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Grumpy Alpha Wolf
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+.
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+.
ebook
Expected publication June 4, 2026
About the author
Meg Ripley
185 books473 followersGrab 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 4, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed Nia and Cole's story. It had the right amount of sweetness mixed with angst and longing. The main characters fit well together and you can see how they grow with each other over the course of the book.
One thing I dislike in novels is when the central conflict keeping the romantic leads apart doesn't make a lot of sense, or feels flimsy. That's not the case here, which I really appreciate. Nia's best friend being Cole's daughter is a pretty legitimate wrench in their relationship from the get-go.
I do think the book will be more enjoyable to those who have read more of Meg Ripley's books and who are already familiar with the large cast of characters who show up here. It was a little hard for me to keep track of who was who and how they were connected to each other.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One thing I dislike in novels is when the central conflict keeping the romantic leads apart doesn't make a lot of sense, or feels flimsy. That's not the case here, which I really appreciate. Nia's best friend being Cole's daughter is a pretty legitimate wrench in their relationship from the get-go.
I do think the book will be more enjoyable to those who have read more of Meg Ripley's books and who are already familiar with the large cast of characters who show up here. It was a little hard for me to keep track of who was who and how they were connected to each other.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
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.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Grumpy Alpha Wolf” by Meg Ripley
-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!
-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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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 and that age, tolerance and understanding is there if you look hard enough.
I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
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 and that age, tolerance and understanding is there if you look hard enough.
I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
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.
Review of advance copy
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 and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a great fated mate/age-gap romance.. I really liked it. It is romantic and emotional, with a bit of the forbidden about it..
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews