What do you think?
Rate this book
Outcast Mates #4
Wounded Mate
I’ve never seen a being so captivating. What a unique creature he is. His tongue darts out and wets his lips, and when his voice comes, it zings an arrow straight to my heart. “Mate.”
What does it mean when an incubus can feel the pain of a feral werewolf?
Valius doubles over, grabbing his side as sharp claws slash through his flesh. Except his skin remains unblemished, oiled to perfection, and still scented with the roses and lavender of his bathwater.
Bela lies bleeding where a hostile pack of wolves left him to die. Much like the rest of his tragic life, even in his final moments, he’s all alone.
When Valius lays eyes on his wounded mate for the first time, a connection sparks between them, and Bela finally has something worth living for. But a witch’s ill will stands in their way.
Fate brought them together, but a curse threatens to tear them apart forever.
***
Wounded Mate is a novella set in the same lush world as Lee Colgin’s Outcast Mates Series. It’s a standalone MM paranormal romance that can be read either before or after the main novels. Dip your toes into the cool waters of the Danube, stroll through Pest at midnight, and find your way into the hottest supernatural brothel in town, The Twig and Berries, where an incubus finds true love with an injured feral werewolf. Hurt/Comfort, Found Family Feels, & Fated Mates.
This story was originally published in a Fated Mates Charity Anthology.
What does it mean when an incubus can feel the pain of a feral werewolf?
Valius doubles over, grabbing his side as sharp claws slash through his flesh. Except his skin remains unblemished, oiled to perfection, and still scented with the roses and lavender of his bathwater.
Bela lies bleeding where a hostile pack of wolves left him to die. Much like the rest of his tragic life, even in his final moments, he’s all alone.
When Valius lays eyes on his wounded mate for the first time, a connection sparks between them, and Bela finally has something worth living for. But a witch’s ill will stands in their way.
Fate brought them together, but a curse threatens to tear them apart forever.
***
Wounded Mate is a novella set in the same lush world as Lee Colgin’s Outcast Mates Series. It’s a standalone MM paranormal romance that can be read either before or after the main novels. Dip your toes into the cool waters of the Danube, stroll through Pest at midnight, and find your way into the hottest supernatural brothel in town, The Twig and Berries, where an incubus finds true love with an injured feral werewolf. Hurt/Comfort, Found Family Feels, & Fated Mates.
This story was originally published in a Fated Mates Charity Anthology.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2024
71 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 23, 2024
RESEÑA CORTA:
2.5
Yo ya ni miro las portadas de esta saga la verdad (adjunte risa nerviosa).
Ha sido sin lugar a dudas el más flojo por el momento. Me ha entretenido que es lo importante, pero me he esperado algo más. Los personajes son tiernos y es una pena porque siento que con un poco más de páginas y argumento podría ser una muy buena historia.
En fin, esto no quiere decir que deje de leerlos, la prosa de la autora me gusta y me lo paso bien. No pido más.
2.5
Yo ya ni miro las portadas de esta saga la verdad (adjunte risa nerviosa).
Ha sido sin lugar a dudas el más flojo por el momento. Me ha entretenido que es lo importante, pero me he esperado algo más. Los personajes son tiernos y es una pena porque siento que con un poco más de páginas y argumento podría ser una muy buena historia.
En fin, esto no quiere decir que deje de leerlos, la prosa de la autora me gusta y me lo paso bien. No pido más.
April 14, 2024
This is my least favorite book of the series. Everything felt very rushed, and Bela's personality wasn't well developed.
Valius and Bela become mates within five minutes of meeting, even though Bela is seriously injured.
Valius then decides to leave the incubus brothel, the only home he's every known, so Bela can form a pack with Andras and Bowie (Bela doesn't have a full human form, like Andras) - except Bela has never met Andras.
I was excited to see Bowie and Andras again, but the book ends before the MCs ever reach the town where Bowie and Andras live.
I was appalled that the author couldn't put in the effort to write at least an epilogue with both couples.
Three stars because I liked parts of this story and wanted more.
Valius and Bela become mates within five minutes of meeting, even though Bela is seriously injured.
Valius then decides to leave the incubus brothel, the only home he's every known, so Bela can form a pack with Andras and Bowie (Bela doesn't have a full human form, like Andras) - except Bela has never met Andras.
I was excited to see Bowie and Andras again, but the book ends before the MCs ever reach the town where Bowie and Andras live.
I was appalled that the author couldn't put in the effort to write at least an epilogue with both couples.
Three stars because I liked parts of this story and wanted more.
July 4, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed most of this series, I’m not sure what happened with this one. I liked Valius a lot in the last book, so I was very excited for his HEA but this fell flat.
There wasn’t really any development of feelings between the MCs, it was insta, and there was a very minor plot—what was the author’s goal with this book if not plot or relationship driven?
I saw I was at 77% but felt like things were just getting rolling.
The ‘biggest hurdles’ for the couple all seemed irrelevant (if you’ve read the full series).
In Bowie’s book, we’re told vampire blood has magical healing properties, which strangely should have come into play in the last book but didn’t and could have again in this. If Jeno was feeling mildly generous, that could have helped the nearly dying.
[Spoiler] The curse resolves quickly, not being not a curse at all, and by the time Seb looks for it, Bella is feeling regrets over losing a part of himself anyway.
And though minor, as ultimately it doesn’t stop him or even prolong his choice more than a second, Valius reflects a few times that he’s worried to leave the Twig because he won’t be able to feed off clients anymore. At this point, haven’t Dom and Seb been monogamous for years? This seemed strange for him to worry over when one of his friends is already living that life.
I would also have liked to see Bella and Andras meet and the actual agreement and bonds starting to form, to be each other’s pack (along with their mates and presumably Bowie’s family and Ava). The way it ended felt abrupt and unfinished.
I know I’m saying a lot of negatives but, even if this book was the weakest of the bunch, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series and look forward to reading more from this writer.
(Who are the twins?? What shenanigans are they up to? Have they got books? And Ivaz? What’s his story?)
There wasn’t really any development of feelings between the MCs, it was insta, and there was a very minor plot—what was the author’s goal with this book if not plot or relationship driven?
I saw I was at 77% but felt like things were just getting rolling.
The ‘biggest hurdles’ for the couple all seemed irrelevant (if you’ve read the full series).
In Bowie’s book, we’re told vampire blood has magical healing properties, which strangely should have come into play in the last book but didn’t and could have again in this. If Jeno was feeling mildly generous, that could have helped the nearly dying.
[Spoiler] The curse resolves quickly, not being not a curse at all, and by the time Seb looks for it, Bella is feeling regrets over losing a part of himself anyway.
And though minor, as ultimately it doesn’t stop him or even prolong his choice more than a second, Valius reflects a few times that he’s worried to leave the Twig because he won’t be able to feed off clients anymore. At this point, haven’t Dom and Seb been monogamous for years? This seemed strange for him to worry over when one of his friends is already living that life.
I would also have liked to see Bella and Andras meet and the actual agreement and bonds starting to form, to be each other’s pack (along with their mates and presumably Bowie’s family and Ava). The way it ended felt abrupt and unfinished.
I know I’m saying a lot of negatives but, even if this book was the weakest of the bunch, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series and look forward to reading more from this writer.
(Who are the twins?? What shenanigans are they up to? Have they got books? And Ivaz? What’s his story?)
March 7, 2024
Valius feels like he's dying. He's in excruciating pain and feels like he's being torn apart. When he checks his side there's nothing there. He's helped to bed and is hoping that the feeling goes away. He also feels like someone or something needs his help.
Bela feels like he's dying. He's in excruciating pain and feels like he's been torn apart. That's because he has. He's been attacked by a pack of wolves claiming he's on their land. All he wants is to get to the wolf like him. To find a home where he's accepted.
When Valius and Bela meet it's instant attraction on Valius's side and instant mate on Bela's side. These two are vastly different people but they know they belong together. Will Bela live to lift the curse so they can have a future.
The friends around Valius come together to help these two out in many ways. Now they are on the adventure of a lifetime. What will their future hold when they find Mongrel? Will they be accepted or will they find another place to call home.
This is a cute, short, fast read Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery and Romance all wrapped in one. I liked these two together. I would've loved for it to be longer. I wasn't ready for it to end. I wanted more story because these two are just so sweet together. I wanted them to reach Mongrel, so that Bela could see another like him. He's felt like an outcast his whole life and thought he was the only one like him. Now that he's heard there's another I wanted to see him meet that other. It does end rather abruptly; which was kind of jarring. Still all in all a very good short story.
Bela feels like he's dying. He's in excruciating pain and feels like he's been torn apart. That's because he has. He's been attacked by a pack of wolves claiming he's on their land. All he wants is to get to the wolf like him. To find a home where he's accepted.
When Valius and Bela meet it's instant attraction on Valius's side and instant mate on Bela's side. These two are vastly different people but they know they belong together. Will Bela live to lift the curse so they can have a future.
The friends around Valius come together to help these two out in many ways. Now they are on the adventure of a lifetime. What will their future hold when they find Mongrel? Will they be accepted or will they find another place to call home.
This is a cute, short, fast read Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery and Romance all wrapped in one. I liked these two together. I would've loved for it to be longer. I wasn't ready for it to end. I wanted more story because these two are just so sweet together. I wanted them to reach Mongrel, so that Bela could see another like him. He's felt like an outcast his whole life and thought he was the only one like him. Now that he's heard there's another I wanted to see him meet that other. It does end rather abruptly; which was kind of jarring. Still all in all a very good short story.
March 10, 2024
OMG, I was *so* excited to see a new one by this author, in this world 😍😍😍 ... and then immediately after downloading SO disappointed to realize it wasn't new, and that I'd already read it in the Fated Mates anthology 🤦♀️
That's what I get for one-clicking with a squee without bothering to read the blurb, lol! (And I'm still happy it's out in the world with its own pretty cover now. 🥰)
Here's my original review from the anthology:
👍 WOUNDED MATE by Lee Colgin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 STARS, ALL THE STARS, this is the author I picked up the anthology for! 🥰 I just love, love, LOVE this author's stories, the world she's built for her vamps and other paranormals to frolic in, and the delicious sweet + heat she brings to every couple. This was the story I skipped to first, and it did NOT disappoint. I don't even want to give it stars, just heart-eye emojis. ALLLLLLLLL the heart-eye emojis! My only disappointment was finishing, because I will never get enough of this author's lovely words, damaged characters, fated love, and wonderful HEAs. *happy sigh*
That's what I get for one-clicking with a squee without bothering to read the blurb, lol! (And I'm still happy it's out in the world with its own pretty cover now. 🥰)
Here's my original review from the anthology:
👍 WOUNDED MATE by Lee Colgin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 STARS, ALL THE STARS, this is the author I picked up the anthology for! 🥰 I just love, love, LOVE this author's stories, the world she's built for her vamps and other paranormals to frolic in, and the delicious sweet + heat she brings to every couple. This was the story I skipped to first, and it did NOT disappoint. I don't even want to give it stars, just heart-eye emojis. ALLLLLLLLL the heart-eye emojis! My only disappointment was finishing, because I will never get enough of this author's lovely words, damaged characters, fated love, and wonderful HEAs. *happy sigh*
June 22, 2025
This story is another installment within the very entertaining Outcast Mates series. The characters, as always are wonderful and engaging. Valius is a sweet incubus but Bela, for me, stole the show. Whan an absolutely lovable being he is. And with all the horrors life had thrown at him before he was rescued, he still remained a total cinnamon roll!
My main issue with this book is that it was way too short and felt unfinished. There is no real epilogue. We left with Valius and Bela enroute to Andras and Bowie, the stars of Mongrel, and we’re given the wording that implies their HEA. I was really disappointed. Leonas and Jeno play prominant roles as well as Dominus and Sebastian. So why are we left hanging and bring in what should have been the most important and relevant couple? Bela stated many times how much he was hoping to find a place to belong and Andras was a large part of that? The author really should have completed their journey!
My main issue with this book is that it was way too short and felt unfinished. There is no real epilogue. We left with Valius and Bela enroute to Andras and Bowie, the stars of Mongrel, and we’re given the wording that implies their HEA. I was really disappointed. Leonas and Jeno play prominant roles as well as Dominus and Sebastian. So why are we left hanging and bring in what should have been the most important and relevant couple? Bela stated many times how much he was hoping to find a place to belong and Andras was a large part of that? The author really should have completed their journey!
March 10, 2024
This story was cute, sweet, and full of both love and acceptance. I really enjoyed the uniqueness of Bela's character, how his appearance was half wolf and half human was really intriguing!! I also enjoyed how everyone accepted him as is, no one made him feel bad or treated him as though there was something wrong him. I liked that aspect. I also adore the fated mates trope ang I thought that component was done quite well. It wasn't the main focal point of the story but it definitely played it's part.
I thought that Bela and Valius's characters complimented each other really well! I feel like their relationship could've been more pronounced if the book was longer, But overall I thought it was a really great story.
I wish there was a scene where Valius and Bela met Andras, seeing as how that's what lead Bela towards Valius's town.
I thought that Bela and Valius's characters complimented each other really well! I feel like their relationship could've been more pronounced if the book was longer, But overall I thought it was a really great story.
I wish there was a scene where Valius and Bela met Andras, seeing as how that's what lead Bela towards Valius's town.
March 7, 2024
A beautiful story of an incubus finding true love in a werewolf.
This story is about the stunning incubus Valius, who works in the supernatural brothel ‘The Twig and Berries’. He has the perfect job in the perfect place for an incubus.
The lone Werewolf Bela has a tough life without a pack, and is cursed. As a Human/Werewolf looking like a creature, it’s not easy on the streets.
One day, one feeling, one look changed both their lives.
This is a light and beautiful story. No big drama. Simply a feel-good novella, with all the feelings, spice, and a HEA.
You can read it as a standalone (but I guarantee you want to read more after this book).
Hurt/comfort, fated mates, found family, and all the good feelings
This story is about the stunning incubus Valius, who works in the supernatural brothel ‘The Twig and Berries’. He has the perfect job in the perfect place for an incubus.
The lone Werewolf Bela has a tough life without a pack, and is cursed. As a Human/Werewolf looking like a creature, it’s not easy on the streets.
One day, one feeling, one look changed both their lives.
This is a light and beautiful story. No big drama. Simply a feel-good novella, with all the feelings, spice, and a HEA.
You can read it as a standalone (but I guarantee you want to read more after this book).
Hurt/comfort, fated mates, found family, and all the good feelings
March 3, 2024
This book was part of the Fated Mate series and read again and loved it. Valius is an incubus who works at Twigs and Berries. While entertaining a customer, he feels a pain on his side. Without bleeding he doesn’t know why. Bela, a wolf shifter, is travelling through a forest when he gets attacked by the local wolf pack for trespassing and gets hurt. When he is found, one is Valius who is his mate. This book is set in the world of Outcast Mates and is exactly like Andras. As he heals, he gets to know Valius and he told him that was on his way to meet Andras. I love this world and looking forward to reading more.
February 4, 2025
In this last (short) story of the Outcast Mates series, it is time for sweet incubus Valius to find his own love. Bela the werewolf has lived a lonely existence ever since a curse left him unable to shift properly into a human - much like Andras from the first book.
It doesn't take long for Bela to recover from a terrible injury and Valius to accept that they are mates, and soon they are on their way to meet Andras and his vampire mate.
It doesn't take long for Bela to recover from a terrible injury and Valius to accept that they are mates, and soon they are on their way to meet Andras and his vampire mate.
June 5, 2025
3.5 Stars
Not a bad story - it was short and easy to read.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series and didn't really feel lost, just knew there were stories about the other pairs I had missed.
Both characters are just really nice and to be honest it was different to have a werewolf prepared to share his mate, even if that is what the mate needs, as I'm used to them being more possessive.
Not a bad story - it was short and easy to read.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series and didn't really feel lost, just knew there were stories about the other pairs I had missed.
Both characters are just really nice and to be honest it was different to have a werewolf prepared to share his mate, even if that is what the mate needs, as I'm used to them being more possessive.
February 7, 2025
I read this in the Fated Mates anthology and really enjoyed it! Enough that I want to pick up the series and give the others a go. It was rushed, instalove and the ending was a HFN. But maybe they’ll pop up in other stories. *update- or maybe they won’t, this is currently the last book in the series*
February 25, 2024
Didn't realize I had read this already in an anthology but I loved it so much I read it again. This is a really sweet story. I love stories where an outcast finds the home and acceptance they deserve.
March 11, 2024
Wish it were longer
Excellent Addition to the world of Outcast Mates. Well written, great characters and character development. Would love to know the rest of the story, hopefully there is a bonus scene in a future book.
Excellent Addition to the world of Outcast Mates. Well written, great characters and character development. Would love to know the rest of the story, hopefully there is a bonus scene in a future book.
March 13, 2024
I'd rather hoped we'd have an extra scene or two where the couple actually reached their destination as opposed to the story being exactly the same as it was in the anthology it was originally published in.
March 14, 2024
Nothing really happened
The whole story felt glossed over. You don’t get to see Valius at work, you don’t get to see them make it to Varad and how it turns out. First day of trip they have sex and that’s the ending.
The whole story felt glossed over. You don’t get to see Valius at work, you don’t get to see them make it to Varad and how it turns out. First day of trip they have sex and that’s the ending.
March 24, 2024
Such a wonderful tale of love and acceptance. Bela and Valius are great characters along with all the others in the story. This is the first I have read from this series, so I will have to go back and get caught up. Recommend reading.
March 9, 2024
Valius + Bela
•An incubus living and feeding in a brothel
•A lonely and injured werewolf
•A deep connection from the start
•An incubus living and feeding in a brothel
•A lonely and injured werewolf
•A deep connection from the start
March 12, 2024
different is good
I enjoyed reading this book,, just because your different doesn’t mean you can’t find love as in this short story
I enjoyed reading this book,, just because your different doesn’t mean you can’t find love as in this short story
April 13, 2024
4 stars
Super cute and sweet novella. Loved every minute of this story. I only wish there was more!
Super cute and sweet novella. Loved every minute of this story. I only wish there was more!
September 10, 2024
Enjoyment 7/10
Concept 6/10
Execution 6/10
Writing 6/10
Plot & Logic 6/10
Pacing & Structure 9/10
Atmosphere 9/10
Characters 7/10
Intrigue 8/10
World Building 6/10
Rating: 3.44/5
Concept 6/10
Execution 6/10
Writing 6/10
Plot & Logic 6/10
Pacing & Structure 9/10
Atmosphere 9/10
Characters 7/10
Intrigue 8/10
World Building 6/10
Rating: 3.44/5
January 5, 2025
🌶️: 1
💧: 1
🩷: 2
Fav character: Bela
💧: 1
🩷: 2
Fav character: Bela
April 29, 2025
So, Lee Colgin's books are quickly becoming my go-to if I need some sweetheart MCs that just treat each other with kindness and care. ❤️🩹
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews