His Apprehensive Mate

Unexpected Mates #3

by Brea Alepoú

True mates are found in the most unlikely of places.

Wolf shifter Morgan thinks he’s finally found a place to belong: in the arms of his fated mate. But with Morgan’s life endangered by his old pack, he’s not willing to risk his mate’s safety. Even if his very soul cries out for Kenny.

Snow Leopard shifter Kenny always wanted a family of his own. Now that he’s found his fated mate, that dream should come easy, right? Fear is all Morgan has ever known and Kenny wants to shield and protect him from every knowing it again. All he has to do is convince Morgan he can do it.

Family, acceptance, adoption, and healing. Creating a family, one of the greatest treasures of the world.

(His Apprehensive mate MM Mpreg shifter romance featuring an overprotective mate, babies, a blue hair teen, love, and happiness. A novel of pure adorable love. In Unexpected Mates series, each book features a new couple but the stories are heavily intertwined. To understand each book they must be read in order. )

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

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2020

About the author

Brea Alepoú realized her dream was to write and tell stories after spending five years in college getting a degree. She has since been writing and letting her imagination free. She thought she would only write contemporary at first but soon found her love for making worlds. So now she writes it all. With her wild imagination, expect lots of different stories, from fairies ruling to vampires killing everyone, to the sweet loving between two men, passion between two fierce women, or the love of multiple partners. She believes that everyone deserves love even if not all of her characters get it right away. Love is passionate, hot, needy, confusing, painful, fulfilling, and all-consuming.
(pnr, contemporary, fantasy, erotica, romance, shifter mpreg, & rh)
There will be a book for everyone.
Insanity is Contagious.
Brea Alepoú

Reviews

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again this author manages to take this latest installment of the series up quite a few notches! She has filled this book with all the same love, sexy times, humor and awesome characters as in the previous two books, but with the addition of suspense, action and even a battle in this third book! I will now wait with much anticipation for book 4, Logan and Indigo's story!!!!!

[Barbara➰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet, if a bit long. I think it would have been shortened by about 50 pages. Things were a little drawn out. Just like the last one, I left it and read other things before coming back to finish it.

[Resch Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got to say, this story left me disappointed. I was pretty intrigued by Morgan and why he was so fragile and damaged. I anticipated an action packed story but this book fell flat for me. I enjoyed the Bliss Pride members but the romance didn't hold my interest.

I think this stems from such a dramatic build up for why Morgan behaves the way he does and when all is revealed, I was just sitting here like that is it?! The reason didn't justify or explain the treatment for me. And even after Morgan begins to work through his issues and bonds with Kenny, this story is starting to feel repetitious, down to each mate giving the other a nickname. Kenny calls Morgan 'piglet' which is the absolute worst, why pick a nickname that has a history of fat shaming?! It just took me out of every scene and the reason behind the name wasn't even something cute so hard pass on that.

Another thing that took me out of this story was that when Morgan returned to the pride, his niece Ava was in tow. Ava obviously has some hang ups and trauma but they don't really communicate well. I really wish there would have been a few more heartfelt conversations between Ava and Morgan as well as Ava and Kenny. I think this could have further supported their family bond because Ava randomly just one day wants to call Kenny and Morgan her parents and it all felt like it came out of nowhere. 

Overall, the stories are intriguing enough to keep picking them up and reading them. But they could be better if each couple was a little more unique and the story was a little better balanced. 

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Kenny and Morgan's book was well worth the wait. The struggles that these two went through made their HEA all the more sweeter. Looking forward to Logan and Indigo's story. Loved to picture of Morgan and Kenny!!! Great art!!

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't wait for this one as these two have been dancing around each other since day one. This one was brutal, how Morgan was treated by his pack made me see red. How he was treated by other packs made me want to scream. It also broke my heart that he didn't want to claim Kenny because he thought he was trying to protect him. When Morgan is brought back by his niece near death, Morgan finally tells everyone what happened & where he stands. When Morgan disappears again, we see the pack come together with their allies and put an end to the threat once and for all. I can't wait to read Logan & Indigo's book which is next. I would not recommend reading these out of order.

ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

[Monica P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet book! Glad they got their HEA. Now I’m really excited for the next couple!

[S a n d r a · Rating 3 out of 5]

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I'm liking the series more and more as the story get even more interesting with each book.

I'm having a difficult time writing this and trying to convey the different virtues and faults I'm finding so it doesn't sound too good nor too bad...


Let's start talking about the overall story. This books are not standalones even if each book features a new couple... What happens during every book continues in the next one, and that means that as you keep reading the story and worldbuilding becomes deeper and more defined. That's always good and gives more room for different plots.

So, this makes natural that the first book felt shallow and plotless while in this one we meet different pack and prides and even witness a war between shifters. Also, with every new book new characters appear with new drama and selfstories.

Morgan was introduced during book one and his negative to mating with Kenny even when he liked the man was interesting and left me wondering what his story was. With the discovery we get more insight into the shifter world and how cruel shifters can be. I liked his drama and how much he evolves since the beginning to the end. Also, including his niece into the equation was clever and made the story feel more complete.

As we are already used with this series, we get an insight into the next book, that's Logan's. It was obvious he had had some bad experience with fated mates and said mate has already make his appearance. I can't wait to know what happening with them and I wonder what new adventures the Bliss Pride will experience.

Romance, though, wasn't as satisfying as I thought it would be.

Don't get me wrong, I loved Kenny and Morgan and feel they are the cutest together. But I feel something was lacking. Maybe the issue is reading the series in one sitting... But I doubt it since something good this books have is that each romance is different on its own.

What feels repetitive is the fated part, I guess. How once they are mated all of them act the same and, most of all, how during each book the characters repeat some sense once and once again (the stares, the posesive growling at some point, the excessive sex scene and the ineludible pregnancy).

So, this books have its ups and downs, but for some reason I can't exactly pinpoint... I can't stop reading them 😂

[Ann Hupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Though there is a decent story and subplots, I'm finding this third installment in the Unexpected Mates series to be a little... ho hum?

Again, we're not getting any decent reminder exposition of characters, so they are beginning to look and feel the same or caricature-like. I don't like that. I don't care if this is the third in the series, you can't leave your readership in the dark like that. Also, more and more gratuitous sex. I'm skipping through paragraphs, looking for better and non-sexual dialogue, but that's becoming fewer and further in-between. Double-yuck! I don't want predictable sex!

We have a full take-down of a brutal wolf clan. I rather like this description of the play-by-play action because it's far different than what you may expect. Again, the book is a continuation rather than a standalone novel within the same universe. I do like this kind of story construction.

This series is on probation. I read some things that I.like that overrode things I didn't, so I'm trying the fourth book now and see where that gets me.

Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Drama: 👀 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣 💣
Dark: 💀
Triggers: Abusive families and unfair family politics.
POV: Multiple (2)
Ending: HEA
Length: Approximately 290 pages
Recommend: YES 👍

Thank you, Liz K, a reviewer on Amazon!

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars
I am liking this series more and more. I loved both Kenny and Morgan as the MCs. I really enjoy shifter stories where we get a lot of interaction between pack mates and this series fits that bill. I really smiled over Dezi and his dad jokes and the addition of little Gabriella and her fairy tea parties was cute. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to Logan’s book.

[Kim Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this author before. This is a mm mpreg shifter book. Main characters are are snow leopard beta shifter Kenny and a smaller wolf shifter Morgan. This is book 3 and I haven’t read any other book from the series. Kenny and Morgan are fated mates. In the mix is a teenage niece of Morgan, twin new born babies. I’ll read more from this author and series.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Morgan

How can anyone be mean to our sweet and innocent Morgan? He's just such a gentle and loving person. Luckily, Kenny is there to take care of him.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

this gets an extra star for the lingerie bits but otherwise a whole lot of nothing happened and the climax of the story was really stupid lol or at least the catalyst behind it was so irresponsible... and you'd think someone would have noticed it happening...

that being said I did like the pack dynamics and everyone was sweet... but the writing still needs to be edited. I just felt very meh overall

[Ken Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow leopard and wolf

Alepou's alt-world shifters have their own structure, but this pride blends many different animals into mates, and the floor is crawling with offspring. Throw in a pack fight, the concept of runts, and oblivious humans, the novel is a brilliant story.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Meh, the action and danger were over at 70% then the rest was very mundane, like an extremely long epilogue.

[M]

dnf

[Kathryn E · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic read

This has everything you could want. A great series that can be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend it!

[Sara López Villar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. I can’t think about any other series that is similar to this one, so is quite refreshing

[Sarahreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Apprehensive Mate

It makes sense why Morgan was so skittish. I can't stop reading this story. Onto the next book I go

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy of life and love

Though Kenny and Morgan have known they are mates almost since the first moment they met, Kenny has been long denying their mating. His behaviour has been most curious as Morgan doesn't deny his feelings for Kenny, instead seeming to worry that he isn't worthy of that love and will only bring trouble. When Kenny shows up at the pride house, beaten half to death and snuck in by a terrified teenager, we finally get to see just why Morgan feels the way he does.

Morgan and Kenny's story really looked into the idea of what makes you 'worthy' of love. Morgan has been told for so much of his life that because of how he was born he simply isn't worthy of love, compassion, or even life. His family is abusive and cruel and they see this if anyone who isn't powerful and is therefore not useful to the pack. They refuse to see anything else in a person but their strength, equating only that with worth. Morgan has internalized this over the years and somewhat believes it, but unwilling to fully give in he instead ran away and tried to live a solo life. His time with Kenny makes him start to believe that maybe he could be loved, but he still worried that he doesn't bring enough worth to the mating. It is the familial love of the entire pride, the acceptance that he is family and they are happy to see him and support him, that makes him realize that he can be worthy just as himself.

The family continues to grow in this book and their allies do as well. The practices of Morgan's old pack are illegal but not unknown. Hwiever, many believe that those practices are wrong and in seeking to rectify those wrongs the Bliss pride makes new allies and friends. It promises more story for this little family pack and nearly leads into the next curious couple, Logan and his fated mate! Can't wait to read it!

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

I was looking forward to Kenny & Morgan's story and on some level this book delivered. There was definitely a lot of sweetness, which I liked a lot. Unfortunately there was a lot of build up of what happened in Morgan's life in the previous book so I was expecting more than I got. I have to say I was disappointed with that aspect.

In my opinion this series is one really long story, with no real overall arc, divided into (at the time of my reading it) 6 books. Each book picks up at the exactly where the last one ends and I mean exactly. The sentence from the next book could easily have been the start of a new chapter in the previous book. It does feel a bit strange. LOL

In saying that there was something about this one that did touch my heart more than the others.



QUICK THOUGHTS
-- Wolf/Snow Leopard shifter pairing -- mpreg but not a focus in any of the stories -- true mates -- past abuse -- some violence -- drama that ended up being a bit of a let down -- some really sweet times -- the sex seems to be ramping up in each issue, I'm not a fan -- more time needs to be spent on the characters and what's going on around them outside the bedroom -- LOVED the MCs... Kenny & Morgan -- Ava was super sweet and funny -- the ending was more satisfying than the previous but it's not an ending it's a "to be continued" -- NOT a stand alone -- looking forward to Logan and Indigo

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books and
Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another excellent addition to the Unexpected Mates series and I really enjoyed Kenny and Morgan's story. They are absolutely perfect for each other as they are true mates but nothing is easy and they still have to deal with Morgan's old pack and learn how to be fathers to Morgan's niece Ava. Kenny is sweet and patient with Morgan and he will give him all of the time he needs to settle back into the pride as well as recover from his injuries. Morgan has been abused for most of his life by his previous pack and he wants so badly to find acceptance and love in the pride for himself and Ava. There is a lot going on with lots of babies, someone from Logan's past showing up and the threat from Morgan's old alpha. I love how everyone works together in the pride and they will do anything necessary to keep everyone safe. The secondary characters are amazing. the ending is great and I can't wait to read the next book in this wonderful series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the previous book in this series I was so looking forward to reading Morgan and Kenny’s book, and Alepou did not disappoint! This book checked a lot of boxes for me. There’s found family, hurt/comfort, mpreg, and plenty of action.

It was clear that Morgan was in a bad situation in the last book, and we get a clearer understanding of his past and what was holding him back from Kenny. Speaking of Kenny, he was such a great character! He’s so patient and kind, and I loved seeing how he interacted with Morgan and gained his trust.

Throwing Morgan’s niece, Ava, into the mix added to the stakes and it was great to see how close Morgan and Kenny got to her. This whole house/pride of shifters was amazing with her and the other children making their way into their lives. And I’m super excited to finally get Logan’s story and hear about his past!

If you enjoy stories of found family and people creating lasting bonds with one another, then I highly recommend this fun and exciting series!

4 Stars

[Deb Swietek · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're fated mate rejected you to protect you. Now you need to protect him.

I have been waiting for this book! It is a stunning addition to the Unexpected Mates saga. Each book is a continuation of the previous one. Please read then all on order! My old friends are all here. They welcomed me back into their lives.
I was so anxious to read Morgan & Kenny's story. They have been dancing around each other forever. This book will bring them together at last. No longer alone, Morgan will be able to face his past, with Kenny by his side, surrounded by a highly unusual pack.
Yes, there is violence. There is sex. There is love. There is pack & family. Oh, and HEA for Kenny & Morgan. You will love this book! I can't wait for the next in the series.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth fighting for

I absolutely adore Morgan and Kenny. When we met them in previous books it was hard to see the struggle that they were both going through. Morgan has gone through so much and has no confidence that he is wanted or needed in anyone’s life let alone his fated mate. Kenny is doing his best to prove how much he needs and desires his mate. I love to see the connection grow and the confidence that is also growing between them. It was great and rewarding to see how the pride gathers arson’s them both and shows their support for them both no matter what is thrown at them. It was amazing to see the love and how the bonds bring them together. Such a great story and I can’t wait to read more from this pride and the family in it.
I received an arc and voluntarily left an honest review.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to reading Kenny and Morgan’s story and it didn’t disappoint.

I wanted to hug Morgan and Ava so many times throughout the story. The physical and emotional abuse inflicted on Morgan by his old pack was truly heartbreaking. With Kenny’s love and support and that of his new pack; he gained confidence and came out of his shell.

Kenny and Morgan were sweet together and their intimate moments captured their love beautifully.

I would recommend reading the books in order, so you can follow the story better.

A fantastic addition to the series! Looking forward to reading Logan’s story.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* The best so far

This is by far the best in the series. It kicks to repeatedly in the feels as Morgan recovers and allows Kenny to love on and claim him. We also in this book see more of the ugly side of this world, where those that are perceived as weak, are deemed less than and treated in the worst manner. These two characters struggle and fight through to their HEA, which is well deserved.
I am enjoying this series immensely, the story is fast paced, with plenty of ups and downs to keep to reader hooked. I can’t wait to find out how Logan and Indigo get over their hump in the road. If you like MPreg shifter stories this is a good series to read as long as you read it in order.

[...]

DNF @14% ... I was looking forward to this one because hurt omegas in need of saving are 100% my jam, but sigh. The serial style of the series where the action rolls from one book right into the next, changing the couple it's focusing on but having already I included their meet cute as side plot to previous books... that alone isn't really working for me, because it means all the early fun stuff between Kenny and Morgan happened off-page in books 1&2... and then, after the epic slog of wading through all the extraneous sex in book 2, only to roll right into what felt like another boring sec scene in this one... I'm out. I *might* try something else from this author at some point, but this series just isn't working for me 😕

[Breanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts where book 2 left off following Kenny and Morgan. I have loved this series and this book was no different. With Morgan's family not accepting him, he runs away from his pack and finds a new one.

The story was good but I wish we got more background on Morgan and what happened. In book 2, Morgan was denying Kenny but then all of sudden he wanted him so I would of like to read the realization and love that he found. The steamy scenes were nice and I always like reading about intimacy and the author does a good job of describing what happens. The growing pride is really amazing and I hope this series continues. I can't wait to read Logan's story.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave it all the stars, here's why.
1. Kenny loves Morgan, and vice versa!
2. The whole Pride, is included, and you get to see how the previous mates are doing! Plus, the other pride members are becoming more than names.
3. Created families (for example: the pride is one big family).
4. The world they live in is becoming more alive and real. As in the pride isn't insular, like in the first book. The second book opened up the world more, but The Apprehensive Mate has kept it up. Talk about forward momentum!
5. Last but not least, it read so smoothly. The writing was great, and I honestly cannot wait for more of the Unexpected Mates series.