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The Mating Game
Not yet published
Expected 2 Dec 25Two wolf shifters reluctant to love discover there’s no fighting the call of the wild in this steamy romance by USA Today bestselling author Lana Ferguson.
Contractor Tess Covington has spent her entire life as a regular non-shifter human, so after she lands in the Denver ER with flu-like symptoms, it comes as a complete shock to be told that, no, she’s not sick—she’s actually a late-presenting omega wolf shifter. With her family in dire financial straits and a contract for her own television show on the line, she can’t afford not to complete the renovation job she came for. And given that her newly emerged wolf is in danger of going into heat, she’ll just have to do her best to follow the doctor’s advice to keep away from alpha shifters.
Alpha wolf Hunter Barrett has spent most of his adult life living by a routine, and a big part of that involves staying clear of omegas after having one stomp on his heart. So when the tiny contractor shows up at his place smelling like the one thing he’s determined to avoid, he thinks it must be some sort of cosmic joke. But with his lodge on the verge of failing and this sweet-smelling omega his only hope to turn things around . . . he’s left with few other options than to grin and bear it.
Set on avoiding each other as much as possible, they find things unexpectedly starting to heat up between them enough to thaw even the frostiest of hearts. Though even with the pair going head over paws for each other, there’s no changing that their fling has an expiration date. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they’re playing a dangerous game—one where the only thing on the line is their hearts.
Contractor Tess Covington has spent her entire life as a regular non-shifter human, so after she lands in the Denver ER with flu-like symptoms, it comes as a complete shock to be told that, no, she’s not sick—she’s actually a late-presenting omega wolf shifter. With her family in dire financial straits and a contract for her own television show on the line, she can’t afford not to complete the renovation job she came for. And given that her newly emerged wolf is in danger of going into heat, she’ll just have to do her best to follow the doctor’s advice to keep away from alpha shifters.
Alpha wolf Hunter Barrett has spent most of his adult life living by a routine, and a big part of that involves staying clear of omegas after having one stomp on his heart. So when the tiny contractor shows up at his place smelling like the one thing he’s determined to avoid, he thinks it must be some sort of cosmic joke. But with his lodge on the verge of failing and this sweet-smelling omega his only hope to turn things around . . . he’s left with few other options than to grin and bear it.
Set on avoiding each other as much as possible, they find things unexpectedly starting to heat up between them enough to thaw even the frostiest of hearts. Though even with the pair going head over paws for each other, there’s no changing that their fling has an expiration date. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they’re playing a dangerous game—one where the only thing on the line is their hearts.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 2, 2025
41416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
August 25, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing this ARC!
Lana Ferguson has DONE IT AGAIN. I was completely obsessed with The Fake Mate when it came out and I fear that this one was even better!!! I absolutely loved the romance in this one - the chemistry was CRAZY. The MMC in this was so grumpy at the same time as being incredibly down bad, and then add the cosy cabin vibes and the *kinda* 'we shouldn't' vibes?? Immaculate.
I always love Lana Ferguson's writing and this one was no different. I feel like she concocted these characters so gorgeously and they came across as so well suited to me. I loved the cameos from the previous book and also the addition of some new best friends!! The setting was absolutely wonderful and I could see this being a perfect winter read (which is when it comes out!!). As with The Fake Mate, I loved the paranormal romance vibes smushed with a really cute rom-com. This one is pretty heavy on the spice (as with a lot of Lana Fergusons's books) so beware if that isn't your thing.
Overall, I think this has solidified itself as one of my absolute favourite books of the year so far. I read this in one sitting over the course of my afternoon and I had THE best time. I would highly highly highly recommend for you to check it out once it's available!!
Lana Ferguson has DONE IT AGAIN. I was completely obsessed with The Fake Mate when it came out and I fear that this one was even better!!! I absolutely loved the romance in this one - the chemistry was CRAZY. The MMC in this was so grumpy at the same time as being incredibly down bad, and then add the cosy cabin vibes and the *kinda* 'we shouldn't' vibes?? Immaculate.
I always love Lana Ferguson's writing and this one was no different. I feel like she concocted these characters so gorgeously and they came across as so well suited to me. I loved the cameos from the previous book and also the addition of some new best friends!! The setting was absolutely wonderful and I could see this being a perfect winter read (which is when it comes out!!). As with The Fake Mate, I loved the paranormal romance vibes smushed with a really cute rom-com. This one is pretty heavy on the spice (as with a lot of Lana Fergusons's books) so beware if that isn't your thing.
Overall, I think this has solidified itself as one of my absolute favourite books of the year so far. I read this in one sitting over the course of my afternoon and I had THE best time. I would highly highly highly recommend for you to check it out once it's available!!
August 6, 2025
Grumpy meets sunshine... with growls, heat, and a heart-melting twist! This story had everything I adore in a paranormal romance—snappy banter, smoldering chemistry, and just the right dose of emotional depth to make my heart ache in the best way.
We kick things off with a classic enemies-to-lovers vibe, but add in an Alpha/Omega dynamic that raises the stakes and the temperature. Hunter Barrett is the ultimate grump: a grizzly lumberjack type with an old soul, no time for tech, and zero tolerance for chaos—or at least that’s what he tells himself. But beneath all that broody muscle is a man with a soft center and a broken heart. He’s still reeling from the wounds left behind by another omega, and he’s vowed never to open that door again.
Enter Tess Covington, the cinnamon roll with a toolkit. A TikTok-famous home renovation queen with big dreams and an even bigger heart, she lands in a small town with the mission of restoring a dilapidated hotel—Hunter’s family business, no less. She’s sunshine incarnate, determined to revive the property and maybe even land an HGTV contract in the process. But things get complicated when Tess starts to experience her first Omega heat—and wouldn’t you know it, the man who drives her crazy also makes her body crave him like he’s oxygen.
Their tension is off the charts. Hunter tries to resist. Tess tries to keep things professional. But their chemistry is undeniable, chaotic, and totally delicious. What I loved most is that their relationship never felt forced—it evolved naturally through long looks, awkward moments, shared pain, and an aching tenderness that creeps up behind all the sarcasm and sparks.
Beneath all the steam (and trust me, there’s plenty), this book has heart. Hunter is grappling with grief and guilt after losing his parents, clinging to the past while fearing change. Tess is fighting to keep her dreams alive while her family leans on her more than ever. They're both doing everything they can to survive—but maybe, just maybe, they deserve more than just survival. Maybe they deserve joy.
The backdrop of the small-town hotel renovation gives it that cozy holiday movie feel—but with added shapeshifter spice. Think Hallmark meets Alpha Heat and you’ll get the vibe. There’s humor, heartbreak, healing, and a swoony romance that had me dog-earing pages and rereading scenes just to relive the magic. The way Hunter is so protective yet gentle with Tess as she navigates her first heat? Swoon. And that cinnamon-apple scent trope? Iconic. I will never recover.
I also adored the surprise cameo from Fake Mate—Mackenzie and Noah! Yay!. It felt like the series just keeps getting better, giving each couple their moment while tying everything together in such a satisfying way. I can’t wait to see who gets the spotlight next.
Overall, this book is a fun, flirty, emotionally rich, and ultra-steamy paranormal romance that balances tender moments with spicy tension like a pro. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves found family, slow-burn love, stubborn heroes, and heroines who refuse to back down.
A huge heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this hot-as-hell, delightfully addictive paranormal romance in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m obsessed with this series—and I’m not even sorry about it.
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We kick things off with a classic enemies-to-lovers vibe, but add in an Alpha/Omega dynamic that raises the stakes and the temperature. Hunter Barrett is the ultimate grump: a grizzly lumberjack type with an old soul, no time for tech, and zero tolerance for chaos—or at least that’s what he tells himself. But beneath all that broody muscle is a man with a soft center and a broken heart. He’s still reeling from the wounds left behind by another omega, and he’s vowed never to open that door again.
Enter Tess Covington, the cinnamon roll with a toolkit. A TikTok-famous home renovation queen with big dreams and an even bigger heart, she lands in a small town with the mission of restoring a dilapidated hotel—Hunter’s family business, no less. She’s sunshine incarnate, determined to revive the property and maybe even land an HGTV contract in the process. But things get complicated when Tess starts to experience her first Omega heat—and wouldn’t you know it, the man who drives her crazy also makes her body crave him like he’s oxygen.
Their tension is off the charts. Hunter tries to resist. Tess tries to keep things professional. But their chemistry is undeniable, chaotic, and totally delicious. What I loved most is that their relationship never felt forced—it evolved naturally through long looks, awkward moments, shared pain, and an aching tenderness that creeps up behind all the sarcasm and sparks.
Beneath all the steam (and trust me, there’s plenty), this book has heart. Hunter is grappling with grief and guilt after losing his parents, clinging to the past while fearing change. Tess is fighting to keep her dreams alive while her family leans on her more than ever. They're both doing everything they can to survive—but maybe, just maybe, they deserve more than just survival. Maybe they deserve joy.
The backdrop of the small-town hotel renovation gives it that cozy holiday movie feel—but with added shapeshifter spice. Think Hallmark meets Alpha Heat and you’ll get the vibe. There’s humor, heartbreak, healing, and a swoony romance that had me dog-earing pages and rereading scenes just to relive the magic. The way Hunter is so protective yet gentle with Tess as she navigates her first heat? Swoon. And that cinnamon-apple scent trope? Iconic. I will never recover.
I also adored the surprise cameo from Fake Mate—Mackenzie and Noah! Yay!. It felt like the series just keeps getting better, giving each couple their moment while tying everything together in such a satisfying way. I can’t wait to see who gets the spotlight next.
Overall, this book is a fun, flirty, emotionally rich, and ultra-steamy paranormal romance that balances tender moments with spicy tension like a pro. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves found family, slow-burn love, stubborn heroes, and heroines who refuse to back down.
A huge heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this hot-as-hell, delightfully addictive paranormal romance in exchange for my honest thoughts. I’m obsessed with this series—and I’m not even sorry about it.
medium blog
November 18, 2025
the mini heats 🥵 and his mouth DELICIOUS
RTC
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ my werewolf era isn't over hehe and Lana has never disappointed me.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊!!
RTC
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ my werewolf era isn't over hehe and Lana has never disappointed me.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊!!
to-read-sequels
March 17, 2025Alright. This is Lana Ferguson's final chance to win me over.
If this flops I'm officially chocking up The Fake Mate as a fluke.
If this flops I'm officially chocking up The Fake Mate as a fluke.
September 15, 2025
🐺 Bookish Thoughts
Absolutely loved this one! I am such a sucker for shifter romances and omegaverse, and this book had both. Lana Ferguson really delivered. This was an easy 5 star read for me, and honestly I liked it even more than The Fake Mate. Oh and the spice? 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tess was such a baddie FMC and Hunter, our grumpy alpha, was not ready for her pushback. Their chemistry was obvious from the start and only got stronger. And when Tess goes into her first heat, of course Hunter is there 😏
🐾 What to Expect
• Wolf shifters
• Alpha MMC
• Omega FMC
• Forced proximity
• Renovation
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: December 2, 2025
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Absolutely loved this one! I am such a sucker for shifter romances and omegaverse, and this book had both. Lana Ferguson really delivered. This was an easy 5 star read for me, and honestly I liked it even more than The Fake Mate. Oh and the spice? 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tess was such a baddie FMC and Hunter, our grumpy alpha, was not ready for her pushback. Their chemistry was obvious from the start and only got stronger. And when Tess goes into her first heat, of course Hunter is there 😏
🐾 What to Expect
• Wolf shifters
• Alpha MMC
• Omega FMC
• Forced proximity
• Renovation
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: December 2, 2025
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Read
November 14, 2025there are only 3 people in this world that can get me to brave a wolf shifter romance. remus john lupin, ali hazelwood and lana ferguson 🙂↕️
November 18, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing or this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Very entertaining read that was missing some development.
By now Lana is absolutely an auto buy for me. Even if there are some issues that I have with her books, her writing and the sheer entertainment value always outweigh them.
Shifter romances are one of my favorites right now, but I'm not sure that I'm sold 100% on the omegaverse. At least in this book, the characters were CONSTANTLY wondering if their attraction was just biology or something more, so that's a little irksome to me and leads me to believe they would have similar relationship with literally any other alpha/omega because biology said so.
And because of that, I feel like their actual relationship didn't get enough development. The whole time she's in and out of heat, so A LOT of their relationship is centered around that so where do you find the time to actually have some semblance of a relationship?
But like I said, Lana's writing is SO GOOD. These characters were really fun and entertaining and they stood on their own quite well too. Would absolutely recommend for shifter romance readers 🩵
Very entertaining read that was missing some development.
By now Lana is absolutely an auto buy for me. Even if there are some issues that I have with her books, her writing and the sheer entertainment value always outweigh them.
Shifter romances are one of my favorites right now, but I'm not sure that I'm sold 100% on the omegaverse. At least in this book, the characters were CONSTANTLY wondering if their attraction was just biology or something more, so that's a little irksome to me and leads me to believe they would have similar relationship with literally any other alpha/omega because biology said so.
And because of that, I feel like their actual relationship didn't get enough development. The whole time she's in and out of heat, so A LOT of their relationship is centered around that so where do you find the time to actually have some semblance of a relationship?
But like I said, Lana's writing is SO GOOD. These characters were really fun and entertaining and they stood on their own quite well too. Would absolutely recommend for shifter romance readers 🩵
August 1, 2025
3.75 ★ — Sooo….
✓ Knotting
✓ Surprise Omega FMC
✓ Grumpy Alpha MMC
✓ Lots of Smutty Scenes
✓ Mutual Pining
✓ Surprise Heat
✓ Protective/Possessive MMC
Anyone going into this for the Omegaverse and the breezy, lighthearted romcom-y writing style of Lana Ferguson will likely be satisfied with what this book offers.
As someone who does enjoy all these elements, I can’t say that I didn’t have a good time with it — because I did! I liked the snowy small-town lodge setting, and I really enjoyed the premise of the FMC being contracted to renovate the grumpy MMC’s remote lodge, which is just such a fun setup!
What I noticed, though, is that I liked this markedly less than The Fake Mate, Ferguson’s prior shifter romance to this. It took me a bit to pinpoint exactly why, but I think it comes down to tension and build-up between the leads.
Tess Covington, the FMC, learns she’s an Omega at the very start of the book, right before heading off to her renovation job. And quite quickly after her first meeting with MMC, Hunter Barrett, their attraction escalates into something more.
This might just be personal preference, but I was a little disappointed at this. I wanted more yearning, more moments of them fighting their natural attraction to each other, more denial between them.
Yes, an Alpha/Omega dynamic naturally lends itself to biological pull and irresistible chemistry, but it’s also an organic way to create angst, tension, confusion — all aspects that could have added more intensity to their romantic dynamic, which felt missing here.
While The Fake Mate also featured characters who acknowledged their attraction fairly quickly, that book still managed a sharper, more interesting relationship between its protagonists and made better use of the Omega/Alpha tension.
Plainly, Tess and Hunter just weren’t very captivating together. I didn’t giggle at their interactions, I didn’t really feel this intense chemistry between them, and while there were tons of well-written sex scenes, I still felt like there was never any exciting tension, making their connection feel a little flat to me.
Another thing I couldn’t stop thinking about during my read: Tess’ total cluelessness about her new Omega designation.
Like I said, this is set up in the beginning, but as the book goes along, I sort of got a little annoyed with her. She doesn’t know what’s happening to her half the time, because she’s a new Omega. Okay, yes, understandable. But in the modern world this story is set in — a world with internet, books, even her own doctor that has made herself available for any medical questions — she never once thinks about trying to research more about this life-changing fact.
Not even once in the story did she think: ”hey, I should research some of this Omega stuff, because clearly my body is having some strange reactions.”
The lack of even basic curiosity about her own biology felt like an obvious plot device and started pulling me out of the story a few times.
It didn’t help that the supporting cast lacked depth as well. The side characters didn’t do much to flesh out the world or make it feel alive, most of them feeling quite static and barely playing into the story.
All this said, this book does deliver solid smut, cozy snowed-in vibes, and quirky, fun prose. I had a decent time reading it, even if it sometimes felt like it missed the mark, which is why I can’t rate it higher.
If you like shifter romance that’s devoid of pack politics, light on worldbuilding, and heavy on sex with an easy, playful vibe, this will probably hit for you! If you enjoy more of a slow burn, tension-filled romance, you might miss that aspect here.
______________________________________
Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
✓ Knotting
✓ Surprise Omega FMC
✓ Grumpy Alpha MMC
✓ Lots of Smutty Scenes
✓ Mutual Pining
✓ Surprise Heat
✓ Protective/Possessive MMC
Anyone going into this for the Omegaverse and the breezy, lighthearted romcom-y writing style of Lana Ferguson will likely be satisfied with what this book offers.
As someone who does enjoy all these elements, I can’t say that I didn’t have a good time with it — because I did! I liked the snowy small-town lodge setting, and I really enjoyed the premise of the FMC being contracted to renovate the grumpy MMC’s remote lodge, which is just such a fun setup!
What I noticed, though, is that I liked this markedly less than The Fake Mate, Ferguson’s prior shifter romance to this. It took me a bit to pinpoint exactly why, but I think it comes down to tension and build-up between the leads.
Tess Covington, the FMC, learns she’s an Omega at the very start of the book, right before heading off to her renovation job. And quite quickly after her first meeting with MMC, Hunter Barrett, their attraction escalates into something more.
This might just be personal preference, but I was a little disappointed at this. I wanted more yearning, more moments of them fighting their natural attraction to each other, more denial between them.
Yes, an Alpha/Omega dynamic naturally lends itself to biological pull and irresistible chemistry, but it’s also an organic way to create angst, tension, confusion — all aspects that could have added more intensity to their romantic dynamic, which felt missing here.
While The Fake Mate also featured characters who acknowledged their attraction fairly quickly, that book still managed a sharper, more interesting relationship between its protagonists and made better use of the Omega/Alpha tension.
Plainly, Tess and Hunter just weren’t very captivating together. I didn’t giggle at their interactions, I didn’t really feel this intense chemistry between them, and while there were tons of well-written sex scenes, I still felt like there was never any exciting tension, making their connection feel a little flat to me.
Another thing I couldn’t stop thinking about during my read: Tess’ total cluelessness about her new Omega designation.
Like I said, this is set up in the beginning, but as the book goes along, I sort of got a little annoyed with her. She doesn’t know what’s happening to her half the time, because she’s a new Omega. Okay, yes, understandable. But in the modern world this story is set in — a world with internet, books, even her own doctor that has made herself available for any medical questions — she never once thinks about trying to research more about this life-changing fact.
Not even once in the story did she think: ”hey, I should research some of this Omega stuff, because clearly my body is having some strange reactions.”
The lack of even basic curiosity about her own biology felt like an obvious plot device and started pulling me out of the story a few times.
It didn’t help that the supporting cast lacked depth as well. The side characters didn’t do much to flesh out the world or make it feel alive, most of them feeling quite static and barely playing into the story.
All this said, this book does deliver solid smut, cozy snowed-in vibes, and quirky, fun prose. I had a decent time reading it, even if it sometimes felt like it missed the mark, which is why I can’t rate it higher.
If you like shifter romance that’s devoid of pack politics, light on worldbuilding, and heavy on sex with an easy, playful vibe, this will probably hit for you! If you enjoy more of a slow burn, tension-filled romance, you might miss that aspect here.
______________________________________
Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
September 10, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!
4.5 stars — because while the mating game was good, it was just not as good as the fake mate to me. in my opinion, the fake mate was the fanfic on ao3 you stumble upon at 3am, are blown away by the fantastic characters and well-written (smut) scenes, and then never find a fic that compares.
but please don’t get me wrong — i love lana ferguson and she’s my instant go-to, quirky smutty yet well-written author! and she definitely upped the smut (lol) in this book! i just felt the overall plot was very threadbare? and that tess and hunter were not necessarily my favorite couple. which is understandably a turn off for most readers, but tbh i was here for the MANY smutty scenes lol. also, i just love home renovation shows, so that sealed the deal too.
i’m excited to listen to the audio!!!
4.5 stars — because while the mating game was good, it was just not as good as the fake mate to me. in my opinion, the fake mate was the fanfic on ao3 you stumble upon at 3am, are blown away by the fantastic characters and well-written (smut) scenes, and then never find a fic that compares.
but please don’t get me wrong — i love lana ferguson and she’s my instant go-to, quirky smutty yet well-written author! and she definitely upped the smut (lol) in this book! i just felt the overall plot was very threadbare? and that tess and hunter were not necessarily my favorite couple. which is understandably a turn off for most readers, but tbh i was here for the MANY smutty scenes lol. also, i just love home renovation shows, so that sealed the deal too.
i’m excited to listen to the audio!!!
September 24, 2025
he’s hot. he’s huge. he’s a werewolf alpha.
no secret that I’ve been in a werewolf romance phase for the past year & Lana has delivered again with this one
A grumpy mountain man. The woman who’s renovating his mountain lodge. Forced proximity. Omegaverse. SNOWED IN!!!!!!
things to know:
- dual pov
- remote colorado lodge
- alpha x omega
- he’s down bad
- “we shouldn’t”
Honestly had everything I love about werewolf romances
4.5 ⭐️
no secret that I’ve been in a werewolf romance phase for the past year & Lana has delivered again with this one
A grumpy mountain man. The woman who’s renovating his mountain lodge. Forced proximity. Omegaverse. SNOWED IN!!!!!!
things to know:
- dual pov
- remote colorado lodge
- alpha x omega
- he’s down bad
- “we shouldn’t”
Honestly had everything I love about werewolf romances
4.5 ⭐️
August 18, 2025
4.5
Omigod. No words. Steamiest book yet Lana.
Hunter works at the Inn where Mackenzie and Noah went through some trying times (The Fake Mate). Hunter's Aunt wants the place remodeled so in walks Tess Covington who owns a family renovation company and is desperately trying to get herself on HGTV. Tess is also a late presenting Omega who has walked herself into an Inn with an Alpha off his meds. Sparks WILL fly.
Omigod. No words. Steamiest book yet Lana.
Hunter works at the Inn where Mackenzie and Noah went through some trying times (The Fake Mate). Hunter's Aunt wants the place remodeled so in walks Tess Covington who owns a family renovation company and is desperately trying to get herself on HGTV. Tess is also a late presenting Omega who has walked herself into an Inn with an Alpha off his meds. Sparks WILL fly.
November 18, 2025
there is such a thing as too much spice, which I think was the case in this one. Their entire relationship seems built on spending a heat together, rather than genuine connection. Further, there were many repetitive words/phrases.
Overall, I liked it for what it was, but I just can’t seem to crack above three stars for this author !
Overall, I liked it for what it was, but I just can’t seem to crack above three stars for this author !
Read
November 17, 2025too many mentions of fluids.
rtc 🥲
rtc 🥲
August 1, 2025
3.5 This was a silly, goofy, fun time. I think this whole duology (interconnected standalone series?) is just really fun and nothing to be taken too seriously.
I’m really struggling right now with contemporary romances. It feels like none of them are thought-out, well-written, or original in any way and this, while obviously not perfect or a masterpiece of literature, was unique and silly enough that I read the entire thing in one sitting.
I actually don’t mind Lana Ferguson’s writing. It’s nothing special, but I think it’s an elevated version of the average, generic contemporary romance writing (first-person POV—sorry). I think she’s absolutely too cheesy and there are far too many pop culture references, but other than that, this is just a good palette cleanser.
In this we’re dealing with our fmc, Tess, who has just learned she’s an omega shifter after thinking she’s a beta for her whole life. She is fixing up a lodge owned by Hunter, an alpha, who was in the first book, The Fake Mate.
He helps her deal with this new shift (lol) in her lifestyle and obviously there’s hella sex, they fall in love, yada yada (complimentary) I really liked Hunter, y’all. He might be up there with my favorite book men of the year. He’s just a grumpy little sweetie pie with some trauma, but if there’s one thing he does with his whole chest, it’s take care of Tess when she’s going through it.
Picture the “taking care of the other person when they’re sick” trope, but make it smutty. Like, I’m sorry, that’s going to do it for me every time.
And like I said, this was nothing that reinvented the wheel, but I did actually have a lot of fun reading this. It took me like five hours and if there’s one thing I’m going to binge, it’s a smutty little omegaverse book.
Because at my core, I am a paranormal/monster romance girlie. So, I’d recommend! Just don’t expect anything mind-blowing. This is a fun, little read if you have a random day off and are also ovulating.
Thank you to Edelweiss for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I’m really struggling right now with contemporary romances. It feels like none of them are thought-out, well-written, or original in any way and this, while obviously not perfect or a masterpiece of literature, was unique and silly enough that I read the entire thing in one sitting.
I actually don’t mind Lana Ferguson’s writing. It’s nothing special, but I think it’s an elevated version of the average, generic contemporary romance writing (first-person POV—sorry). I think she’s absolutely too cheesy and there are far too many pop culture references, but other than that, this is just a good palette cleanser.
In this we’re dealing with our fmc, Tess, who has just learned she’s an omega shifter after thinking she’s a beta for her whole life. She is fixing up a lodge owned by Hunter, an alpha, who was in the first book, The Fake Mate.
He helps her deal with this new shift (lol) in her lifestyle and obviously there’s hella sex, they fall in love, yada yada (complimentary) I really liked Hunter, y’all. He might be up there with my favorite book men of the year. He’s just a grumpy little sweetie pie with some trauma, but if there’s one thing he does with his whole chest, it’s take care of Tess when she’s going through it.
Picture the “taking care of the other person when they’re sick” trope, but make it smutty. Like, I’m sorry, that’s going to do it for me every time.
And like I said, this was nothing that reinvented the wheel, but I did actually have a lot of fun reading this. It took me like five hours and if there’s one thing I’m going to binge, it’s a smutty little omegaverse book.
Because at my core, I am a paranormal/monster romance girlie. So, I’d recommend! Just don’t expect anything mind-blowing. This is a fun, little read if you have a random day off and are also ovulating.
Thank you to Edelweiss for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 7, 2025
It's like if your favorite Hallmark channel flick got hijacked by a pack of horny werewolves who read too much AO3 at 3 a.m. Tess, our sassy TikTok-renovator queen (she's trying to become a HGTV host), rolls up to Hunter's crumbling ski lodge in the snowy wilds of Colorado, ready to flip it for her interview for her own show. Hunters a Grumpy Alpha lumberjack incarnate, plaid-clad, brooding widower type who's basically a walking "no trespassing" sign, complete with a tragic backstory that tugs at your heartstrings, because of course.
Ferguson cranks the forced-proximity dial to eleven: we get a snowed in cabin, first heat chaos, and who can forget the trope of "we shouldn't but biology says yes" tension. The banter's gold. Tess calling out Hunter's "emotional flannel fortress" was cute.
Its generous, knotty, and way steamier than the predessessor, with this "taking care of you" trope that's sweet and "get a room already." Cameos from The Fake Mate crew feel like catching up with old pals at a shifter reunion.
Hunter's plaid obsession? Bro, it's like the book's sponsored by L.L.Bean; I kept waiting for a product placement footnote. Side characters are fun but flat as week-old snow, mostly there to nudge the plot.
If you're craving a cozy, smutty rom com that lovee omegaverse tropes, this'll scratch that itch. Just don't blame me if you start eyeing your neighbor's flannel suspiciously. Oh, and drinking game: every time "plaid" drops (or knotting, for the less brave), take a shot. You might get to get your stomach pumped, after, though.
Ferguson cranks the forced-proximity dial to eleven: we get a snowed in cabin, first heat chaos, and who can forget the trope of "we shouldn't but biology says yes" tension. The banter's gold. Tess calling out Hunter's "emotional flannel fortress" was cute.
Its generous, knotty, and way steamier than the predessessor, with this "taking care of you" trope that's sweet and "get a room already." Cameos from The Fake Mate crew feel like catching up with old pals at a shifter reunion.
Hunter's plaid obsession? Bro, it's like the book's sponsored by L.L.Bean; I kept waiting for a product placement footnote. Side characters are fun but flat as week-old snow, mostly there to nudge the plot.
If you're craving a cozy, smutty rom com that lovee omegaverse tropes, this'll scratch that itch. Just don't blame me if you start eyeing your neighbor's flannel suspiciously. Oh, and drinking game: every time "plaid" drops (or knotting, for the less brave), take a shot. You might get to get your stomach pumped, after, though.
November 10, 2025
I absolutely loved the first book in this series (the fake mate) so I was absolutely ecstatic that we would be getting another one in this world!!!
And boy was this one absolutely delicious. I’ve really learned a lot about myself in the last month & it’s that I am feral for Wolf shifter romances lmao
HUNTER WAS SO GROWLY & GRUMPY & A HOT LOWKEY LUMBERJACK!!!! Then you get Tess who is this cutie creative queen that finds out she’s an omega and now has to open her mind up to a whole new way of living!
And THE HEAT THAT FEMALE SHIFTERS EXPERIENCE IS ALWAYS HOT!!!! This one was just as I would’ve hoped 🥵🥵🥵 let’s just say if you like dry jumping or a dirty talking man who takes his alpha seriously then this is it for you! And knotting??? AND A HOT TUB SCENE. Omg I’m salivating just thinking about how hot it was to listen to this!
Type: audio (thanks PRH audio!!!)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Forced proximity
Grumpy x sunshine
Knotting
Shifter romance
Snowed in
Contractor x lodge owner
And boy was this one absolutely delicious. I’ve really learned a lot about myself in the last month & it’s that I am feral for Wolf shifter romances lmao
HUNTER WAS SO GROWLY & GRUMPY & A HOT LOWKEY LUMBERJACK!!!! Then you get Tess who is this cutie creative queen that finds out she’s an omega and now has to open her mind up to a whole new way of living!
And THE HEAT THAT FEMALE SHIFTERS EXPERIENCE IS ALWAYS HOT!!!! This one was just as I would’ve hoped 🥵🥵🥵 let’s just say if you like dry jumping or a dirty talking man who takes his alpha seriously then this is it for you! And knotting??? AND A HOT TUB SCENE. Omg I’m salivating just thinking about how hot it was to listen to this!
Type: audio (thanks PRH audio!!!)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Forced proximity
Grumpy x sunshine
Knotting
Shifter romance
Snowed in
Contractor x lodge owner
Read
March 5, 2025OMG 😱 I CAN'T WAIT
September 6, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy! This book releases December 2025
Stand Alone in the same universe as “The Fake Mate”, some inter connected characters, but you don’t have to have read the first to read the second. The tropes in this books are - omegaverse/wolf shifters, forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine.
Tess is a Ms.Fix it, renovating old run down spaces into rustic gems along with her three brothers. Her newest project brings her to the middle of nowhere to a ski lodge that has seen better days. Tess sees its potential - but first she will have to convince the owner Hunter to let her stay. Unknown to her, she was hired by his aunt to help and he’s not too keen on changing things. On top of that, they have a strong strange attraction to each other - you see, Tess just learned she is a late presenting omega wolf shifter. And Hunter is an alpha. They are biologically designed to be compatible - if only the grumpy rugged plaid wearing Hunter would give the determined and sassy Tess a chance. In this push and pull of attraction and caution, can either let the other in close enough for a chance at love?
Similar to the first, there is a lot of spice, for me, it got to be a little much and repetitive. I was starting to skim a bit to move past it. That being said it is well written overall, I just feel a little more time could be spent on plot and not spice to carry the story.
Stand Alone in the same universe as “The Fake Mate”, some inter connected characters, but you don’t have to have read the first to read the second. The tropes in this books are - omegaverse/wolf shifters, forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine.
Tess is a Ms.Fix it, renovating old run down spaces into rustic gems along with her three brothers. Her newest project brings her to the middle of nowhere to a ski lodge that has seen better days. Tess sees its potential - but first she will have to convince the owner Hunter to let her stay. Unknown to her, she was hired by his aunt to help and he’s not too keen on changing things. On top of that, they have a strong strange attraction to each other - you see, Tess just learned she is a late presenting omega wolf shifter. And Hunter is an alpha. They are biologically designed to be compatible - if only the grumpy rugged plaid wearing Hunter would give the determined and sassy Tess a chance. In this push and pull of attraction and caution, can either let the other in close enough for a chance at love?
Similar to the first, there is a lot of spice, for me, it got to be a little much and repetitive. I was starting to skim a bit to move past it. That being said it is well written overall, I just feel a little more time could be spent on plot and not spice to carry the story.
November 9, 2025
Thank you, @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the gifted digital and audio copies! #berkley #berkleypartner #prhaudioinfluencer
Set in the same world as The Fake Mate where shifters are a regular part of society, Contractor Tess Covington and her brothers are all non-shifter humans on the verge of taking their wildly popular renovation-themed social media presence to the next level. Their new project is updating a lodge outside Denver. But the minute Tess touches down at Denver International, she heads to the hospital because she feels terrible. Instead of being diagnosed with the flu, Tess receives the shocking news that she’s actually a late-presenting Omega shifter. But she can’t let this life-altering news get in the way of the job at hand. Except when she arrives, she discovers that the owner is Alpha shifter Hunter Barrett. He’s content to live a quiet, isolated life but the Alpha-Omega pull is undeniable and as the weeks of working in close proximity progress, their attraction evolves from a magnetic need to a want, but there can’t be any future when she’s on the move job to job and he’s running the family business.
Lana consistently writes wildly entertaining books and if you liked The Fake Mate, you are going to eat this one up. It is full of shenanigans and a whole lot of spice. Like a lot. Which, you expect from a Lana Ferguson book. We met Hunter in The Fake Mate and this lodge is also the setting for a some of the pivotal components of that book as well. Hunter and Tess are both great. They have some interesting back stories. I’m hopeful that we’ll get another book in this series that plays off of some of the secondary characters in this book, because she spent a lot of time developing backstories for characters and it would be strange if that didn’t pay off somewhere else in this universe.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Aaron Shedlock and Samantha Summers shine in their duet performance, infusing so much into Tess and Hunter that made me love them even more than I think I would have if I only eyeball-read the story. (11h 48m)
Set in the same world as The Fake Mate where shifters are a regular part of society, Contractor Tess Covington and her brothers are all non-shifter humans on the verge of taking their wildly popular renovation-themed social media presence to the next level. Their new project is updating a lodge outside Denver. But the minute Tess touches down at Denver International, she heads to the hospital because she feels terrible. Instead of being diagnosed with the flu, Tess receives the shocking news that she’s actually a late-presenting Omega shifter. But she can’t let this life-altering news get in the way of the job at hand. Except when she arrives, she discovers that the owner is Alpha shifter Hunter Barrett. He’s content to live a quiet, isolated life but the Alpha-Omega pull is undeniable and as the weeks of working in close proximity progress, their attraction evolves from a magnetic need to a want, but there can’t be any future when she’s on the move job to job and he’s running the family business.
Lana consistently writes wildly entertaining books and if you liked The Fake Mate, you are going to eat this one up. It is full of shenanigans and a whole lot of spice. Like a lot. Which, you expect from a Lana Ferguson book. We met Hunter in The Fake Mate and this lodge is also the setting for a some of the pivotal components of that book as well. Hunter and Tess are both great. They have some interesting back stories. I’m hopeful that we’ll get another book in this series that plays off of some of the secondary characters in this book, because she spent a lot of time developing backstories for characters and it would be strange if that didn’t pay off somewhere else in this universe.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Aaron Shedlock and Samantha Summers shine in their duet performance, infusing so much into Tess and Hunter that made me love them even more than I think I would have if I only eyeball-read the story. (11h 48m)
March 19, 2025
I’ll write a full review for this later but ANOTHER BANGER FROM LANA
November 18, 2025
So this book put me into heat, thank you, Lana❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Yall can catch me HOWLINGGGG for Tess & Hunter.
If she writes it, I’ll read it because Lana DOES NOT MISS👏👏👏
Horny attorneys who hate f*ck? Smash.
A grumpy NHL player and a cutie lil baker? Smash.
A former cam girl turned nanny and the single dad who hires her but later realizes he was her biggest O Fan? Smash.
Omegaverse shifters in heat?? Smashety smash smash smash.
Honestly The Mating Game blended together everything I crave in a contemporary paranormal romance: snappy banter, a cozy environment, emotional depth that made me cry and smoldering chemistry that genuinely sent me into my own heat.
The pacing in this book is fantastic. From the first scene in the ER to the tail end, I enjoyed every single page. Nothing felt filler or forced; I just wanted to keep reading!!
Amidst all the, ahem, ✨heat✨, I want to highlight how carefully Ferguson handles Hunter’s grief and Tess’s fear for her father’s health. The self-designated pressure each carries is incredibly relatable and realistic. Multiple times I caught myself wiping my eyes with my sleeve hem. Yet their ability to find solace in each other after being in survival mode for so long was so
Now let’s revisit that spiceee because DAMN. Hunter’s protective side and possessiveness coming out had me squealing and kicking my plaid socked feet. The scenting had me swooning (you can’t tell me cinnamon and apple isnt delectable). And the nest??? 10/10 no notes.
Also unrelated but I want a hot tub in the woods at a cozy secluded log with a hot, plaid wearing lodge owner, idk I don’t make the rules.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed The Mating Game. This book is officially in my winter reads arsenal for go-to romance recs (especially paranormal & seasonal). Thank you eternally to Berkley, NetGalley & Lana for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!! May this book land you on Santa’s Knotty list.
If she writes it, I’ll read it because Lana DOES NOT MISS👏👏👏
Horny attorneys who hate f*ck? Smash.
A grumpy NHL player and a cutie lil baker? Smash.
A former cam girl turned nanny and the single dad who hires her but later realizes he was her biggest O Fan? Smash.
Omegaverse shifters in heat?? Smashety smash smash smash.
Honestly The Mating Game blended together everything I crave in a contemporary paranormal romance: snappy banter, a cozy environment, emotional depth that made me cry and smoldering chemistry that genuinely sent me into my own heat.
The pacing in this book is fantastic. From the first scene in the ER to the tail end, I enjoyed every single page. Nothing felt filler or forced; I just wanted to keep reading!!
Amidst all the, ahem, ✨heat✨, I want to highlight how carefully Ferguson handles Hunter’s grief and Tess’s fear for her father’s health. The self-designated pressure each carries is incredibly relatable and realistic. Multiple times I caught myself wiping my eyes with my sleeve hem. Yet their ability to find solace in each other after being in survival mode for so long was so
Now let’s revisit that spiceee because DAMN. Hunter’s protective side and possessiveness coming out had me squealing and kicking my plaid socked feet. The scenting had me swooning (you can’t tell me cinnamon and apple isnt delectable). And the nest??? 10/10 no notes.
Also unrelated but I want a hot tub in the woods at a cozy secluded log with a hot, plaid wearing lodge owner, idk I don’t make the rules.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed The Mating Game. This book is officially in my winter reads arsenal for go-to romance recs (especially paranormal & seasonal). Thank you eternally to Berkley, NetGalley & Lana for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!! May this book land you on Santa’s Knotty list.
November 4, 2025
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f omegaverse romance
-forced proximity
-snowed in
-lumbersexual
-grumpy/sunshine
-let me fix it up
-insta attraction
I am trash for anything Lana writes. She just knows how to write amazing chemistry and character dynamics and the Mating Game was no different. An omega who's just figuring out she's an omega and all that entails, stuck living with an alpha who definitely doesn't want her there. I really loved how these two both figured out what they wanted from their lives, as they discovered each other and what they wanted from their lives together. This was the classic steam and the classic heart all wrapped up in a book that you can't help but want to curl up with a blanket and binge read because it's just that good.
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f omegaverse romance
-forced proximity
-snowed in
-lumbersexual
-grumpy/sunshine
-let me fix it up
-insta attraction
I am trash for anything Lana writes. She just knows how to write amazing chemistry and character dynamics and the Mating Game was no different. An omega who's just figuring out she's an omega and all that entails, stuck living with an alpha who definitely doesn't want her there. I really loved how these two both figured out what they wanted from their lives, as they discovered each other and what they wanted from their lives together. This was the classic steam and the classic heart all wrapped up in a book that you can't help but want to curl up with a blanket and binge read because it's just that good.
November 10, 2025
Thank you PRH Audio for the gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Look, I’ve yet to find a Lana Ferguson I didn’t think was a fun time, and The Mating Game is no exception. We need more trad published omegaverse, and I’m so giddy it’s being delivered this year. This is forced proximity, lumberjack, omg I didn’t know I was an omega and now I’m going into heat smut. A great time was had by all (me).
The Mating Game brought the spice. The narrators delivered the spice. Aaron Shedlock I was unfamiliar with your game. 🥵 And Samantha Summers delivered the FMC’s chaos brain to perfection.
For your post Mate heat needs.
Look, I’ve yet to find a Lana Ferguson I didn’t think was a fun time, and The Mating Game is no exception. We need more trad published omegaverse, and I’m so giddy it’s being delivered this year. This is forced proximity, lumberjack, omg I didn’t know I was an omega and now I’m going into heat smut. A great time was had by all (me).
The Mating Game brought the spice. The narrators delivered the spice. Aaron Shedlock I was unfamiliar with your game. 🥵 And Samantha Summers delivered the FMC’s chaos brain to perfection.
For your post Mate heat needs.
Read
August 18, 2025parts of this were sinful 😳. dare I say there were a few too many, ahem, *scenes* for me, and the characters were tropes incarnate (and grumpy/sunshine is not a favorite trope of mine). that said, I thought the final conflict felt reasonable—which is a tall order for these kinds of books, so kudos there. in sum, I liked fake mate more (my apologies!), but this will be a nice winter read for some.
thanks to Berkeley and NetGalley for the ARC!!
thanks to Berkeley and NetGalley for the ARC!!
September 30, 2025
3.75 rounded up
I dropped .25 of a star because the last 1/4 felt rushed and honestly there was way too much smelling/description of scent.
I wish there was more knotting and I can’t believe I said that 🤣
Overall I liked the premise, and them being able to talk about their family dynamic.
Thank you berkley romance for the digital advance reader copy
I dropped .25 of a star because the last 1/4 felt rushed and honestly there was way too much smelling/description of scent.
I wish there was more knotting and I can’t believe I said that 🤣
Overall I liked the premise, and them being able to talk about their family dynamic.
Thank you berkley romance for the digital advance reader copy
November 11, 2025
Thank you to Berkley & NetGalley for an ARC of one of my most highly anticipated sequels of 2025!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded to 5 stars!
“I'm realizing that the place I thought was my home is just like I was, just a shell. I didn't know what home looked like until I met you. And I want to be that for you. Whatever it looks like. Wherever that is. If you'll let me."
Lana Ferguson is an autobuy author for me, so I ate this one up! Her omegaverse novels are some of my faves, and this one was spicyyyyyy! Get buckled up and ready for lots of knitting, IYKYK 😉
Hunter and Tess were such an adorable couple from the very first moment they met and she accidentally insulted him. I loved that when she was facing so many changes and scared about her future as an Omega, Hunter was there every step of the way to reassure her and take care of her. He truly was everything she needed. But she was also the catalyst he needed in his life to realize he hadn’t truly been living since losing his parents. She helped put him back together again, and it was so rewarding to see.
Fans of Lana, and Omegaverse romance you will love this sweet and spicy tale so much!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded to 5 stars!
“I'm realizing that the place I thought was my home is just like I was, just a shell. I didn't know what home looked like until I met you. And I want to be that for you. Whatever it looks like. Wherever that is. If you'll let me."
Lana Ferguson is an autobuy author for me, so I ate this one up! Her omegaverse novels are some of my faves, and this one was spicyyyyyy! Get buckled up and ready for lots of knitting, IYKYK 😉
Hunter and Tess were such an adorable couple from the very first moment they met and she accidentally insulted him. I loved that when she was facing so many changes and scared about her future as an Omega, Hunter was there every step of the way to reassure her and take care of her. He truly was everything she needed. But she was also the catalyst he needed in his life to realize he hadn’t truly been living since losing his parents. She helped put him back together again, and it was so rewarding to see.
Fans of Lana, and Omegaverse romance you will love this sweet and spicy tale so much!!
November 12, 2025
ALC Review
The narration for this book was so good! Aaron Shedlock & Samantha Summers were phenomenal!
Now, let me start by saying I’m still trying to decide if werewolf love stories are my thing. I can honestly say, the whole knot thing, isnt my fave. However, I absolutely loved this book! Grumpy Alpha lodge owner meets a surprise Omega contractor & this one has all the banter! The tension & chemistry in this was top notch. I am always a huge fan of the grumpy man who can’t stay away from the FMC, so this one sucked me in! I loved so many things about this story. Even the emotional, heartfelt side thrown in!
What a cute, fun, and spicy read if you love the paranormal, werewolf, shifter vibes!! I’m so glad I listened to this one!
Thank you PRH Audio for this early listening opportunity!!
The narration for this book was so good! Aaron Shedlock & Samantha Summers were phenomenal!
Now, let me start by saying I’m still trying to decide if werewolf love stories are my thing. I can honestly say, the whole knot thing, isnt my fave. However, I absolutely loved this book! Grumpy Alpha lodge owner meets a surprise Omega contractor & this one has all the banter! The tension & chemistry in this was top notch. I am always a huge fan of the grumpy man who can’t stay away from the FMC, so this one sucked me in! I loved so many things about this story. Even the emotional, heartfelt side thrown in!
What a cute, fun, and spicy read if you love the paranormal, werewolf, shifter vibes!! I’m so glad I listened to this one!
Thank you PRH Audio for this early listening opportunity!!
October 14, 2025
Thank you Berkley for the NetGalley ARC!
The Fake Mate was such a fun time for me so I was really excited to dive into this one, and I can say it’s just as fun! Although I felt as though the writing felt a bit rushed for me which kind of took me out of the story for a bit. I wish we had some more build up between the characters before their relationship(ish) started up. I think it would’ve made me love it a bit more as I kinda felt thrown into them being together (which I can understand given the circumstances but I still wish there was a little more build up!).
It did however deliver on the omegaverse aspect and no complaints here! It was fun, quick and cozy just in time for the Holidays!
The Fake Mate was such a fun time for me so I was really excited to dive into this one, and I can say it’s just as fun! Although I felt as though the writing felt a bit rushed for me which kind of took me out of the story for a bit. I wish we had some more build up between the characters before their relationship(ish) started up. I think it would’ve made me love it a bit more as I kinda felt thrown into them being together (which I can understand given the circumstances but I still wish there was a little more build up!).
It did however deliver on the omegaverse aspect and no complaints here! It was fun, quick and cozy just in time for the Holidays!
September 17, 2025
When I tell you I will read anything by Lana, I SCOOPED up this ARC.
I’m obsessed with her writing. I’ve literally loved everything she’s written. The banter is always top notch, and this one being the sequel to The Fake Mate?! Top tier, bc I looooove a good omegaverse.
Read this in one afternoon bc I refused to put it down.
I’m obsessed with her writing. I’ve literally loved everything she’s written. The banter is always top notch, and this one being the sequel to The Fake Mate?! Top tier, bc I looooove a good omegaverse.
Read this in one afternoon bc I refused to put it down.
October 19, 2025
3.5 stars!
This book was fun, quick, and cute! I love a good grumpy character and I think this author does it very well. The development between Hunter and Tess was so much fun and I love the inside jokes that they had. The tension was well-written and both Tess and Hunter had their own charms. It was so endearing to see how playful their relationship became.
However, as a whole, the book felt pretty surface level to me. I wish we got to take a deeper dive between the two and I wish they were able to have more of an established relationship before the conflict. I didn't like how the handled the conflict, mostly because there was a lot of downplaying that I feel like they shouldn't have had. Their development was definitely cute but for the most part, it felt like a fling between them. It was just missing a little excitement.
Thank you to Berkley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book was fun, quick, and cute! I love a good grumpy character and I think this author does it very well. The development between Hunter and Tess was so much fun and I love the inside jokes that they had. The tension was well-written and both Tess and Hunter had their own charms. It was so endearing to see how playful their relationship became.
However, as a whole, the book felt pretty surface level to me. I wish we got to take a deeper dive between the two and I wish they were able to have more of an established relationship before the conflict. I didn't like how the handled the conflict, mostly because there was a lot of downplaying that I feel like they shouldn't have had. Their development was definitely cute but for the most part, it felt like a fling between them. It was just missing a little excitement.
Thank you to Berkley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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