Vigilante Midlife Wolf

Shifter Nation: Marked Over Forty #10

by Meg Ripley

As a 47-year-old veterinarian, I thought I’d seen it all when it came to animals.
Until an injured wolf shifted into my high school sweetheart.

An ordinary hike became a rescue mission
When a wolf lay in my path, barely clinging to life.
I rushed him to my clinic and hoped for a miracle,
But I hadn’t meant it literally.
The wolf transformed into a man,
But not just any man—
Bennett Westbrook, my high school ex,
Now standing before me with a world of secrets.
I wondered if I'd gone mad,
But madness turned into reality
As Bennett revealed the world of shifters—
A world he's always been a part of.
Turns out he’s not just a wolf,
But a vigilante with a vendetta to settle.
And now that his enemies followed me to the clinic,
Bennett’s not the only one with a target on his back.
The danger lurking in the shadows brings us closer,
And I find myself rediscovering the boy I once loved,
Now a man with strength and mystery drawing me in all over again.
This wasn't how I pictured finding love at 47,
But Bennett’s more than just an old flame.
He’s my second chance at love, adventure, and a life I never imagined—
If only we can survive.

Steamy shifter love scenes and an HEA inside! No cheating or cliffhanger in this standalone romance. Readers 18+.

Genres: Romance, Shapeshifters

Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2024

About the author

Grab a free copy of Alpha's Midlife Baby, the prequel to the Fated Over Forty series, when you sign up for Meg's newsletter ==> https://www.authormegripley.com

Meg Ripley is an author of steamy shifter romances. A Seattle native who’s relocated to New England, she can often be found whipping up her next tale curled up in a local coffee house with a cappuccino and her laptop.

Reviews

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great Read
Kindle Unlimited

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with Shifters and mates, and trouble around every corner. Nothing will keep these mates apart except miscommunication.

The pages kept turning because I wanted to know what happened.

These books are quick and easy reads.

Keeping a secret has never been so big

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the past doesn’t just knock on your door. It crashes through it.

Stephanie (h) built her world on independence: running her veterinary clinic, raising her daughter Annie, and keeping her life steady. Until a wounded wolf lands on her table…and shifts into Bennett (H), the boy who broke her heart decades ago.

Bennett isn’t just a wolf shifter. He’s a vigilante with dangerous enemies on his heels. Enemies who won’t hesitate to drag Stephanie and Annie into their fight. When threats close in, old sparks reignite and second chances feel more dangerous, and more irresistible, than ever.

Their story balances suspense, danger, and deep emotion. Stephanie grows from a cautious single mom into someone who embraces passion, risk, and the possibility of love again. Bennett evolves from a lone wolf haunted by mistakes into a man ready to fight not just for justice, but for a future with the woman he never forgot. Together, they build a love that’s fierce, protective, and worth every risk.

Steamy wolf shifter, midlife, fated mates, second chance, small town, protector romance, exploring resilience, trust, found family, danger, self-discovery, emotional vulnerability, and love over forty.

Audiobook: Narrator Elle Sonali delivers a strong performance, balancing suspense and romance with smooth pacing and clear emotion. Her voice captures Stephanie’s strength, Annie’s youth, and Bennett’s grit in a way that brings the story to life. Crisp audio, engaging delivery, and a satisfying listen all around.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tenth story in the Marked Over Forty. Dr. Stephanie Caldwell and her daughter Annie are walking three dogs in the woods when they come across a badly hurt wolf. They take it back to their vet clinic, Annie takes the dogs home. When Stephanie does something the wolf turns into her ex high school boyfriend Bennett Westbrook. A well written story of drama, suspense, secrets, danger, villains and a second chance at a happy ending. I enjoyed listening to Elle Sonali narrate their story.

[Mia Cavaco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance at love for Bennett and Stephanie, and another story in the Glenwood Pack saga - while each story can stand alone. I’ve loved reading each book in Ripley’s Midlife Shifter stories (Fated/Marked)... The characters and their stories are all warm, emotional relationships - and in this one the hero and heroine have to confront and overcome some nasty individuals and tense/violent situations before reaching their HEA.

High school sweethearts before his parents broke up the relationship, Bennett carried a heavy burden on his shoulders and thought he would never see Stephanie again... as a Veterinarian, Stephanie and her daughter run an animal clinic, and never thought they would encounter shifters in their midst...their world was about to turn upside down! And, what a way to find out... but, once Bennett and Stephanie meet again, they learn the spark between them never left...

Vigilante Midlife Wolf was a quick read for me, and I’m already (eagerly) looking forward to the next book in the series! Meg Ripley is a very talented writer and her characters/stories always tug at the heart -- again proving that well-written, midlife shifter romances do capture our attention and loyal readership... keep up the great work!

I definitely recommend this book, and all of the stories in Ripley’s Shifter Nation - Over Forty series!.

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Place At the Right Time -
Stephanie was already freaked out when she witnessed the wolf change into a human form right in front of her, but what really threw her threw a loop was that the man in front of her was nine other than her ex-boyfriend from high school. However, just before Stephanie could get her head round what was going on, they had to run for their lives.

Unfortunately, the dangerous situation they found themselves in, caused life changing consequences for Stephanie’s daughter. However, spending time together allowed them to get to know each other better and rekindle their old feelings, but the reason for their previous break was still an obstacle. As luck would have it, Stephanie happily agreed to the terms that removed the obstacle for them to have the chance at the forever life they both deserved.

This was a fantastic story about two lovers finding their way back to each other, in an unconventional way. It may have taken a few years, but their fates brought them together at the right time. This was an absolute delight to read and I am so happy I got the chance to read it.

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

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second chance at love story! Stephanie and Bennett were high school sweethearts, but he broke up with her for no reason. Fast forward many years, Stephanie is an established veterinarian with her daughter Annie working with her in her practice. Bennett has been hired to take out the Bloodmoon Crew, which is causing havoc in Eugene and threatening to destroy their pack. Unfortunately, they are much stronger than Bennett remembered and they attacked him leaving him for dead. But Stephanie and Annie are taking a walk in the woods with their dogs when they find an almost dead wolf. They take him back to the clinic and Stephanie stays to treat him. Imagine her surprise when the wolf turns into her old boyfriend Bennett. Looks like Bennett has some serious explaining to do!! Things get pretty wild after that because Stephanie gets caught in the crosshairs of the Bloodmoon Crew.

A great addition to the series, well written with lots of action, but full of emotions. Don’t miss it!.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie and Bennett… Reunited ?

Dr. Stephanie Caldwell is a 47-year-old veterinarian out for a walk in the woods with her daughter Annie and some of the dogs she takes care of. When the dogs reacted to something, they found a wolf that was barely alive. Stephanie took him back to her clinic to see if she could save his life. To her shock, he transforms into Bennett Westbrook, her high school sweetheart! He had to tell her about shifters, and he also told her he had been attacked by the ruthless Bloodmoon Crew who are running a criminal organization, part of the Silvergrove pack. And because they have seen Stephanie with him now, her life is also in danger. But she doesn’t want his protection. She needs to get back to her clinic. When the Bloodmoon Crew attacks Stephanie, Annie is injured. Will she survive? Will she transform to a wolf? And will the danger bring Stephanie and Bennett closer together? Will she accept the fact that she is his mate and they can have a future together?

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie has always had an affinity with wolves, one was around when she was at college and so when she and her daughter find a dying wolf when walking their dogs, as a vet she needs to help so brings him to her clinic. Whilst treating him with acupuncture, she is horrified when the wolf turns into a man, and not just any man but her old High School boyfriend.
Bennett is disorientated at firsts, then once he has calmed Stephanie down (who wouldn’t be freaking out?) then tells her they must run! As he hurries her out, three wolves appear and they are not looking for help.
So begins this exciting tale: There is action from start to the end and it is one wild ride. There is lots of action and the story moved at a great pace and I was not bored and didn’t need to skim any parts, I was that engrossed and invested in the ending.
I am loving this series and can easily recommend it to any shifter lovers out there!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie is with her daughter Annie walking a few dogs when they go bonkers. Annie runs ahead then calls to her mom that it's a wolf. She checks his status and feels a slight pulse. So they drag him to the truck. She takes him to her home and works on him. To her surprise he transforms in front of her into her high school sweetheart, Bennett Westbrook. Bennett has to give her a crash course in shifters. Steph is flabbergasted but takes it in. They seem to reconnect from when they were teens. Bennett knew back then she was his mate and now explains to her this idea of mates. When Steph manages to convince him to go do what he has to do while she opens her vet clinic, they are attacked. Her daughter is injured and possibly will become a wolf too. Now war is on the horizon and it's all hands on deck. Who will survive? Which pack will win?
A fascinating story with plenty of action and heart rending situations.

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

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with the storyline. I love trying to guess what will happen next and I found with this story I was wrong . The twists and drama were great.
The characters were well described. We are back in Eugene, where things and people aren't' what they seem to be.
This is also a second chance romance. Acceptance from family.
Stephanie is compassionate , not only with her "patients" but with their owners. I was surprised about her unique gift and how it helped in unexpected ways. I also liked how she helped Bennett with his guilt.
Bennett gets a second chance with Stephanie. I loved the ways he tries to prove he is "worthy" of one. Being a mercenary makes his life dangerous.
Annie was also a surprise. What happened to her and how she coops was amazing. She has the support of her mom , Bennett and his pack.
Well written with steam to the romance. I love the HEA.

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

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephanie and Bennett were cute together and found their stride again after decades apart. The plot had some high stakes situations and the typical issues that come up in paranormal romances like this, like secret keeping. Some of the dynamics were occasionally difficult to understand, but the relationship between MCs made sense.
I thought the rapid acceptance of Bennett being a shifter was a bit hard to believe. I also was annoyed at some of the “I’m not like other girls” quotes. Especially when Bennett was shocked that Stephanie sat down on the floor with the cute floofy dog, and said that’s not something a typical woman would do. Ummm has he met women?
Overall I thought the author showed potential, but has room for growth.

Spice: 3/5

Triggers: violence, gore, attempted murder, grief, fire (off page).

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

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story, kind of like a Fated Mate and a second chance story. Bennet and Stephanie already have a history together, as they were high school sweethearts. That went wrong because Bennet's parents didn't think she was good enough for him and he dumped her as a result. Now years later she has a veterinary clinic together with her daughter. When one day they find an old wolf who is on the verge of death, the shock is great when it turns out that the wolf turns into a human being, and not just any human being. Bennet. I enjoyed their story and also finding out if they get a second chance and if they take it.



I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspen G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vigilante Midlife Wolf is an action-packed and suspenseful story! With fascinating leads and a fun mix of supporting characters, I loved the different elements that the author wove into these characters. Bennett and Stephanie are so much fun to follow as they reunite in a unique way—and their connection is electric! Stephanie is brilliant, gifted, stubborn as all get out, and a dynamite female lead.

The narrator did a lovely job of performing the various characters, evoking emotions and reactions from me as I listened to her. Her voice is easy to listen to, and you can tell she genuinely enjoyed delivering this performance.

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

[Cristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing story with wonderful characters.

An unexpected turn of events leaves our heroine ( Stephanie)in disbelief at what she is seeing. Fortunately for her her practical scientific mind soothes her soul.

Second chances don't come around often and our hero ( Bennet) isn't about to let anything or anyone stand in his way this time. Their undeniable chemistry is back with a vengeance.

A shifter romance packed with adventure that keeps your adrenaline flowing.

And of course our loveable pooch Rambo 💜 who adds his own personal touch.

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

[Karen Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie is a veterinarian. One day while in the woods on a walk with her daughter, Annie, they come across a wolf who is almost dead. They are not that far from her clinic so they decide to take him there in the event they can save him. Annie leaves and Stephanie watches the wolf turn into a man. Not just any man but her old high school boyfriend Bennett. Since Stephanie is human and has never heard of shifters Bennett has a lot of explaining to do. Meg Ripley manages to make these books fresh and new. Her characters are very interesting and all are very different.

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

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Bennett and Stephanie
POV- 3rd person
Genre- Paranormal Romance
Sub Genre- Shifters (wolf)
Heat- the male part was referred to as his “manhood” and his “member” like it’s 1986.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- violence, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Single Mom, First Love, Second Chance, Rich in Age Love
What I liked- I like the First Love, Second Chance tropes. I really liked the character Annie.
What I didn’t- the zexytime scenes were not zexy with the word “manhood” being thrown around. And anytime the word “member” comes up, I think about Sam’s Club.

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vigilante Midlife Wolf : Shifter Nation: Marked Over Forty.. a shifter second chance romance story of Bennett and Stephanie..They were highschool sweetheart but he broke up with her and broke her heart with no reason..Years later she become a veterinarian,divorce and a mother of a sweet and smart daughter,while they were walking in the woods with the dogs they've found a wounded wolf and decided to brought it to her clinic to treat him only to get shock when the wolf turned to a man,the man of her past who broke her younger heart..A great read,a roller coaster ride of emotion,with steam,angst,action and suspense..

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

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

Vigilante Midlife Wolf is part of the marked over 40 series. It's a short and steamy, OTT, fated mates, paranormal wolf shifter, second-chance romance. Stephanie is a 47 year old veterinarian with a daughter, Annie, who is her vet tech. Bennett is a hunky, vigilante wolf shifter and her high school sweetheart. When a series of events lead them back together again, will they get a 2nd chance at love? Can a human and wolf shifter be together? I really loved this story and couple. They had great chemistry, and we got a very happy ending. The story had a lot of twists and turns I didn't expect but loved it!.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's actually my favorite from Meg Ripley so far. I love the trope of a vet discovering shifters for the first time by helping an injured animal and they shift at some point. I loved both Stephanie and Bennett and loved that they'd dated when they were younger, so it was a reconnection on top of the action and danger going on. The story was fast-paced and suspenseful. I was hooked from the start. I also loved the supporting characters. It was such a fun romance. Elle Sonali does another wonderful job of bringing this story to life. She's one of my favorite female narrators.

Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bennet and Stephanie were high school sweethearts. Bennet dumped her because his parents thought a human wasn't good enough for him. Several years later, Stephanie runs a veterinarian clinic with her daughter, Annie. One day, they find a dying wolf while walking their rescue dogs and take it to their clinic for treatment. Then Stephanie gets the shock of her life when the wolf transforms into Bennet. This story has action, romance, and steam, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.

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

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie and her daughter Annie were walking their dogs when they find an injured wolf.
Vet Shephanie and her daughter take their dogs for a walk in the woods and are shocked to see a badly injured wolf.Taking the dogs back to their truck they grab a tarp which they use to get the wolf to the truck.Once they get the wolf on the table at her clinic she sends Annie home with the dogs and begin to check out the wolf's injuries.

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

[Lara Chabot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie and Bennett were high school sweethearts. Bennett broke up and never said why. They reunite REALLY unexpectedly and take it off from there. I really liked the way they reconnected, the way they are with each other. I love the way they are easy going, Stephanie exploring who she is. Of course, there are bad guys who will meet their demise. I also enjoyed being reunited with previous characters: always nice to get back with old friends!.

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

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Stephanie, 47 stumbles across an injured wolf, the vet drags him back to her surgery just to have him turn her world upside down. While seeing to the wolfs injuries he transforms into her old beau. Bennett must reveal his deepest secrets to his high school sweetheart and hope that she will not only believe him but keep his secrets. This is an extremely well written paranormal romance. It has a solid plot and great character's that you need to read about how and if they find a HEA!!!.

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

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie and Bennett I’ve been reunited and this is their second chance at love. Being high school sweethearts it was almost a natural thing to do to separate to go explore their young lives. But now they’re back together because she found him in the woods passed out as a wolf. This starts the whole story of her lying about shifters, even though she had a fascination of wolves. Action packed. Tear. Vigilantes. And revenge on all parts of the story. Good read. No cliffhanger.

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

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

✩°｡⋆⸜ ♥️🎧✮ Audiobook Review! ✩°｡⋆⸜ ♥️🎧✮
This is book 10 in the Shifter Nation: Marked Over Forty, a shifter romance. I like this series! Stephanie and Bennett's story is sweet and passionate, filled with danger, action, and romance. They are both interesting and mature characters. The world building is intriguing. The supporting characters are great. Elle Sonali did a great job bringing this story to life. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a awesome fated mate/shifter romance! I really loved it.. Action-packed and romantic. The storyline is inventive and exciting.

Later in life, to love each other so much after so much time, is just beautiful..

A wonderful, well suited couple who both contribute to the story and its outcome. Great side characters as well.

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

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The story of Bennett and Stephanie is one of high school sweethearts who get a second chance at love years later. I love the way they meet again and the way their relationship develops. There is a bit of danger and a surprise or two but with great friends, family and some really silly dogs, this story is well worth reading!.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Stephanie comes across and injured wolf she brings him back to her veterinary clinic, inly for him to change I to a human and not just any human her high-school love Bennett! But his vigilante life brings trouble to her door in he keep her safe and get a second chance. Well written steamy mature aged second chance shifter romance.

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

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...being self-employed doesn’t mean I can just disappear whenever I want.”

When an injured wolf transforms into the boy who broke your heart in high school, life can't get any stranger, right?

Bennett knew that fight hadn't gone his way, but how he ended up shifting unexpectedly in front of a human who didn't know about shifters is a mystery he's trying to figure out as he tries to keep her calm and give her what answers he can.

This done in one book looks at past decisions, owning them, handling regrets, and looking for healthy ways to move forward - that last part being the most remarkable and enjoyable part of the book, which plays out in a few different ways and places.

I read Vigilante Midlife Wolf in Kindle unlimited and chose to share my thoughts.