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White Mountain Shifters #1

The Reluctant Wolf and His Fated Mate

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Mates were trouble. That's why Damon would never commit to one.
Even if the temptation is strong...

Sophie escapes to the White Mountains with her friend for a ski weekend. When she skis off trail and gets lost in the mountains, she stumbles into the path of a wolf. Only it's bigger than any she ever thought existed, and it's baring its fangs at her...

Damon has refused to ever find a mate after his father went mad. When Damon meets a woman his wolf recognizes as the one, the call is more difficult to ignore. And when he catches her scent on the mountain, he can't fight it any longer. He tracks her through the forest to ensure she's safe.

Only Sophie has stepped into another pack's territory.

If Damon crosses the boundary, he'll break the treaty between their packs.


Mates--not just trouble. They could lead a shifter to his death...

Fated mates and forbidden love. Escape into the magic of the White Mountains with the Franconia shifters.

187 pages, ebook

Published September 29, 2020

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About the author

Lisa Carlisle

192 books599 followers
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes or quirky outcasts. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews.

When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.

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5 stars
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52 (25%)
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37 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
6,059 reviews117 followers
October 1, 2020
This is a great start to this shifter series. It’s exciting and gripping, well written and full of action, drama and romance. There’s some intriguing secrets and twists and turns to keep you engaged and i love that Vamps was included! Can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,667 reviews26 followers
December 21, 2021
Slow to burn
Oh my! I thought for sure this was going to be the shortest love story with such a fantastic opening act, but the author did more than leave me hanging with a sudden change in inhibition. She took me on an amazing journey set out by fate. There was danger and love, phenomenal characters with damaged hearts and a HEA that made it all worth it. This is only the start of the series and I can’t wait to see what these winter wolves get up to next.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews372 followers
July 22, 2023
Doesn't Want a Mate -- But She is His !! . . .

Damon’s Pack mates Rafe and Grayson were heading for an underground club where they would spend the weekend and perhaps find Mates. Damon was one of the Pack enforcers they invited along, but he has never wanted a mate since his father did not survive the loss of his own mate. Damon hated being here at the club. While the others went to the dance floor, Damon sipped his drink until he saw a woman who captured his attention. His wolf urged him closer. He breathed her scent and his wolf was elated, claiming she was their mate! The woman had seen the tall man approach, but she was not happy that he shoved another man away and growled at him! And did his eyes have a golden glow? His beautiful smile had her relaxing again and he asked her to dance.

Sophie had come to the White Mountains with her friend Tara. Sophie’s ex had cheated on her and she wanted to move on from the betrayal. Dancing with the handsome man, she was drawn to him. They kissed and he almost undressed her as they moved to a dark corner. She finally came to her senses as she looked around and saw they were in a public place! She never acts like this! What was happening to her? So she turned and hurried away from him. He immediately regretted letting her go, but what else could he do?

Sophie and Tara returned to the mountains 6 months later to ski over the weekend. Sophie is an experienced skier, but trying to avoid ice on the difficult slope, she veers off the trail and gets lost in the woods before she can stop. Not daring to walk back up the steep slope, she took off her skies and walked through the woods.

As part of the ski patrol, Damon took a final run before he went back to the cabin. He saw tracks go off the slope and into the woods, so he followed them. And he got her scent! He didn’t want a fated mate, especially not a human. But she was different. And he had to make sure she was safe. But she was heading diagonally across the mountain toward the Sacco pack’s territory, and he was not permitted to go there. He could start a pack war if he crossed that line! Would he dare to follow? Or would he have to walk away?
1,714 reviews13 followers
September 28, 2020
Damon and Sophie meet in a club in Boston 6months before and nothing really happened but it almost did but she realized she didn't know him but she felt like she did and she ran away and he let her because he was not interested in anything lasting anyway especially after his father. Damon works on the Mountain as part of the ski patrol at the Resort which was purchased by his alpha Rafe and our friend Grayson is the CFO he is like a brother to me. He was checking on the steep trails because some people have been getting lost when something happens and they have to go off the trail he noticed that someone had gone off the trail and started walking the wrong way from the resort so he went after them when he smelled his mate's scent and realized it was her and he had to make sure she was alright but he didn't get to her in time and when he caught up she is being attacked by another wolf he stepped in but as a wolf so she didn't know it was him but it was another pack's territory and he had to fight. Sophie ran and she fell and hit her head. Sophie and her roommate and friend came up for the weekend and when she and Damon meet again she agrees to go to dinner with him and her friend made sure that she looked really nice even though it wasn't necessary because he already knew who she was to him and once he realized that he wanted her to stay at the resort with him; Sophie was in a quandary when she finds out that he wants to spend time with her and he compliments her and wants to make sure that she is happy and satisfied. I enjoy this short story about meeting your mate and she not knowing that they are destined to spend a lifetime together if he ever tells her the truth. I was given an ARC as a gift from Bookfunnel without obligations. I am providing an honest review.
Profile Image for Sheila.
550 reviews10 followers
September 29, 2020
Reluctant Wolf
Damon is an enforcer with the White Mountain Shifters. His Alpha, Rafe, heard that you could find potential mates at a nightclub in the Boston Area. So Rafe enlists Damon and Grayson to come down from the White Mountains to check it out. Damon doesn’t want a mate, his Dad went ‘crazy’ and left the pack to die alone when his mate, Damon’s mother died. So, what is he doing at Vamps? He is protecting his Alpha. He is not looking for a mate.
He sees and smells a delicious woman. His wolf perks up and tells him this is the ONE. He meets Sophie and they share one kiss and no more.
Sophie and her roommate visit Vamps, she dances with a handsome hunky man. They share a kiss and nothing more. She wishes she could forget him.
Six months later Sophie is going to a ski resort in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She decides to try a black diamond run. It is very steep and challenging. She gets in trouble and ski’s off the trails.
Rafe and the White Mountain Shifters own the mountain resort in Franconia, NH. Rafe is a Safety Patrol. It is his job to keep everyone safe and on the trails. He is going to check the trails one last time before going to his cabin for the night. He smells his mate! Where did she go. He must follow her. She has skied into the Sacco River Pack lands. Can he save her from the other pack?
So much imagery. I want to go visit the area. White Mountain in New Hampshire. I was intrigued by Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and observational tower. Saco River Covered Bridge. I could see myself skiing and visiting the resort and shops. Then there are the music references, now I have the Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls in the head!
I want more!
6,660 reviews28 followers
October 2, 2020
I love Lisa's work and this is a great start to what I am sure is going to be another wonderful series Like always her characters are so multidimensional that you just wish that they where your friends A great fun read that I enjoyed right until the last page

As an enforcer for the White Mountain Wolf Shifter pack Damon goes wherever his alpha goes So when Rafe the alpha hears of vamps a nightclub where there is a chance they could meet their mates he takes Damon and Grayson with him. Damon really isn't interested in finding a mate he remembers of his father went crazy and slunk off to die when his mate dies and he never wants to be in that position. Things take a turn when he meets Sophie and his wolf shouts mate but he is determined he wants nothing to do with her so one kiss and he leaves The only thing is his wolf can't forget her Sophie enjoyed that kiss but thinks that is the end of it Then she goes skiing little knowing that the pack owns the resort and when a accident leads to her been on another packs land it will be Damon as the safety officer who will have to track her down can he get to her in time and keep her safe As they spend more time together he has to wonder how will she handle his secret You will have to read to see if they get a HEA
1,240 reviews10 followers
July 24, 2023
The Reluctant Wolf and his Fated Mate is the first book set within the White Mountain Shifters series. What happens when a shifter meets his mate that he never wanted? Damon is about to find out and try to convince his wolf otherwise. As he gets to know Sophie, can he convince her to stay, or will his secrets push her away for good?

This book was a quick read that captivated me in the best of ways. Sophie and Damon were a super cute couple, but she has no idea about shifters and he has very definite opinions about fated mates. It was kind of fun to read their dynamic! Sophie is brave and willing to go after what she wants, but she’s always been more practical. She’s been burned before by her ex’s, so honesty and loyalty are huge for her. Damon has also been hurt from his past, but more from his parents. While he’s brave and loyal for his pack, when it comes to being vulnerable with Sophie, he hesitates. I loved their connection, though, and how they kind of help soothe out past hurts. I liked the tension that was created between his secrets and the potential for a pack war. I also really enjoyed the setting of this book - how romantic! This book was good, though, and I look forward to reading the next in the series!
3,447 reviews20 followers
September 24, 2020
Sophie & Damon

As the Alpha's enforcer, he'd come to the club with them to protect his alpha not to look for a mate like the others. Little did he know he'd reluctantly be the one for fate to come calling. Unprepared he let her walk away—persistent thing fate. Six months later he found her again right in his own back yard,

Just because fate put Sophie in his path again didn't mean he'd be able to hold on to her.

A ski weekend with a girlfriend just what she needed. She hadn't counted on finding the hunky guy she couldn't stop thinking after she'd stupidly walked away from at the club.

Spending time together was wonderful for them except the concern he was keeping something from her and his fear that if he was honest she'd run—as well as the danger that waited for them.

A new series with great world-building, characters, steam, and a love story you won't want to miss.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2020
Damon wants no part of a mate, let alone look for one......He saw his father wither away and die when he lost his and he refuses to go down that path....That's why when his alpha Rafe tells him they are going down the mountain to Vamps to look for their mates, he goes reluctantly, but as enforcer he will follow his alpha wherever he wants to go... He won't find a mate anyway, really, then why does one kiss leave his head reeling???? It's just the effects of that drink he had just before.

Sofie decided to go out with her roomy just to please her, but she really has no desire to mingle, not after the bad experience she had with her ex. Vamps is cool if a bit weird, but man are there some hot dudes in here....Especially the growly one that kisses the bejesus out of me, so much so that I ran from him. Never to see him again? Or..........

The weather is great for some skiing in the mountains.....:p
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,930 reviews20 followers
October 1, 2020
Will they fight their fate? Damon's a wolf shifter who has no intention of ever taking a mate because of the way his father was when his mate died, he believes that it's better to be alone. But you can't fight fate so when he met a woman called Sophie, a human who knows nothing about shifters, he recognizes her for what she is, his mate. She's not looking for love either because she's been cheated on in the past. She only seems to attract men who let her down so she is reluctant to risk her heart again.

What will she do when she discovers what Damon is, will she take a chance? Can these two put aside their past traumas to find happiness or will they walk away from their chance of happiness?
946 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2021
The Reluctant Wolf And His Fated Mate #1 03/29/2021

Damon is with his alpha out in the city to maybe find their mates. But Damon doesn’t want to find a mate because of the way his parents were with each other and their bad relationship. But then he sees her on the dance floor and he can’t take his eyes off her.Sophia is just out having fun with her friend Tara trying to change her life. When she feels someone staring at her. But before he can make his move some guy get between them big mistake Damon growls at him scaring him away. Then he and him dance but soon things get heated but it to soon and to fast for Sophia. Scared she runs out and her thinks it’s over. But is it ? So enjoy this good read and see if it’s over!!
Profile Image for Toni.
2,506 reviews27 followers
July 18, 2023
Damon is his with two of his friends as they are out for a night of fun and looking for a mate. Damon doesn't want a mate...he saw what it did to his parents. He isn't looking for that in any way shape or form. Then at a nightclub he sees Sophie. His wolf whines Mate and he says nope not happening. Six months later he meets her again when she's injured and on enemy territory. His skirmish with an enforcer of the other pack may have broken a peace that was shakey at best but still peace. Now he has to decide does he really want to claim her or let her go?
A cute story of a male who is indecisive and a human woman who is having problems with choosing.
Fantastic story!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,994 reviews16 followers
October 5, 2020
Damon saw his father's decline after his mother had left him and swore never to accept a mate for himself. When he meets her the first time at a club, he keeps his cool, and turns away. Fate brings them back together again when she is coming to the White Mountains to ski, at the resort that belongs to his pack. But trouble starts, when Sophie is losing control while skiing....
An entertaining short story about the inevitability of fate and love. There always seems to be a way.
The story is nothing special, but engagingly written and enjoyable
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,387 reviews27 followers
July 23, 2023
I loved The Reluctant Wolf and His Fated Mate Book 1 of White Mountain Shifters. Damon didn’t want to find his mate, it would only result in heartbreak. Sophia was a shock, his mate but after an amazing kiss she ran from him. He tried to forget her until he smells her on his mountain and now she’s in trouble. Does he save his mate or anger a rival pack? This was a great story and it had suspense and steamy scenes. I loved the characters, Sophia is protective of her heart but Damon wants to be her protector now. I would definitely recommend this book. Looking forward to more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14.4k reviews165 followers
September 27, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this shifter romance and that it served as a great way to start this intriguing new series. Damon and Sophie captured my attention and my heart. Their story has an engaging blend of strong emotions, drama, action, danger and steam that has you more than happy to stay up past your bedtime. With fate, secrets and twists each having their own role to play, you know that the book is going to be a heart melting, swoon worthy, poignant and tension inducing. I loved it and am eager to read more from this series. This is my sincere, elective review.
Profile Image for Deb.
1,098 reviews
September 28, 2020
Omg! Lisa Carlisle’s done it again! Another steamy, fantastic PNR shifter romantic page-turner! “The Reluctant Wolf and His Fated Mate” is the 1st fresh, new plot in the ‘White Mountain Shifter’ series! With relatable characters, witty dialogue and great descriptions, I was hooked from the start! ... Now I can’t wait for the next books to follow, but I will ;) ... Even tho I volunteered to read this, it was without any outside influences & I do buy my own kindle books whenever I am able to... So yes I can honestly recommend this to adult fans of fiction!
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2020
Wolfmate


Damon is a wolf that refuses to have a mate. Baggage from his childhood makes him feel that a mate is more trouble than it is worth the potential happiness.

Sophie is a human with no knowledge of shifters. She is a woman reluctant to enter into a new relationship because past boyfriends cheating. She believes that she is a magnet for men behaving badly an no longer wants to risk her heart.

Can these two put aside their past traumas to find happiness or will they walk away without even trying?
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,231 reviews
September 30, 2020
For the one least likely to mate, Damon was the first to find his other half, but he is determined to fight this. Sophie is disillusioned when it comes to a faithful man but not being the one and done type she fights the instant attraction to the stranger at the club. The story is definitely engaging and the characters are very interesting. I love the spin with the Vamps Club and the dynamics of the pack War. I look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,683 reviews9 followers
October 5, 2020
This very well-written book 1 in the White Mountain Shifters Series has great relatable characters who make a great story. These characters develop well over the story as they are introduced, each have found their Fated Mates and love. Each of these stories have action, adventure, twists/turns, chemistry and romance. This Book is a must read from a must read Author. A new series to add to your shifter library

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,338 reviews
October 1, 2020
Slow burning story, giving Damon and Sophie time for the growing attraction between them, and time for Damon to accept she is his fated mate.

I can clearly feel Damon’s loneliness and his yearning for his mate, his fear of being rejected and his need to protect her no matter the cost. And Sophie’s acceptance of him and loved him in return is her greatest gift, though it brought danger to their pack.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
October 10, 2020
The Reluctant Wolf and His Fated Mate by Lisa Carlisle is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I have loved reading. I can not wait to read the rest of this wonderful series cause I am so hooked on it. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about wolf shifters and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,600 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2021
Good story

I liked the story but the fact that the packs territory cant be passed when a skier has gotten lost is a but ridiculous. Especially if that happens. You can't control human from going on land that is not fenced off or posted signs. To pretend they were there spying when it was obvious that someone had gotten lost was a business much. The white wolf thinking he needed revenge was just as ridiculous. But overall the story was good.
9,377 reviews141 followers
July 16, 2023
Great start to a new series! This one brings Damon and Sophie's story. The author brings strong characters and weaves an exciting shifter romance filled with action, drama and danger. Add in the steamy chemistry and all the emotions flowing throughout and she delivers a terrific paranormal story. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
117 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2024
Enjoyed it

Its a nice story and I liked the characters, but some parts were lacking for me. There were a few holes in the plot that could have easily been explained but weren't. There were also parts that I would have liked been expanded on. It should be noted that they may get explained in a future book, but I'm not sure whether I will continue the series if each book isn't a complete standalone. Still a quick, sweet read with a bit of steam.
5,450 reviews32 followers
September 29, 2020
This was a quick, fun read and the characters were engaging while the story line was well written. I do love when both parties are resistant to being in a relationship since they always end up saying or doing amusing things.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,706 reviews36 followers
October 7, 2020
The author wrote a short novella to introduce a set of characters and a new series. It was entertaining and enjoyable. I loved the paranormal aspects and her reaction was easily understandable. I look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
11k reviews28 followers
October 10, 2020
After witnessing his father's demise when his mate left Damon swore he would never take a mate until he sees Sophie. I loved the way the author brought Damon and Sophie together and how his wolf knew she was the one. This is a fated mates love story packed with drama, danger, suspense, steam, twists and a great ending. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
11k reviews128 followers
October 11, 2020
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Lisa Carlisle; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
522 reviews
October 19, 2020
LOVE THIS SPINOFF!!

from the 1st book of Lisa's I've read I have loved all of them. This one is no different. The story between Sophie &Damon is sweet chivalrous, they way he'll do anything for her even give her up, makes ur hear do flip flops. My heart does break for the alpha not being able to find his mate soon hopefully. Def a great story can't wait to start book 2.
6,577 reviews35 followers
November 17, 2020
An exciting, well written, and emotionally deep page-turner! The storyline is engaging and interesting with drama, twists, suspense, steam, and more. The characters are likeable and fated mates; the chemistry between them is instant and off the charts! Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews