The Returned Mate

Serena's Story #2

by Melody Tyden

Serena and Brax are happily mated and starting their life together, but two people from Brax's past return at almost the same time and threaten to tear everything apart. First there's the man responsible for the death of Brax's parents, and then there's Maya, Brax's first mate.

When memories are erased and mate bonds called into question, is the love that Serena and Brax have for each other strong enough to survive?

Intended for mature (18+) audiences.

Genres: Paranormal, Werewolves, Shapeshifters, Wolves

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2020

About the author

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.

Reviews

[TamaraT · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this books had ups and downs and for a moment I really thought about putting it aside because it was pissing me off. There's no way for me to talk about my reasons why without spoilers, so am going to hide behind them for those of you who want to read this.

We picked up almost where we left off for a short bit and then immediately had a timeskip of about a month. That was the first thing that annoyed me. I think that if the story started at that month later with maybe a lookback to what happened everything would have flowed better, but that's just my opinion.

We find out Serena is pregnant, yay, and then the huge thing that pissed me off happened. Brax's first mate Maya shows up and suddenly he forgot all about Serena, their bond and their upcoming marriage. Yes he was drugged/spelled/manipulated but almost everything that happened after felt like a betrayal and complete breakdown of Brax's character. Everything he was and stood for in book 1 was just gone. He no longer listened to his pack, he no longer listened to his WOLF! Yes there were hints of the old Brax but it annoyed me more than gave me hope.

The villains were so obvious it sucked away the suspense for me. Though the revelation about the family thing made me raise an eyebrow.

Serena was so forgiving I felt angry for her. I loved how some of the pack tried to rally to her and offered support. Damian especially saved this book for me. I really loved the way he snubbed Brax and helped Serena.

I almost thought about leaving off here and forgetting about book 3 and then there was the cliffhanger...yeah gotta finish this now.

[Bethany Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a huge fan of an amnesia storyline, which is basically what this book is - through some nefarious scheming, Brax ends up losing all his memories of Serena and their bond - but in this case I didn't mind it. It set up an interesting look at how Serena reacts to this change and how deep their bond goes, even when one partner can't remember it.

She could have thrown a fit and brought out the serious drama, but that's not who Serena is. The dignity with which she dealt with it felt true to character, and it was nice to see Brax begin to appreciate her for those qualities rather than simply because the bond told him they should be together, since he isn't sure whether to trust it.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional turmoil, mysteries answered, interesting

Serena is stronger than most werewolves give her credit for. This book is about the trouble time that Braxton and Serena go through. The pain and emotional turmoil that Serena goes through made me have tears in my eyes. I loved how Braxton clarity come back, kind of hoping he makes up for it more in the next book. The mystery of Percy is coming to light, this should be good. Highly recommended to read.

[Adam Stonuary · Rating 5 out of 5]

mixed feelings

I loved and hated this book at the same time! I was in shock and utter disbelief at parts and then I feel back in love at other parts!! I’m looking forward to book 3!!

[Paigeey Stonuary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved and hated this book at the same time! How could he do that! I was shouting at the pages but then I feel in love again and it all went back to how it should be! Looking forward to number 3!!

[Meworks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sequel is even better than the original.

I am more in love with Serena and Brax than before. Can’t wait for the final book of the series.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted more grovelling. Thanks.

[Angela Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this one even more than the first book of the series. I felt bad for Brax even though he was hurting Serena, it wasn't his fault!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely started off leaving me confused. I want to know more about the Percy picture since it was hinted at in the ending of the last book instead this book went a completely different direction. This story fully embraces Braxs history’s and issues. Honestly, this was hard to read I felt so bad for Serena. This really pulled on the emotional strings.  Unfortunately, it gets worse before it gets better. But hold on because the end of this book is a whole different turn. 

I love that the author finally did incorporate something with the painting even though this book was mostly about Braxs past mate and his enemies. The story was truly heartbreaking but Serena shined in her forgiveness and thoughts. However, the end of this book gets a little crazy definitely adding in some fantasy with the paranormal romance.

[Emz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart was so constricted from all the pressure I was feeling from this book that I just couldn't stop reading and ended up reading it in one go (only possible since this book is so so so short), which I rarely do since I'm a very slow reader and genuinely just can't afford it usually.

Sure, the story was predictable since foreshadowing was being scattered EVERYWHERE since book 1, but I feel like the delivery was good enough to make up for it entirely, and I can't wait for the next book.

One ick is how I praised the first book about the incredibly healthy communication that was so prevalent in the first book but sadly didn't follow through in this one. Also, I think there should be a limit to this limitless kindness showcased by the heroine. Even God and angels aren't so benevolent. It's to the point it borders naivety and self-destructive behavior.

[Alex E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

it has a common storyline when it comes to wolf-shifters : the breaking of the bond because one of the mates is cheating. Although in this case, he had a valid excuse, as he was being drugged and his memory lost.
It was painful to read and the author did a great job, showing how much the human FMC loved her mate. despite the betrayal.

I don't think he "grovelled" enough, even if he didn't have a choice.
BUT THE DELICIOUS REVENGE is a dish best served cold and on the next book, he understands how she felt.

I started a bit wrong, going from book #2 to book #3 and I skipped the first one but I will go back and check their initial story.

[Katie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad this book was short because I found it so traumatic! But it was brilliant. But so stressful!

I have to say, I'm almost sad there is another book. I know we have now met Percy but I have no interest in him! After everything Serena and Brax have been through, I just want them to chill!

I really enjoyed the packs defense of Serena in this and loved her response to Brax's amnesia. It was very in character.

I will read the next book, but only because I have to know what happens. Even though I expect it to thoroughly traumatise me with more relational anxt.

[Kathleen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the events of book 1 we see Serena and Brax happily mated. Soon though Brax starts seeing things ( or people).
This book had my emotions all over the place. I felt horrible for both Serena and Brax. Serena is such a sweet loving character even though her heart is breaking she still doesn't want Brax hurting. She searches high and low for answers. I was really happy to see Damian's character and Serena bonding which will be helpful to them both later on. I don't want to give too much away. Loved this installment and the cliffhanger omg!!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick up right off the first book, with Brax and Serena making plans for their future and both settling into their new lives but other parties are moving in to make sure neither are happy and to ruin any chance of their future together.
Great story and plot, the characters are good, lots of angst, and some seriously shocking moments, loads of hurt, distrust and deceit, but the love is still prominent even with the way things go throughout the read. A few very difficult scenes that are heartbreaking but a good read overall. Moving swiftly on the final book.

[Caitlyn Sudweeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

I finished this book in one sitting. It had many cute moments and other moments you wanted to get a shovel and beat some characters with. Eager to read the 3rd book now. I just hope it is a little longer than this one. This one was better written than the first book. Which I am thankful for. Seeing an author improve in writing skills is very exciting when the story plots are so good.

[Marisol J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful

Loved the book. The twists and turns keep you at the edge of your seat. Read it in a half a day. My heart broke for Serena and what she went through. Love Brax and Serena together.

[Ahja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with tons of obstacles for the characters. Love always wins!

[Heidi Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

What a great read. I. Glad that the whole trilogy was there so I didn’t have to wait for the next. It was well written and I devoured it

[Mara:) Haak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like it that much i thought that he could have groveld more and that the whole storyline is just getting out of hand the third book with a vampire ???

[TR · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was okay but the way the characters were written and the way they spoke and acted made the while thing feel very juvenile and very wattpadish. However, it gets better for the final book.