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Alpha Singles #2

Makeshift Mate

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Will this mating of convenience turn into so much more? Locke Winfield needs a woman. No, not just a woman… He needs a mate. And fast. Which is why he joined the online dating site, Meet Your Alpha. There are thousands of women out there. Surely he can find one willing to take on a workaholic Alpha Wolf and his moody preteen daughter. But he never expected his match to be the confident and sexy CEO, Isa Vitale. This single dad might have bitten off more than he can chew. But he’s willing to give her a taste. Finding a companion who will understand Isa’s commitment to her job is hard. Harder is saying no to Locke, a hunky Alpha with a proposition she can’t refuse. Three weeks of playing house with a clueless single dad and his sweet little girl, then she can move on. But in the process of saving her company, she might lose something more valuable… Her heart.


188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2018

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C.E. Black

27 books2 followers

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5 stars
112 (48%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Ann.
1,740 reviews8 followers
April 12, 2018
Locke is the Alpha of his pack and so busy all the time that he doesn't realize how much his young daughter needs. His pack finally steps in and forces him to face how bad of a dad he really is. When he signs up for Alpha Singles, his thoughts are to find a mom for his daughter (so he can carry on with being Alpha) and (maybe) a mate for him. Isa is human and is tired of being alone. She signed up for Alpha Singles ages ago but has had no luck...until she gets matched with Locke. Could he be the future she's looking for? Or will she just be a convenient mom for Locke's daughter? I completely recommend you read for yourself and find out.

I really enjoyed this first book in the new Alpha Singles series. It was fun and interesting and had very likeable characters. And while each book is a stand-alone, I think you should read the prologue to the series, How To Meet Your Alpha: Alpha Singles, Cruising with Alphas (https://www.amazon.com/How-Meet-Your-...) to see how this fun new series began.
Profile Image for Reina Torres.
Author 125 books795 followers
May 24, 2018
So aggravatingly hot and sexy..

Oh wow... Locke is a great bad Alpha dad.. gruff and sexy.. and annoyingly bad at taking care of his daughter... oh, but redeem himself, he does!!!!
Profile Image for Julie.
896 reviews8 followers
January 25, 2018
Neglectful Alpha vs Woman Who Knows Her Mind

I liked the implied world building in this book, where shifters are out in the open. Two workaholics working themselves to the bone and ignoring their own needs - and in the case of the Alpha’s, ignoring his daughter for pack business and possibly because he reminds her a little too much of his dead wife.

I was on the fence about him throughout the entire story. He seemed to make very few compromises, and I’d have to reread to make sure he made any at all except up until the end. The heroine’s accusation that he was using her for sex and childcare was spot on, and while he showed remorse later (a little too late for me, almost) he was still something of an ass up until the epilogue. To me, at least. Delegation is good, but man, he comes across as one cold-hearted alpha for most of the book.

Still, overall, good story. And it ends well.
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews35 followers
January 8, 2018
MAKESHIFT MATE is the first full length story in the Alpha Singles series following the introductory, HOW TO MEET YOUR ALPHA. It is best to read the introductory story first, but not absolutely necessary.

What’s different? Locke is a single dad. He’s an alpha, sure, but he’s struggling to be everything for everyone and the one he’s most failing his daughter, Sara. When his pack tells him they won’t enable him anymore and one of the youngest suggests he find a mate to do the “babysitting,” he gives it a go. What he finds is Isa (Isabella) – his true mate! Only thing is, Isa is also an alpha and a human… and a whole lot more. Isa isn’t just strong, she’s amazing.

I loved the interaction between all of the characters. Of course, the attraction and emotion between Locke and Isa is the whole reason for the book, but there is a third in their relationship – Sara – and she is everything you would expect in a preteen girl. She’s moody and still sweet. She wants to be Daddy’s little girl and she wants to be seen as a big girl. It’s a tough time. Luckily, he’s found Isa and she can help soften the rough road…. Once they find their HEA.

If you like the world that Millie Taiden created with her PDA, you’ll love the Alpha Singles as well.

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: MAKESHIFT MATE
Series: Alpha Singles #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: C.E. Black (as an ARC gifted copy)
Profile Image for Sheila.
531 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2018
This book captured my interest and keep me reading until the very end. Locke Winifield is the Alpha of the Wild River Pack. He is a widower with a nine year old daughter. He tries to be everything and do everything for his pack trying to live up to his father's legacy after gaining the leadership at a young age. He does not know how to deal with his daughter and often forgets to pick her up or to take her to school. There was a hilarious bra shopping segment and resulting ace bandage applied that had me laughing. He needs a mate and Sara needs a mother. He has no time for dating, he attempts to hit on a member of his pack and that does not go well, she belongs to his Beta. He turns to Alpha Singles in the hope that they will match him.
Isabella(Isa) is the CEO of a security company. She has not had very good luck dating and meeting men. She is approaching thirty and is looking for companionship and a relationship. She decides to try Alpha Singles. She hopes to get matched.
Locke and Isa get matched and start emailing and decide to meet for a date. Isa knows the area that Locke lives and decides to take a long weekend to visit her Uncle Robert and have a casual date with Locke. They meet for dinner and the sparks fly, they are each enchanted with each other.
Can this really work? Locke wants a mate, now. Isa wants a relationship but Locke is a supernatural.

I liked both Locke and Isa, they are good for each other. I look forward to more books.
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,767 reviews56 followers
January 3, 2018
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

A ultra sweet read about a father and shifter trying to run his pack and raise his young daughter. Once he realizes he can't do both, he decides its time to find a mate! But its not all roses and sunshine and he learns all sorts of stuff that has him realizing even though he might not of been a great dad, he did his best and all it took was a good woman for this sexy and tough looking shifter to soften him up. C.E. Black won me over with this romance! Sexy, sweet, and wholly unique, Makeshift Mate had my heart melting and sighing.

I fell in love with Locke and Isa and enjoyed the banter as well as all of Locke's complications between him and his daughter as he tries to run his pack. It made what I would imagine, what single parents must go through, that much more real. I liked the characters and the plot was perfect, and lets not forget the cover. That baby was gorgeous and I freaking ADORED the colors! I am so intrigued with this new Alpha Singles series and I can't wait to see what is next.

Makeshift Mate gets a DELICIOUSLY ENTERTAINING FIVE SHOOTING STARS! I am in LOVE with this new series and I want MORE!
3,036 reviews17 followers
January 8, 2018
Super Shifter Story – Pack Coerces the Alpha to Become a Father to His Daughter!!

Wolf-shifter and Alpha Locke has had his pack members taking on most of the care of his daughter Sara. Deciding a mate would be the perfect solution, he signs up on Alpha Singles. But when he wants zero romance and an immediate result – no one responds to his ad.

Isa is CEO of her own security company. Her dating options dissolve when she lets them know she is unable to have a child. She has been trying to contact the Alpha of the local shifters to hire as many customers are specifically requesting shifter security details. When Isa is matched with Locke on-line she is taken aback at his blunt requirements and tells him in no uncertain terms he is needs is a “nanny not a mate”.

They come to a temporary agreement to solve both of their short-term needs. Isa gets to hire some shifters and she will become his “mate” for 3 weeks. As the agreement proceeds we are treated to scintillating and entertaining interactions between these relatable characters. Quite enjoyable read – I look forward to more in this series!!

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,313 reviews46 followers
January 9, 2018
An enjoyable sweet read.
An entertaining read about Locke who was thrust in to the alpha position at a very young age due to his father’s death. Soon after this his wife (not mate) died leaving him to do so many things at once with only so many hours in the day.
He came across as Neanderthal workaholic at first, ignoring his daughter for years and expecting others to raise her but once I heard his reasons for why he is trying to prove himself I was on his side.
Isabella has built her own company up from the ground and is an Alpha woman in her own right. She also learns to live life with less work.
Her situation was sad but she had come to terms with it.
Loved Isabella and her sensible approach to their unique situation. Her interaction with Sara was a bit light and I would have liked more time with the two of them but it all flowed well. I did enjoy how she made Locke take notice of what he was doing.
The twists in this story re relationships, Uncle Robert, Locke’s father, was good.
This is my honest review of this book.
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2018
Locke and Isa

Locke is the alpha of his wolf pack. He works all the time trying to lead his pack. His daughter Sara, is nine. His wife and father died over five years ago.so he is the youngest alpha and is trying to hard to prove himself while spending no time with his daughter. When the pack points this out to him and starts backing off on helping with Sara he decides he needs a mate by signing up to the Meet Your Alpha website.
Isa owns a security company that needs shifters to help as security or she is going to be losing business. She is also signed up on the Meet Your Alpha site.
Locke and Isa are assigned as a match so they go on a date. It doesn't go well. She wants some wolves for employees and he wants someone to be a wife but they both are too obsessed with their own jobs.
There are plenty of interconnected conflicts happening in this story. I won't share what they involved but I am surprised that Isa and Locke hadn't met before. This book has a HEA ending. I am loving this collaboration of stories so far. Absolutely recommended!
Profile Image for Mandy.
4,820 reviews45 followers
January 1, 2018
Locke thought he was a great single Dad and being the Alpha of his pack as well meant he was really busy all of the time. However when his pack refuses to help with his daughter Sara anymore he suddenly starts to realise he had no idea of her age, what a growing girl needs, and has no idea how he is going to do all of this together with his responsibilities. So he decides he needs a wife to be a mother to her and with a little help he signs up to Alpha Singles - problem is can he find anyone willing to take on a workaholic Alpha and his increasingly moody preteen daughter?

This was a lovely story of how a struggling single father can find true love and be able to handle everything in his life. It had plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns and moments of tenderness. It was very heartwarming to read such a sweet story. It was well written and everything was clear and easy to understand.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,028 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2018
This story tugged at my heartstrings from the first page. In a sucker for the big, dominant, alpha, Shifter, and Locke was all that and then some. Isa was strong, independent, and sassy, but it was her huge heart that I enjoyed the most. With Sara in the mix the entire thing was perfect! There was the fated mate idea that is so common in most Shifter romances, which I love, but the romance built naturally almost in spite of that. Things might have moved more quickly, or easily, because of the link, but it still took time and events to cement them together. I loved the well-developed personalities each of the characters had, even some of the minor characters were wonderfully developed, and I loved the detail given to the setting. The dialog felt natural and the love scenes were sensual and sexy. This is an enchanting, beautiful love story! I can't wait to read the next book in this fun series.
85 reviews
January 8, 2018
“Makeshift Mate” by C. E. Black is part of her new Alpha Singles Series and was a really well written and enjoyable read. The plot had substance and flowed well and the characters were well developed and had great chemistry. I liked how the author wove all the backgrounds of the main characters ( Locke, Isa, Uncle Robert) into a cohesive story that came together in the end and was an exceptional read. Her writing style draws you into the storyline that you feel you are right there with the Wild River Pack. The story was fast paced with a few surprises and totally held my interest. I am so glad Locke and Isa were able to resolve their work issues and found their HEA with Sara I loved it and highly recommend this story and eagerly await the publication of the next story in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. It was a pleasure to voluntary give my honest opinion about the book.
Profile Image for Jan.
2,065 reviews13 followers
March 8, 2018
I'm really enjoying this new series. Locke is the Alpha of his pack and is also a single Dad. He is pretty much a workaholic. He also seems to have no time for his daughter. His pack has taken a stand and now he has to figure out what to do. Isabelle is the CEO of Vitale Global a security company and is looking to find someone. But she, too is a workaholic. These two sign up for Meet your Alpha. They get matched and things seems to hit it off.

The fact that Locke doesn't notice that he hasn't done much with his daughter is so sad. Especially for Sara, his daughter. She is pre-teen and needs some guidance. I thought it was a bit funny when Brandon set up his account though. Isa's story is sad as well. I actually didn't expect to read about that. But with all that, I was so happy that Locke FINALLY realized that he needs to delegate and be happy. Perhaps down the line Brandon and Sara will connect.
Profile Image for Traceys.
1,479 reviews71 followers
December 30, 2017
This story is about Locke, the Alpha of a wolf pack, and Isa the human business woman.

Locke is a little moody, his a busy man with a daughter and a pack to run. When the pack do an intervention on him for being a 'bad dad' his forced to do something drastic - join an online dating site.

Isa is very successful in her business and works hard, she would like some love in her life and joined the site Alpha Singles.

Locke and Isa are a match by the computer but could they be in real-life?

I thought Locke came across a bit draconian to begin with, looking for a woman to care for his daughter, cook and clean. Isa isn't impressed by his ideas either, but when he meets Isa things change for him.

The story is an enjoyable easy read. The characthers are engaging and the storyline keeps you turning pages. I will be adding next book onto my TBR list.


Profile Image for Stacy J..
1,345 reviews12 followers
January 5, 2018
This was a new author to me and I thought I would give this book a chance. I'm very glad I did.

I will admit though, I did have a hard time in the beginning of this book. I was having a really hard time liking Locke at first. He was being such a bad dad to his daughter who you could tell just wanted his attention. I knew that this was the premise of the book so I kept reading and I am very glad I did.

Once Isa gets introduced, the book just takes off!! I loved how she was able to have this amazing push/pull with Locke. She knew his alpha tendencies and was able to give up control when needed but also call him on it when he needed to be set straight. I loved the relationship that formed between Isa and Sara almost immediately.

I will defintly read more from ths author in the future!!
Profile Image for Elysian Fields.
2,178 reviews37 followers
April 2, 2018
My first read by this author and I quite enjoyed this story. It was sweet and fill of growly alphaness. I liked that the female lead was strong and just as alpha as her man. I enjoyed reading about their developing relationship but was saddened with the Sara story line. It did get better and I loved the HEA.

What did not quite work from me was that about 3/4 of the story was them being together without being together and I did not feel like I got enough time with them as a couple. I also thought the story was too quick and sweet. A bit more heat would have solved this issue.

I will read more from these authors and in this series as it was a refreshing change of pace for me. I look forward to more stories and maybe one with Sara when she has grown up.
Profile Image for Jan Janus.
871 reviews15 followers
January 1, 2018
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book for review and here it is.

AMAZING! Breathtaking and alluring. Locke, Alpha of the Wild River Pack with a nine year old daughter and lets just say, he is the epitome of bad parenting. So, he needs a little intervention and his pack plans to do just that, and at what cost? Well, lets just say, Alpha Singles, is about to get a few chimes going off for match making. What he doesn't know is, Isabella is well, I Can't tell you, I'm not about to spoil this awesome story for you, get it for yourself. Grab a tub of popcorn, a glass of wine or whatever you like to drink and get to reading. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews36 followers
January 10, 2018
Bad Alpha Dad's of the world lookout the cure is here. Well at least it is for Locke and his daughter. His pack has thrown down the gauntlet and refused to support him in taking care of his daughter. His mate is deceased, he's buys what's a guy to do?? Find a mate. But it isn't as easy as it sounds but boy is it a story. This author gives us a real life view wrapped in a shifter story that is too good to put down and worth every second and every penny. I love this series and the women who are grabbing these alpha's up cos you know the big bad alpha can't have a woos for a mate!! Great stuff. Love the premise and the characters!!
Profile Image for Donna Hokanson.
1,694 reviews35 followers
November 13, 2018
Pack intervention
Being a single dad can take a toll on a person. Especially one who hasn’t had to do his fatherly role without the help of his pack. Alpha Locke Winfield has come to rely on is pack members to do all the parental stuff like dropping his daughter off to school and picking her up, cooking meals and so much more. The pack has come to realize they have been enabling him to not be a good dad. The sudden stop of help has the Alpha scrambling for help. Thinking a mate will be the answer.
Love the story and all that it entails. Well written, self-contained story that’s very entertaining to read.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews164 followers
April 5, 2018
Funny and steamy, this book is a very good read. The story is engaging and keeps your interest well. Locke is one clueless alpha. Which I found to be unrealistic. His daughter should have been one of the most important things to him and yet, wasn't. This cost this book a star because I fail to believe that a true alpha would show such a lack of caring and concern for his offspring. I did like the rest of the plot, the chemistry between Locke and Isabella and Isabella, herself. She is a very strong, capable and her female alpha attitude. I'm posting a completely honest, voluntary review after reading this book.
Profile Image for Lily.
449 reviews6 followers
April 14, 2021
This installment of the series was a good short paranormal romance story about an independent human woman and a growling alpha werewolf. Locke needs someone to help with his daughter as he tries to be the perfect alpha to his pack, but Isa plans on showing him what he’s missing.

It was unfortunately not as good as How To Meet Your Alpha- the prequel to this series, which I enjoyed tremendously. You could see a big difference in the style of writing and I didn’t connect to the characters the same way I did with the first.

I do plan on reading the rest of the series and I hope I enjoy them more. Definitely worth a read if you’re in a paranormal romance kick.
Profile Image for Emily Dickson.
1,093 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2018
This was a great story! The characters were all well developed and likeable. Isa was a strong female who it was a pleasure to read about. Locke was also a great character that just happened to be clueless with his little girl. The two had great chemistry even though both were strong individuals which added to the story. Secondary characters were also well developed. Sara acted just like a child would throughout the story. The story had a great flow and a HEA. This was a great read that I loved.
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,785 reviews17 followers
January 9, 2018
Makeshift Mate by C.E. Black a fandabidosy five-star read. This is my favourite read by this author, I was laughing so hard I may have leaked a little, it was just what I needed as I’m all flued up. Locke, Locke, Locke what would I do with you, at times I wanted to pick him up and shake him and others I just wanted to make him a big meal and teach him about women (especially women names Sara). It was a light hearted and fascinating story that will captivate you from start to finish. Well don C.E. Black this is amazing.
Profile Image for Izzybear.
755 reviews
January 16, 2018
Sweet and Fun Read (3.5⭐️)

Two Alphas meet from different worlds. One the CEO of a successful company, the other is the leader of the local Werewolf pack.
Both are workaholics and neglect their lives outside of work.

At first there’s instant attraction between the two but things soon go sour. Isabella ends up going toe to toe with Locke. Showing him she is every bit an Alpha in her own right. Locke is intrigued by her but Isabella wants nothing to do with him...or so she said. Locke’s determined to make her see they belong together. The question is how to go about doing that?

I enjoyed reading Bad Alpha Dad. It was a story about finding balance, forgiveness and second chances. Locke and Isabella are a great match. They helped each other to realize that life outside of work is just as important, if not more. I loved the relationship between Isabella and Locke ‘s daughter Sara. Finding in each other something they both longed to have, Sara a mother and Isabella a child. It was wonderful to see Locke, Isabella and Sara not only grow as individuals but a family as well.
If you’re looking for a sweet and light hearted read I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
March 1, 2018
3.75 Stars
This story is short, fast paced and a nice read. I read this book in one sitting and wasn’t once bored. I liked Locke but I wanted to shout at him to step up and be the father Sara deserved. His continuous passing her off to his pack irritated me a little. Especially when he didn’t understand why Sara was having a bad attitude towards him. I liked Isa. I liked that she was a strong, independent woman with her own company. I liked the bond she had with her grumpy uncle Robert.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and a nice read.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,527 reviews
January 4, 2018
This series is off to a fantastic start. I flew through this book. I did not what to put it down. When you have two Alphas come together who will win.? Both! I really enjoyed reading about Isa and Locke and seeing how C.E. could get two career oriented people to come together and see different. All I have to say about the truck scene is HOT!!! This book is a must read if you like Shifters, Romance and hot scenes!! Is the next book out yet because I can't wait for it!!
77 reviews6 followers
January 10, 2018
O.M.G.!!! This series is my new Addiction!

Wow, I have rarely found a new series that has captivated me as much as the Meet Your Alpha Series. This not only has the romance you desire, but the action and realistic scenarios that you crave in a great book! This is one that I will be waiting impatiently for each and every book to be released! C.E. Black did an amazing job at pulling you in and keeping you interested till the very end, and makes you beg for more!
Profile Image for Karen.
382 reviews
February 2, 2018
Loved it, even though it had me in tears towards the end. But then I always say if a book can bring forth your emotions then it's a good book. It was a really great story with a little hot sex thrown in so only suitable for over 18 but even though it was hot it also didn't overpower the story. Really good book that I couldn't put down and anyone who enjoys shifter stories, then you will love this one.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,183 reviews34 followers
February 13, 2018
A great addition to the Bad Alpha Dads series. She is the CEO of her security company and is doing no great. But she needs shifters as employees, but can’t get to apply. He needs a mate and thinks he can just find someone that will cook and take care of his daughter. But one online Alpha dating agency will change what they think they need in their life. A great shifter romance where family really does matter.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.
Profile Image for Tabi Ann.
1,102 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2018
Loved It

Stories like this you can't help but fall in love with. I love the love stories where you spend page after page wondering if they will get their heads out of their butts and realize they are meant for each other.

This story teaches you that not all love is perfect, but you have to be will to talk things out and listen to each other before you ruin what Destiny has given you.

Until Next Time... Tabi
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