Elusive Alpha: M/M Shifter Mpreg Romance

by Lorelei M. Hart

I’ve dated a lot of omegas but never settled down. The timing was off. It didn’t feel right. There was no passion. And before I knew it, my thirties and most of my forties pass me by. More than ever, I crave an omega to call my own. A family to love.

I’ve given up on those things. Fated hasn’t smiled on me. My panther has retreated because of it, only wanting to shift once in a while. I didn’t blame him.

A letter in a blue envelope and marked with a wax seal takes me by surprise, but even more surprising? The invitation inside. One weekend. One chance. And, according to my friends, my shot at finding my true mate. Because no one left the Bearclaw Inn without a mate.

Elusive Alpha is the ninth book in the Omegas Inn Love Series. It is a sweet with knotty heat MM shifter mpreg romance featuring an alpha close to giving up on love, the omega Fate sends him, the magic of Franklin and his Bearclaw Inn, and a guaranteed HEA. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone. If you like your alphas hawt, your omegas strong, and your mpreg with heart, download your copy today.

Genres: Shapeshifters, M M Romance

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2025

About the author

Lorelei M. Hart is the cowriting team of USA Today Bestselling Authors Kate Richards and Ever Coming. Friends for years, the duo decided to come together and write one of their favorite guilty pleasures: Mpreg.

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elusive Alpha — Rook has spent decades telling himself that the timing just wasn’t right. He’s dated plenty of omegas over the years, but nothing ever clicked—no spark, no sense of destiny, nothing that stirred either his heart or his panther. Now in his late forties, he’s forced to face a painful truth: his animal side is withdrawing, shifting less and less, as though even his panther has resigned itself to a life without a mate. Rook has nearly accepted that his fated bond may simply never happen for him.

Idris, on the other hand, has already closed the door on dreams like that. He’s an omega who once hoped for a family and a future filled with love, but life hasn’t aligned the way he imagined. With Fate seemingly looking the other way, Idris has learned to live quietly, keeping his expectations small and his heart guarded. The idea of finding a true mate feels distant—if not impossible.

Everything changes when a mysterious blue envelope arrives. Sealed with wax and filled with an invitation, it sparks equal parts hope and disbelief. Rook’s friends insist that no one leaves Bearclaw Inn unmatched—its magic, and the magic of its enigmatic caretaker Franklin, are legendary. One weekend. One chance. One last opportunity for Fate to intervene.

When Rook and Idris arrive at the inn, they both carry years of disappointment, longing, and fear that it may be too late. But Bearclaw Inn has a way of stripping those walls down, guiding fated pairs toward each other with gentle nudges from Franklin and the surrounding shifter energy. As Rook’s dormant panther stirs and Idris’s hope cautiously reignites, the two men discover that sometimes Fate simply waits for the moment when both hearts are truly ready.

Elusive Alpha blends soft magic, emotional healing, slow-building trust, and the warm, “knotty” heat fans of the series love. It’s a story about finding love later in life, reclaiming lost parts of yourself, and accepting that destiny doesn’t always follow your timeline—but it always arrives right on time. A guaranteed HEA rounds out this sweet, cozy, romantic novella.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Omegas Inn Love series and each book is a standalone read. A different couple is the focus in each book and this time the focus is on Rook and Idris. Rook is an alpha panther shifter. He has worked hard and been successful in business. When he sold his company he thought that he would finally settle down and meet his mate. Unfortunately that didn't happen. Idris is an omega bear shifter who works at a used book store. He lost his true passion and dream job when the company he worked for was sold and the new owners did downsizing. Both are surprised when they receive an invitation to The Bearclaw Inn from the owner Franklin. After looking on the internet to see what the story is about the Inn, they are both excited about the possibility of finding their fated mate. As with other books in the series, Franklin doesn't make mistakes. They are fated mates. But when Idris finds out that Rook owned the company that was sold resulting in his loss of career, it throws a big bump in the road of their relationship. Good thing that fate knows what it's doing. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. This is another enjoyable read in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute story about Rook who is an alpha panther shifter and had been rehomed when his parents had passed along with his siblings, and when he was old enough to go out on his own he started a business that was successful and later sold it to go out to enjoy his life and find his mate. One day, he went to his letterbox and found an envelope return address to the Bearclaw Inn, finding out that it was the best opportunity to find his fated mate, he travelled there for the weekend. When he arrived he met, who he knew was his mate. Idris, is bear shifter and an omega. When he received the invitation to the Bearclaw Inn, he knew this was a chance to find his mate. The story was involved but they hit a snag after recognising they are mates. They soon talk it out and went on to mate and mark each other. it was a bumpy ride for a little bit, but they soon worked it out and go onto have a family and a heavily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book especially once Mr. Franklin stepped in and got both of their attention. Rook is a Panther shifter who started and ran his own company so he could one day sell it and spend his time with his family (once he has one). Idris is a Bear shifter and now works at a used bookstore because he was laid off from his other job. It turns out that Rook and Idris are fated mates but Idris finds out that Rook selling his business is why he was laid off and he gets so angry at Rook that he walks away. After some discussion and time thinking Idris comes around and they both want to be together forever. Once they have decided to be together Idris gets pregnant they decide to live together at Rook’s house so Idris can start his own business because Rook is already done working so he gets to raise the kids. They have twins. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm romance stories especially with mpreg in the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It’s a gift that I can’t explain but Fate already made you two mates. I just made the flight arrangements."

This is book 9 in the Omegas Inn Love series by the writing duo of Lorelei M Hart. I love this series so when I saw this one on Booksprout I grabbed it. This is one of those sweet feel good series that I gobble up like a piece of candy.

This series revolves around the Bearclaw Inn and the Inn's owner Franklin. Franklin has a way of finding fated alpha/omega pairs that he invites for a weekend getaway. So far every couple has been mated and Franklin has a 100% match rate.

There are a few hiccups along the road to happiness for these two but as always love prevails In the end.

The books in this series can be read as standalone stories since Franklin is the only common thread throughout the series.

An alpha panther and an omega bear shifter pairing, fated mates, 10 year age gap, mpreg

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always enjoy a visit back to the Bearclaw Inn and seeing Franklin. This time it's Rook and Idris' turn to feel the magic. I was invested in this tale long before they met. While their banter and interactions were genuine, I quickly became irritated with one of the main characters for their inability to grasp the larger picture - the one where he wasn't center focus! From that point, I couldn't see him as anything beyond the pouty, petulant child he presented himself as. Sorry guys. I'm a huge fan of the series and the writing was superb as ever. Here, it was the storyline and character direction that truly lost me. How much does someone have to do to compensate for a mistake they never made!?.

I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy every one of the books in the Omegas Inn Love series, where each couple is invited to Franklin’s Inn, there to meet their Fated Mate, each mating adding to the legend around the inn. Alpha Rook and omega Idris each receive their letters, arrive and meet each other, recognize each other as fated mates, but then things go off track, all because of a mistake Rook made a year ago. Eventually things get sorted, babies are on the way, and the new family heads into their HEA. Each book follows the basic formula, but each couple is endearing in their own way, and the Inn’s mating streak stays intact. Relatable couples, time to get to know each other with Franklin’s guidance, mating and babies for the win, again! Short, sweet, enjoyable reads for a lazy afternoon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elusive Alpha by Lorelei M. Hart is a heartwarming MM shifter mpreg story featuring a bear and a panther shifter who were truly meant to be. Rook is a dedicated alpha who’s poured everything into building his company, always assuming love could wait. Idris is a kind, hardworking omega who unknowingly works for Rook—until the company is sold and his life takes a turn.

When fate brings them together again, sparks fly, and the connection between them feels both gentle and inevitable. Add in Franklin running the Bearclaw and the warm sense of community, and you’ve got a comforting, feel-good story that delivers all the sweetness and soulmates vibes you could want.

It’s a lovely, easy read with plenty of heart. Highly recommend for anyone who loves fated mates, mpreg, and happy endings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rook and his siblings were split up when their parents died and he and the one taken in with him were unpaid labor for that family so he ran away at 16. He decided to build a company then sell it for a good price so when he finds his omega and children won’t suffer as his family had. Then when he does sell he has the company say that his people would still have jobs there but they let people go and Idris was one. Now he has to work in a used bookstore to make a living but he wasn’t the only one let go. They both get an invitation to Bearclaw Inn to meet their fated mate they were happy until Idris learned that Rook had been the owner of the company that he had worked at. They were able to work it out and took care of the new company too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love reading about the Bearclaw Inn and its owner, Franklin. In this book, he's invited Rook and Idris for a magical weekend. Everything was going wonderfully until Idris overheard a phone call and jumped to conclusions about Rook. And I'll be completely honest, that really irritated me. I can understand him being upset, but his unwillingness to talk to him until he literally begged was ridiculous. And then for him to hold a grudge against him and hold him responsible for something that wasn't his fault, I found very unappealing. Things got back on track, and I enjoyed the rest of the book, but it kept me from giving it five stars because of that major character flaw, in my opinion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Bearclaw Inn had the reputation... those who were asked to spend time there never left without their fated mate. And I’d been invited.
Suddenly all the angst I’d been feeling transformed into hope. Maybe I hadn’t totally ruined my chance to have a life after all. Fate might not have abandoned me.
This was the start of everything.'

I absolutely love the Bearclaw Inn and Franklin, so I was super excited to see him work his magic again. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Rook and Idris. Both lonely and disappointed from years alone, their time at the Bearclaw was a chance to regain that hope, reconnect with their animals, and finally find the love both of them longed for with a mate to call their own. 5 stars

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great dilemma! Rook and Idra, were sweet. Rook is older and thinks he is past finding his omega. Idris, is coping with a layoff from a company that he believed in. It was great that they were ready to move forward until Idris learned that Rook is from the company that laid off so many people. Fighting agains nature and reconciling business decisions makes the story unputdownable! Excellent pacing. The dilemma, the choices, the decisions the conflict of ethics and heart health make the story. Rook and Idra are both amazing men and are stymied by not communicating. Well done, nice cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! Franklin once again weaves his magic and brings two more shifters together at his inn. This time it’s panther shifter Rook and bear shifter Idris. Things are going well when the two first meet but a phone call on their day out will put a bump in the road ahead of them. But as the true mates they are, they will overcome this obstacle and get the lifelong love both of them dreamed about but never thought they would have.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PugLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook is an alpha panther who waited for a mate until his life was settled. Idris is an omega bear on a new path since being laid off from his dream company. Both received invitations to Bearclaw Inn for the weekend, to meet their mate. As Rook and Idris get closer, Idris is devastated to learn who Rook is. They have a setback while Idris comes to terms with who Rook is but eventually they get back on track and find their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Franklin has done it again...two lovely people...joining and mating. There was a little bump in the road to get to their forever after but the bond can't be denied. Idris and Rook were sweet together ...I love their bear and panther match...and babies are always a plus at the end. Super sweet romance and a great addition to the series.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Franklin does it again. Rook and Idris fell for each other and mated. Unfortunately there was something in their unknown shared pasts that reared its head. I liked how Rook did his best to correct the problem even if he was lied to as well. I'm glad Idris forgives Rook and they make a very happy life together. I like how Rook plans to make Idris' dreams come true and their other plans.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in the Omegas Inn Love Series. However, it can be read as a standalone.

The plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. The characters were what drove the story and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfect together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this series.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute read set in the fall. Franklin weaves his magic once again, bringing Rook and Idris together. Idris's misplaced anger dispels rather quickly. It's hard for him to hold onto it in the light of Rook's genuine apology. The ending is sweet and satisfying.

[Shasha Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Lorelei M. Hart's superb writing kept me turning the pages into the beautiful world of Idris and Rook's love story.

These two were cute and I enjoyed them very much. If you love insta-love and fated mates, you'll definetly enjoy this.

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful and sweet Bearclaw Inn, fated mates found romance. This one gets a bit rocky when the Omega finds he has been effected, not in a good way already by his Alpha. Love overcomes stubbornness, thank goodness. I loved it!! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This was such a wonderful story. The world building is fantastic and I love the idea that Franklin can figure out who should be mates. These two had a couple of hurdles to overcome before they got their HEA and I really enjoyed reading their story.

[Akasha721 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bearclaw Inn strikes again finding a love match for Idris and Rook. They have a bumpy start but once the smoke clears Idris learns his lesson.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idris & Rook

This was another entertaining story in the series. Idris and Rook had another connection other than being fated mates. It was interesting to see how things played out for them.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great addition to the series Omegas Inn Love and we’re back at the Bearclaw Inn with Franklin as we get to see the fated mates Rook and Idris’s journey to their hea.

[S Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rook is a self-made man. Once he earned enough to pull himself out of the poverty he was born into, he sold off his company and retreated to a home in woods, ready to look for his mate and settle down. Thinking he had left his company in good hands, he's ready to start the next phase of his life. He longs for love and a family of his own but has made himself into a bit of recluse.

Idris, now a bookstore clerk, was one of the people laid off by the new owners of Rook's company. While he loves what he does, he's angry at how the sale and subsequent gutting of the company by the duplicitous new owners occurred.

Both Rook and Idris are invited to a mysterious mountain inn, known for bringing mates together. When they meet, the sparks fly and it seems like both Rook and Idris have found what they've been looking for - love and family.

These two men will have to overcome the obstacles thrown at them and learn to let go of the past to move forward. Their relationship is both sweet and steamy and there is a bit of magic thrown into the mix via the mysterious inn and its owner. Both are good people who deserve an HEA.

Four stars for this lovely omegaverse romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.