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Mismatched Mates #1

Mismatched Mates

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Abby doesn't want a mate - and she especially doesn't want Oliver!

One of the few werewolves at a human college, Abby thinks she has already met the guy of her dreams in her suave English professor. So when the quarterback of the football team turns out to be her mate, she's not interested, and she assumes he won't be interested in her either. After all, what would a self-proclaimed bookworm and a dumb jock ever have in common?

She predicts a quick and easy rejection, and they can both move on.

Little does she know that Oliver has other plans. They may not seem like an obvious pairing, but Oliver wants her anyway. Can she hold off his advances, or will this mismatch turn out to be a perfect match after all?

Part college romance, part werewolf drama, and utterly irresistible!

Intended for mature audiences.

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2021

700 people are currently reading
979 people want to read

About the author

Melody Tyden

45 books179 followers
If you're looking for sweet and steamy romance, you've come to the right place! I started reading romance novels in my early teens and writing them soon afterwards; growing up in small towns in western Canada, there wasn't much else to do! Luckily, those early stories have never seen the light of day.

Now, I live in the UK with my husband and daughter and spend my free time diving into magical or just romantic settings where true love (almost) always wins.

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5 stars
652 (37%)
4 stars
522 (29%)
3 stars
434 (24%)
2 stars
117 (6%)
1 star
35 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Caroline.
541 reviews169 followers
July 8, 2023
Cheesy? Yes.
.....But...I fcking loved this.

This is a shifter romance where the FMC, Abby, is a nerdy werewolf shifter at a human college who unexpectedly meets her fated mate at school. Oliver is the future alpha of his pack who plays quarterback on the human college's football team, but beyond his alpha/jock/playboy exterior, he's a big sweetie who has been so excited to meet his mate his whole life. Abby immediately tries to reject Oliver because she judges him by who she thinks she is and doesn't think they are compatible, plus she's in a secret "relationship" with her professor (who is really just an asshole who is using her). However, Oliver is hurt by Abby's attempt to reject him, and he falls hard for her and fights for her love while begging her to give him a chance. There is a TON of jealousy, banter, respectful possessiveness, and a pretty action-packed plot between Abby and Oliver's packs. I loved how Oliver was so in love with Abby but rather than toxic possessiveness, he was obsessed with her AND very respectful of her boundaries, decisions, and aspirations. He was ready to give up everything just to be with Abby.

Honestly, I wasn't even expecting to finish this book--I was just going to read the first few chapters to get a flavor of it because the premise interested me. The premise was such a twist on a rejected mates story that I haven't seen before (the dorky FMC trying to reject the alpha who loves her!). I had low expectations based on the cover and some of the reviews. However, I legit could not put this book down once I started. I was obsessed with Oliver and Abby! Oliver being a secret nerd/chemistry major who likes to work in his lab and experiment in his free time.......OK BE STILL MY HEART. Abby was a bit dumb about the Liam situation, but I actually really liked her surprisingly.

Once again, the entire ending was a bit cheesy and rushed at points, so I was tempted to give this 4 stars, but I really enjoyed this book and had a great time reading it, so I'm going with 5 stars. I really loved this, and no one is more surprised than I am. Abby and Oliver were just so entertaining. The writing was good too!
Profile Image for Bethany Williams.
92 reviews
May 12, 2021
This is my favorite of Melody's books (so far!) for one main reason: Oliver! Finally, a male lead that doesn't frustrate me with stupid/selfish decisions. :)

Abby, on the other hand, did frustrate me a bit at the beginning, but as she gradually got her eyes opened, she became more take-charge and started to control her own destiny, and it was great to see that growth.

The two of them together were really fun and I hope there is more of their story, I'd love to see how their relationship grows and develops.
Profile Image for Tanya.
849 reviews16 followers
May 31, 2021
This book starts off with steamy scenes. We meet Abby, a student, and her teacher Liam, who is young but still a college professor, partaking in all sorts of steamy explicit activities. Abby is also a werewolf! I wasn't expecting that at all. We meet Oliver also in an explicit position as we are introduced. Oliver is a football player and a wolf as well. The player werewolf Oliver goes for a run and finds his mate in Abby, the star student. She is avoiding her mating bind by going to a human school away from her pack. I kinda wondered why but just wait for the explosive reveal.
Wow, this book is filled with drama, including a crappy love triangle, people they want but can't have, and people they shouldn't be with. As the book progresses, it gets more complicated for both Abby and Oliver. Past things come to haunt them both with their packs and parents. As their relationship goes, Abby makes her decision, of course, but I love that it took time. They really got to know each other and dealt with a lot together before love and intimacy were included in it. The book is very steamy and does end happy, although getting there was one heck of a rollercoaster.
I love that Oliver's character was understanding and gave her the benefit of the doubt. I also love that Abby was strong in her own way despite her history. She is loyal and protective of her friends and family. However, she has many secrets to disclose and answers to find. It was amazing how the author integrated that into the story in conversation and events.
I thought the twist on their relationships was the storylines, but I was so wrong. This book was excellent!! It was full of excitement and unexpected events. I didn't see half of what was disclosed in this story coming. This book is a must-read if you love fated mates and wolf shifters. It is full of love, action, obsession, betrayal, and even revenge.
1,391 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2021
Emotional, interesting, original,

My first book from this author. I loved it!!!!! What an excellent storyline. This was not the usual Alpha Oliver) Luna (Abby) story. I loved the original ideas that went into this emotional story. I totally loved how the Abby and the girls came together in the end to take a bad guy out. I really enjoyed how Abby treated and dished out punishment to Jerrod. Don't worry there was a traitor in there, read to find out. Highly recommended to read.
15 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2022
Fantastic

Another brilliant book by melody!!!! The plot is different to most other typical werewolf books, it flows great and has a lovely little love story ❤️
Profile Image for Rachael.
1,172 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2022
This was a really fun and well-paced read. :) So refreshing to see MCs (more so Oliver, but eventually Abby too) who actually take the time to evaluate scenarios and not jump to conclusions, but rather invest in honest communication and trust.

PS, I mildly wanted to pull my hair out that it took so much time for Abby to realize the truth about "the other guy", but the revenge mostly made it well worth it.
51 reviews
July 19, 2022
Thank you for this book

Loved it thank you for writing this book at last I have a other fantastic writer to follow you have made me happy because the female and the male leads were both so strong and delightful and real instead of it happened in the first two mins and the female is weak and only cares about sex instead of being treated like a equal so you are right up there with Suzanne Wright Elizabeth dear and Leia Stone Fantastic strong leads
149 reviews
July 24, 2022
I found another favorite

When I saw this book in TIKTOK, it looked pretty interesting. I started reading it and I loved how it was far different from your typical werewolf genre books. The character developments and plot was done in mere perfection that brings out more for the book itself. Truly, never judge a book by its cover. ❤️❤️❤️
1 review2 followers
September 20, 2021
Amazing book! Love this author, so creative with her stories, keeps you hooked from start to finish. Loved Oliver and Abby, young couple, met in school and realise they are mates. Story develops in a way I was not expecting.
Profile Image for Lisa.
40 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2021
Every Forced Match is a Miss When You Don't Want a Mate

This book is not the traditional werewolf story. It was a pleasant mix of college romance and shifter romance. The characters were interesting and I really enjoyed reading this one. Definitely a page turner.
Profile Image for Anmarie.
152 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2022
The plot was interesting and I enjoyed the way the characters interacted and developed through the story.
A great take on fated mates.
The angst was on point, plot twists well timed and characters well developed.
I’m looking forward to book 2.
1 review
September 14, 2021
Great Book

Such an amazing book. If you enjoy reading romance werewolf books or if you enjoyed twilight you wont be disappointed with this book!
Profile Image for Mandy McKee.
1,223 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2021
Brilliant

I loved this book, Abby was funny and fierce and Oliver really was her perfect match.
There was plenty of tension and intrigue and I would love to read more of their HEA
3 reviews
August 9, 2022
really good read

Totally different view on mate bonds and development of characters is really good. Well written and entertaining. Thank you for writing this book
14 reviews
July 18, 2021
Very good read!

Loved it. If your in to shifter books this one is for you its not the usual high school love story they are college students that meet by accident and the story to get there is fun and crazy at the same time! You will love oliver and abby they are soo different but end up completing one another.
Profile Image for CassDamm.
678 reviews95 followers
May 13, 2022
Surprisingly good.
I’m a chronic 3 star reviewer, so a 4 is a great review from me.
The book was fast moving and I liked how the author gave every decent main character a good storyline / path to happiness. They didn’t spend too much time focusing on the bad but it still had a decent plot.
It was a good light read after reading some brutal dark book.
13 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2022
First thing first - this is a dual POV and absolutely love when it is. This book was very sweet and easy to read. I absolutely love this series and the chemistry between Abby and Oliver as well as other characters. Abby tries so hard to fight the mate bond but it was certainly entertaining to read. Definitely one to read.
Profile Image for Dani Moon.
9 reviews
August 22, 2022
I loved this book! Abby is a amazing she-wolf and I honestly love the flaw of having glasses! Normally werewolves are all model figures etc but Melody showed a difference in the usual types and I really liked that! I've honestly fallen in love with both Abby ánd Oliver because both are more than you would think they are at first sight.
23 reviews
October 21, 2022
eeek!

Abby and Oliver are the absolute best. Not your average rejection book, but a terrific one nonetheless. Their uphill battle was fought amazingly, and I definitely will be reading more books by this author.
32 reviews
June 2, 2021
Super cute!

This is a crazy love story! The plot is original and I loved the chemistry between Oliver and Abby. Worth the read!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
270 reviews6 followers
November 28, 2021
Things I hate in books:

Virginal heroines.
Man-whore heroes (especially when their first scene is them with another woman)
Heroines that I want to smack for being so freaking naive.

Things this book had, but absolutely worked for the story. And I'm not even mad about it:

See above list.

Okay, so Melody Tyden must be some sort of witch. Because she took tropes that I cannot stand and made me love a book. Seriously, how did this happen?

Oh, and I don't even usually read paranormal romance. This story is about two college students who also happen to be wolf/shifters.

Abby and Oliver are from different packs. They meet, and immediately realize they are mates. Abby, however isn't interested in being Oliver's mate. She's already into another guy. She also hasn't had the best upbringing with her pack. She's going to a human college for a reason. And when she finds out that Oliver will one day be the Alpha of his pack, she's more than a little hesitant. She has no interest in being a Luna.

Oliver, on the other hand, has always looked forward to finding his mate. And he's all in. Now he just has to find a way to get Abby to spend time with him. The way the author made this happen was PERFECT.

I loved everything about this one. We get a strong heroine, a vulernable hero. And NO GIRL HATE. While I hated the opening Oliver scene being him literally having sex with a woman who isn't our heroine, the author made this a part of the story. And rather than the usual "she must be a 'slut' because she had sex with our hero" thing that we get in books, Whitney is delightful. She's a friend to Abby. She's just a good person who had sex with a guy she liked and it didn't work out for her (don't worry, by the end, Whitney is good and gets her own happy)

The only criticism I have is that the "bad" guy's motivation seemed to change from his introduction to the climatic scene. And there isn't any reason given for that. I don't want to give in depth spoilers, so I can't say more, it just didn't add up.

This one is kind of a long read (400 pages?) but every page drives the plot. I didn't feel that there was any filler.

Another thing I don't do? Read a second book about the same couple (after they get their HFN or HEA). Yet, here I am. Downloading the second book about Abby and Oliver.


Profile Image for Jade Ember.
Author 9 books23 followers
December 26, 2021
This is the book that introduced me to Melody Tyden and also the book that inspired me to try writing my own werewolf stories, so it will always have a special place in my heart and on my shelf!

Most of the other werewolf stories I read before this were more fantastical, with kings and queens, lots of drama and misunderstandings, over-the-top possessive Alphas, everything amplified. But this book is much more 'human' in scale, not just because it's set in the human environment of the college that Abby and Oliver attend but also because it focuses on the characters' emotions and development at the heart of things. That's the kind of story I love to read and the kind I like to write too, which is why after reading this I decided to try writing my own.

I loved the cheeky way we're introduced to both characters - both in the middle of steamy scenes with other people - and then the way they meet and get to know each other. Abby is convinced she has Oliver pegged right from the start, and the way she gradually realizes she was wrong was so much fun to watch. It kind of reminds me of Elizabeth's growth in Pride & Prejudice, in a good way.

I also loved the character of Whitney, Abby's cheerleader roommate who you kind of expect to be a villain of the piece, but she totally isn't. Just when things with Abby and Oliver seem to be getting settled, a trip to Oliver's pack takes the story in a new and exciting direction, with some of the drama that's a bit more typical of a werewolf story, which works well here because we're already invested in the characters.

By the end Abby and Oliver felt so real to me, like they were friends of mine. There is another book in the series if you want more, but there's no cliffhanger on this one, the ending is totally satisfying.
Profile Image for Nicole.
169 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2021
Written in dual perspectives of Oliver and Abby, Melody Tyden creates hilarious banter, mistaken judgements and a well written story about two werewolves attending a human college, hiding that they are in fact werewolves, and somehow each others mates.

Abby doesn’t want a mate, in fact, she’s under the illusion the Professor she’s pleasuring will ‘go public’ with their hidden ‘relationship’ once classes finish up in two weeks time. Unbeknownst to Abby, her mate is just around the corner, literally, and a chance meeting in wolf form confirms this.

She tries to run from Oliver, both literally and figuratively, but fate has a way of bringing them together.

A slow burn with a quirky h and pretty smart H, very well written book, it’s a great read, and just what I needed to satisfy my shifter-trope-guilty-pleasure.
Profile Image for Jazmyne [Ramblings of a Bookworm].
528 reviews13 followers
July 20, 2022
No lie, I got sucked into this story from social media. This book was a lot different than I thought it would be. Originally, I thought it would just be the normal nerd-jock-opposites attract kind of romance, with a little wolf thrown in. Honestly, though, there were many more layers to this story.

Abby is a young woman who has never felt at home with her pack, so she goes to college with humans hoping to fit in. It's here that she feels like she truly belongs and hopes to be able to make her life among the humans, after college of course. While at college, she meets Oliver, her mate. He plays football, loves his pack, and hopes to take his knowledge back to become a better leader. Abby wants none of this.

What Abby doesn't know is that Oliver is much more than what she perceives. Not only is he much smarter than she gave him credit for, he truly wants to improve the future for his pack and is a fantastic leader already. As they get to know each other, it's clear that Abby and Oliver compliment each other and will make a great team wherever they would choose to make their life.

"You don't have to give up your dreams for me, Abby. Just make a bit of room for me in them, okay?"

This series continues with this couple and I cannot wait to see what awaits their future!
Profile Image for Kimberly #Audiofile.
2,563 reviews29 followers
December 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Starts off super steamy which I LOVED! Both we’re enjoying their lives before smelling their mate.

Audio narration was ok. At the start of the book the volume between the duet wasn’t quite right but nothing too bad. I do adore a good duet style narration tho!!!

I enjoyed this, I love that mlc was so understanding. There definitely could have been a lot of angst in this book due to Abby’s bad decision making but there wasn’t.

Recommended, I see there’s a second book. I’ll definitely take the time to listen if it makes it to audio.

3.5 stars
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️
78 reviews
September 9, 2021
amazing

I have loved to get to know both of them. So glad Abby got her happy ending. Would have loved to know what they have gotten up to after college. If the pack was okay with Abby been the next Luna and if they end up having kids.
Profile Image for Aurelia Knight.
Author 26 books571 followers
November 20, 2021
Another Awesome Read

I really enjoyed this book, it hurt my heart how against the relationship the female lead was in the beginning but their coming together was sweet and satisfying
Profile Image for yana.
460 reviews30 followers
March 16, 2022
• Contemporary werewolf, fated mate romance.
• OM & OW.
• It begins with
• Liam seemed cute until Abby & I felt let down at the same time.
Profile Image for Nike Simon.
26 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2021
I highly recommend this book about Abby and Oliver. They fight for each other while others fight for them not to get together. But fate knows for sure what is good for them. I love this story. A true first impression I don't like you but in the end. I love you forever. 😍😍❤
Profile Image for Amanda Steel.
Author 8 books34 followers
June 1, 2021
I loved this story and couldn't have enough of it, and I highly recommend it to everyone if they love werewolf romance with a dash of humor in it. Wonderfully written!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews

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