A grumpy Alpha wolf. A sunshine witch. A mate bond neither could accept—or resist.
Nia Patel is a twenty-eight-year-old shifter witch from Salem, venturing to Montana to open the bakery she and her best friend Brianna had dreamed about since college. She thought she had it all figured out, but her tarot cards never told her she’d be finding her mate in those mountains.
The Red Lodge police chief and local Alpha wolf is gruff, allergic to change, and entirely too handsome for a man who still uses a flip phone on purpose. He’s also nearly two decades older than her. Even worse?
He’s Brianna’s dad.
Neither of them knows how to cross that line without risking the person they both love most. But their fated bond is impossible to ignore.
Cole Montclair has spent forty-six years building a life of duty, routine, and control. Red Lodge depends on him to keep the peace. He knows every road in town, every family feud, every wolf under his protection.
Then Nia crashes into his carefully ordered world, a lynx shifter with a penchant for magic and fancy coffee drinks—and his daughter’s best friend. She should be completely off-limits. Instead, she challenges him at every turn. Makes him laugh when he shouldn’t. Sees through him far too easily.
But when members of his pack begin questioning whether a young lynx witch could ever stand beside their Alpha, Cole realizes the biggest threat isn’t the mate bond.
It’s the terrifying fact that Nia belongs in his life so completely, he can’t imagine losing her.
🐺 Perfect if you love: - grumpy Alpha / sunshine witch - fated mates + age gap - best friend’s dad tension - forced proximity in a small town - dragon hatchling cuteness and chaos - magical mystery in the mountains - cozy bakery vibes and sweet treats
Steamy shifter love scenes and an HEA inside! No cheating or cliffhanger in this standalone romance. Readers 18+.
Grab a free copy of Alpha's Midlife Baby, the prequel to the Fated Over Forty series, when you sign up for Meg's newsletter ==> https://www.authormegripley.com
Meg Ripley is an author of steamy shifter romances. A Seattle native who’s relocated to New England, she can often be found whipping up her next tale curled up in a local coffee house with a cappuccino and her laptop.
I read this as a stand-alone. While it seemed implied throughout there were like it connected characters/stories that I did not know, this story stands fine on its own - so don't worry if you haven't read any of the other Shifter Nation books! If this is your introduction to Shifter Nation, it'll leave you wanting to read the backlog and meet more of the world.
Montana Mates is book one of this new location and it gives exactly what it promises: age gap fated mates, but make it complicated because it's her best friend's dad. He's the alpha wolf police officer and she's a lynx shifter witch opening a bakery with his daughter. Sparks fly, and so does the drama. The push-pull of "should I, shouldn't I" and the yearning were delicious.
The book focuses on Nia and mainly her POV. There is some dual POV with Cole, but it's mainly Nia. My heart was all-in for Nia as she tries to navigate the complexities of her situation. I wanted to sob with her, hug her, and definitely wanted to have some coffee with her. The characters in this are very likable for the most part - even when they struggle to get things together.
I wasn't expecting a heaping side of drama with a surprise dragon clan and YES PLEASE. Pretty sure dragons are my favorite shifters, and I am so excited for the buildup for the next book because I need to see more!
Overall a fun time and a quick, easy read. This was my first Shifter Nation book and it was enough to pull me into this world where I'm sure I'll be diving into the entire backlog. Can't wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is no Point in Fighting Destiny - Nia was really looking forward to opening up a coffee shop with her best friend, so she never expected to meet her fated mate on the first day she arrived and find out the consequences of exploring their connection. Cole life was all about the lack and his job, so he felt like his world had tilted on its axis when he locked eyes with Nia and his wolf told him she was his mate.
Even though Nia and Cole tried everything to not act on their intense desires, their willpower broke, which led to disastrous consequences in both their lives. However, Nia and Cole had to put their issues aside to help a damsel in distress and her babies resolve the dire situation they found themselves in, which forced them into working together to resolve the problem.
Fortunately, Nia and Cole realised they couldn’t stay away from each other and decided to finally explore their feelings for each other, especially as they received the blessings of the most important person in their lives. Luckily, Nia and Cole got to finally get a chance at a happily ever after, so they could lead the wolf pack as the Alpha and Luna.
This captivating story is a fantastic read, that will grab you from start to finish with entertaining characters, incredible plot twists in a storyline, that will definitely keep you at the edge of your seat, as you eagerly turn the pages of this must read book. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Certain book descriptions just call to me. I just knew I had to read Grumpy Alpha Wolf. This was my first ever Meg Ripley book. She had me entranced with the cozy setting, bright characters, and forbidden romance from the start.
This was a book of firsts because this was also my first best friend's dad romance. I figured, since it's a cozy read, it would be a softer introduction to the trope. For the most part, things were easy and sweet as pie, then bam! Drama. I was so angry on behalf of the MFC. Nia is level-headed, understanding, and most of all, incredibly sweet. Who wouldn't like her? Being the fated mate to her bestie's dad was totally unexpected. The way things were handled ticked me off. And when Nia asked Cole if he was asking her to stay, and he said, "I don't know", like wtf? I get there were complications, but they're fated mates, and they actually liked each other. Cole was a good guy, but wth?
Nevertheless, I like the way things worked out. Besides the romance, there was a bigger plot at play. There was a mysterious find in the woods, pack drama, and more shifters. I mean, who doesn't love a dragon? The story was pretty good. I liked all the action and the blend of magic and the tarot. Grumpy Alpha Wolf is a fantastic age gap fated mates romance. Cozy readers, this is a must! You won't be disappointed.
A captivating read, well written with wonderful characters I am sure you’ll enjoy This was a simply wonderful read and the characters are simply fantastic the interactions between Cole and Nina will keep you totally captivated and the fact that they are actually Fated Mates makes this story to be simply amazing. I found the story to be a captivating read it had simply everything I have come to expect and I love the fact that the topic from danger to love to threats to ganger that as a reader you will find yourself totally immersed in the plot and will fin yourself reading this book in one sitting. There is also the familiar face of Meg which I was so happy to see as she was such a wonderfully addition to the previous book and have to say that readers will be totally captivated. As Nia moved from Salem and started her own small business in Salem, her best friend was lending her a hand and lots of moral support. Megs writing was seamless and there was a mix of characters and plot am sure that other readers will be as blown away by this book as I have been, I look forward to future books in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
I enjoyed the story, which is the new branch of the previous Salem coven's adventures. I loved the characters, their development, interactions and the fact that there was no true evil person who would try to ruin the story. They were all just people, well, shifters actually, having all the usual ups and downs, family issues, challenging relatives, etc. They also have to grapple with the fact of fated mates. That's the most interesting aspect of the story as it's something the fated to each other people can't fight against. And it rarely comes without challenges. That will be also the case in this story. Highly recommended. Lovely to see some previous characters making an appearance and having a snippet what's coming in the next story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Welcome to Red Lodge. I loved the worldbuilding. POV of both Nia and Cole. I loved that each recognized that they were fated mates. Even though there was an age gap. The worldbuilding was excellent. You could feel Nia's excitement about a new chapter in her life with starting a business with her bestie Brianna. About her finally finding her mate. I also loved that she was able to help , in fact she was the person who did more to help with a situation they had to solve. I loved her knowledge and that she had people back home that were able to help. I also loved that she was able to find out what her special gift was with her magic. Cole was very supported with everything. Loved his protectiveness and that he did not want to hide what they had. The HEA was enduring. Even Great Aunt Phyllis approved.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book! This first book in a new series follows the adventures of Nia as she leaves her Coven in Salem to follow her dream of owning a bakery with her best friend Brianna out west and Cole, the Alpha of the Montclair wolf pack. I love how close Nia and Brianna are and how they manage to overcome one very large hurdle in their friendship. There are some truly amazing people in the pack and I love how they show their support and friendship when Cole and Nia need it most. Filled with ups and downs, wonderful new and old friends, and one huge surprise for the wolf pack, I can’t wait to see what comes next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 1 of Montana Mates. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'But when members of his pack begin questioning whether a young lynx witch could ever stand beside their Alpha, Cole realizes the biggest threat isn’t the mate bond. It’s the terrifying fact that Nia belongs in his life so completely, he can’t imagine losing her.'
The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating 4.5 Shifter stories are one of my favorites. I loved Cole and Nia and the fact they are fated mates, even if it has its own acceptance issues. The story has a 2nd storyline that brings a degree of danger with it. It’s a great read that had several unique features and there were surprises that I did not anticipate. It held my attention until the very end mainly because of the storyline and the great writing. This is a new author for me but I intend to read more of her works. This is definitely a story worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
-Meg Ripley delivers a captivating fated mates romance filled with heart, danger, and strong character connections. Nia and Cole share wonderful chemistry, and their journey keeps me engaged from start to finish. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
The mix of sweetness, angst, and suspense, along with the supportive friendships and pack dynamics is enjoyable. The conflict feels believable, making their romance even more satisfying.
A charming shifter romance with memorable characters, surprising twists, and plenty of heart. I look forward to reading more in this series. I love Meg Ripleys books!
I loved this story. I will say that Nia and Cole were wonderful characters and they helped me get my romance fix this week. I loved the instant attraction between them and their slight feeling of forbidden attraction because she is his daughter's best friend. I loved Meg's description of Nia's transformation into her shifter animal. I loved the pack family. This was chapters of fun for me. I got lost in this book and I think anyone who likes a grumpy alpha and some cuteness mixed in with romance, will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Ripley's books and Grumpy Alpha Wolf does not disappoint. A lyxn witch shifter and a grumpy alpha wolf pack a lot of drama in delightful ways. First of all, he is the father of her best friend and when she comes to their town to open a bakery with Brianna sparks fly and she actually has him laughing. He realizes that she is his fated mate, but she is also twenty years younger, and his pack is cautious of their relationship. Will Cole and Nia's path lead them to happiness.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What happens when you drive across the country to start a business with your best friend, only to find your mate? Who happens to be your friend’s dad and pack alpha? This was such an enjoyable read. Nia and Cole going through the difficulties to their being together. Liked that they considered others throughout. The fight scene in the sub plot was well written & exciting – loved the character development that came from it. Really enjoyed meeting the characters in this book & look forward to seeing more from them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nia is moving to Montana to help her best friend open their dream of opening a bakery and coffee shop. What she doesn’t expect to find is her fated mate, especially since he is her friend’s father. Ignoring the bond works for a bit but then it doesn’t and things go from bad to worse. This is a fun, engaging story that I couldn’t put down. I became completely invested in the characters and the twists in the plot were unexpected and definitely added to the story. This is a great read that I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the start of a new series with some old faces along with a whole new cast we will get to meet. Nia and Cole's story is an age/gap romance with a little Best Friend angst as he is her father. Nia and Cole's romance is sweet and full of fun. I love how they grow together and learn to get past the obstacles they have in their path. I can't wait to get to know the rest of Salem better. I love how Meg always works an overlap in her series.
Nia and Cole’s story has them coming together when she moves to his town to open a shop with her bestie, Brianna. And Cole is the town sheriff and alpha of the pack along with Brianna’s dad. But when she sees thru him and challenges him there’s no going back even when the pack starts to question if she, a lynx shifter witch, can stand beside the alpha. He can’t lose her.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this. I’ve never read this author before, but I really loved that it was a fated mates between her and her best friends dad. Like what are the chances? Age gap, but hot guy. And I loved how he tried to start away out of respect for his daughter, but it just wasn’t working. The world building was great. I loved these two so much. And the acceptance. And the romance and spice between them was perfect. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Loved this book. Nia comes to Montana to help her best friend open a bakery but what she didn't expect was to find her mate, Cole is the alpha of his pack and the sheriff but what he didn't plan was to meet his mate only to learn who she is that will ruin relationships. Will they ignore each other or will they get together?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grumpy Alpha Wolf Book 1 of Montana Mates series by Meg Ripley is a great start to a new series with cameos from previous characters which I absolutely love! Great age gap romance with her best friend's dad...awkward! I really enjoyed how the pack comes together to support the bakery and couple. I'm looking forward to getting to know more about the people of Red Lodge.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nia and Brianne finally get their dream bakery and Nia finds her mate who is not at all who she expected. There is great chemistry between Nia and Cole. He carries the weight of the world sometimes and they both are willing to sacrifice their bond for others. I especially enjoyed the pack characters and the beautiful dragon babies.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoy the idea of fated mates. Unfortunately, there was a lot of other things going on and it seemed like a bunch of different things thrown together. It was hard to keep the main focus of the story in mind with so many other things going on.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Nia going into business with her best friend leads to finding her mate Cole. Unfortunately he is her best friend's dad. I liked how Nia helped with the dragons and the great results. I'm glad Nia and Cole being together is accepted by everyone including his daughter.
The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Nia, Cole and her best friend/his daughter, Brianna. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with forbidden desires, instatn connection, denial, obstacles and steam.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A new series but a familiar face in this heartwarming book from Meg. As Nia moves away from Salem to set up a business with her best friend we discover new characters, a new environment, new adventures and a reminder that life and love never runs smoothly.
I love how Meg's stories seamlessly mix and integrate. With great characterisation and storylines you know that you won't be disappointed as she shows that love will find a way, age shouldn't matter and tolerance and understanding are there if you look hard enough.
Arc review I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.when Nia moves to start a bakery with her best friend Brianna she never thought her life would change so much . I loved all these characters.
I really enjoyed this first book in Montana mates new series. Nia & Cole’s story is a sweet fated mates story, but alongside their story we have Nia and Brianna and the value of best friends. Can’t wait for next book in story.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Here we have Nia a part of the coven of Witches from Salem and her story. I really liked the action and slow Burn spicy parts. Another total recommend from Meg Ripley.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nia is starting over with her best friend and has quite a surprise in finding he mate. Nia and Cole Don want to cause problems but they can't stay away. I was sad they almost had be apart. I love the new shifter discovery.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.