What do you think?
Rate this book
Claws and Fangs #2
Always Her Mate
I’ve always known that Ryker is my fated mate. What I didn’t know? Was that he’s always known he’s mine…
Ryker Wolfson.
Strong. Sexy.
Powerful.
Irresistible.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been waiting for the Luna Ceremony that would make him my bonded mate. Though it’s not supposed to be possible, I’ve known since I was a kid that the future Alpha of the Mountainside Pack was fated to be mine. I figured my knowing had something to do with me being a rarity: a born female alpha.
Turns out that I’m half right. It’s not the female part, but an alpha thing. Because Ryker? For the last eleven years, he’s known exactly who I am to him.
Worse? The rejection that had me hiding out this past year was as planned as everything else he has his claws in. Ryker might’ve thought he was protecting me, but all he did was push me away—all because he forgot for a moment what I am.
Omega Gem is history. Long live the Alpha of Muncie.
Only I’m in a bit of trouble these days. He might’ve spent years keeping my secret for me, but it’s out now. An unforeseen betrayal in his pack has Ryker reeling, and me walking around with a big ol’ target on my back.
As if dealing with my infatuated roommate wasn’t bad enough. Now I have a powerful wolf chasing after me, desperate to claim me during the next full moon.
Not to mention the summons from my birth pack—and my old life. My sperm donor has discovered just how valuable I am, and since I’ve been “rejected” by Ryker, he wants me to go home for the first time since I was a pup.
Yeah? Well, I want him to drop dead.
And while I’m used to getting out of tougher scrapes than these, I’m beginning to see that—once again—I’m left with basically one option, and it isn’t running away.
It’s Ryker.
Maybe it’s time that I accept that he’s always been my mate…
**
Always Her Mate is the second novel in the Claws and Fangs series. In a case of “better the devil you know”, Gem realizes that Ryker is her best chance at avoiding being forced into a mating she doesn’t want. It’s tough, though. Because while she’s always wanted him, her pride still can’t get over his rejection…
Ryker Wolfson.
Strong. Sexy.
Powerful.
Irresistible.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been waiting for the Luna Ceremony that would make him my bonded mate. Though it’s not supposed to be possible, I’ve known since I was a kid that the future Alpha of the Mountainside Pack was fated to be mine. I figured my knowing had something to do with me being a rarity: a born female alpha.
Turns out that I’m half right. It’s not the female part, but an alpha thing. Because Ryker? For the last eleven years, he’s known exactly who I am to him.
Worse? The rejection that had me hiding out this past year was as planned as everything else he has his claws in. Ryker might’ve thought he was protecting me, but all he did was push me away—all because he forgot for a moment what I am.
Omega Gem is history. Long live the Alpha of Muncie.
Only I’m in a bit of trouble these days. He might’ve spent years keeping my secret for me, but it’s out now. An unforeseen betrayal in his pack has Ryker reeling, and me walking around with a big ol’ target on my back.
As if dealing with my infatuated roommate wasn’t bad enough. Now I have a powerful wolf chasing after me, desperate to claim me during the next full moon.
Not to mention the summons from my birth pack—and my old life. My sperm donor has discovered just how valuable I am, and since I’ve been “rejected” by Ryker, he wants me to go home for the first time since I was a pup.
Yeah? Well, I want him to drop dead.
And while I’m used to getting out of tougher scrapes than these, I’m beginning to see that—once again—I’m left with basically one option, and it isn’t running away.
It’s Ryker.
Maybe it’s time that I accept that he’s always been my mate…
**
Always Her Mate is the second novel in the Claws and Fangs series. In a case of “better the devil you know”, Gem realizes that Ryker is her best chance at avoiding being forced into a mating she doesn’t want. It’s tough, though. Because while she’s always wanted him, her pride still can’t get over his rejection…
ebook
First published July 27, 2021
1309 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 8, 2022
I finished it! yay gold star for me!
I will start with: If you have not read book one or the novella (Goodreads calls it book 5 but it is a prequel) THAT IS OK, YOU DON'T NEED TO. Gemma spends the first 5 chapters and serval other points in the book to literally re-tell all of book one and the prequel in her near constant internal monologue. This story came out in July of 2021, book 1 came out in May of 2021. How stupid does this author think her readers are? MAYBE MAYBE if you took five years to write the second I could see that much retelling of the story, but mere months, no the author was trying to pad the book to make it longer. I bet if you were to take out all of her inner speak, this book would only be about a third of what it is. I honestly considered around chapter 7 that I could just skip this one and go straight to book 3 b/c that one will most likely recap, in great detail, what happened in book 2, and probably book 1 and the prequel again just to be safe.
I'm torn between just leaving my review at that and say just look at all of my reading progress up dates that shows what I feel, or going completely off on a rant fest, conundrum.
I came in to this story with a low view of Gemma, she is spoiled, insecure, and a coward. This story just cemented my thoughts on her. I know that she lived her life hiding her true self, HOWEVER she had an excellent tutor in her adoptive father. She should know what is expected of the Alpha, how an Alpha should act both towards equals and lessers, how to be a leader. But the following quotes just show how selfish, self centered, and completely ignorant of how her own people live.
Ok so we don't know the other conditions, she has not actually had this conversation with him for the reader to see, and most importantly WTF why would you not live with him, your MATE, with your pack?
Oh how magnanimous of you, you deigned to talk to your mate and tell him about the other guy you like and are worried about
seriously she just said
OK, so you are only willing to be a mate when it works best for you. Oh and you have no desire to be an Alpha and have that responsibility, but you sure do like the benefits.
All I have to say to Ryker is you are a freaking Saint to deal with her shit, or maybe a coward yourself to not call her out on it. And what exactly do you see in her, b/c she is one of the least likable characters I have read in a long while.
I was getting REALLY tired of how Trish kept being brought up, even to the very last paragraphs of the book, Gemma needs to get over that. It has been established time and time again that Ryker (who knows why) only has eyes for Gemma.
Other things the reader is told and never shown: Ryker's dad's "accident" that is the only word used though mentioned several times, like the author couldn't be bothered to figure out how he died.
I will end with: these two audios that I picked up on sale will be returned. I don't normally return books, even if I only sorta like them but these are going back. And at this point I see no reason to read book 3 to see how things end up. I was even eager to see Alex and his story and I looks like the start of his will happen with book 3 but I just don't care to put that much effort into it. I have zero desire to be in Gemma's head more than I've already endured.
I will start with: If you have not read book one or the novella (Goodreads calls it book 5 but it is a prequel) THAT IS OK, YOU DON'T NEED TO. Gemma spends the first 5 chapters and serval other points in the book to literally re-tell all of book one and the prequel in her near constant internal monologue. This story came out in July of 2021, book 1 came out in May of 2021. How stupid does this author think her readers are? MAYBE MAYBE if you took five years to write the second I could see that much retelling of the story, but mere months, no the author was trying to pad the book to make it longer. I bet if you were to take out all of her inner speak, this book would only be about a third of what it is. I honestly considered around chapter 7 that I could just skip this one and go straight to book 3 b/c that one will most likely recap, in great detail, what happened in book 2, and probably book 1 and the prequel again just to be safe.
I'm torn between just leaving my review at that and say just look at all of my reading progress up dates that shows what I feel, or going completely off on a rant fest, conundrum.
I came in to this story with a low view of Gemma, she is spoiled, insecure, and a coward. This story just cemented my thoughts on her. I know that she lived her life hiding her true self, HOWEVER she had an excellent tutor in her adoptive father. She should know what is expected of the Alpha, how an Alpha should act both towards equals and lessers, how to be a leader. But the following quotes just show how selfish, self centered, and completely ignorant of how her own people live.
"Every time we mention possibly bonding to one anther, I always made it clear {actually this is the first time it is mentioned in the book, a tell not show} that I might do it one day but NOT if he expects me to drop everything and move back to {Mountainside Pack}. I don't want to think of ours as a long distance mating or anything, but more like an expansion of our territories, I could visit him and he could visit me, but I'd still live here, still work here. That was my condition, one of them"
Ok so we don't know the other conditions, she has not actually had this conversation with him for the reader to see, and most importantly WTF why would you not live with him, your MATE, with your pack?
"As his partner I grudgingly accept that I can't cut him (Ryker) off, that I can't just refuse to communicate with him, but the way I see it, I gave him the cliftnotes version. I did my mately duty"
Oh how magnanimous of you, you deigned to talk to your mate and tell him about the other guy you like and are worried about
seriously she just said
"ew, your name is Jack"to one of the four whom she used her Alpha howl on and now they see her as their alpha as well. At least Ryker calls her out on the infantile comment, but for fucks sake he is far too indulgent on her assholery.
"I'll return to pact territory whenever he asks me to, so long as I can get coverage at the bar if I'm on shift and whether it is in our bed in the town house or the cabin, I'll sleep by his side every night, but I'm an alpha. I need to be free to live my life, even if I'm sharing it with Ryker and the pack. He won't like it of course not, his alpha wolf nature demands he coddle his mate, defend his mate, feed his mate and well, mate with his mate. As the other half of the alpha couple he wants me with him, so he can take care of me, in turn we are responsible for the rest of the pack, and I'm ok with that {nope actually by this statement it shows you in fact are not ok with this} It's just I like my job {as a bar tender}, the friends I made in Muncie, the ability to walk around with out the expectations on an alpha female, if I'm being honest its that last one that appeals to me the most"
OK, so you are only willing to be a mate when it works best for you. Oh and you have no desire to be an Alpha and have that responsibility, but you sure do like the benefits.
All I have to say to Ryker is you are a freaking Saint to deal with her shit, or maybe a coward yourself to not call her out on it. And what exactly do you see in her, b/c she is one of the least likable characters I have read in a long while.
I was getting REALLY tired of how Trish kept being brought up, even to the very last paragraphs of the book, Gemma needs to get over that. It has been established time and time again that Ryker (who knows why) only has eyes for Gemma.
Other things the reader is told and never shown: Ryker's dad's "accident" that is the only word used though mentioned several times, like the author couldn't be bothered to figure out how he died.
I will end with: these two audios that I picked up on sale will be returned. I don't normally return books, even if I only sorta like them but these are going back. And at this point I see no reason to read book 3 to see how things end up. I was even eager to see Alex and his story and I looks like the start of his will happen with book 3 but I just don't care to put that much effort into it. I have zero desire to be in Gemma's head more than I've already endured.
October 21, 2021
Now that I’ve read the first two books, it is glaringly obvious that the entire story of Gemma and Ryker could’ve easily been one decent sized book. I say this because there is a craptastic amount of unnecessary thoughts and filler. To the point where I skimmed a big chunk of this book. That being said, I won’t be reading the third.
August 8, 2021
Selfish
The Heroine is completely unlikable. She is stupid, self obsessed and selfish on a whole other level. She expects everyone to act how and do what she wants and has total disregard for anyone else. Just does whatever she wants regardless of absolutely anything. Mates the alpha just because she doesn't want to lose him yet thinks she should keep her life exactly the same as before (living with another guy if he hadn't said no) in a different city. I was hoping the Hero ended up with someone else the entire time.
The Heroine is completely unlikable. She is stupid, self obsessed and selfish on a whole other level. She expects everyone to act how and do what she wants and has total disregard for anyone else. Just does whatever she wants regardless of absolutely anything. Mates the alpha just because she doesn't want to lose him yet thinks she should keep her life exactly the same as before (living with another guy if he hadn't said no) in a different city. I was hoping the Hero ended up with someone else the entire time.
August 9, 2021
Gemma and Ryker . . .
We had a good story beginning in Book 1, but this one is a semi-disappointment. There is far too much inner monologue used as a tool to repeat what we already know, the main problem being that it goes on and on and the story line loses its impetus. All of that tell-don’t-show non-action just makes the story drag. Gem is also too arrogant and stubborn, and just doesn’t listen. I think that is meant to show that she is strong and independent, but for me it comes across as foolish, selfish, and stubborn. At times, I begin to dislike her for putting herself before the pack.
That being said, I still like the story line. Ryker is back in town to surprise Gemma, but she figured he was the one trying to stalk her right from the start. But she enjoys the chase anyway. I am eager to see when Aleks comes back and how that will affect everyone. Grab your copy and find out a little bit more as our story inches along. I hope the next book has no more than a tiny reminder of where we left off rather than making me think I’ve read this book 3 times by then. It’s good but I sometimes get the feeling all of the excessive re-cap of the story from the previous book is to make it take more books in the series before we get to the official end. Quality, not quantity, should be the goal.
We had a good story beginning in Book 1, but this one is a semi-disappointment. There is far too much inner monologue used as a tool to repeat what we already know, the main problem being that it goes on and on and the story line loses its impetus. All of that tell-don’t-show non-action just makes the story drag. Gem is also too arrogant and stubborn, and just doesn’t listen. I think that is meant to show that she is strong and independent, but for me it comes across as foolish, selfish, and stubborn. At times, I begin to dislike her for putting herself before the pack.
That being said, I still like the story line. Ryker is back in town to surprise Gemma, but she figured he was the one trying to stalk her right from the start. But she enjoys the chase anyway. I am eager to see when Aleks comes back and how that will affect everyone. Grab your copy and find out a little bit more as our story inches along. I hope the next book has no more than a tiny reminder of where we left off rather than making me think I’ve read this book 3 times by then. It’s good but I sometimes get the feeling all of the excessive re-cap of the story from the previous book is to make it take more books in the series before we get to the official end. Quality, not quantity, should be the goal.
December 21, 2021
3.5/5.0
Really enjoyed the overall story and will definitely be grabbing the next in the series, Gem just annoyed me with her silly stubbornness for no reason.
Really enjoyed the overall story and will definitely be grabbing the next in the series, Gem just annoyed me with her silly stubbornness for no reason.
October 31, 2022
4✨
I really thought this book was gonna be trash bc I assumed all the good had came out of the first book but I was wrong.
My only real complaint about this one was that there was so much repetition and Re explaining stuff that happened in book 1. I can understand doing that if they’re stand alone series but no way is someone reading book 2 of this if they didn’t read book 1 so there’s no reason 28% of this book is re explaining stuff that happened in book 1.
I really thought this book was gonna be trash bc I assumed all the good had came out of the first book but I was wrong.
My only real complaint about this one was that there was so much repetition and Re explaining stuff that happened in book 1. I can understand doing that if they’re stand alone series but no way is someone reading book 2 of this if they didn’t read book 1 so there’s no reason 28% of this book is re explaining stuff that happened in book 1.
February 7, 2022
Dnf 55%
I actually really loved that she doesn't just pack up her life and move back to the pack as we so 99.9% of the time in other books. You know giving up your job, home, friends etc. Why must the woman automatically give up everything.
Likewise I loved that she's hanging out waiting for him to tell her he loves her, rather just cos they're fated mates its all just expected n assumed. Its lazy. This book is different and I loved that!
BUT, it goes on too long. And now 55% I'm bored stiff. I cant be bothered to try to finish this book.
The pace is completely off in this book. Likewise the story is so one dimensional. It just drags on and on labouring the same angst. Its beyond repetitive.
How to spoil a series, sigh
I actually really loved that she doesn't just pack up her life and move back to the pack as we so 99.9% of the time in other books. You know giving up your job, home, friends etc. Why must the woman automatically give up everything.
Likewise I loved that she's hanging out waiting for him to tell her he loves her, rather just cos they're fated mates its all just expected n assumed. Its lazy. This book is different and I loved that!
BUT, it goes on too long. And now 55% I'm bored stiff. I cant be bothered to try to finish this book.
The pace is completely off in this book. Likewise the story is so one dimensional. It just drags on and on labouring the same angst. Its beyond repetitive.
How to spoil a series, sigh
November 11, 2022
I enjoyed the story but there are times it drags a bit - or maybe it’s just that the author keeps repeating some of the characters’ perspectives and inner negative thoughts, a lot. I didn’t need to hear so much repeated. I heard it the first time. Still, I enjoyed the story.
There are very few editing errors which also helped a lot.
There are very few editing errors which also helped a lot.
October 15, 2021
This book had so much potential and I feel like separately Ryker and Gem had a great run but together their passion needed to burn higher and their relationship needed more substance. I get they are two alphas but we don't get the explosion that that usually means. Theres always a backing off or a wait period between them. I missed Aleks in this book and felt like their relationship wasn't done justice. Overall I read it because I wanted to see if she would choose him and if more sparks (of all varieties) would fly. Not sure if I will read book 3.
July 31, 2021
The problem with this book... please stop restating everything that happened in book 1 like we haven't read it. News flash.... we read it!! Or we wouldn't be on book 2! If the book would just progress and stop giving us a synopsis, it would be so much better. Right now I'm 40% and struggling because the reviews on every page are never ending!
August 20, 2021
Quite disappointed, story was ok, but there was a lot of regurgitated info, wolf hierarchy was 2 to 3 paragraphs long in beginning of book then it was repeat 3 or 4 more times to either fill the pages or the author thinks reader are forgetful of previous details in the current book.
September 14, 2022
What a cliffhanger! I’m so excited and scared to read book 3 😭
April 24, 2023
Two things happened in this book. Two. The rest is filled with excessive inner monologue and a retelling of everything we learnt from the first book. Ugh.
February 1, 2025
Dnf 10%
This was just not for me - at this time.
I couldn't remember anything from the first book, so this just didn't vibe with me.
This was just not for me - at this time.
I couldn't remember anything from the first book, so this just didn't vibe with me.
October 14, 2022
The problems that were visible in book one was practically screaming in my face in this one. They were tolerable in the first book due to the delicious drama and anger that were served, but without that as it’s saving grace always her mate became just a book about a bitch (figuratively and literally) and a cutout of a mate.
I always hate when a female alpha/confident heroine in books gets translated to being a rude, self absorbed bitch that everyone has to be okay with or put her on a pedestal. Gem was exactly that, always going on about herself and always reminding us and everyone about how alpha she is so she doesn’t have to follow rules or bend to anyone whatsoever. For some reason the story tried to use that as some sort of excuse for her to treat others like crap. I mean, one pack member told her his name and she literally said “ew” right to his face and without his consent or involvement renamed him something else. And then the whole Aleks situation … sigh. Throughout the entire book all she thinks about is herself and doesn’t give a damn about how it would affect him. I just wanted to scream at her to leave the poor guy alone so he could heal from the heartbreak and find someone worthy of him. But instead of distancing herself from him, like any good friend would do in that situation, she makes it all about her and and her need to have him as a friend in her life, never mind his feelings. Hell, she even sulked about him not being there for her at her wedding.
As you can tell, she was not a very likable character. However, she wasn’t the only problem. Her with every other character in this book formed one giant blob of anti personality. Characters were introduced all the time but all they were were some names on a page and that was it. Even Ryker was surprisingly bland, despite the story trying to make him as a dominant wolf appear as there would be problems for him letting Gem decide (which it never were). However, I’m not really that surprised about the lack of characterization either considering this book was essentially composed by recaps and ramblings. I don’t know how many times I had to read in full detail about Gem’s mother’s past, about Ryker rejecting Gem, Sam’s betrayal and so on. The book was written as if it’s target audience has dementia and constantly need to reread what happened over and over again. When it wasn’t recaps there were long ramblings of Gem’s inner thoughts that were just as repetitive and long (seriously, it took two pages for Gem to answer an asked question due to her going of on inner tangents).
Cliffhangers usually get me to keep reading, even in books I don’t particularly like. This story however has succeeded where few other has. I feel no curiosity for what happens next so this is where the series ends for me.
I always hate when a female alpha/confident heroine in books gets translated to being a rude, self absorbed bitch that everyone has to be okay with or put her on a pedestal. Gem was exactly that, always going on about herself and always reminding us and everyone about how alpha she is so she doesn’t have to follow rules or bend to anyone whatsoever. For some reason the story tried to use that as some sort of excuse for her to treat others like crap. I mean, one pack member told her his name and she literally said “ew” right to his face and without his consent or involvement renamed him something else. And then the whole Aleks situation … sigh. Throughout the entire book all she thinks about is herself and doesn’t give a damn about how it would affect him. I just wanted to scream at her to leave the poor guy alone so he could heal from the heartbreak and find someone worthy of him. But instead of distancing herself from him, like any good friend would do in that situation, she makes it all about her and and her need to have him as a friend in her life, never mind his feelings. Hell, she even sulked about him not being there for her at her wedding.
As you can tell, she was not a very likable character. However, she wasn’t the only problem. Her with every other character in this book formed one giant blob of anti personality. Characters were introduced all the time but all they were were some names on a page and that was it. Even Ryker was surprisingly bland, despite the story trying to make him as a dominant wolf appear as there would be problems for him letting Gem decide (which it never were). However, I’m not really that surprised about the lack of characterization either considering this book was essentially composed by recaps and ramblings. I don’t know how many times I had to read in full detail about Gem’s mother’s past, about Ryker rejecting Gem, Sam’s betrayal and so on. The book was written as if it’s target audience has dementia and constantly need to reread what happened over and over again. When it wasn’t recaps there were long ramblings of Gem’s inner thoughts that were just as repetitive and long (seriously, it took two pages for Gem to answer an asked question due to her going of on inner tangents).
Cliffhangers usually get me to keep reading, even in books I don’t particularly like. This story however has succeeded where few other has. I feel no curiosity for what happens next so this is where the series ends for me.
April 28, 2024
Overall rating: 1 star
Tropes: Rejected Mates
Plot: 2/5
Ending: 1/5
Writing: 1/5
Enjoyment: 1/5
Romance: 2/5
Suspense: 2/5
Hero: 2/5
Heroine: 1/5
Character Development: 1/5
Humour: 1/5
Spice: 3/5
Feels? No
HEA? HFN-series
So much of this book was just rehashing what happened in the first book, over simplifying explanations and descriptions of things that are totally irrelevant to the plot. I skimmed the last 30% because I'd just lost interest. The actual plot for this was probably only 1/4 of the length of the book. I felt we didn't get to know either characters at all, so much was mentioned as background that would've been relevant to progressing the plot or helping us get to know the characters.
I read this because I had to know what happened after the first book regardless of my issues with it, but I definitely won't read the next one, I've just had enough now.
Tropes: Rejected Mates
Plot: 2/5
Ending: 1/5
Writing: 1/5
Enjoyment: 1/5
Romance: 2/5
Suspense: 2/5
Hero: 2/5
Heroine: 1/5
Character Development: 1/5
Humour: 1/5
Spice: 3/5
Feels? No
HEA? HFN-series
So much of this book was just rehashing what happened in the first book, over simplifying explanations and descriptions of things that are totally irrelevant to the plot. I skimmed the last 30% because I'd just lost interest. The actual plot for this was probably only 1/4 of the length of the book. I felt we didn't get to know either characters at all, so much was mentioned as background that would've been relevant to progressing the plot or helping us get to know the characters.
I read this because I had to know what happened after the first book regardless of my issues with it, but I definitely won't read the next one, I've just had enough now.
August 5, 2021
Lots of retelling in Gemmas head but we flush out a conclusion...Kinda.
So we get some big closure in book two, thankfully. I was dreading the idea Gems and Rykers mating would drag out. I totally would have hated that. Good thing its a non issue. However, instead of ending this journey we get to continue with a twist at the end. Though I'll say its not a major twist for me. Its more like a speed bump and a pot hole right before we are launched over the finish line. I'm wondering if it's a chance to meet Gemmas' dad. Wonder what his perspective is on Gemma's disappearance. Was her mom telling the truth?
So we get some big closure in book two, thankfully. I was dreading the idea Gems and Rykers mating would drag out. I totally would have hated that. Good thing its a non issue. However, instead of ending this journey we get to continue with a twist at the end. Though I'll say its not a major twist for me. Its more like a speed bump and a pot hole right before we are launched over the finish line. I'm wondering if it's a chance to meet Gemmas' dad. Wonder what his perspective is on Gemma's disappearance. Was her mom telling the truth?
August 10, 2021
Always her mate follows on quickly from book 1 and although i really liked Gem & Ryker i found this book a little bit long winded. I understand that Gem was hesitant about her relationship with Ryker but the will they, wont they just slowed this book down for me. As for Aleks a part of me had hoped for a three way relationship between him, Gem and Ryker. I cant help but feel he got a bit short changed in these books when he was juts being protective and supportive when Ryker wasnt on the scene. Overall this wasnt a bad read and i really liked the main characters. So after that cliffhanger ending im dying to see what happens next
April 10, 2022
DNF. These books are painfully horrible. I just could not read anymore of her inner monolog. Also, there was such a lack of chemistry between the main characters because they were hardly around each other. It is almost like the author forgot what she was writing and put Ryker in here and there. Also, there was absolutely no reason to have three books with such a drawn out plot line that was hanging on by threads to begin with. I made it through the first book but I can't with this one. I won't even try the third.
April 28, 2022
Fangs
XXX! Adult content, reader discretion advised. Gemma has serious comment issues. Ryker is too stubborn for his own good. They both are actually. Still, they fit. One large problem the Gemma carries with her that she can’t shake anymore than her her shakedown; her daddy issues.
XXX! Adult content, reader discretion advised. Gemma has serious comment issues. Ryker is too stubborn for his own good. They both are actually. Still, they fit. One large problem the Gemma carries with her that she can’t shake anymore than her her shakedown; her daddy issues.
April 2, 2023
Tropes:
✨Shifter Romance
✨Fated Mates
✨Rejected Mating
✨Alpha Shifters
✨Love Triangle
Gemma always knew that Ryker was destined to be her mate. And until last year, she had been looking forward to binding her life to his for eternity, to become his one and only. That was, of course, until he rejected her in front of his pack council. He made it very clear he had no desire to mate her under the full moon so she ran.
Now they are a year later and he had been worming his way back into her life. Ryker thought that he was protecting her by distancing himself from her, but it blew up in his face. At least until it revealed a betrayal within his pack.
Gemma thought that dealing with an infatuated roommate and a possessive mate was bad enough, but now someone from her past has come back into her life to cause problems. Her secret is out and people want to cash in on the rumors surrounding her powers as a female alpha.
It’s time for Gemma to make a decision on if she will be accepting the mating bond or if she will continue to keep Ryker at arms length.
I was so eager to jump straight into this book after finishing the first, but I was somewhat let down.
The book spends the first few chapters recapping the information from book one. I absolutely hate when books do this more than just a cursory nod and the author didn’t stop there. She continued sporadically throughout the book to constantly reconfirm information she had already recapped at the beginning of the book. I was very irritated with exactly how much content was just repeating what you already know. The book could be a few chapters shorter if the needless review was removed.
Now for the good, the book was actually pretty fast paced and for the most part it threw you back in the action. It did continue with the will she/ won’t she surrounding Gemma’s decision to finally bond with Ryker, and just when I was about to be frustrated with the FMC for not making a choice, this plot point was resolved. I think the author stretched it out just enough.
The big bad made a larger impact in this book and we got bits of information that was missing in book one to flesh out the story.
Ultimately, I will read the last book since I am so close, but I wish authors would cool it with the incessant recapping.
✨Shifter Romance
✨Fated Mates
✨Rejected Mating
✨Alpha Shifters
✨Love Triangle
Gemma always knew that Ryker was destined to be her mate. And until last year, she had been looking forward to binding her life to his for eternity, to become his one and only. That was, of course, until he rejected her in front of his pack council. He made it very clear he had no desire to mate her under the full moon so she ran.
Now they are a year later and he had been worming his way back into her life. Ryker thought that he was protecting her by distancing himself from her, but it blew up in his face. At least until it revealed a betrayal within his pack.
Gemma thought that dealing with an infatuated roommate and a possessive mate was bad enough, but now someone from her past has come back into her life to cause problems. Her secret is out and people want to cash in on the rumors surrounding her powers as a female alpha.
It’s time for Gemma to make a decision on if she will be accepting the mating bond or if she will continue to keep Ryker at arms length.
I was so eager to jump straight into this book after finishing the first, but I was somewhat let down.
The book spends the first few chapters recapping the information from book one. I absolutely hate when books do this more than just a cursory nod and the author didn’t stop there. She continued sporadically throughout the book to constantly reconfirm information she had already recapped at the beginning of the book. I was very irritated with exactly how much content was just repeating what you already know. The book could be a few chapters shorter if the needless review was removed.
Now for the good, the book was actually pretty fast paced and for the most part it threw you back in the action. It did continue with the will she/ won’t she surrounding Gemma’s decision to finally bond with Ryker, and just when I was about to be frustrated with the FMC for not making a choice, this plot point was resolved. I think the author stretched it out just enough.
The big bad made a larger impact in this book and we got bits of information that was missing in book one to flesh out the story.
Ultimately, I will read the last book since I am so close, but I wish authors would cool it with the incessant recapping.
August 5, 2021
Review-
My only suggestion is a mark against the story is there don’t need 75% of rehashing the previous story/book. I found myself skipping majority of this since it’s rehashing what I’ve read from the first Gem’s story and parts from Janelle’s story. It might have been a 19 or so in chapters, but anything new was short lived. This works up to the third book for Gem and Ryker, and was let know that Alex will be getting his shot in the 4th book to come. I hope the 3rd book won’t be rehashing parts from this or the other 2 books.
Blurb-
I’ve always known that Ryker is my fated mate. What I didn’t know? Was that he’s always known he’s mine…
Ryker Wolfson.
Strong. Sexy.
Powerful.
Irresistible.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been waiting for the Luna Ceremony that would make him my bonded mate. Though it’s not supposed to be possible, I’ve known since I was a kid that the future Alpha of the Mountainside Pack was fated to be mine. I figured my knowing had something to do with me being a rarity: a born female alpha.
Turns out that I’m half right. It’s not the female part, but an alpha thing. Because Ryker? For the last eleven years, he’s known exactly who I am to him.
Worse? The rejection that had me hiding out this past year was as planned as everything else he has his claws in. Ryker might’ve thought he was protecting me, but all he did was push me away—all because he forgot for a moment what I am.
Omega Gem is history. Long live the Alpha of Muncie.
Only I’m in a bit of trouble these days. He might’ve spent years keeping my secret for me, but it’s out now. An unforeseen betrayal in his pack has Ryker reeling, and me walking around with a big ol’ target on my back.
As if dealing with my infatuated roommate wasn’t bad enough. Now I have a powerful wolf chasing after me, desperate to claim me during the next full moon.
Not to mention the summons from my birth pack—and my old life. My sperm donor has discovered just how valuable I am, and since I’ve been “rejected” by Ryker, he wants me to go home for the first time since I was a pup.
Yeah? Well, I want him to drop dead.
And while I’m used to getting out of tougher scrapes than these, I’m beginning to see that—once again—I’m left with basically one option, and it isn’t running away.
It’s Ryker.
Maybe it’s time that I accept that he’s always been my mate
My only suggestion is a mark against the story is there don’t need 75% of rehashing the previous story/book. I found myself skipping majority of this since it’s rehashing what I’ve read from the first Gem’s story and parts from Janelle’s story. It might have been a 19 or so in chapters, but anything new was short lived. This works up to the third book for Gem and Ryker, and was let know that Alex will be getting his shot in the 4th book to come. I hope the 3rd book won’t be rehashing parts from this or the other 2 books.
Blurb-
I’ve always known that Ryker is my fated mate. What I didn’t know? Was that he’s always known he’s mine…
Ryker Wolfson.
Strong. Sexy.
Powerful.
Irresistible.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been waiting for the Luna Ceremony that would make him my bonded mate. Though it’s not supposed to be possible, I’ve known since I was a kid that the future Alpha of the Mountainside Pack was fated to be mine. I figured my knowing had something to do with me being a rarity: a born female alpha.
Turns out that I’m half right. It’s not the female part, but an alpha thing. Because Ryker? For the last eleven years, he’s known exactly who I am to him.
Worse? The rejection that had me hiding out this past year was as planned as everything else he has his claws in. Ryker might’ve thought he was protecting me, but all he did was push me away—all because he forgot for a moment what I am.
Omega Gem is history. Long live the Alpha of Muncie.
Only I’m in a bit of trouble these days. He might’ve spent years keeping my secret for me, but it’s out now. An unforeseen betrayal in his pack has Ryker reeling, and me walking around with a big ol’ target on my back.
As if dealing with my infatuated roommate wasn’t bad enough. Now I have a powerful wolf chasing after me, desperate to claim me during the next full moon.
Not to mention the summons from my birth pack—and my old life. My sperm donor has discovered just how valuable I am, and since I’ve been “rejected” by Ryker, he wants me to go home for the first time since I was a pup.
Yeah? Well, I want him to drop dead.
And while I’m used to getting out of tougher scrapes than these, I’m beginning to see that—once again—I’m left with basically one option, and it isn’t running away.
It’s Ryker.
Maybe it’s time that I accept that he’s always been my mate
March 15, 2024
It took me a short amount of time to read this. My issue was I hopped right into this one after reading the first.... Big Mistake..
The author repeats so much of the first story over and over and over again... like maybe if it had been awhile and a few books in between I would've needed a recap but I'd say a good 9 chapters are just filled with recaps.
Gem is constantly just repeating what we already know, her hate for Trish, her fear with Ryker, her terrible bio dad, then everything with Aleks.....
I just I enjoyed it enough but the repeating was really annoying. I kept skimming over the ridiculous amount of reused passages. So I give it a 2.
It's not that the writing was bad but I really didn't need so many passages repeating the same cr@p 100 times. And it's throughout the whole book which takes away from what could've been a good story.
I promise I really don't need to be reminded every single time Trish is brought up about why Trish bothers her. I don't need a reminder everytime Aleks is mentioned why she feels bad. I definitely don't need a reminder as to the "rejection"
I get that this is a "rejected mate" trope but good God enough mentioning why she felt rejected and where it happened and why she felt that way.. you explained it in the first book, book 2 should've been focused solely on the next part of Gem and Rykers story.
This really bugs me when authors think we as readers need the constant reminders of how the story went. If we love them enough to go to read the next in the series I promise we really didn't need anything more than a small recap ONCE not every chapter.
The series seems good and I'm about to read the 3rd in the series but if it recaps like it did in this one book 3 may be the last one I read cause I just can't do anymore.. its like beating a dead 🐎.. enough already please 🙏
The author repeats so much of the first story over and over and over again... like maybe if it had been awhile and a few books in between I would've needed a recap but I'd say a good 9 chapters are just filled with recaps.
Gem is constantly just repeating what we already know, her hate for Trish, her fear with Ryker, her terrible bio dad, then everything with Aleks.....
I just I enjoyed it enough but the repeating was really annoying. I kept skimming over the ridiculous amount of reused passages. So I give it a 2.
It's not that the writing was bad but I really didn't need so many passages repeating the same cr@p 100 times. And it's throughout the whole book which takes away from what could've been a good story.
I promise I really don't need to be reminded every single time Trish is brought up about why Trish bothers her. I don't need a reminder everytime Aleks is mentioned why she feels bad. I definitely don't need a reminder as to the "rejection"
I get that this is a "rejected mate" trope but good God enough mentioning why she felt rejected and where it happened and why she felt that way.. you explained it in the first book, book 2 should've been focused solely on the next part of Gem and Rykers story.
This really bugs me when authors think we as readers need the constant reminders of how the story went. If we love them enough to go to read the next in the series I promise we really didn't need anything more than a small recap ONCE not every chapter.
The series seems good and I'm about to read the 3rd in the series but if it recaps like it did in this one book 3 may be the last one I read cause I just can't do anymore.. its like beating a dead 🐎.. enough already please 🙏
July 27, 2021
To my utter amazement....I am still in love with Aleks. I am on the struggle bus with this not being a love triangle and letting this sexy vamp get a little wolf loving. Alas, my dreams have been shattered.
World build:
Authentic to book one. No issues for this reader. Clear and concise world this series takes place in.
Storyline:
Here is were things got sluggish for me. Instead of picking up right where we left of Spade opts to pretty much provide condensed notes of book one. For me about 37% of the book was rehashing book 1 and I could have done without that. The remaining 63% of the storyline was wonderful. Some surprises. Some sass and sarcasm. And a whole lot of sexy MC and FMC action.
FMC:
Gem stays true to the character we see in book one. Still a little too hard headed and unforgiving and at times unwise. However, she makes up for it in her kick ass alphaness (let's make this a word lol)
MC:
Yeah, yeah, yeah Ryker is hot and alpha and Gem's fated mate. And yeah he is pretty sweet charming and kick ass. Yeah he has her best interests at heart. BUT he ain't ALEKS!!! #TeamAleks #MakeItHappen #SpadeIsADreamKiller j/k I still adore her in spite of our difference of opinions.
MY MC:
Aleks.....alas there were not enough pages of this amazing specimen of a man. Granted Ryker and Gem are for lifers, but a girl can still dream...right???
Ends on a to be continued type vs. cliffhanger, and I can not wait to see how the next read goes!
Happy reading,
DD 💕 aka Aleks is my MC💖
World build:
Authentic to book one. No issues for this reader. Clear and concise world this series takes place in.
Storyline:
Here is were things got sluggish for me. Instead of picking up right where we left of Spade opts to pretty much provide condensed notes of book one. For me about 37% of the book was rehashing book 1 and I could have done without that. The remaining 63% of the storyline was wonderful. Some surprises. Some sass and sarcasm. And a whole lot of sexy MC and FMC action.
FMC:
Gem stays true to the character we see in book one. Still a little too hard headed and unforgiving and at times unwise. However, she makes up for it in her kick ass alphaness (let's make this a word lol)
MC:
Yeah, yeah, yeah Ryker is hot and alpha and Gem's fated mate. And yeah he is pretty sweet charming and kick ass. Yeah he has her best interests at heart. BUT he ain't ALEKS!!! #TeamAleks #MakeItHappen #SpadeIsADreamKiller j/k I still adore her in spite of our difference of opinions.
MY MC:
Aleks.....alas there were not enough pages of this amazing specimen of a man. Granted Ryker and Gem are for lifers, but a girl can still dream...right???
Ends on a to be continued type vs. cliffhanger, and I can not wait to see how the next read goes!
Happy reading,
DD 💕 aka Aleks is my MC💖
August 9, 2021
A great follow-up to Never His Mate in the series. This book takes place right after the events in the previous book - no time jump. Gemma and Ryker have decided to “date” and give their relationship a second chance. Ryker has even rented a townhouse so he has a place to stay with Gemma when he’s in town. He is still Alpha of the Mountainside pack, so he has to split his time. Gemma, as an alpha in her own right, needs her independence. Her vampire roommate, Aleksander makes an appearance and it’s still heartbreaking. He’s in love with Gemma, and she’s in love with Ryker. And their bonding ceremony is anything but boring.
I loved the book. There were a few editing errors, but nothing too bad that it pulled me out of the story. I really do like the series. Great storyline. Sure the FMC got on my nerves from time to time with some childish behavior as well as her expectations of Aleks. I’m just happy that he’s going to have his very own story, which means a HEA for him. I love his character and hated to see him get his little vamp heart broke. The book ends on a cliffhanger. Oddly, I don’t think you have to have read the first book, as the author really spends a lot of time in the first 25%, or so, of the book summarizing the events of the previous book. But I still think it’s better if you read them in order. Some of the summarizations may bring you up to speed on the storyline, but you miss the emotional impact of actually reading the dialog.
I would recommend this series, especially if you like the rejected mate trope.
I loved the book. There were a few editing errors, but nothing too bad that it pulled me out of the story. I really do like the series. Great storyline. Sure the FMC got on my nerves from time to time with some childish behavior as well as her expectations of Aleks. I’m just happy that he’s going to have his very own story, which means a HEA for him. I love his character and hated to see him get his little vamp heart broke. The book ends on a cliffhanger. Oddly, I don’t think you have to have read the first book, as the author really spends a lot of time in the first 25%, or so, of the book summarizing the events of the previous book. But I still think it’s better if you read them in order. Some of the summarizations may bring you up to speed on the storyline, but you miss the emotional impact of actually reading the dialog.
I would recommend this series, especially if you like the rejected mate trope.
May 29, 2022
A disappointing 1.5 stars.
My main problem was the narrative style. The book is so heavy on the recaps and repetitions that it holds the plot back. Some recapping from Book 1 was to be expected, but this went way too far. There was even a great deal of recapping within the very same book. For example, in Chapter 15, four wolves pledge themselves to be Gem’s guards. Then the whole pledging thing is recapped in Chapter 19 when we see one of the characters again. It’s insulting that the author can’t credit me with a memory.
Problem #2 with the narrative style is more of the tell-don’t-show issue seen in book 1. Instead of using direct speech or telling what’s happening as it does, the author uses reported speech or just says that things happened. Again, it drags on the plot.
And talk about repetition, the words “alpha” and “mate” are used so many times that without them, I think the book would have lost like 15% of its pages.
Now, I read the first book and enjoyed it. Then I waited for books 2 & 3 to come out and re-read book 1 in preparation, only I chose the audiobook the second time around. I think that was a mistake, which I repeated for book 2. For one thing, the narrator makes the characters sound much more angsty and less kick-ass or funny than the way I read them in my head. For another, the audiobook really highlights the problems with the narrative style because it’s so much harder to skim through the repetitions.
Will I read book 3? Yes, I have it and I like the story enough to want to finish it, but I won’t be seeking out more from this author.
My main problem was the narrative style. The book is so heavy on the recaps and repetitions that it holds the plot back. Some recapping from Book 1 was to be expected, but this went way too far. There was even a great deal of recapping within the very same book. For example, in Chapter 15, four wolves pledge themselves to be Gem’s guards. Then the whole pledging thing is recapped in Chapter 19 when we see one of the characters again. It’s insulting that the author can’t credit me with a memory.
Problem #2 with the narrative style is more of the tell-don’t-show issue seen in book 1. Instead of using direct speech or telling what’s happening as it does, the author uses reported speech or just says that things happened. Again, it drags on the plot.
And talk about repetition, the words “alpha” and “mate” are used so many times that without them, I think the book would have lost like 15% of its pages.
Now, I read the first book and enjoyed it. Then I waited for books 2 & 3 to come out and re-read book 1 in preparation, only I chose the audiobook the second time around. I think that was a mistake, which I repeated for book 2. For one thing, the narrator makes the characters sound much more angsty and less kick-ass or funny than the way I read them in my head. For another, the audiobook really highlights the problems with the narrative style because it’s so much harder to skim through the repetitions.
Will I read book 3? Yes, I have it and I like the story enough to want to finish it, but I won’t be seeking out more from this author.
August 6, 2022
Okay, I was not a fan of Gemma in the first book but now she’s flat dab in the middle of TSTL. I’ve just come to the part where Shane has entered Muncie and reveals he is in possession of a vampire fang. He is there, of course, to claim Gemma for his mate. If she would just get over her hissy fit because Ryker hasn’t used the “L” word and bond with him, almost all of her troubles would be over (at least the self-inflicted ones) Neither Shane nor Trish could lay claim to either one of them. Ditto Aleks. Speaking of Trish and Aleks, how did he know to find her in the River Run Pack? Seems pretty suspicious to me since it didn’t appear that anyone from her old pack knew where she’d gone.
Gemma finally gets off her high horse and has the Luna ceremony with Ryker. Not without interruption, however. Alls well that ends well until a kidnapping occurs. Who’s the perp? None other than good old dad. The ball’s in your court, Gemma.
Gemma finally gets off her high horse and has the Luna ceremony with Ryker. Not without interruption, however. Alls well that ends well until a kidnapping occurs. Who’s the perp? None other than good old dad. The ball’s in your court, Gemma.
August 3, 2024
this one was okay… i think because Ryker and Gem are starting to embrace their relationship more i got a little bored which sounds kind of bad from this standpoint lol. but i didn’t like how Aleks used Trish to try and intervene in their relationship. like we all learned to like Aleks and now we find out he’s kinda been playing Gem with the fang and not mentioning he’s been wanting to claim her as his mate? and all the shane stuff is so annoying like we barely even know shane and he’s fucking everything up. also, i don’t get how she got ambushed on the way back to the apartment by her bio dad and a vamp but then where does her dad disappear to once the vamp and Ryker come??? Also i wanted more out of their Luna Ceremony.. it was built up for this book and the last book and that’s all we get?
October 20, 2021
This book is extremely repetitive. I felt like the first 20% were just an entirely too long recap of book number 1. Following that, basically nothing happens until up to 75% other than this little "will they, won't they dance" that everyone knows the answer to; even the characters involved. And then the "plot" that unfolds after 75% is just boring.
Meanwhile the thoughts of the MC are super repetitive in regards to her feelings and she even goes so far as to explain pack hierarchies again at 90% of the second book of this series. I also didn't particularly like her lack of empathy concerning Aleks and her feelings about him not attending her "ceremony". It's just a bit too self-absorbed for my taste. Still read it and it was decent. Definitely won't pick up the next installment though.
Meanwhile the thoughts of the MC are super repetitive in regards to her feelings and she even goes so far as to explain pack hierarchies again at 90% of the second book of this series. I also didn't particularly like her lack of empathy concerning Aleks and her feelings about him not attending her "ceremony". It's just a bit too self-absorbed for my taste. Still read it and it was decent. Definitely won't pick up the next installment though.
November 24, 2025
Just ok for me. It was really repetitive and dragged in parts. Also, the FMC Gem is actually kind of annoying. Her weird obsession with staying in the vampire city after her bonding, while her mate stays in another place is just weird… it doesn’t make sense. And using it as an excuse to put off her mating doesn’t make sense either. They try to make it seem like this is because of her being an alpha female but it just comes across as her not actually wanting to be mated and being childish. I prefer stories where I am rooting for the FMC not where I am thinking the MMC is actually better off forgetting about her.
I’ll still read the 3rd book because I want to see how it wraps up but I don’t have high hopes on coming to love and root for Gem.
I’ll still read the 3rd book because I want to see how it wraps up but I don’t have high hopes on coming to love and root for Gem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews