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Mating Season #1
Luna Trials
She wants to escape. He wants to win. Neither of them were looking for love, but sparks fly and their fates collide on the popular wolf shifter dating show, Mating Season.
Aspen:
I’m the lowest-ranking wolf from a pack that only exists to guard the shifter prison in our territory, but I’ve been planning my escape for years.
I just have to make it through one more heat, then I’m done with this pack and the alpha-holes that run it.
Everything changes when my pack gets an invitation to Mating Season, the reality show where Alphas and Lunas from around the country meet to pick their chosen mates.
And my Alpha is sending me.
I’m forced into a dangerous world where TV producers dictate the rules. As if that wasn’t crazy enough, a powerful and sinfully handsome Alpha has his sights on me, making me a target for the elite shifters from other packs.
I never wanted to pick a chosen mate or settle down as some Alpha’s bride. I wanted freedom. But now I have to act the part viewers expect if I have any hope of surviving this year’s Mating Season.
Ranger:
The unmated Alphas may be on this show to find a match, but I came here for one reason…
And it wasn’t her.
When she walks into the wolf den wearing an oversized fluffy sweater and blinking those big brown eyes, my beast immediately staked his claim.
I’m here to play the Alpha Games, but I intend to win so much more.
I know what she is to me. She knows it too even if she denies the pull.
Aspen is mine.
Luna Trials, book one of Mating Season, is a dual POV wolf shifter romance story set in a future world where fated mates have become a thing of the past as humans and shifters integrate into a blended society. These books will tease you mercilessly with spice as they progress through the trilogy to the overall HEA. (Books are on a rapid release schedule and will all come out by this summer- 2024). If you like females who stand up for themselves, overly possessive alpha males, and laughing at bad reality television, scroll up now to start reading about the 7th Annual Mating Season.
Aspen:
I’m the lowest-ranking wolf from a pack that only exists to guard the shifter prison in our territory, but I’ve been planning my escape for years.
I just have to make it through one more heat, then I’m done with this pack and the alpha-holes that run it.
Everything changes when my pack gets an invitation to Mating Season, the reality show where Alphas and Lunas from around the country meet to pick their chosen mates.
And my Alpha is sending me.
I’m forced into a dangerous world where TV producers dictate the rules. As if that wasn’t crazy enough, a powerful and sinfully handsome Alpha has his sights on me, making me a target for the elite shifters from other packs.
I never wanted to pick a chosen mate or settle down as some Alpha’s bride. I wanted freedom. But now I have to act the part viewers expect if I have any hope of surviving this year’s Mating Season.
Ranger:
The unmated Alphas may be on this show to find a match, but I came here for one reason…
And it wasn’t her.
When she walks into the wolf den wearing an oversized fluffy sweater and blinking those big brown eyes, my beast immediately staked his claim.
I’m here to play the Alpha Games, but I intend to win so much more.
I know what she is to me. She knows it too even if she denies the pull.
Aspen is mine.
Luna Trials, book one of Mating Season, is a dual POV wolf shifter romance story set in a future world where fated mates have become a thing of the past as humans and shifters integrate into a blended society. These books will tease you mercilessly with spice as they progress through the trilogy to the overall HEA. (Books are on a rapid release schedule and will all come out by this summer- 2024). If you like females who stand up for themselves, overly possessive alpha males, and laughing at bad reality television, scroll up now to start reading about the 7th Annual Mating Season.
344 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2024
1728 people are currently reading
4536 people want to read
About the author
Heather K. Carson
13 books238 followersHeather K. Carson is the mother of two feral little boys by day and published author by night. When she isn't working on a new book or refereeing a wrestling match, she's covered in mud from playing in the garden or dancing around the kitchen and whipping up enough food to feed the monsters she created.
In her paranormal romance books, you'll find world building twists, lovable side characters, beastly males, and strong female leads who like to shake things up.
Heather currently resides in the Pacific Northwest and spends whatever free time she gets by running away to the mountains with her equally exhausted husband and the best chocolate lab in the whole world.
Find out more and sign up for her mailing list to get some bonus content @ www.heatherkcarson.com
In her paranormal romance books, you'll find world building twists, lovable side characters, beastly males, and strong female leads who like to shake things up.
Heather currently resides in the Pacific Northwest and spends whatever free time she gets by running away to the mountains with her equally exhausted husband and the best chocolate lab in the whole world.
Find out more and sign up for her mailing list to get some bonus content @ www.heatherkcarson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
May 14, 2024
Being a shifter romance fanatic, I wanted to love this, but I just didn’t. The premise of the plot sounded really interesting and I was really excited when I won a copy off of Goodreads but good God I was absolutely bored reading this. It’s a very quick read, I was able to read it in one night, but I was bored. I ended up having Siri read it to me as I cleaned.
The characters were uninteresting. There was no movement with the plot or the secret behind the love interest.
It’s not a series that I will personally continue.
The characters were uninteresting. There was no movement with the plot or the secret behind the love interest.
It’s not a series that I will personally continue.
September 1, 2025
This is dating game show meets reality tv meets werewolves and I just ate it UP.
October 15, 2024
what silly goofy fun. took me back to my roots
August 31, 2025
Love Island but with wolf shifters
January 17, 2026
This book is a definite must read. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. I am interested to see what happens now that they have gotten to the actual Alpha Trials. Aspen and Ranger are both interesting characters. This book was so incredibly fun! Lots of plotting and drama.
June 14, 2024
There are things I liked about this book, the concept of a reality show is pretty original and the FMC was, at least during the first part of the book, not super annoying. This doesn’t hold up though once she gets on the show. And the MMC lacks depth, badly. I didn’t really get a feel for who he was as a character despite the multiple POVs.
Where I think this book really falls flat is the “romance” between the main characters.
There really was zero spice, zero romance, zero chemistry.
I get the whole “mated at first sight” idea, but if we are to believe these characters are “fated-mates” then they should have at least something going on beyond smelling each other. There is no banter, no interest in interacting.
Despite this Ranger gets obsessed with her, but they are basically never around each other for long enough to have any type of conversation. And when they do have a conversation, it lasts like a minute and she always runs away.
I don’t know. Maybe things will pick up in the second book. It’s not a long read, and it’s actually not badly written. I might try the second book when it comes out.
Where I think this book really falls flat is the “romance” between the main characters.
There really was zero spice, zero romance, zero chemistry.
I get the whole “mated at first sight” idea, but if we are to believe these characters are “fated-mates” then they should have at least something going on beyond smelling each other. There is no banter, no interest in interacting.
Despite this Ranger gets obsessed with her, but they are basically never around each other for long enough to have any type of conversation. And when they do have a conversation, it lasts like a minute and she always runs away.
I don’t know. Maybe things will pick up in the second book. It’s not a long read, and it’s actually not badly written. I might try the second book when it comes out.
April 9, 2024
Ok wow! I got this as an arc read and I couldn’t put it down! I’m normally not a fan of trials and games my anxiety can’t take it, but this one it wasn’t just the trials it was whole story that had me sitting on the edge of my set wanting more. I love that we get both sides from the MC’s. There is so much mystery and intrigue!
If your looking for a fated mates, morally grey alpha male that is possessive touch her and 💀, and a female that stands for what she believes in, speaks her mind, but still sees the best in most. Along with some amazing side characters some you wish you punch, others the book would just not be the same without them. This book is for you! There is a small cliffhanger. However, the next two books will be coming out soon! So don’t that persuade you! You will regret it promise ♥️
If your looking for a fated mates, morally grey alpha male that is possessive touch her and 💀, and a female that stands for what she believes in, speaks her mind, but still sees the best in most. Along with some amazing side characters some you wish you punch, others the book would just not be the same without them. This book is for you! There is a small cliffhanger. However, the next two books will be coming out soon! So don’t that persuade you! You will regret it promise ♥️
July 3, 2024
I am HOOKED. It has drama. It has SLOW burn. Possessive MMC. It doesn't lose it's intrigue, I read the whole book in a few hours. I couldn't put it down. The only downside is waiting for the next one
December 11, 2024
3.5
Honestly I wasn’t expecting much from this but I flew through it! It left on a cliffhanger so off I go to the next one!
FMC really carried this book though. Often in this genre it’s the MMC that keeps us all coming back, they’re hot and dominating and we can’t help ourselves. But Ranger really fell to the way side here, the only personality trait is that he is protective, we literally get nothing else except red flags and promises of giant wolf cock. Though we see it not at all. I’m actually happy that there was no spice in this one outside of innuendo and imagination, I was intrigued by the reality TV show of it all even though we didn’t get much.
Aspen is one of those “innocent” FMC’s without it becoming incredibly annoying. And honestly it’s more uninformed than innocent most of the time. She’s basically an orphan and her whole pack hates her, woe is me, but she makes it work and I’m interested enough to see this (trilogy?) through to the end.
Honestly I wasn’t expecting much from this but I flew through it! It left on a cliffhanger so off I go to the next one!
FMC really carried this book though. Often in this genre it’s the MMC that keeps us all coming back, they’re hot and dominating and we can’t help ourselves. But Ranger really fell to the way side here, the only personality trait is that he is protective, we literally get nothing else except red flags and promises of giant wolf cock. Though we see it not at all. I’m actually happy that there was no spice in this one outside of innuendo and imagination, I was intrigued by the reality TV show of it all even though we didn’t get much.
Aspen is one of those “innocent” FMC’s without it becoming incredibly annoying. And honestly it’s more uninformed than innocent most of the time. She’s basically an orphan and her whole pack hates her, woe is me, but she makes it work and I’m interested enough to see this (trilogy?) through to the end.
March 11, 2025
This was if reality TV was a book.
Was there any plot - not really.
Were the characters outstanding - nope.
Was the writing incredible - also no.
And yet! I couldn't put it down! I devoured this. And despite it being 1 am as I write this, I'm not going to sleep, I'm going to pick up the sequel because I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
It's trashy, romance drama at it's finest and so readable.
The characters all super likable and easy and I just can't wait for more of them!
Was there any plot - not really.
Were the characters outstanding - nope.
Was the writing incredible - also no.
And yet! I couldn't put it down! I devoured this. And despite it being 1 am as I write this, I'm not going to sleep, I'm going to pick up the sequel because I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
It's trashy, romance drama at it's finest and so readable.
The characters all super likable and easy and I just can't wait for more of them!
June 4, 2025
You know a wolf shifter romance book is good when the male love interest having the same name as your childhood dog (Ranger) doesn’t impede enjoyment like it normally would.
It’s a bit of Hunger Games, The Mate Games, etc.
You’ve read it before, but it’s uniquely done and even a bit funny.
It’s a bit of Hunger Games, The Mate Games, etc.
You’ve read it before, but it’s uniquely done and even a bit funny.
May 11, 2024
Never knew I could like wolf shifters till now! Aspen is kind of forced to enter this dating show (like The Batchelor) with the vise that she could better her life with the winning money. Then, she meets ranger (also there for his own motive.) I love that they both converse with their wolves throughout the whole story, and the tension between them is 🔥. It was fun reading about the elements they had to go through in the competition. The ending left my jaw on the floor. Great way to pull the readers in clamoring for more.
July 2, 2024
Dramatic Dating show but with werewolves? YES PLEASE.
December 21, 2024
Feeling pretty neutral towards it, but hoping that the characters and plot get more depth in the second book. A lot of the references to things we don't know got old instead of intriguing. Like okay, just tell me or move on. I like Aspen, but her and Ranger have no chemistry.
January 12, 2025
story didn’t finish
Enjoyed it but the book didn’t have an ending so I took away a star. So many unanswered questions. Good read.
Enjoyed it but the book didn’t have an ending so I took away a star. So many unanswered questions. Good read.
August 23, 2025
Enjoyable, continuing the series.
October 26, 2025
Ranger and Aspen
Kilig 🦋🦋🦋
Spice🌶️🌶️
Laugh 😅😅
Sad😭😭
Angry/irritated😠😠
Intriguing 🤔
Possessiveness 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Kilig 🦋🦋🦋
Spice🌶️🌶️
Laugh 😅😅
Sad😭😭
Angry/irritated😠😠
Intriguing 🤔
Possessiveness 🖤🖤🖤🖤
January 17, 2026
Werewolves meet the Bachlor.🤣🤣
February 6, 2026
I’m only slightly ashamed at my love for slow burn alpha romance novels 😅
June 23, 2024
Great read. Cliffhanger not so much
The book was great. Loved the characters, plot and the drama. The cliffhanger ruined the book. I don't mind series but to have a book end abruptly without the ending and not cool.
The book was great. Loved the characters, plot and the drama. The cliffhanger ruined the book. I don't mind series but to have a book end abruptly without the ending and not cool.
May 5, 2024
Let the games begin!!! 3.75Stars! 💜
After reading the blurb, I was jumping at the bit to read this book. What an entertaining and fun story it is! Aspen, a smart, fierce, independent and all around amazing FMC, has been ordered to attend a Mating TV Show by her Pack Alpha, which is the last place she is interested in being at. Ranger, the Alpha of his pack, a very dominant, somewhat surly and mysterious MMC, is also attending in order to further some sort of secret agenda. This two clash from the very beginning and don’t exactly see eye to eye! I am really looking forward to continue reading the rest of the books from this trilogy, which according to the author, will be released in the coming months (before the summer), so we won’t have long to wait! I will say though, that this book needed a bit more polish and definitely more world building. Nonetheless, the story is captivating enough and a really enjoyable read!
After reading the blurb, I was jumping at the bit to read this book. What an entertaining and fun story it is! Aspen, a smart, fierce, independent and all around amazing FMC, has been ordered to attend a Mating TV Show by her Pack Alpha, which is the last place she is interested in being at. Ranger, the Alpha of his pack, a very dominant, somewhat surly and mysterious MMC, is also attending in order to further some sort of secret agenda. This two clash from the very beginning and don’t exactly see eye to eye! I am really looking forward to continue reading the rest of the books from this trilogy, which according to the author, will be released in the coming months (before the summer), so we won’t have long to wait! I will say though, that this book needed a bit more polish and definitely more world building. Nonetheless, the story is captivating enough and a really enjoyable read!
June 27, 2024
I really like this book but don’t like the way they ended just to haft to buy Alpha Games just to cut it off stupid why can’t you people do 1 full story?????
Read
December 18, 2025apparently I was down bad to have read this instead of something in my TBR, so lets pretend I didn't
January 23, 2026
I hate to say it bc this a dumb silly book but l ate this up in one night
May 6, 2024
Great fantasy book that kept you wanting to read more and more. A lot of tension between Aspen and Ranger- can’t wait for them to finally give in and be mates. I’ll be sitting here, impatiently waiting for the 2nd book in the trilogy to be released. Vibes of the hunger games are throughout this book.
August 14, 2024
I tried liking it but it was impossible. The main characters are awful and it gets worse by the end of the book. The ending is disappointing and I’ve seen this premise done better with literally the same title by a different author written before this book on a reading app. The idea still had the potential though but the execution was lacking
May 6, 2024
romance, clashes and werewolves…
Loved the characters and original story line. The flow of events was perfect and kept you wanting to read more. Love our main character Aspen!
Loved the characters and original story line. The flow of events was perfect and kept you wanting to read more. Love our main character Aspen!
November 3, 2024
Love Aspen! I'm intrigued to find out Ranger's secrets too. On to book two.
November 24, 2025
so dumb. I ate it up tho
April 26, 2024
I received this ebook through a giveaway and I was pleasantly surprised! Who knew my love of supernatural beings and reality tv could be combined as one. The characters are relatable and you are rooting for happily ever after… but also the drama! Also the cliffhanger, I’ll be thinking about this until June.
In all it’s a fun easy read and I’m excited for more.
In all it’s a fun easy read and I’m excited for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews