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Claws and Fangs #3

Together Mates

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Saying our vows and becoming bonded mates was supposed to be the start of our “happily ever after”…

For most of my life, I’ve known that I was meant to be mated to Ryker Wolfson. We’ve hit some bumps along the way, but I finally decided I’d be better off following my heart over licking my wounded pride.

So, yeah, our Luna Ceremony was as eventful as the rest of our courtship. Ryker was challenged by his former Beta, and they had their fight to the death right beneath the moon. Ryker was left standing and I was mated in a bloody white dress.

Too bad Aleksander refused to accept my invite. My old vamp roomie would’ve gotten a kick out of that.

Still, now it’s official. I’m the Alpha female of the Mountainside Pack. Only I’m not just mated to the Alpha male—I’m a born Alpha myself and every wolf on the East Coast knows it.

Did I really expect that it wouldn’t get back to my birth pack? I might’ve ignored my bio-dad’s latest summons, but nothing says “go home” like his wolves snatching one of my packmates. And while I’m no fan of Trish Danvers, no way can I leave her with my cruel sperm donor and his goons.

I have to go. Without a Beta to watch over the pack, Ryker is forced to stay behind. He doesn’t like it, but he knows better than most that I can take care of myself.

I mean, he still has the scar over his heart to prove it.

But when I learn that my suspicions were right, that Trish’s abduction was a trap laid specifically for me, I have to rely on my belief that the moon got it right, that Ryker really is meant to be mine, and that we’ll be together forever.

Because one thing I know for sure? I won’t be able to take his rejection again…

**

Forever Mates is the third novel in the Claws and Fangs series, and the conclusion to Gem and Ryker’s story (though there will be more books in the series after this one!).

Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2021

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About the author

Sarah Spade

64 books597 followers

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5 stars
535 (41%)
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383 (29%)
3 stars
278 (21%)
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82 (6%)
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22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD.
612 reviews240 followers
February 7, 2022
Great ending to the series!

Ryker finally stepped up and became acceptable to me. Buuuuut let's be honest Aleks is still THE ONE for me!!

Gem comes full circle in book 3. I adore this character. Her journey is exciting and shocking and full of sass....loved this!

Happy reading,
DD 🥂

#teamAleksalways
Profile Image for Candice's Library .
203 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2024
Well, I should've guessed that again it would be so repetitive it ruined the story.

The author truly has potential but like book 2, this books filler pages were just reminding us of what Trish had done, then what happened to her. Wicked Wolf also gets a nice repetition everytime she thinks about him. As do every single character Gem meets!!

If the author didn't fill pages with things we already know the books would be shorter but much better.

Reading stories where the author constantly reminds you about events THAT HAVE JUST OCCURED make you feel like you have short term memory loss.

I ended up skimming everytime she started retelling whatever memory we've heard 100 times with whatever character.

I'm not sure I'll read anymore from this author. It's not that her ability to write is bad. The story is there, but to just keep repeating the same 💩 over and over again ruins it.

I'd rather have a shorter book than one you fill with repetition.

This is my opinion. Read and enjoy what you like, there's a book out there for everyone. This one just wasn't for me.
15 reviews
October 1, 2022
This Series Should Have Been 1 Book

Oh boy. This author has amazing story ideas. Her writing style on the other hand needs a desperate overhaul.

I don’t think I’ve ever read books in this style before and I seriously skipped 3/4 of each book. She was constantly reminiscing about other parts of the book through the main characters internal monologue. Constantly repeating events via dialogue to herself. Over and over again for the 2nd and 3rd books. (See what I did there ;)

There were many many many dead spots in the books where nothing was moving or going on. Just a bunch of filled writing to add words per document without anything important.

If this story had been condensed into 1 book, it would have been absolutely amazing! I really want to go read Alek’s book because as I said…her stories are on point. I’m worried the delivery will frustrate me as badly as books 2 and 3.
Profile Image for Mel B..
536 reviews24 followers
August 21, 2023
Another perfectly predictable paranormal romance

The “Claws and Fangs,” series was a good, pretty well paced, predictable paranormal romance. It follows Gemma, a rejected wolf mate as she navigates her new life without her fated mate.

**SPOILERS** Will probably contain spoilers for book 4+ as well.

In book 1, the best book in the series, IMO; Gemma is an Omega wolf (or is she?) that found her fated mate at the age of 16 and fell wildly in love with him. She knew that she needed to wait until the Lunar Ceremony and for Ryker the Alpha of the Mountainside Pack to “come around,” because she was certain he felt the “pull too.” On the night of “claiming/bonding.” She confronts him after hearing some startling rumors only to be REJECTED by her one true fated mate. Her heart is broken, and instead of staying in the pack to runs away to nurse her broken heart. She ends up in Muncie, a vampire controlled city (quite by accident) and garners the attention of Aleks, the 2nd in command of all the vampires in Muncie. He offers her a place to stay - strictly as platonic friends because he feels sorry for her…little does she know he’s in love with her.

Gemma becomes a bartender at Charlie’s, and loves it. Free of all the pack politics AND not having to pretend to be a meek, subservient, Omega, her mate bond thread is almost completely gone, and she’s about to move on with her life, after all it has been a year! Of course fate has other plans and Ryker shows up at her bar causing a scene and claiming Gemma as HIS, much to Alek’s dismay.

I enjoyed book one. I really liked Gemma and that beginning scene where she inadvertently reveals her Alpha self (because she’s heartbroken) is totally awesome!! I loved her moving to Muncie and shedding her Omega nature, and was equally in love with her relationship between herself and Aleks.

I think my issue with this particular series was that even though we KNEW she’d end up with Ryker…we still root for Alek. Yup. Sarah Spade creates a sympathetic, strong, vampire hero that kind of steals the spotlight from Ryker at times, and that’s not good, not if you know the hero and heroine are supposed to be together. Sure Ryker has more page time…but Alex’s page time is “deeper,” and better connected to Gemma. Alek is calming, and strong. He’s sensitive but a sensational vampire!

Now in book three, “Forever Mates,” A LOT has occurred, and Gemma and Ryker are 100% mated and bonded to one another. Gemma’s evil
Father has “kidnapped” her and is forcing her to stay with his pack so that he can convince/try force her to mate with one of his strong wolves. It’s there that she meets Elizabeth, a wolf that is “other.” Turns out Elizabeth has the power to SEVER mate bonds, a very strong and scary gift. She’s “different,” and being held against her will by the evil Alpha. In a predictable plot thread, Elizabeth is supposed to sever Gemma and Ryker’s mate bond, thus allowing the evil alpha the ability to mate his daughter to someone in his evil pack. It becomes more than apparent that to tie up the love triangle the author introduced Elizabeth as Alek’s fated mate, and made it so the series could extend. My issue is that even if I read Elizabeth and Aleks’s story, I’ve already invested time into Gemma and Aleks lives. Because even if there wasn’t sex, there was a connection that was written very clearly. So now, if I decide to continue the series I have to do a 180 and accept that Alek didn’t really love Gemma…and his true love is Elizabeth that we know little to nothing about (although I’m sure the subsequent series will give us more of her background). I’m just not sure I’m interested in reading it.
Profile Image for Harlequin Madness.
861 reviews22 followers
January 8, 2022
Mostly “meh” with a few bright spots

I do really like this series, I just didn’t love this book. John Walker, Our heroine’s estranged father is back in her life. Not her choice though. He has kidnapped one of her packmates and if she wants her back, she must meet him on his own pack-lands. Of course it’s a trap, he only wants her because she’s a natural born female alpha. The only known one of her kind. Walker is a bad dude and has some bad plans for our Gemma.

Personally, I think there are two reasons that this book just didn’t really capture my interest;
(1) The story is all in Gemma’s voice. I find that I really prefer books that have multiple POVs as it really allows you to get into the heads of other characters and understand their motives much better.
(2) this is directly related to #1, i got so tired of hearing Gemma go on and on and on about being a female alpha, and how she had her own power, and people always underestimated her, but she’s strong, blah blah blah. Seriously, it got very annoying very fast - and it was on nearly every page. Every page, guys, no lie. Considering how strong, and smart, she thought she was throughout the whole book, she kept getting outplayed by her father.

One of the bright spots in the book, was another alpha male in the compound, Theo. Only because with his personality and seemingly ambivalent actions, I thought his part of the storyline was going to go in one direction, but it went entirely different. It was unexpected, and a welcomed diversion from Gemma’s constant blathering.

The biggest bright spot was the reemergence of her roommate from Muncie, Aleks! He was a most welcomed sight for me. He speaks to her a bit more about his background and his previous mate, and I found it all very interesting. It also sets the stage for the next book in the series. While I didn’t love this book, I can’t wait to get my hands on Aleks’ story.

For all this books faults, I would still recommend it, but you may want to skim it a bit.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
April 29, 2024
With the kidnapping of a reinstated pack number in the hands of her father offering to bargain her back; on the opposite of your mate/strongest ally; on the outs with her second strongest ally; convincing mom who’d been mistreated and snuck out with infant you to save you both; who’s infamous for killing those that disagree with him and; who covets your power, why not believe he only wants you to visit. Could he be he has a Gemma proof plan to get his way?

OMG I knew I should’ve dnf’d this at chapter two. All stops are pulled to get to the desired, predictable ending. Walker once a diabolically, sadistic despicable character that instilled fear in book one, a note sending threatener. And here a glorified wanna be more diabolically, sadistic despicable character that has devolved into a toddler in the throes of a tantrum.
Rating: 2.5stars
Profile Image for Alice.
99 reviews12 followers
October 14, 2024
To all future authors: if you want to use polish in your books, please hire a native Polish proofreader.
From the translation of "young wolf", which if I recall correctly was the first used polish phrase in the first book, to the translation of "I shouldn't get to be happy", which was the last phrase in the third book, everything was wrong.

Polish is nuanced, grammar wise. You can't just straight up translate a phrase and hope for the best. The same word can have a different last letter depending on a lot of factors.
E.g. in the last book, Aleks referred to himself as she, while saying something in polish, because the author used the wrong version of the word "happy." Might seem like a minor issue to many, but to someone who knows the language, it completely destroys immersion and just creates irritation.
Profile Image for Tina.
960 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2023
Wow what a finale to Gem and Rykers story, there is so much happening in this book it’s unreal, but we do get some long awaited scenes, dealing with Jack Walker being the most important. This read finally has an end to his reign of his pack and the threat over Gem, thanks to lots of different people coming together. I enjoyed the plot, and story, the characters are good, we got to meet new ones in this book. The angst is off the charts, and there are some distressing scenes, but overall the steam that Gem and Ryker ignite is hot!! Overall I enjoyed the series, and it’s definitely worth the read so you can make up your own minds.
Profile Image for Jessica.
246 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2024
This book could have been half its size. Most of the story is repeating the last books over and over and over again. We all know what happened! Even a little recap at the beginning would have been fine, but Spade had a habit of repeating the plot way too much and in way too much detail. She referenced Aleks as her roommate every time she said his name. We get it. We had to hear how Gem believed she was rejected by Ryker 100 times. It was just way too much. Even in the epilogue, she reiterated the main plot point! The good stuff didn't happen until the last 15%, this just overall was not a good read for me unfortunately.
193 reviews
November 19, 2025
This is the third book and the final one. Gemma and Ryker are waiting for Gemma's sperm donor next move. In book two Gemmn'a sperm donor had the help of another pack-mate and abducted one of the women. Gemma's sperm donor has asked Gemma to visit him at his pack and she has refused. Finally an invitation comes and she talks to Ryker and the council members to get permission to go. When she gets there her two body guards are taken away and she is sharing a cabin. He asks her to stay 25 days and then she can leave with all of her pack people. The story continues. It was a good three books and am looking forward to reading the others.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,402 reviews36 followers
March 7, 2022
Great closure for Gem and Ryker that leaves their story to continue but not as the main couple, but more as a secondary characters, maybe?
All her near catches with her sperm donor has all come together where she has no other choice but to meet the jerk who still frightens her mother, her birth dad Jack Wicked Wolf Walker, he did something that no alpha had a right to do. He did it and his ‘plan’ is inefficient but will Gem figure it out or will there be a few not so great surprises in store for Gem?
355 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2022
fitting end to the series

I am so pleased with this 3rd book to the series! The twists had me on edge waiting to see what WWW was planning. Rykers never ending love makes me swoon & I am happy with the character growth Gemma made.
I will admit I wasn’t hopeful for this book because I just couldn’t understand why she was clinging onto her life in Muncie but the author did a really good job of explaining it and I am thankful for that extra detail.
Loved this conclusion to Ryker and Gemma!
Profile Image for Carolina Firefly.
467 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2022
A surprisingly strong finish. Yes, there were the same problems with the narrative voice as the other books, but somehow this one felt more plot-driven. Maybe it’s because I listened to the audiobook at 1.5x speed, effectively skimming the repetitions? My only other complaint is that when the Big Bad Evil Dude tells you he only wants to keep you in his clutches for a little while while he works out his Big Bad Plans, you should exact many more specific promises for safety and well-being than your average PNR FMC. Just a PSA.
604 reviews119 followers
June 1, 2023
This was the best book of the series so far. There’s still repetition, inner monologue and story inconsistencies from previous books. You’ll do ok if you skim the monologues. It would have been 4 stars without those faults.

The best parts were Rykers possessive talk and learning about Aleks past. Oh my heart breaks for my vamp and though it pains me, I’ll have to read his story.

I still don’t like Gem as a character, she’s just too flippant. She grows up a little at the end but is still just too callous for my preference. It’s eye rolling that she didn’t kill jack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica.
43 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2024
By the end of this book, the bond is stronger than it ever was, and I can’t be happier about it. Wicked Wolf didn’t meet the end I was HOPING for yet, but I still have the rest of the series to go!

I do hope, very deeply, that Aleks can find some happiness like Ryker and Gem did. He does deserve it.

This series so far has been amazing! The flow of this particular book was a little slower in my opinion compared to the others.

I still very strongly recommend this series to anyone. I’m very excited to finish it up myself!!
Profile Image for Kimberly Gordon-Bercich.
1,857 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2022
Seal

XXX! ADULT CONTENT, READER DISCRETION ADVISED. Grammar police will have issues with this book. Fair warning! One big bad wolf wants to control another big bad wolf. Gem a being the wolf Walker wants to control. He happens to be her biological father. Ryker us not at all happy with even the idea of Walker coming near Gemma. When Walker kidnapps a pack member, Gemma willingly walks into a trap to save her pack mate. Then Walker discovers Gemma is not so easily controlled.
95 reviews
December 21, 2021
Shifter romance

Came across these books by accident… not my normal reads aall, been totally glued to them. Read the 3 books in less than 3 days… ready for the next one!! Totally hooked and story line is brilliant . Deffo worth the read. I’m normally crime series books , only other series I’ve read supernatural is EE Holmes.
Profile Image for E&A Book.
730 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2023
Gemma and Ryker's story comes to an end in this book. They are now mated, but when a warning from her father, threatens the pack, Gemma acts like the Alpha she is and puts herself in danger. I was hooked from the beginning to end, and I could not put it down. It was everything I hoped that it would be and a great way to start the new year.
1,241 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2023
great series

Gemma too bloody kind. What a fab series. A different take on a alpha female which had me hooked. I love anything unique and a good swoon worthy read. This series was full of drama, action, with a complicated back and to rejection that made me laugh at times. The excuses lol
Profile Image for Emma Garner.
209 reviews
May 27, 2025
it was much more difficult to get through this book than expected. the constant repetition and recall to the last two books left me underwhelmed and bored. the potential for this to have been the best out of the three was there, but the climax felt rushed and the constant “i’m not like other girls; i’m the Alpha who happens to be dainty” was on my last nerve.
40 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2021
Shifter mates

I don't want to give spoilers, but if you've read the first two books you can kind of figure some of the story. Just by me saying Gem and Ryder do Alpha and it is good!
Well worth the read!
294 reviews
December 20, 2021
Good story

I love the Chase. No matter who is chasing who it makes a love story more interesting. This book definitely takes a little bit of the old and a little bit of something else mixes it together and becomes an enjoyable story.
1,447 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2022
Very enjoyable great reading

I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I'm glad everything worked out for them but disappointed that she didn't kill her sperm donor instead let him go.
5 reviews
January 25, 2022
Great read. kept me on the edge of my seat.

This a great read and keeps you on the edge of you seat. The characters were thought out perfectly and the Wicked Wolf just gave me the creeps.
4 reviews
March 12, 2022
Good Story

The general story is good but half of the book is of Gemma repeating over and over again the exact same thing. Like ok we’ve heard the same monologues already numerous times throughout all three books.
Profile Image for Kayla Perrott.
52 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2022
Love

Finally happy to see Gemma show just how Alpha she is! Taking that challenge and proving being deadly isn't the only way to show strength... YAS QUEEN.

Still found myself skipping sections of recap, but still love the story and characters.
1,196 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2022
good book

I was so happy with this book. Gem got her everything and some asshole dad closure. I have enjoyed this series. It has great characters and I loved the storyline. Good writer
34 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2022
Too much inner dialog

The female main character is bland. Her inner dialog is on repeat. Every few chapters she thinks the exact same thing. It gets really old. This series could have been finished in two books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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