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The Dates of Our Lives #10

Matched for Christmas

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Sometimes it’s the reindeer that delivers the Christmas surprise.

Alpha and bear shifter Soren has had nothing but bad luck using Love and Hate, the dating app his bestie convinced him to try. And really, what does it matter? He’s perfectly happy being alone. That is, until his den Beta asks him to take his spot at the holiday gala, one where he’s expected to have a plus one. Maybe he’ll give the app a chance.

Omega reindeer shifter Lennon loves being a reindeer shifter—until the holiday season arrives. Inevitably, someone asks him to pose for pictures with Santa or be on display at an event. He just wants to curl up at his family’s cabin with a cup of hot cocoa, chat with strangers on the internet, and wait for the holidays to be over.

When Lennon is asked to attend a Christmas party by someone he matches with on his dating app, he almost turns him down, but something stops him. This one seems special. Maybe he can suck it up for one holiday shindig. Who knows, it might lead to love.

Spoiler alert: It leads to love.

Matched for Christmas is the holiday companion book from the sweet with heat Dates of Our Lives series, an M/M mpreg shifter dating app romance brought to you by the popular co-writing duo of Lorelei M. Hart and Colbie Dunbar. It features a reindeer sick of being asked if he works for Santa, a bear—ready to give up on love and willing to settle for a date to the gala, too much eggnog, not enough cookies (because there never are enough), and adorable cat, an unexpected snowstorm, true love, and a guaranteed happy ever after. If you like your shifters unusual, your omegas hawt, your mpreg with heart, and your HEAs complete with true mates and a bundle of joy, one-click today.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2021

54 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Lorelei M. Hart

423 books488 followers
Lorelei M. Hart is the cowriting team of USA Today Bestselling Authors Kate Richards and Ever Coming. Friends for years, the duo decided to come together and write one of their favorite guilty pleasures: Mpreg.

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5 stars
232 (47%)
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144 (29%)
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90 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Dan.
1,741 reviews50 followers
June 18, 2023
I'm glad we went back to the city and gave Soren a mate. He had been left lonely and hanging. Cute, nor overly christmasy (just enough to be festive but not too over the top)
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,020 reviews93 followers
November 20, 2021
This was sweet and cute but I think it would’ve been better had I read the rest of series. It does work just fine as a stand-alone, but there are a lot of cameos that would’ve just meant more with more background. Overall a good Christmas read!
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,530 reviews322 followers
November 18, 2021
This was book 10 in the " The Dates of Our Lives" series. I found it very weird that book 10 came out before book 9. This was a short quick read that I liked. Omega reindeer shifter Lennon loves being a reindeer shifter until the holiday season arrives. Someone asks him to pose for pictures with Santa or be on display at an event. He just wants to curl up at his family’s cabin with a cup of hot cocoa. Alpha bear shifter Soren is the alpha of his den and he is also a lawyer he has watched his beta meet his mate fall in love and start a family and he is a bit jealous. When he needs a date for a gala he secretly signs up the dating app. Lennon is lonely so he signs up for the app and they are matched. This was a good book from authors that I like. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Penumbra.
1,198 reviews20 followers
March 11, 2024
Matched for Christmas is the tenth book in the ‘Dates of Our Lives’ series. It stars Lennon, an omega reindeer shifter, and Soren, an Alpha Bear shifter. This is told in first person from Lennon and Soren’s povs.

I’ve read a few of the books in this series so I’m familiar with the app ‘Love and Hate’ mentioned in the story. However, there were so many people introduced in this book I was lost trying to keep track of who was who. That pulled me out of the story as I tried to figure out who was interacting with Soren and Lennon. The blurb is accurate so I won’t go into it again.

I want to talk about the cover and the fact that Lennon is a reindeer, also known as a caribou. The authors didn’t do their research. Male reindeer do not retain their antlers in the winter, only the females do. The cover image is incorrect as is writing Lennon as having antlers in the story. It’s a simple topic to research but clearly the authors didn’t. It’s not like Lennon was a magical Santa’s reindeer which could mean something different. Lennon was an ordinary reindeer so he wouldn’t have antlers.

I’ve read many books by this writing team and as usual one of the main flaws popped up again. Both character voices sounded the same. Neither was unique and despite the chapters being labeled with the character names, I was often pulled out of the story to go back to the chapter beginning to see who’s pov I was reading. I would think after writing so many books the authors would’ve improved in creating distinct voices, but they have not.

This story was choppy, only brushing over ideas briefly until there was a jump to another subject, or spending too much time on a scene that didn’t matter, like cupcakes. There was also the overuse of the phrase, ‘eeeewwww!’ I don’t know if the authors thought that was supposed to make the story funnier, but it just sounded childish. The attempt at humor seemed forced and cliché, and topics like Soren’s ‘flat butt’ didn’t add anything to the story.

Match for Christmas didn’t work for me. The humor was forced, character voices were similar, writing was choppy as it jumped from scene to scene without delving deeply into emotions. Soren’s conflict about his bear not protecting Lennon was contrived. This story felt like it was written just to get something out in time for Christmas without much effort put into it. I know the authors are capable of writing better stories, but this one was not it. I don't recommend this. I give this book, 2 Stars.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,602 reviews6 followers
November 14, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book. I glad that Soren finally found his happily ever after and with a reindeer shifter at that. I liked the connection between Soren and Lennon and liked that they got to know each other through the Love Hate App and then texts and talking on the phone before meeting up. I enjoyed getting cameos from some of our previous the Dates of Our Lives Series couples. Lennon has had enough of being a gimmick/prop for their shop Christmas display in his home town as last year a kid threw up on him so he decides it’s time to get away so he goes away to his parents Cabin to help with the repairs that need doing. He decides to give Love Hate App a try again since he’s away from home so he won’t know the person. Soren has been roped into going to a charity Christmas Gala in his Beta Brad’s place since him and his mate Gabe can’t go. Soren really hates formal functions but since it’s for a good cause he agrees to go but now he has to try and find a date, he finally tries the Love Hate App that his Beta Brad as well as a lot of other shifters he knows have found their mates. He meets and starts talking to Lennon and they get along great. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Series, Matched to his Fox. This book and all the previous books in the Series are all heart warming insta-love stories, no angst stories with adorable wee babies. I’d recommend this book, series & both authors to everyone.
Profile Image for Meg.
2,071 reviews93 followers
December 6, 2021
Lennon is an omega shifter, whose animal is a Reindeer. Lennon is trying to escape his usual role as the “town Christmas reindeer” and escapes to his parents’ cabin. On a whim, he joins a dating app, and through it meets Soren. Soren is the Alpha of his clan - he’s a bear shapeshifter - and knows that he should be thinking of settling down, but certainly isn’t ready yet. Until he meets Lennon, who will be his date to a charity event. Within hours of meeting each other, their shifter animals identify each other as mates… and they find a way to get snowed in at the cabin (with Lennon’s neurotic cat) together.

This is an M/M Mpreg Christmas novella. First, you should know that it’s book 10 in a series, and none of us in our group had read any of the first books. A series Christmas novella is usually a place to revisit favorite side characters from the novels, and so we had almost no world building and very little character development. The most disappointing thing to me (and maybe the weirdest) was how un-alpha our alpha Soren is. Maybe it’s because I’ve been reading the really aggressive Alphas of Immortals After Dark, but Soren seemed like he’d rather not be in charge...of anything… from the clan to the bedroom. That was a letdown for me. This novella was also not as spicy as I’d anticipated. There’s plenty of spicy scenes, but it ends up lacking the descriptive details for me to increase its heat level.

Ultimately, this was fun, if weird, and great to dissect with our group. I’m still chuckling over Soren being a bear.
1,199 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2021
What a glorious Holiday tale! From start to finish it is one sweet, sexy, joyful romp. I was captivated from the first pages. A reindeer who is fed up with the requests for his "services"... Lennon wants peace and quiet. But a dating app sends sexy bear Soren his way. One date to a gala could not hurt. Right? At least he will not be bored. You can probably guess the rest...and you would be correct. But it is the nuances and little things that will keep you riveted to the story. The attention to detail, the funny repartee, the way these two men mesh together, all combine to make one fantastic book. Ooh, did I mention a diabetic cat named Snowflake? And the sexy times? Keep your fan handy! Yes, there is HEA. Of course there is...this is a Christmas tale after all! I loved this book...you will love it, too. Get. It. Now.
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,457 reviews49 followers
November 16, 2021
I loved Lennon’s and Soren’s story it’s a m/m shifter romance between a reindeer and a bear shifter. Lennon just wanted this Christmas off to relax at his family’s cabin not like last year when he had kids crawling all over him and it’s not going to happen this year. Soren owns his own law firm he needs a date for an important gala his friend told him about the app called Love and Hate Soren didn’t want to but he doesn’t have a choice, when these two meet it’s like the magic of Christmas when you were a kid. Fantastic m/m romance I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for RedsBookReads.
475 reviews20 followers
November 17, 2021
Sweet holiday read

What do you get when you mix a reindeer shifter hiding from Christmas and a bear shifter who is too busy to date - a really sweet holiday story of fated mates and lots of snow!

Lennon is a reindeer shifter who is fed up of being asked by the town to help them out over Christmas. Soren is the alpha of his den as well as being a solicitor and he is always busy.

I loved the relationship between these two! This is a fated mates story so kind of Insta-love but they were just so sweet. I loved the idea of a reindeer shifter as well as that was a new one for me! On the whole this was a super sweet holiday story that I really enjoyed.
5,665 reviews63 followers
December 3, 2021
Bear shifter Soren meets reindeer shifter Lennon via a dating app when he is looking for a plus one for an upcoming black tie gala. The characters are a heartwarming mix as they join together during the holiday season. The furnace issues were entertaining and kept them bundled up nice and cozy. Loved when Snowflake turned a tux from black to white. I have one that color that really sheds, too. The storyline was terrific, with a great flow and intense feelings, family and friends, surprises and lots of snow. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
88 reviews
December 24, 2021
This story touched my heart

I loved this uncomplicated, beautiful love story. Lennon and Some were perfect for each other, just as expected. 😋 That Lennon was able and willing to make adjustments to his life without having a meltdown was so refreshing. I set myself some higher expectations than I have in quite a while, and I have found a few stories that brought me closer to the season than I have been in quite awhile. This was for me, one of those stories. Siren is an excellent alpha, strong, decisive, protective, and practical, but Lennon's relationship with made me all gushy and warm and the ending was outstanding. Maybe I am not too old to believe in Santa Claws.
1,992 reviews16 followers
November 21, 2021
Soren, an alpha bear shifter, needs a plus one for a charity gala close to Christmas. Desperately he tries the Dating App Love or Hate one more time, although he had really bad matches so far. - And he hits the jackpot with Lennon, a rendeer- shifter.
But although they hit it off immediately and believe they have found their fated mate, they are too scared to run the other one off.
An entertaining, funny story, typical for the M/M Love&Hate app stories.
A fun, quick read, easy and relaxing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karina.
128 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2022
🌟 Loved This One!

I was so happy to go back to the beginning and have Soren get a story! Considering how involved he was in the second book I thought he was going to be next so this was a real treat. The story is well written and suits him perfectly. Lennon was a fun addition to the family and I really liked it that they didn't do a bunch of second guessing in their "beasts" match. There were very understandable reasons for that issue in other books in this series so I'm not knocking that, it was just a nice change of pace. A very enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Jozey.
736 reviews8 followers
November 17, 2021
Sweet, lovable!

Sweet, cute, and all that Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas spirit. Meeting by app is one of my favorite trope.

In this one, they met because mc1 need a date for a christmas gala. Mc2 is in town for the holiday. They didnt expect Finding their fated mate!!! Cute story, very well writing.

-1: I would have liked more meeting, more social with the members of the den and the new omega at the alpha

Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,337 reviews10 followers
November 18, 2021
**ARC Review**

A very lovely holiday treat from this series. The app once again matched two great characters together. Just from their first communication I knew Soren and Lennon was gonna hit it off and was special. Really no angst/drama to be seen other than dealing with that stupid furnace(LOL)...some holiday/Christmas magic that was a treat, a whole lotta love and happiness(very fluffy). We get a very nice HEA for the guys and Snowflake the cat:)
2,535 reviews87 followers
December 30, 2021
Soren needs a date to a charity event, Lennon is trying to escape Christmas cheer. One app brings them together. Will they find a new meaning for Christmas?

Soren definitely had a lot on his shoulders, but I loved seeing him being able to relax and find time to be with Lennon. I didn't blame Lennon for wanting to escape, but loved seeing him find a new reason to love Christmas. Loved these two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SFBookReviewer.
632 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2022
Matched For Christmas is a shifter romance about fated mates between a Bear shifter and a Reindeer shifter. The story is part of a larger series but can be read as a standalone. The book is well written and the story is good with interesting characters and a HEA. Perfect for Christmas with a sweet story and animals.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre.
1,209 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2022
dates app mate

I liked this book it’s very cute,,,,a reindeer is so cute in this book especially when he is tired of everyone wanted him only because he is a reindeer for Christmas time so he goes to hide in his family cabin in the woods but he gets lonely so looks up a dating app and the same time the lonely Alpha Bear is looking for a date to a gala he doe’s want to go and meets his match on the same dating match when they meet they knew they were mates
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,553 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2024
I haven’t read this author combination before. I have read Ms Harts books before. This is a mpreg contemporary story. Soren is a bear shifter and leader of his pack. The other main character is Lennon an omega reindeer. The two meet via a dating app. Their beasts know they are true mates before they do. A great story. Great secondary characters and a baby to.
1,496 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2021
Great story

I have really enjoyed this series and I was sad to hear that this was possibly the last one. Our resident reindeer, Lennon, finally gets his match in an alpha bear. These two were so perfect together. I really enjoyed this book.
925 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2021
I loved this book. I never thought about a reindeer shifter before. I loved the instant chemistry and storyline. They are perfect together and this series. I would like to see more of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,924 reviews8 followers
November 19, 2021
Christmas

I so enjoy a good Christmas romance and this was so good. Soren and Lennon are a interesting couple and following there adventure was entertaining and fun. In the end they are there HEA. Enjoyed read.
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,281 reviews14 followers
October 29, 2022
WOW!! So Good!!

Well written story and well developed characters! Soren, the bear Alpha, has been in a few of the other books. Now he finally gets his own story! His Beta convinces him to attend a Christmas gala for their den. Problem, he needs a date!
Profile Image for F..
1,343 reviews66 followers
December 13, 2022
I read this as a stand alone so obviously was missing the back story of several side characters. I was enjoying the story but at about 80% the timeline and story went into overdrive and lots happened in just a few chapters.
A good story but doesn't tempt me to read others in the series.
Profile Image for Sharing The Book Love.
919 reviews16 followers
December 28, 2023
Random read

Random read for Christmas I grabbed off my kindle tbr

I think this is part way through a series but I read as a standalone

Cute shmoopy no real plot or story

Insta mates hot s3x and wham bam a kid and HEA
1,530 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2024
Matched for Christmas

This was a short and sweet, and cute and fun, fated mates story. It also involves a dating app, one reluctant alpha, and a bored omega. It’s a good story with a fun HEA!
Profile Image for Lee Hall.
1,231 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2024
Matched For Christmas

I love Christmas books. This was a sweet story between a bear and reindeer shifters, plus there is a wonderful cat and a baby. Who doesn’t love a good love story? Highly recommended
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
November 20, 2021
Very sweet

I love these instalove sweet stories. They are short, quick, no angst, no drama, and a great palate cleanser if you need something light. Just nice to read.
Profile Image for Grace.
214 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2021
DNFd at the point of mpreg.

I enjoyed the first half of this book. Fun story about Christmas and hooking up. Would have given it more starts but the sex scene felt really stilted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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