Nolan Shepard is no stranger to rejection. His fated mate shunned him without remorse. His long-time girlfriend left him to pursue her dreams. The once optimistic gamma is now alone, jaded, and constantly blaming himself for his failed relationships.
So when Cassandra arrives in Crescent Lake to help his alpha and luna, Nolan can’t stand her happy-go-lucky attitude, her endless smiles, or the intense emotions she elicits in him whenever they’re together. Which is all the time. He tells himself he wants nothing to do with her and pushes her away at every turn, knowing it would end in disaster if he gives in.
As time passes, he finds it harder to resist Cassandra and harder to ignore his growing feelings for her. She’s an effervescent ray of sunshine, but the question still remains--does he deserve a second chance at love?
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The Crescent Lake Series is a collection of werewolf shifter romance novels. These books contain mature content (steamy scenes!) and themes that may not be suitable for younger readers. If frequent use of profanity and f-words offend, then these books may not be for you.
While this book ends with a HEA for the two main characters and no major cliffhangers, there may be some overarching storylines that may not be resolved at the conclusion of this book because they run throughout the series. While this book can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read book one (The Alpha's Pen Pal) and book two (The Beta's Blind Date) for context before starting in on this one.
AMMMMMAZING BOOK. But Nolan has been and is my favorite of the wolfkateers (to quote Maya in Pen Pal). So I knew I was going to love this one. I love how you see how the heartbreak and pain that was done to Nolan has made him into the structured methodical man he is. And then to compare it with Cassandra who is his opposite, makes it for a very good read. Grateful to Sebastian’s meddling though because Nolan had to break 😂. I loved seeing Nolan change due to the love Cassandra gave him and how he supported her no matter what (and truly he did no questions asked), which is what she needed. I love how the other characters are very much included from previous books so you are truly seeing the full picture of Crescent Lake and the pack. Although I would like see more Cav. In fact can there just be a whole book on Cav and his tutu 😉?? Looking forward to the next two books and the stories and mates they bring! I know I will love them.
Basically read the whole series starting with Pen Pal, Allie does an amazing job on creating the world of Crescent Lake and it makes the reader wish they lived their too (I mean with the options of men, who wouldn’t 😏😉😂). I highly recommend this book and series, and basically anything that Allie writes in the future!
This book is INCREDIBLE! The writing sucks you in and keeps you engaged.
Nolan has been through some sh!t. He’s been hurt by women. And now holds on to that pain in ways that manifest as anxiety and OCD. Set training schedule, running schedule, home decor. Etc etc.
Cassandra has been raised on Oracle island. She gets sent to Crescent Lake to help the Alpha and Luna and doesn’t have any other choice but to stay with Nolan.
With his routine in jeopardy Nolan has to either change or push away the bright Daisy who’s blown into his life.
I loved this book! I love this author. I love this series. I don’t even know what else to say! This story is book 3 in the Crescent Lake series. It’s the first one that isn’t so much of a slow burn and let me just say I was LIVING! I have no issues with a good slow burn which is exactly what the other two books are. Great slow burns. But I love a great hit it and keep hittin it moment. I love a this is my person and I’ll do whatever I need to do to keep them.
In the shifterverse, fated mates are used to explain love at first sight. But, what happens when your fated mate deserts you for a match with a higher status partner? After being dumped by his fated mate, Nolan has given up on love and settled into a life of stoicism and routine. His life is overshadowed by sadness, guilt and self hatred because of his experience. Nolan's life is disrupted when Cassandra moves to California to help Haven, the pack Luna. Because Nolan, as Gamma, is responsible for protecting the Luna, he and Cassandra will need to work closely together. (There's also some forced proximity. Due to a housing shortage, Nolan and Cassandra become roommates.) Cassandra is the sunshine to Nolan's grump. She shows him that he's resilient, not broken. Nolan sees beneath her constant cheer and realizes that it's Cassandra's way to cope with a past trauma and to stay grounded in the present.
This is a heartwarming story of a broken man who learns to choose life and love.
The book touches on the grief of infertility.
While this can be read as a standalone, there's a lot of context from previous books. It's better to read the series in order.
I think this may be the first shifter romance I have read where the mate bond isn’t honored. There is rejection by a mate, but a HEA is still to be found, which I loved for our MMC. My heartstrings were tugged on by this story and by the end I knew I would have to go back and read the first two stories in this series. I didn’t feel lost once, so safe to say it’s ok to read as a standalone, but you do have characters from past books show up.
Nolan is Crescent Lake Pack’s Gamma and had been rejected by his mate in the past. This brought on behaviors that showed the pain and grieving a wolf goes through when rejected. His need for method and order are understandable. His grumpiness is also something I can understand. When he meets someone who makes him feel again, he hesitates to give his all, but just can’t stop himself for falling for Cassandra.
Cassandra, the complete opposite of Nolan. She is the sunshine to his grumpy and exactly what he needs in his life. She comes to the pack to help the Alpha and Luna and as circumstance would have it she has to stay with Nolan. Is there a bit of meddling from the pack members, absolutely, but I was here for it! Through getting to know each other and opening up, she is able to show Nolan he isn’t broken, but strong and resilient. She is also dealing with trauma, as Nolan discovers her sunny disposition is a defense mechanism. But he is just as accepting of her as she is of him.
Allie creates a beautiful, vibrant world within these pages. Her ability to make the characters relatable is amazing. I broke for Nolan, felt for Cassandra, and wanted them to get the HEA they both so deserved. As I mentioned before, the original mate bond isn’t honored, but second chances lie in wait for both of them. Second chances that the moon goddess herself has blessed.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
I was absolutely thrilled to dive into Nolan’s story after meeting him in The Alpha's Pen Pal! There’s just something about grumpy characters that tugs at my heartstrings, and I couldn’t wait to learn more about him.
Enter Cassandra—a total ray of sunshine! With her endless smiles and bubbly personality, she lights up every room. But don’t be fooled; she’s got a sassy streak that’s just perfect for pushing Nolan’s buttons. While everyone else tends to keep their distance from the grumpy Gamma, Cassandra isn’t one to back down. Their forced living arrangement—she’s staying at his apartment to keep an eye on Luna Haven’s aura—sets the stage for some truly delightful banter.
As they navigate their new circumstances, both characters peel back the layers they’ve built around themselves. Beneath Nolan's gruff exterior and Cassandra's vibrant facade, they discover wounds that need healing. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, realizing they are deserving of love and connection. In a world where destined soulmates are everything, it’s heartwarming to see Cassandra and Nolan choose each other, forging a bond that’s uniquely their own.
I can't wait to see what other enchanting stories Crescent Lake has in store! My favorite couple, Cassandra and Nolan, stole my heart with their journey, and I'm excited to dive into Sebastian and Maddy's story next!
I absolutely loved every second of this book. Cassandra and Nolan are the definition of grumpy/sunshine, with Nolan being the serious grumpy Gamma that takes everything too seriously, and Cassandra, being a ray of sunshine with always a smile on her face.
I love the immediate connection that Cassandra and Nolan had towards each other, without a mate bond, and the way the tension between them kept building until it just had to explode. Also, the way that Cassandra just kept pushing all of Nolan's buttons to get a reaction out of him was absolutely hilarious.
The story also touched some very deep and emotional topics that will most likely have your heart breaking. There was also a lot of healing done in this story like the way that both Nolan and Cassandra learned to accept that they were worthy of someone else's love, and that they were enough just as they are.
Quote: “I choose you because you also chose me. You embrace me as I am, accepting all the broken pieces of my soul. Bond or not, you are my mate, the other, better, half of my soul.”
The Gamma's Second Chance is book three in the Crescent Lake Series.
Nolan was a super grump from the get go. But we do get to see why he is this way. He has had a lot of rejection form people in his life which has left a lasting scar on his heart. He really needed a lot of time and patience in order to overcome these feelings of inadequacy. Cassandra was a little spitfire. However, while she had a sassy personality, she really wasn't the happiest person. She had a lot of expectations on her shoulders and she didn't want to let anyone down. She really tried to make everyone around her happy and kind of put her own feelings aside.
I was glad to see Nolan become more than just the Gamma of the pack. He seemed to build his own identity which was separate from his duties to the pack. He really became a happier person with his interactions with Cassandra. He sees her pain and becomes very protective towards her. I really liked watching their relationship unfold.
This was another great addition to the series and so far my ultimate favourite!
I really loved this book it was the perfect follow on from book 2 however this one was focused on the gamma Nolan. it showed all his hardships during his love life and explained in detail why he never wanted a second chance mate. however the moon goddess has her ways and Nolan soon finds himself in a situation where he is falling for someone else can he risk his heart again and put everything on the line for happiness or will his past hold him back? will this lycan worm her way in to his heart as a second chance or will Nolan push her away? all this gets answered in this book and more, I love how dedicated to his gamma jobs Nolan is and the book also explains why he is more dedicated than most gammas. this book is very smutty and an enjoyable read so ladies grab your wine or beverage of choice and fall into the crescent lake pack again you will not regret it. I literally could not put the book down and literally lost sleep reading this book as i was always thinking just one more chapter before bed.
We knew what happened to Nolan all those years ago, but to finally see it play out really helped me to understand his character more, including what happened to Rachel.
I loved seeing that Nolan’s Cassandra was the same from Selene’s temple island in the first book. Not only did we get to learn more about her, but about the Oracles too. I’m glad that she not only gained a pack, but family too. After everything she has been through, she deserves it. She deserves so much more after what her sperm donor did to her, but I know Nolan will be there for the rest of their lives.
Same with book two, I also enjoyed learning more of the side characters. It was fun to see Nolan’s parents again, especially his mom, as she is a delightful woman. The reappearance of Alpha Ben made me smile because he and his siblings deserved happiness after the terror that was their father. I do hope he finds his mate and Luna soon. I know who I’d love to see, but we shall see what happens.
This book is the third in the Cresent Lake Series by our lovely Allie Carstens. She has the talent to hook you up with her story's, so you can't put it down. The first two books were slow burn story's but this gets fast heated and loved every second of it.
Nolan is the grumpy gamma in Cresent Lake, who's past - as we discover - is full of the pain of rejection of his mate and the consequences of it - OCD and routine anxiety. He meets the sassy sunshine, Cassandra, who's there to help Luna Haven. And because of the circumstances she has to live in Nolans house. The back and forth between the two of them and how their relationship unfolds is fun to read. Our grumpy gamma sees the real Cassandra, her pain not just the little spitfire who's smile never falters, and he protects her. They choose each other to have a chance at happiness and in the end the moon goodness blesses them with a real mate bond. ❤️
Can't wait for the next one 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Two wonderful and broken people given a second chance at love
Nolan was Haven’s gamma and protector who took his job seriously. Rejected by his fated mate at the Mating Ball and being a friend to Rachel who lost her mate was dealing with all the dejection in his life. Cassandra was the acolytes sent to help Haven. When Cassandra came to Crescent Lakes, there were no extra rooms in the pack house so Nolan was the only one who had a spare room. Cassandra personality was happy and always smiling but to Nolan no one can be that happy. But Seb knew that he had some feelings so he basically forced Nolan hand to claim Cassandra. Beautiful love story for a chance at happiness but they had to choose each other rather than feeling the mate bond. Loved the series so far and can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book if you like reading about paranormals.
This is the 3rd book in the Crescent Lake series and I have loved every last one of them. But this one though was different and felt special. Nolan who is just a lovable grump was challenged from the beginning from this ball of sunshine Cassandra. She is a spitfire in her own way by challenging the Gamma any chance she could. Cassandra is not one to back down and when she has her mind set on something she perseveres. You see that not only with Nolan but with her job too to help out Luna Haven. However, what Nolan soon finds out is this ray of sunshine had her own struggles that are not always brought to the surface as Nolan’s is. Both of these characters have to heal in their own way and how they grow and are there for each other is absolutely beautiful.
I loved this book so much. To me, it was the best out of all 3 that we've gotten so far. I loved the storyline, and it was easy to follow. There weren't a ton of people to keep track of. The book really was just about the two characters finding love again. I liked the plot twist in the end. I do wish we could've had more of a story there. Just like in the first two books, however, the love scenes happen too much. It's like it's a space filler in these books. I get that they are super attracted to each other, but there's no need for it to take over so much of the book. I would still recommend this book, though. I lo e the world that's being created and can't wait to hear the others' stories
Honestly, this was my least favorite book of the series (smut over plot) but I’m glad I read it because it provided context that I missed by reading the fourth book, The Delta’s Rogue, first. After reading this one I have a feeling that a spin off series involving Alpha Ben and Amber Forest is in the works *fingers crossed*.
Felt like Nolan and Cassandra were very insta-hate and then insta-lust but not much romance. The suspense kept me interested (Kimberly and Alpha Prescott would be a perfect match made in Hell) but overall the pacing of the book kept bumped me out. There were entire chapters that literally added nothing to the story. In contrast Delta’s Rogue kept my attention from the opening pages.
CW: infertility
True rating: 2.25 can-we-be-done-yet stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Gamma’s Second Chance is the third book in the Crescent Lake series. This was a story about devastation, loss, and finding those wildflowers in life. The book didn’t have as much external conflict as the previous two but was instead filled with relationship angst. The author does an extraordinary job with imagery, setting and character development. Even the side characters make you laugh- like a pet wolf hybrid in a tutu. Nolan and Cassandra’s grumpy/sunshine trope is endearing. The sass, humor and spice are all totally there. I laughed, I cried- I did not throw my kindle but I did seriously route for their HEA. I can’t wait for the rest in the series, highly recommend!
I can’t even begin to describe this book. I loved every second of it. Nolan and Cassandra are perfect for each other the grumpy/ sunshine balances them out. I love how Nolan tried to fight his feelings for her knowing they he couldn’t fight them that he was drawn to her sunshine which is what is grumpy self needed. It moved me that he accepted her and was ok with her not being able to have children. It shows that not all relationships are not the main focus of having children but loving each other and being happy with one another is important. I 10000x RECOMMEND this book and Pen Pal (1st book) and The Betas blind date (2nd book). Can’t wait for book 4 :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"If I'm resilient then you're invincible." An amazing third book in the Crescent Lake series, this time starring our loveable grump Gamma and his new sunshiney roommate. Nolan has experienced loss after loss in the relationship department and then Cassandra shows up and his world is completely thrown off routine. Her smiles and bright attitude irritate him to no end, and eventually begin to crack his grumpy shell. Cassandra faces the struggles of loving herself and accepting that another could love her with what she considers flaws in herself. If you love a grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, werewolf small town romance, and love against the odds then you'll absolutely devour this book 💛
I absolutely loved this book. Who doesn’t love a second chance at happiness, especially when the character deserves it and was intentionally hurt to start. Nolan is grumpy and Cassandra is pure sunshine, I absolutely love how they worked through their trials and got their happy ending. It’s spicy, with sass and angst and you will absolutely love these two awesome characters. Awesome job to Allie for bringing these characters to life and giving you all the feels, I love this series and all it brings to bits.
This was an excellent story about a Gamma who tried to hide his hurt and pain from the world and the beautiful acolyte who came into his life and turned it upside down. This story follows the Gamma of Crescent Lake and his journey towards love. It is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading books 1 & 2 since the characters from the books cross into this one, but it is not necessary. This book has excitement, a crazy crazy female named Kimberly, attempted murder and a deity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Unique love story with twists, turns, and spice!! This continuation of the Crescent Lake series did not disappoint and is my favorite so far! While reading the first two books is not necessary to appreciate the beauty of Nolan and Cassandra’s story, it will definitely enhance the depth of the other characters and references. The anticipation and suspense throughout the book were unexpected but I loved the plot twists and how it all worked out. Such a well written book and has me begging for Sebastian’s story!
Cassandra and Nolan's book was probably my least favorite of the series so far but I think that is because I relate to these characters the least. Nolan gets a second chance at love after being rejected by his fated mate (which was heart breaking to read btw) and Allie did such a good job with the Grumpy/Sunshine trope that if that's your vibe, this is definitely a spicy story for you.
Fated Mates/ Chosen Mates, Grumpy MMC, Sunshine FMC, found family
Read the whole series to best enjoy the continuity and the nuggets of story continuation.
OMG, This is so good that I couldn’t put it down! A great addition to the Crescent Lake series, author!
Grumpy/sunshine romances are often interesting and this one delivers. It was also fun seeing scenes that overlap with events in past books in the series.
Even without reading The Alpha’s Pen Pal and Beta’s Blind Date you can still enjoy Nolan and Cassandra’s story but if you have the chance, go back and read them as it will give you a better appreciation of this one.
Maybe my favorite grumpy/sunshine book to date. Nolan's insistance that Cassandra smiles too much, his sharp glares whenever she enters a room, and his snappy remarks all make Cassandra want to push his walls down.
Cassandra's rearranging his living space, adding flowers to the rooms, and doing the same to Nolan's heart.
It's got: Found Family Grumpy x Sunshine Touch her and ☠️ Shifter Romance
I loved getting to read more about Nolan. It was refreshing to see how he became who he was. He’s been through so much heartbreak and he has trouble letting people in. Enter Cassandra! Her constant cheer drives Nolan crazy, and it doesn’t help that he got his heart broken again right before she becomes his roommate. Needless to say, he tries to make her life miserable. It clearly doesn’t work and love wins in the end. Can’t wait for book 4!
This book was really good the twists and turns had me laughing and some crying in pleased the Gamma got his second chance after all the bad thing that happened in his past. The only down side is I still don't know if wes brother get his mate as all his friends and brother did why is there not a 4th book to tell his story in the collection of the books I brought?
I had read one or two other Supernatural type books and when I came across the Alpha's pen pal. I couldn't put it down! I only recently noticed that there was a second book (Beta's Blind Date), then a third one (The Gamma's Second Chance <3), and soon to be a fourth one (The Delta's Rogue) and so on. I have loved every minute of the books I've read so far! Thank you so much for your creative imagination & writing Allie!!
An amazing 3rd story in the series, Nolan and Cassandra are a great example of a grumpy/sunshine couple. Their story has many ups and downs, and you go through many emotions while reading. I love the character development of both main characters and all the challenges they had to go through to get to their HEA. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series!
Allie has done it again! This is a great grumpy sunshine troupe book and I love how the main female character still has her own personality and owns so much of the story! Great blend and story transitions and just enough info from previous books to be enjoyed as a series or alone.
There is a great blend of POVs that add to the story and good pacing!
This is a MUST read series for fantasy fans. Allie does for Shifters what L K Hamilton did for The Fae. And she's of the same caliber and quality. I hope she reads fan mail, because her writing and this series helped fix a broken part of me I didn't believe could ever be healed. And I want to thank her personally for it.
Allie has done it again!!! A fantastic book with HEA storyline. The mentions of previous characters and foreshadowing of future HEA's are just one of the many reasons you should pick up all of her books 😍