Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Hamilton Brothers #2

The Alpha's Affair

Rate this book
Their affair was supposed to be a little fun, a lot of sex, but most of all…SECRET. Witches and shifters didn’t get along, so the chances of it going further should’ve been nil. Except…Brent was an alpha used to getting what he wanted and he wanted Mercedes. All of her. So he’d go along with her ‘lil affair idea’ until he could convince her that they belonged together.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2021

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Dria Andersen

35 books235 followers
Dria Andersen is a full-time photographer, mother of two, and lifelong storyteller. After the birth of her first child, she made a promise to pursue her dreams boldly-starting with writing the kinds of stories she always wanted to see in the world. That leap of faith became her debut novel, and she's been writing ever since.

Dria crafts love stories that center brown girls with heart, strength, and agency. Blending romance with elements of fantasy and wonder, her books invite readers into richly imagined worlds where anything is possible and everyone deserves a happy ending.


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
270 (58%)
4 stars
150 (32%)
3 stars
43 (9%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
575 reviews125 followers
May 2, 2024
Sweet!

Brent and Mercedes knew that secret affair was not going to last lol! Like, be so serious! Seeing them stop caring about others' feelings about their bond was powerful. I enjoyed seeing his bear and her power intertwining! The Alpha crowning night was also one of my fave scenes. A bear and a witch are an odd pair and all families were bought in so that didn't stop the mating. Mercedes's aunts were also my fave as well as her friends too!
Profile Image for hea booktubes.
1,859 reviews386 followers
February 18, 2022
Black romance. A bear shifter and a witch. Low conflict. No third act break up. Sweet and steamy.
Profile Image for Natalya | TheIslandReader.
286 reviews11 followers
June 7, 2021
I'm a huge fan of supernatural romances and Dria Andersen has been a favorite of mine in recent years with her supernatural novels. Chasing Savannah is one of my favorites from her. 

The Alpha's Affair is a bit of an extension from that book and subsequent books set in that world. The Alpha's Affair is the second book in her Hamilton Brothers series and features Brent, oldest Hamilton sibling and the soon-to-be Alpha of his bear clan. 

Bears stick to tradition and the alpha needs to be married. With Brent's twin brother getting married, his family is on him more than ever. He's not particularly hung up on marriage and is in no rush but his mother has other plans. Brent comes across a new office manager at his family's company when he returns from a trip and is immediately drawn to Mercedes. His bear almost immediately claims her as his mate. The problem? Mercedes is a witch and supposedly bears and witches shouldn't be a thing. 

This was a quick, fun read. It was low on angst but had great chemistry and it was great seeing other members of Brent's family in the novel. While reading The Friend Contact, the first book in the series is recommended, it's not necessary and this can be read as a standalone. 
Profile Image for bree.
207 reviews38 followers
August 29, 2025
dria spoils me. her interconnected shifter romances are a perfect balance of romance, smut & paranormal activity. it was fun reading the first story in dria's shifterverse with a witch in the mix, though i wish this story was longer. brent & sadie felt like they had more sexual chemistry than anything else, compared to previous reads. i feel a lengthier book could have established more romantic chemistry between the two, but i did love the way her powers melded with brent's bear. she seemed like his own personal zeta.
Profile Image for JazzReads .
1,343 reviews39 followers
September 14, 2026
3.5 I like Mercedes and Brent relationship. I want to read more shifter books like this one. I read other books by this author but I feel like this is my first book where a witch falls in love with a bear shifter. Overall good book and I am glad I decided to read this one
Profile Image for Weekend Reader_.
1,107 reviews96 followers
May 14, 2021
Bear + witch paranormal romance coming right up. What a mash up of primal and energy powers. Mercedes and Brent are fated mates that can't be separated by historical tensions between bear clan and witches. I loved that Mercedes (Sadie) was not watered down, literally Black girl magic. Oh and can we talk about Porsha and April ready to fight bears just so their friend could be with her man. The family aspect was also a sweet touch Grams and Bea and the Hamiltons. I just really enjoyed this novella 🤗 🐻

CW: parent death, imminent domain challenge, on page fight

Steam level: Hot

I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
48 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2021
Love Brent and Mercedes

I just found Ms. Dria Anderson. She is now on my 1-click list. Brent was my type of Alpha. Charming as hell but don't mess with HIS. Example, the Christmas party. He showed everyone just how "placid" he really was!



Profile Image for Black Love and Coffee.
18 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2021
This book is a passionate romance novella between a placid, alpha bear and a witch, who excites his world. While Brent is sure about his relationship with Mercedes, she is skeptical about it. But who can blame her? Office romance can be tricky, especially when you are dating the boss. I love the chemistry between Brent and Mercedes as they 'try' to keep their affair a secret and Mercedes makes a normally relax Brent acts recklessly for her love. It was also nice to see the Hamilton Family from book one, especially the lovable, jerk Gabe.

For a more in-depth review check out: https://blackloveandcoffee.com/the-al...
Profile Image for Lauren loves llamas.
849 reviews113 followers
April 19, 2021
Content warnings:

What’s better than an alpha bear shifter romance? An alpha bear shifter romance with a witch and the workplace romance trope! This is a quick, light read, and was absolutely perfect for my mood. I think this could possibly be read as a standalone, but I also highly recommend Brent’s twin brother’s book, The Friend Contract.

“He’s an Alpha through and through, Sadie, you’ll want to be careful.”
Mercedes frowned. “Gram, we don’t have any type of relationship, so I’ll be fine.”
Lisa scoffed. “Play all you want, Mercedes, but shifters play to keep. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.”


Brent’s father, alpha of their bear shifter pack, is ready to step down and let Brent assume the position. Bears are old-fashioned, though, and expect their alpha to be married. And with his twin brother Gabe’s recent marriage, his mom is ready to step up her game on getting him to the altar. After his latest work trip (partially to get away from the matchmaking), he’s surprised to find the firm has a new office manager, and even more surprised by his bear’s immediate reaction to her. Mercedes’ new job feels like a perfect fit, and even better, it pays enough to take care of both herself and her two grandmothers, who raised her after the death of her parents. And sure, Brent is hot, but Mercedes is a witch, and witches and shifters don’t have a history of getting along. But Brent’s bear is convinced Mercedes is the one for him, and Mercedes can’t get him out of her head. Can they overcome their worries to give their relationship a try?

This is, for the most part, a very relaxing book. Almost the entire plot revolves around Brent and Mercedes figuring out their relationship. There’s a very small subplot where Brent helps Mercedes with a legal dispute involving her grandmothers’ farm, but it’s more of an initial excuse for him to spend time with her. After that, they move on to dates, and before you know it, boom, secret relationship. Brent’s nickname is the Placid Alpha. He’s sweet, not complaining when Mercedes’ grandmothers put him to work moving mulch and other things around the farm. He’s much more even-keeled than his father and brother, and he works hard to keep his alpha bear balanced. With the shift in alphas coming and finding his mate, his bear is harder to control than ever, leading him to do things like asking Mercedes if she wants kids after they’ve only been together for a few days. Brent’s human side, however, knows that barging in like a, uh, bear in a china shop won’t win him any favors with her.

Mercedes has plenty of good reasons for wanting to take their relationship slow. First, there’s the whole witch/shifter thing. Mercedes is a powerful witch, someone who can see and soothe auras (like Brent’s bear), and it’s a skill she uses at her job to nip any potential office problems in the bud. While her grandmothers are worried Brent only wants her for her power, Mercedes has more concerns about how she’d work out as alpha female. Will she be jeopardizing his position if he takes a non-shifter as his mate? More prosaically, being the office manager at his family’s law firm is the best job she’s ever had, and she doesn’t want to jeopardize that. Considering that she works closely with Brent’s sisters, that’s the main driver behind keeping their relationship on the down low.

“I hope you both have fun tonight,” Trina said and walked off.
“Affectionate bunch,” Porsha whispered. “And April was right, them bitches big as hell.
I’m not looking forward to fighting them.”
Mercedes snickered. “We ain’t fightin’ nobody. Cut it out.”


And, oh my gosh, I love Brent’s triplet sisters, the main lawyers at the family firm, who are powers in their own rights. Mercedes’ friend group was equally hilarious – offering to fight Brent’s sisters if they gave Mercedes any problems with their relationship – and I’d love to see more of them. As for the other story elements, the pacing works perfectly for the tone of the book.

Overall, this is a very satisfying and relaxing romance. If you’re looking for a fated-mates type story without extra bells and whistles, I’d highly recommend this series.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for kittykat AKA Ms. Tortitude.
642 reviews118 followers
January 5, 2023
An ARC of this book was received with thanks via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

As per the author note at the beginning, this is very much a low angst novella. It's about the 'secret' affair between soon-to-be bear shifter clan Alpha Brent, the older twin of Gabe from The Friend Contract, and the powerful witch Mercedes (Sadie). Because of the low stakes, I imagine it wouldn't be some readers' cup of tea but makes for a quick and relaxing read in between more heavy or action packed books, with enough sex scenes to satisfy those that like a high heat level.

There is a little bit of comedic drama from Brent's mom and her constant meddling to find him a mate (which is a requirement for him to take over the Alpha position from his dad), and from the constant teasing from his brother but the biggest 'twist' to this quiet story is that this supposedly 'Placid' Alpha, is not really as plaid as he makes out and is actually masking a whole lot of aggression from his inner beast as he is fighting some of the instincts of his bear. He certainly knows how to turn on the heat between him and Sadie, so how on earth he expected to keep it secret for so long was beyond me! However, in juxtaposition to his clearly dominant nature, there are a couple of brief scenes with him cooing over his newborn nephews that made me go "awwww".

Sadie is no pushover, however. As mentioned before, she is a powerful witch who can see auras and has the ability to calm the emotions of those around her, similar to Naomi from book 1. And despite some doubts as to her suitability as the Alpha female to a clan of bear shifters (they and witches don't have the best history) she more than proves her mettle.

Lastly, I'd really love to see a book about Sadie's two equally powerful witch grandmothers who raised her together and helped her nurture her power, after their kids, Sadie's parents died early. I would have liked it if these ladies had become a couple at a certain point in their history, but I can always imagine.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
21.5k reviews373 followers
April 23, 2021
The Witch and the Shifter . . .

The timing seems perfect. Brent is a bear shifter about to take over as Alpha of his father’s pack. But he needs to be mated, and his mom is driving him crazy to find a mate. When he returns to the office from a recent trip, partially to keep his mom from relentlessly looking for his mate, he finds a new office manager has been hired for their law firm. His bear is excited and expressing interest in Mercedes. But she feels secure because she is a witch and witches don’t traditionally mingle well with shifters.

When Brent and Mercedes begin dating, he is fine with keeping their relationship quiet. But he knows she is his mate and he will find a way to convince her to accept their future together. Mercedes is a powerful witch who can see auras which seems like a perfect skill for an Alpha’s mate. Her ability to read auras and calm the emotions of those around her could be very helpful in a leader. But will she be willing to accept him as her mate? Will the pack accept her as well since she would be their Alpha’s mate?

This was such a comfortable story with likable characters. Brent seems so easy-going, it’s sometimes hard to believe he’s a bear. But he’s not weak, just good-natured. Will Brent and Mercedes get their HEA? What does the future have in store for them?
Profile Image for Amanda K.
499 reviews29 followers
October 25, 2022
Black Love. Fated mates. Softie alpha bear shifter and powerful witch. Good family dynamics. Boss/employee. Secret relationship. Low angst.

I wish we got a little more of the development on-page; there was the use of time jumps and mentions of constant late-night texting to deepen the relationship without increasing the page length. But I'm a sucker for watching fated mates fall in love in a way that shows why they were destined. Still cute, though, and I'm a sucker for shifter romances so I will pick up more of the books in this world from the author.
548 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2023
Hamilton Brothers Book 2

It takes skill to write short, complete books (less than 300 pages) and Dria Andersen has the skill down. Another enjoyable, short palate cleanser this book is about the older twin and alpha Hamilton brother and his mate.

The world building, character development and plot arc are perfectly detailed. There is some heat as well. Lots of wit, laughter and snark from the characters as well. Another well-written paranormal romance with all Black characters.
9,377 reviews141 followers
April 25, 2021
This is an entertaining shifter romance between Brent and Mercedes. About to become alpha of his pack, bear shifter Brent meets Mercedes , a powerful witch. He knows she's his mate .. now he has to find a way to convince her. The author brings strong characters and weaves a quick romance , painting her scenes perfectly and delivering a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Nina.
Author 8 books6 followers
June 8, 2022
Brent never saw Sadie coming but the little nudging his mum and sister do pushed him forth but how he and Sadie go about their 'forbidden relationship' had me chuffed. It's better to set the pace you want to go by and it be smoothed over when you find someone who understands that and you grow together.
Sadie making her journey to Alpha female beside Brent is a good read. Seeing her grow into that role.
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,327 reviews77 followers
February 15, 2023
so good

There is so much at this to love but one of my favorite things was Gabe and Brent’s interactions. I love me some twins and these two are perfection. This was as sweet and as spicy as Andersen said it would be. It very much gave what it was supposed to. I can’t get enough of the pacing of Andersen’s work it just enough push and pull, and the dialogue is the icing on the cake.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,857 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2026
Brent and Sadie

An affair to definitely remember. Brent was set to take on his role as alpha of their clan when he meets an enticing witch who could control him and his bear like not even he himself could. Sadie wasn’t really keen on the idea of anyone knowing about their secret affair, but Brent’s bear wasn’t playing about his mate. I wholeheartedly enjoyed their courtship and Sadie’s grandmothers and friends. Happy Reading Y’all!💋
Profile Image for Damilola.
218 reviews16 followers
September 12, 2022
Such a sweet and easy read

This book is great if you’re in a book slump and just need something quick and sweet to read. Loved how the aspect of their secret dating wasn’t too dragged out as they were upfront with their feelings. Even though the author did describe this as fluffy it wasn’t cringey. I truly enjoyed this book and will definitely add it to my comfort reads.
Profile Image for Courtnee Howell.
524 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2024
More Bears!

Brent needs a mate if he wants to be Alpha. Mercedes doesn’t want her love life to interfere with her job. The magic between does not care.

I really want Dria Andersen to give me a full bear shifter book. These novellas have been cute, but now I’m suddenly a bear shifter fan.

If you like shifters, witches, and secret romances, then this is for you.
2,908 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2021
Brent was away when Mercedes was hired as office manager of their law firm. His bear scented her and knew that she was his mate and it was ok that she was a witch.because of her being a witch. Brent helped her grandmothers with a problem. Things were great for everyone. Great book!
Profile Image for Kathy Mccalmon.
3,721 reviews29 followers
April 24, 2021
This is the 2nd book in the Hamilton brothers series. It is a paranormal romance with shifters and witches. The characters are enjoyable with a wonderful story line

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,813 reviews65 followers
April 29, 2021
I loved this Shifter/Witch PNR storyline it has great characters with even better chemistry between Aloha Brent and his love interest Mercedes. The storyline flowed easily throughout the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jane.
367 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2022
This was really good, I really enjoyed the writing. It was a completely angst-free, sweet romance. Black love. I loved the paranormal elements. The family inclusion. I would like to check out some more action-packed romances from this author, but this was a lovely time.
262 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2022
🔥🔥🔥

I so love 💕 the shifters stories and this one no doubt is one of my favorites. Brent and Mercedes were so cute together and her grandmothers were so adorable. Love the family dynamics and the clan. Great job.
Profile Image for LaDonna B.
1,600 reviews14 followers
October 18, 2022
*swoons*

I knew I’d love their story. And also that his mate would take him by surprise. I’m glad it all worked out. I could’ve gone for a baby though lol. Definitely loved this series and plan to tell all my readers friends lol
Profile Image for Camille Baker.
Author 4 books241 followers
January 13, 2023
Ever read something perfect for your mood? This was that. But... the reason I needed this low-angst novella was because of another one of the author's books stressing me out, so... very benevolent of her.
Profile Image for Chameika Jarrett.
116 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2023
I'm falling

Never thought I would like bears but I do! I love alpha leads and the possession. Read this in a matter of hours. Im loving this author. The passion in her books are 🔥. I'm on to the next one!
Profile Image for Sonya Williams.
1,013 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2023
More Conflict

Although I enjoyed reading this book, I was a little disappointed in the lack of conflict. I was expecting more pushback from the clan and more regarding the people trying to take the grandmothers land.
Profile Image for Kesha Bee.
217 reviews
May 8, 2023
Almost perfect

Great story, great characters, great dialogue but there were quite a few errors sprinkled throughout the book that if edited, would move this book from great to amazing. I'd love to read another from this series.
295 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2023
Love this series

This series caught me by surprise with the mating between these 2. But I must admit they were perfect together. Who wouldn't love Gabe and Brent Hamilton? Naomi and Sadie were a perfect match. I loved how the family supported their decisions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews