Saving His Mate

by Anna Santos, Aubrey Winter

He stole the bride but ended up rescuing his mate. To protect the forest his pack has been using for ages, Alpha Joshua does the unthinkable, he kidnaps the heiress of those lands before she marries the vampire who's trying to evict them. Erica's family used to be happy and wealthy, that is, until her mother died, and her father wasted their fortune gambling. But the worst was still to happen when her father lost not just money but also promised her hand in marriage to one of his debtors. Unknowingly in the middle of an ancient feud between vampires and werewolves, Erica is taken on her wedding day and discovers someone else is willing to do all he can to keep her from marrying. Even pay for her father's debt. But when desire courses through Joshua's veins every time he looks at the stolen bride, the Alpha wants more than protect her--he wants to claim her as his. When Erica's fiancé uses all his means to get her back, Joshua must step up to defend his mate and prevent the vampire from taking her ... again.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Novella

156 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2018

About the author

Anna Santos is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes to write about shifters, vampires, angels, mermaids, fae, and occasionally humans.

​Anna always keeps her readers on their toes with adrenaline-fuelled adventures, genuine characters, strong female leads, and romantic plots.

​When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading or spending too watching TV shows. As an introvert, home is her safe harbor. Yet, she’s known for leaving the house from time to time and having her family throw a party because they haven’t seen her for days. Then they ask her how many books she wrote while gone, assuming that writing must be super easy.

Anna guarantees that it’s not, but she never wanted to be anything else. Unless there’s a possibility of being a powerful supernatural being in an awesome world where unicorns and fairies are real. Then, she would probably go there and never come back.

Reviews

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona's father had taken to gambling and drinking ever since her mother had died but he really messed things up this time by losing everything they had to gambling. Now she's agreed to marry Gareth so he can control the protected forest she stands to inherit when she turns 21 in just a couple of weeks. They don't love each other and she knows if he were an honorable man he wouldn't be making her marry him. Everything seems to be going great until she's kidnapped before she can take the marriage vows.

Andrew and Joshua had the same father but different mother's. Joshua is the alpha of his pack and Andrew comes with him to help him kidnap Fiona before she can get married. Josh plans on keeping her safe in his cabin until he can get her to sign over the land to him but things take a strange turn when one of his own pack betrays him to Gareth.

Gareth is a vampire and wants the forest for his own reasons while Joshua and his pack are werewolves and use the forest to let their wolves out to run and to keep them safe and hidden from humans.

Fiona agrees to stay with Joshua when she reads a letter from her father explaining why Gareth wanted to marry her and why he helped get her out of the marriage she never wanted to be in, in the first place.

Joshua is such a nice guy who truly cares about Fiona and when they stop fighting the attraction they feel for each other, it's fireworks! These two were hot, sexy and adorable. There's a couple of great twists during the story that I didn't see coming which just made the story even better. For a novella, this book packed quite a lot of story.

[Pike Perrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, paranormal read about a young girl whose future and inheritance were gambled away by her father. She finds herself betrothed to a man she does not love, but is kidnapped on her wedding day. But her kidnapper is not as he appears. The story of this girl, Fiona, and her kidnapper, Joshua touches your heart, makes you giggle, and overall makes you happy. A great read!

[Rachael Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun easy quick read! Perfect for any twilight/ werewolf fans. A second book would be amazing! I'm a huge ya romance fantasy reader and this book had the perfect balance of both. I loved josh from the beginning and fall in love with his character even more through out the entire book. Hes definitely #bookboyfriend material! Lol

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is at it seems, with a gambling father, and vampires and werewolves as neighbours. Great story about how Fiona adepts to her new normal life.
I'm looking forward to reading more books about that!

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable quick story with werewolves and the vampire

Fiona is rescued by a fate not of her making when she’s kidnapped on her wedding day. Werewolf Alpha Joshua saves her to save the land that she’ll be inheriting in a few weeks. For generations her family has been trustees of the land for his pack. But the evil vampire Gareth wants to run them off the land. And Joshua can’t have that. He also doesn’t want to leave her to the fate of being a vampire’s bride. His nobility pays off because he soon discovers that she’s his mate.

I liked the relationship between Fiona and Joshua. It wasn’t just Insta love. There was a subplot with Joshua‘s brother that could’ve been left out because it was underdeveloped. I expected it to be more dramatic in its conclusion. I suspect that the authors may have had a sequel in mind which would delve into Andrew’s treachery and his dysfunctional mother’s pack, but it doesn’t look like there is one yet. The subplot with Gareth was also a bit disappointing. It didn’t live up to what the synopsis foreshadowed. But I’m not complaining. I like how it was resolved. Overall, this story is a pleasant read and lays a solid groundwork for a future series.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC* edition of this book from the author.

I did find that for me a lot of this book read like a YA book trying too hard to be an adult romance novel, but in the end I did enjoy the story. It's rather short, so there are some areas that could have done with a bit more development, but there was clearly some thought put into the story and characters. I do hope that if the authors choose to write another book in this universe they will make the next book longer to allow for a deeper story.

I wish the story had been longer to show more relationship development between Joshua and Fiona. As it is the story relies heavily on the "fated mate" concept to pull them together, which I don't mind but thought there was potential for something more. I did like that there were some twists I wasn't expecting especially that Gareth isn't actually a bad guy.

*Because I had an ARC edition, this review and rating does not reflect potential spelling/grammar issues.

[Pamela Gramlisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona's father started drinking after her mother died and never stopped. What she didn't know is that he gambled too. He came home one night and said he gambled it all away. Their home and land. So in order to pay off the dept her father arranged for her to marry Gareth. A vampire who he owed the debt to. So a wedding is planbed and she doesn't want to marry him. Joshua is the Alpha of the werewolf clan that lives in the huge acreage of woodlands that Fiona will inherit when she turns 21 in a couple of weeks. So he kidnaps Fiona on her wedding day to stop Gareth from taking control of the woodlands. This book is full of action and a complete change of view from what we thought at the beginning. There is a very Happy ever after in this ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyce Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good fantasy love story. The story read well, is fast paced and and is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The plot was well developed and executed. Ms. Santos left her readers wanting to keep going to the conclusion on this novel. Good characterizations. The main female character certainly did not have it easy with her father but she was also enabling him. The main male character had many responsibilities and he too had family issues with his brother. The main couple formed a bond and fell in love. The main male character certainly expressed yummy alpha characteristics with the main female character. Fantasy. Adventure. Mystery. Romance. Who could ask for more and Ms. Santos certainly delivers!

I received an advance review copy of this novel via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest review.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vamps and wolves have had a tenuous relationship in most shifter books so it's no surprise that it happens here. In this shifter book we get the possessive alpha and the impertinent vampire fighting over Ms Fiona. Well not really fighting over her but you get the drift. The nice part is this isn't the type of shifter book that's all about them being a bunch of horn dogs, it's a really well developed story with some nice twists and turns. The characters are good and in typical shifter books quickly attracted and mated but it doesn't take away from the story. This author blends the story, plot and characters well and adds some excitement and intrigue and surprises all in the mix to keep you turning til the last page.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved every book by Anna Santos to date so I was very happy to grad Rescued by the Alpha, which she co-wrote with Alyssa Breck. This is a wonderful urban fantasy tale and is easily worth five stars. It had just what I wanted, was well written, with excellent world building and a great plot, it’s leads Fiona and Joshua are complex and very well crafted characters. At the same time it’s cast of supporting characters (hello Gareth) are simply superb. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read.

This book is easy to highly recommend.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read by Anna Santos and Alyssa Breck, this is the story of Fiona and Joshua. Fiona’s father has massive gambling debts so to wipe the slate clean he gets Fiona into an arranged marriage but Fiona doesn’t want anything to do with it. Joshua kidnaps Fiona to stop it from happening and until her birthday when she inherits land, there are some twists and turns and a few surprises. This story is told from both of the characters point of view which I like because it gives the characters more depth to their story. A great read and I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves the paranormal, it’s definitely well worth the read.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh,
It’s not like you don’t already have enough to do…
With a hostile brother willing to challenge you for Alpha,
A pack to care for…
And an enchanted forest to protect…
But, uh…
Hurry up! Gotta rescue Fiona.
She’s about to be married to a vampire!
And she holds the key to everything.
Most especially, your heart.

Let’s see… I’d like to know a little more about some of the world that Josh and Fiona inhabit. And I would like to know more about Gareth.
I really did enjoy the story line and the characters, though. I’d like to see another book in this setting.
Bottom line: A good read. 4 stars.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was all over the place. It’s like things were added because they seemed “cool” without considering the things that were written before, or changing anything to make everything make sense. The dialogue is very unnatural and stiff. There’s no chemistry between MCs. The villain’s motivations are all over the place, and their actions change from one chapter to the next just because the author (authors?) wanted to include a certain scene, but again didn’t consider anything that was written before about the characters involved. And in the end we get a bunch of very unnecessary scenes that bring nothing to the story and just highlight how bad the dialogue is.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was interesting and different. There's quite a bit going on around Fiona and Joshua. Fiona's father gambled more than he could cover and it is forcing Fiona to marry someone that she doesn't want to. Joshua knows that there is more to the situation and so he kidnaps Fiona to keep her safe until her birthday, when she inherits the lands. There are quite a few twists in this story, a few I didn't see coming. It was well written and flowed well. I liked the way that Fiona and Josh got to know each other. This was not a long read but not exactly short either. I enjoyed it and thought it was fleshed out well.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the romance. Fiona is a strong woman that is pushed into a situation that is very dangerous. She is being pushed into a marriage to protect her father. Josh is a shifter determined to keep her marriage from happening. Neither expected the connection that would form between them.

It is a very well written story and I highly recommend you read the author's other books as well. I liked both Fiona and Josh. The story is told from both of their points of view so it makes it easy to relate to them.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Amy Hannagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully engaging story about a life, love and sacrifice. It has enough action to keep the reader entertained and enough of a love story to ensnare any hopeless romantic. I felt for Fiona, as a victim of her father's gambling and being forced into an arranged marriage. Joshua is a strong alpha who isn't afraid to do what it takes to maintain his post.This isn't a long story and can be read in one sitting, yet it really brings you into the world of these characters.

[Jasmine Voosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescued by the Alpha written by Anna Santos and Alyssa Breck is a charming novella that introduces a complete plot and story line that is a quick entertaining read. Fiona is a feisty heroine who gives as good as she gets. Alpha Josh on the other hand, shows strength and a little softness for his new house guest. My only complaint is that I wish the book were longer as the plot and character have lots of room to continue to be explored. I hope this means there may be a sequel in the works.

[Jennifer Ogidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescued by the Alpha is co written by Anna Santos n Alyssa Breck a short novella in the paranormal world of werewolves, vampires n humans. It's a love and mate story found also an ally found in the most unlikely place. It's a fun & great quick read that keeps you entertained from beginning to the end. Anna Santos is one of my favorite authors & am looking forward to read other characters stories in the Series as well.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a intriguing book with a fantastic story-line & plot. The characters are quite well-developed and interesting with individual personalities. There is enough drama, intrigue, suspense, twists & turns, adventure, action and sexual tension to keep the readers interested. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.

[Emily Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona was a great character who was strong and fun. Loved the interaction with Josh who was the alpha. Lots of action and plenty of steam with some sexy time. A twist at the end that surprised me. Loved this story and look forward to reading more. The story had a great plot line and a good flow which kept me turning the pages till the end. I am voluntarily reviewing an arc I received.

[Heids Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC in exchange for my honest review and honestly I was sucked into the story from the beginning, the characters are so relatable and charming that you can't help but fall in love with them, I can't wait for more along this storyline maybe with some of the other characters so I can hear more about these two love birds, a must read book.

[Paganalexandria]

8/1/18 currently free in this boxset
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079M5GQLV?...

[Kelly Vidito · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great paranormal read. This is the first book i have read by this author and was not disappointed. What an entertaining fast-paced easy read. I loved Josh and Fiona's story. I hope to read more. I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooo... This book was chock full of interesting humans and paranormal beings. A wedding, a kidnapping, and lot of small sub-plots to keep ya guessing. This was a quick fun read and I am hoping we will see additional books in the series.

I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.

[the_bibliophagist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. I like the storyline and how the characters interact. Gareth wasn't very good, first he is bad and then he wasn't because it was an act. I guess I expected more of a fight from him.
Still a good read though.

Voluntarily reviewed for an ARC

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful shifter book with bad guys and vampires and other paranormal and humans in it to read. It has a lot of twist and surprises threw the whole book. I hope that Anna Santos writes more stories like this one I loved it.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written story that kept my interest throughout the book, I hope there is going to be a second book.This is the first book by this Author that I have read, I will be looking for more by her.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fun read about Fiona. Her dad gambles away her inheritance and she’s supposed to be married in an arranged marriage. Of course it doesn’t happen because she’s kidnaped for her own good she’s told. Loved it.

[Lori Wertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shifter romance had a surprise that I did not see coming. I really enjoyed the book and the surprise made it all the better. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni Hector-Zepeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

I love this series. It is spellbinding. I can’t put the book down until I finish it and then I start the next in the series. I can’t wait until the next one Claimed is here. I bet you husband will be glad it isn’t released yet as I have been neglecting him, ha!