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Fated Mates #1

Taming Kane

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When a desperate woman escapes a dangerous situation and seeks refuge in Wintermoon, she finds herself irrevocably bonded to a possessive wolf shifter in this fated mates, forced proximity romance.
KaneA thousand years of loneliness has ended. The curse on supernaturals is lifted, and we can finally meet our fated mates. I’ve waited patiently, but after ten years, I’m losing hope.

Then, during a winter storm, a car trespasses onto supernatural territory, and crashes, I catch her scent. Fate has finally answered my prayers—my mate is here. She’s beautiful, courageous, and strong-willed. But she’s also running from something and won’t tell me why.

Someone wants to take her from me. They don’t know they’re dealing with an untamed wolf who’s waited a thousand years for my mate. I’ll shred them to pieces if they try.TamiAfter a long day at work, my life turns upside down when Julian, my roommate's sketchy boyfriend, decides I’d be perfect to give him children. In a time when women’s rights are vanishing, even the police won’t help. Desperate, I flee to Wintermoon, a supernatural community in Upper Michigan.

In the midst of a winter storm, I lose control of my car and nearly die. But a shifter named Kane rescues me. He claims I'm his mate, destined to be with him forever. I’ve just escaped one man who wanted to control me, only to find myself drawn to another. Despite my fears, I feel a magnetic pull to Kane that I can’t shake.

Julian is still hunting me, but Kane and his untamed wolf will do anything to protect me, even if it means destroying anyone who tries to take me away. This book explores dark themes. Please refer to the content warnings at the beginning.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2024

1782 people are currently reading
1675 people want to read

About the author

Tessa Stone

18 books294 followers
Hello, readers! I rarely visit this space, but if you’d like to connect, you can find me on my blog or social media, where I’m most active. Thank you for your support, and happy reading!

Socials: Facebook, TikTok, Instagram: @authortessastone

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5 stars
2,037 (46%)
4 stars
1,303 (29%)
3 stars
778 (17%)
2 stars
208 (4%)
1 star
93 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
Profile Image for Tay :).
2 reviews
October 11, 2024
Very 2014 Wattpad.
Take a drink every time he says the words “breed her” :(
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,853 reviews
September 3, 2024
💗💗

Taming Kane was really good and an easy read. I really liked that the author explained the pack and the way life worked for them before and after getting with their mate. Kane was so possessive and clingy towards Tami but it was so stinking cute. I thought providing awareness on sex trafficking was a good touch. This would be a good starting place for someone looking to read paranormal and shifter books. Great debut. 💗
Profile Image for Ainam's Archive.
3 reviews
October 25, 2024
Despite being highly recommended by friends who described it as a spicy, fun read with a devoted and possessive male main character, I found myself unable to finish "Taming Kane." My friends claimed to have devoured the book in just a couple of days, but I regrettably had to dnf at around 20% due to numerous issues.

The chapters I managed to read were, in my opinion, poorly written, repetitive, and lacking in substance. From the very beginning, I found myself uninterested and unengaged.

Prologue and World-building

The prologue, which introduced the concept of multiple entities serving under a deity who cursed them for a coven's betrayal, was poorly executed. While the idea is interesting in theory, it left many questions either unanswered or unclear. Moreover, the curse, which seemed to be a central plot point, was resolved by chapter 2, making it feel irrelevant to the overall story.

I would have preferred to see how the curse was brought on, how it affected the characters, and how it was ultimately resolved. Instead, it was mentioned and then immediately resolved without any meaningful impact on the plot or character development.

Pacing and Inconsistencies

The pacing of the story was problematic, with events unfolding too quickly or too slowly without proper balance. There were also notable inconsistencies - an example being the relationship between Tiffany and the fmc, Tami.

Initially described as “best friends” who were slowly drifting apart, by chapter 3, their friendship is portrayed as absolutely horrible. Tiffany is suddenly characterized as a drug-addicted groupie who is promiscuous and at risk of being forced into a sex trafficking ring. This abrupt shift in character dynamics felt jarring and poorly explained.

Plot and Character Motivations

The introduction of Julian, Tiffany's supposed boyfriend and the ringleader of the trafficking operation, further muddied the waters. His interest in Tami as a potential mother for his children was sudden and juxtaposed with his willingness to include her in the trafficking ring at his friends' suggestion, felt contrived and poorly thought out.

Conclusion

Overall, "Taming Kane" suffers from cringe-worthy moments, poor pacing, and a sense that plot elements are either haphazardly introduced to move the story along or poorly explained from the outset. Despite its potential, the execution falls short, making it a disappointing read that I could not bring myself to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Khloe Mykailah Ashley.
23 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2024
Y’all played in my face with these reviews. I love a good smut book, but this lacked depth, I honestly skipped through the ending. If you have a breeding kink, this book is for you. Fated Mates had so much potential.. the cover really lead me astray. I’m about to go into a reading slump after this read. I have so much more to say, but this book is so short that I would “spoil” it for you.
Profile Image for Romantasy Ruined Me  Cherice.
120 reviews81 followers
September 5, 2025
First off, can we talk about the cover? Gorgeous 😍. This book has been sitting on my TBR for a while, and I finally picked it up because I wanted something quick and that’s exactly what it was a quick snack read.

The story is about Tammy being fated to Kane. While I enjoyed the concept, it leaned heavily on insta-love, and I personally prefer a little more drama and slow-burn tension. I didn’t really get the big “alpha daddy” energy I was hoping for either. The connection between them is sweet, but it felt a little too easy, with not much worldbuilding to deepen it.

That said, it was entertaining in its own way. I actually listened on Audible while washing dishes and cooking, and it kept me company light, fast, and easy to follow. Nothing groundbreaking, but not disappointing either.

💌 Verdict: I wasn’t left ruined just entertained. Honestly, this story needed so much more depth. As it is, it felt like nothing really stuck with me. Overall, an average, basic read that passes the time but doesn’t leave a mark.
Profile Image for Nicole.
298 reviews
October 12, 2024
2.5⭐️

As cute as this book seemed it put me in a slight reading slump. The concept was intriguing but I’m not sure on the execution. Fate finally put Tami in Kane’s life after waiting one thousand plus years for a mate and he was ready to love and be devoted to her, which throughout the book you definitely saw that.

It was nice to see that Kane’s love for Tami and their pack was unwavering but for at times it felt like too much. I love me a bit of smut especially when you feel flutters because you connect with the characters but I didn’t feel that with these two. It was rather very repetitive and predictable.

There was nothing to put you on edge or have you guessing what’s next. So if a lighthearted, paranormal romance is your thing you’ll like this. The side characters were a good addition but overall it was still lacking for me in the oomph department.
Profile Image for D'Asia.
127 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️[+1 ⭐️ Indie Author] I liked it but it definitely read like I was back in 7th grade on wattpad. It did leave me entertained but personally I don’t like when aspects of the story has to be explained with dialogue instead of action or interpretation. A lot of details could’ve been left for interpretation. I think the series might get better as it goes on but I’m not super interested. I would recommend to other girlies who like occult romances!
Profile Image for amarachireads.
840 reviews154 followers
May 8, 2025
This was a fun shifter and mate paranormal romance and I enjoyed it a lot. I was invested in the plot, romance and I loved how action packed it was especially in the beginning. Though the book wasn’t that long we have a decent works building and we instantly see the different sections of the paranormal world with the human fmc, shifter mmc and the bad guys, the romance was cute, diverse, instant steamy and I can’t wait to read more in the series.
Profile Image for Brittni.
145 reviews25 followers
September 8, 2025
I like black romantasy stories. I haven't read many, so sometimes I end up changing the characters' ethnicity or other features to match mine in my mind while I read. I didn't have to do much of that this time (Tammy mentions edge control and how Kane sweats her hair out 😆)

This story was short and sweet, cute and spicy. I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
608 reviews185 followers
October 17, 2024
It pains me to say this but I detested this book.... me, a self identified paranormal addict, disliked the book attached to this stunning cover. How?!?! Let me count the ways.

1. This is the book definition of "keep her barefoot, pregnant and dependent" - I don't like that. The heavy emphasis of breeding Tami and keeping her locked in the house went against everything I hold dear.
2. The writing was very tell rather than show - I continually wondered if one of Kade's powers was that she could read Kade's mind. Because there is no reason he would think something in one sentence and then immediately after she would acknowledge/say it out loud.. it felt like Tessa was playing on my intelligence.
3. Everyone was just weird - Gabriel's antics with Tami, Angie coming out the bag on Tami and then Tami forgiving her... etc. All just strange!

However the glariging positive attribute of this was the social commentary around radicals, women reproductive rights and their status in America as being devalued. All real and relevant points.
Profile Image for Weekend Reader_.
1,085 reviews95 followers
October 14, 2024
🐺

If you like breeding kink Kane spends a good portion of the booking thinking about, expressing and finally putting a baby in Tami. This would have been even more interesting if we learned more about the Great War and Fate but that was kinda thrown in for context rather building a rich world with supernaturals. 🤷🏾‍♀️

CN: sex trafficking, rufing, sexual assault (sex under the influence and threat of assault, kidnapping, car accident, gun and knife violence, foster care
Profile Image for ariyanna.
189 reviews95 followers
February 25, 2025
2.75⭐️ a little too insta-lovey for me, not enough tension which is a NEED for paranormal romance. there's a 6 week time jump then boom they're having sex. maybe the next book will hit? this wasn't terrible, but I can't wholeheartedly give it a 3
238 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2024
Details revealed after first two paragraphs, read further if you don’t mind that.
I nearly did not continue with this book after reading the first chapter, the prologue, there is something offputting, it reads whiny. I did continue, pushed past the continued whiny about finding his mate. The repetitiveness is what lent to the feeling of being whiny. Then I had issue with the portrayal of the police when Tami went in to report possible sexual assault, how the desk officer blew her off, and then a detective comes along, and says you might as well not even bother, because they don’t care? It is the detectives that investigate the cases, and they can make the officer take a report. But this one says “ “You can always find a way to get a gun and handle it yourself. There’s too much going on in the city for us to help you. We have bigger fish to fry with all these supernaturals popping up.” What? He puts her in her car and says good luck? Now I had to take a break from the book.
When I do come back to it, I find myself doing a lot of skimming. Characters are too one dimensional. There’s a lack of relationship building and world building. There is one scene where Kane marks her, and it is described that he drinks her blood until he’s satisfied? He’s not a vampire. Why is he doing all this drinking of her blood? It made no sense. Same for Tami. Some swallowed, but I got vampire not wolf mark and claim.
Having things occur for the sake of drama, only makes a story less credible. There was zero reason for Kane to leave Tami alone in the cabin, he was not needed that urgently. Instead of next morning, her going to the village right then and Kane then leaving is 100% more credible. Or after the next morning. Total set up for things to get occur that is so cringe cliche. Convenience writing is terrible and unimaginative writing. The cliche plot was terrible, seen super in advance. Plot with Julian doesn’t make sense that he’s pursuing Tami. At. All. What happened in the beginning was fine, to still be an issue was not believable. Why would he need to be tracking her, why would he put a tracking device on her? And it’s a listening device as well? She was right in the same apartment. He had ready access available to him and it made NO sense that he hadn’t had her then. And this whole use of dead shifter blood to mask humans? No. How is that being used and not negatively affect a human? We can’t have different blood types with the exception of one universal one. More believable if it was some type of scent cream or spray.
If Kane isn’t patrolling the border then another would be and he wouldn’t be patrolling it alone anyway so where are the others previously indicted? Kane taking so long doesn’t make sense. And Kade was suppose to be transporting in to check on Tami multiple times, yet doesn’t? Kane can’t jump in the lake because the water’s too cold, but it was already established such cold doesn’t affect shifters, but now it does?
Epilogue, Tami wants to take a break from having children, Kane tells her birth control does not work on supernaturals. Okay, but Tami is not a supernatural, she is human, if no egg is available, no pregnancy.
I am only wanting to read the next book because I want to see about Gabriel. Hope it is better, because if it is not, I will not be continuing in this series.
Profile Image for brittany:).
229 reviews88 followers
November 5, 2024
"I need this woman like I need air to breathe. I want to do my duty, to provide and protect, but most of all, to love."

I picked up *Taming Kane* purely because the covers are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen! Once I realized it was a dark paranormal romance, I knew I was in for a treat. I loved the fated mates theme—who wouldn’t want a man who’s waited a thousand years for her? *Swoon!*
I also appreciated how the radicals were portrayed; it felt reminiscent of current events, which added an interesting layer to the story. I’m thoroughly invested in Wintermoon and excited to keep exploring all the different shifters in this universe!
Profile Image for Alicia J..
Author 11 books37 followers
February 18, 2025
If you like Twilight, I think you will like this series. Think a Black Bella, but she chooses Jacob instead. I am in love with this world. Women are fated to shifters and the only job a woman needs to do is be catered by her man, and I am here for it. I love the romance aspect of this book because it’s not a slow burn. Because it isn’t, some moments is like, wait a minute, you agreed too quickly, but I love this series so far. I’m excited to read more about the lion shifters and dragon shifters. I’m not sure which shifter is my favorite yet.
Profile Image for BlackBookVibes.
194 reviews12 followers
September 24, 2024
Can I get a Shifter!

Kane waited a thousand years to meet his fated mate and once he found Tami, that was a wrap! These shifters were so domesticated, they cooked, cleaned, bathed!! I'm ready for the next installment, Gabe needs his mate!
Profile Image for Serena Fox.
22 reviews
November 5, 2025
Reading this in a book club with Sheena

-1 star because of personal book preferences. I enjoyed it BUT I am more of a slow burn/yearner when it comes to romance. Their romance was cute and written good but it was SO QUICK. At times it didn’t feel like they had a choice and some of the wolf lingo is weird hahahha. This is my first werewolf fantasy so it possible could be normal but not sure

4 stars because it was a cute story. There were some plot twists that gave the story substance. This book also gets 4 because it is a series. I feel like it’s unresolved but it has four more books which I almost forgot. I hope we see old character pop up in later books to keep it connected
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dani Adell.
75 reviews10 followers
November 20, 2024
4.75 stars ⭐️: I truly enjoyed this story!! I loved the plot and the characters. The writing was beautiful and easy to follow. And there was lots of spice 🌶️!

I was going to give it a 5 ⭐️ , but I knocked off .25 points because of the build up. I really wanted to see the FMC put up more of a fight against Kane when they first met. I guess I wanted a bit more forced proximity play. But all in all, it was a great read! I highly recommend. ♥️🐺
Profile Image for Sybrenna.
228 reviews204 followers
March 3, 2025
3.5⭐️ this was a fun, easy, bingeable, read! I really loved the relationship between Kane and Tami, and I loved how i was easily able to just jump in and be immersed in the story. However, i do feel like i was wanting a little more. A little more romance, more of the plot, more world building, especially because I feel like majority of the book happened in one spot. I loooove the fated mate trope and this one was good, I just wanted a little more connection between the main characters as i feel like it was somewhat surface level at times. BUT, I think that some of the things that was said to the fmc was really cuteeee! Here are some of my favorite highlights:

“The best place for you to be is with me,”

“You’ll never be alone again, Tami. That, I promise you.”

“I've waited centuries to be with you, Tami,” Kane says. “I'll remember this moment for the rest of my life, and not a day will go by where I don’t worship you for it. You mean everything to me—my world.”

I'll spend the rest of my days making sure Fate’s choices were not made in vain. I’ll cherish this love, this happiness forever, with Tami. The only woman who could tame my wild wolf.
Profile Image for Latazia.
189 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2025
☆☆☆.75
——-
I really enjoyed this shifter/werewolf romance! There was also a romantic suspense aspect that I really liked as well.

Kane was one of the most possessive mmc’s i have read about. That man did not play at all when it came to Tami. I’m glad Tami finally got the happy ending she deserved. Kane literally treats her like a queen and I love that for her.

I also loved the found family vibes i got from this read. The different paranormal beings in Wintermoon stood by each other at all times. I loved how Gabriel was with Tami as well lol.
——
☞ Shifter/Werewolf Romance
☞ Fated Mates
☞ Romantic Suspense
☞ Possesive MMC
☞ Dark Paranormal Romance
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
617 reviews28 followers
August 15, 2024
interesting

This was a wonderful debut! Kane and Tami being fated mates and finding each other by chance was exactly what they both needed. Kane was everything, all he wanted to do was provide food and love. I’m really interested in seeing where the series goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews

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