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A midlife career switch just ignited a new chapter—
With a single dad wolf as hot as the flames he fights.


After my divorce, working in the same ER as my arrogant ex was off the table, so I decided to try visiting nursing instead.

When I accidentally set off the smoke alarm at a patient’s home and the fire department showed up, my first day was proving to be a hot mess—

But not as hot as the firefighter at the door.

My inner wolf didn’t want Hayden to leave, not knowing I’d soon meet him again—in his own home.

I was assigned to care for his teen son after a car accident, and as a single dad, he needed all the help he could get.

The spark between our wolves blazed into an inferno, but as his son’s nurse and a newly single mom, it seemed the timing was all wrong for us.

When another patient’s situation becomes dire, Hayden and I are forced right into the middle of danger, soon learning her family isn’t what it seems.

Last time I checked, fighting otherworldly beings wasn’t in my job description.

Hayden wants to protect me at all costs, but will our wolves have a fighting chance?

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

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2024

214 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

About the author

Meg Ripley

185 books466 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
7,081 reviews90 followers
April 18, 2024
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
3,005 reviews44 followers
March 25, 2024
This book is part of the Shifter Nation: Marked Over Forty series and the main characters are former ER nurse and now a visiting nurse, Jessica Anderson, and firefighter Hayden Westbrook, who are also both wolf shifters. After her divorce, she had to change jobs, knowing her ex-husband wouldn’t leave the ER department. She is on her first job of her new role visiting patients at home and her first one is an old lady called Verna, who has a few eccentric demands, which end up in her setting off the fire alarm and two hunky firefighters turning up to their frequent flyer OAP. Jessica feels an instant pull from her wolf towards Hayden, realising he is her mate, but she isn’t in the best of situations with a new job, new home and a daughter Paige (13) she has to share with her ex. Hayden has a son Jack (16) and daughter Ellie (10), and is also divorced from his wife Maura and they share parenthood together amicably. About a week into her job, she is sent to visit Hayden’s son Jack who was in a car accident, and she realises he is the firefighter she met at her first job at Verna’s. Jack had shown no sign of any wolf tendencies, unlike his little sister, so the accident meant he had to heal the long and painful way, which is hard on a teenager! The pull is still there, but she has to remain professional and can’t allow herself to do anything that might mess up her new job.

The timing sucks, but there isn’t any choice on either of their sides, other than to concentrate on getting Jack better and looking after him, rather than about a relationship between them. Jessica wants to set her own future right and looking after her daughter, before she can even think of any relationship, even if it is with her fated mate! But one of Jessica’s clients is soon going to get her drawn into a dangerous situation, as a relative wants something she doesn’t deserve and tries to get Jessica to go against her own professional duties and ethics. Jessica ends up visiting Jack three times a week as his nurse, with Hayden having to keep himself in another room, unable to resist being so close to her, but also giving his teenage son some privacy if needed. A stolen kiss just confirms the connection between them, but both realise nothing can happen whist she works with his son, nor for a while afterwards. Jessica’s first patient turns out to be something more than expected, but it is her relative that gives her and even Hayden cause for concern, soon coming after Jessica, who Hayden would do anything to keep safe! A fiery confrontation will bring matters to a head, with Hayden having to choose who to save first, whilst Jessica proves her own protective nature as danger strikes. Nothing could bring the pair of them together quicker than facing such danger together and this cements their fated mate bonding and a HEA bringing together of their families and futures. A lovely shifter fated mates story, with that little bit of extra supernatural magic mixed in. I can’t wait to see his brother’s story next in this series.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,856 reviews89 followers
November 3, 2025
A midlife reset. A firefighter’s flame. A mate worth the risk.

Jessica thinks a new nursing job will mean less stress after her divorce, not a smoke alarm gone wrong, a jaw-dropping firefighter at the door, and a second chance she wasn’t planning on. Hayden’s just trying to keep things steady for his injured teen son when fate throws Jessica into their lives. Neither of them expects the spark.

Their bond builds slowly, shaped by trust and mutual care. A nurse. A firefighter. Two single parents finding common ground. But when Jessica protects a patient caught in a dangerous family mess, she finds herself tangled in secrets and power she never saw coming.

As the danger grows, so does their connection. He’s calm where she’s chaos, grounded when her world starts to shift, and ready to stand beside her when everything ignites. What begins as responsibility becomes something fierce and real, forged in fire and stronger than fear.

Jessica rises from cautious and rebuilding to powerful and in control. Hayden softens from guarded and protective to open and all-in. Their relationship evolves from steady support to emotional intimacy to a bond they both choose, no matter the stakes.

A slow burn to steamy, fated mates, single mom, single dad, midlife, small town, shifter romance with elemental magic, found family, and second chances, exploring love after loss, claiming power you didn’t know was yours, and choosing connection even when timing’s off. It’s about healing, rising, and finding home in the one who stays.

Audio: Elle Sonali delivers a strong and emotionally grounded performance that matches the tone and characters. Jessica’s resilience, Hayden’s steady presence, and the emotional shifts all come through clearly. Smooth pacing, distinct voices, and just enough heat to match the story’s build make this an easy, satisfying listen.

The Elevator Pitch: A slow burn to steamy shifter romance where midlife second chances spark magic, danger, and a bond worth risking everything for. When a visiting single mom nurse collides with a single dad firefighter, fate lights a fire neither of them expects. It’s packed with heart, heat, family, and the kind of love that transforms everything it touches. The audiobook brings it all to life with Elle Sonali’s smooth pacing and emotionally layered narration.
978 reviews9 followers
March 18, 2024
Outstanding Addition To The Series!

I have read all of this series and I think this is the best book so far! Jessica has just gotten divorced from her arrogant doctor husband and is starting a new life for herself and her thirteen-year-old daughter. She is starting a new job that she is struggling with and doesn’t have time for anything else in her life. But when she accidentally set off the fire alarm in the home of her first patient on her first day of her new job, she knows one of the firefighters that responds is her mate. Is she excited? No way, she runs as fast as she can in the other direction!

Hayden is a firefighter in Eugene with his brother and his father. He is recently divorced and is concentrating on raising his two kids and his job. Even after a year on his own he is still feeling overwhelmed. When he responds to an alarm in a retirement community, he meets Jessica, the visiting nurse, and realizes she is his mate. No way can he handle anything else in his life, so he refuses to acknowledge the connection and leaves!

But fate has other plans for these two and keeps throwing them into each other’s way. When Jessica becomes the visiting nurse after Hayden’s son is severely injured in a car accident they can’t continue to avoid each other. And when danger threatens Jessica, Hayden will do anything to save her!

This book is full of laughs, love and intrigue! Once you start reading it you won’t be able to put it down!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,486 reviews34 followers
March 18, 2024
Their Destined Connections -
Jessica’s plan was to only concentrate on her new job, her daughter and herself after her divorce, but fate decided to bring her mate into her life when she least expected it. Hayden had resigned himself to being a single dad and working, but everything changed the moment he laid eyes on Jessica. Even though Jessica and Hayden knew they were mated, their tried their best to maintain a professional relationship, which proved difficult as the pull towards each other kept getting stronger.

Unfortunately, whilst they were struggling with their attraction for each other, someone was trying to destroy Jessica’s life, which meant Hayden ultimately got involved in the situation. The chaos that ensued was brutal as it evolved into a near fatal incident, but as luck would have it they not only survived, but there was a life changing occurrence that none of them expected. Luckily, once the matter had been resolved, it gave Hayden and Jessica the push they needed to embark on the happily ever after they deserved.

I really enjoyed reading this excellent shifter story, with the twisted, suspenseful storyline, exciting characters and a strong heroine with a heart of gold. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,305 reviews
March 19, 2024
Another simply wonderful addition to this series of books, great characters and story
Jessica has been working so hard with her new job and also being a full-time single parent for her daughter but she soldiers on as best as she can. Hayden is a single father but when he sees Jessica his inner wolf instantly lets him know that she is his mate.
As they both are trying to be as professional as they can their inner beast is letting them know they should be together and when it seems that someone is actually trying to harm Jessica’s life, Hayden decides that he has to step up to the plate and keep her safe.
Who would have known that the arbitrator doing their level best to kill her would be the thing that actually cemented their true feelings and their mate bond. Once they are both together, fighting together on the same side they are unstoppable and it is only a matter of time for their foe.
A compelling read that I guarantee will hold you captivated from start to finish.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all their wonderful writing.
Profile Image for Toni.
2,484 reviews25 followers
March 22, 2024
Jessica has left the ER she works at to do visiting nurse duty. She left behind her ex who is the lead doctor there. Her first patient is an old lady named Verna. Then her second patient is the young son of the firefighter she met at Verna's.
Hayden was married to a human and has two children. One, his daughter, has a wolf. His son does not. On duty when he heads to Verna's because her fire alarm went off he meets Jessica and his wolf recognizes her as his mate. Then he and his brother are called to a car accident where his son is in the passenger seat. Thus Jessica has a second patient. Things go along well in her professional life but she is fighting the mate attraction hard. She doesn't have time or the inclination for this. As she gets to know her patients she comes to care for them greatly. Then she finds out that Verna is an elf. Then Verna tells her some information that suddenly puts Jessica and Hayden and their families in danger. Will they be able to keep safe from an enemy who can start fires? Will Jessica and Hayden get over their reasons for not starting anything? How about Jack? Will he make it through to become his old self once again?
A fantastic story of love and magic.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,804 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2024
Jessica had to quit her job as an ER nurse as her ex husband was the ER doctor and refused to work with him so she became a visiting nurse. Her first patient Verna made her light sage and wave it around her and her nursing bag but then the smoke alarms went of the fire department showed up again. Met Hayden there and her wolf said mate, and his was pushing him to her. His son was in a bad accident that left him with a broken arm, leg and some ribs but he was healing as a human because he was human like his mother. Jessica became his nurse so they had to stay away from their feelings. Verna gave her a fire elemental amulet to keep Verna’s niece from getting it, Verna felt it belonged with Jessica. When the niece touched the amulet around Jessica’s neck turned her into a fire wolf was able to take out the niece but the car caught on fire Jack got out of the car in his wolf form was a shifter after all. Their children and wolves got along also. Good book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,928 reviews64 followers
March 31, 2024
Firefighter Midlife Wolf is book 11 of the Marked over 40 series. I think this might be my favorite one so far. It's a short and steamy, OTT, fated mates, wolf shifter, later in life, second-chance romance. Jessica is a recently divorced visiting nurse in her 40s and single mom to Paige (13). She was an ER nurse, but her toxic ex is a doctor there, and she knew she needed a career change. Hayden is a hunky firefighter in his 40s and a single dad to Jack (16) and Ellie (10). The two meet when there is a fire on the first day at Jessica's new job. The two know they are fated mates, but both are overwhelmed by life and not looking for more complications right now and pretty much ignore the connection. But fate keeps bringing them together, and the pull is hard to resist. Their chemistry was hot, and I loved how protective Hayden was. Throw in some mystery, danger, and angst, and you have quite the story. We do get an HEA, but it's a roller-coaster along the way. This was a great read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,894 reviews12 followers
March 25, 2024
"Fate had an interesting way of working."

Hayden is a firefighter raising two kids. He had a busy and full life, with a job that reminds him, often, of the dangers of everyday life, but he thrives on helping people.

Jessica left her job as an ER nurse to get away from a co-worker, but she still wants to help people heal and put their lives back together. Time will tell if the new opportunity she has found is the right fit for her... or if she is destined to struggle with a totally different work situation, even if it still means she's a nurse.

This done in one Kindle unlimited book took some interesting and unexpected turns as two single patents balanced work and home life, faced the challenges of responsible parenting, and faced the reality than when your a wolf shifter you really ought to be willing to accept there is more on this Earth than mere humans.

This story is a lot of fun, with some great sibling and family dynamics.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews369 followers
March 23, 2024
Hayden and Jessica’s Story . . .

Wolf shifter Hayden is a fireman with the local fire department. Jessica Anderson had worked in the ER but after her divorce, she became a visiting nurse instead to avoid working with her ex-husband Brandon. When Hayden’s teenage son suffers broken bones in a car accident, Jessica was assigned to care for him. They finally realized that they were fated mates, but Jessica wasn’t sure this was the proper time to pursue this since his son was her patient. When will they take the time to settle down together? And how will they react to Jack’s “surprise” as he escaped a deadly situation no one thought he could survive?

This is another wonderful book by this author who gives us a balance of laughter and suspense to keep us entertained as we share the lives of her characters. Grab your copy and enjoy!
3,265 reviews10 followers
April 5, 2024
Wow what a fun story. Jessica is a wolf shifter who left her life as an ER nurse to ne a travel nurse after leaving her ex. Her first patient turns out to be an elf and tells her some things that she shouldn't. She ends up accidently starting a fire and who should come to her rescue but a hot firefighter who turns out to be her mate. She is in no mood for this right now so avoids him and he does the same as he does not have time for romance. Fate however throws them together when his son gets injured and she ends up being his nurse. Hayden cannot resist the draw but when someone supernatural is after them will he be able to protect them all? Awesome love story with adventure, drama, danger, and love. Pick your copy up today.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
887 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2024
Jessica and Hayden are both single parents with teenage children: Hayden has not dated since his divorce and is happy to concentrate on his children, Jessica had to move jobs as she worked with her ex and he was intolerable to everyone.
Jessica meets some interesting people in her new job and when she causes the smoke alarms to go off, Hayden is one of the firefighters that arrives.
After his son is in a car crash, Jessica is the nurse that arrives to home care for him. But someone is spreading rumours about Jessica and even Hayden has his doubts.
This is a wonderful story: I especially loved Verna, and her eccentricities had me laughing. Jessica and Hayden both deserve a HEA, they are great parents and this comes across with their interactions with their children.
3,505 reviews48 followers
November 1, 2025
Brilliant narration from Elle Sonali. Who brings the emotions and spice to your ears.

After her divorce Jessica just wants to concentrate on her new job as a ER nurse and her daughter. But fate loves to play, Hayden is a single dad and believes he will be single until Jessica. When these two meet, both know that they are fate mates but try and fight it. One trouble is that the pull towards each other keep getting stronger. Someone was trying to up end Jessica’s life, Hayden can’t stop but get involved. Danger and a near fatal incident, giving Hayden and Jessica the push they need.
Brilliant characters, full of suspense and who doesn’t love shifter romances.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,202 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2024
Unlike some of the previous stories in this series, you could read this one without reading the previous books. A few of the characters seen in previous books do make an appearance but not to the point where it affects the story.

The charaters are very likable. Jessica was a great nurse and only wanted what was best for her patients even if it meant sacrificing her happiness for others. Hayden was a wonderful father who tried juggling all his responsibilites. He was warm, loving and supportive - big sigh.

Verna was a kick and I adored her quirky character. The kids were the epitome of good kids and even Jack's frustration was not that bad. There are several stories intertwined throughout that need to be resolved and some revelations to be discovered before they reach their HEA but their journey was well worth it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
4,215 reviews121 followers
March 20, 2024
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Hayden and Jessica
POV- 3rd person
Genre- Paranormal Romance
Sub Genre- Shifter (wolf)
Heat- 🌋. Very mild and slow burn.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- erotic content, language, violence
Tropes- Single Parent, Midlife Love, Fated Mates
Mewsings
To be honest, this one wasn’t my favorite by this author. I wasn’t really feeling it between the hero and heroine. The spark just wasn’t there, which is odd because of the fire theme. The story was fine, with some action, but it didn’t bowl me over.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,115 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2024
Hayden and Jessica’s story had her leaving the hospital ER after her divorce since her ex works there too. She and her 13 yr old daughter move. But her job at the new retirement community she sets off the fire alarm and in comes firefighter, Hayden. He is a divorced father of two for the past year. These two see each other and know they are mates, but won’t act on due to being hurt by their failed marriage. But when his son is hurt she is the nurse assigned to help his recovery. They will be thrown together and have to solve the mystery of what is happening to their town.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,053 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2024
Jessica, a wolf shifter and nurse, is caring, honest, single mother that has a bit of magic in her blood. Hayden , a wolf shifter and firefighter, is a strong, protective, single dad. When Hayden and Jessica meet, their wolves know they're fated mates but the timing is off at first. As Jessica cares for Hayden's son and others, their relationship grows. An evil element is out to cause problems and its Jessica, Hayden and a few others that will put a top to it.
A magical fated mate story, that has lots of drama, mystery and some danger, with lots of great believable characters, and a happily-ever-mated ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews10 followers
March 26, 2024
Jessica and her daughter Paige moved into a new apartment after her divorce from her cheating ER doctor husband. As a nurse, she started doing home care visits, and her first patient Verna requested her to perform a spiritual cleansing ritual. Jessica accidentally set off the smoke alarm while performing the ritual, which drew firefighters Pierce and Hayden to her door. Jessica knew exactly what it meant when her inner wolf went crazy as she spotted Hayden. This story has plenty of 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.
2,025 reviews10 followers
March 17, 2024
I love this series! Next is Hayden and Jessica and their story is fantastic! Fate will bring them together but they just have to have a little patience. I love how their relationship develops as the story unfolds. There is a surprise or two along the way that are wonderful and I loved them. Add in some great family, some amazing friends and one sassy old woman who is more than she seems and you get a story that is an absolute must read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cristy.
750 reviews13 followers
March 19, 2024
Another great read Meg. I just love shifters no matter what form they come in, but a firefighter. Now you're talking my language.

As a parent we know that despite how old our children get we will always worry.

This touched me in more ways than I can count. It was emotional and powerful.

I can only imagine how it feels to hold back from the love of your life. Your soul mate. The desire and passion ignite regardless of the situation.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,260 reviews25 followers
March 22, 2024
Jessica starts anew job as a visiting nurse and sets off the fire alarm.
After her divorce wolf shifter Jessica could no longer work in the ER as her ex was a dortor there so she gets a job as a visiting nurse checking on people in their own homes. Her first patient has her using the smoke from sage to clear herself of bad spirits but she sets off the fire alamr and within minutes the firemen arrive. One of the men she realises is her mate.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
823 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2024
I loved how Jessica and Hayden met. Great beginning to the story. Of course there are a lot of surprises and twists to this story. I love the play on words- especially when it came to "fire".
Verna was a delight and full of surprises also. As well as Hayden's son Jack. I love the dynamics of the two families. How well the sibling in Hayden's family got along.
Slow burn to the steamy romance. Which was ok also. There is enough going on in the story line to keep your mind captive.
Loved the HEA. Well written.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danee.
5,002 reviews
March 22, 2024
A great Fated Mate story. The characters Hayden and Jessica have not had it easy and are also dealing with the final stages of a difficult divorce. When they meet, they immediately know that this is how it was meant to be and that they are each other's Fated Mate. We follow them as they work together to achieve a happy ending together, but the road to get there is not all roses. I think this is a great book that I enjoyed as well as the other parts of this great series.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
459 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2024
This one is really easy to read as a standalone, even though it’s part of a series. Jennifer is starting again in a new career as a visiting nurse. Her first patient visit was interesting to say the least – and resulted in a visit from the fire brigade and a smoking hot firefighter! Enjoyed all the twists and turns in this, the secrets, the surprises and the drama. Lots of really great supporting characters which help make this a fun, exciting read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,506 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2024
Surprising Twists.
I like that there are surprising twists in this story. Divorced former ER nurse turned visiting nurse Jessica Anderson encounters several interesting patients while juggling joint custody of 13 year old Paige with her ex. - who we find who that is. Then sexy divorced firefighter Hayden Westbrook juggles his co-parenting with ex wife of their 10 year old Ellie and 16 year old Jack. High action and intense situations with plot twist regarding Jessica.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
137 reviews
April 9, 2024
I am loving these books by Meg Ripley. I really enjoy this series. I can't put these books down, It is very well written, it kept my attention all the way to the end of the book. I couldn't wait to see what happened. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Great world building & the characters are great with interesting relationships among them.This series is enjoyable to read. You need to read the book to find out what happens. I enjoyed this book I hope you will to. I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,868 reviews6 followers
November 4, 2025
Firefighter’s Midlife Wolf is full of drama, action and adventure. Both Hayden and Jessica have successful careers and wonderful kids. I adore how they both put their kids first, despite recognizing their fated mates status among a complex situation. The circumstances they each navigate are challenging, bringing them together over and over, and the supporting characters are quite delightful. This is a fast and fun read that the narrator performed with lovely style.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,751 reviews
January 15, 2026
Brilliant Series

Firefighter Midlife Wolf (Shifter Nation: Marked Over Forty) by Meg Ripley. Divorcee Jessica’s first patient as community nurse was Verna. Old but feisty she was a nice person. Next job was Jack, a teenager injured in an accident. To make things awkward, Jack’s father, Hayden, was her mate but with both having just got divorced, and Jack being her patient, it was too soon and inappropriate to do anything about it. After a few weeks Verna’s situation becomes dire and it takes Jessica’s unknown ancestry to sort it out.
1,085 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2024
I have loved the Marked Over Forty series and this book certainly doesn't disappoint. A paranormal shifter story that will leave you with a touch of magic running through you. This is a story full of drama and intrigue with great characters that will leave you unable to stop turning the pages and put the book down. I can't wait for the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews