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Strength of the Pack #1
An Impossible Mate
The line between order and chaos, heartbreak and happily ever after, has never been thinner… or more tempting to cross.
Alpha shifter Matt Urban is always in control. He has to be. Keeping his territory, his pack, and himself tightly leashed is the only way to protect his precarious peace. So when a defiant, smart-mouthed lone wolf stumbles into his territory, Matt’s first instinct is to drive him out. His second instinct? Quite the opposite, unfortunately…
Jesse Turner learned a long time ago that his safety depends on never belonging to anyone. No packs. No family. And definitely no bossy, overbearing, disturbingly hot alphas. Which means he should stay as far away from Matt as possible. Too bad doing what he should has suddenly lost all appeal…
It's not long before Matt will have to decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the mate he never wanted, and Jesse will need to decide if running from Matt is survival, or the biggest mistake of his life.
Easy, right?
Try impossible…
An Impossible Mate kicks off Strength of the Pack—a complete series of character-driven MM fated-mates romances with standalone love stories, an overarching series plot, slow-burn tension, and shifters who absolutely do not talk about their feelings (until they do).
Content note: This series includes material that some readers may find upsetting. Full details are available on the author’s website, with a link at the beginning of the book.
Note: This novel is a substantially reworked and expanded new edition of the novella originally published by Siren Bookstrand in 2013.
Alpha shifter Matt Urban is always in control. He has to be. Keeping his territory, his pack, and himself tightly leashed is the only way to protect his precarious peace. So when a defiant, smart-mouthed lone wolf stumbles into his territory, Matt’s first instinct is to drive him out. His second instinct? Quite the opposite, unfortunately…
Jesse Turner learned a long time ago that his safety depends on never belonging to anyone. No packs. No family. And definitely no bossy, overbearing, disturbingly hot alphas. Which means he should stay as far away from Matt as possible. Too bad doing what he should has suddenly lost all appeal…
It's not long before Matt will have to decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the mate he never wanted, and Jesse will need to decide if running from Matt is survival, or the biggest mistake of his life.
Easy, right?
Try impossible…
An Impossible Mate kicks off Strength of the Pack—a complete series of character-driven MM fated-mates romances with standalone love stories, an overarching series plot, slow-burn tension, and shifters who absolutely do not talk about their feelings (until they do).
Content note: This series includes material that some readers may find upsetting. Full details are available on the author’s website, with a link at the beginning of the book.
Note: This novel is a substantially reworked and expanded new edition of the novella originally published by Siren Bookstrand in 2013.
ebook
First published October 10, 2013
16 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Joy Lynn Fielding
17 books61 followersJoy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she nurtures passions for vintage aircraft, horses and gardening. An avid researcher for her books, she delights in uncovering unusual facts and sharing them with anyone within earshot. She insists this has never led to anyone hiding behind the furniture.
Joy writes at the pace her health allows, powered by enthusiasm, optimism and, above all, coffee. She hopes her books offer good company to anyone navigating their own winding paths.
Joy writes at the pace her health allows, powered by enthusiasm, optimism and, above all, coffee. She hopes her books offer good company to anyone navigating their own winding paths.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great introduction to this previously published series by Joy Lynn Fielding.
I'm a huge fan of her Wings Over Albion series so I was looking forward to seeing how she wrote shifters and now I'm a fan of that too!
This book has a lot going on within the narrative, as well as acting as the introduction to the Elk Ridge pack, it also gives background to the shifter world and to an event which happened in the past of two of the main pack members.
The romance is a slow burn but with the addition of tension that comes from Jessie's lack of knowledge of the shifter world and with the risk of a potentially aggressive pack hanging around the mountains outside Matt's compound.
Each character is well developed, as is the pack and the setting, giving the reader a desire to know more about what's happened in the past, while also rooting for Matt and Jessie to stop getting in their own ways and work things out.
There's some angst, there's trigger warnings on the author's website, but nothing is overly explicitly detailed on the book pages themselves, just references to trauma in the past for both men.
Jessie's got a smart mouth and he made me laugh a lot, but it's hiding a lot of fear and his bravado is a front he uses to give himself confidence.
Watching him and Matt circle around each other is amusing but fortunately doesn't drag on too long before they do actually have a conversation about what's going on.
I didn't read the original novella, so I'm not sure what's been expanded and changed, but this latest version worked well for me.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
I'm a huge fan of her Wings Over Albion series so I was looking forward to seeing how she wrote shifters and now I'm a fan of that too!
This book has a lot going on within the narrative, as well as acting as the introduction to the Elk Ridge pack, it also gives background to the shifter world and to an event which happened in the past of two of the main pack members.
The romance is a slow burn but with the addition of tension that comes from Jessie's lack of knowledge of the shifter world and with the risk of a potentially aggressive pack hanging around the mountains outside Matt's compound.
Each character is well developed, as is the pack and the setting, giving the reader a desire to know more about what's happened in the past, while also rooting for Matt and Jessie to stop getting in their own ways and work things out.
There's some angst, there's trigger warnings on the author's website, but nothing is overly explicitly detailed on the book pages themselves, just references to trauma in the past for both men.
Jessie's got a smart mouth and he made me laugh a lot, but it's hiding a lot of fear and his bravado is a front he uses to give himself confidence.
Watching him and Matt circle around each other is amusing but fortunately doesn't drag on too long before they do actually have a conversation about what's going on.
I didn't read the original novella, so I'm not sure what's been expanded and changed, but this latest version worked well for me.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
June 22, 2017
This was a decent shifter story with themes of destined mates and some insta-love and lust. The blurb really says it all.
Matt doesn’t need a mate, doesn’t want one to be exact, but when his wolves bring in an injured trespasser, the pull of the scrappy stranger is too hard to resist.
Jesse has been on his own for as long as he can remember. He’s never had a pack and his exposure to other wolves has been minimal; his origins are a mystery even to himself. So when a tough sexy alpha says he’s his mate, Jesse’s first instinct is to scoff at such voodoo hoodoo and wants to flee. Hell if he’s going to be under some alpha’s rule no matter how attractive he may be. However when Matt realizes his lineage, Jesse and those around him are in a big pickle.
Overall an interesting premise and setup. Admittedly, the smex was not half bad. Entertaining enough.
Matt doesn’t need a mate, doesn’t want one to be exact, but when his wolves bring in an injured trespasser, the pull of the scrappy stranger is too hard to resist.
Jesse has been on his own for as long as he can remember. He’s never had a pack and his exposure to other wolves has been minimal; his origins are a mystery even to himself. So when a tough sexy alpha says he’s his mate, Jesse’s first instinct is to scoff at such voodoo hoodoo and wants to flee. Hell if he’s going to be under some alpha’s rule no matter how attractive he may be. However when Matt realizes his lineage, Jesse and those around him are in a big pickle.
Overall an interesting premise and setup. Admittedly, the smex was not half bad. Entertaining enough.
August 3, 2016
A pack of outcasts and misfits? An alpha who doesn’t really want to lead? A shifter who has no idea how to recognize pack territory nor any knowledge of sifter history? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, but I have to say I ended up really liking the story. Partly because the characters were great, each with their own little quirk (or two), and partly because I just like stories with a mysterious history and a group of men who have to fight for their right to exist.
Jesse is not just an amazing survivor, he also has a great sense of humor and doesn’t obey just anyone’s orders. I couldn’t help but feel for him – he’s a shifter who was found wandering the streets when he was seven, didn’t remember where he was from or who his family was, and didn’t find out he was a shifter until he was fourteen and shifted accidentally. Then his foster parents kicked him out and he’s been running ever since. Now he feels this strong attraction to Matt yet he wants to keep his independence. Yep, sparks fly all over the place, for many reasons, as soon as Jesse appears somewhere. But the internal fight with himself and what he never admitted to himself before – that he wants to belong – is the hardest on him.
Matt may be an alpha, but he never envisaged leading his own pack. I loved how he tries to establish law and order at home, just like in his job as town sheriff. But with a bunch of individualists that is a tall order. Still, he does an admirable job until Jesse comes along and derails all of them. Matt doesn’t want a mate, having lost the man he loved years ago, but there is not much he can do. Attraction is attraction, and his struggle as he tries to resist is a lost battle from the start, Not that he minds very much once he gets used to the idea – and the sheet-melting activities Jesse and him get up to.
If you like shifter stories with deep, dark secrets and a villain out to rule the world, or at least all the shifters in it, if you like reading about strong and stubborn men who battle it out before they get together, and if you’re looking for a light read that is as entertaining as it is hot, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jesse is not just an amazing survivor, he also has a great sense of humor and doesn’t obey just anyone’s orders. I couldn’t help but feel for him – he’s a shifter who was found wandering the streets when he was seven, didn’t remember where he was from or who his family was, and didn’t find out he was a shifter until he was fourteen and shifted accidentally. Then his foster parents kicked him out and he’s been running ever since. Now he feels this strong attraction to Matt yet he wants to keep his independence. Yep, sparks fly all over the place, for many reasons, as soon as Jesse appears somewhere. But the internal fight with himself and what he never admitted to himself before – that he wants to belong – is the hardest on him.
Matt may be an alpha, but he never envisaged leading his own pack. I loved how he tries to establish law and order at home, just like in his job as town sheriff. But with a bunch of individualists that is a tall order. Still, he does an admirable job until Jesse comes along and derails all of them. Matt doesn’t want a mate, having lost the man he loved years ago, but there is not much he can do. Attraction is attraction, and his struggle as he tries to resist is a lost battle from the start, Not that he minds very much once he gets used to the idea – and the sheet-melting activities Jesse and him get up to.
If you like shifter stories with deep, dark secrets and a villain out to rule the world, or at least all the shifters in it, if you like reading about strong and stubborn men who battle it out before they get together, and if you’re looking for a light read that is as entertaining as it is hot, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 13, 2014
This is probably the only shifter series I would ever recommend.
It's probably not an exaggeration to say that I enjoy nothing and there's literally nothing more tired in the MM genre than sodding shifters again. Fielding, however, somehow manages to write an entire series of shifter stories without me rolling my eyes at everything and skimming because I have read all this shit before.
The trick here is not anything fresh or new.
Most of what happens in this series have happened elsewhere before, if not exactly in THIS manner. No, Fielding's books take them all a step further instead: the characters have depth and personality, sometimes with angsty backstories without wandering into 40-paged trauma reports. Her books are always an exercise in subtleties: she understands that three sentences offer enough of a glimpse into their pain - and the fact that the sophisticated reader will be able to fill in all the blanks without the author spelling out everything.
(Unless you're completely new to the genre, in which case you would be reading Amy Lane and not this.)
Of course, these generalities vary from book to book, and when I say 'depth and personality', I mean these characters are genuinely affected by their past in logical ways, instead of a blanket of general pain that they wrap around themselves, to be shed the moment someone kisses them good.
Also: betrayal and pain. Fielding is a master of these.
And yes, I know I'm being a publisher-ist when I say this, but Fielding is waaaay above the usual level of Siren books. Don't judge her work by the publisher. It's good stuff.
It's probably not an exaggeration to say that I enjoy nothing and there's literally nothing more tired in the MM genre than sodding shifters again. Fielding, however, somehow manages to write an entire series of shifter stories without me rolling my eyes at everything and skimming because I have read all this shit before.
The trick here is not anything fresh or new.
Most of what happens in this series have happened elsewhere before, if not exactly in THIS manner. No, Fielding's books take them all a step further instead: the characters have depth and personality, sometimes with angsty backstories without wandering into 40-paged trauma reports. Her books are always an exercise in subtleties: she understands that three sentences offer enough of a glimpse into their pain - and the fact that the sophisticated reader will be able to fill in all the blanks without the author spelling out everything.
(Unless you're completely new to the genre, in which case you would be reading Amy Lane and not this.)
Of course, these generalities vary from book to book, and when I say 'depth and personality', I mean these characters are genuinely affected by their past in logical ways, instead of a blanket of general pain that they wrap around themselves, to be shed the moment someone kisses them good.
Also: betrayal and pain. Fielding is a master of these.
And yes, I know I'm being a publisher-ist when I say this, but Fielding is waaaay above the usual level of Siren books. Don't judge her work by the publisher. It's good stuff.
July 27, 2016
3.5
I like the concept of a pack of misfits who have all come together to form a strong pact, each with their own problems and issues which I assume we will find out more about in the coming books. I enjoyed this story and it was a nice set up to future stories with these characters. I liked Jesse with his attitude and smart mouth, I do hope that we find out more about what happened to him when he was young and how he knows nothing about his past, but he will definitely be one to cause conflict and trouble. I seem to be in a shifter story reading mood lately so will be continuing with this series to see where it leads.
I like the concept of a pack of misfits who have all come together to form a strong pact, each with their own problems and issues which I assume we will find out more about in the coming books. I enjoyed this story and it was a nice set up to future stories with these characters. I liked Jesse with his attitude and smart mouth, I do hope that we find out more about what happened to him when he was young and how he knows nothing about his past, but he will definitely be one to cause conflict and trouble. I seem to be in a shifter story reading mood lately so will be continuing with this series to see where it leads.
March 18, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
An Impossible Mate is about Jesse, who wanders into Matt’s territory injured. Taking Jesse in is no hardship except for the fact that they don’t know what type of trouble he’s in nor whether that trouble has followed him. What Matt doesn’t expect to find is a mate in Jesse or the fact that Jesse seems to have any knowledge of shifters, their customs or even that having a mate is real. Not only that but Matt is desperately trying to keep Jesse safe and there for good but at the slightest thing Jesse may get spooked and run. Trouble comes in the form of not only an aggressive pack hellbent on taking Jesse but finally finding out who Jesse is. What’s Matt going to do when the very person he’s grown to love is the person a dangerous alpha wants for himself?
I was actually surprised by this book. I’ve come to associate Siren Publishing with shifter fluff. This book, though, wasn’t like that. Yes, there were fluffy moments and yes, there was a lot of sex but there was suspense and a plot that had me intrigued and curious what would happen next. Not to mention there were an eclectic group of characters that had very different personalities.
Jesse is the mouthy, stubborn but independent shifter that won’t let any one trap him, under ANY circumstances while Matt is the alpha who realizes Jesse is his mate and doesn’t want anything to happen to him. Matt’s pack is made up of a wayward group of outsiders that range from the quite and shy Jason to the dangerous Karl. I loved that while they were so different, they were more of a family than a pack. It was sweet and I loved the banter and teasing that was thrown around so casually.
My only big issue is that there was a lot of sex. I loved that Jesse and Matt had a deep connection and that this connection happened very quickly (yes, this is insta-love) but I still would have liked to see them develop more feelings for each other based on things outside of their bed.
In the end, this was still a good story that I really enjoyed. I loved the fact that shifters are known to the world and that they’re, more or less, accepted. Jesse was a fun character that always had something snappy to say and I especially liked that Matt had no issues using his ‘alpha voice’ on Jesse to get him to understand things. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series because I think it’ll hold a lot more surprises.
An Impossible Mate is about Jesse, who wanders into Matt’s territory injured. Taking Jesse in is no hardship except for the fact that they don’t know what type of trouble he’s in nor whether that trouble has followed him. What Matt doesn’t expect to find is a mate in Jesse or the fact that Jesse seems to have any knowledge of shifters, their customs or even that having a mate is real. Not only that but Matt is desperately trying to keep Jesse safe and there for good but at the slightest thing Jesse may get spooked and run. Trouble comes in the form of not only an aggressive pack hellbent on taking Jesse but finally finding out who Jesse is. What’s Matt going to do when the very person he’s grown to love is the person a dangerous alpha wants for himself?
I was actually surprised by this book. I’ve come to associate Siren Publishing with shifter fluff. This book, though, wasn’t like that. Yes, there were fluffy moments and yes, there was a lot of sex but there was suspense and a plot that had me intrigued and curious what would happen next. Not to mention there were an eclectic group of characters that had very different personalities.
Jesse is the mouthy, stubborn but independent shifter that won’t let any one trap him, under ANY circumstances while Matt is the alpha who realizes Jesse is his mate and doesn’t want anything to happen to him. Matt’s pack is made up of a wayward group of outsiders that range from the quite and shy Jason to the dangerous Karl. I loved that while they were so different, they were more of a family than a pack. It was sweet and I loved the banter and teasing that was thrown around so casually.
My only big issue is that there was a lot of sex. I loved that Jesse and Matt had a deep connection and that this connection happened very quickly (yes, this is insta-love) but I still would have liked to see them develop more feelings for each other based on things outside of their bed.
In the end, this was still a good story that I really enjoyed. I loved the fact that shifters are known to the world and that they’re, more or less, accepted. Jesse was a fun character that always had something snappy to say and I especially liked that Matt had no issues using his ‘alpha voice’ on Jesse to get him to understand things. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series because I think it’ll hold a lot more surprises.
July 21, 2015
This is a really good shifter series and once I read the first I went and bought the rest, then I proceeded to power through the whole series. After I read the author's book, Blowing Off Steam (and LOVED it) I went and looked for more of her work and was lucky enough to find this little nugget.
October 6, 2024
Different take on Shifters. Curious to see where it goes with the rest of the Pack.
February 2, 2026
An Impossible Mate is book 1 in the Strength of the Pack series, and what a way to start it off! At first it took me a bit to get into the pace of this book and the way in which the characters were written. Once I was able to get fully invested into this story, I was hooked!
Jesse and Matt absolutely have an enemies to lovers dynamic going on, they have so much angst thrumming between them you can feel their tension rippling off the page. I liked the pack Matt formed because it's not just a pack in the hierarchy sense, they form a family, one that cares for and respects each other which was really amazing to read about.
I also liked and appreciated how Joy put their own twist into the fated mates trip, as well as putting their own twist on shifters in general. They took a concept and made it their own, and I loved that! All in all, an excellent way to kick off a series. I'm intrigued to read more about this pack of strays becoming a family and finding their mates.
Jesse and Matt absolutely have an enemies to lovers dynamic going on, they have so much angst thrumming between them you can feel their tension rippling off the page. I liked the pack Matt formed because it's not just a pack in the hierarchy sense, they form a family, one that cares for and respects each other which was really amazing to read about.
I also liked and appreciated how Joy put their own twist into the fated mates trip, as well as putting their own twist on shifters in general. They took a concept and made it their own, and I loved that! All in all, an excellent way to kick off a series. I'm intrigued to read more about this pack of strays becoming a family and finding their mates.
February 9, 2018
color me surprised, I really, really liked this one. I was not sure if I should read it because there are some less than charming reviews out there. but this story is really good.
I liked the characters - all of them. Matt and Jesse are interesting and far from perfect but I really fell in love with the pack. can't wait to read their stories.
I think my favorites are Karl and Jason
the story and the worldbuilding were good and the characterization and development of the relationship well done, even thought this is a novella (which you don't really see during reading this book)
really loved it and can't wait for the next one
I liked the characters - all of them. Matt and Jesse are interesting and far from perfect but I really fell in love with the pack. can't wait to read their stories.
I think my favorites are Karl and Jason
the story and the worldbuilding were good and the characterization and development of the relationship well done, even thought this is a novella (which you don't really see during reading this book)
really loved it and can't wait for the next one
April 30, 2023
This is the start of what looks like will be an interesting shifter series. Seems like this can only get more intriguing as it goes along.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
January 31, 2026
Alpha Matt Urban maintains control to avoid what happened in the past. He wants to make sure his diverse pack is safe and healthy. He has no time for a sassy stray wolf who stumbled into his territory. He wants to drive him out but senses there is more to Jesse Turner than meets the eye. Jesse knows he must stay away from Matt. He wants no part in a family or a pack. Unfortunately, the two find themselves drawn to each other. Matt realizes that Jesse is his mate. How far will he need to go to keep him safe?
Both Matt and Jesse had things in their past that were affecting their present and maybe their future. Your heart will go out to them as they struggle with new feelings and needs. They each tried hard to avoid the other, but fate had other ideas in mind for them. The introduction of werewolf lore made the book so much richer as did the individual pack members. Each one was unique and had their own set of issues but somehow the pack worked. Beautifully written with not only action and danger but also heat and love for the pack and for each other, An Impossible Mate is truly a delight.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Both Matt and Jesse had things in their past that were affecting their present and maybe their future. Your heart will go out to them as they struggle with new feelings and needs. They each tried hard to avoid the other, but fate had other ideas in mind for them. The introduction of werewolf lore made the book so much richer as did the individual pack members. Each one was unique and had their own set of issues but somehow the pack worked. Beautifully written with not only action and danger but also heat and love for the pack and for each other, An Impossible Mate is truly a delight.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 4, 2013
The voice of the characters here is what makes this standout. I loved Jesse's voice and his conviction and fortitude. Yet at the same time when it was time to think the impossible - that he might stay - he wasn't so stubborn that he ran first and asked questions later. Now some of that was Matt but I liked that Jesse didn't do stupid things - he wore who he was on the outside as well as the inside and seeing Matt able to get through to him was really a great journey.
In a sea of paranormal MM (and, no offense, with this publisher where I've had some terrible experiences) this one really is excellent and I'd recommend it. You won't find a ton of "sweet baby" endearments in this one. Instead you'll get Jesse telling Matt "Goddammit Urban..." (Matt's last name) and if that wasn't just the hottest thing ever...I'm tellin' ya. These are men, they are wolves, and when they come together it is a clash of testosterone. HOT!!!
In a sea of paranormal MM (and, no offense, with this publisher where I've had some terrible experiences) this one really is excellent and I'd recommend it. You won't find a ton of "sweet baby" endearments in this one. Instead you'll get Jesse telling Matt "Goddammit Urban..." (Matt's last name) and if that wasn't just the hottest thing ever...I'm tellin' ya. These are men, they are wolves, and when they come together it is a clash of testosterone. HOT!!!
September 30, 2014
My first thought... this better be a damn series cuz I be angry if left at that.
Well.. I'm in luck! The beginning and all the hoopla mysteriousness behind Jessie's mountain excursion was on the rough side but my attention has been grabbed by the storyline.
Jessie's quirkiness and rough around the edges speak makes a colorful character. Hope to learn more about his past in future books. On another note with the word speak in mind.. I did find it annoying that around was shortened to round EVERY time in the book (at least felt that way) I guess I just like things to 'roll' the right way, properly. Wow, my english teachers would be impressed now :)
Well.. I'm in luck! The beginning and all the hoopla mysteriousness behind Jessie's mountain excursion was on the rough side but my attention has been grabbed by the storyline.
Jessie's quirkiness and rough around the edges speak makes a colorful character. Hope to learn more about his past in future books. On another note with the word speak in mind.. I did find it annoying that around was shortened to round EVERY time in the book (at least felt that way) I guess I just like things to 'roll' the right way, properly. Wow, my english teachers would be impressed now :)
December 4, 2013
First time reading this author. I love the cover which is what drew my attention, I love the story which while it reflects the classic werewolf stories, it has it's own merits, and lovable characters. I'm looking forward to more books in this series
January 1, 2014
3.5
Much better than I had expected/hoped (I try not to let myself get too excited anymore, it lessens the pain when my hopes crash onto the floor.) Will be interesting to see if the second book is as good.
Much better than I had expected/hoped (I try not to let myself get too excited anymore, it lessens the pain when my hopes crash onto the floor.) Will be interesting to see if the second book is as good.
February 14, 2014
Lord. This is an anomaly. It did not suck. At all. I liked it and yes, that's a rare thing. Liked the men.
April 2, 2014
Enjoyed the story and its characters, especially Jesse (who was a true riot). Will definitely move on to read the next installments in this series.
Review of advance copy
It took me a few chapters to really get lost in the storyline, but once I did, I was 100% invested.
This is the first book in the Strength of the Pack series. So the author does spend a little time setting up the series. But not with weighty, unnecessary lines of dialogue and scenes that would just be filler that I normally see.
Matt never wanted to be Alpha, never wanted his own pack.
But here is, and he takes their protection seriously.
He doesn't take unnecessary risks, doesn’t invite complications.
Until Jesse
Jesse stumbles into Matt’s territory injured and a little aggressive.
Matt’s first instinct is to get rid of him.
But there is something about him that calls to his wolf.
As Matt “interrogates” Jesse, he finds himself wanting to know more about his past
About him
Will he have to choose between Jesse and the safety of his pack?
Will he let his mate walk away, or will he find a way to have both?
Let’s talk about Jesse first.
Once his walls are down, he is actually quite adorable.
Before that though
I wanted to dunk that kid in ice water so many times!!
He was a professional at defense.
Honestly, he had reasons to be, but still UGHHHH.
However, watching him “grow up” and let down his defenses was the sweetest thing 🥰
He deserved to feel safe, to find his happiness in this world; And Matt, along with the Pack would gave him that.
Then you had Matt, who was torturing himself over a past he had no control over, survivor's guilt.
He is battling against accepting Jesse as his mate because he does not believe he deserves to be happy
I may have wanted to toss him into the lake a few times as well
He is a bit overly protective at times and darn right stubborn
Thank goodness Jesse is just too much of a draw for Matt to deny
The back and forth between these two.
The little subtle innuendos.
They didnt have a chance 😂.
Lots of heat and tension along with some hilarious banter
I enjoyed the slow build to their relationship; it made their hesitations feel justified instead of just a plot thing.
Plenty of action with a bit of mystery
Some “ I didnt see that coming” plot twists
Dark pasts that shadow the present
Solid series storyline.
Well-written secondary characters. I loved how diverse the pack was, a group of misfits that found sanctuary in each other
There were some areas I would have liked more details in/about, but that is a me thing.
I am looking forward to the next in the series.
This is the first book in the Strength of the Pack series. So the author does spend a little time setting up the series. But not with weighty, unnecessary lines of dialogue and scenes that would just be filler that I normally see.
Matt never wanted to be Alpha, never wanted his own pack.
But here is, and he takes their protection seriously.
He doesn't take unnecessary risks, doesn’t invite complications.
Until Jesse
Jesse stumbles into Matt’s territory injured and a little aggressive.
Matt’s first instinct is to get rid of him.
But there is something about him that calls to his wolf.
As Matt “interrogates” Jesse, he finds himself wanting to know more about his past
About him
Will he have to choose between Jesse and the safety of his pack?
Will he let his mate walk away, or will he find a way to have both?
Let’s talk about Jesse first.
Once his walls are down, he is actually quite adorable.
Before that though
I wanted to dunk that kid in ice water so many times!!
He was a professional at defense.
Honestly, he had reasons to be, but still UGHHHH.
However, watching him “grow up” and let down his defenses was the sweetest thing 🥰
He deserved to feel safe, to find his happiness in this world; And Matt, along with the Pack would gave him that.
Then you had Matt, who was torturing himself over a past he had no control over, survivor's guilt.
He is battling against accepting Jesse as his mate because he does not believe he deserves to be happy
I may have wanted to toss him into the lake a few times as well
He is a bit overly protective at times and darn right stubborn
Thank goodness Jesse is just too much of a draw for Matt to deny
The back and forth between these two.
The little subtle innuendos.
They didnt have a chance 😂.
Lots of heat and tension along with some hilarious banter
I enjoyed the slow build to their relationship; it made their hesitations feel justified instead of just a plot thing.
Plenty of action with a bit of mystery
Some “ I didnt see that coming” plot twists
Dark pasts that shadow the present
Solid series storyline.
Well-written secondary characters. I loved how diverse the pack was, a group of misfits that found sanctuary in each other
There were some areas I would have liked more details in/about, but that is a me thing.
I am looking forward to the next in the series.
January 29, 2026
This was a really nice start to an interesting shifter story where Matt, having run from his past, ends up the alpha of a small pack of random wolves who all seem to have needed a place to land. He has turned his life into focusing on keeping his pack safe and making a nice life for them all. That is thrown for a loop when Jesse turns up wounded in their territory.
Jesse has been pretty much a loner on the run for most of his life. He has very little knowledge of what being a shifter entails and has no intention of letting anyone close, let alone a pack alpha, when everything he knows about them is not good, and he has no intention of being controlled by one.
There are a number of things going on here though. First is the issue of Jesse’s lack of shifter knowledge, next is Matt’s belief that they might be mates, followed by figuring out who is after Jesse in the first place and why. This leads to what Jess actually is, making him understand and believe it and what it all means to Matt and the pack, especially with Matt accepting that they actually are mates.
So, Matt must juggle a few things with the attacks of those after Jesse, keeping Jesse from running and making him see, understand and accept their mating status. The attraction and chemistry doesn’t take long, but the rest takes a bit of convincing.
This pack has a number of interesting characters. I love the close-knit found family vibe here and felt it was a really great start to a series. I wish there had been a bit more fleshed out about Jesse’s lineage and how this will affect him/Matt/the pack in the future. And while the bad guys were knocked down a peg, they aren’t out of the game completely, so this seems more like a HFN than a HEA. There isn’t a cliffhanger, per se, but there are still a number of things still up in the air. I’m looking forward to continuing this story to see how it all plays out.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review* Thank you to Joy Lynn Fielding for sending me a copy!
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Jesse, a lone, independent shifter who sees packs as traps and Matt, a reluctant alpha still struggling with hurt from his past
Tropes/Highlights:
-MM
-Dual POV
-Open Door Spice
-Found Family
-Grumpy/Grumpier
-Hurt/Comfort
-HEA
Likes:
-The opening scene
-Jesse's fiercely independent/fighting spirit & his smart mouth
-The way the pack cares for one another
-Ranch life/demon birds
-Interesting wolf lore
-Tristian's protectiveness during the climax
-When Jesse find's out what job Matt and Bryce have
-Well written characters
-Very small pack with a reluctant, protective alpha
-Unique tone, very somber but full of love and care
-Good pacing
Neutrals/Critics:
-Villain seemed too easily defeated, could have been developed more
Quotes:
-"Fuck his life, he'd gone and gotten himself a kink for getting kidnapped"
-"A wolf probably wouldn't appreciate being compared to a tree rat"
-"It's an alpha thing. I need to protect you. Just let me, will you?"
-"For a plea, it sure came out aggressively"
-"He was the best man Jesse had ever met, and he was everything Jesse had never let himself want"
-"He wanted Matt, but he couldn't pay the cost of having him, and it wasn't fucking fair"
-"His brave, ragtag, wonderful pack"
-"One by one, the others followed, their voices carrying Matt's grief to the stars"
This is the first book I am reading from this author, which is part of a series. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the other books in the series. This is a solemn book with hurt characters, sweet moments, found family and gradual healing. If you love shifter romances with a more sober mood and character focus, then I recommend this book.
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Jesse, a lone, independent shifter who sees packs as traps and Matt, a reluctant alpha still struggling with hurt from his past
Tropes/Highlights:
-MM
-Dual POV
-Open Door Spice
-Found Family
-Grumpy/Grumpier
-Hurt/Comfort
-HEA
Likes:
-The opening scene
-Jesse's fiercely independent/fighting spirit & his smart mouth
-The way the pack cares for one another
-Ranch life/demon birds
-Interesting wolf lore
-Tristian's protectiveness during the climax
-When Jesse find's out what job Matt and Bryce have
-Well written characters
-Very small pack with a reluctant, protective alpha
-Unique tone, very somber but full of love and care
-Good pacing
Neutrals/Critics:
-Villain seemed too easily defeated, could have been developed more
Quotes:
-"Fuck his life, he'd gone and gotten himself a kink for getting kidnapped"
-"A wolf probably wouldn't appreciate being compared to a tree rat"
-"It's an alpha thing. I need to protect you. Just let me, will you?"
-"For a plea, it sure came out aggressively"
-"He was the best man Jesse had ever met, and he was everything Jesse had never let himself want"
-"He wanted Matt, but he couldn't pay the cost of having him, and it wasn't fucking fair"
-"His brave, ragtag, wonderful pack"
-"One by one, the others followed, their voices carrying Matt's grief to the stars"
This is the first book I am reading from this author, which is part of a series. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the other books in the series. This is a solemn book with hurt characters, sweet moments, found family and gradual healing. If you love shifter romances with a more sober mood and character focus, then I recommend this book.
January 29, 2026
AN IMPOSSIBLE MATE is the first book in the Strength of the Pack series, and features a small pack of stragglers and strays who all ended up in Elk Ridge, under the care of Matt, the alpha, and Bryce, the beta. Matt and Bryce are also the sheriff and deputy in town.
This is a world where shifters are known about, even if they aren't 'mainstream'. They have their own history, which you learn a little about, but they still keep a lot of things separate.
The pack is doing okay when Jesse comes along. He has been raised amongst non-shifters, so doesn't know about scent markers or anything else like that. After injuring one of the pack members and being injured himself, Jesse stays on the ranch, just for the short term. He is mouthy and funny, and Matt can't get him out of his head.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially seeing how the small pack meshed with each other. Matt's striving for calm orderliness was completely understandable, as was watching it descend into chaotic madness with all of the individual personalities that lived under one roof. The description of the photo at the end perfectly embodies all of them.
This was a great introduction to the series, and I can't wait to continue it. Jason's story is next (I think). Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 29, 2026
This is a world where shifters are known about, even if they aren't 'mainstream'. They have their own history, which you learn a little about, but they still keep a lot of things separate.
The pack is doing okay when Jesse comes along. He has been raised amongst non-shifters, so doesn't know about scent markers or anything else like that. After injuring one of the pack members and being injured himself, Jesse stays on the ranch, just for the short term. He is mouthy and funny, and Matt can't get him out of his head.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially seeing how the small pack meshed with each other. Matt's striving for calm orderliness was completely understandable, as was watching it descend into chaotic madness with all of the individual personalities that lived under one roof. The description of the photo at the end perfectly embodies all of them.
This was a great introduction to the series, and I can't wait to continue it. Jason's story is next (I think). Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 29, 2026
February 4, 2026
4.25 Stars!
This story was a great beginning to a shifter series, and I enjoyed reading it.
Jesse accidentally wandering into Matt's pack lands was an honest mistake, but his lack of shifter knowledge and his lack of trust put him in a bad position. Matt battles not only his past, but also with doing right by his pack, while Jesse fights almost everything. I liked Matt's pack of strays; they were very loyal and cared about each other. While the pack wasn't very accepting of Jesse's presence at first, I liked that they slowly learned to trust each other. I wasn't super thrilled with Matt's approach to their attraction to each other, considering the true nature of their connection, but I was glad he finally came clean.
The push and pull between Matt and Jesse was tough to watch at times. Matt needed someone to see him, not just the alpha, and thankfully, Jesse did that and more. I liked seeing Jesse settling in without even really realizing it. He needed someplace safe with people he could trust. I hope that we see them in future books (even in the periphery) because I have a feeling their relationship and Matt's leadership will only get better after this.
My only complaint was a lack of world-building that would have helped me understand certain things better. There were a lot of things that seemed glossed over that seemed more important than the attention they were given. My hope is that some of these knowledge gaps will be filled in as the series progresses.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
This story was a great beginning to a shifter series, and I enjoyed reading it.
Jesse accidentally wandering into Matt's pack lands was an honest mistake, but his lack of shifter knowledge and his lack of trust put him in a bad position. Matt battles not only his past, but also with doing right by his pack, while Jesse fights almost everything. I liked Matt's pack of strays; they were very loyal and cared about each other. While the pack wasn't very accepting of Jesse's presence at first, I liked that they slowly learned to trust each other. I wasn't super thrilled with Matt's approach to their attraction to each other, considering the true nature of their connection, but I was glad he finally came clean.
The push and pull between Matt and Jesse was tough to watch at times. Matt needed someone to see him, not just the alpha, and thankfully, Jesse did that and more. I liked seeing Jesse settling in without even really realizing it. He needed someplace safe with people he could trust. I hope that we see them in future books (even in the periphery) because I have a feeling their relationship and Matt's leadership will only get better after this.
My only complaint was a lack of world-building that would have helped me understand certain things better. There were a lot of things that seemed glossed over that seemed more important than the attention they were given. My hope is that some of these knowledge gaps will be filled in as the series progresses.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
January 29, 2026
Captivating start to the series
I loved the three books in Joy's Wings Over Albion series, and she has confirmed she wants to return to her dragons. In the meantime, the Strength of the Pack series will keep me happy, with this first book setting the standard.
The story jumps straight in to the action, with the characters introduced quickly, and I was hooked. Matt and his pack find an intruder in their territory, not knowing how important this jumpy wolf's appearance is. Jesse unknowingly brings trouble in his wake, and he is the catalyst for a lot of change for Matt and for all the pack.
Matt and Jesse are a good match, even though the alpha is stoic and noble and his mate all spiky and belligerent. I would have liked a bit more background for Matt, but we hear a little about how he came to form his small pack and I hope more will come out as the series progresses. I'm definitely looking forward to Jesse's background being explored.
I loved the push and pull between Matt and Jesse, watching them both come to terms with what's happening between them. They end up bringing out the best in each other, and they both needed love so badly, bless them.
The rest of the pack have all piqued my interest and I'm so glad they're releasing weekly. I've read the blurb for the next one and I already want to punch the man who could devastate my sweet Jason.
I loved the three books in Joy's Wings Over Albion series, and she has confirmed she wants to return to her dragons. In the meantime, the Strength of the Pack series will keep me happy, with this first book setting the standard.
The story jumps straight in to the action, with the characters introduced quickly, and I was hooked. Matt and his pack find an intruder in their territory, not knowing how important this jumpy wolf's appearance is. Jesse unknowingly brings trouble in his wake, and he is the catalyst for a lot of change for Matt and for all the pack.
Matt and Jesse are a good match, even though the alpha is stoic and noble and his mate all spiky and belligerent. I would have liked a bit more background for Matt, but we hear a little about how he came to form his small pack and I hope more will come out as the series progresses. I'm definitely looking forward to Jesse's background being explored.
I loved the push and pull between Matt and Jesse, watching them both come to terms with what's happening between them. They end up bringing out the best in each other, and they both needed love so badly, bless them.
The rest of the pack have all piqued my interest and I'm so glad they're releasing weekly. I've read the blurb for the next one and I already want to punch the man who could devastate my sweet Jason.
Review of advance copy
Argents, steak & potatoes, "The Princess & the Pea", demon birds, Chaos & Mayhem, bat signal, limp spaghetti, comfy dog beds, birthday cupcakes
One's a stubborn, bossy, and tightly wound pack alpha wolf shifter. The other a snarky, irreverent, and fiercely independent omega lone wolf shifter.
Matt Urban leads a small pack of ragtag wolf shifter misfits. He carries an emotional onus that Atlas would buckle under. For some reason his pack looks to him with their respect and loyalty.
Jesse Turner is constantly on the move and on edge. He relies on his gut feelings and sassy attitude, and trusts no one. Being raised by humans, his knowledge of all things wolf shifter-related is scant. When he stumbles uninvited on to Matt's pack's territory seriously injured and unconscious, Jesse is distrusted by and is distrustful of the strange wolf shifters.
This story has a mysterious slant that has violent and graphic gory action scenes. The imagery is spectacularly well-written. You'll be endeared by the quirky underdog pack members. The book is entirely enjoyable and enthralling. Recommended!
One's a stubborn, bossy, and tightly wound pack alpha wolf shifter. The other a snarky, irreverent, and fiercely independent omega lone wolf shifter.
Matt Urban leads a small pack of ragtag wolf shifter misfits. He carries an emotional onus that Atlas would buckle under. For some reason his pack looks to him with their respect and loyalty.
Jesse Turner is constantly on the move and on edge. He relies on his gut feelings and sassy attitude, and trusts no one. Being raised by humans, his knowledge of all things wolf shifter-related is scant. When he stumbles uninvited on to Matt's pack's territory seriously injured and unconscious, Jesse is distrusted by and is distrustful of the strange wolf shifters.
This story has a mysterious slant that has violent and graphic gory action scenes. The imagery is spectacularly well-written. You'll be endeared by the quirky underdog pack members. The book is entirely enjoyable and enthralling. Recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First in series (Strength of the Pack). Paranormal. Fated mates. Found family. Slow burn. Dual POV.
Matt is happy protecting his little pack, trying to make up for past mistakes he didn’t want to be an Alpha with a pack but they are a family. When Jesse enters the pack’s territory he is an unknown possible danger, but Jesse has no idea about shifter ways nor that he is Matt’s mate.
This story has an independent uninformed shifter and a controlling Alpha that struggles with his instincts, especially knowing Jesse is his mate. I really enjoyed the characters and the overall premise of this story, and could see Jesse and Matt allowing their mutual attraction to build into something more. However, there was very little world building and explanations about shifter history and backgrounds for the main characters were thin. I appreciated that Jesse doesn’t lose his independence and respects Matt’s safety concerns and that Matt doesn’t want Jesse to stay if it means he needs to change. A good start to a series (this was previously published years ago), with some interesting characters to follow in the series. 3.5 rounded up
Matt is happy protecting his little pack, trying to make up for past mistakes he didn’t want to be an Alpha with a pack but they are a family. When Jesse enters the pack’s territory he is an unknown possible danger, but Jesse has no idea about shifter ways nor that he is Matt’s mate.
This story has an independent uninformed shifter and a controlling Alpha that struggles with his instincts, especially knowing Jesse is his mate. I really enjoyed the characters and the overall premise of this story, and could see Jesse and Matt allowing their mutual attraction to build into something more. However, there was very little world building and explanations about shifter history and backgrounds for the main characters were thin. I appreciated that Jesse doesn’t lose his independence and respects Matt’s safety concerns and that Matt doesn’t want Jesse to stay if it means he needs to change. A good start to a series (this was previously published years ago), with some interesting characters to follow in the series. 3.5 rounded up
Review of advance copy
Matt had a pack. One he definitely didn’t want. But even as he fought against being a pack alpha, fate seemed to have other plans for him. Matt’s past made him keep tight control of himself. He was barely holding it together when Jesse showed up uninvited. Jesse stumbled onto pack land, not knowing that it wasn’t acceptable. Wounded, scrawny, scrappy, and hungry didn’t put him in the best light. And it seemed like the situation only got worse when he met the alpha.
I thought Matt should of told Jesse that they were mates sooner. Then maybe Jesse would of been less prickly. Lots of angst to go around.
I read this story over 10 years ago and I remember it didn’t really impress me. To short, characters didn’t seem fully developed, and it felt incomplete. In this version the characters seem more likable and have a bit more backstory. I say a bit because I’m assuming that as each character gets their book we will understand them better.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
I thought Matt should of told Jesse that they were mates sooner. Then maybe Jesse would of been less prickly. Lots of angst to go around.
I read this story over 10 years ago and I remember it didn’t really impress me. To short, characters didn’t seem fully developed, and it felt incomplete. In this version the characters seem more likable and have a bit more backstory. I say a bit because I’m assuming that as each character gets their book we will understand them better.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
January 31, 2026
"An Impossible Mate" is book one in a new series by Joy Lynn Fielding. It's an opposites attract, fated mates story. Matt Turner, alpha of the Elk Ridge Pack and town sheriff, leads a pack of misfit wolves. It's found family at it's most chaotic, a test of his control and patience. Jesse Turner found out he was a wolf shifter at age fourteen when he shifted for the first time. Raised in the human world, he's unaware of pack laws and traditions. Jesse is found, injured and half starved, in pack territory and Matt's wolf is reluctant to let him go because they're mates. The story is slow burn but high sizzle. Matt's protectiveness clashes with Jesse's need for autonomy.
World building is good. The author leaves a few plot arcs open, hopefully to be answered as the series progresses. Lots of fodder for future books, as the secondaries have pretty strong voices.
A fun and quick read. The glimpses into Jesse and Matt's earlier lives make for some angst. Just a bit.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my review.
World building is good. The author leaves a few plot arcs open, hopefully to be answered as the series progresses. Lots of fodder for future books, as the secondaries have pretty strong voices.
A fun and quick read. The glimpses into Jesse and Matt's earlier lives make for some angst. Just a bit.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my review.
January 31, 2026
Matt is the alpha of a seven member pack. He never wanted to be an alpha but his best friend and beta just keeps bringing home more lone wolves who need a place to call home. This is how Jesse ends up in their midst. How Jesse can be a shifter not know anything about shifter culture and rules is beyond Matt. Jesse is an obstinate, mouthy, hot head but Matt wants him to stay. Jesse doesn't believe Matt when he tells him they're mates but he's soon convinced and wanting to stay and call Elk Ridge home. Evil comes calling and their small pack bands together to fight them off.
This is a good shifter story. It starts out slow with not a lot happening until about the 75% mark. I didn't really care for Jesse's attitude, it got old fast. I'm not a fan of non-communication or I'll do something stupid to protect the one I love. I did like the family feeling that the pack conveyed. I felt like the ending was left hanging. I wanted closure on the bad guy and his pack. It's an okay read but nothing outstanding.
This is a good shifter story. It starts out slow with not a lot happening until about the 75% mark. I didn't really care for Jesse's attitude, it got old fast. I'm not a fan of non-communication or I'll do something stupid to protect the one I love. I did like the family feeling that the pack conveyed. I felt like the ending was left hanging. I wanted closure on the bad guy and his pack. It's an okay read but nothing outstanding.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Impossible Mate is one of those shifter romance stories that doesn't immediately fall into the “fated mate” category, yet the theme soon comes into play.
Jesse slowly opens up, but his doubts about himself and something like fate linger for a long time. I can understand him; if I had a past like his, I would have lost some of my beliefs too.
The tension remains at a good level and I like the pack. If you're looking for new “things” here, you won't find them, but that's not always necessary. It's a reading experience that entertains and captivates you for a while. On a personal note, I always find it silly when people get emotionally and/or physically closer at some point and then start addressing each other by their last names the next moment.
Are you trying to be casual and pretend that nothing fundamental has just happened between the two of you? I don't know, I'm not a fan of that, and it pulls me out of the emotional development.
Jesse slowly opens up, but his doubts about himself and something like fate linger for a long time. I can understand him; if I had a past like his, I would have lost some of my beliefs too.
The tension remains at a good level and I like the pack. If you're looking for new “things” here, you won't find them, but that's not always necessary. It's a reading experience that entertains and captivates you for a while. On a personal note, I always find it silly when people get emotionally and/or physically closer at some point and then start addressing each other by their last names the next moment.
Are you trying to be casual and pretend that nothing fundamental has just happened between the two of you? I don't know, I'm not a fan of that, and it pulls me out of the emotional development.
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