The Selkie Prince's Forbidden Mate

The Royal Alphas #4

by J.J. Masters

An MM Mpreg Shifter Romance.

Secrets, lies and a forbidden bond that could change the fate of a kingdom.

Marlin, Selkie prince and fourth alpha-born son of the King of the North, desires someone he shouldn't. While taking a human lover is not quite forbidden, the one who caught his eye happens to be his brother's scorned former lover. Nevertheless, every time Marlin's around the man, he finds Nic hard to resist, even though his attitude can be frustrating. However, Marlin likes a challenge, and Nic's a challenge he's willing to tackle.

Nic has been bitter ever since the firstborn prince, Kai, broke off their affair abruptly years ago. To become involved with Kai's younger brother could be just as heartbreaking because Marlin, like Kai, is obligated to find his fated mate and produce heirs. Something Nic can't do. However, neither can fight their mutual attraction.

When a traitor escapes, Marlin's skin is stolen, and danger ensues, it's Nic who becomes the prince's hero. And it's at that very moment that Marlin can't deny their fate, whether it's forbidden or not.

Note: A 60k-plus word m/m shifter mpreg story, this is the fourth book in the Royal Alpha series. Due to the "knotty" times in this book, it is recommended for mature readers only. While it can be read as a standalone, it's recommended to read the series in order. And, like all of my books, it has an HEA.

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Omegaverse, Paranormal, Romance, Audiobook, LGBT

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2019

Reviews

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite book in the series and it is due to one reason! Nic! Nic! AND more Nic! What can I say I love that guy! This was also by and far the most suspense filled book of the series. OMG there were so many points where I just HAD to put my Kindle down and step away from it till I calmed the F down. Of course after only a few minutes I would be picking it back up and reading again. I couldn't stay away from such exquisite torture. I definitely am loving where this series is going and have to say I will NOT miss two certain someones. The author continued building her wonderfully imperfect and fascinating world in this volume and I can't wait till April for book five. It is my hope that after that book the author will start a new series based in this world since I love it so.

[Yarie ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

18+ MPREG- RTC-

Rating: 3 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers: None
Love Triangle: No
Cheating: No
HEA: Yes

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat satisfying end of the Douglass mess....but I'll probably read the last book just to find out what happens with Caol. Not that he isn't somewhat of a spoiled brat. Maybe it's a good thing that it doesn't come out for a couple weeks and I have time to polish my rose-colored glasses in time to read it?!

[VVivacious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this series. It had everything I needed.

Shifters ✔️
Fated Mates ✔️
Mpreg ✔️
Amazing Characters ✔️
An Interesting Plot ✔️
A Whole Lot of Knotting ✔️
& Undeniable Chemistry ✔️

It was amazing. I just ate it all up one after the other. I literally just devoured the entire series and am now suffering from a pretty pathetic book... ehh series hangover. I really didn't want it to end and I really hope we get more in this series or atleast more from this author. I was so disappointed that there wasn't more by this author out there because I am pretty sure I would have read that too. I am actually taken aback by how much I loved this series and how much I will miss these characters. They were all pretty extraordinary.

The Selkie Prince's Fated Mate
I really liked the world that this book introduced us too.

Also, I came to love Kai really quickly and I really really liked Luca. I loved these two and their dynamic which was so amazing. I love it when shifter books follow the rules but add in their own little twist. In this world, it is forbidden for Omegas and Alphas to lie with each other if they are not fated mates and the fact that Luca has not only been with another Alpha but been knotted by one too was just too delicious to let up. I was worried that it would become a plot point later in the book but the fact that it was such a non-issue was such a refreshing take. I think that is one reason I liked Kai so much but the main reason was his surety that everything would work out. The conviction with which he consoles Luca was so heart-wrenching. I loved, loved Kai and Luca.

Also, I loved the relationship that was established in this book between the brothers. I really liked all of them and even though they all considered Adrian to be a hard ass it was still obvious how much he loved them and they loved him. Also, family dinner every night, count me in.

The Selkie Prince & His Omega Guard
I really liked this one. It was amazing how much Adrian managed to mess things up. I really liked the fact that he was supposed to be the obedient son but ended up flouting every rule. I also really liked Del and Rian together. Del's personality doesn't come out much in a group so this is really the only book in which we get to know him. I was actually not sure if I would like these two but I totally did. Also, I loved Kai as the wiser brother that was something I would have never have expected Rian to fess up to. The confrontation scene with the king, their father was also epic what with Zale standing up for Rian. I really love the dynamic between the brothers with them bickering and whispering. Love it.

The Selkie Prince's Unexpected Omega
This was the book I liked the least personally because I wanted Nic and Marlin's story because hello, I don't think anybody missed the chemistry between those two in the previous book. Also, Finn had been around for two books and the reasons he had been introduced for were less than good. But, surprisingly I actually enjoyed their relationship. I really liked how Finn escapes only to land up with Nic who nobody has had enough of him. I was really enjoying this book and personally, this book could have really ended at about 70% but it didn't.

I feel a big reason for that was that unlike the mates of his older brothers Finn was specifically chosen by the king and therefore was considered an acceptable mate by his father so there wasn't as much friction on that matter and thus things concluded nicely and easily. So to add a little bit of drama we had the last 30% of the book with Douglass' secret being revealed. The whole thing was distasteful but with Finn and Del lying it added superfluous drama and put a bit of a damper on things because I wanted justice and the fact that Finn was scared into submission albeit on valid grounds unnecessarily stretched out the story and kind of pushed Zale & Finn's story into new territory what with Zale wanting to be obeyed and Finn well, lying. Though I must mention I loved the fact that Del wanted to tell the truth because I have total respect for Del. All things considered it was still really good.

The Selkie Prince's Forbidden Mate
I loved this one. We finally got Nic and Marlin and it was about time because the chemistry between these two has been simmering since the second book.

We finally get the conclusion to the whole Douglass drama. I really liked that we are done with the storyline though I am a little sad about the details, though they were essential to aid the plot. I also liked how everyone stands by the brothers they are only now discovering and I loved how the author incorporated these new characters into the existing dynamic without taking away from the established dynamic. Now, I rejoice when we have Kai, Rian, Zale, Marlin and Caol in a room but I am equally happy with all the new combinations.

Nic and Marlin's story was so so good. I especially loved Nic. He is so independent and just getting to live days in his domestic life felt so good. There was a lot of useless drama that could have come into play what with Nic's history with Kai but I am glad that the author handled it so tactfully. Also, did I say I loved Nic and Marlin. I feel like Marlin was the perfect foil to Nic, he loves him and does everything possible to make it work. Loved these two and I loved the book.

The Selkie Prince's Secret Baby
I miss the fact that we don't get to see Caol blowing away the King's brain with his unconventional relationships. I always knew Caol was going to blow the King's brain of but given the events in the previous book we just get to witness Caol blow away Kai's brains which in hindsight, was no less entertaining.

I was a little anxious about this one because I really liked Caol and Beck that one scene back in book 3 that they shared was enough to convey the depth of love between them. These two already had a special place in my heart. So, yeah going into this book I was anxious about how adding a third would mess up the dynamic. But for some unforeseen reason, it totally worked.

I think the author really treated this book with a lot of love. She gave us time to assimilate each character and kept the focus where it was needed. I loved Caol immeasurably. He really steps up in this one. I loved how Caol was ready to help Beck every step of the way when they decided to give it a go as a threesome. I was initially not happy about how much of a say Galen had in their relationship at first but with the way, things worked out, I am really happy. This book was really good like I read some reviews where people talked about how they were worried about this one till it blew it out of the water and I totally sympathize. I didn't know if Beck would be treated with respect and it was important that he was that Caol see no difference between his mates or them with each other. Galen, Caol and Beck work and this story was really, really good.

The brood is bigger than ever with four new brothers and so many more children. Remember me talking about loving Kai in my review of the first book, I still do and this book made me love him more than ever. That last scene was epic and somehow it was fitting that it was Caol who does the honours.

This series was extraordinary and I am really looking forward to more by J.J. Masters and maybe even more in this series (fingers crossed).

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best of the series. Nic's character did not disappoint. He was daring, badass, and heartfelt. His relationship with Marlin was more than just rutting. Or 'futting'. I really got the sense they cared for each other and their banter was cute. Nic, the all-star of the Selkie omegas did not get insta-preg like previous omegas. Thank Poseidon! The plot was exciting and the sex was hot and knotty. I'm super looking forward to Coal's story next. I hear it'll be M/M/M, which I'm strangely open to.

[Alexis · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 15%. Everyone has said how much better this book is in comparison to the others but I just couldn't do it. It felt so fake and I think this series has taken a toll on how much stupidity I can tolerate. All of the plots are the same: prince loves someone (that he probably shouldn't), they try to hide it, and the king throws a royal hissy fit. I don't even care that much about the never ending background plot enough to muscle my way through the next books.

[beth m · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

Again same issues as before no world building, character development, and redundant sex scenes. I’m still trying to wrap my head around other shifters being in the world and not expounding on that. This has been a difficult series to get through.

[Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil was once an Angel, careful who you trust 

Best Book, Best Book
Whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do
when it intrigues you?
Are you singing the bad boys theme song in your head yet? Yeah you are LOL!!!
Honestly though this book was fantastic, for me personally, it's tied with Book #5 for the top spot (but I won't get into those details yet). This was truly action packed and had me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story. Especially since Nic has played a pretty big role throughout most of the series. I was really interested in seeing how the author would develop Nic's relationship with Marlin while still dealing with Kai and his omega. That situation alone really started the build of the plot then when Marlin has his skin stolen, well that was a roller coaster ride. Nic has such a wonderful personality too, he is so full of snark and attitude that I was roaring with laughter, I love him, he really is my favourite character. Plus, Dougie the weasel FINALLY got what he deserved (FIST PUMPING ACTION, with loud shouting of woohoo's may have occurred in awkward situations HAHA, but it was so worth it). Also, I don't think I've mentioned once in any of my reviews about John Solo and how fan freakin tastic his narration has been. I loved listening to John and the different voices he's done for each character, he has been really amazing at defining each tone and keeping separation so you can tell who is talking. Super talented!

[Ilse Marijke · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.J. Masters is a brilliant writer. Let us start with that; Author Masters keeps you entertained, and I mean really entertained from start to finish. I could not wait to reach home after work, to continue listening to the love story of Marlin and Nick, who got a second chance at love with a different person (bro). And the family drama was off the chart!J.J. Masters worked it up to a climax where Papa and Douglas are concerned, but with a couple of unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The way in which social ills like discrimination were handled was beautiful. Each Prince got their Beau as they deserved. Love conquers all. I was sad when I heard ‘epilogue’.
And then I’ve got to talk about John Solo. Let me tell you that John breaths life and emotions into the main characters and into the other ones; The voices of Marlin and Nick were off the charts and when needed, hilarious! Also do remember that the interaction between the Selkie princes was above average and therefore the experienced and talented narrator must be on top of his game from jump. Now I am getting ready to listen to the last book in the series, which is Caol’s story. He is da bomb with his outrageous love of rutting 😆 Book #4 is total package (content + narration) that I enjoyed immensely. 💙💚🧡💜💛❤️

[Manon Lavoie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst in the serie so far. The discrimination between the genders and the hybrids and the humans is astounding !
Nic was an independent character and I loved this about him. The second he's pregnant and Marlin realizes he has found his fated mate, then Nic just submits and becomes flat and uninteresting.

Something else is really bothering me in this serie. The omegas want to top their alphas but it never happens !!! They discuss it but the alphas deny that they secretly want it !!! It pisses me off !!!

There are other things that bother me.
The skin thing ! How does the skin grows with the babies aging ? Pregnant selkies can't swim because their skin doesn't fit them with their big bellies. So, what do they do if a selky gets fat ? They won't swim ? Ever ?

To me, it's extremely unfair that the betas can't have babies ! On an evolutionary scale, it doesn't make any sense. A specie can't evolve a gender for the sole purpose to serve another one ! As if all betas wouldn't want babies ! And why an alpha couldn't have babies either ! And why not some omegas refusing to have babies ? So, to me, it's very frustrating to read !

It's very frustrating when you read about a built up world and the author doesn't take the time to really think about their world building ! It must be clear for them but it's not for us, the readers !

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better with each new story. While each technically could be a standalone, I would suggest reading them in order because couples and events from previous books show up/are mentioned in the subsequent books. I've enjoyed all the stories in this series but I think Nic and Marlin's story is my favorite. They are a great couple, but there are many things standing in their way. Will their relationship survive all they encounter? There are secrets revealed and bombshells dropped, as well as some danger for the royal family. Nic and Marlin also share some very steamy moments. All of that, plus some humor (fut/futting had me laughing everytime), added up to a great read. Although I'm sad to see the series coming to an end, I'm excited for Caol's book to come out next.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[SandyL · Rating 3 out of 5]

The things I read for a challenge! :-) Marlon is a member of a royal selkie family. He starts and affair with someone he thinks is a human, but turns out to be a hybrid human/selkie. Nic is a fisherman and as a hybrid, has to keep hidden and isn't fit to mate with a prince. There was a lot going on in this book - Nic is a former lover of Marlon's brother, Marlon is expected to find his fated mate, there is discord amongst his family about their father, the king, there is a rogue brother, plus the selkie shapeshifter thing, the omega - men who can have babies, and I'm sure I'm forgetting some other stuff. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was so dramatic, it was actually funny. This book should be read in order, as there is a lot that had gone on in previous books I was missing. 2.5 stars.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Selkie Prince's Forbidden Mate

Just like the first 4 books before it, this book is an HEA, M/M, and Mpreg all rolled into one story about 5 Alpha Selkie Princes. This particular book is about the fourth Prince in line for the throne and a hybrid Selkie that has been posing as a human for their entire life and lives just outside the town. His name is Nic. He originally appeared in Book 1 because he was in love with Kai. Kai was just using him for rutting purposes. But Nic has been there for 2 of the omegas now when they needed help. He was quite kind to them. On one of the trips, he met the 4th prince, Marlin. To say they had amazing chemistry would be an understatement. Definite explosive erotic scenes with these two. I don't want to give too much away but there is a huge backstory that you must just READ. Lots of romance, intrigue, erotica, and love.
10/10

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed! Keeps you guessing. You think you know where the author is headed until a sudden curve is thrown at you. By this fourth book the reader has really gotten to know the brothers and it becomes a matter of what perils will the Alpha Prince and his Omega face? The author is so good at keeping you in suspense as well as engaged.

I wish there were more than five books. I am not looking forward to the end of this series. I want more! My reading time is limited so everyday after work I eagerly jump back into the story after everything at home is taken care of. The anticipation throughout the day builds until I can finally grab my Kindle. This is Marlin's story and well worth the wait.

[LucyMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

H.O.L.E. 3.75

This is a fun little series. A perfect blend of light and dark.
The author’s take on the shifter world is new. I had no idea Selkie was a thing until I read this. With the shifter being aquatic I was certain the author had nowhere to go. Ha!
I did feel things getting bogged down in the middle (all the books in this series have this problem), but definitely one of the better shifter series out there.
Dear Author, amazon says this is a five book series....but you have set it up to easily include those new characters, please do so!!
H. His
O. Omega
L. Loves
E. Erections

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short read in this series!

m/m shifter mpreg story, this is the fourth book in the “Royal Alpha” series, and should be read in order. First off, I should start by saying that I read all 5 books in the series before writing my reviews because I needed more to the story before giving up.

Marlin is the fourth Alpha Prince, he is drawn to Nic (Dominic), a human and former lover of his oldest brother, Kai. But there is more going on in the kingdoms than it would appear and Marlin may be called upon to sacrifice. This was a very good book, and I loved the feisty Nic who didn’t want to give up as evil strikes against them! There are so many shocking revelations!

[Nicole Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlin and Nick... Hot Hot Hot!! Will Kai ever except that his former lover could be Marlin's fated mate. And what of the king? We all know how he feels about "lesser" Omega's. Are Marlin and Nick doomed from the beginning or destined for great love? I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Book!

I absolutely love this series!
Marlin and Nic’s story was so good!
You think you have it figured out and then there’s another twist! It makes for one very entertaining story! This is my favorite book so far! It was a hot, sexy, funny story that I loved! I so want to read Caol’s story!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books

And I was so surprised! It differs so much from normal Shifter books with a weird combo of like old school monarchy with modern google calendars lol Can’t wait for the next

[KDLediting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

The Selkie saga is one of my favorite things. The stories use paranormal themes to touch on racial and classist divides that resonate in today's world. Not to mention it's written by one of the best authors out there.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to see Nic get his HEA. I was not surprised to find out that Nic is an omega hybrid. I had pretty much guessed that before even starting the book. Nic and Marlin are good together and I hope a lot of the drama and issues regarding the Selkie laws will be handled in the final book.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so waiting for Nic’s and Marlin’s story. How would the Alpha Prince court his brother’s past lover? I have liked Nic’s character past books and wonder what secrets he kept. Marlin gets to find out while there are very important events going in the kingdom. I wasn’t disappointed and think this is my favorite book in the series.

[G.M Cantave · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Jennifer VanDriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlin and Nic’s story was so good!! These two clearly belong together. They have to go through some very trying times to be together.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was waiting to uncover Nic's mystery. I loved it.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!!!

Wow loved this book and can’t wait for the next.
Nic and Merlin are an amazing couple and the story how they come to be is amazing

[Shantel Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific series. A recommended read

[Kara Coens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Marlin!!!

I absolutely loved Marlin and Nic! This story had some twists that I didn't see coming and I loved it. It was a long and rough road for Marlin to finally get Nic to truly be his. The drama had me flipping pages. The heat and passion was flying off the pages and it was amazing! I can't wait to watch Caol fall.hard!

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5- 4 stars

This was a nice and quick read. If you're bored and want something that doesn't require a ton of brainpower, give this a shot.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my favorite book so far.

Review to come