Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Crescent Lake #2

The Beta's Blind Date

Rate this book
Reid Thomas is known for having a revolving door of females in his bed and for not wanting a mate. He's even created rules for himself to follow so he doesn't fall into the trap of a committed, long-term relationship.

But when he loses a bet to his best friend, he's sent on a blind date. There, he meets Taryn Campbell, a feisty warrior with a personality to match, who has him questioning his strict rules. After all, aren't rules made to be broken?

~The Crescent Lake Series is a collection of werewolf shifter romance novels. These books contain mature content (steamy scenes!) and themes that may not be suitable for younger readers. If frequent use of profanity and f-words offend, then these books may not be for you.

While this book ends with a HEA for the two main characters and no major cliffhangers, there may be some overarching storylines that may not be resolved at the conclusion of this book because they run throughout the series. This book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended to read book one (The Alpha's Pen Pal) for context before starting in on this one.

512 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2024

69 people are currently reading
221 people want to read

About the author

Allie Carstens

5 books172 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
166 (56%)
4 stars
75 (25%)
3 stars
37 (12%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Billie Arlen.
46 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2024
Allie does it again !

You were probably curious about Reid Thomas once you read the Alpha’s Pen Pal. Well, my dear Crescent Lake lovers, you will not be disappointed.

Allie brings on a journey to show you what’s under the surface and how love with the right person makes everything worth it.

I love you Allie. Thank you for this magnificent book.

PS: Dawson is very much mine.
Profile Image for Yani.
38 reviews
November 14, 2025
I technically didn’t DNF but I did cause I immediately got turned off when the pregnancy portion happened (shoulda read the trigger warnings, completely my fault) . Pregnancy isn’t a trigger for me but it is something that fills me with rage bc babies ruin everything. I mean fuck they didn’t even have sex and she fucking pregnant ? Oh brother miss me with that shit. Why the black girl gotta be the one to accidentally get pregnant ? Like are we srs . Anyways, I LOVE the authors writing. I would love to read some other of her works. The characters were relatable on their own and I loved the slow burn of the relationship progression. She did an excellent job with this book, honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for XenyMarie.
564 reviews14 followers
February 18, 2024
In this story, Allie, once again, gives us some unexpected twists, one of them being the fact that Taryn can not feel the mate bond. After meeting at their blind date and finding out that Taryn is his mate, Reid decides to help her train for her warrior challenge, as well as try to figure out why she can't feel the bond so that he can reject her on the next full moon. What Reid didn't expect was that he would fall head over heels for his Cadet and break all of his rules in the process.

The way our favorite cookie monster Beta went from being the pack's fùçƙ-boy, that doesn't want a mate, to being a total family man, and the best mate a girl could ask for was completely swoonworthy. Their journey was one full of challenges, but it was also filled with humor, and it will definitely keep you on your toes. Allie also did a great job with the side characters and gave us enough hints to keep us guessing and wanting more.

Quote: “If I’m your girl, then you’re my beta. My Cookie Monster.”
312 reviews
January 27, 2025
Oh my, how things change when a man finds his mate. So beautiful!

Reid was the wolf playboy and had decided that he didn’t want a mate “fated or chosen”. He lost a bet with Sebastian when he broke one of his rules. Seb had set up on his phone the Date to Mate app and he had to pick the first girl he finds on the app and go out on a blind date. Taryn had been in a relationship with the alpha of the Silver Ridge pack when she broke it off because she wanted commitment and a family. She wanted to find her mate and become a warrior but the Alpha wouldn’t let her train. Taryn best friend Blake had set up a profile for Taryn on Date to Mate. Reid sent her a message about dinner at the Rendezvous on Thursday night. She made it to the restaurant and was waiting while Reid was having doubts about going. When he to the restaurant door he smelled a scent that was driving him crazy and when he looked at her his wolf says MATE. He was so outdone but she couldn’t feel the mate bond, but they had an amazing time together. Taryn taught Reid how to really love and accept the mate bond. He set out to prove to her that he was all in and that he really loved her. When she challenged Dominic to become a warrior, she couldn’t shift even though she had shifted the day before. Reindeer could feel all of her emotions and at Wesleyan and Haven wedding they talked and decided they would be together. Rogues destroyed the Silver Ridge pack. Their love was tested over and over but they always came out on top. Beautiful love story with a happy ever after. I highly recommend reading this series Crescent Lakes, so far the stories are amazing.
Profile Image for VirgoLoverofAllBooks.
102 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2024
5⭐️
3.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Allie has nailed it again with
Book 2 of The Crescent Lake Series.

🐺Slow burn
🌶️worth the build up
🌸Warrior FMC
🐺Reformed playboy
🌸Student/Teacher (Cadet/Warrior)
🐺 He falls first/harder
🌸Banter
🐺Forced Proximity
🌸POC Rep
🐺Touch her & D!e
🌸His girl

This time it’s with Beta Reid “Cookie Monster Thomas, a notorious bad boy with 4 rules he never breaks.
✨1. No kissing
✨2. No pack members
✨3. No sleepovers
✨4. No fated mates

What happens when he accidentally breaks rule #3?
Well Beta Reid and Delta Sebastian & Head Warrior aka “The Gambling Man” (notorious for making bets and winning) made a bet if he broke any of his rules he’d set him up on a real date.

What happens when the blind date turns out to be none other than his fated mate?
Will the notorious playboy Beta of Crescent Lake, the male who everyone knows has absolutely NO interest whatsoever in a mate nor settling down, reject his fated mate?

One thing is for sure, he’s found his match in none other than Tayrn Campbell, a strong bada$$ she wolf who wants to be a warrior.
Not wanting to stop seeing Taryn after their first date,
Beta Reid offers Taryn one on one personal training lessons, helping her train, to improve her chances on becoming a Warrior.

Is there more than meets the eye to Beta Reid or is he just a womanizer H3LL bent on never settling down?

Read “The Beta’s Blind Date” to find out!
Can be read as a standard one, highly recommend reading Book 1 “The Alpha’s Pen Pal” to familiarize yourself with characters.


Profile Image for Alexandra Molnar.
20 reviews
October 28, 2024
This is the second book in the Cresent Lake Series.
The story is about our notorious playboy - cookie monster Beta Reid Thomas and his Mate, the feisty warrior Taryn Campbell.
The story starts with Reid breaking his own rules and is catched by his friend Sebastian. They had a bet going on and now that Reid lost, he has to go on a real date with a women, who will be chosen by Seb.
This will be funny! Or??
They met in the restaurant, where Reid realizes that the beauty right in front of him is his Mate who doesn't feel the mate bond. After a long conversation and a delicious meal, he's more than willing to help Taryn train for her warrior challenge and maybe so he can figure out why she can't feel it.
Will they be mates or will Reid reject Taryn? Why can't she feel the mate bond? Does she win her warrior challenge! If you need the details you have to read it. 😉
I loved the way how he got from his fuckboy/ want to reject my mate attitude to a loving & carrying family man, who would do anything for his mate, without ifs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Krystle.
4 reviews4 followers
August 18, 2025
Another Crescent Lakes hit

The biggest difference between books one and two is that this one reads faster than the first. I contribute that to all of the world building that is done in the first book. Granted, I don’t think it took away from the first book. It just made it a slower read because of it.

My favorite thing about this story is the growth we see in Reid throughout its entirety. It's done in a way that is believable, and you're included in his journey, too. Do I wish he had talked with someone? Very much so, but he learned from that decision.

And then there's Taryn. She's sassy, fun, doesn't let others walk over her, and she's a perfect complement to Reid.

I also, really like how while we see the most growth from our MCs, the subtle growth of the side characters that started in book one was continued in book two. Even for Haven and Wes.

I can't wait to start Nolan's story because he's one of my favorites from the first two books.
87 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2024
This is the second book of the Crescent Lake series. It doesn’t disappoint. I love how diverse the characters are and that the main character is a strong, beautiful, black woman. The character development is well written as well.

If you want a story that will give you comedy, mystery, drama, and, action (in more way then one, if you know what I mean), this book has it. I laughed. I cried. The mic drop moments keep you on your toes. This love story is unique and I enjoyed every word on the page. Makes me want a playboy who turns into a great mate.

My favorite quote “You are mine tonight.” I say my thumb caressing her stomach. “No one else in this bar gets to dance with you. Understood, Cadet?”
Profile Image for Carissa.
50 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2024
Allie has done it again! She sure knows how to capture our hearts with her words. First off, no need to worry if you haven’t read the first story in the series….this can easily be read as a stand-alone. I loved the character development. We finally get to delve into Reid’s softer side, something most people don’t see. Watching him struggle with wanting a mate or not was so relatable. Taryn was definitely my favorite character in this book. I love her sassiness. She has such a strong mind, body, and soul. She knows what she wants and she always goes after it. This book has plenty of twists and turns that will keep you wanting more. Allie definitely wrote another winner and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jordan Fiest.
2,031 reviews30 followers
February 26, 2024
What happens when a notorious playboy find his mate, but she doesn’t know he’s her mate? This is the second book of the Crescent Lake series and you will find out!

Reid is the playboy beta who doesn’t want to find his mate. He’s has always had the mindset to reject his mate when he meets her. However, as he gets to know Taryn more everyday, he learns to open his heart to bigger and better things.

Taryn is a pack member working hard to become a warrior. She wants to find a mate, whether fated or chosen, and settle down to start a family. The heart wants what the heart wants, but can she learn to trust a notorious playboy?

This story is filled with mystery and intrigue. Moments of trauma and sadness. It is a roller coaster of a ride but it sure is a good one.
Profile Image for Angie.
120 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2024
He didn't know what he needed until he found her. The 2nd installment of the Crescent Lake series involves Reid and Taryn. Reid has rules set in place to keep him perfectly comfortable in his single man life style, that is until he loses a bet and must go on a blind date. Taryn is a feisty and fierce woman who knows what she wants and knows what she's not willing to settle for. After their blind date it's almost impossible for them to be apart, Reid knows why but it's obvious that Taryn doesn't know the reason for their strong attraction and connection. This story is filled with drama, spice, and the most unexpected turn of events. There's also alot of love, romantic and family love. Definitely worth the read!
Profile Image for Colorado.
809 reviews17 followers
March 13, 2024
A Player Meets His Fated Mate

In the second book in the Crescent Lake series, Carstens delivers a satisfying romantic fantasy filled with werewolf lore. After his mother's death triggers the self-destruction of his father, Reid vows never to mate. That commitment is upended when he meets Taryn, his fated mate. The romance builds as Reid helps Taryn train for a challenge to become a warrior and demonstrates his belief in her abilities. There are a number of plot twists and surprises that will keep you turning the pages.

While this might be read as a standalone, the first book in the series introduced important characters and provides helpful context.

Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
4 reviews
February 21, 2024
The Beta’s Blind date, the second book in the Crescent 🌙 Lake Series. Reid the playboy beta of crescent lake has a set of rules when it comes to females, but will all that change after he meets his mate. A feisty warrior in training with a smart mouth that is bound to keep him on his toes. This is a great love story that has some great character growth, twist and turns and a villain you least expect. Huge fan of her first book Pen Pal, but you will fall more in love with Reid and Taryn and their journey to a happy eve after. A shifter book with some adult language and content. Allie Carstens has done it again with book that keeps you on your toes and wanting more.
39 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2024
This book was the perfect follow on from book one I loved Reid's story. I loved seeing the playboy 'I don't want a mate' beta succumb to the bond. I also loved the twists and turns where the magic hinders a lot of things- things I wont be revealing as I don't want to reveal any spoilers! this is also a spicy book! I really wanted to hate on alpha dickhead but at the end I kind of felt sorry for him. I 100% recommend this book its amazing and the writing style is so easy to follow I couldn't put this book down its a real page turner. Now off I go running to read book 3 in the series! Allie I am a massive fan!
Profile Image for Taryn Eskra.
172 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2024
🌟🌟🌟MUST READ🌟🌟🌟
What can I say other than I absolutely love this book!! It’s a great read! Slow burn but it’s worth the wait I promise!!!
I love Reid & Taryn!! His playboy attitude is matched by her sassy & straight forward no BS attitude!! It has its own way of drawing you in and making you have to keep reading! I wasn’t able to put it down!!!
Allie is an amazing author that keeps you invested in her stories! Highly recommend this book! You won’t be disappointed!! I would give 100 stars if I could
Profile Image for Deborah Savoia-Pearl.
66 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2024
Just as good a Alpha's Pen Pal. I quite literally read both books in two days. I thought it was a great continuation of another character's story. And because everyone knows him as such a player from Pen Pal, I love the fact that his Goddess given mate cannot sense him and despite how he thought it was such a great things, that made it so much easier for him to want to be able to reject her, instead, all he could do was get to know her more and fall in love with her. Now, I really look forward to book three.
Profile Image for olivia V..
465 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2025
I started with book 3 in the series and decided to try another by this author.. this one I am so glad I downloaded the sample before purchase. The first chapter was a detailed sex scene with a ons hook up, lots of gross inner monologuing. Not sure why authors do this, I get it he's playboy, but this ruins the book for me and any future romance he might have with the fmc, it's one thing to know he's a playboy but it's another to read very detailed scenes and the constant references to his sex life with half the country... he's a community dick that needs bleach. not for me.
Profile Image for Helen Taylor.
13 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2024
This is the second book in the Crescent Lake Series, it follows the story of Reid and Taryn on their journey from first meeting onwards through their mate bond journey.
Once again Allie Carsetens has written an original story with twists and turns, humor and suspense all mixed together to make a wonderful story that you can't put down.
It leaves you thirsty for book 3 of the series..... no pressure Allie!!!
Profile Image for TrashxQueen.
68 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2024
A must-read!! I was looking forward to this book since PenPal was finished! You do not need to read The Alpha's PenPal. It can be read as standalone.

I love a good he falls first storyline even though it was the last thing he wanted. Reid has great character growth, and Taryn was essential to it. Definitely some twists and turns to keep us on our toes, but it all works out in the end.

This book did not disappoint! I already can't wait to reread.
Profile Image for Darlene Parsons-Schreckengost.
20 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2024
The Cookie Moster Beta doesn't want to find love and be weakened by it. So when he goes on a blind date because he lost a bet, he meets her, his mate. The only thing is, she doesn't feel the pull. He needs to find a way to make her feel it, so he can properly reject her. This book has twists and turns and ups and downs. Wolves, Witches and Hybrids too. Loved it and stayed up all night reading. To prove it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ana.
23 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2024
This book is intriguing and different and makes you want to consume it, making it hard to put down. Allie Carstens made a well written story of a playboy who doesn't want a mate, but doesn't know how to feel when he gets what he's been wanting for long, after meeting his mate. The story is sweet with a lot of twists and action, and it will keep you hooked until you finish the book. I recommend this book, very well done.
Profile Image for Rikki.
47 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2024
This book was amazing, when I got this book from Allie, I was super excited and enjoyed every bit of it. Reid and Taryn had each been through something in their lives and they learn from each other and help one another. It’s a sweet and spicy read and of course I love that it is part of the Crescent Lake series so you get to see all your other favorite characters. Amazing job Allie and such an awesome read ❤️
1 review
February 28, 2024
I couldn’t put it down! The Beta’s Blind Date is the second book in the series and much like the first, the story is full of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are so well written and it’s fun to see how they develop throughout the story. Plus, the tension and romantic relationship between Reid and Taryn is hot! Allie Carstens is a romantic mastermind-I cannot wait for the next book!!!!
Profile Image for Tiffany Kee.
148 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2024
I loved this second book from this set. The beta Reid goes through so, much growth in this book. I am here for it every steps of the way. There is so many twist and turns in this book it will have you on the edge of your seat. You go through so many emotions in this book so, make sure you have a box of tissue for this one. Make sure you have something to throw as well 🤣.
127 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2024
This is the second book in the series. The author has a way of drawing you in to the story. Her characters make you fall in love with them. Beta Reid is funny, kind and freaking worth his past and present. His mate Taryn is an amazing and strong female lead. You can read this book as a stand alone but I recommend reading The Alpha's Pen Pal first. I can't wait for book 3.
1 review
February 20, 2024
Allie has amazing talent of captivating you with her stories. In this sequel, she keeps us on our toes with the lead characters and the twists, turns, and cliffhangers she uses. You will cry, laugh, and get sucked in to the brilliant world created by Allie. Will be reading her books over and over ❤️
Profile Image for Amanda Nesemeier.
1 review
February 20, 2024
Allie brings to life another wonderful story for the Crescent Lake wolfketeers! Taryn is perfect for Reid, and helps him truly realize love is not something to hide from, but it wouldn't be an Allie book without the twists & turns that keep us on our toes until the end! Looking forward to seeing what's in store for the rest of these lovely characters she's made us all fall in love with.
Profile Image for Sarah Kruger-Padgett.
2 reviews
February 21, 2024
From start to finish, it was such an incredible journey. Seeing the growth and changes, trials, and joys of the characters was almost magical. Reading this series has made me feel almost as if the characters are friends I'm experiencing life with. Can not wait for more of Cresent Lake and the next adventure.
Profile Image for Kristin Nicole Sawyer.
119 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2024
Allie did it again!

This story took a twist about half way through that I was not expecting it at all. I didn’t think it could get any more addictive but this book kept me hooked!

This was such a wonderful follow up story to her first book Alpha’s Pen Pal. All of the questions you have along the way are answered, surprises and twists with a happy ending.
28 reviews
January 22, 2025
Cute story

I liked the story, but just like the first story it to wordy. It had a lot of unnecessary words and parts of the story to get to the good part. I skipped quite a few chapters because it was getting boring the way it was dragging on. I did the same thing with the first book. A book doesn't have to be over 60 chapters to be a good but. It is, however a must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.