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Heirs of Mistvale #3
Miles's Pact
Miles always thought he’d find his mate before his twin. What he didn’t expect was for Mateo to be the one to introduce them… or for his mate to be a duck.
Miles
When I sent Mateo to pick out a pet for us from the local shelter, I expected to come home to a cat or dog. Instead, he introduced me to a duck who wasn't just a shifter, but also my mate, and refused to shift into human form.
Winning over someone who wouldn’t shift wasn’t easy, but I didn't give up. With my twin, my family, and my clan behind me, I was determined to make Duckie feel safe enough to trust me.
Duckie
It had been ages since I’d been around other supes, let alone in a town full of them. But no matter how kind everyone was, I couldn’t bring myself to shift. It was too dangerous—at least, that’s what I kept telling myself.
But Miles wouldn’t give up on me. Mateo made me laugh. And Mistvale, with its dragon protector, felt like the safest place I’d ever known. Maybe, just maybe, I could finally belong.
Miles’s Pact is a cozy MM paranormal romance featuring a patient owl shifter, a cautious duck shifter, and the twin who platonically loves them both. With low angst, found-family magic, and plenty of heart, this story is like a warm cup of cocoa for the soul!
Note: While this book is an MM romance between Miles and Duckie, Mateo shares a deep platonic bond with both and has a couple of POVs.
Miles
When I sent Mateo to pick out a pet for us from the local shelter, I expected to come home to a cat or dog. Instead, he introduced me to a duck who wasn't just a shifter, but also my mate, and refused to shift into human form.
Winning over someone who wouldn’t shift wasn’t easy, but I didn't give up. With my twin, my family, and my clan behind me, I was determined to make Duckie feel safe enough to trust me.
Duckie
It had been ages since I’d been around other supes, let alone in a town full of them. But no matter how kind everyone was, I couldn’t bring myself to shift. It was too dangerous—at least, that’s what I kept telling myself.
But Miles wouldn’t give up on me. Mateo made me laugh. And Mistvale, with its dragon protector, felt like the safest place I’d ever known. Maybe, just maybe, I could finally belong.
Miles’s Pact is a cozy MM paranormal romance featuring a patient owl shifter, a cautious duck shifter, and the twin who platonically loves them both. With low angst, found-family magic, and plenty of heart, this story is like a warm cup of cocoa for the soul!
Note: While this book is an MM romance between Miles and Duckie, Mateo shares a deep platonic bond with both and has a couple of POVs.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2026
35 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Stella Rainbow
56 books277 followersStella Rainbow is the pen name of a twenty something woman from India. Her heart is too full of rainbow colored stories to be limited by the lack of awareness in her home country.
Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.
She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com
Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.
She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book but it didn’t hit as hard as the previous two books. It has all the sweetness that I’ve come to expect from one of Stella Rainbow’s stories. I thought it was another good addition to the Heirs of Mistvale Series but it didn’t hit as hard as the previous books for some reason. This book is connected to Stella’s Mistvale universe books while it can be read as a standalone, the Heirs of Mistvale Series tells the stories of characters who were kids in the previous Mistvale books. This is fated mates story between Miles (barn owl shifter) & Duckie (duck shifter). I thought that they were great together and their chemistry was completely off the charts. The way their relationship progressed felt realistic considering everything Duckie has been through so they took things at a slower pace.
Duckie also has a platonic best friend/brother bond with Miles’s twin brother Mateo which they’re all happy about. It was cool that they actually spent time getting to know each other before they formed their bond. I liked that both Miles and Duckie were mindful of them spending too much time together as they didn’t want Mateo to feel left out, or for their bond to suffer. I loved that after hearing Duckie’s story Miles contacted Nash, their human police detective clan member to ask him if he possibly knows someone that could shed some light on what happened all those years ago, so Duckie could hopefully get some much needed answers/closure. I’m really looking forward to reading Paxton’s Secret when it’s released, as well as more books by Stella in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
******I received a slightly early copy of this book because I’m a member of Stella’s Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I really enjoyed this book but it didn’t hit as hard as the previous two books. It has all the sweetness that I’ve come to expect from one of Stella Rainbow’s stories. I thought it was another good addition to the Heirs of Mistvale Series but it didn’t hit as hard as the previous books for some reason. This book is connected to Stella’s Mistvale universe books while it can be read as a standalone, the Heirs of Mistvale Series tells the stories of characters who were kids in the previous Mistvale books. This is fated mates story between Miles (barn owl shifter) & Duckie (duck shifter). I thought that they were great together and their chemistry was completely off the charts. The way their relationship progressed felt realistic considering everything Duckie has been through so they took things at a slower pace.
Duckie also has a platonic best friend/brother bond with Miles’s twin brother Mateo which they’re all happy about. It was cool that they actually spent time getting to know each other before they formed their bond. I liked that both Miles and Duckie were mindful of them spending too much time together as they didn’t want Mateo to feel left out, or for their bond to suffer. I loved that after hearing Duckie’s story Miles contacted Nash, their human police detective clan member to ask him if he possibly knows someone that could shed some light on what happened all those years ago, so Duckie could hopefully get some much needed answers/closure. I’m really looking forward to reading Paxton’s Secret when it’s released, as well as more books by Stella in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
******I received a slightly early copy of this book because I’m a member of Stella’s Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2026
Miles never expected his fated mate to be a duck shifter who refused to take human form, but that’s exactly who Mateo brings home from the shelter. Determined and gentle, Miles sets out to earn Duckie’s trust, supported by his twin and their close‑knit clan. Duckie, wary after years of isolation and convinced shifting is too dangerous, slowly begins to feel safe in Mistvale — especially with Miles’ patience, Mateo’s warmth, and the town’s protective magic. As trust grows, so does the possibility of finally belonging. A soft, low‑angst paranormal romance about found family, quiet devotion, and two shifters learning to feel safe in each other’s care.
I loved this story which was an absolute gem of gentle magic, found family, and beautifully unconventional love. Miles and Duckie shared the kind of fated‑mate bond that feels soft, inevitable, and deeply comforting — a connection built on patience, safety, and the slow unfurling of trust. Their relationship is tender in a way that makes every small step forward feel meaningful. What truly sets the book apart, though, is the dynamic between all three men. Mateo, who is aroace, isn’t a romantic or sexual partner, yet his bond with Duckie is just as important and just as valid. The story treats their connection with such respect, showing how mateship can take different shapes and still be profoundly intimate. The three of them form a unit that feels warm, supportive, and wonderfully unique. A cosy, low‑angst paranormal romance that celebrates love in all its forms — romantic, platonic, fated, and chosen. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story which was an absolute gem of gentle magic, found family, and beautifully unconventional love. Miles and Duckie shared the kind of fated‑mate bond that feels soft, inevitable, and deeply comforting — a connection built on patience, safety, and the slow unfurling of trust. Their relationship is tender in a way that makes every small step forward feel meaningful. What truly sets the book apart, though, is the dynamic between all three men. Mateo, who is aroace, isn’t a romantic or sexual partner, yet his bond with Duckie is just as important and just as valid. The story treats their connection with such respect, showing how mateship can take different shapes and still be profoundly intimate. The three of them form a unit that feels warm, supportive, and wonderfully unique. A cosy, low‑angst paranormal romance that celebrates love in all its forms — romantic, platonic, fated, and chosen. This was an MM story with mature content.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've been reading the books about Mistvale, and the spinoffs, for a while now and have enjoyed reading them. I always know that they are going to be full of sweetness and found family goodness, and this one was exactly that.
When Miles and Mateo first met Duckie, their mate, he was in his shifter form which just so happens to be a duck. Gradually overtime he becomes comfortable enough to shift into his human form and I think that was when this story really took off.
I have to say that even though Duckie was in his animal form for the beginning of the book, he was still a very important part of the story. He was still able to communicate with the twins because of their mate bond, and Alex found a way to communicate with him in a different way. (Which was so sweet!)
I liked how there was Aroace rep, Mateo's character and his relationship dynamic with Duckie was refreshing and unique. I haven't come across too many books where there is Aroace rep plus also showcasing a platonic bond and relationship similar to the one Duckie and Mateo formed.
All in all, I thought this story was another great addition to Mistvale. I do think that for me certain parts did get a bit repetitive and a little redundant, but overall the story was nice to read.
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~~
When Miles and Mateo first met Duckie, their mate, he was in his shifter form which just so happens to be a duck. Gradually overtime he becomes comfortable enough to shift into his human form and I think that was when this story really took off.
I have to say that even though Duckie was in his animal form for the beginning of the book, he was still a very important part of the story. He was still able to communicate with the twins because of their mate bond, and Alex found a way to communicate with him in a different way. (Which was so sweet!)
I liked how there was Aroace rep, Mateo's character and his relationship dynamic with Duckie was refreshing and unique. I haven't come across too many books where there is Aroace rep plus also showcasing a platonic bond and relationship similar to the one Duckie and Mateo formed.
All in all, I thought this story was another great addition to Mistvale. I do think that for me certain parts did get a bit repetitive and a little redundant, but overall the story was nice to read.
~~I received an early copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.~~~
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mateo, Miles, and Duckie are just the cutest throuple? If that is the right term. I adore how they met and how accepting everyone is of one another, regardless of the past or trauma that someone's experienced.
When I first heard that the next instalment in this story was going to have a platonic mate, and that there were three people in the relationship, I genuinely had no idea how things would pan out. In my experience, writing a story where three people need to build a relationship, and each couple needs their own time together to date or get to know each other and develop bonds is challenging to do well for many authors. When you add in that Mateo is AroAce, I feared that he would go unnoticed, be left out, or that his opinions would be invalidated. Luckily, as some who also identifies as AroAce, I can happily say that this is some of the best representation I have seen! I can tell that a lot of thought must have gone into Mateo's character. It wasn't just that he didn't want to have sex, and that was the only explanation we get as readers. I was able to see myself in Mateo, and that means more than you know. Thank you.
I had the privilege of reading and reviewing an ARC of this book, and I highly recommend everyone read it!
When I first heard that the next instalment in this story was going to have a platonic mate, and that there were three people in the relationship, I genuinely had no idea how things would pan out. In my experience, writing a story where three people need to build a relationship, and each couple needs their own time together to date or get to know each other and develop bonds is challenging to do well for many authors. When you add in that Mateo is AroAce, I feared that he would go unnoticed, be left out, or that his opinions would be invalidated. Luckily, as some who also identifies as AroAce, I can happily say that this is some of the best representation I have seen! I can tell that a lot of thought must have gone into Mateo's character. It wasn't just that he didn't want to have sex, and that was the only explanation we get as readers. I was able to see myself in Mateo, and that means more than you know. Thank you.
I had the privilege of reading and reviewing an ARC of this book, and I highly recommend everyone read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
~! ARC Review!~
-- MMM shifter romance-- 1 platonic relationship + 1 romantic relationship = Perfect trio-- Barn owl twins + Duck shifter-- Fated mates-- Found family-- learning to trust, love and thrive again-- learning about the past and trying to move forward-- bringing more Mistvale history to life--
I ADORE this trio with everything in me. I love their trio dynamic and how perfect they are for each other. The relationship breakup makes so much sense for this trip with haunting pasts.
Mateo and Duckie's relationship kicks off first, but with a pure platonic edge. Mateo is Ace and with the help of his father's- he figured out for himself that a sexual or romantic relationship would never work for him.
Duckie is far to preoccupied with his haunting past and slowly is coming out of his shell when he meets Mateo and then Miles. Needing two vastly different things from both men, he find's safety, trust and love with the brother's stability and patience.
Miles on the other hand is wanting a romantic relationship, but the hidden problem lies with possibly leaving his twin. Because of their past, they are forever entwined together and Miles worries heavily for the future of both himself and Mateo.
They trip strike a perfect harmony together and their family keeps growing! With a puppy... calm down lol. They go through a lot of trust and patience situations, like introducing Duckie to Mistvale and it's vast host of supernatural beings.
Which is what sparked me to go off a read Jai & Raph's story and I'm working on the twin's dad's story now.
This book didn't only focus on the trio, but some of Mistvale's history and moving towards their future as well.
I love how interconnected all of the Stella's books are. While they can all be read pretty much as standalones, the depth you gain when you read another story just keeps plumping up Mistvale.
If low angst, syrupy sweetness, patience, found family & family mates are you jam.....or you just need a break from ALL of what the US is going through... give this a read. As well as everything Mistvale and other side spin offs.
Sometimes a new place is just the escape you need.
-- MMM shifter romance-- 1 platonic relationship + 1 romantic relationship = Perfect trio-- Barn owl twins + Duck shifter-- Fated mates-- Found family-- learning to trust, love and thrive again-- learning about the past and trying to move forward-- bringing more Mistvale history to life--
I ADORE this trio with everything in me. I love their trio dynamic and how perfect they are for each other. The relationship breakup makes so much sense for this trip with haunting pasts.
Mateo and Duckie's relationship kicks off first, but with a pure platonic edge. Mateo is Ace and with the help of his father's- he figured out for himself that a sexual or romantic relationship would never work for him.
Duckie is far to preoccupied with his haunting past and slowly is coming out of his shell when he meets Mateo and then Miles. Needing two vastly different things from both men, he find's safety, trust and love with the brother's stability and patience.
Miles on the other hand is wanting a romantic relationship, but the hidden problem lies with possibly leaving his twin. Because of their past, they are forever entwined together and Miles worries heavily for the future of both himself and Mateo.
They trip strike a perfect harmony together and their family keeps growing! With a puppy... calm down lol. They go through a lot of trust and patience situations, like introducing Duckie to Mistvale and it's vast host of supernatural beings.
Which is what sparked me to go off a read Jai & Raph's story and I'm working on the twin's dad's story now.
This book didn't only focus on the trio, but some of Mistvale's history and moving towards their future as well.
I love how interconnected all of the Stella's books are. While they can all be read pretty much as standalones, the depth you gain when you read another story just keeps plumping up Mistvale.
If low angst, syrupy sweetness, patience, found family & family mates are you jam.....or you just need a break from ALL of what the US is going through... give this a read. As well as everything Mistvale and other side spin offs.
Sometimes a new place is just the escape you need.
January 28, 2026
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book or not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous. My review is honest and voluntary.
This was hard to review. I love some things but hate others. The characters are cute. I did hate the mom's reaction, understand where it came from, but she should have been mature enough to hold it back and not meddle. The interaction between the mother and Duckie was a bit weird, too. It also had sme pars that made no sense. Like Duckie wanted to go to meet Pax and the other guy, but in the scene, Duckie is nowhere to be found. Another example is when it reads "Heather's mom" instead of Heather, who IS the mom; it should have been Duckie's mom instead. Maybe the author needs a better editor. Other than that, it was ok, a bit boring overall, maybe mediocre? I enjoyed re-visiting some of the original characters.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
This was hard to review. I love some things but hate others. The characters are cute. I did hate the mom's reaction, understand where it came from, but she should have been mature enough to hold it back and not meddle. The interaction between the mother and Duckie was a bit weird, too. It also had sme pars that made no sense. Like Duckie wanted to go to meet Pax and the other guy, but in the scene, Duckie is nowhere to be found. Another example is when it reads "Heather's mom" instead of Heather, who IS the mom; it should have been Duckie's mom instead. Maybe the author needs a better editor. Other than that, it was ok, a bit boring overall, maybe mediocre? I enjoyed re-visiting some of the original characters.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
January 22, 2026
I so want to live in Mistvale ;) I just love this series and the world that Stella has created. This book was such a gentle, comforting read. With the unique element of discovering your mate is a duck shifter who refuses to shift! I loved how patient Miles was and Duckie was so endearing. I really enjoyed the low-angst approach and the focus on safety, trust and belonging rather than unnecessary drama.
What stood out most for me though was the relationship dynamic. Mateo’s presence adds real depth to the story, and the bond between all three characters felt thoughtful and genuine rather than forced. I loved how his perspective was respected and how naturally he fit into the emotional core of the book. A cosy paranormal romance with so much heart, humour and exceptional character development, made me finish with a smile!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
What stood out most for me though was the relationship dynamic. Mateo’s presence adds real depth to the story, and the bond between all three characters felt thoughtful and genuine rather than forced. I loved how his perspective was respected and how naturally he fit into the emotional core of the book. A cosy paranormal romance with so much heart, humour and exceptional character development, made me finish with a smile!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5 This is super sweet and low-angst. I really enjoyed the unusual fated mate structure here, where one person is the mate for twins but the bond is platonic for one (who’s aro/ace) and romantic for the other. I liked the acknowledgement of the importance of the twin bond between Miles and Mateo and the knowledge that anyone involved with Miles would have to accept Mateo fully in his life.
I loved how Miles and Mateo just made so much space for Ducky to be exactly how he is. They’re always accepting and never rush him. I like all the quiet moments they spend together, as well as the time they spent together as birds. They seem so content together, and that makes me happy.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
I loved how Miles and Mateo just made so much space for Ducky to be exactly how he is. They’re always accepting and never rush him. I like all the quiet moments they spend together, as well as the time they spent together as birds. They seem so content together, and that makes me happy.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Miles, Duckie, and Mateo’s book. I love how Duckie’s reluctance to shift is met with patience and understanding by both of his mates. I love how the twins work hard to include Duckie in their lives while remembering to spend time with each other. I love how this whole book feels like a warm hug and getting to catch up with the other Mistvale residents is always nice. This book is no angst and can be read as a stand alone, but I think having read the rest of the series and other Mistvale books adds to the enjoyment. Zachary did a wonderful job narrating, and I love how he always keeps the same voices for characters from different books. I love that he is so good at conveying the emotions of all the characters so well.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
January 22, 2026
Another wonderful addition!
I had so much fun with this book. It’s another perfect addition to the Mistvale family which has grown so much since the first book. I loved that Matteo and Miles both shared the same mate and how Duckie’s relationship with each of them was clearly different but still so sweet. Matteo and Duckie’s relationship grew quicker in the beginning which I thought was perfect because Duckie really needed a friend. But I also loved seeing the romance between Miles and Duckie and how adorable they were with one another. This book was such a fun read and I love that Stella Rainbow gives us moments with shifters and paranormals that use their magic or play in their shifted forms because it’s always so cute!
I had so much fun with this book. It’s another perfect addition to the Mistvale family which has grown so much since the first book. I loved that Matteo and Miles both shared the same mate and how Duckie’s relationship with each of them was clearly different but still so sweet. Matteo and Duckie’s relationship grew quicker in the beginning which I thought was perfect because Duckie really needed a friend. But I also loved seeing the romance between Miles and Duckie and how adorable they were with one another. This book was such a fun read and I love that Stella Rainbow gives us moments with shifters and paranormals that use their magic or play in their shifted forms because it’s always so cute!
January 17, 2026
I voluntarily read an ARC for this book. This book was different to the other Mistvale books for all the right reasons. I loved how Ms Rainbow gave our wonderful Mateo (an aroace) a mate (Duckie) who was with him for who he was and didn’t try to change him into someone he wasn’t. Duckie and Miles were also amazing together and it was great to see how they grew together as a couple and could lean on each other when they needed to. As always it was great to go back to Mistvale and see some old friends again and hang out with some of the new ones too. I really can’t wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another heartwarming book by Stella. The story of three fated mates makes for an engaging and emotional journey filled with friendship, overcoming fears, and love all around. It comes together beautifully and delivers a truly satisfying happy ending.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily leaving my review.
Monica
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily leaving my review.
Monica
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this story. This was such a fantastic new twist on the fated mates trope and it was so good. The characters are fantastic and the world building is amazing. It was so much fun being back in Mistvale and getting to see all of the wonderful characters again. I can’t wait for more from this world.
I received an arc of this story.
I received an arc of this story.
January 25, 2026
SUCH A HEARTWARMING AND GENUINELY LOVELY READ.
I loved Miles, Duckie, and Mateo. This was so sweet, and I loved them. I found their connection so unique and beautiful. Duckie is Mateo's platonic mate and Miles's fated mate. I honestly loved how patient the twins are with Duckie, so loving and understanding. It's just such a lovely read!
I loved Miles, Duckie, and Mateo. This was so sweet, and I loved them. I found their connection so unique and beautiful. Duckie is Mateo's platonic mate and Miles's fated mate. I honestly loved how patient the twins are with Duckie, so loving and understanding. It's just such a lovely read!
January 24, 2026
Mateo, Miles and Duckie
This was a wonderful addition to the series! Miles and Mateo find their fated mate in Duckie, a duck shifter.
I was thrilled that the twins found their mate and enjoyed the bonds that they all shared. Well worth reading! Highly Recommended
This was a wonderful addition to the series! Miles and Mateo find their fated mate in Duckie, a duck shifter.
I was thrilled that the twins found their mate and enjoyed the bonds that they all shared. Well worth reading! Highly Recommended
January 31, 2026
Stella has such a way of making characters feel so love and accepted! I absolutely loved this book, it is so fun to see the kids get their happily ever after! I cannot wait for more!
February 5, 2026
Lovely trio
Miles, Mateo, and Duckie find each other when needed. A shifter who is scared to shift and the twin mates who love him in different ways to heal. Each person had childhood trauma that affected the relationship in some way. We see them grow together and shift into an amazing couple. A low angst romance with humor and seriousness. You also get to see previous couples from other stories and bits to fuel the next awesome book in the series.
Miles, Mateo, and Duckie find each other when needed. A shifter who is scared to shift and the twin mates who love him in different ways to heal. Each person had childhood trauma that affected the relationship in some way. We see them grow together and shift into an amazing couple. A low angst romance with humor and seriousness. You also get to see previous couples from other stories and bits to fuel the next awesome book in the series.
January 22, 2026
Wonderful addition to the series!
Miles, Matteo and Duckie had a unique mate relationship and I loved how the author captured it.
Duckie’s back story was sad and emotional but fate put Matteo in the right place at exactly the right time and place and viola.
Fantastic read!
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Miles, Matteo and Duckie had a unique mate relationship and I loved how the author captured it.
Duckie’s back story was sad and emotional but fate put Matteo in the right place at exactly the right time and place and viola.
Fantastic read!
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews