
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About The Book
After three months, vegan Kyle Slidell is getting the hang of being a werewolf, and of being the predestined mate of the pack Alpha, Tobias Rogan. Now Tobias is bringing Kyle to a gathering of alphas at the home of the regional leader, where their pack will receive full recognition and Tobias will formally declare Kyle his mate, cementing their bond permanently.
But their happiness is dampened by conflict with Alpha Saul Hughes, who has the power to control all other werewolves–and a grudge against Tobias. Working with the wolf who changed Kyle, Saul sets his sights on taking over both Boston packs and removing Tobias permanently.
On the night of the full moon, as the werewolves hunt, tragedy strikes at Saul’s command. In the aftermath, Kyle is left to fight for his pack and mate while Tobias fights for his life.
This book was originally published in 2012. The current version has been revised and re-edited, with some content added. The book also includes the Christmas-themed short story “Tofurkey and Yams,” originally published as a separate short story in 2011. This book includes on-page discussion of off-page abuse and sexual assault; depictions of PTSD; gun violence; and a main character losing his temper with his mate and coming far too close to crossing the line between consensual and coercion.
The Review
One of the most interesting aspects of ‘Veggie Burgers to Go’ is that it continues the series from Kyle and Tobias’s point of view. Most series that I am aware of have different couples central to each volume, so this is an interesting change. Kyle still tells the story from his point of view, and he is still the lowest member of the pack, despite being Tobias’s mate. Things change slowly, if at all, in the werewolf society of this world. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order since each book build on what happened previously; also, be warned that this review contains spoilers for book one.
Kyle remains new at being a werewolf and a lot of pack rules and werewolf laws run against his grain in a big way. Control of one werewolf over another by alpha and higher-ranked wolves is one example. The weird premonitions and other things he just “knows” also get in the way. And the fight he must put up when he is shifted, since his wolf wants him to eat meat and he is a card-carrying vegan, definitely does not make things easier for him either. All of these issues come to the fore as he attends the regional werewolf meeting in Pennsylvania with his mate, Tobias.
Tobias is determined to be honest about his feelings for Kyle and the fact that they are mates. When he declares this at the regional meeting, as expected, some wolves have an issue with a male/male relationship. I guess much like in human society, some weres are just not tolerant. Saul is one of the most vocal ones and, as it turns out, he has hated Tobias for a very long time. Katrina and Melia’s machinations don’t help, and Tobias ends up being attacked by multiple werewolves.
The regional werewolf meeting is an interesting setting against which all these old and new enemies come out, so to say. Kyle and Tobias’s relationship is sorely tested, and surprises await at every turn. It was interesting to get to know Zane, a very powerful arkhon (i.e., regional boss), and to find out about inter-pack politics. I hope that more of that is going to follow in the next volumes.
I look forward to the next one!
Note: This review originally appeared on Rainbow Book Reviews here. Shared with permission.
The Reviewer
I am a writer and reviewer for Rainbow Book Reviews and other sites. I currently live in Ireland, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.