Audiobook Review: Chosen Pride (L'Ange #3) by Mary Calmes

Jon Slade finally met his mate, but instead of it being the happiest day of his life, it became the saddest when wolf shifter Kelvin MacCurdy chose his obligations over their fated bond, leaving Jon to pick up the pieces of his shattered dreams. Lucky for him, Roman Howell, his boss and the owner of L’Ange, saw promise in the forlorn lion and put him to work so he wouldn’t have time to sit around and lick his wounds while he waited for his wounded spirit to heal.

Then the wolves make an official visit to L’Ange, and Jon finds out Kelvin’s pining for him is taking its toll on his position as the king’s champion. Though Kelvin’s training and the expectations of others steer him toward an intended mate, Jon has an unbreakable hold on his heart, and it’s no longer possible for Kelvin to keep himself from where he truly belongs.

But the conclave brings more than Kelvin to the château. It also brings a challenge to jackal alpha Quade Danas, a threat that Quade and Roman, Arman and Linus, and Jon and Kelvin may have to fight in order to keep L’Ange’s family intact. Jon never wanted to lead a pride, but the loyalty and devotion to one is ingrained in him. Kelvin was raised to punish anyone who questioned his king, but the calling to protect others runs through his veins just as deeply. To come out on the other side of the battle together, Jon and Kelvin will have to hold the darkness of solitary pride and broken hearts at bay—and find strength in belonging to something bigger than themselves.

Listening Length: 8 hours and 13 minutes
Narrator: Tristan James

When Jon Slade’s fated mate rejected him, he tried to put any thoughts of love behind him and focus on his work at L’Ange. But his plan is disturbed when a visiting delegation of wolves includes Kelvin MacCurdy.

Kelvin finds it difficult to continue denying Jon. But for him and Jon to be happy, they must overcome Kelvin’s obligations to his king.

I’ve listened to a number of audiobooks by Tristan James, and he blows me away every single time. ‘Chosen Pride’ was no different. The narrator does an excellent job with character voices, pacing, and mood setting. I had no trouble immersing myself in the world of L’Ange.

I went into this book not very fond of Kelvin, given the way he callously rejected Jon at the end of book 2. But, as Kelvin’s story was slowly revealed, the reasons for his actions made sense.

Though Kelvin at first seemed cold, he’s really a big old softie with a heart of gold.

It would be hard not to feel for Jon. He’s a lonely man, and he pines for the mate he can’t have.

When the two are reunited, they find it difficult to keep their feelings, and their hands, in check. In the midst of a volatile situation, Kelvin finally cracks and gives in to the mate he was forced to reject.

Once Kelvin finally got his head out of his ass, he and Jon wasted no time in going for what they both wanted. These two were hot.

The emotional relationship between the two relies heavily on their fated bond. It’s a bit insta-lovey, but I was willing to accept that. It’s a common trope in shifter books, after all.

But even with the quick jump to love, there’s no denying that Jon and Kelvin fit together. Both men had spent much of their lives alone, and found in each other happiness and home.

There’s a large amount of plot in this book, revolving around Kelvin’s pack. I wasn’t a fan of book 2 because I thought there was too much going on, and everything was OTT. While a lot happens in ‘Chosen Pride’ as well, it was entertaining, instead of chaotic.

Calmes’ shifter reads tend to be gritty and bloody. This book is no different. The plot was gripping, with Jon and Kelvin having to work hard to get their HEA, and a happy ending for others at L’Ange.

Overall, I really liked ‘Chosen Pride’. The romance is sweet and sexy, and the plot kept me hooked. The audiobook was excellent.