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Trash Pandas #2
The Fated Mate Bandit
I fell in love with Silver in the third grade. He was my first everything. First best friend, first crush, first kiss. When he chose me out of all the omegas chasing after him, I felt like the luckiest guy in the world.
But fate had other plans.
Just after graduation, I met Daryl. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was my fated mate. I tried to hide my disappointment. My heart still belonged to Silver, even though I was destined for someone else.
I did my very best to be a good mate to Daryl. Even when he hurt me, I forgave him and kept trying to make things work. It wasn’t until I got pregnant that I realized I couldn’t stay any longer.
Showing up on Silver’s doorstep isn’t the world’s best plan. He might turn me away. But I have nowhere else to go.
The Fated Mate Bandit is book two in the Trash Pandas series. It has MPreg, knotting, cute raccoon shifter children, and hurt/comfort. Trigger warning for memories of domestic violence. No on-page altercations.
But fate had other plans.
Just after graduation, I met Daryl. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was my fated mate. I tried to hide my disappointment. My heart still belonged to Silver, even though I was destined for someone else.
I did my very best to be a good mate to Daryl. Even when he hurt me, I forgave him and kept trying to make things work. It wasn’t until I got pregnant that I realized I couldn’t stay any longer.
Showing up on Silver’s doorstep isn’t the world’s best plan. He might turn me away. But I have nowhere else to go.
The Fated Mate Bandit is book two in the Trash Pandas series. It has MPreg, knotting, cute raccoon shifter children, and hurt/comfort. Trigger warning for memories of domestic violence. No on-page altercations.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2025
54 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 8, 2025
loved loved loved it
I really liked both stories, but by far this one was my favorite. I really enjoyed the couple and I thought it was so sweet how they came to be together. It was a little sad that Lucas mate was willing to give him up and their babies for rent money. Lucas only wanted to be loved and treasured and for a long time he didn’t even get respect nor understanding. It was a great story and a great happily ever after. Can’t wait for the third book. I think if I’m not wrong Link is next. I hope the next story after Link is about Coin. I really want him to find his happy ending and find out what he’s hiding.
I really liked both stories, but by far this one was my favorite. I really enjoyed the couple and I thought it was so sweet how they came to be together. It was a little sad that Lucas mate was willing to give him up and their babies for rent money. Lucas only wanted to be loved and treasured and for a long time he didn’t even get respect nor understanding. It was a great story and a great happily ever after. Can’t wait for the third book. I think if I’m not wrong Link is next. I hope the next story after Link is about Coin. I really want him to find his happy ending and find out what he’s hiding.
March 3, 2025
Cute and sweet but unexpectedly underwhelming. I gravitate to Bellows’ stories because I feel like they’re typically packed with powerful and complex yet lovely social statements and I love that about them. While Fated Mate Bandit did explore contrasting family dynamics with Lucas’ family being abusive and unhealthy and Silver’s family being incredibly loving and supportive and happily enfolding Lucas into theirs, the rest of the story seemed to lack the depth and nuance that I’ve come to expect from Bellows. That said, I enjoyed this story and feel like it’s a nice, if somewhat flat, addition to the series.
3 stars.
3 stars.
March 2, 2025
Silver and Lucas are my favorite 🥹
March 2, 2025
Too Fast Paced
I read book one and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I’ve been looking forward to the continuation of the series and especially for Silver and Lucas to get their second chance. But everything happened too quick and with almost no communication.
The two of them went from no contact for five years to basically proposing. It felt weird that there was no conversation about the time apart or zero contact or what Silver’s wishes had been before they were separated. It caused some major ick with the whole thing. I couldn’t read about them pursuing a relationship and basically jumping into bed with one another with zero conversation about anything!
The family is cute and the one nice part of the book was when all the brothers were interacting but the rest just gave me major bad vibes.
Tropes: Mates, Knotting, Alpha/Omega, Second Chance, Found Family, Dual POV, Shifters
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ 2/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
I read book one and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I’ve been looking forward to the continuation of the series and especially for Silver and Lucas to get their second chance. But everything happened too quick and with almost no communication.
The two of them went from no contact for five years to basically proposing. It felt weird that there was no conversation about the time apart or zero contact or what Silver’s wishes had been before they were separated. It caused some major ick with the whole thing. I couldn’t read about them pursuing a relationship and basically jumping into bed with one another with zero conversation about anything!
The family is cute and the one nice part of the book was when all the brothers were interacting but the rest just gave me major bad vibes.
Tropes: Mates, Knotting, Alpha/Omega, Second Chance, Found Family, Dual POV, Shifters
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ 2/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
March 3, 2025
"𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚑𝚘𝚠, 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛. 𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚏 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗."
Despite the fact that Lucas was fleeing from a domestic abuse situation while pregnant and with only the clothes on his back, this book was pretty cute. Silver and Lucas had been in love since they were kids. They fell in love both knowing that as a gray wolf shifter, someday Lucas could meet the wolf out there fated to him. Unfortunately, that day came and without an offer from Silver, Lucas chose to honor fate and leave with his fated mate. If only he knew the hell that awaited him.
Thankfully, none of Lucas' abuse was on page, but we got the general idea of how awful his mate was to him. It took Lucas getting pregnant and fear for his pups for him to finally make the choice to leave. Even though they hadn't had contact for years, Lucas ran to the one person who always made him feel safe, Silver.
The years hadn't lessened Silver's feelings for Lucas. He sort of just learned to live without him. He never believed he'd wake up one night to find Lucas on his porch sporting bruises and pregnant. Silver saw this as his second chance to finally put his paws on the man he always thought was meant for him. It was lucky he was a raccoon shifter, which meant he had the ability to override a mating bite. I thought that was a cool trick on the author's part for getting Lucas out of his mating.
Silver was so freaking kind and doting to Lucas. It was how Lucas should have been treated all along. I loved how Silver's family also just welcomed Lucas right back into the fold like he'd never left. After everything Lucas had been through over the years, he deserved to know he had people in his corner who loved him. It also came out that Silver may not have been the only one pining over Lucas, which makes me hope for this person's book next.
Despite the fact that Lucas was fleeing from a domestic abuse situation while pregnant and with only the clothes on his back, this book was pretty cute. Silver and Lucas had been in love since they were kids. They fell in love both knowing that as a gray wolf shifter, someday Lucas could meet the wolf out there fated to him. Unfortunately, that day came and without an offer from Silver, Lucas chose to honor fate and leave with his fated mate. If only he knew the hell that awaited him.
Thankfully, none of Lucas' abuse was on page, but we got the general idea of how awful his mate was to him. It took Lucas getting pregnant and fear for his pups for him to finally make the choice to leave. Even though they hadn't had contact for years, Lucas ran to the one person who always made him feel safe, Silver.
The years hadn't lessened Silver's feelings for Lucas. He sort of just learned to live without him. He never believed he'd wake up one night to find Lucas on his porch sporting bruises and pregnant. Silver saw this as his second chance to finally put his paws on the man he always thought was meant for him. It was lucky he was a raccoon shifter, which meant he had the ability to override a mating bite. I thought that was a cool trick on the author's part for getting Lucas out of his mating.
Silver was so freaking kind and doting to Lucas. It was how Lucas should have been treated all along. I loved how Silver's family also just welcomed Lucas right back into the fold like he'd never left. After everything Lucas had been through over the years, he deserved to know he had people in his corner who loved him. It also came out that Silver may not have been the only one pining over Lucas, which makes me hope for this person's book next.
March 23, 2025
This was book 2 in the
"Trash Pandas"
series. Silver and Lucas were high school sweethearts they grew up together Lucas was treated like another son by Silvers mothers. When Lucas meets his fated mate Daryl, he is very disappointed. Five years later Lucas show up on Silvers doorstep six months pregnant with a bruise on his face. I really liked how Sliver welcomed him with open arms they have always loved each other. Lucas was beaten down first by his alpha father who abused him and then by his mate who also abused him I liked that Silver gave him options. I really like reading this series, but I wished I had waited until more boxes were out before I started. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 28, 2025
What is this, it feels like half the book somehow got lost, plot makes no sense in the first few chapters. Gave up after that.
May 5, 2025
I absolutely loved book 1 in this series and I fell in love with raccoon shifters and I couldn’t wait for this next book too! There wasn’t as much raccoon cuddling action in this one but it was still cute. Would recommend reading them in order to get all the family background.
This one was a little bit different as the omega is already pregnant at the start of the book by a different alpha but I absolutely loved seeing how Silver and his family accepted and loved Lucas and his baby right from the start. I loved seeing the other side characters from book 1 as well and I do still look forward to more in this series. Fingers crossed we get to see more raccoon cuddles!!!
This one was a little bit different as the omega is already pregnant at the start of the book by a different alpha but I absolutely loved seeing how Silver and his family accepted and loved Lucas and his baby right from the start. I loved seeing the other side characters from book 1 as well and I do still look forward to more in this series. Fingers crossed we get to see more raccoon cuddles!!!
March 3, 2025
What a wonderful Alpha/Omega story! When I read the first book in this series I was hooked! I fell in love with the characters Amy created along with the world she developed. When this book was announced I was so excited that there was going to be more in this series, in the first book I was very curious about Quin's brothers, and in this story we got to see more of them!
While this story is focused on Silver and Lucas becoming reacquainted with each other, it also has really heartwarming scenes between Silver and his brothers, and between Silver's brothers' and Lucas. I found this story to be so sweet and full of love, support, and acceptance. Even though Silver hasn't heard from Lucas in years he immediately took the pregnant man in and took care of him despite the time that had passed. I adore Silver, he's such a sweetheart and you can tell he truly cares about Lucas's wants and well-being.
I'm so excited to see who's story we get next, I'm very curious about all of them but especially Coin... I'm even more curious about him because of what gets discussed in this story, I hope he meets his person.
While this story is focused on Silver and Lucas becoming reacquainted with each other, it also has really heartwarming scenes between Silver and his brothers, and between Silver's brothers' and Lucas. I found this story to be so sweet and full of love, support, and acceptance. Even though Silver hasn't heard from Lucas in years he immediately took the pregnant man in and took care of him despite the time that had passed. I adore Silver, he's such a sweetheart and you can tell he truly cares about Lucas's wants and well-being.
I'm so excited to see who's story we get next, I'm very curious about all of them but especially Coin... I'm even more curious about him because of what gets discussed in this story, I hope he meets his person.
September 1, 2025
August 2025
Kindle edition
I remember really wanting to read this one, but the start was me trying to figure out what happened in the previous book. I'm glad the other alpha went away so easily, hopefully it stays that way. It was mostly sweet continuing where they left off. Sounds like Silver had already hijacked the fate bond at the start. Whether that made Daryl change of if he was just an abusive jerk who knows. But with the father being the same, sounds like a wolf thing. Love the group chat and the closeness of the brothers. Looking forward to Link's story, although can't find it on Amazon, just the pre-order for book 4.
Kindle edition
I remember really wanting to read this one, but the start was me trying to figure out what happened in the previous book. I'm glad the other alpha went away so easily, hopefully it stays that way. It was mostly sweet continuing where they left off. Sounds like Silver had already hijacked the fate bond at the start. Whether that made Daryl change of if he was just an abusive jerk who knows. But with the father being the same, sounds like a wolf thing. Love the group chat and the closeness of the brothers. Looking forward to Link's story, although can't find it on Amazon, just the pre-order for book 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2025
Silver & Lucas have loved one another since their childhood, but fate decided to take them apart. One night, Lucas returns pregnant with another's child, but for Silver, that just means his mate has returned. These two fall back into old times, as well as Silvers crazy litter mates who adore Lucas as one of their own. What could be angsty is a sweet second chance romance where you choose your density and get the ending you have always deserved.
March 7, 2025
I'm loving this series so much I can't even. Silver and Lucas have a very compelling and cute story. I loved it. I'll wait kind of patiently for Link to go next
January 26, 2026
I always gravitate to Amy Bellows’ books when I want comfort and sweet, and this gave me just that.
“Isn’t that the truth? There are no ‘accepted’ children in this family. Just loved ones.”
“Isn’t that the truth? There are no ‘accepted’ children in this family. Just loved ones.”
August 20, 2025
2,5☆
Some inconsistencies with the first book and too fast-paced with no real conversation to my liking
Some inconsistencies with the first book and too fast-paced with no real conversation to my liking
March 4, 2025
This is so freaking cutee!
I love all the sweet bond moments between the family and brothers 🥹🥹♥️ that what makes me love this series.
What make me so glad is how easy to resolve the conflict and gain their freedom from Lucas ex Alpha 😭😭 while i do love conflict and angst in book but for this book i love the easy way it just suits it better without all the unnecessary messyness ✨ Because i am just happy Lucas finally get his happiness without further emotions turmoil. And also with everything going on just like they think.. we are so glad Silver is a raccoon shifter 😭😭 which can help break the bond and choose his own mate 💕
As a shifter/mate trope lover i never think about the fate of mate parring gone wrong or fate choose wrong because how all the book i read have portrayed “right” couple all along…yet this book make me think differently and have new mindset. Which is sometimes the “mate/fated partner” might seems like a curse/prison for someone who already in love with other or tragically been fated to a horrible person 💔 which break my heart so much seeing Lucas go through both of it at the same time. I am so glad he found Silver and for Silver unlimited love for him and the never ending love from Silver family towards Lucas 🥹
Also the delivering chapter 😭😭😭is sooo freakinggg cutee i just love it when their are in their animal formm the contrast are freaking cute. AND WHO WILL NOT MELT WHEN WATCHING RACCON 🫠🫠🫠🫠
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
There’s just one problem I can’t ignore because of my anger for Daryl or the deep loneliness in my chest.
“I’m not sure I could do anything sexual with you,” I admit. “Gray wolf shifters usually can’t cheat. Our bodies reject anyone but our mates.”
As the old saying goes, the only person a gray wolf shifter can fuck is the one they don’t want. Who knows how many gray wolf pups have been conceived with good, old-fashioned hate sex. I think I was made that way.
€
“Wolf pups are different than raccoon kits,” I remind Silver.
He gives me a sad smile. “So you’ve said before. You're worried I won’t love them because they aren’t raccoon shifters.”
“You didn’t like Daryll very much. They’re his pups—”
“I don’t like your alpha dad either, but I love you,” he says. He bends over and presses a soft kiss to my belly. “If you let me love them, I will, Lucas. I swear to you. I will love them with all of my heart.”
€
I lie on my side and guide our pups with my nose to my teets that are full of milk for them. Silver shrinks into his raccoon, too, and bends down to pick up Moonbeam, who is having difficulty getting to the food. Silver waddles back and forth, carrying Moonbeam with his paws, and sets him right in front of my body where he can latch on. Silver stays there, crouching over our little ones, his black eyes focused on them.
I love all the sweet bond moments between the family and brothers 🥹🥹♥️ that what makes me love this series.
What make me so glad is how easy to resolve the conflict and gain their freedom from Lucas ex Alpha 😭😭 while i do love conflict and angst in book but for this book i love the easy way it just suits it better without all the unnecessary messyness ✨ Because i am just happy Lucas finally get his happiness without further emotions turmoil. And also with everything going on just like they think.. we are so glad Silver is a raccoon shifter 😭😭 which can help break the bond and choose his own mate 💕
As a shifter/mate trope lover i never think about the fate of mate parring gone wrong or fate choose wrong because how all the book i read have portrayed “right” couple all along…yet this book make me think differently and have new mindset. Which is sometimes the “mate/fated partner” might seems like a curse/prison for someone who already in love with other or tragically been fated to a horrible person 💔 which break my heart so much seeing Lucas go through both of it at the same time. I am so glad he found Silver and for Silver unlimited love for him and the never ending love from Silver family towards Lucas 🥹
Also the delivering chapter 😭😭😭is sooo freakinggg cutee i just love it when their are in their animal formm the contrast are freaking cute. AND WHO WILL NOT MELT WHEN WATCHING RACCON 🫠🫠🫠🫠
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
There’s just one problem I can’t ignore because of my anger for Daryl or the deep loneliness in my chest.
“I’m not sure I could do anything sexual with you,” I admit. “Gray wolf shifters usually can’t cheat. Our bodies reject anyone but our mates.”
As the old saying goes, the only person a gray wolf shifter can fuck is the one they don’t want. Who knows how many gray wolf pups have been conceived with good, old-fashioned hate sex. I think I was made that way.
€
“Wolf pups are different than raccoon kits,” I remind Silver.
He gives me a sad smile. “So you’ve said before. You're worried I won’t love them because they aren’t raccoon shifters.”
“You didn’t like Daryll very much. They’re his pups—”
“I don’t like your alpha dad either, but I love you,” he says. He bends over and presses a soft kiss to my belly. “If you let me love them, I will, Lucas. I swear to you. I will love them with all of my heart.”
€
I lie on my side and guide our pups with my nose to my teets that are full of milk for them. Silver shrinks into his raccoon, too, and bends down to pick up Moonbeam, who is having difficulty getting to the food. Silver waddles back and forth, carrying Moonbeam with his paws, and sets him right in front of my body where he can latch on. Silver stays there, crouching over our little ones, his black eyes focused on them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
Here's Amy Bellows's new series, Trash Pandas. The second book is "The Fated Mate Bandit."
["I fell in love with Silver in the third grade. He was my first everything. First best friend, first crush, first kiss. When he chose me out of all the omegas chasing after him, I felt like the luckiest guy in the world.
But fate had other plans.
Just after graduation, I met Daryl. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was my fated mate. I tried to hide my disappointment. My heart still belonged to Silver, even though I was destined for someone else.
I did my very best to be a good mate to Daryl. Even when he hurt me, I forgave him and kept trying to make things work. It wasn’t until I got pregnant that I realized I couldn’t stay any longer.
Showing up on Silver’s doorstep isn’t the world’s best plan. He might turn me away. But I have nowhere else to go."]
These two!! D: They were so cute and perfect and adorable and meant to be. Fate wasn't kind to them, or wasn't entirely fair to them, but Fate did bring them back together and gave them forever. Forever plus a new little family.
I love how quirky and crazy this family is. They are soo unique and silly and protective. They didn't have everything growing up, but they had each other. They had love and support and knowledge that they were loved.
I still canNOT wait for the rest of this series. There are sooooo many brothers who need their HEAs.
Trigger Warnings: off-page alcoholism, past off-page domestic abuse as a child, off-page domestic abuse of a pregnant person, and more.
#themaybymurdererwhoknockedmeup #thefatedmatebandit #amybellows #trashpandas #trashpandasseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["I fell in love with Silver in the third grade. He was my first everything. First best friend, first crush, first kiss. When he chose me out of all the omegas chasing after him, I felt like the luckiest guy in the world.
But fate had other plans.
Just after graduation, I met Daryl. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was my fated mate. I tried to hide my disappointment. My heart still belonged to Silver, even though I was destined for someone else.
I did my very best to be a good mate to Daryl. Even when he hurt me, I forgave him and kept trying to make things work. It wasn’t until I got pregnant that I realized I couldn’t stay any longer.
Showing up on Silver’s doorstep isn’t the world’s best plan. He might turn me away. But I have nowhere else to go."]
These two!! D: They were so cute and perfect and adorable and meant to be. Fate wasn't kind to them, or wasn't entirely fair to them, but Fate did bring them back together and gave them forever. Forever plus a new little family.
I love how quirky and crazy this family is. They are soo unique and silly and protective. They didn't have everything growing up, but they had each other. They had love and support and knowledge that they were loved.
I still canNOT wait for the rest of this series. There are sooooo many brothers who need their HEAs.
Trigger Warnings: off-page alcoholism, past off-page domestic abuse as a child, off-page domestic abuse of a pregnant person, and more.
#themaybymurdererwhoknockedmeup #thefatedmatebandit #amybellows #trashpandas #trashpandasseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
March 4, 2025
Perfect
Lucas and Silver dated in high school and Silver's family was a refuge for Lucas to escape to away from his horrible upbringing.
Unfortunately Lucas ended up with a fated mate exactly like his father.
Lucas finally gets away and shows up on Silver's doorstep because he's about to have pups and he doesn't want his children to be hurt or have a horrible upbringing like his.
Silver is understandably upset for Lucas but he's also so kind and patient.
These two always had amazing chemistry and have also been in love with one another for years.
Silver slowly goes about wooing Lucas in order to help him realize just how much he's loved and wanted.
Lucas eventually realizes that he's worthy of love and decides to grab onto it with both hands.
It was wonderful to see Silver's family welcome him with open arms.
Lucas's mate does cause a slight problem but it's easily resolved and he's out of the picture for good.
I can't wait for Link's book, I know it's going to be hilarious.
Lucas and Silver dated in high school and Silver's family was a refuge for Lucas to escape to away from his horrible upbringing.
Unfortunately Lucas ended up with a fated mate exactly like his father.
Lucas finally gets away and shows up on Silver's doorstep because he's about to have pups and he doesn't want his children to be hurt or have a horrible upbringing like his.
Silver is understandably upset for Lucas but he's also so kind and patient.
These two always had amazing chemistry and have also been in love with one another for years.
Silver slowly goes about wooing Lucas in order to help him realize just how much he's loved and wanted.
Lucas eventually realizes that he's worthy of love and decides to grab onto it with both hands.
It was wonderful to see Silver's family welcome him with open arms.
Lucas's mate does cause a slight problem but it's easily resolved and he's out of the picture for good.
I can't wait for Link's book, I know it's going to be hilarious.
March 4, 2025
There aren't enough stars for how much I love Silver and his raccoon shifter family. They're amazing and so full of love. This one focuses on Silver and the one that got away, Lucas. They were high school sweethearts when Lucas' fated mate showed up. Lucas arrives on Silver's doorstep after aw terrible night with his awful mate. I loved how easily these two fell back into being in each other's company, but also how the memories were woven into the story. I do think that the drama with the terrible mate is a little lurking in the background and then was a tad bit anticlimactic, but it didn't bother me terribly since then we get to see Quin and all the other brothers being awesome! I still can't wait to get Coin's story but now I'm also super interested in Link! The ending did come up pretty fast and I wouldn't have minded seeing Silver and Lucas a bit further down into their relationship. I know they'll be present in the other brothers' story and I'm just waiting on pins and needles for those!!
February 27, 2025
"That’s a serial killer name to go with his serial killer haircut."
This is book two in the series, Trash Pandas, by Amy Bellows. This has got to be one of the cutest series yet. Amy's books are instant grabs for me. I try to wait for them to come out in audio but I always fail miserably. I hate to wait.
I love this new world that Amy created around these raccoon shifters. Where does she come up with these ideas??? The mating process is so original, it's definitely a twist.
These raccoon shifter brothers have a thing about maybe murderers and possible serial killers, lol. I'm hoping this is a theme throughout the books because it's pretty funny. It was great to see all the brothers and Chime.
I can't wait to see which brother is next in line for their own book and mate.
Childhood sweethearts, abusive fated mate, hurt/comfort, Hi-Yo Silver to the rescue (Yes, I went there... I used to watch black and white episodes of the Lone Ranger)
This is book two in the series, Trash Pandas, by Amy Bellows. This has got to be one of the cutest series yet. Amy's books are instant grabs for me. I try to wait for them to come out in audio but I always fail miserably. I hate to wait.
I love this new world that Amy created around these raccoon shifters. Where does she come up with these ideas??? The mating process is so original, it's definitely a twist.
These raccoon shifter brothers have a thing about maybe murderers and possible serial killers, lol. I'm hoping this is a theme throughout the books because it's pretty funny. It was great to see all the brothers and Chime.
I can't wait to see which brother is next in line for their own book and mate.
Childhood sweethearts, abusive fated mate, hurt/comfort, Hi-Yo Silver to the rescue (Yes, I went there... I used to watch black and white episodes of the Lone Ranger)
March 4, 2025
mopey McMoperson, EDM cycle, tickle monster, bright pink feather boa, potato salad, Terrance glam shot, avocado carpet
The first book is about Quin, a raccoon shifter and his mate Slade. Now, it's his brother Silver's turn for romance. It's more of same raccoon shifter family, including Silver's loud brothers. What a bunch of characters!
Silver's childhood friend, omega wolf shifter Lucas shows up at his door at 3 a.m. in bad shape, and is six months pregnant by his alpha wolf shifter fated mate, Daryl. Like Lucas's drunk father, Daryl is physically and emotionally abusive. Lucas has nowhere else to go for help.
Vulnerable Lucas is sweet. He constantly cowers because he's been abused and belittled his entire life. It's cringey how brow-beaten he is. With Silver's guidance, love, and especially his boisterous brothers Lucas finds himself.
This is a quick read and delightfully enjoyable. I recommend it.
The first book is about Quin, a raccoon shifter and his mate Slade. Now, it's his brother Silver's turn for romance. It's more of same raccoon shifter family, including Silver's loud brothers. What a bunch of characters!
Silver's childhood friend, omega wolf shifter Lucas shows up at his door at 3 a.m. in bad shape, and is six months pregnant by his alpha wolf shifter fated mate, Daryl. Like Lucas's drunk father, Daryl is physically and emotionally abusive. Lucas has nowhere else to go for help.
Vulnerable Lucas is sweet. He constantly cowers because he's been abused and belittled his entire life. It's cringey how brow-beaten he is. With Silver's guidance, love, and especially his boisterous brothers Lucas finds himself.
This is a quick read and delightfully enjoyable. I recommend it.
March 31, 2025
This was precious. I was kicking my feet the entire time it was so cute. Silver is wonderful. He is so sweet and caring. He genuinely loves Lucas so much, even after so many years away. Lucas is precious too. He is gentle and kind. He just wants to know love like he briefly felt as part of Silver's family as a teen. I love the "who did this to you" situation within three pages. We really just jump right in to the story and it's great. I love seeing these two reconnect and Lucas start to accept the love he deserves rather than what he thinks he deserves. I adore how welcoming the family is and all the family moments and group chats. The brothers are hilarious. The only downfall of the book is that everything happens so fast and the resolutions seem fairly easy. I am so, so excited for the next book.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, omegaverse, raccoon shifter/wolf shifter, abusive ex, "who did this to you", second chance, mpreg, knotting, supportive family, alpha/omega, single dad
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, omegaverse, raccoon shifter/wolf shifter, abusive ex, "who did this to you", second chance, mpreg, knotting, supportive family, alpha/omega, single dad
March 2, 2025
Fate can be a frustrating thing, especially when it picks the wrong mate. Silver and Lucas were high school sweethearts, and you can feel what they meant to each other even after being separated years ago. I loved the idea here that fate got it wrong for these two when it sent Daryl as Lucas’s mate and maybe it’s also offering a second chance for them to get it right. I loved how quickly Silver jumps back in with Lucas, he believes he can be the mate and partner Lucas needs. I was really rooting for him to be right. I loved spending more time with this family as well, Silver’s moms and the brother are definitely a highlight for me. The writing is lovely , filled with genuine emotion, humor, and exceptional world building - I’m loving this series!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
March 2, 2025
"The Fated Mate Bandit" received FOUR stars.
Loved it. I would have liked a longer final chapter, more time with Lucas and Silver as dads.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
Loved it. I would have liked a longer final chapter, more time with Lucas and Silver as dads.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
March 5, 2025
I am so loving this Trash Panda series. Book 2 was just wonderful. Fate is giving Silver and Lucas a second chance for love. So many complications that would keep their HEA from happening. I will say from start and throughout I kept wondering if things will work out for the couple...how will the author fix it so this will come out lovely and happy for the guys...well the solution was simple and I didn't really see it coming. It was great and I was oh so glad that Silver and Lucas was able to live peacefully and lovingly as a family. Now I can't wait for another brother find love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 19, 2025
I really love this author's worlds, I love learning about the raccoon shifter's customs!
But I did feel like this was rushed in some way? But that's maybe because I loved the first book so much because it set the scene and explained a bit about raccoon shifters? Who knows. I just wished we got a bit more of Silver and Lucas.
I did like that we got brother interactions. I like learning about Coin, Link, and Tin. I also love that we got to see a bit more of Quin, Slade and Chime.
It was bittersweet with Coin so I can't wait to read his story and Link is hilarious! Tin is a mystery! Can't wait to read their books!
But I did feel like this was rushed in some way? But that's maybe because I loved the first book so much because it set the scene and explained a bit about raccoon shifters? Who knows. I just wished we got a bit more of Silver and Lucas.
I did like that we got brother interactions. I like learning about Coin, Link, and Tin. I also love that we got to see a bit more of Quin, Slade and Chime.
It was bittersweet with Coin so I can't wait to read his story and Link is hilarious! Tin is a mystery! Can't wait to read their books!
March 3, 2025
Great addition to the series!
I loved The Fated Mate Bandit by Amy Bellows. It's the second book in the Trash Pandas series. I loved Lucas and Silver's story. I loved how Silver's family was there for Lucas as he was growing up and how he became another son and brother to them. Lucas had some hard years with his fated mate but I was glad that he turned to Silver when he needed help and that they got their happily ever after. I loved the names they came up with for their pups and the theme for the nursery.
I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.
I loved The Fated Mate Bandit by Amy Bellows. It's the second book in the Trash Pandas series. I loved Lucas and Silver's story. I loved how Silver's family was there for Lucas as he was growing up and how he became another son and brother to them. Lucas had some hard years with his fated mate but I was glad that he turned to Silver when he needed help and that they got their happily ever after. I loved the names they came up with for their pups and the theme for the nursery.
I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.
March 3, 2025
Late one night, Silver the raccoon shifter finds his long lost childhood love, wolf shifter Lucas, outside his door. He is skinny, pregnant, and his abusive mate has beaten him up. We soon find out that it's not the first time, and fearing for the future of his pups, Lucas has run away to the only safe place he's ever known: Silver and his big, chaotic family.
Silver never stopped loving Lucas, and welcomes him with open arms. But what about the violent mate? And can Lucas ever convince his bruised heart that Silver actually wants him, pregnancy and all?
Silver never stopped loving Lucas, and welcomes him with open arms. But what about the violent mate? And can Lucas ever convince his bruised heart that Silver actually wants him, pregnancy and all?
March 4, 2025
Alpha and Omega
Childhood romance ended when Lucas was fate matched to another wolf. Years later he shows up in bad shape on Silver's doorstep. Silver's racoon family is ecstatic to welcome Lucas home and encourage them to get back together. Lucas's past complicates Silver's efforts to woo him back and brings things to a head. I thoroughly enjoyed the quirks of each shifter type and the cute shiny nesting. This developed into a wonderful romance.
Bonus= Cute babies.
Minus= Sad, off page dv.
Childhood romance ended when Lucas was fate matched to another wolf. Years later he shows up in bad shape on Silver's doorstep. Silver's racoon family is ecstatic to welcome Lucas home and encourage them to get back together. Lucas's past complicates Silver's efforts to woo him back and brings things to a head. I thoroughly enjoyed the quirks of each shifter type and the cute shiny nesting. This developed into a wonderful romance.
Bonus= Cute babies.
Minus= Sad, off page dv.
March 16, 2025
Love, love, loved Silver and Lucas! I was so happy to see them get their story and absolutely loved it! There was a lot of off page domestic and child abuse, and I felt for Lucas so much. Amy did such an amazing job writing that I really felt what the characters felt. I loved the overlapping story of Quin and Slade’s story in this book as well! I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next raccoon shifter brother to get their HEA! (I’m hoping it’s Coin).
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
February 27, 2025
Absolutely adorable continuation of the Trash Pandas series. Silver and Lucas are amazing together, and Lucas deserves all the love and attention he gets. Always great to see characters from previous books, but I am eagerly anticipating Link's story soon! The world building is wonderful, as are the traditions between mates, and the different shifter species. As always Ms Bellow's book are well-written and fun to read. Always a one-click read for me.
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