Alpha Games

Mating Season #2

by Heather K. Carson

Aspen:
I may have sold my soul to pass the Luna Trials and earn my place on Mating Season, but I’m going to prove to everyone on this show that they don’t scare me.

I belong here and I swear I’ll make whoever threatened me pay, just as soon as I figure out how to ditch the dangerously sexy Alpha who won’t let another male near me.

Ranger is a red flag walking. His dark past follows him like shadows. He calls to my beast in a way I can't understand.

I know I shouldn't want him.
Now if only my wolf would agree…

Ranger:
Time is running out and control is slipping from my grasp. I thought I wanted revenge, but Aspen being here changes everything.

I have two weeks to play the Alpha Games and convince her she is mine before the rut takes over and we lose our minds to the biological urges of our beasts.

I will win this season–one way or another.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to walk away with Aspen as my prize.

Alpha Games, book two of the Mating Season trilogy, is an action-packed wolf shifter romance story. Strength will be tested. Alliances will form. The stakes grow higher with each of our main characters’ hearts on the line. As the heat intensifies, so does the drama.
Let the Alpha Games begin…

Reader Warning: Spice rating increases as this romantic journey continues. Be careful not to stand too close to the cliff.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Werewolves, Supernatural

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2024

About the author

Heather 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

Reviews

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read these books with the same intensity & intrigue that people watch love island. i shan’t elaborate.

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first book of this series. I am hopeful for the third book in this series, but book number 2 was poorly done. It is much shorter than the first, has practically no character or plot development, so many miscommunication tropes, and the important conversations are passed off to the sister of the alpha, leaving anything deep or interesting to feel like its all happening off stage. I was really disappointed. I don’t mind the constant cliff hangers, but they are not worth it when the plot feels rushed and poorly thought out. Truly too many miscommunications which make little sense when the main alpha is being portrayed as someone who has tabs on everything and the ability to visually spy on the main character, and has his people on her. Also, why continuously reference his background as a dom who frequents sex clubs and then have one sex scene out of nowhere where it feels out of place, out of character for the main character and not very sexy.

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I did this to myself I asked to read this book early 😭
This is the 2nd installment to the trilogy of Mating Season, and if you read the first installment Luna Trials do not walk RUN grab this book!

You find out why the Ranger and his pack are really on the show along with so many other little twists that are mind blowing 🤯. Aspen really has some character growth in this one. I loved her in the last one, but this one she lets loose a little and makes you laugh. You met more pack members, and side characters get some story as well which I loved!

I’m not going to lie the end holy moly Heather brings you to the cliff and drops you right off. So hurry go grab it! And if you haven’t read Luna Trials start there or you will be confused!

[Bella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did I read the second book even though I didn’t like the first? Why yes, yes I did. Do I feel differently about the second book? Not really. Will I still read the third when it comes out if I’m bored and have nothing better to do? Probably

[Tahnee W · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 🌟 Are these well written? No. Is it a flushed out plot with character growth. No. Does it get “steamy” like the other stated. Absolutely not. Am I going to keep reading anyway out of absurd entertainment? *downloads next book*

[Shawn-Joy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ReRead for Audio

OMG I freaking loved it! The narrators are PERFECT and I am just as in love with the story this go around as the first.

_________________________________________

OMG Heather!!!!

Honestly, I think I say that too much as someone who's never met you in real life. 😂

The names I called you in the last three chapters of this book! My husband was concerned, but also, he realizes I'm crazy. He did tell me I should have listened to you and gone to bed. Ha!

In this installment of the trilogy, Aspen and Ranger grow even closer. There are answers given and more questions needing answers. They really go through it in this one. That cliff hanger at the end felt like a double-edged sword! I don't even know what else to say that won't be a spoiler. I hope Ranger doesn't kill Beau.

Something I need to scream from the rooftops is that Heather is an AMAZING author. From her YA work to her NA work, she just nails it every single time. The spicy scenes in this book were a couple of the best I've ever read. Literally. Perfection.

Now I need to get to book 3, I don't even care that it's nearly 3am.

[Lynzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost unnecessary to make this into a second book when they could’ve combined this and the first one. But I guess authors love a cliffhanger, of which there is a second one. (Wow, no one could’ve expected that!)
This one was seriously all over the place, hours of time went by within one sentence and the next, and everyone is being so needlessly cryptic. Aspen is a constant scapegoat for everybody and their problems and outside of the McCaw revenge plot, people’s reasons for villainy are paper thin at best. And the one that has plausible cause for revenge gets brushed off the shoulder like dust because you found who you want to bone for the rest of your life? Seriously? Someone is pushing drugs that killed your mother and you’re like, “even though I said I’m playing the long game, I’d rather give someone my long schlong if you know what I mean” wink wink nudge nudge.
This book is just classic prolong the “plot” so I can get more money out of an idea fuckery. Bah humbug.

[Leigha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't be bothered to write individual reviews for each book so here is a non-spoiler series review. The first book was a fun romp, the second book less so, and the third book was honestly unreadable. The story provides nothing new to the shifter romance genre other than being in a reality TV show setting. Aspen was fine - same ole supposed "trashy chick with a sassy mouth and kickass attitude" female we have come to know and tolerate. I can't even remember the male character's name, but he is sweet and besotted with the female lead almost instantly. The side characters are pretty meh, other than the main male character's sister, Fallon, who eventually also turned out rather ho-hum. If you have some free time and enjoy these type of stories, certainly give it a try. If this is your first shifter romance, I recommend trying something else.

[Jasmin E Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG I need Book 3

OMFG I need Book 3, Hit me with it now...
totally enthralled & into this series the wild savvy banter is gold!! The found family is just lush with so many layers. A true Underdog FMC with Bite & MMC Dominating who fell first.... im smitten.

Topping from the Bottom is my fav Trope

Vive Le Bratty FMC - Good girl that likes it rough type of read.

Surprising highlight has been the collect calls from Clara at the Prison....thirsty prison
B!tches - laugh'n my arse off every time - I really like this unique intimate bestylike add on in the read.

My heartstrings got pulled every time Aspen talks to her Papa - & im cynical AF.

I really just jammed with the whole vibe of series so far - writing really crafted a far superior shifter/trials read.

First thoughts after finishing book 1 & 2 today.

I really would love to see the character art for this page turner.

Jasmin E Reads

[Olivia Lopes · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! These stories are addicting! And they’re also just hilarious. A book hasn’t made me laugh like that in a while. This book was so entertaining. And that cliff hanger! No ways I was shocked. Couldn’t believe it.

Finally I found a shifter romance where the main couple actually got to know each other before giving into their urges. It was so refreshing.

I really enjoyed the change the book took when Aspen started to be on board with her and Ranger being together. It was so sweet. It also didn’t feel rushed at all. The pacing of the romance specifically in this book was really good.

This book so much fun and very entertaining and I cannot wait to pick up the next!

4 stars!

[Andrea Peyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather's writing is so good at drawing me in and making the world come to life! This story ia great, the characters, world building, the tension, the spice; everyting is so well written. I love the progression of Aspen and Ranger's characters in book 2. Aspen has to help get Trenton through the Alpha games and help him get a mate. Its not easy when she has to figure out her own feelings, watch her back after that cupcake incident, and trying to free her and her papa from the Nuva Pack.
I like that Aspen speaks up to Ranger.
Ok, so, Aspen and Ranger are freaking adorable.
Also that cliffhanger at the end though. It makes me need book 3!

[LaPonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in less than a day. Of course I had been impatiently awaiting it so I was sufficiently motivated. 😁 this sequel focuses more on the relationship building which I am here for but I’m hoping for more of the BFFs in next book.
🐺 dual POV
🐺 modern setting and writing
🐺 games and reality TV 📺
🐺 fated mates
🐺 growly dominant MMC
🐺 cliffhanger
🐺spice: 🌶️🌶️-🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Dear Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt much shorter than the first one. Sadly, I saw no character evolving nor growing in any way, which was disappointing because I had high hopes for our couple.

[Kaitlyn 🌙 🦇 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

These endings have got to stop

[SheLove2Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't awful but it wasn't what I wanted to read either. The reality tv show premise doesn't work. The MC's feel more like teenagers than full fledged adults in charge of their lives. She gripes the entire time about her phone cord not charging her phone. Really? A phone cord is what, 4 or 5 bucks? Just buy a new one already. Also, she wants to sleep all the time. As in, 10 to 12 hours a day. Male MC suddenly brings up safe words and bdsm-play out of nowhere. That whole scene felt like the author didn't want to write it but somehow felt like she needed to. Newsflash: it didn't work and completely turned me off the rest of the book. I won't be continuing. 2.5 stars

[Jessica Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book keeps going with false promises. The author says that things get more steamy and kinkier but the most kink that even happens is the discussion of a safe word. I feel lied to as the reader. The author should remove that intro blurb as it sets up false expectations

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️.5 Spice: more than a kiss, no full on scene *yet*
🔥🔥🔥

Alpha Games picks up right where the last book left off, with zero time jump, which I loved. The Luna Trials are over, and now it’s Ranger’s turn to compete in the Alpha Games while Aspen steps into the role of coach. She’s still trying to pretend the fated-mate bond doesn’t exist, but as the games go on, that denial gets harder to hold onto. Of course, other girls are all over Ranger, but he only has eyes for Aspen, which definitely amps up the tension.

Now Ranger has to win the Alpha Games to keep pushing his deeper agenda, and Aspen’s stuck between her feelings and her goal of helping the Alpha’s son from her pack take the crown. If she wants to stay in the competition, she’s got to step up her game as a coach and keep her head in it.

I liked the switch in this book of the Trials to the Games, but I still felt something was missing for it to be a true hit. Side characters were definitely growing on me and obviously, some were questionable.

Like the first book, there’s no full spice scene here, but trust me, there are plenty of right before the "fuck it” moments that had me on edge. It's a slowburn for sure, but if you're in it for the long haul, it pays off in book three. The books are short, so it’s easy to fly through them. Definitely recommend if you're into mates who resist, long-game tension, and a little reality show chaos.

⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ No OW/OM drama
✅ FMC not Virgin (but not experienced either...one time kinda girl)
✅ Found Family
✅ He falls first
✅ Shifters
✅ Knotting (third book spice)
✅ 🔥 Slow Burn 🔥
✅ Hate-to-Love (definitely don't want to be together)
✅ Trials
✅ MINE
✅ Cliff

[Heidi Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Sequel That Raises the Stakes! - Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, "Alpha Games" proved me wrong. As the second book in the "Mating Season" series, it takes everything that was brilliant about "Luna Trials" and dials it up to eleven. Heather K. Carson has crafted a sequel that is even more thrilling, intense, and emotionally charged than its predecessor.

The "Alpha Games" themselves are a fantastic centerpiece for the plot, creating a high-stakes environment filled with action, strategy, and suspense. The challenges are brutal and inventive, pushing the characters to their absolute limits. The world expands in fascinating ways, and we get to delve deeper into the lore and the complex relationships between the packs.

What truly shines is the character development. The protagonist's growth is incredible to witness as she navigates new dangers and grapples with the consequences of the first book's events. The chemistry between the main characters is electric, and the romantic tension is perfectly woven into the high-stakes plot.

Reading this book was a whirlwind. As part of my two-day binge of the entire trilogy, "Alpha Games" was a gripping and essential middle chapter that made it impossible to stop reading. It ends in a way that will have you immediately reaching for the final book. Another easy 5-star rating for a series that just keeps delivering!

[Trey U · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Book 2’s almost always disappoint.

Don’t get me wrong, the book was good. But this book frustrated me more as things progressed throughout the book.

Things I didn’t like:
- Aspen is a strong, spitfire character and yet there were multiple situations where she didn’t push back, fight back, etc. that just felt inauthentic to who her character would be.
- Aspen went from independent girl who don’t need no man to essentially sitting back and allowing Ranger to dictate things and fight her battles. I want more situations where she puts him in his place and fights her own battles. The author doesn’t even really allow her to defend herself.
- Would have liked to see more side plot building, as it’s almost like all other characters are irrelevant.

What I do like:
- The inclusion of a brat into sexual dynamics. Most authors give overly submissive female characters and it’s duller than fuck.
- How much Aspen can affect Ranger. He’s this dominant man and yet he’s at her whim in several situations. It reminds me of 50 Shades where the tables turn some.
- Reality tv storyline. I still believe this is fairly unique even if it doesn’t create overly splashy plots all the time.


The cliffhanger still has me unsure, as I’m not sure how it’s going to progress and who’s behind these tactics.

A good book, but not a great book.

[D K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want book three NOW! LOL…. A great shifter summer read!

The author did a fantastic job of giving us a shifter “bachelor/bachelorette reality show” story that is highly entertaining, fun, with great banter, a bit of steam and mystery. The FMC Aspen is really likeable, smart, funny, strong and compassionate. The MMC Ranger is a full-on Alpha male, who goes after what he wants and is not afraid of showing it. He is strong, protective, decisive and willing to do anything for his mate. The author did a great job of combining reality show business bits together with all that goes around and apart of said show that is the real story of this series. Be aware, It ends with a whooping cliffhanger. Book three is scheduled to be released at the end of August, so the wait won’t be for long. Overall, this a fun, light read, that is not overly complicated or deep, but that will have you captivated until the very last page. Enjoy! 🩷🩷🩷

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alpha Games, series book 2…

I’m of mixed feelings on this second book. The FMC is very feisty but sometimes she’s a fry shy of a happy meal. Maybe it’s naivety. All I know is that she was TSTL in a few cases.

The H, Ranger, has control issues and if that safe word means anything, he’s into BDSM. it remains to be seen what level of this he’s into, because she’s apparently got some Alpha blood in her lineage, and she’s not going to submit easily. I could be wrong about that though, because authors always twist characters to make them go against their own displayed traits.

The drugging is despicable and I’m not impressed. Two stars off just for that. It’s nauseating.

I’ll read the last one but only because I need to know if Fallon gets her man. Or at least some indication that her book is coming.

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’M LOVING THIS SERIES!!!

HOW COULD SHE??? HOW COULD SHE END BOOK TWO LIKE THIS??? Heather sure does know how to get you completely addicted to a story!! Thank goodness I order book 3 yesterday and it should arrive in a couple days. BUT WITH THAT ENDING….I NEED IT NOW!!!

I FREAKING LOVE these characters!! Ranger, Aspen, Fallen, Ivan, Clara, Jesse (I think) and I miss Opal - I hope we get her again in book 3. We see more about Ranger and his sister, Fallen’s background. They had a hard life, which has made them strong. Like Aspen they came from humble backgrounds, they had each other and Aspen had her Papa.

This Mating games is FREAKING BRUTAL and people and shifters both are not afraid to do very despicable things to win. I need book 3!!!! Highly recommend this series!!! Carson writes wonderful dystopian, and now her paranormal stories are just as AWESOME!!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hateed the ending! Now I'm left waiting in complete anticipation.

OMG.
Drama drama drama. First off it was not a trope. It was a completely different kind of paranormal romance. You didn't know what was coming next. I love that. I mean you knew something was going to happen. There was always a calamity, but you didn't know what the reaction was going to be of the characters. There was not a dull character.
The storyline is full of suspense; it has some thriller aspects, some comedy, lots of sass, build up of sexual tension and a lot of angst. Plus, this book gives you plenty to look forward to; You want to read more of each character's own story.
On to the next in the series.

[Orianna Blesi · Rating 1 out of 5]

aspen is a doormat

The first book was just enough to get me to read this one, but the few things I liked about Aspen seemed to disintegrate from her personality. She became a total doormat and just let Ranger take over her whole life. She ended up almost skating right over the stuff he was keeping from her, and imo she should have been a lot madder for a lot longer. I stopped reading when they finally went on their date. The smexy scene was…not smexy lol.

The side characters bothered me too. Fallon is a bit of a b!tch, she would’ve been so pissed if the shoe was on the other foot, but just expected Aspen to be totally cool with everything.

All in all, not my cup of tea.

[Kinsey B · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette TV shows, fated mates, wolf shifter books with pack drama...You need to read this one!

Aspen and Ranger continue on the televised wolf shifter contest for their unique purposes. We learn more about Ranger and his background in this book. Aspen continues to increase in her dominance and is a bit rebellious, but she's held back from her full potential by her pack. The spice increases and the book promises to have even more in the final book. The Happily Ever After is clearly end goal which is refreshing, despite being predictable

Great trilogy for beginner fantasy readers and is a good palate cleanser between more heavy books. Read this one if you are looking for something fun and easy to read.

[MyStephBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! These stories are seriously addictive—and absolutely hilarious. I haven’t laughed this much while reading in a long time. The whole book was pure entertainment, and that cliffhanger? I was shocked. Totally did not see it coming.

What I especially loved was finding a shifter romance where the main couple actually took the time to get to know each other before giving in to their attraction. It felt refreshing and real.

The shift in the story when Aspen finally embraced being with Ranger was so sweet, and it didn’t feel rushed at all. The pacing of their romance was spot on and made it that much more enjoyable.

Overall, this book was so much fun, entertaining from start to finish, and I cannot wait to dive into the next one!

[Deja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating!! I couldn’t put it down!!

I finished the first and second book within 2 days! I love that the author didn’t rush the book nor did she drag on the romance. Aspen is smart and knows how to adapt to situations well, but even when you would expect for her to drag out her “anger” or “frustration” with Ranger she doesn’t!! I was so shocked at how level headed and smart the main female AND male leads are in this book. I love a good strong Alpha that makes all the other men practically “bow down”..yummy!! big daddy energy! 10/10 will recommend!

[Sarah D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing wrong with this book is how often Aspen’s broken phone charger is mentioned. They cost $5. Go to the resort gift shop and get a new one. Ask other contestants if they have an extra. Tell Ranger or your stylist you need one.

This is a problem with several obvious solutions, but Aspen is somehow too stupid to figure it out.

I was forced to deduct IQ points from Aspen every time the phone charger was mentioned, and since several plot points rely on Aspen being stupid, she started to tread dangerously close to TSTL territory in this book.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

hot and hilarious, two of my favorite things

I had read reviews that loved the banter esp between the FMC and her inner wolf and I totally agree that part is amazing. Heather K Carson, you had me at this sort of internal dialogue: “I was going to choke to death on dick. […] I was going to suck this cock if it was the last thing I ever did.” Did not expect to be pulling out MLA format for this review but there it is. This book is funny and sexy and interesting and I couldn’t put it down.