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Redwood University #2

To Save a Mate

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Welcome back to Redwood University, where a power-hungry shifter wants to rule them all; and those strong enough to stand up to him must fight.

I tried to flee Redwood University, but when my father was kidnapped by a ruthless alpha, I was forced to submit. With a broken heart and wounded pride, I reluctantly followed his demands–if only to keep my father alive.

There's danger lurking around every corner, and since Alexei crushed my heart in his fist, I sought an alliance with the vampires, fae, and witches instead.

Alexei is furious, jealous, and possessive. But despite everything, I still ache for him.

But the future alpha made his choice. No matter what he says, I can't wait for a mate that won't stand by my side. I just wish my heart would get with the program.

Because there's an unknown power simmering in my veins, and a mystery I'm on the verge of cracking. I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that Alpha Jones will do anything to gain more control, and that's one thing I can never allow to happen.

So, if Alexei won't save me from his father, then I'lll save myself.


*To Save a Mate is the second book in the Redwood University Trilogy. It cannot be read as a standalone and ends in a cliffhanger. If possessive heroes, who occasionally turn into wolves, and sassy, headstrong heroines are your jam, you've come to the right place. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the continuation of this exciting paranormal story.

412 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2023

192 people are currently reading
153 people want to read

About the author

Poppy Ireland

6 books133 followers

Poppy Ireland is the pseudonym for USA Today Bestselling Author duo, CoraLee June and Laura Lee. Poppy was born from a passion project, a spark of creative fun that turned into something magical for these two longtime friends. If they’re not wrangling kids or working on their solo projects, they’re likely using their freaky mind melding powers to bring you more spicy romantasy stories that'll keep you on the edge of your seat! ! 

To get the latest updates on Poppy's books, click here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64091edeb83f7f2f30b8065c

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for Larissa Rye.
1,371 reviews17 followers
February 21, 2023
GAHHH!!! I knew book two would be just as absolutely fantastic as book one but man it was so so so much more than I was expecting. So fucking good!! Seriously! This world is crazy & I love it so much! Definitely my favourite series of the year!

I laughed my butt off, my mind raced with all the possibilities of what was to come & the sexual tension was off the charts! Plus Corbin!!! Hello!! I loved him in book one but now I want to claim him as my own! I really really hope he gets his own books! I couldn’t be more excited for book three because hopefully that means no more ridiculous, make my heart stop cliffhangers! Come on book three!
Profile Image for Crystal.
349 reviews33 followers
March 1, 2023
I just can’t even with this trilogy!!!

Who the heck is this magical duo of Poppy Ireland?! Their writing is so freaking addictive. I am totally sucked into this world and don’t ever want to come out of it.

I am now pounding on their door (via shinny internet and social media) begging for the ending! I can’t wait!! I know it will be absolutely phenomenal like this series.

This has easily moved into the top 3 shifter romances I have ever read!
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,520 reviews958 followers
Read
March 3, 2023
Gah! I’m obsessed with this Sookie Stackhouse meets Gossip Girl meets GREEK world! The tension! The angst! The magic! The steam! The college shenanigans! The Corbin content! I am here for it!!

The story picks up right after the heartbreaking finale as our will-they-won't-they fated or maybe rejected mates try to deal with the fall out of Alexei's betrayal. Or was it? Let's just say he has a lot of explaining to do - and Nicole is NOT going to make it easy for him. Nor should she- our alpha Jr. is in the doghouse right where he belongs. After multiple public rejections and the most devastating humiliation, he also follows it up with a heart-wrenching betrayal. And Nicole decides his transgressions are unforgivable- which means she's going to find allies with some of the other magical houses to not only protect her but her father, who is being held captive. And those new friendships open a whole can of worms- and awaken the big ole green eyed wolfy monster in Alexei. So bring on all the angst and longing and ALL the drama- because these two needle each other basically the whole book. Not to mention, our secondary characters are all busy bees creating their own drama, and we have a LOT of mysteries to solve here. While Nicole is trying to fend off an apologetic but intentionally distant Alexei (and his very adorable beta minion Corbin), Nicole is also trying to figure out her parents' secrets and what may be her own magical lineage. THE PLOT THICKENS INDEED!

This is loads of fun- equal parts delicious steam, that yummy first love angst, fun magic, and some over the top campy humor that had me rolling. While I loved the blissful character and tight plot focus of book one, the second installment definitely gets a bit more broad- we have more secondary characters stomping on the page for attention, and given that Alexei and Nicole are having some pretty epic can't-be-a-couple issues, they spend a lot of time apart and at odds in this book. And, we have new storylines and a more in-depth look at some of the other supernatural worlds, not to mention several additional characters pulling our focus. So, at times the story does feel sprawling, but the new or elevated characters are loads of fun, and given the doom and gloom of the evil plot and Alexei and Nicole's angst, it also keeps the book light and fun and not to weighed down by all the heavy they are facing.

There's a lot going on and a lot to unpack- and this supernatural Scooby Gang better stop fighting amongst themselves if they want to be victorious! Fortunately we get some answers, but there are more secrets and histories to unpack! This crew has a lot to do to take on the big bad wolf in the finale, and I expect more jaw dropping revelations and epic surprises to come along the way! I'm excited to figure out just all that we don't know yet and I'm also looking forward to more Alexei-Nicole time since their connection and chemistry is really the star of the show, even if I do love my Corbin's antics. Both of these characters are flawed by GOOD- and both are trying really hard to navigate the tension between their own wants and what they have to do to protect and care for others. Their altruism and heroics have made them do things that hurt each other, especially Alexei, and he's going to have to figure out how to keep the girl AND save the day- and I have a feeling Nicole is the hero he needs to be victorious. She's inspired him to finally stand strong- no matter the consequences.

This series is so creative and bingeable- it’s fun, it’s hilarious, it’s sexy, and it’s wildly engrossing. I can’t get enough, and I need answers! I need closure! I need the finale! Don’t sleep on Poppy y’all- this is one of the best paranormal/supernatural stories I’ve read, and I FLOVE the new adult/college trope mixed with it. It’s magically delicious 😉 💫
Profile Image for Katelynn.
962 reviews31 followers
February 17, 2023
I gotta give it to these ladies... they sure know how to write a cliffhanger, and this one really raises more questions! In this second book of the trilogy, Nicole is reeling from Alexei's betrayal and the consequences of it. No longer sure who is a friend or foe and who can be trusted, she's alone in the supernatural world. Luckily for her, her best friend and aunts are on their way to help in any way they can, while Nicole solidifies some paranormal allies as well. The people she trusts the least, though, are her ex friend Corbin and jealous mate Alexei. As Alexei's dad descends further into the thrist for more power, everyone no one is safe from his wrath nor knows what his evil plan really is. That's about as much as can be recapped without getting too deep in the spoiler rabbit hole. I loved this book and one of the biggest reasons is because Nicole stood her ground and didn't forgive her mate within the first 10% of the book, I'll leave it a mystery as to when or if she does in this one but I was so pleasantly happy that there was still angst that felt necessary to the plot. It also made the last cliffhanger feel more meaningful because it doesn't just get immediately resolved in the first 20 pages. Aside from that, there's still romance, humor... especially for Corbin, mysteries galore, and potential spin-off characters that you become more invested in. I'm so in love with this series and hope it continues to get more recognition because it's been memorable and entertaining in all the right ways! Bring on the third book!
Profile Image for Ahana M Rao (Heart’s Content).
676 reviews82 followers
March 3, 2023
You can find this review of To Save a Mate on my blog, Heart’s Content!

A big shout out and thank you to The Hatters Author Services and Poppy Ireland for including me in the blog tour of To Save a Mate and providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!

When I got a mail asking if I’d like to sign up for the ARC Tour for To Save a Mate, I may have actually dived into my phone in excitement. The previous book, To Reject a Mate, ended on a very very curious note (aka sort-of-cliffhanger) and I was really interested in seeing where the author(s?) were taking the story.

I think cliffhangers are the bane of every reader’s existence. There are many types of cliffhangers out there and the ones that I hate the most are the ones that make me, as a reader, feel played. Specifically in books where the page count is like one billion pages but the ending is devastating. I’m realllllllly not fond of those cliffhangers because just my luck the next book always always takes one hundred years to release.

Poppy Ireland did no such thing. Yes, there are cliffhangers but they’re nothing like the ones I hate. There’s suspense and thrill and oooh-I-wonder-what’s-next but not I-want-to-throw-my-kindle-at-the-wall.

To Save a Mate picks up from where To Reject a Mate leaves us. This book was heavier on the plot unravelling and the ways it does is quite extensive. Many many things are brought to scene, bringing some answers and many questions. There are frankly, a billion things happening at once and like any shifter related book, where everyone/everthing is filled with intense emotions and sharp bursts of action, TSaM follows the same style.

I loved seeing how different the communities are from one another, be it in the way that they emote or the way they problem solve. The community power battle and cunning was interesting to watch and I can’t wait to see where Poppy Ireland take this.

Nicole holds ground a lot lot lot better than most people in the literary world. I was quite worried that she would take an extreme decision or do something she might regret. I frankly wouldn’t have been surprised had that happened. I loved seeing a protagonist that wasn’t going to jump in front of a car to escape a fire (metaphorically, of course). I appreciated watching her go through her heart break, fear and pain and work to untangle her thoughts and decisions as best as sh could.

Having Alexei’s perspective was a very very smart idea. I mentioned this in my review for TRaM and I reiterate it here. Having the male protagonist’s POV is usually not my favourite, but in a series like this it was a crucial decision that could make of break the book. Without it, as a reader I would have quite possibly found it very hard to understand or forgive the MMC.

The only struggle I had with this was that I wish there has been more communication between the MCs. I know that the situation made it difficult to communicate and the biggest plot knot was the inability to talk things out because of the complication of it all and the emotions entangled with it. Another effect of it of course, was that this particular plot knot also upped the angst between the MCs. But given that it was a plot knot I would have really liked to see it be unraveled better.

Four stars! Check trigger warnings as always as always! There’s something Poppy Ireland wrote about themselves in the book and I’m super super curious about the reveal—if it ever happens. I’ve been thinking and looking for clues ever since. Can’t wait to unravel the mystery! Happy reading!
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,747 reviews398 followers
March 3, 2023
I read To Save a Mate by Poppy Ireland in one sitting, staying up way beyond midnight because I just couldn't stop! This story is the very definition of addictive. The plot is so complex and fascinating with never ending secrets, twists and revelations. The tension is unreal! The fated mate bond of Alexei and Nicole is going through some heartbreaking and heart stopping trials. You won't be able to get this story out of your head once you start. Now the wait for final book begins.

This is book two of Redwood University and must be read in order. So Nicole has been thrown to the wolves( pun intended). Her scientist father is held Captive by Alpha Jones so that he can cure the curse of wolfless shifters. Her fated mate and future alpha Alexei has hurt her beyond retribution. She is finding out that she has Powers and she is not full human. She has to save her father and her heart. But Alexei is trying to save her too. He is in middle of a big plan that will take a lot of courage and manipulation..all the while his mate is hating on him. There are a lot in line.


Nicole is the true hero of this series. This girl has come to this new world where everything has been turned upside down. She has been bullied and tortured by the shifters. She is being hunted because of her unknown special Powers. She found a soul mate she rejected but the bond was too strong and set in stars and then her heart was broken. But she still stands strong and proud and fierce. She has a strong support system with the witches and the vampires but she is ready to fight with all she has. She is suffering but she is refusing to let the pain distract her. She is kind and sweet and sassy. She holds all the power really. Even Alexei is helpless in front of her charisma. We see more of the supernatural world politics and drama here and Alpha Jones is planning something crooked and evil. I hate this man so much. And Alexei finally decided to take the stand. He knows his wretched father has to be taken down. His mate needs him and our man is doing everything he can. He is still deliciously alpha and possessive and bossy but we see his vulnerability here and that makes me fall harder for him. I think this fated mate trope is becoming one of my top favorite tropes. There is something thrilling and swoony and breathtaking about two hearts having such a strong connection and the authors did an incredible job of showing that. Alexei and Nicole are navigating a dangerous world and last few chapters proved that it is only getting more treacherous. I will wait for the last book with bated breath.


I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Jessisfullybooked.
182 reviews19 followers
March 3, 2023
I adored the instant connection between the MCs in book one and was captivated by the forbidden element the second installment continues to deliver! Book two sees Nicole searching for her place within the campus down different avenues. New side characters and relationships formed made for some of the best moments (💫iykyk). We see strategy, tension 🔥🔥 and the pining hit an all time high.
What begun seeming like a story focused around a central couple finding their path in life, has now expanded into a mysterious story through clever writing, banter and hilarity. The balance between dramatic, snort worthy and swoony moments made me love this new author partnership. One of the best parts about this series, is the intense emotional reaction to the villian- the betrayal and build up to a more sinister plot is done so well. It was completely un-put-downable. It took me for the most enjoyable ride with the escalating (intense) drama and a few darker themes which had me hooked!! 5⭐

This world and charcaters are a PNR highlight, this needs to be high up on your TBR 😘
Ps. You all know I love a good cliffy-- and this has a doozy 💀
Profile Image for Suzanne.
2,644 reviews44 followers
March 2, 2023
Oh those fated stars! Where to start with the second installment of the Redwood University. Can I just say I CANNOT WAIT for the final book. I have so many questions! But with that said, there is a lot to unpack that happens within this book. The raw emotions and pain that not just Nicole but Alexei are enduring is so heartbreaking. With how the first book ended, I was not sure how Alexei was going to redeem himself but oh did he ever. My heart hurts for these two as they just fight to exist with his jerk of a father in the way. Let’s not forget Mara. She just keeps twisting things up. But seeing how things play out, some answers were exposed but not all so it left me wanting. The twists and turns that are within this book too. The depth and complexity blew me away.
I can honestly say it is hard to write this review without screaming from the rooftops about how amazing this story is and how much you just want to binge them at once. I have so many things I want to know and I cannot wait to get the third book to see how it all plays out. And that ending? WOW… kept me on my toes so much. This book gives you a gamut of emotions from feeling the pain of Alexei and Nicole, to everything Corbin is enduring to help them out. Sparkle on! IYKYK!
Profile Image for KLynn.
1,492 reviews24 followers
March 29, 2023
Should not have started this late last night!!!
10 reviews
March 3, 2023
😍😍😍

Wow! Just wow! I felt every single emotion I’m capable of reading this book! I LOVED IT! I’m dreading the wait until the next book comes out though!
Profile Image for Monica P..
541 reviews
February 19, 2023
I devoured this book! Now I understand why people want to throw their kindles. I don’t know how this duo does it, but it just gets better. The storyline is amazing and the character development is spot on. Nicole continues to be one of my favorite heroines and the drama just keeps growing! I really do hate Alexei’s father. I can’t wait to see what happens in the last installment, but when I say this trilogy has me invested I mean it. I haven’t been this obsessed with a shifter series in a really long time, and I’m all about this one!

Thank you Poppy Ireland for the arc!

My short IG review: JUST FINISHED THIS AND OH MY GOSH, THESE BOOKS ARE AMAZING.
THE WRITING. THE CHARACTERS. THE STORY LINE. I DEVOURED THIS BOOK! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE LAST ONE TO SEE HOW IT ALL UNFOLDS!
Profile Image for Melissa, Book Boyfriend and Husband Make Three.
1,254 reviews108 followers
July 2, 2023
To Save a Mate is book 2 in the Redwood University series and is not a standalone. It continues from where "To Reject a Mate" left off. Please do yourself a favor and don’t seek out spoilers.

A supremely mega, ginormous, vague review is on the way. I will not take a chance on the possibility of spoiling even the tiniest element of this story. It’s far too incredible an experience to go into this completely blind and take a chance on ruining it for others.

I have no idea where to start. This duo has quickly become a favorite fantasy romance author as well as an all-time favorite.


All I know for sure is that I don’t want to leave this world. Seriously, if ever there was a moment that I wished for magical powers, it was when I was nearing the end, if only so I could erase everything I had just read so I could start it all again. I’ve read thousands of books, and not once have I ever had a thought like that. To be fair, I’ve never read a book like this. I can't think of anything that even comes close.

I’m already looking forward to reading about the secondary characters, and we’ve only barely scratched the surface of the main couple. It’s the magic woven inside the world that has nothing to do with this being a fantasy romance and everything to do with the way this duo brings every character, every emotion, and every intricate detail to life right before your eyes.

From start to finish, I was cemented in place. Only my eyes moving as I devoured every word, my hand when I needed to turn the page, and at times, tears of laughter and sadness. I was entranced, and the more I read, the more spellbindingly entranced I became. There are so many moving parts that there’s no room for anything inside your mind except this fictional world. I could give you all the reasons as to why I so desperately needed this escape, but it’s pretty depressing, so I’ll spare you. It was as if this duo's typing fingers began to itch with the desire to write a story, a sign that somewhere out there was a reader in desperate need of something new to lose herself in. A way to allow her mind a reprieve from real-life tragedy, so she could recharge, remember whose daughter she is, and straighten her damn crown. They delivered it tenfold.

The more you are drawn into this world you are the more addicted you become.The more you learn about the secondary characters, the more you crave all there is to know. The secrets, the twists, the laughter, and the tears—all of the elements that this duo has used to create this phenomenal fantasy world will undoubtedly become embedded in your mind and, more importantly, in the depths of your core.

This may be a fantasy romance, but the magic woven throughout every word has more to do with the talent of this duo than anything else. The intricate details, as well as the rules devised to distinguish this world from any other fantasy romance, are well thought out and sets this duo and their stories far above my wildest expectations. The Redwood University world has only just started, but it’s already secured a spot as one of my all-time favorite series.

To Save a Mate is spellbindingly unputdownable. An enthralling blend of volcanic chemistry, a possessive alpha, and a sassy heroine, you will feel every emotion in the deepest parts of you: laughter that will soothe a part of your soul, heartbreaking pain that cuts like a knife, mind-bending twists, wtf turns, hot AF steam, and an I won’t survive without answers cliffhanger. Set in a world that is both unique and familiar, in the sense that you feel like you're a part of it after only a few words. The magic in this story will reside inside you long after you read the last word.

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Profile Image for Heather Rada.
565 reviews132 followers
February 20, 2023
This trilogy just keeps getting better and better! Alexei is back in my good graces and I’m so happy for that because he’s hot af!!! What Poppy mentioned in her note to readers about Corbin was spot on and I can say no more on that - read the book and find out it’s worth it!!!! I cannot wait for the last installment of this amazing trilogy!!
Profile Image for Evie Miller.
531 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2023
Holy cow I am completely smitten with these characters !!! Compelling story, hilarious banter, a dash of spice, characters that are fast becoming some of my favorites ever, and cliffy deliciousness (yeah, I like them, I’m weird). Definitely worth a read and I can’t wait for the conclusion.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,088 reviews118 followers
March 3, 2023
Total judging this second book

Good, but not everything I was wanting. I tore through this book like a women possessed. And although I enjoyed it, there was times where I just wanted the storyline to progress more. Second book in, and we still have no idea what our H is? This book really just featured these two's push and pull drama. I really needed more here somehow? I found myself skipping the sex scenes because no matter what Alexei was going through. I just couldn't forgive him yet. And yet these two make up, I somehow like the vampire way better. The ending kinda blew me with the tstl stunt our H pulls. The point she just went to meet someone who's been holding back the damn truth this whole time left a bad taste in my mouth. We're going have to see why in the next installment, but I was really just peeved with that. I'm hoping the next book finally gives us real answer, And that these two really come into who and what they are supposed to be. because two books in and they seem to be getting no where with literally anything
Profile Image for Lilibet Bombshell.
1,038 reviews105 followers
February 28, 2023
I read over my review for the previous installment in this series, To Reject a Mate, before I sat down to write this review and see if/how my feelings after reading that book and this book has changed. Very little of my opinions and views have changed, and I’m surprisingly okay with it. Which, if you know me, that’s a touch out of character for me.

My main complaint about To Reject a Mate (which also received four stars from me, in case you’re curious) was the incredibly slow burn and how mild the single spice scene was when we got to it. I was hoping for more spice and spicier-spice in this installment. Well, I guess there just wasn’t anywhere to fit it in, what with all the new characters, the revelations, the evolutions of different characters, the sheer madness that is the rapidly-escalating and ugly evil plot, forming allies for what’s looking like a secret rebellion that’s been forming behind the scenes for a while, and the serious need to find out exactly what Nicole is, because the longer they all go without knowing her supernatural heritage is endangering them all.

The rumbling of conspiracies under the surface and and buckets left of secrets left to be spilled (as I said in my review for the first book) was definitely a prophecy fulfilled in this book, with those conspiracies that were only being heavily hinted at coming fully out into the open and it seemed like barrels of secrets (instead of buckets) were spilled. There’s a whole lot of stuff that gets shaken out of the trees, and it makes for compelling and propulsive storytelling.

I said in my review for the last book that it seemed Ireland was trying her best to get the vast majority of world-building and serious character development done in the first book so she could spend the second and third books truly concentrating on the story and how risky that move can be in the wrong hands. Thankfully, it paid off in spades in Poppy Ireland’s case, as it left her without having to constantly stop and explain matters and dynamics constantly and it left lots of room to introduce the new characters and situations that needed to be introduced without making the books seem rushed or poorly-paced.

It’s another solid book, and I’m looking forward to the conclusion!

I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All thoughts,views, and opinions contained herein are mine and mine alone and are expressed of my own free will. Thank you.

File Under: Fantasy Romance/Shifter Romance/College Romance/Fantasy Series/Kindle Unlimited/KU/Romance Series/Spice Level 2
Profile Image for Catreena.
390 reviews71 followers
February 19, 2023
TO SAVE A MATE
Redwood University #2
Poppy Ireland
Releasing 2nd March

#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #rejectedmates #wolfshifter #collegeromance #alphavibes #enemiestolovers #angst #trilogy #cliffhanger #possessivejealoushero #paranormal #pnr #paranormalromancereads #shifterromance #fatedmates #secrets #drama #suspence

POV:Dual                      
Nicole & Alexei

Second instalment of this trilogy, must be read in order.

After being humiliated in the most horrific, public way possible, Nicole is done with Alexei, his lies and mind games. So, she and her father try to leave Redwood, but are stopped by Alpha Jones, the Alpha locks her Father away in a lab to finish the research he's started.
Corbin tries to reassure and reason with her, stating that Alexei was protecting her. She's not believing anything coming out of his mouth. Rightfully so, the guy ripped her heart out. Her father and her heart are the only things that need protecting. Is there anyone she can fully trust at Redwood?

Alexei is backed into a corner by his father, Alpha Jones. An arranged marriage with the most power hungry, conniving, she-wolf, Mara. Alexei can not stand her. He'll have to go to some extreme measures to protect Nicole. His father's already curious about Nicole, he's positive that she unblocked her Father's mind, but she's human, it's not possible.

Nicole is head strong and determined. She gains support and protection from the Vampires and Witches. With the arrival of her Mother's best friends, Jade and Hannah, and her childhood best friend, Bee, and her Father. They try to figure out more about Nicole's mother, and her heritage.

Knowing his father was already ruthless, and being his personal punching bag for years, Alexei and Corbin notice a change in the Alpha, he's more unhinged than normal.
Then witnessing his brutality on harmless, innocent people for no reason than being weaker than the average shifter. Alexei knows he has to do something before his father destroys everything and everyone.
What's the Alpha's up to?

Bee, Jade and Hannah are brilliant, they blend in well with Juniper and Cristian. The back and forth banter between them, Alexei, Corbin and Bee's Father is hilarious.

This was fast paced, gripping, full of angst, humorous read.

Looking forward to the third instalment, To Claim A Mate.

*Arc provided for an honest review
20 reviews
March 3, 2023
What an amazing series. I found the first book thanks to a recommendation from an author I already read. I instantly fell in love with the series. Book 2 starts with Nicole picking up the pieces of her life after what happened. She doesn’t allow herself to feel sad for long. She picks herself up and goes and finds herself an alliance to get her through. This book has some of the best secondary characters. I would love to stay in this universe for a long time. Then there is Alexei. The guy is put through the ringer this book. He does show a lot of growth through all his trials. The secondary characters in the book are amazing. They bring a lot of laughs and feels throughout. Poor Corbin. We get a look into the generous side of Cristian even as he remains our sexy vampire.

During the book we learn more about Nicole’s mother’s secrets but not the big reveal. I love this book for all the great friendships and relationships that develop throughout. Nicole is a strong female lead. Alexei is a guy that need to figure out who he is going to be and what is going to stand for. This is a great series, and I don’t want it to end.

If you love growly shifters, sexy vampires, and friends that will go to the ends of the earth for you read this series. If you haven’t started the series, you will want to read To Reject a Mate first. Also don’t let the fact that this is a trilogy discourage you from starting it. The authors are rapid releasing the books and final book will be out April 6th. Take the journey with Nicole and Alexei as they become the Alpha and Luna the world need. I really couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait for the 3rd book to get here. I hope there are spin offs galore I love the characters so much.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,112 reviews70 followers
February 18, 2023
Another steller, unputdownable book by Poppy Ireland!! However, do you want to know who completely stole the show--ALL of the secondary characters, especially one in particular...I was dying from laughter and my abs are killing me from all of my cackling. 

While Nicole begins To Save A Mate feeling alone and that she can't trust anyone, she pulls in the best girl gang and rag tag Scooby gang before long. Yes, all of those secondary characters I fell so incredibly hard for, they pull for Nicole in a big way as they help her begin to unlock the mystery of her origins and protect her and her father. Plus this group is just the kind of group that I know I'd want to hang out with. Handy in a pinch, sure, it seems supes are always handy when you need them, but I'm talking more about being loyal and true. Nicole is finally making friends and I love that for her.

Alexi, on the other hand, is on the strugglebus during this book. His father is a massive blight on the world and Alexi feels he's the only one who can stop him, or at least protect his mate and those he cares about. The poor guy goes through a lot physically and emotionally. The poor guy just wants his mate, but life isn't that easy. 

I can hardly wait to find out what happens next. We're left on another cliffhanger just as things were getting tense at Redwood U. I'm crossing my fingers until the next book arrives and probably rereading sections to work my abs over and over. Seriously, I was in tears and dying.
Profile Image for Whitney.
75 reviews9 followers
March 13, 2023
FIVE AWESOME STARS!!! I'm left begging for the final book!!!
AMAZING second installment to the Redwood University trilogy! This book picks up where the first left off and immediately pulls you in. Just like in the first, Nicole is a strong heroine trying to figure out her place in this strange new world she finds herself in, and Alexei is coming to terms with what fate has in store for him.

Will the two band together to and complete their mate bond? Will Alpha Jones tear them apart and force his future plans on everyone?

This book is full of twists and turns, some predictable and some that had me gasping to devour the next chapter. Inside this book, Nicole starts to learn about who she is and where she comes from. I love her dynamic with her friends while they try to work out the mystery that is Nicole. Alpha Jones is the a-hole we all know he is. I want him to fall off his throne and look up at Nicole and realize he's severely underestimated her. Unfortunately....this book ends on a cliffhanger so we'll have to dive into the third for the finale to finally discover the who's, what's, when's, where's, and how's of this INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!

I highly recommend this series!! While we don't get all our answers in this book, it's the perfect setup for the last installment. It does end on a cliffhanger, so beware and ready to wait a few weeks!
Profile Image for Andrea Morgan -Bookaholic Sisters blog.
447 reviews32 followers
February 21, 2023
Book 2 in the Redwood University Trilogy is another unputdownable read that keeps you completely hooked and very entertained 😉

Following on from THAT ending I really didn't know how they would get around what had happened because,well come on that was awful!!
As hurt and betrayal are ever present can Nicole trust anyone?? And will she ever find out what she is?? 🤔 I have my theories but we shall see lol.

I am absolutely loving this trilogy so much, to save a mate is fast paced, full of lies and deciet, heartache and delicious steam with some absolutely hilarious laugh out loud moments I'm finding I never want to reach the last page and let me tell you now these guys know how to leave you dangling these cliffy's are brutal ......and I loveeeee it!!

I CANNOT wait for the 3rd and final part of this trilogy, and I'm hoping like hell that a certain person "cough cough Corbin cough cough" gets his time to shine or should that be sparkle 🤣
Profile Image for Ericka Gutierrez.
115 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2023
Fated mates for the win!

The duo who make up Poppy Ireland definitely know how to write a damn good story! I couldn't put this book down today. I absolutely love Nicole and Alexei and the ups and downs they share. I love what a strong character Nicole is and she doesn't back down. Alexei sure does go about things the wrong way and pushes Nicole away, but he finally grows a pair. The Redwood University world is amazing with all the supernaturals and the depth into each one. The characters are easy to get a feel for and relate to. Some of my questions were answered, but more came up. And that cliffhanger, again!!! I need to find out what Nicole actually is and how Alexei defeats his father. And I can't wait for Nicole and Alexei to get their HEA, they deserve it after everything they've been through in these last 2 books.
Profile Image for Angela Parker.
581 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2023
Non stop action

Loving this latest instalment in the story of fated mates Nicole and Alexi, he sure messes up big time in his misguided efforts to protect her from his psychotic father.
I really hate Corbin sister Mara, really hope she gets what’s coming to her soon.
The politics, the uneasy alliance between the supernatural factions as they work together to overcome whatever evil plan Alexi’s father Alpha Jones has. Pleased to see Nicole’s friend Bee and her shifter father General in the mix too.
What an exciting cliffhanger, really hope everyone is okay, can’t wait to read the conclusion of this tale, so good.
Profile Image for Mrs A.
1,353 reviews29 followers
March 26, 2023
This book continues with events from book one where the authors broke our hearts. This book continues in a a similar pattern with plenty of angst, tension and drama. However, there are many lighthearted and shiny moments with this one!

There are a few questions answered but there are still so many mysteries that remain unsolved. Nicole continues to grow as a character. Alexei starts to show some character growth as well even though his entire life is built on loyalty and obedience, you do feel for his character at times but I’m glad he’s starting to show up for himself and Nicole.

The book was a whirlwind and I greedily devoured it in less than 24 hours and we’re left with a cliffhanger…. Arghh. Can’t wait for more revelations in book 3
Profile Image for Kristin.
930 reviews
March 12, 2023
4.5 fated stars

Wow! While I enjoyed book #1, I absolutely loved book #2 in the Redwood University series. It was non stop action, drama and funny moments. So much was being unveiled, but it didn’t overwhelm me at all. This book held my attention captive until the very end. The connection these two have is palpable and I can’t wait for book #3!!

Heather Costa and Michael Pierce did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. Very entertaining.
Profile Image for Lauren Sumal.
59 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2023
This book starts exactly where book 1 finishes with Alexei’s betrayal. So many emotions from both sides in this book. Alexei is under his fathers control, who is becoming increasingly more unhinged.
Nicole strikes up an alliance with the witches and the vampires and I love the banter between everyone! Corbin! Oh lord does Juniper get him good. Such a good story. I look forward to more from Jade, Hannah and Bee in the next book and finding out what Nicole is!
Profile Image for Christine Reads.
577 reviews35 followers
October 26, 2023
DNF @ 50%

Lost all of the momentum in book one then suddenly went 100mph throwing every character at us and just letting them loose with no rules. Also the main love interest is just a spineless jerk the whole time and I hated all the other characters except mace. This was not a fun read and I skimmed the rest for the reveal ish. Someone DM me what Nicole is cause I can’t be bothered to suffer through any more
Profile Image for Krystina Boivin.
151 reviews
November 15, 2023
Great book! Loved the story's evolution. And the cliffhanger !!!? But why!?


Jones and Corbin's POV were unecessary in my opinion. And Bee being Corbin's mate... a bit pushed but I still loved the story. Hence the missing star.

Can we talk about Alexei's father fucking Mara? WTH ?

On to book 3 :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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