Mistaken Fate

by Stephanie Riley, Emma Kate

I was running away from my problems—well, my horrible ex-boyfriend, to be exact. It’s the only reason I was driving in the mountains in the middle of a downpour.

Thanks to a slippery road and a string of bad luck, I crashed face-first into a magical world where humans are feared and only the strongest creatures rule.

Now I’m at the mercy of the Alpha of Duskmoor—Miraluna’s most powerful wolf. The alpha with mesmerizing ice-blue eyes may promise me protection and a place to call home in his pack, but nothing comes without a price.

Forced to conceal my true identity and blend into a world of witches, vampires, dragons, and more, I find myself growing closer and closer to the alpha I can’t have… the one already fated to another wolf.

But could fate have made a mistake?

Genres: Romance, Paranormal

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2026

About the author

Born and raised in the Midwest, Stephanie's love for reading began in elementary school thanks to BOOK IT and free pizza (IYKYK). She grew up reading everything from The Baby-Sitters Club to Shakespeare, and majored in English in college (plus two other majors because she's an overachiever).

After spending 20 years as a marketing leader and CEO, she decided to pursue her true passion: writing. Her debut romance novel, Practically Perfect, was released in March 2026.

She's happily married to her husband of 20+ years and a mom to four kids and three dogs.

Reviews

[TheMillennialMoodReader · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
🌶️🌶️

Spicy Shifter Romance
Forbidden Love
Found Family
Fated Mates
Touch Her & Die
Forced Proximity


Mistaken Fate pulled me into a world of werewolves, fae, sirens & mer, vampires, and witches and I did not want to leave! Miraluna is hidden from the human world my a mystical barrier that humans should not be able to cross. One fateful night Maya crashes through the barrier unbeknownst to her. Finn, the alpha of the Duskmoor pack, and the strongest alpha in Knottingham felt the pull immediately. The crossing sent a huge blast of magic throughout Miraluna and the council members were scrambling to figure out who breached the barrier. Finn and his second discover Maya and Finn is determined to bring her back with them and find out what and who she is.

Maya was orphaned as a baby and has grown up bouncing between foster homes, never truly feeling like she belonged. Despite that she is witty, funny and strong. I loved her sassy not I my Finn but even other creatures throughout the book. Despite being a human she wasn’t afraid to back down. Finn gives Maya a job within the pack and it helps her feel like she’s meant to be there. Finn is mated to another (Blaire) and their bonding ceremony is quickly approaching but throughout the story you can tell there is no feelings or longing between the two. When another pack tries to interfere let’s just say things go awry in the best way possible. There is political drama and a little suspense. Hidden truths are revealed and all I can say is you won’t be disappointed in the ending! The found family trope was so good especially with Finn’s family and the whole pack dynamic! I easily could have read another 100 pages and I can’t wait for book two! I have my suspicions who crosses the border next!


Thank you to authors Stephanie Riley & Emma Kate for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Becky Whitney Manuzzi · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you Emma Kate and Stephanie Riley for the chance to read this book as an ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.

A warewolf-human romantasy is the best way I can describe most of this book. We have Maya, our FMC and Finn, our overly protective MMC. This book has all the tropes I love in a romance, fated mates, he saves her, and some comedic relief from our side characters.

This book has it all. Romance, comedy, and of course, plenty of drama and tension. Not only was I feeling emotions from ecstasy to sorrow depending on the scene, I was also kept on the edge of my seat due to the increasing tension between the different groups. It made it a quick read and one I could not put down.

I was left with a lot of questions about how the world operated and the politics of it, so I am hoping that will be further explained in the rest of the series (next book comes out in January). It left me a bit confused at times, but did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the book (and who knows, maybe the confusion is intentional).

I already cannot wait to read the next one, and everything else Stephanie puts out.

[Adriana Maldonado · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I had SO much fun reading this book! I was given the amazing opportunity to be a part of the ARC team for this book, and I honestly couldn’t have had a better time reading it!

From the first page, to the very last I was hooked! The action packed plot that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time without ever feeling rushed. I loved the world the authors created and how we didn’t just get 1 species of characters, but multiple to make up this world. This is a great book for anyone looking to dive into the shifter, werewolf, fated mates genres again or for the first time.

I also really liked how the book incorporated present day elements without taking away from the magic of the world. The found family aspect was so beautifully written, and I liked how every character brought something meaningful to the story.

Maya, our FMC, was such a relatable and fun character to follow, and I felt the same way about Finn! I loved how protective he was of her from the very beginning. It was so much fun seeing their relationship and love for one another unfold throughout the story.

Overall, this book was such a fun and entertaining read. I just wish it were LONGER!! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Spreading Pages · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I just finished Mistaken Fate by Emma Kate and Stephanie Riley! It will be available November 13th!

What to Expect:

🖤Spicy Shifter Romance
💚Forbidden Love
🖤Found Family
💚Fated Mates
🖤Touch her and 💀
💚Forced Proximity

My Thoughts:

This was such a trip! I had fun reading this new shifter/paranormal fantasy world by two of my favorites! These ladies built us an entire new world and an entire cast of characters I think we are all going to have a ton of fun exploring.

Right from the beginning I had so many predictions and questions for how FMC Maya ended up in Miraluna and why. (You'll have to read to find out!). I was rooting for her HEA and desperate for it to be Finn.

"Nothing about this kiss is soft. It's a claiming - one I'm not sure I'll ever recover from."

The tension and passion between these two were obvious from the beginning. I just wanted them to wake up already and realize they were right in front of each other.

This was a fast and easy read, the further in I got the more I was hooked. I will definitely be waiting impatiently for the next one!

#paranormalromance #comingsoon #fatedmates #spicybooks #urbanfantasy

Thank you to both authors for the ARC opportunity!

[alexia’s romance library · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This is an arc review ✨ thank you so much to Emma Kate and Stephanie Riley for the arc!

I love a fated mates romance and Mistaken Fate first caught my eye because of the forbidden aspect to it considering Finn already has a promised mate when he meets Maya. Because of this I was very curious about the plot line and I enjoyed the book.

I liked the world building of Miraluna as well as the protective instincts that are unavoidable with a shifter romance and mates. I did find myself pausing at parts and re-reading something to confirm I understood but overall it was easy to follow along with different species and characters.

The reason I’m not rating it higher is because I felt like some parts along their story could’ve used a little more time developing in order to give their relationship a stronger feel but I enjoyed reading it overall and I’m very curious about Cam and his hatred towards Fae. Minerva was another character that I liked and I liked the humor that was woven within the story.

Thank you for the arc!

[Ella Dragon Rider · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an early copy of this book and wanted to share my impressions. This gem of a book is paranormal romance, wolf shifter knockout that I could not put down. I cannot confirm nor deny that I devoured it in less than 24 hours🔥

Mistaken Fate introduces us to the world of Miraluna and follows Maya, our amazing, fierce FMC and Finn, Alpha of the Duskmoor pack, most powerful pack in Miraluna🐺🐺🐺

I enjoyed world building so much, the political intrigue, the twists and turns! And the slow burn and delicious spice? Yes please and thank you 🙏

One thing that really impressed me was the writing style. Dynamic, well paced, nuanced, seasoned with great sense of humor. This author duet nailed it!
And I am a type of reader that loves series, being immersed in a new world and getting emotionally attached to characters🥹so, learning that this will be a series with 8 books? Well-Xmas came early for me! I will definitely continue reading this series!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start this off by saying I don’t usually read fantasy or shifter books however Stephanie and Emma have grabbed my attention and pulled me right into their world of Miraluna.

Maya is a human who is in a horrible relationship and one accident changes her life forever. Finn is the leader of his pack and he is expected to marry his luna but when Maya shows up he really starts to question everything he had planned. Can a human really have a forever love with a wolf?!?

I was unable to put this book down and really struggling when I had no other choice but to come back. Stephanie and Emma created a world with fantastic characters who by the end of this book had me craving for their stories as well. The spice and pull between Maya and Finn were top tier. I am counting down the days until I can get book 2!

Thank you to Stephanie and Emma for a chance to read and fall in love with all of Miraluna! My thoughts are my own honest thoughts.

[Katina Sites · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Wolves of Knottingham Series

💚 Spicy Shifter Romance
💚 Forbidden Love
💚 Found Family
💚 Fated Mates
💚 Touch Her and Die

Maya is a down on her luck human who is drawn into Miraluna, a place where wolf shifters, dragons, vampires, witches, fae, mermaids, sirens and more reside.   The Council which rules Miraluna is determined to find out who crossed the barrier and why.    When Maya is found by Finn, an Alpha wolf shifter, they feel an instant connection and are confused by it as he is promised to another. He is determined to keep her safe and brings her into his pack while trying to figure out his connection to her. This book has an onteresting cast of characters including a witch that I cannot wait to see more of.

I read this book as an ARC and I am writing this review voluntarily.

[Jade · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I absolutely ate this up! I have definitely been enjoying the shifter/paranormal romances this year and this is up there with some of my favourites.

My only gripe is that I wish it was longer! I could have easily devoured another 200 pages of this story!

The characters are great, I especially liked the FMC Maya. She was such a relatable character and I will always root for a snarky queen! She had realistic reactions to situations she found herself in, which I also appreciated.

The plot kept me hooked, wanting to find out answers and trying to work out how things were going to play out. It’s definitely one that will keep you up past your bedtime because you can’t put it down!

This is perfect for lovers of paranormal romance but also a great starting point for dipping your toe in for the first time.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this book.

[PAWS_AND_PAGES7 · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you to Stephanie Riley and Emma Kate for the ARC, this is my honest review!!

This was a great beginnger romantasy shifter romance. It was easy to follow, face paced and full of adventures. The beginning really had me hooked with how Maya came to be in the magical world of Duskmoor and met Finn. I thought the writing made it really easy to follow along as we're introduced to a bunch of different magical beings, like the Wolves, Fae, Vampires, Dragons and Witches. I enjoyed the journey Maya and Finn took and the obstacles they faced. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed but I did like revelations and new questions that popped up. I'm definitely looking forward to book 2, its got a lot of questions to answer. Oh and the side characters were so fun, I really enjoyed Minerva, she seems like she could be a fun troublemaker.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐺 ARC REVIEW 🐺

Listen, I'm NOT Team Jacob at all. I was surprised to see myself loving Finn. In the beginning, I felt he needed to loosen up a lot because he just seemed so strict on everything. Then Maya appears out of thin air and she's the exact thing he needed to show him that his own feelings and wants are important not only to him and his pack, but also Maya. I knew from the beginning that Maya was a shifter and I felt she would potentially meet her dad in Duskmoor, but sadly, he is gone.

I was shocked to see how nonchalant Finn's parents were when Finn's pack mentioned Finn and Maya being holed up in their sex cave lol. But Finn did say that being naked is natural so maybe that's the same?! Either way, loved this read! I can't believe for once I'm rooting for the wolves, but I am!

I'm hoping it's her best friend who has broken through the barrier this time!

[Barbara Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5...The magical world was intriguing, filled with witches, vampires, dragons, and all sorts of supernatural creatures that made me want to keep turning the pages. I really enjoyed the tension between the main characters, especially the forbidden aspect of their connection. The alpha had that perfect mix of intimidating and protective, and I loved watching their relationship develop despite all the complications standing in their way. There was plenty of drama, romance, and just enough twists to keep things interesting. I also appreciated the heroine's journey as she tried to navigate a world where she didn't belong while keeping her identity hidden. The chemistry, supernatural elements, and emotional moments made this an entertaining read.I received an advanced copy for review for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors for the complementary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a fun dive into an alternate world from Emma Kate and Stephanie Riley. I'm a huge fan of Emma Kate's work and I love PNR, so I knew this one would be good!

I genuinely loved how rapidly-paced this one was. It was giving WattPad/A03 vibes in the very best way. I burned through this in a single sitting and genuinely had so much fun! My only critique is that due to the book being so short, the last 20% was incredibly rushed, and wrapped up in a way that didn't feel natural. Aside from that, it was still a very fun, entertaining and easy to enjoy book.

If you like PNR standalones with heavy yearning, some mild twists and ample adventure, this one is for you!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced readers copy from Author

I love a good shifter book and this did not disappoint! I did not want to put this book down nor did I want it to end, was literally reading it every spare moment I had.

Wowza, Maya and Finn's chemistry from the beginning was 🥵 and they tried so hard to deny it and keep it hidden. Luckily for us they finally were able to show each other just what they were feeling and more. Loved the spice here.

Overall I loved the world created by the authors and how it brought in many different creatures. The plot sucked me in and just made me want so much more. I was so excited at the end to learn there's at least one more book coming and I will be impatiently waiting for it!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Emma Kate's books before but this was my first Stephanie Riley book. I enjoyed their take on omegaverse and their world of Miraluna. Maya crashes her car and wakes up in a strange place where Finn tells her about shifters and other magical creatures. He's the alpha for the pack of Duskmoor. They feel an instant attraction towards each other but shifters, especially alphas can't mate with humans. They also need to find out how and why she was able to break the barrier between Miraluna and the human world. Their chemistry and banter was so good. The other magical creatures wanted her gone or dead but Finn knew she was his. Ends in a cliffhanger.

[Booksbubblesbiceps · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

A new series and a new author team? Wolf shifter romance? Yes, please!

Mistaken Fate is the first book in a new series by authors Emma Kate and Stephanie Riley. I have read and loved books by both authors, so I was thrilled to see them collaborate on a series together!

Once this book was in my hands, I could not put it down! I read it in less than a day, devouring Maya and Finn’s story, with all its twists and turns and yummy spice.

There are so many characters in this world to love. I look forward to reading more about them in future books in The Wolves of Nottingham series.

Thanks to the authors for the advance copy of this book.

[Carrine (overbooked.underslept) · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

I’ve read a good number of shifter romances and I always loved fated mates so it was interesting to see their twist on fated mates and how it played out. I also liked seeing how vast the magical community was. There were so many different types of shifters, fae, vampires, and witches. At times I was more interested in learning about Miraluna than Finn and Maya’s bond. I’m really interested in learning more but this was a shorter book so I have so many questions! I believe it’s the first of eight so if you’re interested be prepared for more questions as we go along.

Thanks to the authors for the eARC. All views are my honest opinion.

[shut.up.moms.reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors for a review copy. This is my voluntary opinion. This was a great beginning to a shifter series by Emma Kate and Stephanie Riley. A human gets pulled into a magical barrier and becomes part of a pack. This was an easy and entertaining read. Perfect for those that enjoy wolf shifter romances. A bit predictable but completely satisfying. This book introduces the characters from different magical beings and the world set up within. If you like your alpha to be possessive and protective, this delivers.

[Nicole Falcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Tell me I can taste you. Say yes, and I’ll be on my knees for you, Lucky. Lapping you up like you’re the best godsdamn dessert I’ve ever had.”

Wolves, Fae, Witches, Dragons, Vampire... Nothing but make believe, right? Maya thought so too until she crashed into Miraluna. A world where Finn calls home. Even though Finn is a wolf fated to someone else, he feels this strong urge to be near this new stranger. This feeling is all consuming and too overwhelming for an alpha already mated to someone else. Forced to stay in this new land, Maya is trying to make the best of it, even when that means fighting the magnet pull she feels for Finn until it's too much. 

Every time I pick up a fated mates book I am reminded how much I LOVE IT! An FMC with a hidden family past. MMC who puts his pack before himself. The beautiful found family Maya always wished for. This is exactly what I am looking for when I want Fated mates but not insta love! I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series unfolds.

Fated Mates, Wolf Shifters, Found Family, Forbidden Love, Touch her and die, 1st person POV, dual

[Abbies_bookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable, easy read that found myself getting into the story quite easily and a great introduction to what I think is going to be a promising series!
There were a few chapters that lost me a little along the way, but then the next chapter would pull me straight back in and make up for it! I think sometimes that's just how it goes when you've got two authors writing together, as the flow can feel a little different at times.
Overall, a solid start to the series, and I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the next book!

[Emma Marlow · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you Emma Kate and Stephanie Riley for the Mistaken Fate ARC!

A super easy read, with all the things we love like fated mates, shifters and much more! Of course I already want to know what happens in book two, and glad we don’t have to wait too long!

I could have done with 200 more pages to build on the story and give insight to the goings on for Maya and Finn. But that’s my 400 page fantasy brain talking 😂

[larasbookheaven · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I love a good shifter romance and this was a really good one. The MMC is the alpha wolf which has the potential to be a little cringe but in this one I really enjoyed it and his behaviour felt really natural. He was really protective of the FMC but again not in a toxic way. I really liked the world building and the side characters. One little thing was missing for me to give 5 stars but I hope it will be part of book 2. Can’t wait to read it and come back into this world.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC! This story was a roller coaster of emotions! I loved seeing the FMC grow to be true to herself and find a home! This book has forbidden love, found family, forced proximity and one of my faves touch her and die! This is one you aren’t going to want to miss!

[Bea ~ About_That_Book · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was fantasy meets the modern world and I couldn't stop reading.
This book literally had everything..humans, wolf shifters, witches, vampires, dragons..there was so much to get lost in and it was absolutely brilliant!
I had so much fun reading this and genuinely cant wait for book 2 so I can jump back into this world.
Highly recommend for a fun, feel good romantasy.

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cowrite I didn't know I needed. Welcome to Miraluna and the Wolves of Knottingham series, a world hidden behind a magical barrier filled with supernaturals of all kinds.

I'm a sucker for a paranormal fated mates romance but this one adds in multiple reasons why it would be forbidden, a slow burn and a few twists it took me a while to catch onto.

What I loved most was this set the stage for so many more great stories to come from this universe. The political intrigue, the forbidden relationships and the interspecies interactions.

Thankyou so much to Emma Kate and Stephanie Riley for the arc!

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever pick up a book and think yep this is going to be a good series?!? Get ready because this is it! From the first pull to him not wanting to leave her side but not understanding why. This was so good! I love everything about it especially when she was locked in and did what! So good!!!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Raphaella Ruggiero · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and honestly, it was such a fun, wholesome and cute read. I loved the dynamics between characters, the world building is a good mix; it’s easy to read and just so much fun. A much needed palette cleanser from all the huge, heavy world building romatasy’s I’ve been reading thus far. Very much looking forward to the next in the series.

[Becz9966 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid start to this series. Good world building and introduction to the characters. I loved the drama and suspense throughout.

This is fast paced and I didn't want it to end. I wish it was longer and am hanging for book 2 already!

If you love fated mates, forbidden romance and forced proximity then this is a book for you.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by Stephanie Riley that I went into it without reading about the storyline. Stephanie and Emma did not disappoint. I don't even read shifter romances and I loved this one. Hated to put it down to work or talk to friends and family. This is a definite must read and I can't wait for the next one.

[I Believe In Faeries · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This was super cute!!

If you’re a fan of Mate by Ali Hazelwood or Sacrifice me by Gemma Morr, this is for you 🥰

FINN the alpha that you are 🤩

Tbh I was actually expecting it to be spicer 🤭🫣 but if you’re looking for a super quick and easy read I finished this within 24 hours

Thank you SO much to Stephanie and Emma for letting me be a part of your arc team for this!