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Crescent Lake #1
The Alpha's Pen Pal
Future alpha Wesley Stone's 6th-grade teacher assigns his class a pen pal project with a class located in another state. The young alpha soon finds himself forming a close snail mail friendship with a young, orphaned human girl, Haven Kenway. Over time, they lose touch, but neither forgets the other. Years pass, and Haven now lives in one of the towns near Wesley's pack. When they finally meet in person, sparks fly, and neither can resist the attraction they feel for each other. As secrets about Haven's identity are revealed, Haven and Wesley must journey to unravel the truth about who she really is, and Wesley must protect her from those who wish to use her.
611 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
462 people are currently reading
1015 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
January 13, 2024
This book was exactly what I wanted! ... if it wasn't for that one thing!
Two tropes I did not know I needed to come together in a novel. Penpals and werewolves! It was a large book, but I cannot complain. Haven and Wesley's story was enthralling and bittersweet, and the entire narrative felt like a journey through their love, from puppy love and heartbreak to maturity.
However, for the fantasy aspect of the book, I think it could be a little... less. and the whole Greece plot was very weird to read as a Greek person. It feels a little like it was sexualizing our culture.
...Also, the spice...damn, was it HOT and A LOTTT... but not knotting??? COME ON
Tags:
Friends/ Penpals to stranger/enemies to lovers ❤️🩹💔
Paranormal MMCs👻👹😈
Epistolary narrative 💌📝📬
Found family 👩🏽👨🏽👧🏽🏡💗
Omegaverse/Alpha,beta,omega dynamics 🅰️🅱️🅾️
Insta love-matehood❤️🔥 ❤️
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Mitual pinning ❤️🩹💔
Miscommunication😵💫⚠️
Angst😐😑😬
Slow burn❤️🔥❤️
HEA🔔🤵🏼👰🏼
Two tropes I did not know I needed to come together in a novel. Penpals and werewolves! It was a large book, but I cannot complain. Haven and Wesley's story was enthralling and bittersweet, and the entire narrative felt like a journey through their love, from puppy love and heartbreak to maturity.
However, for the fantasy aspect of the book, I think it could be a little... less. and the whole Greece plot was very weird to read as a Greek person. It feels a little like it was sexualizing our culture.
Tags:
Friends/ Penpals to stranger/enemies to lovers ❤️🩹💔
Paranormal MMCs👻👹😈
Epistolary narrative 💌📝📬
Found family 👩🏽👨🏽👧🏽🏡💗
Omegaverse/Alpha,beta,omega dynamics 🅰️🅱️🅾️
Insta love-matehood❤️🔥 ❤️
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Mitual pinning ❤️🩹💔
Miscommunication😵💫⚠️
Angst😐😑😬
Slow burn❤️🔥❤️
HEA🔔🤵🏼👰🏼
October 4, 2023
I was selected to be an ARC reader for this book...and can I say wow. Just wow. This isn't your normal boy who meets a girl, and they fall in love kind of story, not at all.
It starts with the ML and FL as children writing letters to their pen pal, and their emotions and thoughts are that as children of their ages, and as the story matures, so does they. I absolutely love how well-rounded the characters are in their growth. The story is so well written that you are literally in the story, feeling their emotions with them. Their fears, sadness, happiness, the surprises. After I finished the book, I had to sit there and collect myself. I had to remember I was not in the story, but boy, do I wish I was! I am excited to see what our Author does next, with the other main characters! I just know I am going to love the whole series!
It starts with the ML and FL as children writing letters to their pen pal, and their emotions and thoughts are that as children of their ages, and as the story matures, so does they. I absolutely love how well-rounded the characters are in their growth. The story is so well written that you are literally in the story, feeling their emotions with them. Their fears, sadness, happiness, the surprises. After I finished the book, I had to sit there and collect myself. I had to remember I was not in the story, but boy, do I wish I was! I am excited to see what our Author does next, with the other main characters! I just know I am going to love the whole series!
October 5, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
"The Alpha's Pen Pal" by Allie Carstens beautifully captures the essence of what a real life love story should actually be like! Most werewolf books are full of toxic masculinity or suppression of the female lead. The tropes of rejection by the alpha and/or mistreated omega female mates have long been known to be quite prevalent in werewolf books. But not in this one! From the very first page, readers are immersed in a heartwarming story that will leave them with a smile on their face and warmth in their hearts.
One of the most delightful aspects of the book is the portrayal of (human) Haven as a talented ballerina. Allie’s vivid descriptions bring Haven's graceful movements to life, allowing readers to feel the passion and dedication she pours into her art. The backdrop of her troubled childhood makes readers cry with Haven and laugh with Haven, celebrating her triumphs as if they were our own.
What sets "The Alpha's Pen Pal" apart is its ability to evoke a sense of innocence and purity in its storytelling. Through the pen pal relationship that develops between the main characters, the book explores themes of friendship, understanding, and personal growth. The exchanges between the characters are heartwarming, with each letter revealing more about their hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities.
Allie’s attention to detail is commendable, as she paints a vivid picture of the story's setting, making it come alive. The book's pacing is perfect, allowing for the development of both the plot and the characters in a naturally engaging way. Readers will find themselves fully invested in the story, eagerly turning each page to uncover the next heartfelt moment between Haven and Wesley!
In conclusion, "The Alpha's Pen Pal" is a must-read! Allie Carstens ability to create endearing characters and a captivating narrative is truly remarkable. So sit back, immerse yourself in the world of the Crescent Lake Pack and allow yourself to be swept away by the adventures within this delightful book.
"The Alpha's Pen Pal" by Allie Carstens beautifully captures the essence of what a real life love story should actually be like! Most werewolf books are full of toxic masculinity or suppression of the female lead. The tropes of rejection by the alpha and/or mistreated omega female mates have long been known to be quite prevalent in werewolf books. But not in this one! From the very first page, readers are immersed in a heartwarming story that will leave them with a smile on their face and warmth in their hearts.
One of the most delightful aspects of the book is the portrayal of (human) Haven as a talented ballerina. Allie’s vivid descriptions bring Haven's graceful movements to life, allowing readers to feel the passion and dedication she pours into her art. The backdrop of her troubled childhood makes readers cry with Haven and laugh with Haven, celebrating her triumphs as if they were our own.
What sets "The Alpha's Pen Pal" apart is its ability to evoke a sense of innocence and purity in its storytelling. Through the pen pal relationship that develops between the main characters, the book explores themes of friendship, understanding, and personal growth. The exchanges between the characters are heartwarming, with each letter revealing more about their hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities.
Allie’s attention to detail is commendable, as she paints a vivid picture of the story's setting, making it come alive. The book's pacing is perfect, allowing for the development of both the plot and the characters in a naturally engaging way. Readers will find themselves fully invested in the story, eagerly turning each page to uncover the next heartfelt moment between Haven and Wesley!
In conclusion, "The Alpha's Pen Pal" is a must-read! Allie Carstens ability to create endearing characters and a captivating narrative is truly remarkable. So sit back, immerse yourself in the world of the Crescent Lake Pack and allow yourself to be swept away by the adventures within this delightful book.
January 28, 2024
So I was reading this book on Alpha Novel, through an ad on Instagram.
The way it works is that you get coins for reading / opening the app every day / etc.
You can unlock chapters for free every hour so since I'm on a 'book buying ban' and I don't want to spend money on books, I just waited to unlock.
Now as of chapter 62, it's not possible to unlock for free anymore. You need coins to read the last 20 chapters.
So that's where it ends for me and yes I will give this a 1 star review because I'm very unhappy.
The story had a good premise. I loved the 'Nutcracker' references. I could have gone without the smut,
but that's a personal preference.
I'm curious to know the rest of the story, but not THAT curious that I want to spend money on it.
Sad!
And yes I do feel this is worthy of a 1 star review since the writer decided to upload the book on that specific app and very well knew about the fact that you couldn’t read it for free.
For the people saying it was “only 7$” on Amazon, I’m on s book buying ban all year so I can not do that,
And Libby doesn’t exist here.
The way it works is that you get coins for reading / opening the app every day / etc.
You can unlock chapters for free every hour so since I'm on a 'book buying ban' and I don't want to spend money on books, I just waited to unlock.
Now as of chapter 62, it's not possible to unlock for free anymore. You need coins to read the last 20 chapters.
So that's where it ends for me and yes I will give this a 1 star review because I'm very unhappy.
The story had a good premise. I loved the 'Nutcracker' references. I could have gone without the smut,
but that's a personal preference.
I'm curious to know the rest of the story, but not THAT curious that I want to spend money on it.
Sad!
And yes I do feel this is worthy of a 1 star review since the writer decided to upload the book on that specific app and very well knew about the fact that you couldn’t read it for free.
For the people saying it was “only 7$” on Amazon, I’m on s book buying ban all year so I can not do that,
And Libby doesn’t exist here.
September 27, 2023
Allie has a way with words! She makes you feel every emotion as you fall in love with her characters. I love how we get the opportunity to fall in love with Havey and Wessy and seeing them grow up and uncovering their secrets 10/10
January 21, 2024
This was cute but a lot more winded than it needed to be. I did a lot of skimming and didn’t miss a single thing.
October 26, 2025
OMG.... I found this story on a different app and fell in love with it. I even started crying when Jack had his stroke and Haven had to leave them. I love how Haven and Wesley met as children, lost touch and met again as adults and ended up being mates. this is actually the first book I read by this author and I can't wait to read book 2, 3 and 4 and hopefully they all move me like this one.
excellent story
excellent story
June 24, 2025
calling your 21 yr old soulmate “sugar plum” should be illegal
January 9, 2024
3.5 stars
Although I appreciate the author making this one long book instead of two; I felt like the middle of the story dragged for many chapters causing disinterest and hard to push through. I did find myself skimming and never felt like I missed anything.
The whole penpal story line was awesome. For when they do meet, I would have preferred how they met a little different; it happened so quickly.
And the yelling for why she doesn’t meet at the coffee shop seemed fake and then got over it quickly. I liked how it didn’t drag out and it was resolved quickly.. But a little more push and pull would have made it exciting.
My most favorite is the ranting and friendship between the alpha kid and friends. That is what made the story .
Without their humor and rants I believe the story would have fallen flat.
Pretty good book; dual point of views;
Wouldn’t read again.
Although I appreciate the author making this one long book instead of two; I felt like the middle of the story dragged for many chapters causing disinterest and hard to push through. I did find myself skimming and never felt like I missed anything.
The whole penpal story line was awesome. For when they do meet, I would have preferred how they met a little different; it happened so quickly.
And the yelling for why she doesn’t meet at the coffee shop seemed fake and then got over it quickly. I liked how it didn’t drag out and it was resolved quickly.. But a little more push and pull would have made it exciting.
My most favorite is the ranting and friendship between the alpha kid and friends. That is what made the story .
Without their humor and rants I believe the story would have fallen flat.
Pretty good book; dual point of views;
Wouldn’t read again.
December 28, 2023
Remember those days of waiting eagerly for a letter from a far-off friend? Allie Carstens takes that feeling and ramps it up with a dose of supernatural.
Wesley Stone starts off as your typical cocky soon-to-be Alpha, but his growing friendship with Haven Kenway, a human orphan, brings out a softer, more grounded side in him. The transformation of Wes from an arrogant young boy to a mature Alpha, shaped in part by his bond with Haven, is heartwarming.
Twelve years later, when they meet again, Haven has her guard up, thinking Wes ghosted her in the most old-school way possible: by stopping the letters just when she needed his support the most. So there’s a lot of things to clear up.
But that’s not all. Haven's world is about to flip as she learns about werewolves, lycans, vampires, and other supernatural creatures. Those who were closest to her turn out not to be exactly who they seemed to be, and her own identity and role in this supernatural chaos are revealed to be way more than everyone thought.
This isn’t just a love story, it’s an exploration on self-discovery, blending supernatural elements with very raw human emotions: the feelings of identity, belonging, and the cost of truth. It does a very accurate and heartfelt job of portraying the foster care system in America, with its good and bad aspects, by showing us how the instability growing up and getting adopted by not-so-great parents shapes Haven, but tempering it with the amazing bonds she develops with her TRUE family.
Allie is an amazing writer, able to establish very distinct voices for both Wes and Haven, and introducing us to an amazingly well-built background of interesting side characters who have the potential of getting their own stories – wink, wink. As a former teacher, I see how good at understanding a child’s mind Allie is, and how much effort she put into it. Alternating between letters and narrative in the first few chapters was a very refreshing way to get to know the characters.
She manages to make this narrative both cute and hot at the same time, and that is something I’ve hardly ever seen.
Overall, this is an excellent read and I DEFINETLY recommend it for those who love paranormal romance and for those who have worked with children.
Wesley Stone starts off as your typical cocky soon-to-be Alpha, but his growing friendship with Haven Kenway, a human orphan, brings out a softer, more grounded side in him. The transformation of Wes from an arrogant young boy to a mature Alpha, shaped in part by his bond with Haven, is heartwarming.
Twelve years later, when they meet again, Haven has her guard up, thinking Wes ghosted her in the most old-school way possible: by stopping the letters just when she needed his support the most. So there’s a lot of things to clear up.
But that’s not all. Haven's world is about to flip as she learns about werewolves, lycans, vampires, and other supernatural creatures. Those who were closest to her turn out not to be exactly who they seemed to be, and her own identity and role in this supernatural chaos are revealed to be way more than everyone thought.
This isn’t just a love story, it’s an exploration on self-discovery, blending supernatural elements with very raw human emotions: the feelings of identity, belonging, and the cost of truth. It does a very accurate and heartfelt job of portraying the foster care system in America, with its good and bad aspects, by showing us how the instability growing up and getting adopted by not-so-great parents shapes Haven, but tempering it with the amazing bonds she develops with her TRUE family.
Allie is an amazing writer, able to establish very distinct voices for both Wes and Haven, and introducing us to an amazingly well-built background of interesting side characters who have the potential of getting their own stories – wink, wink. As a former teacher, I see how good at understanding a child’s mind Allie is, and how much effort she put into it. Alternating between letters and narrative in the first few chapters was a very refreshing way to get to know the characters.
She manages to make this narrative both cute and hot at the same time, and that is something I’ve hardly ever seen.
Overall, this is an excellent read and I DEFINETLY recommend it for those who love paranormal romance and for those who have worked with children.
January 13, 2025
This one popped up as an ad for me on a mobile game, and I’m notorious for getting sucked into those samples! I sat and read the six chapters before it cut off and realizing I was still “in” the ad. I am in my poor era, and couldn’t afford to buy the book, but I didn’t want to wait until I was paid either so I desperately searched until I found it on an e-reader app that allowed for a free trial. I enjoyed Crescent Lake so much that I’m going to continue using the membership so I can read the other ones in the series :)
Okay, now for the story: I often love to read these self-published, werewolf/MC/fae, etc., almost-a03-type stories because oftentimes they’re kind of bad in a guilty-pleasure way. But this one was soo dang cute. I loved getting to know Wes and Haven, and I thought the set-up for their story was adorable. All of the dance and theatre lingo made my theatre kid heart so happy! The HEA had me tearing up :’) The outside plot didn’t feel too forced. I rather enjoyed that the main conflict ended up being something outside of their relationship. And the supporting characters were sweet and endearing! I’m excited to read their stories as well!!
Okay, now for the story: I often love to read these self-published, werewolf/MC/fae, etc., almost-a03-type stories because oftentimes they’re kind of bad in a guilty-pleasure way. But this one was soo dang cute. I loved getting to know Wes and Haven, and I thought the set-up for their story was adorable. All of the dance and theatre lingo made my theatre kid heart so happy! The HEA had me tearing up :’) The outside plot didn’t feel too forced. I rather enjoyed that the main conflict ended up being something outside of their relationship. And the supporting characters were sweet and endearing! I’m excited to read their stories as well!!
December 13, 2025
This was a really bad book but the kind that's still enjoyable to read despite it being a train wreck that makes you cringe every five minutes. It's definitely not the worst werewolf book I've read. For this very limited genre that truly rehashes the same tropes over and over again, this book surprisingly had some original takes. And I really appreciated that. Will I be continuing this series? Not really. I might only read the books about the male lead's brother and sister (if that one even gets announced).
January 10, 2024
Allie is one of those authors that you don't want to miss. Her ability to create the characters with such care and depth is unparalleled! The journey is detailed, sights, sounds, people... It seems impossible but she leads us through years without dragging it out or rushing. 🐺
January 14, 2024
It's better than i expected it to be
November 10, 2023
This is my honest review after reading this book. Not only on kindle, but also on the reading app as an Arc reader. I also own a paperback copy of this book, and I LOVE IT!! This is the first book of the Crescent Lake Serie.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Trope
📚Childhood love
📚Paranormal shifter
📚He falls first
📚Pen pal friendship
📚Strong female Lead
📚Wonderful side character
📚Deceit
📚Second chances
This book tells the story of the future alpha of Wesley Stone and orphan human girl Haven Kenway. Their story begins with a Pen Pal project from a 6th-grade class in a different state.
The book has a purity and a realistic twist that is refreshing to read in a Paranormal Shifter book. It gives you the illusion that this world can be possible. You really can relate to the characters, laugh at their banter and enjoy each chapter.
Wesley and Haven not only have to navigate their life, dreams and goals for the future, but also secrets and lies that are intended to separate them.
You can feel and envision yourself as a part of this world because it is so beautifully written, and the author has a unique way of describing the scenarios and emotions in the book.
It’s a beautiful love story full of suspense, intrigue, deception and side characters that will make you laugh, curse and also be a bit annoyed but you can’t help love them! This book was an amazing, beautiful well written book that I highly recommended.
Just love it 🥰
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Trope
📚Childhood love
📚Paranormal shifter
📚He falls first
📚Pen pal friendship
📚Strong female Lead
📚Wonderful side character
📚Deceit
📚Second chances
This book tells the story of the future alpha of Wesley Stone and orphan human girl Haven Kenway. Their story begins with a Pen Pal project from a 6th-grade class in a different state.
The book has a purity and a realistic twist that is refreshing to read in a Paranormal Shifter book. It gives you the illusion that this world can be possible. You really can relate to the characters, laugh at their banter and enjoy each chapter.
Wesley and Haven not only have to navigate their life, dreams and goals for the future, but also secrets and lies that are intended to separate them.
You can feel and envision yourself as a part of this world because it is so beautifully written, and the author has a unique way of describing the scenarios and emotions in the book.
It’s a beautiful love story full of suspense, intrigue, deception and side characters that will make you laugh, curse and also be a bit annoyed but you can’t help love them! This book was an amazing, beautiful well written book that I highly recommended.
Just love it 🥰
January 7, 2024
I've read many shifter stories, but I think I can honestly say that this is one of the best I've read. It is beautifully build. The world building is believable. The way the characters are described is in detail and you can really jump into the characters way of thinking and feeling. The letters are written in detail and helps a lot with the character building and helps the emotions come across. I usually miss the depth in character, but Allie describes them so well and gives them personal development. The emotions are on display and that makes them so honest and raw sometimes. The mistakes they make and their flaws make them real and relatable.
Beautifully written and it really makes me want to read the other books in the series too. I can already guess about which characters they'll probably be.
Beautifully written and it really makes me want to read the other books in the series too. I can already guess about which characters they'll probably be.
October 12, 2023
Good story, sometimes hard read
The story ideas itself was pretty great. Loved the character growth and the world building. I had a difficult time getting past missing or misplaced punctuation, errors with spelling and that dang hateful filler word, 'had'. Overall, the story still made me laugh and cry, so bravo on emotional writing abilities. That's rare for me. Thank you for sharing your book!
The story ideas itself was pretty great. Loved the character growth and the world building. I had a difficult time getting past missing or misplaced punctuation, errors with spelling and that dang hateful filler word, 'had'. Overall, the story still made me laugh and cry, so bravo on emotional writing abilities. That's rare for me. Thank you for sharing your book!
January 23, 2025
What an amazing love story that begins with two young Pen Pal who grows up to be fated mates.
Haven was nine year old girl in foster care who never felt loved and had a family to call her on until she was placed with Jack and Shirley. Wesley was a twelve year old future Alpha of the Crescent Lake pack. A class assignment that two sisters who taught school in different states thought it was a good idea for the students to write letters too. Wesley wrote his letter and explained that he was just writing the letter so he could get his A. He also said he wouldn’t be writing again because he was interested. His letter was given to nine year old Haven. Haven wrote back and explained that she was an orphan who was living with foster parents. Her parents didn’t want her and he was selfish and mean. His mother received his letter and read it and told her needed to fix it. That was the beginning of their journey as friends until Jack got sick and Haven’t was taken and another family adopted her and disappeared and for eleven years they had no contact until she moved to California and was a part of the Ballet company where Wesley lived. He saw her when attended the birthday party of her roommate. Haven was human even though her Mon was the Goddess Selene. Wesley was human and Lycian but their love blossomed. When her ex attacked her, Wesley realized she was his fated mate. I loved this story. Well written and kept me entertained to the end. Just how the story was formed was so good. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Haven was nine year old girl in foster care who never felt loved and had a family to call her on until she was placed with Jack and Shirley. Wesley was a twelve year old future Alpha of the Crescent Lake pack. A class assignment that two sisters who taught school in different states thought it was a good idea for the students to write letters too. Wesley wrote his letter and explained that he was just writing the letter so he could get his A. He also said he wouldn’t be writing again because he was interested. His letter was given to nine year old Haven. Haven wrote back and explained that she was an orphan who was living with foster parents. Her parents didn’t want her and he was selfish and mean. His mother received his letter and read it and told her needed to fix it. That was the beginning of their journey as friends until Jack got sick and Haven’t was taken and another family adopted her and disappeared and for eleven years they had no contact until she moved to California and was a part of the Ballet company where Wesley lived. He saw her when attended the birthday party of her roommate. Haven was human even though her Mon was the Goddess Selene. Wesley was human and Lycian but their love blossomed. When her ex attacked her, Wesley realized she was his fated mate. I loved this story. Well written and kept me entertained to the end. Just how the story was formed was so good. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
September 26, 2023
If you are looking for a story with a unique perspective, you should check out The Alpha’s Pen Pal by Allie Carstens, which tells the story of Wesley and Haven, who first meet via correspondence.
Wesley is 12 years old, and his teacher tasked the class to write a letter to a pen pal (who is initially unassigned) in a class taught by her sister in a different state. He is the Alpha’s son and has 3 best friends, which includes his younger brother. Haven is 9 years old and an orphan.
Unlike Wesley, she has no friends and no stable home life as she has been moved from foster home to foster home since she was a baby. Despite their rocky start, over the next several months, their friendship grew to the point where they both awaited each other’s reply letter with anticipation. And just as everything seems to be working out perfectly, something terrible happens that quickly changes the tenor of their lives.
Just my personal opinion … this story is SOOOOO GOOOOD! I’m on an emotional roller coaster and hanging on to the bars tightly! It starts off with me going, “Aww, how cute!” then segues to me crying buckets. I’ve caught up to the latest chapter, and now I’m in the giddy and kicking up my heels phase, or as we say in Filipino … nakakakilig!
I don’t want to give away too many details about the story, but trust me; you won’t regret reading The Alpha’s Pen Pal by Allie Carstens.
Wesley is 12 years old, and his teacher tasked the class to write a letter to a pen pal (who is initially unassigned) in a class taught by her sister in a different state. He is the Alpha’s son and has 3 best friends, which includes his younger brother. Haven is 9 years old and an orphan.
Unlike Wesley, she has no friends and no stable home life as she has been moved from foster home to foster home since she was a baby. Despite their rocky start, over the next several months, their friendship grew to the point where they both awaited each other’s reply letter with anticipation. And just as everything seems to be working out perfectly, something terrible happens that quickly changes the tenor of their lives.
Just my personal opinion … this story is SOOOOO GOOOOD! I’m on an emotional roller coaster and hanging on to the bars tightly! It starts off with me going, “Aww, how cute!” then segues to me crying buckets. I’ve caught up to the latest chapter, and now I’m in the giddy and kicking up my heels phase, or as we say in Filipino … nakakakilig!
I don’t want to give away too many details about the story, but trust me; you won’t regret reading The Alpha’s Pen Pal by Allie Carstens.
November 10, 2023
This is my honest review after reading this book. Not only on kindle, but also on the reading app as an Arc reader. I also own a paperback copy of this book, and I LOVE IT!! This is the first book of the Crescent Lake Serie.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Trope
📚Childhood love
📚Paranormal shifter
📚He falls first
📚Pen pal friendship
📚Strong female Lead
📚Wonderful side character
📚Deceit
📚Second chances
This book tells the story of the future alpha of Wesley Stone and orphan human girl Haven Kenway. Their story begins with a Pen Pal project from a 6th-grade class in a different state.
The book has a purity and a realistic twist that is refreshing to read in a Paranormal Shifter book. It gives you the illusion that this world can be possible. You really can relate to the characters, laugh at their banter and enjoy each chapter.
Wesley and Haven not only have to navigate their life, dreams and goals for the future, but also secrets and lies that are intended to separate them.
You can feel and envision yourself as a part of this world because it is so beautifully written, and the author has a unique way of describing the scenarios and emotions in the book.
It’s a beautiful love story full of suspense, intrigue, deception and side characters that will make you laugh, curse and also be a bit annoyed but you can’t help love them! This book was an amazing, beautiful well written book that I highly recommended.
Just love it 🥰
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Trope
📚Childhood love
📚Paranormal shifter
📚He falls first
📚Pen pal friendship
📚Strong female Lead
📚Wonderful side character
📚Deceit
📚Second chances
This book tells the story of the future alpha of Wesley Stone and orphan human girl Haven Kenway. Their story begins with a Pen Pal project from a 6th-grade class in a different state.
The book has a purity and a realistic twist that is refreshing to read in a Paranormal Shifter book. It gives you the illusion that this world can be possible. You really can relate to the characters, laugh at their banter and enjoy each chapter.
Wesley and Haven not only have to navigate their life, dreams and goals for the future, but also secrets and lies that are intended to separate them.
You can feel and envision yourself as a part of this world because it is so beautifully written, and the author has a unique way of describing the scenarios and emotions in the book.
It’s a beautiful love story full of suspense, intrigue, deception and side characters that will make you laugh, curse and also be a bit annoyed but you can’t help love them! This book was an amazing, beautiful well written book that I highly recommended.
Just love it 🥰
January 8, 2024
pretty good!
This is not a bad read! Some parts I skipped over because I was ready to get to some action, but I can appreciate that there was no rush on the story.
⭐️4/5 stars- only because it’s very hard for me to hand out 5 stars and because I did skip over some scenes.
🔥 3/5
Dual POV
No cheating
No OWD
Some spoilers:
This was my first book by this author. Found an excerpt on Facebook that took me to an app and I so I went looking for it on Amazon and here we are!
This actually made me super excited to hopefully read about Seb (and I would assume Sarina as his mate) and Reid and hopefully Maddie as his mate. I’m kinda hoping Nolan gets a second chance mate as it seemed there wasn’t much going on with him and Rachel(his chosen). And is there a book on King Malachi and his family? Does his son get a story since he was mentioned? Would love to see that!
I was a little sad she didn’t choose to become a wolf, but not enough to be disappointed in the book. I did question what happened to Asteria after she died. Why did she not live with her mother if she was a goddess?
I know I’m not giving much about the actual storyline, but I don’t want to ruin anything if you read it.
This is not a bad read! Some parts I skipped over because I was ready to get to some action, but I can appreciate that there was no rush on the story.
⭐️4/5 stars- only because it’s very hard for me to hand out 5 stars and because I did skip over some scenes.
🔥 3/5
Dual POV
No cheating
No OWD
Some spoilers:
This was my first book by this author. Found an excerpt on Facebook that took me to an app and I so I went looking for it on Amazon and here we are!
This actually made me super excited to hopefully read about Seb (and I would assume Sarina as his mate) and Reid and hopefully Maddie as his mate. I’m kinda hoping Nolan gets a second chance mate as it seemed there wasn’t much going on with him and Rachel(his chosen). And is there a book on King Malachi and his family? Does his son get a story since he was mentioned? Would love to see that!
I was a little sad she didn’t choose to become a wolf, but not enough to be disappointed in the book. I did question what happened to Asteria after she died. Why did she not live with her mother if she was a goddess?
I know I’m not giving much about the actual storyline, but I don’t want to ruin anything if you read it.
October 8, 2023
An Amazing book that I couldn’t put down! This is my second time reading it and I will always recommend it to people. I was completely hooked by the end of the first chapter and the farther into the story I got, the more I struggled to stop reading. When I first started reading I planned to try to space it out so It would last longer, but I finished reading it in less than 2 days. The author takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the book that makes you never want to get off. You will not be able to guess what’ll happen next, and whenever you think you know what’ll happen, you don’t. Even reading through it the second time, I picked up on so many things I missed the first time that just made me love the characters that much more. She pays so much attention to detail, it’s like you’re watching a movie play out in your head as you’re reading.
I can’t say it enough how much I recommend reading this story, and after you read the first time you should read it a second time. This story is definitely not a one and done where you never want to read it again, it’ll keep you coming back for more no matter how many times you’ve read it!
I can’t say it enough how much I recommend reading this story, and after you read the first time you should read it a second time. This story is definitely not a one and done where you never want to read it again, it’ll keep you coming back for more no matter how many times you’ve read it!
January 21, 2025
I really loved this book. It had me in tears and then it had me giddy for the main characters.
This book is a captivating and heartwarming novel that masterfully blends elements of romance, fantasy, and personal growth. The story follows future alpha Wesley Stone and orphaned human girl Haven Kenway, who develop a deep bond through their childhood pen pal correspondence. As they reconnect years later, their relationship evolves amidst intriguing revelations and challenges.
The character development is particularly noteworthy, with Wesley and Haven’s growth portrayed authentically from their childhood innocence to mature individuals facing complex realities. The epistolary format in the beginning adds a nostalgic touch, allowing readers to witness their evolving connection through heartfelt letters.
In summary, “The Alpha’s Pen Pal” is a beautifully crafted tale that offers a fresh take on the werewolf romance genre. Allie Carstens’ storytelling prowess ensures that readers are emotionally invested from start to finish, making it a highly recommended read for those seeking a blend of heartfelt romance and fantasy intrigue.
This book is a captivating and heartwarming novel that masterfully blends elements of romance, fantasy, and personal growth. The story follows future alpha Wesley Stone and orphaned human girl Haven Kenway, who develop a deep bond through their childhood pen pal correspondence. As they reconnect years later, their relationship evolves amidst intriguing revelations and challenges.
The character development is particularly noteworthy, with Wesley and Haven’s growth portrayed authentically from their childhood innocence to mature individuals facing complex realities. The epistolary format in the beginning adds a nostalgic touch, allowing readers to witness their evolving connection through heartfelt letters.
In summary, “The Alpha’s Pen Pal” is a beautifully crafted tale that offers a fresh take on the werewolf romance genre. Allie Carstens’ storytelling prowess ensures that readers are emotionally invested from start to finish, making it a highly recommended read for those seeking a blend of heartfelt romance and fantasy intrigue.
January 19, 2024
Addicting!!!
I found this story as an ad for the AlphaNovel app, but reading it one hour a day wasn’t enough and I was so happy it was available on Kindle! I was drawn in by a childhood friendship turned romance. I haven’t read many werewolf books, but I took a chance and was not disappointed! Thank Goddess there were no shifted lycan/human sex scenes. There were twists and turns and the book never got predictable or boring. A great romance that was steamy and made me wish for a Wesley haha. I love how everything random made sense by the end and there was no cliffhangers, and of course there was a HEA with epilogues!
I can’t wait to read the next Crescent Lake book - I’m dying to know if the underage she-wolf is Seb’s mate and the nomadic wolf stories. Also, there are major hints (even from the very first chapter as kids), that Reid is his sister’s mate. If that’s the bet with Seb, I bet with Reid too on it. Reid was written as having this connection and polarity to her.
I found this story as an ad for the AlphaNovel app, but reading it one hour a day wasn’t enough and I was so happy it was available on Kindle! I was drawn in by a childhood friendship turned romance. I haven’t read many werewolf books, but I took a chance and was not disappointed! Thank Goddess there were no shifted lycan/human sex scenes. There were twists and turns and the book never got predictable or boring. A great romance that was steamy and made me wish for a Wesley haha. I love how everything random made sense by the end and there was no cliffhangers, and of course there was a HEA with epilogues!
I can’t wait to read the next Crescent Lake book - I’m dying to know if the underage she-wolf is Seb’s mate and the nomadic wolf stories. Also, there are major hints (even from the very first chapter as kids), that Reid is his sister’s mate. If that’s the bet with Seb, I bet with Reid too on it. Reid was written as having this connection and polarity to her.
August 16, 2025
Definitely worth the re-read
So, this isn't my first time reading this story, but with the fourth book coming out later this month, I wanted to do a reread of the first two books and read the 3rd for the first time.
I am so glad that I decided to start at the beginning, because the way the first story is written just sucks you in from the first page. I love how Haven and Wesley’s letters are woven into the story as it gives us a different insight into the two of them beyond the storytelling.
The friendships between Wesley, Reid, Nolan, and Sebastian were hilarious to watch unfold, and I loved seeing how the guys were there for Haven when she needed them. I especially loved seeing those big bad wolves in a theater to watch her dance ballet.
As for Haven and her biological mother, I don't blame Haven for her reaction. While I understand what her mother did, it doesn't make it any easier to accept it. I think Haven handled it perfectly.
Even though, I know what happens next with Reid's story, I still cannot wait to dig into his story again.
So, this isn't my first time reading this story, but with the fourth book coming out later this month, I wanted to do a reread of the first two books and read the 3rd for the first time.
I am so glad that I decided to start at the beginning, because the way the first story is written just sucks you in from the first page. I love how Haven and Wesley’s letters are woven into the story as it gives us a different insight into the two of them beyond the storytelling.
The friendships between Wesley, Reid, Nolan, and Sebastian were hilarious to watch unfold, and I loved seeing how the guys were there for Haven when she needed them. I especially loved seeing those big bad wolves in a theater to watch her dance ballet.
As for Haven and her biological mother, I don't blame Haven for her reaction. While I understand what her mother did, it doesn't make it any easier to accept it. I think Haven handled it perfectly.
Even though, I know what happens next with Reid's story, I still cannot wait to dig into his story again.
September 28, 2023
Amazing book that I could not put down! The characters are lovable. they will have you laughing, crying, and send your temperature soaring. Pen Pals is such a heartwarming story with a little suspense through out the book. I loved every minute and cannot wait for the story to continue. The Alpha's Pen Pal: Crescent Lake Book 1
January 19, 2024
As an orphan, Haven was used to moving around, having a different family, feeling of not being wanted, until she found foster parents who were ready to adopt her. The one friend she did have was Wesley, who lived miles and miles away, but they wrote to each other as part of a school assignment. When a devastating incident causes Haven to move to a different family yet again, Wes and Haven lose connection. Until they are reunited in Crescent Lake where Wes lives. Could this be fate?
With an average 4.54 rating, I had to give it a try! It got me invested early on, I wanted to know what was going to happen, what twists were going to be thrown my way because it couldn’t all have been coincidence that Wesley and Haven were so drawn to each other since they were kids as pen pals. Their reunion was intense and insta, but it made sense as the story developed. So many details about lycans, their lore, but I enjoyed it!
With an average 4.54 rating, I had to give it a try! It got me invested early on, I wanted to know what was going to happen, what twists were going to be thrown my way because it couldn’t all have been coincidence that Wesley and Haven were so drawn to each other since they were kids as pen pals. Their reunion was intense and insta, but it made sense as the story developed. So many details about lycans, their lore, but I enjoyed it!
April 16, 2024
Ok
I'm a person that I don't mind reading a book for a full week, but to have 30 - 35 % skipping and still not losing anything from the plot, from the bound,from the character development.... it's sad.
Seriously you lose readers by doing that. At 70% I was ready to give up and find another book to read.
Plus pretty please you guys, let's start having some double standards equality communication and maturity from our female leads as well .
I'm feed up with same self absorbed entitled hypocrite manipulative judgemental gietho attitude that so many authors and readers think it's funny or "women empowerment "or all that shit. It's not. Is lack of respect, of bare minimum intelligence and self respect. And another thing: domestic violence is domestic violence no matter how much you play with " he is a big man and I am a tinny lady ,so he can take my beating and my mental abuse and my judgemental attitude "
Stop it.
I'm a person that I don't mind reading a book for a full week, but to have 30 - 35 % skipping and still not losing anything from the plot, from the bound,from the character development.... it's sad.
Seriously you lose readers by doing that. At 70% I was ready to give up and find another book to read.
Plus pretty please you guys, let's start having some double standards equality communication and maturity from our female leads as well .
I'm feed up with same self absorbed entitled hypocrite manipulative judgemental gietho attitude that so many authors and readers think it's funny or "women empowerment "or all that shit. It's not. Is lack of respect, of bare minimum intelligence and self respect. And another thing: domestic violence is domestic violence no matter how much you play with " he is a big man and I am a tinny lady ,so he can take my beating and my mental abuse and my judgemental attitude "
Stop it.
September 30, 2023
I'm so in love with this book. It's one of the best shifter books I've read! Haven's childhood story is considerably brightened by her pen pal Wesley, the future Alpha of the Crescent Lake Pack. Both children at the time, their connection is undeniable. Outside forces maliciously interfere, preventing them from continuing their childhood connection. As adults, fate intervenes, and their lives are forever altered. Lots of mystery and suspense, great characters and friends, and a love story that burns so dang hot...I can't wait for the rest of this series! I can't emphasize enough what a beautiful story this is. Wesley is a dream ❤️ and Haven proves her strength time and time again. Read this. You'll love it!
October 9, 2023
Not your average love story!
Deep in werewolf lore and other mythical creatures, if fantasy is your thing please please give this a read!
Prepare to have your heart torn out!
What starts as a budding romance between childhood sweethearts, develops into a epic love story with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing right up to the last chapter.
Wesley and Haven's story begins whilst they are young and innocent in a world where their biggest worry is having to write a letter in class - or so you would think! You'll learn to love each of these characters for their individual quirks and follow their journey as they grow up in a world where they have to shoulder so much responsibility yet still find the time for a steamy make-out or two 😉
Deep in werewolf lore and other mythical creatures, if fantasy is your thing please please give this a read!
Prepare to have your heart torn out!
What starts as a budding romance between childhood sweethearts, develops into a epic love story with so many twists and turns to keep you guessing right up to the last chapter.
Wesley and Haven's story begins whilst they are young and innocent in a world where their biggest worry is having to write a letter in class - or so you would think! You'll learn to love each of these characters for their individual quirks and follow their journey as they grow up in a world where they have to shoulder so much responsibility yet still find the time for a steamy make-out or two 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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