Moore or Less

Beckett Falls

by M.A. Lakewood

She doesn't do pack life. He's never left his. Fate has a sense of humor.

When Violet’s daughter disappears one night, her frantic search brings her to Luca’s doorstep. The son of impossible alphas in a town with a reputation isn’t who she had in mind for her future, but he’s gentle, patient, and far too easy to fall for.

Between bedtime stories and stolen moments during naptime, their connection deepens until denying it isn’t an option. Warm, witty, and a little bit wicked, this small-town shifter romance proves that sometimes home looks like bad timing, messy bedrooms, and the one person who sees you—fur, flaws, and all.

___

This shifter novella is a newsletter exclusive, connected to the world of BECKETT FALLS and takes place after BECK AND CALL, but spoilers are minimal.

131 pages, ebook

Published October 23, 2025

About the author

M.A. Lakewood loves books. She writes slightly silly romance: shifter romcoms, fantasy romance, and recently some campy alien smut.

M.A. Lakewood's Links

Reviews

[Xan · Rating 4 out of 5]

‧₊˚✧ 3.75 ✧˚₊‧
As an ARC reader for M.A. Lakewood I got my hands on this little shifter novella fairly soon, but I hadn't had the time for it, so I'm glad I got to pick it up now. Thanks to the author for the copy as well.

This novella was a cosy inbetween read for me. I didn't write down a whole lot of comments, but all of it was just so cute and I really enjoyed reading it. I am not at all a kid person, but seeing how characters interact with children often brings me joy and it was the case again in this story.

In short I can't wait for the next 'full' installment of this series. I'm looking forward to reading that in the future, but right now I really recommend this palate cleanser.

[balayageandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I got a tiny piece of this MMC in Beck and Call I immediately knew I had to read his story!
And boy it did not disappoint!
I instantly loved the FMC, she’s an absolute baddie shifter , her and her Bobcat! She’s an incredible single momma and knows how to hold her own… I mean seriously she lives out of a van and vlogs about it! She pretty incredible… but she’s also exhausted and overwhelmed….which is precisely how she manages her meet cute with the MMC.
And this MMC… I mean seriously he cooks grilled cheese and watches movies with the cutest little kiddo he barely knows… no questions asked. And then proceeds to pamper her momma like it’s second nature to him.
These two had me kicking and squealing when they finally gave into their bond… I loved the pureness of them becoming a blended family.
And then add in the raw and primal chemistry from their bond and lawd have mercy it had me fanning myself!
I adore this little family so much!
And I cannot wait to see what comes next for this amazing little series!

[Niki L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short little novella full of fast love, faster spice, and the fastest chaos gremlins of all: kids.

This was such a fun little side quest in the Beckett Falls world. It had that same cozy shifter charm I’ve been loving, with adorable characters, warm small-town energy, and just enough “oh no, feelings” to make the romance feel sweet and not overbearing or dramatic.

The love happens fast, but honestly, that kind of works here. It’s a snack-sized story, so we are not here for a slow-simmer stew. We are here for immediate chemistry, a little shifter chaos, some spicy little moments, and the delightful reminder that toddlers are basically tiny drunk raccoons with somewhat better PR.

I also liked that this filled in a few gaps I didn’t even know I wanted filled. Not a huge, world-altering installment, but a cute bonus that made Beckett Falls feel even more lived-in.<-div>

[Geidi Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful shifter rom-com is simply heartwarming! Violet is a reserved character, having built walls around herself after experiencing abandonment from those she trusted, including her daughter father who denied little Zinia. However, everything changes when she meets Luca. Although they are bonded as mates, Violet struggles with her feelings, nearly causing them to lose each other. Then there's little Zinia—oh my goodness, she’s absolutely adorable! It's her first transformation without her mom by her side that sets everything in motion. When she wanders off and gets lost, an incredible love story begins to unfold.

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of ‘Moore or Less’ by MA Lakewood.

Ohh what a lovely short read this was!
This novella is staged in the world of Beckett Falls where we follow Luca and Violet.
Violet is on the road with her daughter Zini, working as a content creator when they are in the lands of Luca’s pack.
Turns out they are fated mated, and they have an instant connection.
Both characters are so lovable and their chemistry is so sweet! Even though Violet is trying hard to work against the bond pull.
I was pleasantly surprised to read more elaborate 🌶️ scenes compared to previous books, love it!!

5/5⭐️

[Alexandria (Ink Stained Sorceress) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I didn’t think I could fall more in love with M.A. Lakewood’s shifter novels, I go and read this beautiful novella.

I absolutely loved Moore or Less. Violet, Zinnia, and Luca are just the perfect family who were meant to be together forever, and I loved them all SO much.

Violet and Luca’s “meet-cute” isn’t necessarily “cute,” but how immediately protective Luca is of Zinnia is a major green flag, and how much he takes care of her in the matter of a few minutes, let alone the rest of the time Violet and Zinnia stay with him? HIT ME IN ALL OF THE FEELS.

While it was short, because it’s a novella, it literally hit all of the best points, and you truly felt their relationship blossom and grow. You get the story, the characters, the heart, the LOVE and devotion in such a short time, but it feels earned and so full of warmth.

I won’t go into spoilers, because you should absolutely read this yourself, but I definitely recommend reading her entire Beckett Falls series and this novella. And a little birdy tells me you can currently get this for free through her newsletter for the time being! Because soon it will be part of her upcoming release of two novellas in one release, “Trillium Springs”, which will include a brand new novella, Rain or Schine, featuring two of my favorite side characters, Sarah and Gio, as they get their own story. 🥹

Anyways, 5 stars all around!

[Katyia Granton-Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a cute quick read, I read it in one day. I loved getting to know Olivia’s brother more after loving her character in Beck and Call. Violet was a great character, I could totally get her apprehension when she initially met Luca, but seeing them connect and grow as a couple was lovely. Zinnia was such a little cutie, I loved seeing her on screen!

Although this novella takes place outside Beckett Falls, if still highly recommended it if you’re reading the series!

[Ashlee Fiarris · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
This book was a quick cute spicy shifter romance that was just what I needed. It fits into the Beck and Call world and I highly recommend reading that before this just to understand the characters a bit more. This books MMC is Luca and the FMC is Violet.
Found family, fated mates, shifters of ALL kinds of animals.

[Sairo Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in the early stages, read it in a handful of hours, and loved it! M.A. Lakewood is truly an amazing author, and I Love her work!!!
The back and forth, the resistance, and the kiddo are all amazing. Truly a beautiful story. I’m excited to read it again

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute addition to the Beckett Falls universe. It could probably be read as a standalone, but knowing the world does add to the story, and the other 2 books are so good. I would recommend reading all 3, particularly if small town shifter romcom is your thing.

[Distracted Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and unbelievably sweet. I can't even. A little girl just trying to form words and her mom against the world, run into a good boy that does the best he can at everything.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Vi and Luca’s story!