Claiming Her Alpha

Marked by Fate

by Tanja Longoria

Kendra

Kendra's life is turned upside-down when she discovers that the moon goddess has blessed her with a female wolf and her fated mate, Ryker, belongs to the enemy pack.
Left to live without her mate, Kendra's wolf not only longs for their mate but also to take her rightful place as the luna of the Shadow Wolves. Leaving everyone in the dark, she forges a plan to take what belongs to her.

Will she be able to reunite with her soul?

Ryker

As the lead warrior of the Blood Wolves, it is Ryker's duty to protect the souls of his pack. When he chooses to save his fated mate over his pack his loyalty is questioned. As punishment, he is left to live without Kendra by his side.
Longing for his mate, Ryker and his wolf's loyalty are shifting toward his mate and away from the pack he swore to give his life to.

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2023

About the author

Tanja is a spicy romance author who loves to write about strong female characters, loving love interests, and the occasional vampires and werewolves.

Besides writing she is a mother and nursing student, with a hectic life and an ever-changing work schedule. Writing is her escape from reality in which she can let go of all the stress that comes with managing a family of three and balancing work and private life.

Reviews

[Megan Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great standalone shifter book! Having been immersed in multiple series’ lately it was so nice to read a well written standalone about fated mates and rival packs. Shifter books are ALWAYS my cup of tea, but this one was awesome!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BeBop19 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to give 2 1/12 stars so I rounded down. I was excited to start this and when she turned, I was thinking okay a little different than the other books, I was impressed. Most books have people around to help or just know what happens when they turn the first time, but she did grow up in that family and did have knowledge of how it works, so a little inconsistent on that topic. I also feel that the wording was a bit immature for the role the author I thought was trying to portray her as. I felt at times that I was listening to my daughter talking instead of a strong lead character who's supposed to be leading a pack and holding the business and all the complicated situations to arise. So, I really didn't take her serious at certain points. It had some good steam to it as well but again seemed choppy and some of the conversations during the steam was comical. I love the idea and the concept of the plot, but I think with a little more attention to the details and the feeling of not being rushed could hold serious potential for a really good series. I am also not a huge fan of the submissive male role, now that doesn't mean that some do not just devour that type, but it was a turn off for me. i enjoy an emotional male, but not one who seems to constantly be crying.

[Jeren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 3.5/4 stars.
I receive an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Over all this was a very enjoyable, fairly quick read. I really liked the FMC and her ability to kick ass and overcome. The spice was nice. Not too much, but just enough sprinkled in there.
I do feel like there were a few spots that were a bit rushed or could have been something a bit more…but maybe that leaves room for future stories🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was a refreshing story that shows a romance writer is capable of creating a heroine that can develop into a strong, independent woman and not just a damsel in distress with a strong personality. In the story, I experienced a variety of emotions, but I wasn't truly moved by any one emotion until the second epilogue. The spicy scenes were erotic enough to make them interesting to read, but not so overdone that they were vulgar. I especially enjoyed the balance between animalistic roughness and sweet tenderness in the love making scenes. The characters' interactions were ok, but the writer could have dug a little deeper to offer insight on non main characters that I think would have made them more relatable. All in all, I enjoyed this book, and would probably read more from this author if i come across them, but I was not so connected to the characters and the story that I went looking for the next title, or more of her work.

[Ann M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claiming Her Alpha is a standalone fated mates shifter (werewolf) romance (Marked by Fate) by Tanja Longoria. It is a paranormal insta-love romance with some spice.

As the older daughter of the Alpha, Kendra has always felt high responsibility towards the Shadow Wolves, but being not gifted with a wolf for herself, she is forced to accept her wastrel younger brother as the next leader. Never having met her fated mate, she is living with her parents until in only one night her life is turned upside-down – Kendra gets blessed with her own wolf and meets her mate. All seems perfect, except Ryker, her mate, belongs to an enemy pack whose territory she has accidentally invaded. Ryker, the lead warrior of the Blood Wolves chooses to save his fated mate over his pack. As a punishment, Kendra is forced to leave and both of them are to live without their mate. Now Ryker is not only battling heartache, but he has to navigate carefully around his vengeful Alpha and win back the lost loyalty of his pack to survive. Longing for her mate, Kendra is using a different strategy – she is forging a plan to take her rightful place as the Luna of the Shadow Wolves to get the authority and claim her own Alpha.

The writing style of the author is clear and fluent. The book is written in the dual points of view as the characters don’t have too much direct interaction throughout the book. The storyline is logically laid out and the shifter world is interesting, but for me some questions that I wanted answers for, actually went unanswered. The book could use a bit more world building and background information. There were some interesting twists in the plot, but I felt like some parts of the book were a little rushed (especially the 2nd half), whereas the others tended to stretch a bit. For example, the great confrontation in the end was just sort of brushed over – too easy, I expected way more drama. The story introduces a very strong female lead, Kendra, who has a strong sense of responsibility towards her pack, but also decides to fight for her own wellbeing. Ryker, the male lead, on the other hand, although a strong male character, is a bit shadowed by this. However I really liked him supporting his mate no matter what and not wanting to dominate her or take the lead in her pack. The love story could have used a little more depth though. The story also features a number of interesting side characters and the relationships with them are interesting and well written-out.

In the end, the plot came together and the storyline kept you still turning pages. All in all this was an entertaining book – a good and easy story to read, nothing too dark.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

Wow, I have been blessed with the opportunity to review all of Tanja Longoria's stories and I have to say that this book was just as amazing as the others.

I loved that every time you read one of her books you will get a true feeling of a paranormal romance, with great spice, well developed characters, great plots, and leaves you wanting the next book as soon as you can to see what will happen next. This book is told with a dual POV, and it will help you to understand each character’s emotions and what they want to do next.

Kendra, man she is one very strong female character, who is well developed, loving, understanding, has a lot of mental strength and has strong family ties. I love that you get to really understand this character from the second that you start reading this book, and the more you’re reading it you come to see the beauty of Kendra. The way that she saved her pack from something that might cause another war, rather than to give into her own heart, was so heartbreaking but at the same time the way the author writes you will feel the pain, the heartbreak and of course finally the love that these characters have. I loved that even though Kendra was still following an agreement she did everything she could to make sure that she had her mate with her and without bloodshed.

Rykers story did break my heart a lot and I am so happy that he was blessed with an amazing mate, one that was so strong for both of them during a hard time. I loved that he was willing to do anything for his Luna and he does by just submitting to her in front of her whole pack, but no worries he isn’t about to submit to her when they’re alone unless she asks. He knows just how Kendra likes her bedroom activities and he is more than willing to take charge of those.

I can’t wait to see what Longoria will bring us with the next book, but with the sneak peek into the next book I know it will be great.

I want to thank Booksirens and Tanja Lognoria for the opportunity to review this book.

[latrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra ends up shifting into her wolf for the first time and then having her wolf take over and runs her into enemy territory. Right as she is being attacked by warriors, she finds her mate, Ryker, who is also a warrior. He ends up fighting his pack members in order to protect her and his alpha is not too happy. By law they have the right to kill anyone who comes into their territory but because she is the daughter of another alpha he spares her life but as punishment he tells her that she and Ryker can never mark each other.

Kendra is able to spend time with Ryker before she is lead off his packs territory. He helps her shift again into her wolf before she leaves. Then she spends the following year traveling with her father getting ready to take over as luna of the pack (taking the alpha title from her brother) and she finds a way to get back at Ryker's alpha. She ends up inviting Ryker's alpha to her luna ceremony and once there she unleashes the information that she found against him. Ryker is released from his alpha and is able to finally be with Kendra. No one knew that this whole time that she was working on getting Ryker. Ryker ends on taking on the alpha title but tells her that he only taking it in name, everything will belong to her. It takes him some time but he finally starts fitting in with the pack.

I like this story alot. Kendra was a strong character and i loved how she mic-dropped on Ryker's alpha and got her man!!! Kendra is truly the alpha of her pack! i also liked how her wolf marked Ryker, not allowing him to mark her first.

[M Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story. I enjoy shifter stories. The politics, the social design, and who doesn't enjoy a strong alpha. Take all you know about shifter politics and then shake it up and you'll find the plot for this story. Kendra, the main character is an alpha female in a very male dominated pack. The men are leaders, the men become pack alphas, no matter how idiotic they may be. Forced into a more submissive role simply for being a female, her world is completely changed when she discovers her destiny is beyond her wildest dreams. A chance shifting and accidental wandering into a competing pack's territory is all it takes to change her destiny. The heartbreak of meeting your mate, to be denied by another pack alpha was angsty. Choosing to sacrifice her needs for her own pack, the story unfolds with the aftermath of such choices. Kendra is a strong character who embraces her destiny, no matter the odds. If you like shifter politics, spice and angst, this is the perfect book for you. I enjoyed the author's take on the shifter world, and her set up helped really enhance the story. This is my first book by the author, and it will not be my last.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Miranda K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I read by Tanja. Because I absolutely loved “Crystal Luna”, I wanted to read another one of her books. I will say this one is fairly different.

In this world, the men are the alphas, but Kendra made her first shift at 26 which now changes things. Her brother is useless and don’t show any real interest in becoming the new alpha. During her first shift, she accidently wonders into enemy territory. The one good thing about it though, she found her mate there. Bad new, she can’t stay there and he can’t come back with her.

The world building is slightly lacking, but since I already have some knowledge from Tanja’s other book, I personally didn’t mind it. I will say there isn’t much character growth; Kendra is already a very strong, independent person who helps her father (the alpha) and Ryker is the lead warrior in his pack, struggling to get through each day without his mate.

I really liked the story over all. It was fairly shorter than “Crystal Luna” so I finished it in just a few hours. I liked seeing how Kendra gains more support to not only take the alpha position away from her brother, but also get her mate out of his pack and into her arms.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 3.75 ⭐️. Claiming Her Alpha is a shifter romance with fated mates, rival/enemy packs, and forbidden love. I liked the strong female lead in Kendra. She is smart, caring, and a natural leader. The MMC, Ryker, was sweet but strong in his own right as well. The author gave us two MCs we can root for and a story that, while fairly simple, had tension, heart ache, spice (3/5 🌶️), and a sweet romance.

The book is written in dual third person limited point of view (i.e., we have 2 points of view but they are both written in the same third person voice). I found this to be a bit confusing at times, as I occasionally lost track of whose perspective I was in, but, on the whole, the story remained cohesive. There were also some parts that felt a little rushed or brushed over, and the anticipated big confrontation was a little anticlimactic; however, overall, I found Claiming Her Alpha to be a quick and enjoyable read.

I received a free, advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Renee C · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, thank you Tanja for sending me an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a pretty fun read. I'm a sucker for a shifter romance and the author has some interesting takes on the shifter world. I love a FMC and I think we got this in Kendra, but I agree with a few other readers that character development was lacking overall. I think a little more time with both the FMC and MMC before they met might have helped build the tension of the story better. I also felt like there was quite the build up with the "enemy alpha" and then nothing. I feel like this could have been developed and was really the meat of the story but was just dropped. The pacing was not consistent, dragging in some places and feeling rushed, especially at the end. I felt like the story was about to really pick up and then it just ended. The spice was good and not overused as a plot device. Some of the dialog was a little clunky, but that didn't distract from the overall story. Overall a fun read and would pick up another book by Tanja.

[Rid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story a lot! It was a quick and easy read with relatable characters on a mission to claim their forbidden love. The magical/shifter world was interesting as typically only men receive wolves from the goddess, Isis, and the first shift can happen at any age.

If you love a strong FMC who finds her strength and owns her birthright as leader of her pack, you’ll love Kendra. And if you love a strong MMC who forged his own path after being alone, who stands with his own strength, but is willing to bow to/respect his mate’s power, then you’ll also love Ryker.

I think this book would’ve been improved by lengthening the story and diving deeper into some of the side plots - Ryker’s past, the Blood Wolves being cast out, Kent’s relationship with Jenevea, etc. I think the story was a little bit rushed and could’ve been deepened into a full length novel instead of more of a novella. The book is also written in 3rd person and I think if it had been dual/multi POV we could’ve dove into more of the characters thoughts and motivations.

[Sophie Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating 🌶🌶🌶

I read this as an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

There was a lot to like about this book, a strong female lead, spicy scenes, and artwork!
The series is written in the POV of the two main characters and follows them on a journey of being "forbidden mates.""
It started and ended with a "bang" 🌶

Kendra is a smart, strong, and witty female lead. She does whatever she can to protect her friends and family, even if it comes at her own expense.
Ryker is a sweet, caring, and loyal male lead. He was a rogue who was taken in by a more "aggressive" pack, and he worked his way up through the ranks.
Both are natural leaders, and just good fits for each other.

The author has done a great job with character development and world building, leaving little to the imagination. I loved how she included the artwork of Ryker, Kendra, and then a little bit of a surprise artwork at the end. It allowed for a deeper connection, as I knew what the characters looked like.

This could be an unpopular opinion;
The only negative I have is that the book was short and, in turn, felt a bit rushed. I feel that the author could have easily stretched the book out over another 50-100 pages. Give Ryker and Kendra a few more challenges before finally overcoming everything!

But nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book 🔥

[Kali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would honestly give this book a 3.25. It was entertaining and I was able to finish it. Without including any spoilers, the main female character was strong. That’s always a plus. I feel like it didn't really have a a strong plot.

My issues come in with a little spoilers (somewhat)… so proceed with caution.

*****Potential spoilers******
The insta love, they literally met for 5 minutes and they are each other’s world. I understand the concept of mates but they have nothing else besides that together. Plus the main characters were separated from each other for a long portion of the story.

Im all for female empowerment! Loved that she became alpha, but do I need to know every page about how it’s wrong and the different things that she has to do with certain people so that we (the readers) can see that a female is alpha?

I enjoyed the book! Don’t get me wrong. I just wish there was more. I received an advance copy and I’m leaving an honest review

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot and dual POV of this book. The characters were well rounded and I became invested in their individual stories. At times the storyline felt choppy or rushed. There were a few editing errors and repeated themes. I questioned the phrasing or wording of some sentences/ideas. However, I finished the book in one 8 hour sitting which speaks volumes! I couldn't go to bed before finishing the story and knowing what happened with the FMC & MMC. The spicy scenes provided the added emotion and intensity they were meant to but I didn't feel they were super unique or different. By the end of the story I was left wanting more and was pleasantly surprised by the epilog to help finish out a couple of those specific situations.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Glaeser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different kind of shifter book. While there is an Alpha, it's the Luna who is in charge.

Kendra is not your average shifter. The women in her pack don't have wolves. But she does. She also has the power to command those around her. Alpha blood pumps through her and her pack respects her.

Ryker was a rouge. He lived among the humans until his mother passed and he found himself looking for a pack. He finds one and works hard to become their lead warrior.

This book is tamer than other shifter books. There's no real conflict besides what Kendra and Ryker go through and between Kendra and her brother, Kent. Nothing between other packs. It just feels like there should've been more.

Now, the ending is open, leaving room to continue on with the storyline. I hope that happens. I believe Kent has a story waiting to be told.

[Mackenzie Ossont Horner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75/5⭐️

I’m really not sure what happened to my original review? I came back to add an edit for something I forgot and it wasn’t here?…weird.

Anywayyyyys I really wish Goodreads allowed partial stars because it would be very beneficial rather than just stringent single starts…

This was such a good intro to werewolf romances!!! I was really getting into and it felt like the writing style had changed a bit?? However I still felt like the author laid a solid base that was easy for readers to follow. And the *ahem* spicy scenes are also a good entry level for those wanting something a little more than vanilla hehehehehe *wink* *wink* *hint* *hint* We love a strong independent woman who don’t need no man. *snaps fingers* I did appreciate the outside the norm of the alpha being le woman soooo we love that for her. Would definitely recommend for readers new to the genre and spice!!!

[Nikki Skelly-Gialleonardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a book when there is a strong FMC who takes charge of her own life and does not necessarily require “saving”. I really enjoyed the change in this book where the Luna (Kendra) was the one in charge and not the Alpha (Ryker). As much as I loved this change it did have me reflecting on how used to the Alpha male we become. When Ryker submits to Kendra in public I was surprised despite knowing she is in charge or the stronger shifter. Had me thinking about how often the books we read, even those based in a “fantasy” world, reflect our current societal structure. Probably a bit too deep but I did find myself reflecting on why that left me uncomfortable(?) or dissatisfied(?). I always appreciate books that give me pause and this one was no exception. I loved the focus on family as well and look forward to future books!

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claiming Her Alpha is a shifter/fated mates romance with a bit of a twist. I loved the strong female main character; she stayed strong throughout, even when turmoil was brewing, and did what she needed to do to get what she wanted.

Parts of this book (namely the love story) felt a bit rushed while others dragged a bit, but neither distracted from the main storyline. The "enemy" pack storyline also felt a bit rushed or maybe unfinished, but it could be brought up in a second book.

I'm interested to see if the author will turn this into a series, and if she does, I will definitely continue to read it!

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Margaret Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Claiming Her Alpha" even though it is not a genre that I normally read. The plot was very well laid out and was actually very good. I do not read romance novels as a norm, so this was a first for me. I had seen other books about the human/wolf scenario, but have never read one.

The main reason I don't read romance, is because I am not into the play by play sections of the sexual interactions between the two main characters.

I did like the way the two main characters were portrayed. The story gave a lot of insight to both characters. I did like the book as a whole, but as I stated, I am not into the play by play for the sexual encounters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an Advanced Reader Copy for an Honest review.

Okay y’all so let’s start from the top. Female alpha, strong male lead but reversed. I love the intrigue the plot twists the fights the betrayals and the wins. This is probably the best werewolf book I’ve read in quite some time. Which says something cause I read a lot of werewolf books lol

If like a female who claims her alpha and a male who is willing to submit this is definitely the book for you.

Side note I do not read spice so I willingly admit I moved past the spice scenes and therefore cannot comment on level or anything.


Thank you Tanja Longoria for this amazing book it’s so well written I was sucked in immediately.

[P Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's going on?

Kendra, Alpha Desmond's daughter is doing her pack duties making her father proud. With Desmond's heir Kent doing whatever he feels he wants to do apparent to those around him. This story shifts the night of the Luna Moon. When Kendra finds herself on Bloodwolf territory. Enter Ryker the lead warrior of the Bloodwolf pack. Secrets are formed, promises kept, bonds broken and made are just the tip of the iceberg to this magnificent tale. Can the Luna pull it off? Will she successfully claim her alpha and if she does what will it cost? Do yourself a favor and read this steamy heroic tale of fate.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading a new view on the female lead character and how she approached her challenges. The story was well thought out and creative which made an interesting journey.

I did enjoy a strong female lead, but my personal preference would have been having an Alpha and Luna be a team. Neither has to be higher than the other.

I would have loved a little more background on why the Blood pack operated they way they did and why they are so strict because some parts/rules seemed a little forced.

Overall I would definitely recommend giving this book a try!


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Danielle Betts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author. Kendra FMC was strong willed and fierce but also very caring and sweet which I really liked.

Ryker I couldn’t connect to him he wasn’t alpha enough for me. Kendra was definitely the alpha in the relationship which is different to most werewolf books it’s usually the male that is more dominant. Unfortunately this was not for me.

Overall It was a nice easy read, however I felt it needed more action and world building was lacking. I felt myself skimming some bits. This is definitely a cliche fall in love at first sight story.

I recieved an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntary.

[Shelby Larkey Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book! Strong female lead, good relationship dynamics, quality spice. I felt that it was a little predictable and the writing style was simple, but overall happy with it. I didn’t think there was anything unique about the werewolf elements or world building. Easy read, devoured it in one day! I did feel like I got closure in the ending and epilogues. I do hope there is a second book for the brother!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alison Klages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with how Longoria formulates her characters and stories. They are distinct, appealing, and immersive.

I absolutely adore the pairing of Kendra and Ryker! Their story is fraught with struggle. Kendra is the string female character we all dream of, and Ryker is a cinnamon roll dom- icing and all!

Claiming Her Alpha is the second book in the #MarkedByFateSeries by Longoria. If you like strong female characters, with distinct backgrounds and skills, shifter romances with loving males and high tension, this series of standalones is for you

[Shaakira Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Reading this book is just what I needed. I'm a fiend for the werewolf genre and it HIT THE SPOT. It's left me craving more and now I'm going to read everything werewolf written by this author. It was exhilarating, funny, kept me wanting more and even gave me a few ideas to bring back to the real world. Wink Wink. This was sooooo wonderful. Bravo Tanja. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. Receiving an advance review copy for free, was worth the read and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, the story was interesting and I was looking forward to what would happen next. I got a little confused early on in the book cause I thought the characters were younger then they were which may have been just the writing and towards the end of the book when Ryker and Kendra were giving each other encouragement it seemed to go on a little longer then the story needed (IMO) and around that part of the book the story seemed to get really slow. Overall thought I liked it and I hope to read more from Tanja Longoria.

This is an ARC review. Spice level is 3.5/5

[Victoria Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

I liked this book. I found it to be an interesting take on the werewolf romance and it was an easy read with some spice sprinkled in. I was really drawn to the strong FMC in this story. I particularly enjoyed the development over the course of the story. I also liked the Rykers storyline, but I felt the ending was at odds with his character development throughout the rest of the book. I felt his development and some of the story was a little rushed toward the end.
Overall, enjoyable!

[Annabell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book ever by Tanja Longoria and I can confidently say it wasn’t my last. As soon as I started reading I was hooked. It’s easy to fall for the characters and their storyline. You get to know a little bit about the main characters and their background. I couldn’t stop reading and finished the book within two days. Definitely recommend the book to anyone who likes reading about wolves and their stories.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.