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The Mating Trials: The Alpha
Not yet published
Expected 29 Jun 26249 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 29, 2026
About the author
Anastasia Daniels
3 books10 followersAnastasia Daniels has been writing since the third grade when she penned her first story about a leprechaun who lost his pot of gold. Her tales may be a bit spicier now, but her passion for crafting fantasy romances that ignite the imagination and tug at the heartstrings has only grown stronger.
When she’s not lost in fantasy realms or penning her next snarky heroine, you can find Anastasia binge-watching The Office (for the millionth time), advocating for year-round Pumpkin Spice, or diving into her latest BookTok obsession.
For more information please visit her website at:
www.AnastasiaDaniels.com
When she’s not lost in fantasy realms or penning her next snarky heroine, you can find Anastasia binge-watching The Office (for the millionth time), advocating for year-round Pumpkin Spice, or diving into her latest BookTok obsession.
For more information please visit her website at:
www.AnastasiaDaniels.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
The Mating Trials was such an addictive read and completely delivered on the fated mates wolf shifter romantasy vibes I was hoping for. From the very beginning, the storyline pulled me in, and I really loved how emotionally driven the backstories were. The book did a great job of balancing action, romance, and heartache in a way that kept me invested the entire time.
Ember and Thorn had amazing chemistry. It was spicy enough to keep things exciting without completely overtaking the plot, which I appreciated. And as someone who absolutely loves the “touch her and die” trope, Thorn’s protectiveness of Ember and her purity had me hooked. One of my favorite moments was Thorn deciding to let Roman join his pack because it showed such a softer, more compassionate side to his character. I love a good sappy yet fierce Alpha.
I’ll admit, the miscommunication trope throughout the second half drove me a little crazy at times, but in a weird way it made the payoff even more satisfying once everything was finally out in the open and they completed their mating bond. That emotional release was worth the frustration. That being said, I did notice a few inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story for a moment. In the beginning of chapter 7, Thorn mentions Olcan disrespecting “her and her brother,” but only a few lines later he questions whether Roman is her son because she’s a virgin. Then later on Roman is referred to as her “little companion” before immediately being identified as her brother. Those moments had me backtracking to make sure I hadn’t missed something.
I also felt like the pacing in the second half became rushed compared to the strong buildup in the first half. The beginning took its time developing the world, the characters, and the tension, but then suddenly everything moved so quickly toward the ending. Don’t get me wrong, the ending was fire, emotional, and definitely spicy… I just wish some of the events leading up to it had been given a little more room to breathe. Overall though, I still really enjoyed this story and ended up giving it 4 stars. I’m definitely excited to see what the author writes next.
Rated: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
Ember and Thorn had amazing chemistry. It was spicy enough to keep things exciting without completely overtaking the plot, which I appreciated. And as someone who absolutely loves the “touch her and die” trope, Thorn’s protectiveness of Ember and her purity had me hooked. One of my favorite moments was Thorn deciding to let Roman join his pack because it showed such a softer, more compassionate side to his character. I love a good sappy yet fierce Alpha.
I’ll admit, the miscommunication trope throughout the second half drove me a little crazy at times, but in a weird way it made the payoff even more satisfying once everything was finally out in the open and they completed their mating bond. That emotional release was worth the frustration. That being said, I did notice a few inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story for a moment. In the beginning of chapter 7, Thorn mentions Olcan disrespecting “her and her brother,” but only a few lines later he questions whether Roman is her son because she’s a virgin. Then later on Roman is referred to as her “little companion” before immediately being identified as her brother. Those moments had me backtracking to make sure I hadn’t missed something.
I also felt like the pacing in the second half became rushed compared to the strong buildup in the first half. The beginning took its time developing the world, the characters, and the tension, but then suddenly everything moved so quickly toward the ending. Don’t get me wrong, the ending was fire, emotional, and definitely spicy… I just wish some of the events leading up to it had been given a little more room to breathe. Overall though, I still really enjoyed this story and ended up giving it 4 stars. I’m definitely excited to see what the author writes next.
Rated: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I flew through this book in a single sitting! It hooked me fast and didn’t really let go.
Ember’s first year in the trials brings instant tension: she’s finally eligible but what is every female’s dream is essentially her nightmare. Finding a mate could mean losing everything she’s worked for. On the other side, Thorn has been entering the trials for ten years without success and with his position as Alpha now threatened, the stakes for him feel just as brutal.
The chemistry between Ember and Thorn is easily the strongest part of this book. It’s intense, addictive and honestly carried a lot of the story for me. Their dynamic had real spark and I loved them together far more than I expected to.
That said, the book does feel uneven at times. Some parts come off rushed or underdeveloped and the world building feels like it’s only just starting to scratch the surface of something really interesting. The trials themselves were a bit underwhelming, especially considering how central they are to the premise. I also found the writing inconsistent... Ember would have moments with sharp, memorable lines and then others that felt a bit clunky or immature in comparison.
Still, despite those flaws, I was HOOKED. I do wish the book had been longer with more depth to the plot and more fully realized trials because the concept has a lot of potential that isn’t fully explored here.
This is definitely a chemistry driven read with strong tension and an addictive pace, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on world building or execution.
Thank you so much to TheNerdFam and author for this eARC!
Ember’s first year in the trials brings instant tension: she’s finally eligible but what is every female’s dream is essentially her nightmare. Finding a mate could mean losing everything she’s worked for. On the other side, Thorn has been entering the trials for ten years without success and with his position as Alpha now threatened, the stakes for him feel just as brutal.
The chemistry between Ember and Thorn is easily the strongest part of this book. It’s intense, addictive and honestly carried a lot of the story for me. Their dynamic had real spark and I loved them together far more than I expected to.
That said, the book does feel uneven at times. Some parts come off rushed or underdeveloped and the world building feels like it’s only just starting to scratch the surface of something really interesting. The trials themselves were a bit underwhelming, especially considering how central they are to the premise. I also found the writing inconsistent... Ember would have moments with sharp, memorable lines and then others that felt a bit clunky or immature in comparison.
Still, despite those flaws, I was HOOKED. I do wish the book had been longer with more depth to the plot and more fully realized trials because the concept has a lot of potential that isn’t fully explored here.
This is definitely a chemistry driven read with strong tension and an addictive pace, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on world building or execution.
Thank you so much to TheNerdFam and author for this eARC!
May 16, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
4.75⭐️ If you’re looking for something quick to read and fast-paced, this book is definitely for you. Anastasia had my attention from the very first chapter, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. If you love shifter werewolves and fated mates, this book has everything you need.
Ember isn’t looking for a mate because the only thing that matters to her is taking care of her little brother after their parents were killed during an Alpha challenge gone wrong. Despite that, Ember is forced to attend the Mating Trials.
Thorn, an Alpha searching for his fated mate, has been attending the ritual for years. Time is running out for him, though — without a mate to produce an heir, his pack is beginning to question his place as Alpha.
Ember and Thorn cross paths almost immediately at the Mating Trials, but everything — and I mean everything — tries to tear them apart. From Ember second-guessing the bond to members of Thorn’s own pack trying to destroy their relationship, the two go through nonstop challenges.
This was such a great read, and I already can’t wait for the next book to come out. I love that the author plans to bring in other characters, like Ember’s friend Dove, and give them their own stories as well.
My only negative comment would be the partial wolf shifts so they can talk. Lines like, “I partially shifted my head and neck to human form to yell,” completely threw me off. It was the weirdest visual to me. We all know wolves can just communicate through their minds anyway 🤣 🐺
4.75⭐️ If you’re looking for something quick to read and fast-paced, this book is definitely for you. Anastasia had my attention from the very first chapter, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. If you love shifter werewolves and fated mates, this book has everything you need.
Ember isn’t looking for a mate because the only thing that matters to her is taking care of her little brother after their parents were killed during an Alpha challenge gone wrong. Despite that, Ember is forced to attend the Mating Trials.
Thorn, an Alpha searching for his fated mate, has been attending the ritual for years. Time is running out for him, though — without a mate to produce an heir, his pack is beginning to question his place as Alpha.
Ember and Thorn cross paths almost immediately at the Mating Trials, but everything — and I mean everything — tries to tear them apart. From Ember second-guessing the bond to members of Thorn’s own pack trying to destroy their relationship, the two go through nonstop challenges.
This was such a great read, and I already can’t wait for the next book to come out. I love that the author plans to bring in other characters, like Ember’s friend Dove, and give them their own stories as well.
My only negative comment would be the partial wolf shifts so they can talk. Lines like, “I partially shifted my head and neck to human form to yell,” completely threw me off. It was the weirdest visual to me. We all know wolves can just communicate through their minds anyway 🤣 🐺
Review of advance copy
I devoured this one but what can I say? I’m a sucker for a good wolf shifter romance. This one was fast paced full of tons of action, trials and sexy tension and chemistry.
Ember is off to the mating trials but she doesn’t want a mate. She’s not ready. She can’t leave her brother behind with no family. If she finds a mate she will have to leave him behind during the mating season.
Thorn is the alpha of the Aurora pack and this is 10th trial to find a mate. But he doesn’t want just any mate he wants his fated mate. Tension is high because an alpha without a mate is an alpha to be challenged.
Ember and Thorn can’t deny the bond that’s between them and Thorn is all in but Embers hesitation stirs up all kinds of feelings and the fact that she’s a virgin makes her a target. Fated or not she’s fair game unless she accepts her fate or wins the mating trials; which allows her to either choose any mate or remain mateless.
Tropes:
Wolf shifters
Steamy trials
Heroine fighting fate
Rejected mate
Virgin vs Alpha
Fated Mates
Hero fighting for his life
Age gap
Gothic castle
Ember is off to the mating trials but she doesn’t want a mate. She’s not ready. She can’t leave her brother behind with no family. If she finds a mate she will have to leave him behind during the mating season.
Thorn is the alpha of the Aurora pack and this is 10th trial to find a mate. But he doesn’t want just any mate he wants his fated mate. Tension is high because an alpha without a mate is an alpha to be challenged.
Ember and Thorn can’t deny the bond that’s between them and Thorn is all in but Embers hesitation stirs up all kinds of feelings and the fact that she’s a virgin makes her a target. Fated or not she’s fair game unless she accepts her fate or wins the mating trials; which allows her to either choose any mate or remain mateless.
Tropes:
Wolf shifters
Steamy trials
Heroine fighting fate
Rejected mate
Virgin vs Alpha
Fated Mates
Hero fighting for his life
Age gap
Gothic castle
May 22, 2026
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the gifted book!
4.25 ⭐️
Now this to me is a really well written shifter romance! We follow Ember and Thorn through year 1 and 2 of the Mating Trials.
Ember is a complex FMC who loves her brother Roman fiercely after loosing their parents. She questions her worth as a potential mate and is scared to lose sight of herself. You get to see her growth as the story progresses and I think she was a really strong FMC!
Thorn is the Alpha of the Aurora pack and like Ember lost his own parents. This is his 10th time coming to the Mating Trials. Each year he leaves without his fated mating but remaining faithful in the Gods and the trials. Time is not on his side though as his pack grows restless each time he comes back without a mate. They collide in the best and worst ways each having to fight for their claim for each other.
I had the best time with this book and I went through it so fast. Really recommend for those who love a fast paced spicy shifter romance!
4.25 ⭐️
Now this to me is a really well written shifter romance! We follow Ember and Thorn through year 1 and 2 of the Mating Trials.
Ember is a complex FMC who loves her brother Roman fiercely after loosing their parents. She questions her worth as a potential mate and is scared to lose sight of herself. You get to see her growth as the story progresses and I think she was a really strong FMC!
Thorn is the Alpha of the Aurora pack and like Ember lost his own parents. This is his 10th time coming to the Mating Trials. Each year he leaves without his fated mating but remaining faithful in the Gods and the trials. Time is not on his side though as his pack grows restless each time he comes back without a mate. They collide in the best and worst ways each having to fight for their claim for each other.
I had the best time with this book and I went through it so fast. Really recommend for those who love a fast paced spicy shifter romance!
May 21, 2026
⭐️ 3.5 stars
The Mating Trials was a fun and easy read with pacing that pulled me in right away. I enjoyed the concept, the setup, and the overall fantasy romance tension. For a good portion of the book, it had that addictive “just one more chapter” feeling.
That said, once the story reached year two, the pacing started to feel rushed. I wanted more time for the plot to breathe, especially when it came to the worldbuilding and character development. There were moments where I felt like the story had bigger ideas than it fully had space to explore, and I would have loved more depth around the characters, their motivations, and the world they were moving through.
Overall, this was still a fun read. It did not fully land as strongly as it could have, but I enjoyed the ride and would recommend it to readers looking for a quick fantasy romance with mating trial/competition energy.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
The Mating Trials was a fun and easy read with pacing that pulled me in right away. I enjoyed the concept, the setup, and the overall fantasy romance tension. For a good portion of the book, it had that addictive “just one more chapter” feeling.
That said, once the story reached year two, the pacing started to feel rushed. I wanted more time for the plot to breathe, especially when it came to the worldbuilding and character development. There were moments where I felt like the story had bigger ideas than it fully had space to explore, and I would have loved more depth around the characters, their motivations, and the world they were moving through.
Overall, this was still a fun read. It did not fully land as strongly as it could have, but I enjoyed the ride and would recommend it to readers looking for a quick fantasy romance with mating trial/competition energy.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
I think this would be a really great entry-level romantasy for readers who are newer to the genre or looking for something fast-paced and easy to get through. The werewolf lore and mating trial concept made the story feel unique, and I liked that each trial brought something different to the table.
The writing style felt very accessible, making it a quick and entertaining read that doesn’t overwhelm you with heavy world-building or overly complicated politics. If you enjoy paranormal romance, werewolf stories, and books with a straightforward, bingeable feel, this could definitely be one to pick up.
Favorite Aspect:
The concept of the mating trials themselves: I thought the different challenges kept the story engaging and added a fun competitive element to the romance.
I think this would be a really great entry-level romantasy for readers who are newer to the genre or looking for something fast-paced and easy to get through. The werewolf lore and mating trial concept made the story feel unique, and I liked that each trial brought something different to the table.
The writing style felt very accessible, making it a quick and entertaining read that doesn’t overwhelm you with heavy world-building or overly complicated politics. If you enjoy paranormal romance, werewolf stories, and books with a straightforward, bingeable feel, this could definitely be one to pick up.
Favorite Aspect:
The concept of the mating trials themselves: I thought the different challenges kept the story engaging and added a fun competitive element to the romance.
May 23, 2026
This book follows Ember as she travels to the mating trials, where all northern shifter werewolves find their mates, for the first time. There she meets Thorne, alpha of the Aurora pack, as he participates in his tenth mating trial waiting for his fated mate.
Fast paced, while slightly choppy and underdeveloped at times, I did really enjoy this book! I actually finished it in one sitting and it was exactly what I needed to get out of a reading funk. It was spicy, fun, and a quick read. It was pretty easy to overlook the choppy parts as the pace of plot was fast. The only thing I wish was more developed was the actual trials themselves, as they were paramount to finding your mate but underdeveloped.
Thank you to TNF for the ARC, I had a lot of fun with this one!
Fast paced, while slightly choppy and underdeveloped at times, I did really enjoy this book! I actually finished it in one sitting and it was exactly what I needed to get out of a reading funk. It was spicy, fun, and a quick read. It was pretty easy to overlook the choppy parts as the pace of plot was fast. The only thing I wish was more developed was the actual trials themselves, as they were paramount to finding your mate but underdeveloped.
Thank you to TNF for the ARC, I had a lot of fun with this one!
Review of advance copy
I had no idea what to expect going into this book but it was exactly what I needed. I stopped my other reads for this and it was worth it. This is a shifter fated mates story. I was invested from the start and despite this being a shorter book it was still told really well. It does focus more on the romance but that’s expected with the title so I’m not upset about it. I will 100% be reading the next book when it comes out!
Available soon: 06/29/26
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book!
Available soon: 06/29/26
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book!
Review of advance copy
I thought I knew what this book would be able - Alphas, fated mates, trials - I assumed it would hit like other shifter novels with these tropes. I was wrong in the best possible way.
The author does a great job making you feel for each character, while keeping you guessing about what will happen next. Many shifter novels don't focus on the characters in their animal forms. This author does not forget about their shifter forms and provides the reader with detail that you do not see in other books with shifters.
This book was a 5/5 for me, a fun yet emotionally charged time.
The author does a great job making you feel for each character, while keeping you guessing about what will happen next. Many shifter novels don't focus on the characters in their animal forms. This author does not forget about their shifter forms and provides the reader with detail that you do not see in other books with shifters.
This book was a 5/5 for me, a fun yet emotionally charged time.
May 23, 2026
🐾🩸 The Mating Trials: The Alpha — Anastasia Daniels 🩸🐾
The mating trials is the ultimate way to find your mate. Shifter packs from all over gather together in the ultimate series of trials designed to draw them to their mate. Things during the trial get intense when our main shifter female draws all of the attention good and bad and the alpha who hasn’t found a mate in 10 years takes serious interest.
This book has everything including jealousy, of course mates, a serious revenge plot, found family. An absolutely fantastic read!
Huge thank you to @thenerdfam and @anastasiadanielsauthor for the ARC!
The mating trials is the ultimate way to find your mate. Shifter packs from all over gather together in the ultimate series of trials designed to draw them to their mate. Things during the trial get intense when our main shifter female draws all of the attention good and bad and the alpha who hasn’t found a mate in 10 years takes serious interest.
This book has everything including jealousy, of course mates, a serious revenge plot, found family. An absolutely fantastic read!
Huge thank you to @thenerdfam and @anastasiadanielsauthor for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so good I read it in a day!!! I wish we would’ve gotten a little more detail on what happened to Embers parents but I loved the pacing of the story and the world building. The trials were so much fun to read and I love Ember and Thorn. They struggled through so much to be together. I am looking forward to more books! Definitely recommend reading if you love a good fated mates story!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Thenerdfam for my advanced copy.
I loved this book. I started and finished it in less than 12 hours. The trials were🥵 the fmc was so strong and the dedication of the mmc❤️
I found the plot super interesting in how they found their mates it's the first time I think I've read something like this.
My only thing is I wish year 2 would have slowed down a little. It kind of rushed through it.
4.5🌟
2🌶
Tropes
🐺trials
🐺shifters
🐺fated Mates
🐺rejection
🐺found family
I loved this book. I started and finished it in less than 12 hours. The trials were🥵 the fmc was so strong and the dedication of the mmc❤️
I found the plot super interesting in how they found their mates it's the first time I think I've read something like this.
My only thing is I wish year 2 would have slowed down a little. It kind of rushed through it.
4.5🌟
2🌶
Tropes
🐺trials
🐺shifters
🐺fated Mates
🐺rejection
🐺found family
May 18, 2026
Was lucky enough to read this book as an ARC and couldn’t put it down!
It was such a fun and quick read!
I really enjoyed this take on Werewolf’s and mating.
The first part of the book was very well written and had a great amount of details. I did feel the second half was a bit rushed and went by too fast.
I still loved this book! Definitely recommend!
She doesn’t want a mate… He needs one to survive.
Romance
Werewolf’s
Mating Trials
Reluctant mate
Alpha MMC
Touch her and die
Bad ass FMC
It was such a fun and quick read!
I really enjoyed this take on Werewolf’s and mating.
The first part of the book was very well written and had a great amount of details. I did feel the second half was a bit rushed and went by too fast.
I still loved this book! Definitely recommend!
She doesn’t want a mate… He needs one to survive.
Romance
Werewolf’s
Mating Trials
Reluctant mate
Alpha MMC
Touch her and die
Bad ass FMC
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I just finished this book and I loved it. The love story between Ember and Thorn wow is all I can say.
If you like a shifter story then in my opinion (and hubby says that I am too opinionated lol) you will enjoy this book
If you like a shifter story then in my opinion (and hubby says that I am too opinionated lol) you will enjoy this book
Review of advance copy
3⭐️ 2🌶️
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC! If you’re looking for a quick shifter romance read this is great! You’ve got a fiery FMC, a broody possessive MMC, steamy trials, “who did this to you?”, and lots and lots of yearning.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC! If you’re looking for a quick shifter romance read this is great! You’ve got a fiery FMC, a broody possessive MMC, steamy trials, “who did this to you?”, and lots and lots of yearning.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received this book from NerdFam. I really enjoyed the story and it kinda of reminded me a bit of DireBound and Hunger Games. It’s a beautiful story. I definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy
Solid 3.5 stars.
Bit of a bread and butter shifter novel but fun and fast paced, full review to come.
Bit of a bread and butter shifter novel but fun and fast paced, full review to come.
May 19, 2026
I loved this book so much that I finished it in one sitting. I loved reading the dynamic between the FMC and the MMC during the mating trials. I need more of these characters and more of the mating trials please. I loved all of the trials that they had to go to when choosing a mate. I was in shock at the scene before year two and stayed up to find out about year two.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews