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Crowned Mates #1

Alpha's Impostor Bride

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Fake crown. Wrong bride. Real mate bond....And one very unplanned pup.

Leanna
I was the princess’s shadow—her stand-in for speeches, signatures, and, apparently, the Alpha’s impostor bride.
Cedric Raine needed a bride to end a war. I needed to survive.
The crown was fake. The name wasn’t mine.
But every touch on mating night? Terrifyingly real.
He marked me, mated me, made me believe I wasn’t just a lie.
Until the real princess came back.

And he locked me in a cell.
So I left—with his heir.
Six years later, I don’t wear crowns—I build business empires.
Now I return to his palace in heels, diamonds, and zero regrets.
And when he sees my little boy with his eyes?
The crown won’t be the only thing at my feet.

Cedric
She wasn’t the princess. I knew it the second she stepped into my court.
But her scent, her fire, the way she trembled in my arms—that was real.

I kept her because I couldn’t let her go.
Even when the truth came for us, I chose silence to protect her.
Now she’s back—with a new name, her own kingdom, and a child that looks just like me.
And I’d burn mine down just to have her again.

Ready for a supernatural romance full of twists and turns? 💘
"You thought she was just a stand-in... until she became everything."

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2025

880 people are currently reading
209 people want to read

About the author

Jaymin Snow

57 books155 followers
Jaymin Snow was born and raised in a small town in Villa Park where she was homeschooled through high school. She writes paranormal and fantasy romance stories full of feisty heroines, unforgettable heroes. ​She has a husband, three young daughters, and a lovely dog.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
605 reviews117 followers
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September 16, 2025
~ no virgins
~ long 8 year separation
~ mild om drama
~ MFC flips her personality

First, like so many of these, the blurb isn’t accurate. Who writes these? Can I volunteer?

So he never marks her or mates her on their mating night- it’s a ceremony in name only. They don’t sleep together until about 30% and he doesn’t mark her until the end. She never believes he loves her - I actually loved that she was so pragmatic about her situation it was refreshing. He also didn’t throw her in a cell - he was away and got betrayed himself. Leanna had help escaping. She doesn’t build business empires, she’s a private investigator. She never returns to his palace but is set up to meet him again by Erik - an odd character whose choices make little sense.

So what really happens is Cedric is a biased King, pure blood is best. He meets Leanna and has to keep her somehow so tells her she’s a prisoner and substitute for his political schemes - pretends she a pure blood princess. He doesn’t want a fated mate for reasons that actually make sense (shocker) - but begins to fall anyway. Unfortunately when Cedric is betrayed there’s not enough trust built and Leanna runs to an ally - Erik. Erik’s storyline was pretty weak…I couldn’t figure out if he loved her or not. Anyway he ends up getting the main couple back together 8 years later- there’s an ongoing side plot about a secret organization and kidnappings of course. I skimmed a lot of that just because I was tired.

The steam is pretty good, not great but good. Leanna has a bit of a character change and it veered towards bitchy rather than confident. Cedric had some archaic parenting ideas that weren’t really addressed. Definitely some loose ends and a few contradictions but by far the most enjoyable rejected mate story I’ve read of the last 20 or so….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
June 10, 2025
Silver Eyes, Shattered Crowns & One Hell of a Comeback—This Queen Doesn’t Bow, She Burns

Whew. Alpha’s Impostor Bride by Jaymin Snow had me in my feels, friends. And not the soft kind. I’m talking grab-a-glass-of-wine-and-yell-at-your-Kindle kind of feels. This book didn’t just scratch my itch for a secret baby/rejected mates romance—it devoured it and left me craving more.
From the moment Leanna strutted back into that masquerade ball? I was locked in. This isn’t your damsel-in-distress kind of heroine. She’s steel in stilettos, a queen with teeth, and she built herself from ashes while raising a baby in secret. And let me tell you, when she and Cedric come face to face again? The tension. The heat. The raw emotion. It’s a full-course meal, and I was feasting.
Now, let’s talk Cedric—Alpha king, broken mate, clueless dad-to-be. I wanted to throw him into a lake and kiss him breathless all at once. He wrecked Leanna six years ago and now shows up with all his diplomacy and broody vibes like, “Let’s work this out.” Sir. You have a son with silver eyes. Get in line behind your consequences and your mate’s wrath.
But underneath the royal ego? That wolf still burns for her. His scenes with their son? Melted me. The way he sees her, really sees her now—not as some political pawn, but as the fierce, capable woman she became? That right there is why I stayed up half the night reading and whisper-yelling, “Don’t screw this up again!”
The secret baby angle? Delicious. The political tension? Sharp as claws. And that moment when Cedric finally finds out the truth? You could hear my gasp two rooms away.
Leanna’s journey from betrayed bride to badass business queen? Personal. Powerful. And her love for her son—don’t even get me started. It hit deep. Because sometimes the world writes us off as weak for walking away, for choosing our kids, our peace—but Leanna? She walked away and thrived.
So if you want a werewolf romance that balances red-hot chemistry, slow-burn revenge, tender second chances, and a heroine who absolutely refuses to bow? Alpha’s Impostor Bride is your next obsession.
Jaymin Snow just claimed my whole heart with this one—and I am howling for Book 2.
Profile Image for Bev .
2,241 reviews484 followers
June 3, 2025
This was more like Snow's earlier works with all the angst.

3.5 stars, would have been more but it did get repetitive at times - nothing a tight edit wouldn't fix
Profile Image for Aleksandra .
41 reviews
September 12, 2025
The start was good, even exciting, but somewhere in the middle, the energy of the book seemed to be lost, and it felt like I was reading a different book.
26 reviews
May 31, 2025
Amazing story!

This book was so reminiscent of the series that made me love Jaymin Snow, The Rejection Series. The last several books have been wonderful but I am a glutton for punishment and love when a story is so moving, I am crying messy tears, this story definitely delivered. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Anna Morelock.
350 reviews
October 27, 2025
4 ½ Stars

This was a great story that I couldn't put down. It is a little on the long side, but I didn't feel like there were a lot of unnecessary parts. I loved Leanna and getting to watch her growth. I also really enjoy when we have a fated mate pair who don't hookup with a bunch of random people during their time apart.
Profile Image for Jetscarbie.
693 reviews17 followers
June 4, 2025
I’m a sucker for a good shifter book with a decent plot. This book was kind of crazy but in a good way.

So the plot is basically h was taken off the streets at aged 5 because she looked like the princess. She was raised to be the princess’ body double. She may have had the same education and training as the princess BUT she lived a different life behind closed doors. The princess was very abusive to her.

H is an alpha king and he’s in the middle of a war mainly to avenge his parent’s murder. He sacks the princess’ palace but the only person there is h- the body double. The princess left her there thinking she would be killed.

H and h are fated mates. He KNOWS h is not the princess. He still marries her. They shag 😂
The whole castle, employees, H, H’s friends all treat her like absolute garbage. The real princess shows up because OFC she can’t stand her body double being a queen. She wants her spot.

The princess and some of H’s friends scheme and put out an order for h to be killed. H did not authorize that but they signed his name. h really believes he ordered her to be killed so she takes off into the dangerous woods. Everybody thinks she’s dead. 🤪 Nope, but she is pregnant

I think 7 or 8 years pass and h is now living in the human world with another alpha (they are just friends even though the alpha seems like he has feelings for her) Well, H shows up. SURPRISE 😳 He figures out quickly the kid is his.

Both MCs have remained celibate during their separation.

h is no longer the timid doormat he knew before.
He does have to do some groveling for her forgiveness.

They will have to work together to bring down the evil people (which is no surprise) but it’s always good to read a good comeuppance
Profile Image for Lael.
33 reviews
August 13, 2025
Liked the idea more than the actual writing. A great concept but a bit slow.

Profile Image for A. King.
360 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2025
I'm going to say this in the nicest way possible. It feels like one of those pay-per-chapter books.

I have no problem with those apps, and I used to be on one quite frequently. I have found a couple of my most favorite authors that way, in fact. However, I will say that sometimes, the stories aren't always what we're hoping for.

This one has high potential, but I feel it's lacking in a big way, Earlier this evening, I was asked "how is your book?" And I honestly replied with "I'm about to throw it across the room because it feels like it's dragging on and on and I'm BETTING that all of the action in the book ends up in the last 10% of it."

Wouldn't ya know, I was right. It dragged. On. So. Long. And then it was detail-BOOM-detail-BOOM-detail-BOOM-detail and ENDING TWIST followed up by the HEA after a whole lot of drama.

Again, it has a lot of potential. I did enjoy it, even if it seemed like it wasn't spaced out as well as it could have been. Did I LOVE how clueless Cedric is about... well, anything that isn't battle related? Yes, I absolutely did. It was ridiculously adorable on the one hand, while frustrating on the other. But it was the growth in him that helped him to see (even if it was very belated) that how he was behaving wasn't ok that made the story that much better for me. And seeing the strength in Leanna was great, considering how meek she was at the start. It was really an amazing amount of growth, which I wish I could have seen more of considering there was an 8 year time gap. That's the only part that saddens me. And I know that I harped on about how the story dragged. But I feel like if we had gotten other time gaps, smaller ones, rather than some of the other bits that dragged on BEFORE the gap? I feel like it would have flowed better. But that's just me.
Profile Image for Happily Ever After Romance.
887 reviews26 followers
June 1, 2025
Alpha's Imposter Bride begins the Crowned Mates series with the surprising romance between Leanna (a princess’s double) and Cedric (King of the North). Although Leanna was kidnapped by Cedric, believing her to be Princess Vivian of the East, and a mortal enemy, it takes a short time for him to realize two important facts. One, she’s not the princess he believed her to be. And two, she’s his fated mate. Talk about complications.

I enjoyed my time in Alpha's Imposter Bride by Jaymin Snow, it’s a complex story with political unrest, danger, and a growing connection between Leanna and Cedric. They may be fated mates, but Cedric isn’t quick to accept that and allows the unease of Leanna’s presence to grow until mounting tensions and threats against his mate have him acknowledging his own feelings for this brave woman. I loved this couple both individually and together. Simply loathed Vivian.

If you love a well-written paranormal romance with wit, banter, danger, intrigue, and a couple that really do fit together, then this one is perfect for you. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author's team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,330 reviews10 followers
June 20, 2025
The war of the Kingdoms

This is book one about the North and Eastern wolf kingdoms. There is King Cedric ruler in the north; he is a warrior, strict, but fair to his people. And then there is Princess Vivian and her father, who are shady and conniving. Action begins from chapter one, where we find the northerners are storming the castle of the east because Princess Vivian is horrible and abusive to her people and others as well. Leanna, our lead female, was an orphan who was forced into being the substitute for Princess Vivian because their faces look exactly alike. Leanna is captured but everyone thinks she is Vivian, and also now a prisoner of war. This book is like a two for one novel because at the halfway mark, the lead female Leanna is forced to escape into a new life in the human realm, living in the human wolf kingdom led by King Erik. There is a subplot to this half of the story. This book is interesting and has all kinds of twists that keep popping up. The ending climax was big and devastating, but our new couple King Cedric and Leanna do get their happy ending for now. Read on!
Profile Image for Victoria Golby.
1,738 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2025
She was the princesses shadow

A brilliant read, I loved this story and haven't been able to put it down. A well-written story full of forced proximity, betrayal, action, fated mates, love, romance and discovery, with plenty of twists.

When Cedric, the King of the North, stormed the wolf palace in the East he left with Princess Vivian as his prisoner, only he didn't have Vivian but Leanna her shadow. Leanna had been taught and groomed alongside the princess so she could stand in for her if the princess was in danger. But Cedric realises he hasn't got the one he claims to, and he also recognises her as his fated mate.

He takes her back to his palace as a prisoner of war and plans to marry her to solidify his claim on the East. As they spend more time together he becomes more protective of her but is still wary of his feelings for her. But not everyone in his court is pleased with his choice of bride and when Leanne escapes she builds a new life with humans.

Eight years later Cedric finds her again, but can he convince her that he wants her back in his life?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Adrianna.
468 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2025
This book was so good! The story was told so well. My heart broke for Leanna. Her life was just one tragedy after another. She had completely given up, resigned to the horrors that had become her entire life. I got a little emotional feeling her despair. The book is full of betrayal and redemption. I loved how strong Leanna became. I loved the relationships she built with Harriet, King Erik, and Mya. I also loved that Leanna stood up for herself once Cedric came back into her life. I loved Cedric’s character growth. He went from a total jerk wad to a loving mate.

I do wish we had a better understanding of what was going on with the group killing wolves, but I think there’s another book so I guess I need to read on.

Lastly, I was confused about the hierarchy of the northern kingdom. In the beginning of the book it’s stated that “Bella is the former butlers daughter” but then later she’s the daughter of a nobleman? Is that an error or are castle staff members also noble people? I didn’t think that’s how it worked. But I like the book so much I’m just overlooking this continuity issue.
Profile Image for PurpleLadi.
569 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2025
Alpha's Imposter Bride by Jaymin Snow is an action packed enemies to lovers paranormal story, that held me entranced from the first page. Cedric and Leanna are from two different worlds, but find out that they are fated mates. Cedric is the king of the Northern Shifter Kingdom and Leanna was a tortured orphan slave, groomed to be the double the evil princes of the Eastern Shifter Kingdom. Leanna is captured and forced to mate with Cedric and become queen to his kingdom under the guise of being the princess of the Eastern Kingdom. The three kingdoms (Northern, Southern, Human) are surrounded by waring rebels from the Eastern Kingdom and deadly monsters along the border of the vail, and threatening the delicate balance of their world. There is something sinister going on and the people who should be relied upon were untrustworthy, but unless Leanna, Cedric and Erik (king of the Human Shifter Kingdom) figure out what it is, no one is safe.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sophie.
99 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2025
4,5 ☆

Although this story made me feel a little bit depri along the way (especially with all the trauma Leanna endured)
This story did grab my attention.

Leanna Avery, an orphan who has been with the Eastern Wolf Royals from the age of 5 years old to be princess Vivian's decoy
And her personal torture toy.

But can you actually call her an imposter if they (Cedric & his inner circle) know she's not the real princess Vivian (who, by the way, is truly awful. Or is despicable a better word to describe her?)

We are thrown into the mystery of who killed King Cedric Raine's parents over 20 years ago. (from the Northern Wolf Kingdom)
And who is now kidnapping & killing shifters in the Human Wolf Kingdom?

Despite the great ending, I would have loved a bit more information about the mystery surrounding Leanna's heritage because of her Wolf's strange coloring.
But also because the secret organization "The Silver Ring Organisation" apparently wanted to kidnap her (and all their other dead victims)

Who also seems to continue to be the enemy in the near future of this series.
Profile Image for Jai M {Cat Crazy Dragon }.
872 reviews50 followers
August 23, 2025
Was very good, but could have been amazing.

Too many predictable tropes and easy short-cuts, to be what it should have been.

A number of plot hole, clues started, but then dropped, behaviour that was ugly, but later justified…and my biggest gripe of all… a level of trauma that was utterly unrealistic, just simply brushed away as if it was minor.

After an entire lifetime of physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect; it supposedly only takes her less than a month to overcome it, start to talk back, feel confident, and learn to trust. 🤣😂🤣😂🤯

Forget PTSD, she doesn’t even experience true fear of touch, intimacy, or any expected triggers.

Yet despite these glaring flaws and holes, I still enjoyed much of this, found the plot clever and interesting, and came to like many of the characters (though several that were introduced as main features were suddenly, and unexpectedly, dropped before being truly developed unfortunately).

Will I read B2? Not sure…
53 reviews
July 9, 2025
Good but misleading

I started reading this book in the morning and finished it by the evening. It had my interest immediately. It seemed more like it should have been two separate books, though.

I docked a star for a few different reasons. One of them being how misleading the description is. I feel like may be the author wrote that first, but then took the story a slightly different direction and never corrected it. One example, in the description it stated 6 years and in the book it states 8 years. Also, one of the characters is described as a childhood friend that was the former butler’s child. Later, she’s a noble’s daughter.

If you’re looking for a book with spice this one does have it, but it’s towards the beginning of the book and then towards the end. It starts out and finishes as a romance book, but in the middle comes across as a mystery novel instead. I would most definitely read another book by this author, though.
Profile Image for Diana Page.
1,043 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2025
So good !! Cedric and Leanna’s story has so many moving parts ! Shifter Kingdoms on one side of the veil that are very medieval in ways, while the one on the Human side of the Beil is modern day with cell phones and computers. There are monsters in the in between spaces of The Veil that Cedric and his troops fight daily. Leanna was a slave that looked enough like Princess Vivian that she was taken in and forced to portray Vivian at times. The storyline is of fated Mates and second chance mates, with a hidden child to boot ! So very good. The characters are wonderful, you either love them or hate them . Jaymin Snow has started this series of with a bang ! Lots of betrayal, hidden meanings and decades old strife. 5✨’s and I can’t wait for book 2 ! I’m hoping Maya’s not dead !
Profile Image for L KQ.
5,625 reviews22 followers
June 12, 2025
Political Prisoner

Leanna has been treated poorly all her life and meeting her fated mate was supposed to be a heartwarming experience that would set her free. Cedric, the King of the Northern Kingdom is initially cruel in his treatment of Leanna but when she is betrayed and left for dead, there is no one left to trust. Their story was emotional and filled with pain, as secrets and revelations come to the surface. It was suspenseful and heartbreaking, until the very end, even with a positive outcome to some extent. I can't wait to read what happens next as this series teases something of interest for the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
183 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2025
Good Read

I really enjoyed this world. I feel like Maya should have gotten more in this story than what she got. I won’t expound because I don’t want to put spoilers. Other than that, Leanna’s story actually had me in tears at times because of everything she endured at Vivian’s hands. I love how dedicated and true to Leanna Cedric was even when he believed she was dead. The storyline and world building was so interesting that I found it difficult to put down this book. I would love to see more into the future and maybe see Maya get a better ending. (I know I’ve mentioned her twice now, but I feel like her character had too abrupt of an ending and feel like Leanna gave up too easily.)
Profile Image for I’m a Paula too… Thompson.
1,356 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2025
Northern Queen…

Leanna is the shadow of Princess Vivian, and she has been so since she was five years old. She is treated as a slave and has been both tortured and poisoned by the princess. When the Northern wolves invade, their king takes her away in the belief that she is Vivian.

She has been so badly treated that it takes a while for her to heal, and her stamina and endurance are basically gone. But it turns out that she is the King’s fated mate!

There is a lot going on. There are the unsolved murders of his parents. There is something called the Veil, that spawns monsters. Vivian turns out to be alive after years believing she was killed. More betrayals by trusted friends too.

KU read. Lovers of werewolves will really appreciate this one… it’s good.
10 reviews
October 29, 2025
A triumph for Ms Snow

Ms. Snow's way of writing is similar to my favorite romance novelist, Julie Garwood's style. I was pleasantly surprised. Like Ms. Garwood, she has a knack for making the two main characters very endearing.
I loved how the storyline seemed substantial, like it had meat on its bones - in a way that other shifter novels do not. Critique: there was quite a bit of repetition that made it seem like it was designed to help fill pages. It would have been better filling the pages introducing us to the sinister organization that was such an integral part of the story. But, since no novel is perfect, I was very pleased with this find. Five stars, Ms. Snow. You deserve it.
Profile Image for Sush.
12 reviews
September 3, 2025
This is honestly one of the best books I’ve read from Jaymin Snow so far. The story is neatly structured, and the character development is given enough time to grow, which really pulled me in.

I had previously read the Eternal Oath Saga, and while I enjoyed the idea, the last book in that series felt rushed and almost childish in tone. This book, however, is completely different—mature, well-paced, and thoughtfully written. It actually made me pause and wonder if both works were by the same author, given the contrast in quality.

Overall, Alpha’s Imposter Bride stands out with its storytelling and depth, and it’s definitely worth the read if you’re into werewolf romance.
Profile Image for Michele.
390 reviews7 followers
May 17, 2025
This was definitely a page turner for me. Cedric and Leanna's relationship started out a bit rocky because he felt she was responsible for something she wasn't, and she felt unworthy. Growth was slow because they each had feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. Once they started warming up to each other, disaster happens, and they are separated for 8 years. The villain was exactly who I thought it was as well as others. However, their comeuppance was epic, and I was definitely satisfied with the couple's eventual HEA. Great start to the series.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews155 followers
May 31, 2025
Their relationship started off on a lie and resulted in them parting ways. Now Leanna is back and taking control of what is rightfully hers. Cedric is alpha of his clan and would do anything to gain back what he lost. Will he and Leanna get to rekindle their lost love for a second chance to find happiness. This is a great shifter story that had me all caught up in the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Winter.
19 reviews
June 16, 2025
A very enjoyable read. Leanna's growth throughout the novel was beautiful to witness. Although I do think she was pretty strong, to begin with. My boo Cedric was endearing. His aversion to Leanna in the beginning is understandable and the way he carried himself during their period of misunderstanding was so bittersweet. I do wish we had gotten a better revenge on Bella and Vivian. Especially Vivian. She got off easy given what a monster she was.
207 reviews
June 17, 2025
I love that the FMC & MMC had some serious growth.
I felt like the ending was super rushed, it happened really quickly. They accepted the death of … way to quickly even though there is no proof just a kidnapping.
I also felt like these characters were flat.
Throughout the book I was wondering how old are they?

I love Harriet! Curious to see what happened with everyone else but there was no epilogue.
Profile Image for BUDAful.
98 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2025
Gosh, if there’s one thing I love more than a good shifter romance, it’s a shifter romance written by Jaymin Snow! Her books never fail to pull me in and wreck me in the best possible way. I felt every emotion—every ounce of love, passion, heartbreak, and healing. I cried, I swooned, and I couldn’t put it down. Jaymin just gets it—she writes characters that feel so real and moments that stay with you long after the last page.
Profile Image for Kryztle | kryztlereads.
78 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2025
⭐️ 5 | 🌶️ 3

This book grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps it! This book had me in tears!

I love the characters. Leanna had a terrible childhood at the hands of the Princess. Her only crime, having the same face. She has deep trust issues but she has a kind heart. I love Harriet & I adore how much Cedric loves Leanna.

This is probably my favorite book by Jaymin Snow to date! It was full of banter and mystery! I would definitely recommend this to friends.
Profile Image for Jen.
55 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2025
Description for this book is incorrect, too.

Much like reviewers for the second book are saying, parts of this summary/description are totally not for this book.

Leanna isn’t left in a cell by Cedric. She doesn’t build empires, or return to the castle with diamonds on heels.

I like a lot of this book, but I was disappointed that it wasn’t what the description said it would be. It felt like some of the pacing was off and things wrapped out way too quickly imo.

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