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Kindred of Arkadia #2

Fated to Be Family

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**Alanea's Note** This is a re-release of a previously published title. It has been re-edited and a bit more content has been added, but nothing that would change the story dramatically. As always thank you for your support! Enjoy!

Kate Edwards has everything she has ever dreamed of. She is free from her old Alpha and his abusive ways and is mated to an extremely hot and sexy man who is also the Alpha of the Arkadian wolf pack. She has formed a bond with the new Alpha Mother and everyday watching Rebecca keeps her entertained. She couldn’t ask for more.
Bran McGregor has always taken care of his pack. But it wasn’t until Kate came into his life has he really felt like he has begun to live. His pack and town are safe and sex with Kate is off the charts. What more could a man and Alpha ask for?
Caleb Donovan is finally getting back on his feet after the devastating loss of his best friend and mother to his twin sons. He has bought a house and has found a job in the shifter only town of Arkadia and is ready to watch his sons grow within the safety of town’s perimeter. What more could a father ask for?
But Fate has a way of giving you what you didn’t even know you needed. How long will it take three hearts to become one, a town to come together and for their friends to realize that sometimes you can be Fated to Be Family.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2013

238 people are currently reading
466 people want to read

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Alanea Alder

31 books3,621 followers

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5 stars
1,029 (50%)
4 stars
588 (28%)
3 stars
340 (16%)
2 stars
64 (3%)
1 star
15 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,665 reviews461 followers
March 25, 2017
Another reread. This was a MFM mate story. Probably more like 3-3.5 Stars now but again, I keep coming back and rereading this series so I'll keep my 4 star rating.

Bran and Kate are already mated when Caleb and his two boys come into the picture. Luckily, there is no jealousy and Caleb is accepted right away. He has a dumb male moment but makes it up with a sweet gesture.
1,151 reviews18 followers
September 18, 2023
Two reasons why this got three stars from me. First, things moved too swiftly, yes I realise we are dealing with "fated mates" but surely you don't go.from being in ....what you thought was a committed relationship with your one true love......to meeting a man who arouses you and within twenty four hours you are all a happy threesome.........there's got to be some adjustments surely.... Then point two. Caleb has been through a major trauma which left him with two small babies to.care for (the twins are the best of this story) . Unaided he has managed to raise the money to buy a house, his only income is from working behind a bar and he has twin boys along with childcare to worry about, yet he doesn't seem that preoccupied with making a living. Now the characters are great fun (I would have liked to see a bit more character development as the same.people are in all the books) yet even here budding friendships turn to best friends in days. I realise the author only had a small page count to fit everything she wanted into the story, but please............... We have three quite long, very detailed sex scenes in this story which frankly I skipped over, maybe I'm getting old but I'd rather read about interesting people than sex. I'm ambivalent about getting book three as I want to know how the characters get on but don't know.that this series will improve. These are the revised editions which the author herself has gone through and 're edited while also adding content. I'm so glad I didn't read the original s in that case. Sorry if this sounds harsh but I am a big fan of Ms Alder s work and I know how much better she can do...........and if you are going to revise you back catalogue at least make it worth while, these books are not the cheapest especially when you consider the.page count.........
Profile Image for anna.
1,061 reviews11 followers
January 29, 2023
yes i’m going to compare every book to the bb series. this series for example is darker but also explores different relationships.

i loved a ménage story. waiting for some mm love.
Profile Image for Claudia.
729 reviews24 followers
June 28, 2015
Fated to be Family, book two in the series started with a bang. The Wolf Alpha pair in action.

Kate Edwards and Bran McGregor have been mated almost two years and things are going great. So Kate is shocked at her body’s reaction to Caleb Donovan, one of the newest members of their Pack and father to twin boys Landon and Lucas. When she realizes that he is her second mate she must figure out a way for them to come together as a family.
When the hyenas return, this time to kidnap their sons, Kate, Caleb, and Bran find themselves questioning the loyalty of the Pack around them and relying on those outside the Pack to keep their sons safe.

Kate and Bran were great friends of Rebecca in the first book and I had no idea I am going to have an add to their cute relationship: Caleb a single dad of twin leopards, new in the pack meets his mate, who just happens to have a mate already who is the Alpha. So, the 3 together were not mates but had to work around the fact that they shared Kate.
Kate was independent, bossy, sweet, a true Alpha female and managed to hold her ground with the pack and her two mates - eventually.

I didn't like the fact that Bran somehow went from the sweet sexy guy, alpha and all to the back story when Caleb was introduced. Caleb became taller, sexier, better overall....At least they worked well to please Kate...
Still funny moments, hot guy talking before thinking and Rebecca owning the center stage.
Somehow I feel the story takes a turn that I didn't see coming. I am not a MM even MFM books fan and from what I see I am going to get plenty of just that. I hope the story and drama happening Rebecca and the town will be good enough to keep me reading.

Profile Image for Lin.
14 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2013
Before I finished the first book in the series, "Fate Knows Best", I bought this book, #2 in the Kindred of Arkadia series. I did not want the story to end but, alas *sighs*, am now impatiently awaiting the release of book 3! Alanea's writing makes you feel as though you were right there with the characters in the town of Arkadia. One of the things I like about the series is that characters from previous books don't just disappear or put in a small appearance - they interact with the main characters in next book! It is kind of like a Shifter Peyton Place *giggle snort*. Can't wait for "Fated Forever", book 3!
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews27 followers
July 4, 2022
Fate gives you what you need

This book may be “just” a re-write of a previously published book, but how could any book by this author be “just “ anything? She has a nack for finding the humor in even the most macabre situations and manages to bring out the love that is fated to be. This HEA may take a twisting path to become reality, but you are going to love the journey to get there. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for C.J..
Author 4 books391 followers
October 26, 2014
Fab read! Loved the relationship between Bran, Kate and Caleb and I was very pleased to see Rebecca still very much in the mix along with the other town members. Looking forward to Ashby and Gabriel's story.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
October 24, 2021
This one kinda threw me at the start. We have our mated pair of the wolves in town, yet when Kate meets Caleb, he is her mate as well. Good thing there was a little talk among the "inner crew" about how this can happen and is rare. But as the book went on, you could see that Caleb fit in with Kate and Bran, he didn't detract from anything they had, but added to the relationship. I also loved to see everyone fawn all over Caleb's twins, they were adorable!

The threat to the town came at everyone hard this time around, with things centering around the wolves. That lead to Bran, Kate and Caleb taking the lead to track things down and take care of the threat. It really sucked when they thought they had done that, but then realized it wasn't finished and just who the "bad guy" was. Everyone had to come up with a unique way to fix things, because it was the group as a whole who were really at fault as they let vulnerable pack members down.

The ending to this one was great! Loved to see the pack home really become a home, one where everyone was happy and living their lives.
Profile Image for Tammy Faris.
21 reviews
June 9, 2013
Alanea Alder definitely has the "it" factor when it comes to writing!!! Fated to Be Family is the second of her Arkadia series and I can tell you I will be IMPATIENTLY waiting for the next ones! Ms. Alder continues with her amazing descriptive talents that make the reader feel like they are in Arkadia with the heroes/heroines! I could actually see/smell what she was describing...and oh so wishing I was feeling those smoking hot love scenes! *blushing* This book has it all...humor...emotions all over the place...pissed off shifters...happy shifters...sexy shifters...(really really sexy shifters)...suspense...*sigh* Only one problem...it ended too soon! So if you haven't read it...all I can ask is "What are you waiting for?"
Profile Image for KaTrina.
34 reviews
March 22, 2016
Stating that Hakuna Matata was a trigger word to start killing people...priceless!
6 reviews
May 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. Fated to Be Family had the same mix of romance, magic, and humor I’ve come to love from the series. Kincaid’s story was fun to follow, and I liked seeing him come into his own. The connection between the characters felt real, and the emotional moments hit just right.

It was a solid read that kept me interested the whole way through. If you’re into the series already, this book definitely delivers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
523 reviews13 followers
June 3, 2019
Not entirely sure about this series. Since I've read and absolutely loved the Bewitched and Bewildered series this one feels like its missing a spark with the characters for me. But that being said I still enjoyed it and I think I will check out the next one since that couple im really exited to read about.
Profile Image for Brittney.
457 reviews
October 12, 2017
I felt like this was not as engaging as the first book. As much as I loved Kate. I loved Caleb more. Bran felt more like an after thought. I loved the action but felt like I needed more character evolution.
516 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2024
Very good!

Only four stars because we didn't learn much about the other characters from book one, and while the book is really good, I feel like keeping the other characters closer would be doing more to create the life long friendships they are craving.
Profile Image for FreyaJo.
315 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2025
Child Abuse

You have to be really evil to use children for nefarious and evil purposes. That is exactly what these evil hyenas did. But there is a master mind behind them and we need to figure out this crazy scheme of his. 🤔. I can hardly wait for book #3.
Profile Image for Keri.
1,339 reviews26 followers
January 30, 2018
I like the story, I like the characters we’ve met; I’m not a ménage fan, I just struggle with it. I’m also not a Mm fan and I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that the next book may be my last.
Profile Image for Gabby.
253 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2019
Well It was hot and it was fun. Manage is not my thing so 3.5 I'm still reading all the books in this series. Alanea writes those books in such a way ... I MUST know what happens next
Profile Image for Wetdryvac.
Author 480 books5 followers
December 29, 2019
Fun fluff, and following a standard-for-author approach. You know what? That's *exactly* the candy I want right now.
9 reviews
January 1, 2021
Good book. I am very quickly making my way through all of her series.
Profile Image for Lindsay Smith.
90 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2021
Intriguing story

I liked the ménage twist to this story, plus Alanea Alder’s humor always makes me smile and sometimes laugh out loud.
Profile Image for Oindrila Sarkar.
321 reviews8 followers
May 16, 2022
I started reading this only because I wanted to know the end of the hyena attack... Can't stick for too long as this is not my kind of story...
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,562 reviews13 followers
July 16, 2022
Awesome

Another wonderfully naughty and absolutely action packed paranormal romance adventure story with our friends from the shifter town of Arcadia. Loved it.
Profile Image for Amanda Murch.
449 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2022
loved it

Amazing read, Kate, Bran and Caleb were just brilliant characters. There story was great with lots of heat funny times and a great plot. Can’t wait for more xx
15 reviews
November 22, 2022
Cost vs content

Good read but the cost for the # of pages is terrilbe.
Really makes me feel ripped off. 200 pages is nothing for $6.99.
Profile Image for Robin.
425 reviews20 followers
March 30, 2015
Rating - 3.5*
One Word Rec.: Buy
Alder, Alanea; FATED TO BE FAMILY [Kindred of Arkadia, #2]

Ebook; genre: {paranormal romance}; shelves: |author: Alanea Alder |
|rating: 4* - Great Book, will re-read more than once or twice = when released in theater|
|paranormal, shifters: bear, canine, feline, other|
|paranormal, vampires|
|romance, f/m/m|
|humorous read|
|fan/geek references|

Personally, I don't enjoy giving "SPOILERS" as a rule, so I believe the general synopsis above or on the book flap if it's a hard copy should give you all the information you need. I do include the basics under synopsis though. If you'd like to know my overall thoughts & feelings about the book or author, please check the "Personal Opinion" section. Also, if this is a book in a series, under "Characters," you'll most likely find a fu-bo list. While reading, authors tend to introduce us to numerous characters and I find I wonder if they will get their own book, so I decided to include this in my review. I will try not to include "SPOILERS" if there are any. And now to my review:

General Synopsis:
This is the second book in Alanea Alder's [Kindred of Arkadia] series, which focuses on a mènage mating between Bran McGregor, Kate Edwards (who are already mated prior to this book) & Calab Donovan, who is also the father to twin cubs, Landon & Lucas (snow leopards).

Characters/fu-bo:
Liam - Fated Forgiveness Kindred of Arkadia 4
Connor - Fated Surrender Kindred of Arkadia 6
Ashby - Fated for Forever Kindred of Arkadia 3
Rian
Damian
(Nic)holas
Dr. Maddox Claybourne - Fated Healing Kindred of Arkadia 5
Benedict
Duncan
Emmett
(Finn)ian
Gavin
Riley
Moe/Mojo - Fated Redemption Kindred of Arkadia 8
Cecelia
Gina
Beau
Kaden

Personal Opinion:
Mini rant here, so you might want to skip. When I first read this book, I put it down for 3*. When I rate books, I have to be honest, I try not to rate a lot of 5*. I set up my 5* rating to be equal to my favorite books, and although I really love/enjoy a number of the books I read, I don't put them in that category. My true highest rating is 4.5*, but anything I rate 3* and above, I would strongly recommend to people (friends, family, fellow readers, complete strangers) and suggest buying as well. Now, back to the 3* rating for this book, when I was trying to flush out this review and reread the book again, I couldn't figure out how to explain why I gave it a 3* rating rather than a 3.5* rating, especially since I would rate the entire [Kindred of Arkadia] series 4*. This being the case, even though there were things I felt missing from the book, I decided to "upgrade" this book to a 3.5* rating.

I did enjoy the relationships involved in this book, and I don't just mean the relationships between Bran, Kate & Caleb. I won't give SPOILERS, so read and enjoy. Whenever I read this series, I feel a sense of welcome every time.
Profile Image for Payal - A Bookaholic's Musings.
836 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2025
BRAN and KATE and CALEB (mfm)

I really liked this book too. It’s definitely another re-read by Alanea Alder in this series.

Kate and Bran are the Alpha couple of the wolf shifter pack in Arkadia, mated and very much in love for about a year or so.
Although Bran is widely accepted, Kate is often subtly ignored and insulted and not taken seriously by the pack, due to her being an outsider and without a pack, but Bran dotes on her, stands up for her and is over-the -top in love with her.

Caleb has just moved in with his twin sons to Arkadia and as a wolf of course will be joining, welcomed by Bran and Kate as his Alphas, and the soon discover Caleb is the third in their relationship who makes them complete, which obviously worries all three, due to tehri conflicting feelings.

Fate is the bigger player here. And she knows what she is doing.

“Fate has decided that the three of you need each other. Usually, a ménage mating is recognized by the heart of the relationship, which in this case is you. Once Caleb completes his mating bond with you, he and Bran will feel each other, but it will always be you who bridges them together and completes them. Don’t fight against it. Just accept it for the gift it is.”

The book is super-fast paced, with-it being shifter- mate stories. One look and it’s all in love and hot, heavy claiming sex (and its hot), and this book is similar.

I feel that their feelings could be defined and spoken about a bit more, in terms of the dynamics between them three of them, but I guess since it is an insta-shifter-love book it’s all good and smooth loving and accepting each other pretty quickly.

Their histories are truly sad and so hurtful. Each one of them knows what it is like to have a loose family, and that makes their bond with the twin babies so adorable and delightful.

Honestly, I had more fun reading about Damien and Rian with the twins. Oh-so-cute and funny of course, especially when Bran complained about ‘Lion King’... LOL.
When the snow leopard cubs growled like wolves was honestly a complete laugh-out-loud moment.

With Kate being the center of their ménage relationship, their bond was well established but I also liked the bond that Bran and Caleb shared. It was very well integrated into the whole story. And both together with Kate is mind-blowing and some pretty heavy threesomes, with dominance and punishments. *Whew.*
FYI: The scene with the proposal and the chain. Just perfect.

There is some progress to our background story as well, with the resident villain, who is now sending hyenas after the twin babies, which adds a lot of drama and intrigue as to what is the end game.
With friends and families being attacked from all sides at all times, they are running from pillar to post to save people and prevent any further issues and find a way to seal tehir perimeter to the Hyenas

Aleks and Rebecca make many appearances. Again, they are so cute and chaotic together, it is totally fun, and add to that the other characters and their animals, from lions to tigers to foxes to cats, it’s a riot in Arkadia.

PS: The little snippet of Gabriel setting the tone for the next book. So Hot!! Cannot Wait.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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