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Rejected Fate #1
Darkest Mate
Weakness means death. Or worse.
After I was abandoned as a child, I was taken in by the Shadow Pack. A group of ruthless, lawless, shifters who have only one rule: never let anyone see your weakness.
In exchange for them keeping me alive, I owe them. The leader of the Shadows is as handsome as he is ruthless. And he’s offered to wipe my debt in exchange for marriage. He’d offer protection, but it would cost me my freedom.
Survival in the Shadows depends on back alley deals and shady alliances. It’s become a way of life that I stopped questioning years ago. When a routine burglary goes wrong, I find myself captured by the one family I never should have crossed.
The Umbra family owns this city. They make us Shadow wolves look like the good guys. They should have killed me for my crimes, but there’s a tiny problem… It turns out Madoc Umbra is my fated mate.
Instead of killing me, I’m a prisoner. The rest of the family doesn’t know of our bond and I intend to keep it that way. Madoc’s brothers want to end my life; he wants to break the bond. I just want to get the heck out.
As long as I don’t let them see any weakness, I might have a chance of making it out of here alive.
Darkest Mate is a full-length paranormal romance. 17+ for dark content, steamy scenes, and language. This is book one in a trilogy and is not a standalone. Mind the cliff.
Upcoming Release Dates:
Darkest Mate: December 9, 2021
Forbidden Sin: January 20, 2022
Feral Queen: March 3, 2022
After I was abandoned as a child, I was taken in by the Shadow Pack. A group of ruthless, lawless, shifters who have only one rule: never let anyone see your weakness.
In exchange for them keeping me alive, I owe them. The leader of the Shadows is as handsome as he is ruthless. And he’s offered to wipe my debt in exchange for marriage. He’d offer protection, but it would cost me my freedom.
Survival in the Shadows depends on back alley deals and shady alliances. It’s become a way of life that I stopped questioning years ago. When a routine burglary goes wrong, I find myself captured by the one family I never should have crossed.
The Umbra family owns this city. They make us Shadow wolves look like the good guys. They should have killed me for my crimes, but there’s a tiny problem… It turns out Madoc Umbra is my fated mate.
Instead of killing me, I’m a prisoner. The rest of the family doesn’t know of our bond and I intend to keep it that way. Madoc’s brothers want to end my life; he wants to break the bond. I just want to get the heck out.
As long as I don’t let them see any weakness, I might have a chance of making it out of here alive.
Darkest Mate is a full-length paranormal romance. 17+ for dark content, steamy scenes, and language. This is book one in a trilogy and is not a standalone. Mind the cliff.
Upcoming Release Dates:
Darkest Mate: December 9, 2021
Forbidden Sin: January 20, 2022
Feral Queen: March 3, 2022
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2021
2317 people are currently reading
4365 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Calder
32 books1,025 followersAlexis Calder writes sassy heroines and sexy heroes with a sprinkle of sarcasm. She lives in the Rockies and drinks far too much coffee and just the right amount of wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
April 12, 2022
This was a fairly middle of the road read for me. I’d give it a 3. But I think whether people like the book or not will depend on if they like the tropes used or not. Because there isn’t anything new here. Almost every aspect of this plot and the characters will be familiar to anyone who read the genre. But if you happen to like those elements, they’re done as well as anywhere else. The writing is also quite good.
The thing for me, though, was that I spent the entire book honestly angry that Ivy was being so unbelievably stupid. And I don’t just mean that as she was doing something excessively stupid, but unbelievably stupid in the sense that I absolutely did not believe that the character, as written, would do the stupid thing she did and continued to do. It was 100% unbelievable AND stupid, which pretty much undermined the legitimacy of the story.
The book got moderately more interesting for me at about the 80% mark. But at that point it wasn’t enough to save the book. I’d like to know what happens between Ivy and Madoc. But I don’t think I’ll continue the series. I just don’t think my temper can handle it. But different strokes for different folks and you may not have the same reaction.
The thing for me, though, was that I spent the entire book honestly angry that Ivy was being so unbelievably stupid. And I don’t just mean that as she was doing something excessively stupid, but unbelievably stupid in the sense that I absolutely did not believe that the character, as written, would do the stupid thing she did and continued to do. It was 100% unbelievable AND stupid, which pretty much undermined the legitimacy of the story.
The book got moderately more interesting for me at about the 80% mark. But at that point it wasn’t enough to save the book. I’d like to know what happens between Ivy and Madoc. But I don’t think I’ll continue the series. I just don’t think my temper can handle it. But different strokes for different folks and you may not have the same reaction.
December 31, 2021
Whiniest FMC in the world
This FMC is just clueless. She’s supposedly supposed to have had survived abuse her whole life but yet is shocked when she gets slapped. She has zero survival skills, to be honest I don’t know how she survived up to that point if she supposed to have gone through abuse her whole entire life. Supposedly this pack is supposed to be know for doing scratchy things to get money, but yet she’s learned none of it. When she suspects her “boyfriend” to be talking about her and having secrets about her, he even has a folder on her, she doesn’t read the folder, no she confronts him. He makes an excuse she believes him and then doesn’t even read the folder? This is just completely something that wouldn’t happen because he was supposedly one of her big abusers. Not to mention that if anyone who had survived abuse wouldn’t just ignore the warning signs that she herself had pointed out.
This FMC is just clueless. She’s supposedly supposed to have had survived abuse her whole life but yet is shocked when she gets slapped. She has zero survival skills, to be honest I don’t know how she survived up to that point if she supposed to have gone through abuse her whole entire life. Supposedly this pack is supposed to be know for doing scratchy things to get money, but yet she’s learned none of it. When she suspects her “boyfriend” to be talking about her and having secrets about her, he even has a folder on her, she doesn’t read the folder, no she confronts him. He makes an excuse she believes him and then doesn’t even read the folder? This is just completely something that wouldn’t happen because he was supposedly one of her big abusers. Not to mention that if anyone who had survived abuse wouldn’t just ignore the warning signs that she herself had pointed out.
March 28, 2022
Well hello friend! This was an Amazon suggestions based on my reading …. shockingly they got it right!
The Dark Wolf had me the moment he appeared in the pages. I’m not sure where Calder is going but if we get more of him, SIGN ME UP.
Something is up with Dax. Here is a guy who abused Ivy making her life and a foundling a live hell. Now he wants her. 🚩
Ivy is pretty badass considering her past. At the bottom of the pack hierarchy, having not shifted, and with a huge debt to the pack to gain her member status…..she’s got a lot going on. When challenged to step into the ring and face Dax she does it and blows everyone’s mind.
Not super excited about the Dax/Ivy thing happening but I have a feeling the Dark Wolf won’t let Ivy slip through his hands.
Love this!
Happy reading,
DD🥂
The Dark Wolf had me the moment he appeared in the pages. I’m not sure where Calder is going but if we get more of him, SIGN ME UP.
Something is up with Dax. Here is a guy who abused Ivy making her life and a foundling a live hell. Now he wants her. 🚩
Ivy is pretty badass considering her past. At the bottom of the pack hierarchy, having not shifted, and with a huge debt to the pack to gain her member status…..she’s got a lot going on. When challenged to step into the ring and face Dax she does it and blows everyone’s mind.
Not super excited about the Dax/Ivy thing happening but I have a feeling the Dark Wolf won’t let Ivy slip through his hands.
Love this!
Happy reading,
DD🥂
August 8, 2023
Not my thing.
July 14, 2022
okay
This would have been better if the synopsis told you less. As it was, you’re waiting till your 75% of the way through the story for something the synopsis has told you will happen.
An okay shifter series, not sure it will stand out from others though.
This would have been better if the synopsis told you less. As it was, you’re waiting till your 75% of the way through the story for something the synopsis has told you will happen.
An okay shifter series, not sure it will stand out from others though.
March 8, 2022
Ivy just wants to be a full member of the Shadow Pack. She was abandoned as a baby, and spends her life working to pay off her depth. One of her biggest bullies while growing up was the alphas son Dax Carver.
Suddenly Dax is showing interest in her, and she don’t know if she can trust him. But there is also the Dark Wolf, a man who catches her attention and curiosity.
Ivy gets an opportunity to pay off her depth by helping her pack. Their enemies - The Umbra Pack - is suspected for killing the Shadows alpha, and Ivy needs to find evidence of that theory. While on mission, Ivy gets caught by the alphas sons. The oldest is no other than Dark Wolf aka Madoc Umbra.
This story is high speed with twist and turns. I really enjoyed reading this one. I suspect some kind of triangle drama here in the books that comes, but I hope not. I was wondering who was going to be the Hero, but that ending probably gave me the answer. At least I hope so.
I didn’t appreciate Ivy’s turn in feelings through wards Dax. For me this didn’t make sense and was to fast paced. The girl really seemed to hate him at first, but changed her mind even tough he made her life hell growing up. I didn’t she the change in him that would explain her change of heart.
I also have problem with all the violence against Ivy. It was hard and I don’t understand how any of these guys can be likeable later.
I will continue with the second book now, this one ended in a cliffhanger. Unfortunately the third one is not yet released, but I believe it will be in mars 2022.
- No cheating
- OM/OW drama: ex girlfriend, two heroes
- Triggers: Violence
- Cliffhanger
- 1 POV heroine
Suddenly Dax is showing interest in her, and she don’t know if she can trust him. But there is also the Dark Wolf, a man who catches her attention and curiosity.
Ivy gets an opportunity to pay off her depth by helping her pack. Their enemies - The Umbra Pack - is suspected for killing the Shadows alpha, and Ivy needs to find evidence of that theory. While on mission, Ivy gets caught by the alphas sons. The oldest is no other than Dark Wolf aka Madoc Umbra.
This story is high speed with twist and turns. I really enjoyed reading this one. I suspect some kind of triangle drama here in the books that comes, but I hope not. I was wondering who was going to be the Hero, but that ending probably gave me the answer. At least I hope so.
I didn’t appreciate Ivy’s turn in feelings through wards Dax. For me this didn’t make sense and was to fast paced. The girl really seemed to hate him at first, but changed her mind even tough he made her life hell growing up. I didn’t she the change in him that would explain her change of heart.
I also have problem with all the violence against Ivy. It was hard and I don’t understand how any of these guys can be likeable later.
I will continue with the second book now, this one ended in a cliffhanger. Unfortunately the third one is not yet released, but I believe it will be in mars 2022.
- No cheating
- OM/OW drama: ex girlfriend, two heroes
- Triggers: Violence
- Cliffhanger
- 1 POV heroine
Read
March 19, 2023The plot was very convoluted and odd, I couldn’t get into it, I tried though but ultimately it’s a Dnf for me.
Dnf around 61%
Dnf around 61%
February 3, 2022
I thought all 3 books were out
I can't stand Dax! Ivy, what were you thinking? The guy treats you horrible for years beats you, chokes you and he treats you good for a day or 2 and you sleep with him?!!! I just wanted to scream at her. Dax is a POS I couldn't take so much of them being together. I wanted more Madoc, sad you only get him for 10% of the book. Now to wait for the next book to come out.
I can't stand Dax! Ivy, what were you thinking? The guy treats you horrible for years beats you, chokes you and he treats you good for a day or 2 and you sleep with him?!!! I just wanted to scream at her. Dax is a POS I couldn't take so much of them being together. I wanted more Madoc, sad you only get him for 10% of the book. Now to wait for the next book to come out.
December 13, 2025
pretty good first of the series.
It's been a while since I read a werewolf fantasy and really loved this one. I also love how the bond is not wanted instead of being head over heels at first sight, very refreshing.
my boyfriend bought me the full series and I am immediately starting the next, no pallet cleanser needed.
It's been a while since I read a werewolf fantasy and really loved this one. I also love how the bond is not wanted instead of being head over heels at first sight, very refreshing.
my boyfriend bought me the full series and I am immediately starting the next, no pallet cleanser needed.
September 22, 2022
This was a dollar deal on Amazon. I read the synopsis & thought it sounded pretty good. Unfortunately, it was not good for me. Triggers for physical & emotional abuse. There's no whiff of romance in this story. The heroine is also not the sharpest knife in the drawer, which is a story killer for me.
The heroine in this story has been physically & emotionally abused from toddlerhood. All throughout school the alpha's son has beaten her. Suddenly, he does a 180 & starts to court her. Wary at first, the heroine gives in & they have sex. All is not as it seems though.
The heroine has been drawn to a shifter from another pack who does some underground fighting. It turns out that they're fated mates. Neither want this, but what are you going to do? The fated mate wants to end it & claims he can find out how.
The heroine goes on a mission to steal info from the fated mate's pack. She's captured & there's more physical abuse. It's there that she finds out her fated mate is the alpha's son! He does little to help her out & in the end turns her back over to her pack in a prisoner swap. So much for fated mates.
So, the writing in this story is all right. It's just the content I don't like. The relentless abuse the heroine endures just wears on you. Also, this ends on a cliffhanger. Not a fan.
The heroine in this story has been physically & emotionally abused from toddlerhood. All throughout school the alpha's son has beaten her. Suddenly, he does a 180 & starts to court her. Wary at first, the heroine gives in & they have sex. All is not as it seems though.
The heroine has been drawn to a shifter from another pack who does some underground fighting. It turns out that they're fated mates. Neither want this, but what are you going to do? The fated mate wants to end it & claims he can find out how.
The heroine goes on a mission to steal info from the fated mate's pack. She's captured & there's more physical abuse. It's there that she finds out her fated mate is the alpha's son! He does little to help her out & in the end turns her back over to her pack in a prisoner swap. So much for fated mates.
So, the writing in this story is all right. It's just the content I don't like. The relentless abuse the heroine endures just wears on you. Also, this ends on a cliffhanger. Not a fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2022
2.5 stars
The spellings and daft use of words was really annoying but fates mates is one of my favourite tropes.
And although this was a bit shallow, not well written and had no resolution, I’m still going to read the next one- just to find out what happens.
Light reading on a hot day; is there anything nicer?!?!
📚📚📙📔🥱🤗😎😌
The spellings and daft use of words was really annoying but fates mates is one of my favourite tropes.
And although this was a bit shallow, not well written and had no resolution, I’m still going to read the next one- just to find out what happens.
Light reading on a hot day; is there anything nicer?!?!
📚📚📙📔🥱🤗😎😌
January 24, 2022
Well if you like to read about rejected mates than you need to check this one out. So we have Ivy who was raised in the shadow pack and she is not recognized as a pack mate. Which is harsh to say the least. Another thing is they have to pay off a debt to the Alpha to become a pack member. Like what the what. Then the heir suddenly sees her differently after basically bullying her growing up. Has Ivy finally grown a back bone. You can say she can take a hit but she still needs work. She is also a bit too nice and tries to see the good. Things are going on and she ends up in the middle of it. Then a mysterious wolf shows up too. One that she cannot stop thinking about. Well crap now it gets interesting. Then here comes the rejection, betrayals, and more mystery. Are there feelings involved? Hmm someone is going to get hurt and not sure how this is going to pan out cause we are left on a cliffy!! Now we wait to see what will happen next.
February 26, 2023
Ew. The author let her give herself to her Bully
Not her mate or love of her life Bully like some genres out there.
A manipulative, gross, loser bully.
I was getting so into this book. I don’t think I can even read past this part. This girl is stuuuuupppiiiiidddddd. How can you even begin to like a lead character with absolutely zero brains or self respect?
This guy didn’t just bully her, he beat her constantly. With a group sometimes. What I’m the actual? Oh yeah let’s give him our virginity because he’s nice for a night. Gagging as I’m writing this lmao!
Too bad because the writing was decent
Not her mate or love of her life Bully like some genres out there.
A manipulative, gross, loser bully.
I was getting so into this book. I don’t think I can even read past this part. This girl is stuuuuupppiiiiidddddd. How can you even begin to like a lead character with absolutely zero brains or self respect?
This guy didn’t just bully her, he beat her constantly. With a group sometimes. What I’m the actual? Oh yeah let’s give him our virginity because he’s nice for a night. Gagging as I’m writing this lmao!
Too bad because the writing was decent
January 16, 2022
She gets beat up 3x within the first 16%… seriously? Then she starts to like her abuser. Cool I think I’ll pass.
April 18, 2022
The FMC is a spineless victim. dnf 20%
September 7, 2022
It was a decent book about werewolves. The main theme was the mating bond and how they wanted to eliminate it.
Honestly, I dislike this new trend of rejected mates. You are not demonstrating the value of autonomy and independence by having in the worldbuilding the concept of mates and then treating it like a concept in our real world –where it is expected to be rejected. There are no magical tethers and love bonds in the real world.
But that is why I am reading this FANTASY. Because I want to indulge in the farce. Do not start to give me some bits of rationality and practicality that would correspond to the real world. I want to evade it. That is why I am reading this book.
If you are interested in my review for the Forbidden Sin (Rejected Fate #2), which is the second book in the installment you can check it by pressing on the hyperlinked text (I am not saying much).
September 1, 2022
TSTL main character. For real.
She’s a foundling which means the shifter pack treats her like trash. But she wants to be a part of it? But she actually doesn’t because she doesn’t like them and they physically abuse her. The leader and main abuser (emotion and physical abuse) Dax decides he wants her, makes horrible innuendo to her and she can’t stand him. But when she shifts for the first time she has feelings for him. Not as much as the feeling for the clearly her fated mate from the rival pack though. Turns out Dax created a false bond which gives her a fated mate feel. And she finds this out and is mad.
So she gets sent on a mission to steal evidence from the rival pack. And when her pack has clearly set her up to be the scapegoat, her fated mate finds her. He’s mad, but he gives her an excuse. And she decides to go back to her other abusive pack? For Dax, the guy she knows she has fake feelings for? For the pack, that literally has given her scars from physical abuse?
What even is this book?
I’m gonna read the second one because I would like to see her grow a spine or a brain. Also I want to see her fated mate Maddox beat the crap out of all of those jerks.
She’s a foundling which means the shifter pack treats her like trash. But she wants to be a part of it? But she actually doesn’t because she doesn’t like them and they physically abuse her. The leader and main abuser (emotion and physical abuse) Dax decides he wants her, makes horrible innuendo to her and she can’t stand him. But when she shifts for the first time she has feelings for him. Not as much as the feeling for the clearly her fated mate from the rival pack though. Turns out Dax created a false bond which gives her a fated mate feel. And she finds this out and is mad.
So she gets sent on a mission to steal evidence from the rival pack. And when her pack has clearly set her up to be the scapegoat, her fated mate finds her. He’s mad, but he gives her an excuse. And she decides to go back to her other abusive pack? For Dax, the guy she knows she has fake feelings for? For the pack, that literally has given her scars from physical abuse?
What even is this book?
I’m gonna read the second one because I would like to see her grow a spine or a brain. Also I want to see her fated mate Maddox beat the crap out of all of those jerks.
January 8, 2022
Ivy was left abandoned with the Shadow Pack, she has to repay the debt of them raising her. She has been treated bad growing up because of her being foundling. She works hard at a bar, but will she ever get the money to pay off her debt, when she gets some chances to increase her money will things go wrong? Why is the Alpha's son showing he cares about her now? What does he really want or is he being real? Who is this mystery man at the fights? Why does she have a pull toward him? Will she ever see him again? Join the mystery, suspence and action in this story. Now it ends with a mystery, so we have to wait for the next book. bummer
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2023
This one is probably closer to a 3.5 for me. Fast easy read. I found the storyline pretty interesting, enough that I want to read the next book to see where it goes. The FMC, Ivy, gets her ass kicked a lot so hoping she gets stronger in the next book. Or at least has better luck. The MMC (both) are utter A-holes, so they better shape up too 😂
November 2, 2024
Very convoluted story.
It ends up losing its meaning in the middle of the book.
Right at the beginning she knows/feels what the black wolf is to her, but contrary to logic she pushes him away, which makes the story just irritating and meaningless.
The only thing that makes people want to read the second one is the cliffhanger at the end, it makes people curious.
It ends up losing its meaning in the middle of the book.
Right at the beginning she knows/feels what the black wolf is to her, but contrary to logic she pushes him away, which makes the story just irritating and meaningless.
The only thing that makes people want to read the second one is the cliffhanger at the end, it makes people curious.
April 7, 2024
A definite must read!
Darkest Mate, book one of the Rejected Fate series by Alexis Calder is a definite must read for any one that loves a good slow burn, fated mate shifter romance full of angst, intrigue, secrets and so much more!
Darkest Mate, book one of the Rejected Fate series by Alexis Calder is a definite must read for any one that loves a good slow burn, fated mate shifter romance full of angst, intrigue, secrets and so much more!
June 18, 2022
edit: this is NOT a love triangle
I did not know this was going to be a triangle love… still debating if I’ll continue reading the series
I did not know this was going to be a triangle love… still debating if I’ll continue reading the series
January 26, 2024
3.5 stars
Fun, light, sexy, mysterious. Horny characters, fated mates, wolf tropes but I fuck with it. FMC was whiny af but so am I
Fun, light, sexy, mysterious. Horny characters, fated mates, wolf tropes but I fuck with it. FMC was whiny af but so am I
September 27, 2025
Great writing, great character building and amazing twists!
January 29, 2023
***I WANT MORE***
Omg this is one of the best rejected mate that i've read so far. It's well written and Ivy is a bad ass fmc and Madoc well he us a jerk and i hoped he redeem himself . Dax is a sociopathic àss who will use Ivy for his glory.
Omg this is one of the best rejected mate that i've read so far. It's well written and Ivy is a bad ass fmc and Madoc well he us a jerk and i hoped he redeem himself . Dax is a sociopathic àss who will use Ivy for his glory.
January 20, 2024
A slow burn from hell. Didnt get to see the MF even speak to apparent 'mate' till the end of the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2021
2.5 Star Rating, It was alright
I really wished there were half stars so when someone wants to provide a half point rating, they can. I give this first book to the series 2.5 star rating.
I found the storyline to run a bit slow and repetitive, especially with Ivy's internal monologue. For being the FMC, she was so clueless, needy, and codependent. I get all the heroines start from somewhere but she's literally starting from the umbilical cord. She learns about things, talks to herself about knowing better, then goes right back to it. It makes me want to slap her silly until she can learn to stand on her own two feet.
For now, I will reserve judgement on the MMCs. Their interactions with the FMC was either over the top or lacking. I didn't feel the chemistry at all. I hope the second book will have more character development for all the main characters.
I really wished there were half stars so when someone wants to provide a half point rating, they can. I give this first book to the series 2.5 star rating.
I found the storyline to run a bit slow and repetitive, especially with Ivy's internal monologue. For being the FMC, she was so clueless, needy, and codependent. I get all the heroines start from somewhere but she's literally starting from the umbilical cord. She learns about things, talks to herself about knowing better, then goes right back to it. It makes me want to slap her silly until she can learn to stand on her own two feet.
For now, I will reserve judgement on the MMCs. Their interactions with the FMC was either over the top or lacking. I didn't feel the chemistry at all. I hope the second book will have more character development for all the main characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews