What do you think?
Rate this book
Poconos Pack #1
Finding Forgiveness
To forgive is divine if he can pin his lover down long enough to beg for it.
"Poconos Pack, Book 1"
Ben Malone's role as Marshall attunes him to every nuance of the pack's wellbeing which means he's forced to feel every one of his mate's hangovers. It's the one reason Ben will never claim Dave Maldonado. Being alone is better than being with someone who lives in a bottle.
Dave was destined to be a pack Alpha until his first migraine hit at age fifteen, the day he caught his future mate holding hands with another boy. In the nine agonizing years since, he's contented himself as Beta, but never learned to live with the pain and confusion of Ben's rejection.
Dave's worst attack yet sends him to the hospital and brings them both face to face with the misunderstanding that's kept them apart all these years. It's too late, though. Dave is headed for Gay Pride Week at Disney World with one goal in mind. "Forget Ben Malone."
Ben's got a problem with that. Only one man is destined to hold "his" David. And he'll give anything, even his last shred of pride, to win forgiveness and the right to finally claim his mate.
Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, and male/male love scenes between two top dogs. Who knew Rock Paper Scissors could be such fun? "
"Poconos Pack, Book 1"
Ben Malone's role as Marshall attunes him to every nuance of the pack's wellbeing which means he's forced to feel every one of his mate's hangovers. It's the one reason Ben will never claim Dave Maldonado. Being alone is better than being with someone who lives in a bottle.
Dave was destined to be a pack Alpha until his first migraine hit at age fifteen, the day he caught his future mate holding hands with another boy. In the nine agonizing years since, he's contented himself as Beta, but never learned to live with the pain and confusion of Ben's rejection.
Dave's worst attack yet sends him to the hospital and brings them both face to face with the misunderstanding that's kept them apart all these years. It's too late, though. Dave is headed for Gay Pride Week at Disney World with one goal in mind. "Forget Ben Malone."
Ben's got a problem with that. Only one man is destined to hold "his" David. And he'll give anything, even his last shred of pride, to win forgiveness and the right to finally claim his mate.
Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, and male/male love scenes between two top dogs. Who knew Rock Paper Scissors could be such fun? "
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2011
61 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Dana Marie Bell
56 books1,935 followersDana Marie Bell wrote her first short story when she was thirteen years old. She attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts for creative writing, where freedom of expression was the order of the day. When her parents moved out of the city and placed her in a Catholic high school for her senior year she tried desperately to get away, but the nuns held fast, and she graduated with honors despite herself.
Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.
You can learn more about Dana at:
http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com
Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.
You can learn more about Dana at:
http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 17, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Meh, meh and meh*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
What a meh book. The story follows Ben Malone (older than Dave, but how old is he? ) and Dave Maldonado (24) who are mates. Well, they would have been if they actually mated. But misunderstandings and stubbornness came between them, until Dave ends up in the hospital and Ben finally opens his eyes and sees the truth. Now he only have to get Dave to forgive and mate him...
“This isn’t a dream.”
Ben’s smile froze. “No. It’s not a dream.”
The characters were meh, the story were meh, the plot were meh, the side characters were meh. So you probably understand that the whole book was meh. There was nothing special about the book, nor the characters. The forgiveness happened too fast, the mating happened too fast, the everything happened too fast. There were no frustration; Ben showed up, Dave forgave him, they mated. It was like 1, 2, 3: 1. Ben realized he has misunderstood Ben's condition. 2. Ben follows Dave to Disney World at the Gay Pride Week. 3. They mate and everything is perfect. That's it. I also felt like the characters didn't even really know each other personally. Overall, it was a easy, quick, fast forward read.
“I’m sorry, baby. I couldn’t let myself become my mother.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book One
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Dave Maldonado?
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - No.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Not sure, others might like it.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
June 19, 2013
Is it just me who finds this story just terrible, or did I miss the point of it? OK, let me tell you why I just didn't get it.
1. Dave gets jealous that Ben, his mate, is holding hands with another man and believes that Ben and Steve are together, but never in all those years does he confirm this with anyone. It's called GOSSIP!!!!!! go talk to someone.
2. Ben assumes the loopy-ness he feels from his mate is due to alcohol but NEVER even goes near him to ask.. OK, for arguments sake lets say that his father's abusive behavior really traumatized him from alcoholics, but Dave was his MATE!!!!!!! Dave was the person fate chose as the perfect match for him, how could you not try to help him.
3. Even if Ben thinks Dave doesn't want help, why doesn't he try?
4. Why doesn't Ben reach out to Rick (dave's BFF and alpha of the pack) to get Dave help?
5. Why on earth are Ben's Marshall powers (?) so useless that it cannot distinguish pain from a hangover? Surely other people in the pack would have had a hangover and Ben would have had a sample hangover for comparison.
6. At Disney world, once Ben gets his act together, why the hell does Dave forgive him so easily?
7. What was with the possessiveness that was at level zero for years but is NOW turned up sky high? where did that come from?
8. Would you think wearing a ugly sweater is penance for 10-15 years of being ignored and hated by the ONE person who is supposed to love you?
9. And again for arguments sake lets say they decide to let the past go, but after one round of sex they LOVE EACH OTHER??????
This was just bad, I really regret reading it.
1. Dave gets jealous that Ben, his mate, is holding hands with another man and believes that Ben and Steve are together, but never in all those years does he confirm this with anyone. It's called GOSSIP!!!!!! go talk to someone.
2. Ben assumes the loopy-ness he feels from his mate is due to alcohol but NEVER even goes near him to ask.. OK, for arguments sake lets say that his father's abusive behavior really traumatized him from alcoholics, but Dave was his MATE!!!!!!! Dave was the person fate chose as the perfect match for him, how could you not try to help him.
3. Even if Ben thinks Dave doesn't want help, why doesn't he try?
4. Why doesn't Ben reach out to Rick (dave's BFF and alpha of the pack) to get Dave help?
5. Why on earth are Ben's Marshall powers (?) so useless that it cannot distinguish pain from a hangover? Surely other people in the pack would have had a hangover and Ben would have had a sample hangover for comparison.
6. At Disney world, once Ben gets his act together, why the hell does Dave forgive him so easily?
7. What was with the possessiveness that was at level zero for years but is NOW turned up sky high? where did that come from?
8. Would you think wearing a ugly sweater is penance for 10-15 years of being ignored and hated by the ONE person who is supposed to love you?
9. And again for arguments sake lets say they decide to let the past go, but after one round of sex they LOVE EACH OTHER??????
This was just bad, I really regret reading it.
December 22, 2012
3.5*
Dave suffers from at times debilitating migraines, as someone who suffers from those, I really really felt for the poor man/wolf whatever..
His mate Ben wants nothing to do with him and Dave has absolutely no idea why, all he knows is he wants his mate, needs him but Ben rejects him and treats him with contempt.
The reasons Ben feels the way he does is actually very understandable, I actually felt for him and what he much have been going through, wanting his mate, but feeling what he thought were hangovers only bringing back all he had suffered thorough as a child.
The main issue I had was in the 10 years NO ONE thought to get involved and ask Ben what his problem was? what he was a jerk to someone everyone else seemed to love, and Ben never heard people talking about Dave's medical issues? Really I would think something like that would be talked about and be common knowledge.
If I can ignore that, I really liked it and of course I would have loved a little more of them at Disney together.
And a tinsy little more groveling wouldn't have hurt, I'm a huge greedy fan of groveling! ;)
Dave suffers from at times debilitating migraines, as someone who suffers from those, I really really felt for the poor man/wolf whatever..
His mate Ben wants nothing to do with him and Dave has absolutely no idea why, all he knows is he wants his mate, needs him but Ben rejects him and treats him with contempt.
The reasons Ben feels the way he does is actually very understandable, I actually felt for him and what he much have been going through, wanting his mate, but feeling what he thought were hangovers only bringing back all he had suffered thorough as a child.
The main issue I had was in the 10 years NO ONE thought to get involved and ask Ben what his problem was? what he was a jerk to someone everyone else seemed to love, and Ben never heard people talking about Dave's medical issues? Really I would think something like that would be talked about and be common knowledge.
If I can ignore that, I really liked it and of course I would have loved a little more of them at Disney together.
And a tinsy little more groveling wouldn't have hurt, I'm a huge greedy fan of groveling! ;)
July 30, 2011
Bell is one of my go-to authors when I want to read something slightly silly and fun and with a happily ever after. Without fail, I always enjoy Bell's books but there were a few quirks to this one which kind of threw me off and weirded me out. (1) I found difficult to believe, even considering the type of book, with the aforementioned silly quality and (2) weirded me out.
1) I liked Ben and Dave. Bell's characters are often genuine and unpretentious, qualities I love, and though these qualities were apparent with Ben and Dave, I found Ben to be a little too slow on the uptake for me. For years he thought Dave was an alcoholic. Instead of getting to the bottom of the problem, he avoided it. I wanted to reach through the book and smack him but that was the reaction the author was going for and other characters kind of did it for me. The scene when Ben found out about Dave was great.
2) Why Disneyworld? I would love to travel there some day but I'll travel anywhere and I felt Dave's constant glee over the amusement park to be the slight weird factor I did not like.
Anyways, great book if you have read Bell's other entires, as previous characters make appearances. A must-read for fans of the author.
1) I liked Ben and Dave. Bell's characters are often genuine and unpretentious, qualities I love, and though these qualities were apparent with Ben and Dave, I found Ben to be a little too slow on the uptake for me. For years he thought Dave was an alcoholic. Instead of getting to the bottom of the problem, he avoided it. I wanted to reach through the book and smack him but that was the reaction the author was going for and other characters kind of did it for me. The scene when Ben found out about Dave was great.
2) Why Disneyworld? I would love to travel there some day but I'll travel anywhere and I felt Dave's constant glee over the amusement park to be the slight weird factor I did not like.
Anyways, great book if you have read Bell's other entires, as previous characters make appearances. A must-read for fans of the author.
December 19, 2021
Short and fluffy with mild angst.
The premise is hard to believe but just roll with it.
Ben has known Dave since they were teens. He grew up with an abusive, alcoholic father and this blinds him to reason I guess. He can feel the emotions and pain of everyone in the pack but he mistakes Dave's chronic migraines as hangovers. And he's operated under this assumption for NINE FRICKIN' YEARS. ridiculous really. But that's the big misunderstanding the whole story revolves around.
Anyways, Dave decides he wants to find another mate and goes to Disney World during gay pride week, to find one. Ben is not about to let that happen and he knows he has a lot of groveling to do.
He does grovel and it was satisfying but 9 years is a LOT of wasted time. So that bothered me and was hard to ignore.
I enjoyed it and the writing was tighter than her earlier books.
safety is pretty good.
The premise is hard to believe but just roll with it.
Ben has known Dave since they were teens. He grew up with an abusive, alcoholic father and this blinds him to reason I guess. He can feel the emotions and pain of everyone in the pack but he mistakes Dave's chronic migraines as hangovers. And he's operated under this assumption for NINE FRICKIN' YEARS. ridiculous really. But that's the big misunderstanding the whole story revolves around.
Anyways, Dave decides he wants to find another mate and goes to Disney World during gay pride week, to find one. Ben is not about to let that happen and he knows he has a lot of groveling to do.
He does grovel and it was satisfying but 9 years is a LOT of wasted time. So that bothered me and was hard to ignore.
I enjoyed it and the writing was tighter than her earlier books.
safety is pretty good.
August 24, 2013
This was a re-read for me and I actually bumped a star off. I hate when that happens! I really enjoyed the conflict of the story, the misunderstand that MC Ben will not claim his mate MC Dave because he believes he is an alcoholic when he actually suffers from migraines. But then they take a trip to Disney World and some of the fun drained out of the story for me. That was a little too cutsie for my taste.
Still, great werewolf story, so recommended for lovers of M/M shifter romance with some good hurt/healing/comfort thrown in.
Still, great werewolf story, so recommended for lovers of M/M shifter romance with some good hurt/healing/comfort thrown in.
May 29, 2022
Este es el que menos me gustó de esta autora, aunque cuando leí la sinopsis fue uno de los que más me gustó.
Terminó siendo ridículo. Es una propaganda de Disney World... Y después viene la historia de ellos dos... 🤔
Terminó siendo ridículo. Es una propaganda de Disney World... Y después viene la historia de ellos dos... 🤔
August 1, 2011
Finding Forgiveness is in many ways a typical “shifter” story: you have a pack both characters are part of, they are mates but have issues coming together, and they both have events in their past they’d rather forget. What is less usual is the actual pack structure, with not just alphas and betas but marshals, strong omegas and other positions. The guys never fully shift either, the focus is definitely on their human side and the story would almost work without them being wolf shifters. And this is a world were other shifters, such as pumas, cougars, lions and bears also exist. There are quite a few references to other events which I suspect are art of previous books in linked series; the fact that I haven’t read those didn’t stop me from enjoying this book, though.
Okay, so Dave and Ben have known they were mates for almost ten years. Misunderstandings have kept them apart, and when Ben, the guilty party for rejecting his supposedly alcoholic mate, wakes up to reality the story takes off. I liked watching him grovel almost as much as Dave did, I suspect. Dave can’t believe his luck at first, but when he does, he comes up with some very creative ways to make Ben pay. The ultimate conclusion, when they both understand this ‘mate thing; is seriously going to work for them, was very satisfying and very funny.
If you like shifter stories with a touch of humor, slightly unusual pack structures and great alpha heroes fighting for dominance and discovering deeper feelings while they’re at it, you will probably like this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishng for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
Okay, so Dave and Ben have known they were mates for almost ten years. Misunderstandings have kept them apart, and when Ben, the guilty party for rejecting his supposedly alcoholic mate, wakes up to reality the story takes off. I liked watching him grovel almost as much as Dave did, I suspect. Dave can’t believe his luck at first, but when he does, he comes up with some very creative ways to make Ben pay. The ultimate conclusion, when they both understand this ‘mate thing; is seriously going to work for them, was very satisfying and very funny.
If you like shifter stories with a touch of humor, slightly unusual pack structures and great alpha heroes fighting for dominance and discovering deeper feelings while they’re at it, you will probably like this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishng for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
August 26, 2011
Ben and Dave are destined werewolf mates who haven't gotten together because Ben thinks that Dave's frequent migraines (which Ben can feel psychically) are hang-overs and Ben, who was abused by his alcoholic dad, refuses to mate with an alcoholic. Once he realizes his mistake, he is eager to make amends -- but Dave's been burned so often he's off to find another soulmate at Gay Pride Week at Disneyworld.
... So the Big Misunderstanding and the angsty histories (of course no one knows about Ben's abusive dad! He suffered alone! Except for his best friend, of whom Dave is jealous) are pure idtastic crack, but the execution is lackluster. I could buy the misunderstanding going on for a few weeks, but apparently Ben failed to notice any inconsistencies with his theory for ten years. Add in clumsily handled backstory/references to other related books, the homophobic "joking" struggle over who gets to top that slash writers so often indulge in, and the inexplicable focus on Disney World, and this becomes more painful the longer it goes on.
Id crack for someone else's id, I guess. A star because I am that much of a sucker for mutual pining.
... So the Big Misunderstanding and the angsty histories (of course no one knows about Ben's abusive dad! He suffered alone! Except for his best friend, of whom Dave is jealous) are pure idtastic crack, but the execution is lackluster. I could buy the misunderstanding going on for a few weeks, but apparently Ben failed to notice any inconsistencies with his theory for ten years. Add in clumsily handled backstory/references to other related books, the homophobic "joking" struggle over who gets to top that slash writers so often indulge in, and the inexplicable focus on Disney World, and this becomes more painful the longer it goes on.
Id crack for someone else's id, I guess. A star because I am that much of a sucker for mutual pining.
July 6, 2011
I could really sympathize with Dave's migraine suffering and wanted to bump fists with his alpha, luna and other pack leaders for ripping Ben a new one for his idiocy and insensitivity where Dave's migraines were concerned. But I found it a little hard to believe that a lot of those same pack members knew the true nature of Dave's suffering for almost 9 years and no one bothered to set Ben straight that Dave was NOT an alcoholic? They were aware that Dave and Ben were supposed to be mates and that Ben was adding to Dave's stress by rejecting him (Ben's dad had been an abusive alcoholic and Ben didn't want to commit to Dave if he was an alcoholic too) so I'm surprised the alpha, as Dave's best friend, or at least one of the well-meaning female pack members didn't try to get to the bottom of Ben's behavior towards Dave before it escalated to Dave being hospitalized from yet another migraine. I thought it was really cute though how Disney World was the place Ben had to do his groveling and I loved the shirt Dave made Ben wear as payback.
July 17, 2011
It was ok, but a little unbelievable that the alpha never saw fit to talk with Ben about not stressing Dave, I mean, they knew from Dave's condition since sometime, that book states he had been diagnosed and everything, and as the Alpha, he must ensure the safety of everyone, like talking in a meeting about it and ask for everyone's support, hence it was unbelievable that the WHOLE pack knew except Ben.
The shirt thing kicked me out of the story, I was thinking it was some old shirt from Ben that Dave clung to, not the stupid thing that really was, and I totally hated the luna/panther shifter, she was so bitchy i just wanted to kick her ass.
That's why I hate mixed parings book series, but the blurb of this book really catch my attention, so i gave it a chance, it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read, but it didn't rocked me either.
The shirt thing kicked me out of the story, I was thinking it was some old shirt from Ben that Dave clung to, not the stupid thing that really was, and I totally hated the luna/panther shifter, she was so bitchy i just wanted to kick her ass.
That's why I hate mixed parings book series, but the blurb of this book really catch my attention, so i gave it a chance, it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read, but it didn't rocked me either.
January 4, 2013
The story was pretty good, but I think the character development could have been a bit richer. The main characters felt a little thin, but maybe this is due to the fact that I haven't read Halle Pumas series.
May 13, 2021
This was a silly read, how can after 9 years Ben did not know that Dave was NOT an alcoholic?????
9 years for goodness sake!!!!!
And I also find it hard to believe that this is the 1st time that Dave went to hospital and Ben did not know about it.
So why now????
Just no no no no !!!!
9 years for goodness sake!!!!!
And I also find it hard to believe that this is the 1st time that Dave went to hospital and Ben did not know about it.
So why now????
Just no no no no !!!!
April 6, 2017
I had a blast reading this, I didn't even notice it ending until the epilogue popped out of nowhere (seriously) I wished it was longer. an't wait for the next book..
April 23, 2025
I love love this! BUT I wish it was a bit longer😭
August 1, 2017
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! I bought this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I own the whole set!
The cover is awesome!! Love it!!
This is the first book in this series which is a spin-off of Halle Pumas! This book is for adults only due to the steamy content. If you have a problem reading M/M content, this may not be the book for you. I do not read much of this, but I cannot read Ben and Dave’s story after I got to know them in Halle Pumas.
Ben and Dave’s story is a lot of miscommunication and jumping to wrong conclusions by both of them. If you want some of the details, read the blurb, but I do not want to ruin the story for those who are going to read it. It is amazing how dense some men are, but they do get their acts together. They are great together! I can’t wait to read more of the Pack’s stories.
Dana is now an addition to my favorite author list where I know I can go to read something that I will enjoy and has my favorite kind of ending a HEA!! I can’t wait to read the next one!
I highly recommend to anyone who loves the Halle Pumas or Halle Shifters because the Pack is just as awesome!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! I bought this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I own the whole set!
The cover is awesome!! Love it!!
This is the first book in this series which is a spin-off of Halle Pumas! This book is for adults only due to the steamy content. If you have a problem reading M/M content, this may not be the book for you. I do not read much of this, but I cannot read Ben and Dave’s story after I got to know them in Halle Pumas.
Ben and Dave’s story is a lot of miscommunication and jumping to wrong conclusions by both of them. If you want some of the details, read the blurb, but I do not want to ruin the story for those who are going to read it. It is amazing how dense some men are, but they do get their acts together. They are great together! I can’t wait to read more of the Pack’s stories.
Dana is now an addition to my favorite author list where I know I can go to read something that I will enjoy and has my favorite kind of ending a HEA!! I can’t wait to read the next one!
I highly recommend to anyone who loves the Halle Pumas or Halle Shifters because the Pack is just as awesome!
May 9, 2011
Dana Marie Bell has written a touching romance of misgivings and mistakes, and new starts.
Ben Malone has known since he was fifteen that David Maldonado is his mate. But he refuses to claim him, because he is determined not to become involved with an alcoholic like his father. Ben suffered too much from his father’s drunken rages, and will never go through that again, even for his mate.
For David’s part, he doesn’t understand Ben’s attitude. He also realized long ago that Ben was his mate, and has been hurt by Ben’s attitude. After the most recent migraine attack, one that leaves David unconscious and hospitalized, he decides to go away and try to forget his mate once and for all. Better to not have a mate and be lonely, than to endure Ben’s scorn and derision every day.
When the pack alpha sits Ben down and lays the whole situation in front of him, Ben learns that drinking is not the cause of David’s pain, and what Ben thought were hangovers, were in fact severe and debilitating migraines. Now that he knows, Ben is determined that no one but him will ever claim his mate, and he realizes he has some serious groveling ahead to win the forgiveness of the only person he has ever needed.
This is the first of her Poconos Pack stories, but it fits together beautifully with her Halle Puma series, focusing this time on the wolves of Rick’s pack. I like that so many of the ‘old friends’ from the Halle Puma series are here, and to be honest, I have been waiting for Ben and Dave’s story for a long time. This one was worth the wait. This is filled with romance and of course, Ms. Bell’s marvelous sense of humor is ever present, making this one a joy to read.
David Maldonado is the pack beta to Rick’s alpha. He is big, strong and gorgeous; a gentle giant of a man. He is confused by Ben’s attitude, and decides to give up his dream of being claimed by his mate. He suffers through his headaches without complaint, and I could feel his pain, physical and emotional, throughout this story. I enjoyed the lengths he went to, once he had Ben where he wanted him, and the things he had Ben do to gain forgiveness were, at times, hilarious.
Ben Malone is pack Marshall, and he believes he’s doing the right thing for himself by not claiming his mate. Ben is strong and yet there is a vulnerable part of him, the part his father put there so long ago. When he sees what he believes are the signs of the sickness of alcoholism that gripped his father, in his mate, he refuses to be hurt again. When he realizes his mistake, he is miserable. I loved watching him ‘grovel’ to get his mate to his side, and laughed along the way with what he was willing to do.
This is a touching love story about two people and how misunderstanding and secrets can come between them. David and Ben needed to open up and just talk, and much of their heartache would never have happened. I loved some of the secondary characters that were new to this story, and I would love to see more of both Steve and Charlie in future books from Ms. Bell. I enjoyed the experience of this story, and was delighted with the happy ever after for these two.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Ben Malone has known since he was fifteen that David Maldonado is his mate. But he refuses to claim him, because he is determined not to become involved with an alcoholic like his father. Ben suffered too much from his father’s drunken rages, and will never go through that again, even for his mate.
For David’s part, he doesn’t understand Ben’s attitude. He also realized long ago that Ben was his mate, and has been hurt by Ben’s attitude. After the most recent migraine attack, one that leaves David unconscious and hospitalized, he decides to go away and try to forget his mate once and for all. Better to not have a mate and be lonely, than to endure Ben’s scorn and derision every day.
When the pack alpha sits Ben down and lays the whole situation in front of him, Ben learns that drinking is not the cause of David’s pain, and what Ben thought were hangovers, were in fact severe and debilitating migraines. Now that he knows, Ben is determined that no one but him will ever claim his mate, and he realizes he has some serious groveling ahead to win the forgiveness of the only person he has ever needed.
This is the first of her Poconos Pack stories, but it fits together beautifully with her Halle Puma series, focusing this time on the wolves of Rick’s pack. I like that so many of the ‘old friends’ from the Halle Puma series are here, and to be honest, I have been waiting for Ben and Dave’s story for a long time. This one was worth the wait. This is filled with romance and of course, Ms. Bell’s marvelous sense of humor is ever present, making this one a joy to read.
David Maldonado is the pack beta to Rick’s alpha. He is big, strong and gorgeous; a gentle giant of a man. He is confused by Ben’s attitude, and decides to give up his dream of being claimed by his mate. He suffers through his headaches without complaint, and I could feel his pain, physical and emotional, throughout this story. I enjoyed the lengths he went to, once he had Ben where he wanted him, and the things he had Ben do to gain forgiveness were, at times, hilarious.
Ben Malone is pack Marshall, and he believes he’s doing the right thing for himself by not claiming his mate. Ben is strong and yet there is a vulnerable part of him, the part his father put there so long ago. When he sees what he believes are the signs of the sickness of alcoholism that gripped his father, in his mate, he refuses to be hurt again. When he realizes his mistake, he is miserable. I loved watching him ‘grovel’ to get his mate to his side, and laughed along the way with what he was willing to do.
This is a touching love story about two people and how misunderstanding and secrets can come between them. David and Ben needed to open up and just talk, and much of their heartache would never have happened. I loved some of the secondary characters that were new to this story, and I would love to see more of both Steve and Charlie in future books from Ms. Bell. I enjoyed the experience of this story, and was delighted with the happy ever after for these two.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
July 13, 2011
While the book had it's moments and I liked it well enough once Dave and Ben finally got together the first part of the book just didn't work for me.
*Spoilers ahead*
First of, the only reason I see for the prologue is so we as the readers know what's happened to Ben, and can latter better understand why he treated Dave the way he did. For me it didn't even serve that purpose. Actually it made me wonder what happened next. How did Ben end up back with the pack. Were they caught? What about Steve? And none of those questions got any answers.
IMO both Ben and Dave acted like idiots (Ben more so than Dave but not by much). The alpha and omega didn't strike me as much brighter in their assigned roles either.
How hard would it have been for Ben to sit down and talk to Dave. See what's going on instead of assuming and making a big mess of things. And as far as Dave's concerned, while he didn't do anything wrong he should have cornered Ben a long time ago and forced him to talk and sort things out. Plus, the alpha's supposedly a friend to both, knew both sides of the story but didn't once think to ask Ben what his problem was and seeing if he could help them get together? Can you say stupid.
Also, once Ben's dad was cast out I would have thought the reason would have been given. Instead, once Dave talks to Ben he's surprised and can't believe what happened.
To top it off we have the meddling women. Why didn't they meddle sooner. Maybe helped out. Instead they meddle now preventing them from talking once the problem comes out and enabling Dave to run off to Disney Gay Pride Week to find another mate. Well, at least they had the sense to tell Ben where Dave's going.
All in all most of the characters behaved like spoiled 5 year-olds instead of grown-ups.
And than they made up and lived happily ever after.
On the bright side I liked the writing so I'll be checking out other stories by the author.
*Spoilers ahead*
First of, the only reason I see for the prologue is so we as the readers know what's happened to Ben, and can latter better understand why he treated Dave the way he did. For me it didn't even serve that purpose. Actually it made me wonder what happened next. How did Ben end up back with the pack. Were they caught? What about Steve? And none of those questions got any answers.
IMO both Ben and Dave acted like idiots (Ben more so than Dave but not by much). The alpha and omega didn't strike me as much brighter in their assigned roles either.
How hard would it have been for Ben to sit down and talk to Dave. See what's going on instead of assuming and making a big mess of things. And as far as Dave's concerned, while he didn't do anything wrong he should have cornered Ben a long time ago and forced him to talk and sort things out. Plus, the alpha's supposedly a friend to both, knew both sides of the story but didn't once think to ask Ben what his problem was and seeing if he could help them get together? Can you say stupid.
Also, once Ben's dad was cast out I would have thought the reason would have been given. Instead, once Dave talks to Ben he's surprised and can't believe what happened.
To top it off we have the meddling women. Why didn't they meddle sooner. Maybe helped out. Instead they meddle now preventing them from talking once the problem comes out and enabling Dave to run off to Disney Gay Pride Week to find another mate. Well, at least they had the sense to tell Ben where Dave's going.
All in all most of the characters behaved like spoiled 5 year-olds instead of grown-ups.
And than they made up and lived happily ever after.
On the bright side I liked the writing so I'll be checking out other stories by the author.
Read
August 9, 2012The only defect I can find in this novella is that, it’s clear part of a series, and the other books are not M/M romances, so I will probably not read them, but if you have not my time constraint limits that allow me to concentrate only on GLBT novels, than I think it would be good to consider picking them up, Dana Marie Bell has a light and funny touch, that is refreshing and young.
Ben and Dave grew up together in a mountain pack that is very tight and enclosed. Both of them knew they were mates, but a stupid misunderstanding sees them adults and still unmated. When Dave, the more lighthearted of the two, but also the one who desperately wants commitment and a partner, decides to go on a “mating” mission to see if there is a second chance for him outside the pack, Ben realizes it’s time for him to go down the pedestal and claim his mate.
This is not very long, and also the events in the story span for barely a weekend, if you don’t consider the prologue with the two of them teenagers. It’s mostly funny, even when the author could push on the drama, she doesn’t, leaving the story ringing more like a comedy than a paranormal romance. I really enjoyed Dave’s light core, how he is able to let the child who is in him go out and play, and I really liked that Ben is able to see this as a strength and not as weakness.
As I said, Ben needs to descend to an ordinary level, it’s true he is shielding his heart, and life, from being hurt, but in doing so, he is hurting his love. Once he realizes what he has to do though, he is humble enough to admit his wrong, and trying to do the right thing.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W3UD6C/?...
Ben and Dave grew up together in a mountain pack that is very tight and enclosed. Both of them knew they were mates, but a stupid misunderstanding sees them adults and still unmated. When Dave, the more lighthearted of the two, but also the one who desperately wants commitment and a partner, decides to go on a “mating” mission to see if there is a second chance for him outside the pack, Ben realizes it’s time for him to go down the pedestal and claim his mate.
This is not very long, and also the events in the story span for barely a weekend, if you don’t consider the prologue with the two of them teenagers. It’s mostly funny, even when the author could push on the drama, she doesn’t, leaving the story ringing more like a comedy than a paranormal romance. I really enjoyed Dave’s light core, how he is able to let the child who is in him go out and play, and I really liked that Ben is able to see this as a strength and not as weakness.
As I said, Ben needs to descend to an ordinary level, it’s true he is shielding his heart, and life, from being hurt, but in doing so, he is hurting his love. Once he realizes what he has to do though, he is humble enough to admit his wrong, and trying to do the right thing.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W3UD6C/?...
June 20, 2012
This was a fun one to read. I found myself on Dave's side at the start, in fact sort of hated Ben for his selfishness. He didn't ever try to learn the truth, just ran away. I even liked how the Pack ganged up on him and loved how Rick let slip that Dave was going to look for a second mate. The whole silliness of Gay Pride week at Disney had me laughing! All these shifters surrounded by Mickey and friends, while scoping out romances seems surreal.
I found it funny that when Ben found Dave, that Dave thought he was dreaming, so of course everything was fine with him. I loved the idea of the t-shirt and that Ben had to wear as part of his groveling.
This quick read was a great addition to the Halle Puma stories and a great start to a new one.
I found it funny that when Ben found Dave, that Dave thought he was dreaming, so of course everything was fine with him. I loved the idea of the t-shirt and that Ben had to wear as part of his groveling.
This quick read was a great addition to the Halle Puma stories and a great start to a new one.
May 29, 2015
I love dana Marie bell she's one of the best shifter writers around. With this book u really need to read the other series halle puma and halle shifters first. As someone who suffers from migraine from a very early age I completely understand what Dave goes through and his family who see him suffer and try to help best they can. I'm really glad Ben got his head out of his as and they got their HEA. Can't wait for chela and Steve story.
January 25, 2015
These two are adorable
I love everything I've ever read(which as far as I know is everything) by Ms. Bell, but Ben&David were sweet, both with such heartbreaking "baggage" as they put it you just needed to see them get their HEA. They had their bumps in the road like any good romance, but we're snoop in love it was inevitable. The sex was hot, but they were also funny, goofy, teasing each other while supporting each other. Definitely don't miss.
I love everything I've ever read(which as far as I know is everything) by Ms. Bell, but Ben&David were sweet, both with such heartbreaking "baggage" as they put it you just needed to see them get their HEA. They had their bumps in the road like any good romance, but we're snoop in love it was inevitable. The sex was hot, but they were also funny, goofy, teasing each other while supporting each other. Definitely don't miss.
September 11, 2015
I gave the book only 2 stars because I felt no chemistry between Ben and Dave whats so ever. The only reason in my opinion Ben wanted to resolve things between him and Dave was for selfish reasons of himself being afraid of getting kicked out of the pack. No communication between those two for over 9 years, mates don't do that or hurt each other purposely! :(
July 9, 2011
I enjoy Dana Marie Bell's HEA Books. Finding Forgiveness was funny, light and I cannot wait to see what the next book in this series will be.
July 9, 2011
Good paranormal m/m romance about a wolf shifter who suffers from debilitating migraines and has no idea why the guy destined to be his mate avoids him at all costs.
October 30, 2011
I really do like this one! I can't wait for more in this series!!
November 23, 2014
I really wish that Dave wouldn't be so quick to forgive Ben.
But yeah it's okay. I liked it too. :)
But yeah it's okay. I liked it too. :)
May 16, 2018
Re-read and I want Ben to grovel more. Downgraded to 2 stars
November 14, 2018
2/5
Masculinity complex, misunderstanding, Disneyland, and trophywife shirt. Must I say more.
Masculinity complex, misunderstanding, Disneyland, and trophywife shirt. Must I say more.
February 4, 2019
Ben Malone's role as Marshall attunes him to every nuance of the pack's wellbeing which means he's forced to feel every one of his mate's hangovers. It's the one reason Ben will never claim Dave Maldonado. Being alone is better than being with someone who lives in a bottle.
Dave was destined to be a pack Alpha until his first migraine hit at age fifteen, the day he caught his future mate holding hands with another boy. In the nine agonizing years since, he's contented himself as Beta, but never learned to live with the pain and confusion of Ben's rejection.
Dave's worst attack yet sends him to the hospital and brings them both face to face with the misunderstanding that's kept them apart all these years. It's too late, though. Dave is headed for Gay Pride Week at Disney World with one goal in mind. "Forget Ben Malone."
Ben's got a problem with that. Only one man is destined to hold "his" David. And he'll give anything, even his last shred of pride, to win forgiveness and the right to finally claim his mate.
Heather's Notes
I liked Ben. I felt like the pack was hard on Ben. Why didn't anyone ask him why he was acting that way. Rick should definitely have known (as the alpha) and Chelle should have wondered why he felt the way he did. The only one I understood acting the way he did was Dave. He was also a really good character, and I loved his reaction when he realized he wasn't dreaming. I enjoyed meeting Steve and "Charlie" and look forward to their books.
Dave was destined to be a pack Alpha until his first migraine hit at age fifteen, the day he caught his future mate holding hands with another boy. In the nine agonizing years since, he's contented himself as Beta, but never learned to live with the pain and confusion of Ben's rejection.
Dave's worst attack yet sends him to the hospital and brings them both face to face with the misunderstanding that's kept them apart all these years. It's too late, though. Dave is headed for Gay Pride Week at Disney World with one goal in mind. "Forget Ben Malone."
Ben's got a problem with that. Only one man is destined to hold "his" David. And he'll give anything, even his last shred of pride, to win forgiveness and the right to finally claim his mate.
Heather's Notes
I liked Ben. I felt like the pack was hard on Ben. Why didn't anyone ask him why he was acting that way. Rick should definitely have known (as the alpha) and Chelle should have wondered why he felt the way he did. The only one I understood acting the way he did was Dave. He was also a really good character, and I loved his reaction when he realized he wasn't dreaming. I enjoyed meeting Steve and "Charlie" and look forward to their books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews