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Most people believe supernatural creatures are the stuff of myths and fairy tales.
They’re dead wrong.
How do I know? Because I’m part-werewolf. While I don’t have enough wolf in me to shift, the universe still saw fit to bind me for life to a fated mate—a domineering, remorseless criminal named Elias Reyes.
After spending the last century dodging him, Elias has finally tracked me down, and his timing couldn’t be worse. He’s managed to infuriate a pair of deadly demons, and they’re closing in fast.
Will we manage to set aside our differences and unite against his enemies? Or will one of us get caught in the crossfire when Elias’s past finally catches up to him?
This paranormal gay romance is part of Alexa Land’s California Obscura Series. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone or enjoyed in order.
They’re dead wrong.
How do I know? Because I’m part-werewolf. While I don’t have enough wolf in me to shift, the universe still saw fit to bind me for life to a fated mate—a domineering, remorseless criminal named Elias Reyes.
After spending the last century dodging him, Elias has finally tracked me down, and his timing couldn’t be worse. He’s managed to infuriate a pair of deadly demons, and they’re closing in fast.
Will we manage to set aside our differences and unite against his enemies? Or will one of us get caught in the crossfire when Elias’s past finally catches up to him?
This paranormal gay romance is part of Alexa Land’s California Obscura Series. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone or enjoyed in order.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2021
45 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Land
58 books787 followersIndependent MM romance author. For more information, please visit Alexa's blog: http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 21, 2021
I've loved Alexa's "Tinder / California Obscura" universe since I read the first book back in 2014, even going so far as to beg her to continue this series.
She also may or may not have seen my name tag at GRL 2015 in San Diego and immediately pointed at me and said, "YOU!!!" Allegedly. ;- )
Love you, Alexa! heh
So yes, I was thrilled to see this book was coming, then savored every one of the 142 pages the very moment it was released.
We first met Mateo in "More Than This (California Obscura #3)"; however, for most of that book, he had been hiding in plain sight as Griffin's pet French bulldog for almost three decades, so we didn't meet him as his true half-werewolf/half-warlock self until near the end of that story.
I loved being back in this universe again and, as soon as Mateo's book began, I was immediately mesmerized as details of his past trickled out onto the page.
The one bit of spoilery info that I will give you was that Mateo met his mate a century prior, then ran and hid from him after only three days, but that's in the blurb, so no big deal.
What I can say is that once the action begins, it Does. Not. Stop. Not even really for more than a second or two. Even though I was desperate for it to slow down and breathe, giving me much more time to be convinced of both changes in feelings and attitude.
It wasn't a huge problem, but I have to admit that Mateo's feelings going from a bottomless hate for his estranged mate to genuinely caring for him and his well-being in only a few short pages was pushing it in the believability department for me.
My ideal version of this story would have probably been about 100 pages longer, so that there had been more time to "show" the reader how and why those feelings were able to transform and grow.
Instead, the story *literally* brought the reader to one major event, took a two to ten paragraph break, then immediately sprinted toward the next major plot event, leaving a less than ideal (or convincing) amount of time for the current feelings to just sit and be.
I did really enjoy the big plot twist toward the end, when it looked as though all of their deaths were more than certain, but again, it was almost another "blink and you'll miss it" moment, which I would've personally loved to have seen drawn out a wee bit more on page than it was.
I'm really hoping that we get Carter's book, since he seems to be the most logical candidate as a new MC, so fingers crossed and breath held on that front!
Overall, I'd rate this one at around 3.75 stars and recommend it to all fans of the Tinder / California Obscura" universe, which continues to be one of my favorite vampire series' of all time.
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March 7, 2021
If I don't look at the blurb again I can't remember the names of the MCs in this book and I only finished reading it a day and a half ago... so there's that.
I do remember how ridiculous the premise ended up being. Okay, I'm all-in about consent. It's an important thing and this means well but confuses itself. Besides, it's paranormal. Hello, mate bonds! I like them. They're a big part of what makes me read PNR. MC1, I literally forget his name, doesn't want to be with his mate, MC2. In fact, he'd run away from him a century before because he didn't like the whole mate bond behaviour. However, with the mate bond dampened by Carter (a demon friend of MC2)- huh, his name I remember - MC1, surprise, is in love and lust with MC2 immediately upon seeing him again anyway. So that negates his whole position and the premise itself. This then subjugated the writer's angle. So, the idea was interesting, the execution wasn't. Oh, and there's the whole 'I wish I hadn't run 100 years ago, what a waste of time we could have spent together' that was a theme. Uh, ya think! I wasn't MC1 and it seemed like a waste to me too.
The pacing was choppy. It starts off okay, gets a bit slow, then gets more action-packed in the latter part of the book. That ending was... bizarre and extremely serendipitous.
The reason for 2 stars is it's not a bad idea and I finished it. If you just want to read something paranormal that is edited well and has a bit of action and some middle-of-the-road sex, then this is (kind of, sort of) okay reading.
I do remember how ridiculous the premise ended up being. Okay, I'm all-in about consent. It's an important thing and this means well but confuses itself. Besides, it's paranormal. Hello, mate bonds! I like them. They're a big part of what makes me read PNR. MC1, I literally forget his name, doesn't want to be with his mate, MC2. In fact, he'd run away from him a century before because he didn't like the whole mate bond behaviour. However, with the mate bond dampened by Carter (a demon friend of MC2)- huh, his name I remember - MC1, surprise, is in love and lust with MC2 immediately upon seeing him again anyway. So that negates his whole position and the premise itself. This then subjugated the writer's angle. So, the idea was interesting, the execution wasn't. Oh, and there's the whole 'I wish I hadn't run 100 years ago, what a waste of time we could have spent together' that was a theme. Uh, ya think! I wasn't MC1 and it seemed like a waste to me too.
The pacing was choppy. It starts off okay, gets a bit slow, then gets more action-packed in the latter part of the book. That ending was... bizarre and extremely serendipitous.
The reason for 2 stars is it's not a bad idea and I finished it. If you just want to read something paranormal that is edited well and has a bit of action and some middle-of-the-road sex, then this is (kind of, sort of) okay reading.
February 23, 2021
It was so good to be back in this world again!
Mateo is the half-warlock/half-werewolf that we first met in More Than This. Elias is his half-werewolf fated mate. They met once a century ago. It was hate at first meeting and Mateo has been hiding from Elias ever since. All of this is about to change and we're all along for the ride.
There is plenty of action, thrills, humor and of course a bit of romance. Yay for cameos from Tinder and Bane (I just can't get used to him being August and if you haven't read their book you are REALLY missing out
The Tinder Chronicles: Complete 3-Volume Series) and of course Griffin and Ari pop in too. There are also a couple of new characters whose story I am hoping will be told very soon.
The story unfolds at a breakneck pace and a lot is packed into this tale. There were definitely some surprises, twists and a HEA that almost wasn't. There were some things I would have liked to have seen a little more build-up to, mostly the actual romance between Elias and Mateo, which felt a bit rushed, especially after we are told how contentious their relationship had been to this point. Fingers crossed for a book about Carter and hopes it will give us a bit more detail about a certain other character's change of heart.
While this would work as a standalone, since there is a complete story here, I would really suggest you read at least the previous book, but then again, you shouldn't deprive yourself of Tinder either.
Mateo is the half-warlock/half-werewolf that we first met in More Than This. Elias is his half-werewolf fated mate. They met once a century ago. It was hate at first meeting and Mateo has been hiding from Elias ever since. All of this is about to change and we're all along for the ride.
There is plenty of action, thrills, humor and of course a bit of romance. Yay for cameos from Tinder and Bane (I just can't get used to him being August and if you haven't read their book you are REALLY missing out
The Tinder Chronicles: Complete 3-Volume Series) and of course Griffin and Ari pop in too. There are also a couple of new characters whose story I am hoping will be told very soon.
The story unfolds at a breakneck pace and a lot is packed into this tale. There were definitely some surprises, twists and a HEA that almost wasn't. There were some things I would have liked to have seen a little more build-up to, mostly the actual romance between Elias and Mateo, which felt a bit rushed, especially after we are told how contentious their relationship had been to this point. Fingers crossed for a book about Carter and hopes it will give us a bit more detail about a certain other character's change of heart.
While this would work as a standalone, since there is a complete story here, I would really suggest you read at least the previous book, but then again, you shouldn't deprive yourself of Tinder either.
February 22, 2021
Love this series!
Mateo has been running from his fated mate for a long time. Elias won’t let Mateo run forever. When they meet up again, sparks fly and hotness ensues. SO much hotness!!!
Loved both characters and we get to see what has happened to the rest of the CA Obscura crew.
I really enjoyed this installment. I’m hoping we get another book out of this. I need to know what happens with Carter!
Highly recommend this book and series!
Mateo has been running from his fated mate for a long time. Elias won’t let Mateo run forever. When they meet up again, sparks fly and hotness ensues. SO much hotness!!!
Loved both characters and we get to see what has happened to the rest of the CA Obscura crew.
I really enjoyed this installment. I’m hoping we get another book out of this. I need to know what happens with Carter!
Highly recommend this book and series!
August 23, 2023
Enemies to Lovers? I'm not buyin' it.
At the end of the prior book in this series, we're told that Fig/Mateo was concealed with a spell (turning him into a bulldog familiar to an unsuspecting, clueless warlock named Griffin) to hide him from his fated mate who he despised. By the end of the third chapter in this book, Mateo was ready to jump Elias's bones. It was such a sudden attitude reversal that it felt totally unbelievable. However, the story begins to pick up and several chaotic and potentially deadly scenes take place. Several characters from previous books in the series join the two main characters from this story to battle murderous demons. Once the battles have been fought, the story loses steam and the remaining couple chapters, plus the epilogue, just kind of peter out. Lots of second-guessing. Lots of "will he/won't he." The HEA was inevitable, but it felt like the author ran out of steam and just needed to bring the story to a close. 3 stars. Meh.
At the end of the prior book in this series, we're told that Fig/Mateo was concealed with a spell (turning him into a bulldog familiar to an unsuspecting, clueless warlock named Griffin) to hide him from his fated mate who he despised. By the end of the third chapter in this book, Mateo was ready to jump Elias's bones. It was such a sudden attitude reversal that it felt totally unbelievable. However, the story begins to pick up and several chaotic and potentially deadly scenes take place. Several characters from previous books in the series join the two main characters from this story to battle murderous demons. Once the battles have been fought, the story loses steam and the remaining couple chapters, plus the epilogue, just kind of peter out. Lots of second-guessing. Lots of "will he/won't he." The HEA was inevitable, but it felt like the author ran out of steam and just needed to bring the story to a close. 3 stars. Meh.
February 21, 2021
I had a hard time with the relationship in this story. It felt like insta-love except Mateo had been running away from Elias for a century. I’m not a fan of relationship angst, but I would have liked a bit more relationship development before they made up. I also felt like Mateo either way overreacted when he went into hiding or Elias didn’t do nearly enough groveling because Mateo did a lot more apologizing. The paranormal and action elements were engaging though.
December 21, 2022
So good. This whole series is so. good.
Very much enjoyed Mateo and Elias. Their dynamic was so much fun. Would love a book about Carter. Just saying. Honestly, I could spent another half-dozen books in this world happily.
Very much enjoyed Mateo and Elias. Their dynamic was so much fun. Would love a book about Carter. Just saying. Honestly, I could spent another half-dozen books in this world happily.
August 1, 2021
This ended up being one of those "it's not bad, it's just not that spectacular" pieces. Partly because the first books were better (if my memory serves and remembers it correctly).
This might prove to have some spoilers. A few?
The "problem" was a bit of a... lack of any... conflict? Proper one? Basically, one guy avoids his mate for a century and then they get together and let's say they longer want to avoid one another so now it was kind of "now what" vibe so someone was added as an adversary to... mix it up? And we got the previous characters back to make it feel more... homey?
And the funny thing is I would usually be all annoyed and sad about the century thing but I wasn't because they're all except THEN they insisted on bringing it up and feeling sorry for themselves and THAT I definitely did mind.
The ending was unexpected enough and really, werewolves that can't shift? Whoa. And Alphas that... don't have a pack? (But still may act like A-h...pas?).
Let's call it a fairly sedate and good enough intermission/epilogue to the series (though I suspect there is one couple who can get their own book). Recomend the series still, just recommend the earlier works more I think.
This might prove to have some spoilers. A few?
The "problem" was a bit of a... lack of any... conflict? Proper one? Basically, one guy avoids his mate for a century and then they get together and let's say they longer want to avoid one another so now it was kind of "now what" vibe so someone was added as an adversary to... mix it up? And we got the previous characters back to make it feel more... homey?
And the funny thing is I would usually be all annoyed and sad about the century thing but I wasn't because they're all except THEN they insisted on bringing it up and feeling sorry for themselves and THAT I definitely did mind.
The ending was unexpected enough and really, werewolves that can't shift? Whoa. And Alphas that... don't have a pack? (But still may act like A-h...pas?).
Let's call it a fairly sedate and good enough intermission/epilogue to the series (though I suspect there is one couple who can get their own book). Recomend the series still, just recommend the earlier works more I think.
February 24, 2021
Another late night for me!! I blazed through Alexa Land's Fate (California Obscura #4/KU) because I could NOT put it down...It is fast paced, sexy hot, funny, emotional and exciting! A fated mate (I believe that is what this called) story that tugged at my heart strings. As a relative newbie to paranormal, I devoured the first books in this series in 2 days and now I'm thinking what the hell took me so long to read about vampires, warlocks, witches humans, demons, angels, and everything in between! I'm not gonna lie, Alexa writes some HOT AF sexy times!! LOL I know I know, many of you have told me to get my shit together and read paranormal and OK you were right! LOL This is a phenomenal series..a chosen family which I have fallen madly in love with...I highly recommend this series to everyone!! I would say this is not a standalone but trust me, it's no hardship to have to read all the books in the series leading up to Fate. And Alexa, you know I need Carter, the "sweet" demon's story..You are NOT allowed to leave me hanging like that!! Go forth an clickity click!!
February 25, 2021
GAH... I loved this book! I went through so many emotions. Sad, happy, anxious,heartbroken and relief then a sappy smile. I read the book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down it was so good, but at one part my heart stopped and I was like”nooo... Alexa doesn’t write this stuff” so I reread it then chucked my kindle on the couch and walked away for a few minutes then dug back in. When you read the book, you’ll know the part I’m talking about. I loved Mateo (half werewolf, half warlock )right away and started to like Elias(half werewolf Alpha, half human) then loved him towards the end. A hundred years a part then bam, they can’t keep their hands off each other even when the mate bond is lowered, so meant to be. It was great to read more up on Tinder, August, Griffin & Ari. I missed them and loved then in their stories. Please tell me Carter will get a story with Abel(hint,wink). A Must Read if you love the supernatural.
February 27, 2021
I love Alexa Land's California Obscura series and Feral was the first book that I ever read by her :) I was really excited to hear that she would be adding more in the series. I first met Mateo in More Than This when he was disguised as Griffin's pet bulldog :) In Fate, Mateo's backstory is explained a lot more in detail as well as why he chose to hide from his fated mate for more than a century. Elias and Mateo start out as enemies who overcome a lot and then get closer when demons hunt down Elias. It's a fast paced story but it was wonderful seeing and hearing about all the couples from previous books like Griff, Ari, Tinder and August :) I hope Carter and Abel get their own story! I'm looking forward to reading more in this series because I love this world.
February 27, 2021
Brilliant, loved it
This is the fourth book in the California Obscure series and this one deals with Mateo - half werewolf and half warlock and his unwanted fated mate Elias - half werewolf, who is a criminal mastermind who has really upset 2 demons. The story is one of acceptance, love, revenge and rescue as Mateo must work to get Elias back from the demons he upset. There are vampires, witches, warlocks , a former Angel and a good demon all involved in the rescue. Couldn't put this book down and really hope the series continues.
This is the fourth book in the California Obscure series and this one deals with Mateo - half werewolf and half warlock and his unwanted fated mate Elias - half werewolf, who is a criminal mastermind who has really upset 2 demons. The story is one of acceptance, love, revenge and rescue as Mateo must work to get Elias back from the demons he upset. There are vampires, witches, warlocks , a former Angel and a good demon all involved in the rescue. Couldn't put this book down and really hope the series continues.
March 14, 2021
Another winner from Alexa!
I heckin’ loved this book. The dialogue and banter between Elias and Mateo has Alexa’s signature humor and I laughed out loud quite a bit. It was a wild ride from start to finish. I liked the fast pacing as it kept me turning the pages (I read it in one sitting) and nothing was ever dragged out. Alexa’s men tend to be logical, rational and decisive, which I always super appreciate.
I highly recommend this entire series. I’m not a huge fan of paranormal, but Alexa writes some of the best PNR I’ve ever read.
I heckin’ loved this book. The dialogue and banter between Elias and Mateo has Alexa’s signature humor and I laughed out loud quite a bit. It was a wild ride from start to finish. I liked the fast pacing as it kept me turning the pages (I read it in one sitting) and nothing was ever dragged out. Alexa’s men tend to be logical, rational and decisive, which I always super appreciate.
I highly recommend this entire series. I’m not a huge fan of paranormal, but Alexa writes some of the best PNR I’ve ever read.
February 19, 2021
Love neverending
Mateo and Elias were wonderful. Their story was both endearing and action packed story of misunderstanding, self worth, trust , humanity, forgiveness and in the end a love strong enough to last the ages.
It was nice to revisit the other characters from th e other series and hope to revisit them all in the future.
Mateo and Elias were wonderful. Their story was both endearing and action packed story of misunderstanding, self worth, trust , humanity, forgiveness and in the end a love strong enough to last the ages.
It was nice to revisit the other characters from th e other series and hope to revisit them all in the future.
February 27, 2021
Fate
Mateo does everything within his power to loose his mate, only to regret it a century later. Elias has been pining for his mate for a hundred years. When these two finally get together it’s more than just fireworks, it truly is magic! Please tell me Carter & Abel get a story too 😍📚❤️
Mateo does everything within his power to loose his mate, only to regret it a century later. Elias has been pining for his mate for a hundred years. When these two finally get together it’s more than just fireworks, it truly is magic! Please tell me Carter & Abel get a story too 😍📚❤️
November 14, 2021
Bumped up to 3.7 stars.
I liked it and the initial premise had the potential for incendiary chemistry, but I felt that the reunion scene was meh and they changed their minds too fast. There was room for more push and pull and relationship development and the separation came on too fast so I sort of just put it down. Maybe I’ll come back to it one day.
I liked it and the initial premise had the potential for incendiary chemistry, but I felt that the reunion scene was meh and they changed their minds too fast. There was room for more push and pull and relationship development and the separation came on too fast so I sort of just put it down. Maybe I’ll come back to it one day.
March 2, 2021
I absolutely loved it hard! This is Book 4 in the California Obscura series. The world this author has created is just the right mix of paranormal for me. From dangerous demons, werewolves, and vampires to romantic hot sexy times all wrapped in great characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
March 3, 2021
Fate?
I enjoyed this book, even though I felt a little ambivalent about the ending. Both men ultimately got what they wanted but I wasn't super thrilled with how it happened, it was definitely a HEA, just an odd one.
I enjoyed this book, even though I felt a little ambivalent about the ending. Both men ultimately got what they wanted but I wasn't super thrilled with how it happened, it was definitely a HEA, just an odd one.
March 11, 2021
Twist
This was a edge of your seat story. He denied his mate but that was do to conflicted in his feeling.but what happens when you have some wild and very powerful beings after you. Mate always find a way to each other
This was a edge of your seat story. He denied his mate but that was do to conflicted in his feeling.but what happens when you have some wild and very powerful beings after you. Mate always find a way to each other
July 2, 2021
Fun Read
The work in this book was different and very interesting. The characters a unique mixture of common traits and new spins. I liked this world. Alexa Land never fails to write a captivating story.
The work in this book was different and very interesting. The characters a unique mixture of common traits and new spins. I liked this world. Alexa Land never fails to write a captivating story.
February 20, 2021
It was different and kinda refreshing to read but I wish the ending didn't turn that way.
February 21, 2021
Oh my Heart
I can’t wait for more Alexa Land did it again. I read the book in one day and didn’t realize it.. I am in love with these books
I can’t wait for more Alexa Land did it again. I read the book in one day and didn’t realize it.. I am in love with these books
February 23, 2021
Such a nice surprise - love this series!
March 17, 2021
storyline: ****
main characters: ****
side characters: ****
world building: ***
editing: *****
main characters: ****
side characters: ****
world building: ***
editing: *****
May 26, 2021
Jeanette goodreads
I love this book so brilliant so good I loved seeing other characters again the series and stories are put togethe
I love this book so brilliant so good I loved seeing other characters again the series and stories are put togethe
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews