The Alpha's Son

The Alpha Shifter Collection #21

by Sam Crescent

After being away from the pack for seven years, Joe Johnson is back. He's ready to learn from his father so he can take over as alpha one day. On the first night back, he meets up with friends, and catches the most unexpected scent. It was like the best vanilla frosting he’d ever smelled, and he is shocked and delighted to find it's coming from Darcy Pine.

She is also fifteen years older than him, and even though loved by the pack, is considered boring.

Darcy is not mated. She has never been mated because she refuses to settle down with anyone but her true mate. After discovering the alpha's son is her mate, she's terrified. Joe is not taking no for an answer.

But Joe has a secret. He has never been with a woman. For as long as he could remember, he has had a crush on Darcy, and even when he was younger, he was obsessed with her.

Darcy has never been with a man, but when it comes to Joe, she cannot deny her attraction. Rather than tell anyone, they decide to keep their relationship a secret. They don’t want the pack to know.

However, when one of Joe’s friends insults her, Joe cannot control his need to protect her. They cannot keep their relationship a secret for much longer, but will the pack accept them?

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of The Alpha Shifter Collection each can be read as a standalone with a sexy shifter the mate that catches his attention. Darcy is such a sweetheart most pity her since she hasn’t found her true mate so she lives a quiet but lonely life waiting refusing to settle all but has given up on a mate until the alpha’s son returns to take his place as alpha and she is think how could it be seeing that she is 15 years older than him how could the moon goddess do this give her a boy as a mate. Joe sexy as all get out son of the alpha trained all his life to take over once his father retires as alpha so when he decides to comes home after years of traveling, heading out on to be with his friends when he smells his mate never imagining it would the sweet, quiet, yet well liked women who happens to be 15 years older than him. But he isn’t going to let that stop him because he believes the mood goddess makes no mistakes so knows she will be his but can he convince her despite what others say, will his parents accept her, will his pack accept her, and can they find their happiness together despite their differences?

[LaBlue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is new. The conflict in this story is because the FMC is perceived to be too boring to be wanted by anyone. I literally can’t laugh hard enough at this! It’s absolutely absurd. The reverse age gap could have been a valid reason for conflict but since these are shifters and they age more slowly, it’s really not an issue. But so far at 10% several mentions of the FMC being too boring for any of the males, as she doesn’t want to have casual sex with them and that she spends all her time gardening. Yeah, that’s sooooo boring 🥱. NOT! So a respectable woman is the
conflict. Definitely a new one for Sam Crescent. Smdh.

FINAL UPDATE

The only thing boring here is the plot. The characters were nice likable people. Even the douchebag friends of the MMC. But the MMC was written as younger than his age and life experience. He was a 25 year old virgin who ran away from his first time with his mate the FMC. Ran away. That is absurd for his age and his being a world traveler for seven years!!

Anyway, it was a sweet uninteresting romance with shifters. I will probably never read this again. Good luck.

[TheReaderVert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet as pie

Definitely enjoyed this novella. It does all the right things as a romance novella. Spice and heat happen right away, great erotic (albeit vanilla) scenes, and sweet characters. Also present was my fav trope and microtrope....the loner/quiet/boring girl meets the popular smitten boy. This reverse age gap shouldn't ick anyone out. It was cute seeing how the MMC always had a crush on her even when she never thought about him. And the idea that yeah she's boring. She's a vibe but he loves it because he loves her.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read that this was an age gap with an older woman. that is a me problem. But due to being supernatural genre I was ok ish. No drama, everything was great!

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alpha's Son The Alpha Shifter Collection Book 21 - Sam Crescent

Another great addition to a thoroughly enjoyable series and a refreshing change of the woman being older instead of age gap older male romance that is so popular with so many of us.
Joe Johnson finally returns home to his pack at the age of 25 intent on finding his place and learning about becoming the future Alpha from his father. He never dreams that once he returned a night out with friends and an intense heavenly scent would lead him to Darcy Pine who even though was someone he had crushed on for many years as she is slightly older at 40 he never realised that she was his mate. Once he does all bets are off and even though Darcy worries about their age difference and the fact he is going to be the future alpha but Joe will not let that stop him from eventually claiming his mate. I enjoyed the chemistry between Darcy and Joe, the fact they were both inexperienced and how they slowly built their connection and learnt about each other and their growing relationship together. It was a really enjoyable story that I completely got hooked into. Ryan and Wade were not exactly outstanding friends and I would of liked to of seen them both fall for their mates and see them grow up and understand how Joe felt. Also I hope that the author Sam Crescent will give Kelly an additional character her much deserving happily ever after in this great shifter series because she definitely would be a fascinating story yo fall in love with. Happy Reading.

5 out of 5 stars
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review of The Alpha's Son by Sam Crescent
* * * * *
A reverse age gap, curvy shifter romance that has the awkwardness and positive relationship growth I have been waiting for!

After seven years of travel, carrying a shameful secret with him, Joe has returned home to his pack. He is ready to take on his role, or at least learn the roll, as he was born to do. Joe just never expected his fated mate would finally reveal themselves as the gorgeous Darcy - the pack's loner and titled 'most boring wolf'.
Darcy enjoys her time to herself, aware of how people see her. However, he life is about to take an unexpected twist when young Joe reveals himself as her mate.
Joe is ready to be her mate, but can Darcy open up?
Things are about to become a little less boring for Darcy.

A very sweet and positive affirming romance where it's not always easy-going hot and steamy goodness straight up! It's messy. It's complicated. It's a new experience where someone doesn't know what they are doing but somehow extremely good at it! Men opening up about their feelings and concerns!
Loved this new little spin from Sam Crescent, and was still able to deliver the usual sexiness!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe is back. He went away to find himself before he was to take his place as alpha. His father still was Alpha and would be for a while. But on his return he scents something sweet in the air, his true mate. But more surprising is who it is, Darcy. Darcy is 15yrs older then Joe and lived a quiet life. The pack pity’s her. No mate and living alone. But she does have a mate and he is a lot younger. You have to feel for these two. For one Darcy is no cougar. She loves her life and wouldn’t change it. Yes it may seem boring to others but she is happy. These two start of slow and then things heats up. Joe makes one mistake but he makes it right. His parents were no fools and knew about these two. This was a great story. I am always thrilled to see that that an older woman can still get the younger man. We aren’t throw always. We have a lot to offer. Well done.

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

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like a lot of books in this collection, especially some of the later ones.
However, this one just didn't do it for me.
The reverse age gap was fine, which sometimes depending on the book and the way the author writes just doesn't do it for me.
But I just couldn't connect with these characters or get over the constant repeat of how the FMC was the boring old hag because she refused to engage in casual sexual encounters.
Also, can we just talk about the reasoning behind why Joe left to begin with? It was said he left to make his way when he "stood up" to the alpha, but given how he is when he comes back you'd never guess Joe is supposed to be the next alpha!
Overall, this book is a pass for me. Many in this series are instant one-clicks for me, and I am constantly going back to reread them. But this will not be one of those.

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy is an older shifter that everyone makes fun of because they think her life is boring. Joe is the Alpha's son and has come back home after being gone for a while. On his first night in town, he is out with friends when he smells something that distracts him so much, he goes looking for it. This has him walking outside and finding Darcy on her way home. He is stunned when he realizes what she is to him. The next day he goes to her home after working for his father and they talk about what they are to one another. Joe wants her but both are wary about everything about being a mate. Its not long before they give into one another. Will they be able to be together? What will the pack say about it?

This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Is a book that any book lover would enjoy.

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

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alpha's Son is the twenty-first book in the Alpha Shifter Collection. It is a wonderfully romantic story of how Joe and Darcy found their mates for life. It is a very sentimental tale, with a little action, lots of romance, and some steamy romance. It is awesome that the story is about you love who you love as the woman in this story is fifteen years older than the man of her dreams. What is ever better is that she has been the woman of his dreams most of his life. Those two coming together and having to face whether the Pack and their friends accept it makes the story an even more entertaining read.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful age gap romance were our gal, Darcy, is 15 years older than Joe, the alpha's son. These wolves are long-lived, though, so age really doesn't matter. Joe always had a thing for Darcy and now that he's back, he realizes why - she's his fated mate. She however, has been mistreated as 'boring' since she was saving herself for her mate... Well, Joe is her mate, and funnily enough, he's a virgin, too. It takes some work to have Darcy see herself as the wonderful mate he sees and it was fun watching Joe woo his mate. There are lots of talks of feelings, acts of protectiveness, love, family support and a wonderful HEA. All in all, this was a heartwarming and engaging read and I loved how it unfolded :D

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alpha's Son is Book 21 of The Alpha Shifter Collection. It's a short and steamy, instalove, reverse age-gap, paranormal, fated mates, wolf shifter romance. Darcy is a 40 year old virgin and is considered boring by some of the pack members. Joe is the 25 year old, hunky Alpha's son, who has returned after being gone for 7 years. When he returns, he smells Darcy and realizes they are mates. He always had a crush on her when he was younger and realized that maybe that is why. Darcy feels it to but is worried about their age gap. What will their pack say? Can these two get their happy ending? The chemistry was hot, and we did get a great HEA.

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

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Meaningful Read!

She’s 15 years older than him but it doesn’t stop him recognizing his fated mate!

Darcy had waited all her life for her fated mate but being a lot older than Joe left her feeling apprehensive. Could someone who was a lot older than him be accepted as his mate.

Joe had always has a thing for Darcy and when he left to find himself, she was always on his mind. Now he was back and no-one would stop him from claiming his future but first he had to convince Darcy they were together forever.

A wonderful romantic steamy read!.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a nice surprise as Darcy is older than Joe. One of my favorite series by Sam Crescent, book 21 was on the shorter side but it didn't lack for any steam. Joe left the pack but has come back to learn about being the Alpha when he dad steps aside of that roll. Darcy has kept to herself all these years and both her and Joe are surprised to realize they are true mates. She's worried about her being older than him and if the pack would accept her as his mate, but Joe doesn't care. Will they be accepted or will they both leave the pack to be able to stay together? Another wonderful addition to this series!

[lf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reverse age-gap sweetness

The Alpha's Son is the latest book in The Alpha Shifter Collection series. This is a quick read with a fun and entertaining PNR, reverse age-gap, romance between Darcy and Joe. They may be their fated mated but Darcy is not quite ready to accept it, as the age-gap has her worried and not quite believing things. Joe is not about to take no for an answer and must prove to Darcy that he is there to stay and they are meant to be together. This is an entertaining story but I will say that I wanted more "Alpha" from Joe as I just was not really buying what was being sold.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe returns to his pack to learn to take over from his father the Alpha when the time comes. When on a night out he senses his mate. Darcy is 15 years older than Joe and was waiting for her true mate. When they discover they are mates they try to keep it secret from the pack but what happens when it comes to light will they accept their future alphas older mate! Well written quick steamy reverse age gap desires and more.

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

[EM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reverse Age gap, with the MFC 15 years older than the MMC. Joe had left the pack for a time and when he returned, he recognized Darcy as his mate, however things were not straight forward. Joe had his work cut out to convince Darcy that she was the one for him.

A short, sweet but still steamy read, with Joe attempting to woo Darcy in secret and convince her that her that he was the one for her. Despite being part of a large series, can be read as a standalone.

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

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joe is back with his pack after some time away, and he realizes that Darcy, who is older than him by 15 years, is his mate. But it's not a simple love story. Joe has to work hard to show Darcy that they belong together. This book is short and sweet but also has some steamy moments. Joe tries to win Darcy over in secret, showing her that they're meant to be. He loves her just the way she is because her happiness is what matters most to him.

This book was ok for me but not one of her best works.

[Spender of Money · Rating 4 out of 5]

I snatched this book up, when I saw what kind of age gap was in this book. And it was Sam Crescent and part of the Alpha Shifter Collection? Clickity click click!

I Darcy. She was such a great character. She deserved all the things, and the author ensured she had them. *sigh* Joe was younger, back home to take his place in the pack. I liked how it was Darcy that struggled with their differences. She deserved to be wooed, to have this man chase her. And Joe was the kind of Alpha she needed, wanted (and deserved.) Loved!

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Wow, another astonishing book by Sam Crescent, the story was Fated mates, age gap, virgin's, and the characters were really sensational. This story was about Joe and Darcy, Joe is the Alpha's son left the pack to come back stronger like his father. Darcy lives a lonely life never finding her mate or any man to be with. Joe was at the pub when a sweet smell caught his interest, he stopped her to talk and form a romantic relationship.

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

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning home, Joe finds his mate to be Darcy, an older woman, that he has had a crush on since he was a teenager. I liked the idea of the woman being older and the fact that the pack easily accepted their mating. The story is well written with great characters and an entertaining storyline. Definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe returns home after seven years and meets his mate, an older woman. He has always been drawn to Darcy and now he knows why. Darcy is a shy 40 year old woman who worries about how the pack will react to the Alpha’s 25 year old son mating with her. Together she and Joe learn to do what’s best for them.

This was an entertaining shifter romance.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

True mates. I absolutely Darcy, the pack member that is pitied by her pack. Joe has been away for awhile, but upon his return he scents his mate. Upon first impressions I would not think that they would be a match because of my biased thinking that it is always a younger woman older man, but I absolutely love them together. This book has an amazing story and wonderful characters.

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

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age Gap Romance

This was an interesting age gap romance since the older one was the woman. Usually these stories have an older man with a younger woman, but this one was reversed.

This twist on a common theme created an interesting unique storyline, not to mention the shifter aspect as well. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.

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

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Alpha’s Son by Sam Crescent was an exciting and refreshing book. This book is a PNR wolf shifter romance which a reverse age gap. I absolutely loved this take on the age gap trope. The world Sam Crescent created was beautifully written and had me turning the pages until the end!!! The characters are complex and I loved their chemistry. The push and pull, the angst and the spice was perfect!!!.

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

[Debbie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is filled with many emotions. It is well written and the characters are strong loving, and they have massive chemistry.

The alphas son grows up, finds out some truths, and realizes what he’s good at doing for the pack.

His mate struggles with the idea of her being older. She learns that the mate bond and love can be a good, and happy things.

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

[Debbie Bolay · Rating 5 out of 5]

💓💖💓 Joe and Darcy 💓💖💓 After leaving home at 18, Joe returned at the age of 25 and immediately found his fated mate! Darcy was worried because she was older than Joe who is the alphas son! Sam Crescent always writes an awesome book and this one is no different... she did an awesome job! This is a great book!.

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

[Tameka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sam is one of my go-to authors, but this was bad. Joe went away to figure out how to be/become a good alpha when it was time to take over for his father. Darcy was considered the boring outcast to men. Together, they are together, nothing more. The language between he and his friends is so child like. The repetitiveness between Joe and Darcy was underwhelming. Altogether, this book is a pass.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about two people falling in love but, being afraid that other people will not like their differences.
It shows that obstacles don’t matter and that you should go for your dreams.
This is a good story between Darcy and Joe. They are a cute couple.
This book, is entertaining and romantic and is a great Sunday afternoon read!

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is between a 3 and 4-star rating, but I always prefer to round up. I am not a huge fan of stories where the woman is significantly older than the man. There tends to be too much focus on the age difference and the woman being all angsty about it, however, this one was pretty good. Both characters are likable.