Chev's Mate

The Female #4

by Invi Wright

A spinoff of The Female series.

Chev's been dreaming of his mate since the moment he learned he'd have one. Most shifters find their mates in early adulthood, but Chev wasn't one of the lucky ones. He's thrown himself into work while he searches, becoming alpha of the bear shifters and the leader of the Seekers' organization, but he hasn't given up hope.

Vanessa doesn't want a mate. After spending years at the mercy of violent ogres, she's determined to live the remainder of her life free of men.

When she accepts a job offer to work at the Seekers' organization, she's ecstatic to have something that gives her life purpose. Everything is panning out exactly as she dreamed, but it all crumbles when Chev learns who she is.

Vanessa must make a decision—run away and deny her bond to Chev, or face her fears and accept fate's calling.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Dark Romance, Audiobook, Spicy, Paranormal Romance

278 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2024

About the author

Invi had just begun her career in marketing when she decided to start a new hobby— writing.

After many tears and more anger walks than is probably healthy, she decided to pursue writing full-time and began the journey of becoming a self-published author.

She was born and raised in New York, but she now lives in the Midwest with her husband, two daughters, and one-eyed pug. When Invi isn't writing or reading, she can usually be found binge-watching TV, attempting a puzzle, or making a to-do list.

Reviews

[Sseulegi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to hear how Chev's story continues after growing attached to him through his relationships between Charlie and her males. But I don't think he needed his own book. The pacing was off and it felt tedious for such a short book.

In the first three books, Chev's character was clumsy and endearing, and he offered some much needed comedic relief. I'm surprised that in his own book, he was stripped down to a man who is so whipped by his own mate who doesn't want him that he loses his personality.

Vanessa has been abused in her past, so she wants nothing to do with males, including Chev. Understandable. But Chev bent over backwards to make her comfortable and she still treated him like shit. I would have liked to see more balance in their relationship after everything he went through for her. She knows how terrified he is of birds and she still insists on keeping those figurines in the house. Not cute.

Also, it's only been about 6 years since the events of Their War, but in that time everybody's become celebrities? All of a sudden, technology is a big thing when Silas and Gray would barely use cell phones to make calls. I don't know if this has to do with the elves and their affinity for technology, but it feels like it came about out of nowhere to add to the story.

It seems like Invi Wright's earlier books had much more depth and world-building. Her more recent books leave a lot to be desired. I'm starting to think The Female and Her Males were one-offs.

The star of the show is still Kato for me.

[Merry Jayned · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this one up until the end. seemed a bit sudden and rushed after all that buildup. a cute romance with a nymph and a bear shifter.

[Helin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet read, Chev is such a cinnamonrolllll, I could just eat him up.🤭

[Madison Druge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick little character side step in the series. Great little love story.

[Krissreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️

——• 🐻🧝🏽‍♀️

Okay I’m obsessed with Chev and I honestly loved everything about his character and book! 😭😍

Chev became family throughout “The Female” series when his friendship with Charlie grew and again with Aziel. I fell in love with his character because he was so loyal and genuinely kind to everyone despite being heartbroken because all he ever wanted was to find his mate.

Watching the story unfold between Chev and Vanessa was beautiful as this whole book was about, just the two of them. No big plot of any kind, just the story of them and how Vanessa overcame her trauma being a rescued female with the love and patience from Chev and making a life together.

But to top it off we got to see more of the wrath trio and their babies, causing mayhem but also being a big part in their lives. There was so much laughter throughout this book that it was just the cherry on top!

While there was no Rock, I am excited for his book to come whenever that might be… 👏🏼

——• 🧝🏽‍♀️🐻

This is a spinoff standalone from “The Female” series;
Book 1: The Female } 4⭐️ - 4🌶️
Book 2: Her Males } 4.5⭐️ - 4🌶️
Book 3: Their War } 4.75⭐️ - 5🌶️

Second standalone spinoff is Rock’s story;
- Rocks Bully 👉🏼 No release date set as yet🙃

[Hilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I just like fluff. This was a cute romance with a nymph and a bear shifter. Vanessa has a lot of relationship hang ups. All because of evil ogres who abused and SA’ed her… so justifiable so. Chev is a happy go lucky bear shifter. Of course they’re mates and of course he worships her. It was just fluff, with sex. It didn’t move the story along any. It does reintroduce David, Valeria, and Cassia as grown up kids. Well 6 year olds and the 3-5 year old. So older. And that was so much fun to see. Chev is the best uncle!!! But again, what war?!?! It’s so weird that there’s this invisible war going on. Is it? I have no idea. It disappeared completely. Anyways, it’s just sexy fluff.

[Eliza Thulson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this book needed MORE- just like the other ones, honestly. The whole thing was rushed, especially the ending.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved everything about this book. Chev stole my heart when he was first introduced and he melted it in this book.

[Christine Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good!!! I enjoyed this so much more than the past 3 books. Chev’s inner thoughts are so funny 😂 i laughed out loud so many times. The spice scenes are also so very sweet 😭 just a very good vibey book! It talks about hard topics like SA in a very light and digestible manner, and Vanessa’s journey to her sexuality and femininity is so beautiful.

I also love how the main characters from the previous trilogy is still suge huge characters here, bc of course they are besties, but also bc Chev is such a sweet uncle?? He is so precious.

[becci · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bro wtf did I just read.

[Lauren Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4th book in the series! Fated mates. Chev’s story! And I really don’t know who wouldn’t love Chev! He is a loyal bear shifter who after such a long wait finally finds his mate. Who is survivor of the cruel female skin trade. Processing trauma, loving with patience. I loved this one so much!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, my favorite book in the series so far because Charlie and her constant whining is non-existent, but you get a good amount of the demon trio in it.

Chev is still one of my favorite characters as he's a huge golden retriever type and Vanessa was a decent FMC. She was able to quickly work through her trauma and give into the bond.
There were plenty of moments where I was giggling and laughing out loud and other moments where I was gushing because of the sweet words.

I also really loved the relationship Chev had with the kids as he treated them like they were his own.

I can't wait for book 5

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could read 10 more books about CHEV and Vanessa just living life

[Bert · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish chev had at least something going on in his head, I feel like he had so much development last book and then in this one he’s just dumb

[Cali Gal’s · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantacy finest…

Romantacy finest. This has a new FMC and MMC in the Female Series. I love how the female lead finds her HEA especially after years of abuse. Hubba Hubba our hot bear shifter is amazing. He is kind and dedicated when his mate is revealed to him. He is a bit naive at times but he always comes from a good place, wanting to only do good things for his woman. He honors her past by working hard not to trigger her. Ugh sooo good.

Happy Reading Everyone.

[Geena Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that Chev got his own book. It was a sweet conclusion to this minor “major in my eyes” character. He was apart of the female series and I am happy he got his happy ending. The ending was hilarious and I love that the author kept the friendship and gave us a little more. Vanessa and Chev are an amazing couple and Chev is an amazing man which we all we from the series. 😭🥲🥹

[Alanna Dukas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
Less less less spicy than the other 3 books, but a cute / fun way to wrap up the series

[Alva Schwung · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh it was okay. i guess im determined to finish this series tho

[Tusdae Halladay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a cute, feel good romance about fated lovers. I really enjoyed watching Chev and Vanessa fall in love. This book wasn’t as spicy as the other books in the series but it was a nice, easy read.

[Ally Zomer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This guy sucks for real

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chev is absolutely hilarious, this was cute!

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chev was such a sweetheart minor character in the series who just desperately wanted to find his own mate and love her with all his heart. I’m glad he got his time in the shine and sweep his mate off her feet. He was so patient, kind, and enamored.

Notable quotes

All shifters are born with a thick, white line on one of their upper thighs, and the marking curves over their pubic bone before traveling along the top of their intimate parts. It turns black when they meet their mates, and the shifters are notoriously protective of them. They take matehood seriously, and their marks are reserved solely for their other half.

I slam a hand over my mouth when I finally glimpse her screen. Me. She’s looking at photos of me. My bear forces loud vibrations from my chest, and I have to swallow down air to get them to stop. I can’t be too loud. Vanessa may be a nymph, but her hearing is good enough to detect my damn bear making his annoying fucking mating noises.

“I want everything,” he admits. “But I’m happy with whatever you can give. I know you’ve had a hard life.” Chev clears his throat before continuing. “I just want to be a part of your future.”


“The bond will never become less intense. We’ll learn to grow comfortable with it, though…” He trails off, his eyes narrowing. “But I’ll make sure you never become too complacent. I’ll keep you aching for the rest of our lives.” My lips twitch. The rest of our lives. I have a mate I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. What a peculiar thought. “I’ll always ache for you, Chev,” I promise him. I rise and walk around my desk, eager for physical contact. Chev doesn’t hesitate to open his arms and pull me into a hug, and I bury my face against his neck the way we both like. Despite how complicated I sometimes feel he is, he’s easy at his core. He just wants to be loved. So do I.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read, honestly felt a little rushed I wish it lead more to her warming up to him but overall it was good short story, honestly when chew finally warmed up to Gray at the end I’m like about time I always felt he was to standoffish with him I especially loved the presents he gave him 😂😂

[Sofia Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I’m officially done. The female narrator sounds like she’s never spoken to another human being before. Every line feels like it came from an alien who’s just learning how emphasis words, and it’s painful.

And as for the story… well, there isn’t one. It’s just sex. Endless, repetitive sex. I don’t know why it took me until the fourth book to realize there was never going to be a real plot, but here we are.

I can’t bring myself to finish the last one. I don’t care about these people or their never-ending sexcapades. I’m tapping out.

[Monse Maespin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omg i remember reading this book on wattpad like 2-3 years ago? I LOVED Chev ♥️💌

[Eda · Rating 1 out of 5]

mein gott

[Bailey Parsons · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just brutal on all counts. Cringe city. Didn’t like the ending or the epilogue. This series was overhyped ! There! I said it!

[Myra Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh I seem to have a frustrating problem with this author - the books need to be longer!

It's a good problem, don't get me wrong. Definitely one people, especially authors should want to have, just really ticks my tocks when I want more of a story and have to turn to daydreaming.

*Sigh* What's a girl to do?

Chev was already one of my favorite characters in the first three books. He's got a strong righteous head on his shoulders and sticks by what is right, over what could benefit the community he's in charge of.

That...well it doesn't all go out of the window in this book, but dang that boy is absolutely WHIPPED for his mate, and a lot of the decisions he makes suffer from it a bit.

That being said, I still enjoy Chev. It's really nice to have a male character so utterly over the moon about his significant other that his whole personality gets a bit frizzed up. He's still Chev, but man his thought processes are interesting ones!

Vanessa is a sweet heart. I was worried at the beginning of the book that she was going to be another Charlie - scared shizless and a silent little mouse in the corner of the room, constantly thinking about how terrible her life is, how she might die, and how terrible the wonderful men around her are.

I'm pleased to say that was not the case. She definitely had a couple chapters there, but she's also a survivor of the sex trade in the Ogre realms. She deserves to be a bit scared about her new situation and a man suddenly obsessed with her.

Which brings me to my next little note: the PTSD around r*pe in this book is fantastic. And it was refreshing to read yet another unexperienced celibate man with an experienced traumatized woman. I think the only book I've read that is similar is Ali Hazelwood's Mate, which still is not the same.

Also nice to get updates on Charlie and her Wrath trio - especially when Chev ran to his best friend, Aziel to get help. Immediately brought a smile to my face.

Really all this comes down to is the ending! I needed more of Chev and Vanessa finally together! More time to see them together as parents and growing together as a pair instead of just the before things. More please!

Content guide:
Contains themes of sexual trauma, Violence, blood, gore, history of non-consensual intimacy between multiple partners, Intimacy between consenting partners (2), and talk of loss and death. Read responsibly.
Spicy: 3 (Make out scene with use of different anatomy, one open bedroom scene, and some self-pleasure)
Language: 3
Different realization of a mating bond: yes - so interesting!

[Abigail Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

📕 Chev's Mate by Invi Wright
⭐ Rating: 4/5 — fierce, emotional, messy in the best way

📖 Summary:
Vanessa, after years of suffering under violent ogres, refuses to accept having a mate. She wants to live free. Enter Chev — alpha bear shifter, leader of Seekers, who’s hunted for his mate for years. When Vanessa takes a role at the Seekers’ organization, fate crashes into her walls: she’s the one he’s been searching for all along. She must choose: run from Chev’s claim, or face her fears and accept her bond.

This book is:
✨ Reverse-harem / paranormal romance with a shifter twist
✨ Enemies / resistance + forced proximity + destined bond
✨ Power dynamics, trauma, inner wars
✨ The fight between freedom and fate

💖 Character Reactions:
🐻 Chev —
Powerful, relentless, driven. He’s alpha, but his strength is tempered by longing. The way he fights for her—even when she wants none of it—cuts deep.

🛡️ Vanessa —
Scared, scarred, but not broken. She’s terrified of mates, terrified of being claimed. She doesn’t want someone controlling her, but falling might be inevitable whether she wants it or not.

🫠 Notable Moments You Probably Loved / Felt Tension In:
The reveal when Chev finds out Vanessa is his mate and all the panic that hits both sides
Vanessa’s internal battle against bonding, especially given her past trauma under the ogres
Moments where Chev softens under pressure—when he sees her pain, not just the bond
The build toward surrender: her fight, his attempt to respect her boundaries, the emotional push

🔥 Smut / Intimacy Level:
Pretty high. The romance doesn’t shy away. It’s explicit, loaded with power, desire, and conflict.
#SmutTags: #BearAlphaBond #TraumaAndTrust #ClaimedByHeat

⚠️ Trigger Warnings:
Violence, trauma, forced proximity, dominance, emotional upheaval, power struggles

🏷️ Tags:
#ChevsMate #TheFemaleSeries #InviWright #VanessaAndChev #AlphaBonded #TraumaRomance #ShifterFantasy #ReverseHaremHeat