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Accidental Alpha #1
Midlife Wolf Bite
Midlife can bite me.
I could have lived out the rest of my days blissfully ignorant of the underground supernatural world. After all, being over forty, getting a divorce, and starting over is nuts enough.
But instead, I was bitten by a dying Alpha, and now I'm inadvertently thrust into the middle of his divided werewolf pack & their civil war. It's basically me and my ex, but with more death and mayhem, if that's even possible.
With new powers emerging & the urge to shift imminent, I'm being forced to make some tough decisions. Like, do I even want to be a werewolf? Not that there's much of a choice there.
To make matters worse, I'm falling for the pack's sexy Omega. Totally not planned, let me tell you.
This entire fiasco is putting me and my two kids in harm's way and if there's one thing this middle-aged mom won't stand for - it's any more jerks screwing with their lives.
Time for everyone to fall in line. There's a new Alpha in charge and she's got her big girl panties on.
I could have lived out the rest of my days blissfully ignorant of the underground supernatural world. After all, being over forty, getting a divorce, and starting over is nuts enough.
But instead, I was bitten by a dying Alpha, and now I'm inadvertently thrust into the middle of his divided werewolf pack & their civil war. It's basically me and my ex, but with more death and mayhem, if that's even possible.
With new powers emerging & the urge to shift imminent, I'm being forced to make some tough decisions. Like, do I even want to be a werewolf? Not that there's much of a choice there.
To make matters worse, I'm falling for the pack's sexy Omega. Totally not planned, let me tell you.
This entire fiasco is putting me and my two kids in harm's way and if there's one thing this middle-aged mom won't stand for - it's any more jerks screwing with their lives.
Time for everyone to fall in line. There's a new Alpha in charge and she's got her big girl panties on.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2022
213 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Carissa Andrews
43 books732 followers"An author emerges from the depths of Minnesotan waters. Sci-fi/Fantasy is my pen of choice."
Carissa Andrews is an internationally bestselling author from central Minnesota who writes a combination of science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, supernatural thriller, and dystopia.
She keeps sane by chilling with her husband and five kids, playing with art in its various forms, seeking out mysteries, and being an occasional meditation and reiki badass.
You can learn more about Carissa and her upcoming books by visiting her website: www.carissaandrews.com
Carissa Andrews is an internationally bestselling author from central Minnesota who writes a combination of science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, supernatural thriller, and dystopia.
She keeps sane by chilling with her husband and five kids, playing with art in its various forms, seeking out mysteries, and being an occasional meditation and reiki badass.
You can learn more about Carissa and her upcoming books by visiting her website: www.carissaandrews.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
March 22, 2022
Easy to read, easy plot, which I found nice for a first installment of a series, I guess I was in the mood for it. I really liked FL's relationship with her teen children, that was like a breath of fresh air. I also liked that FL... behaved like a mother would? (except for a bit in the end, but I'll forgive the character because she was probably feeling overwhelmed) What I mean is, I've read some of these "midlife" paranormals and the majority of protagonists always struck me as sounding more juvenile than full grown adults, I don't know.
January 8, 2023
Ooooh. This was good! We get a female alpha werewolf who is 42! Nice. Sadly, I’ve realized this series isn’t done yet and I don’t even know when the third book is coming out… so I may wait before reading the 2nd book.
I look forward to hearing more about her past, finding out how the kids do (and whether they’ll get to be werewolves too), seeing her relationship with Stone blossom, and watching her grow into the pack leader. I’m guessing Silas will be back later to menace them all!
Great book and start to this series and I really hope the author finishes it soon!!
I look forward to hearing more about her past, finding out how the kids do (and whether they’ll get to be werewolves too), seeing her relationship with Stone blossom, and watching her grow into the pack leader. I’m guessing Silas will be back later to menace them all!
Great book and start to this series and I really hope the author finishes it soon!!
February 23, 2022
I gotta say, as someone who really didn't plan to write a werewolf book, this one was a TON of fun! My PA Jenny wanted me to give it a whirl and I thought, "What the heck? Why not?" It was originally just meant to be a test on Kindle Vella, but it's grown into a full-fledged series now. Go figure. HA!
I hope you enjoy it!
I hope you enjoy it!
March 26, 2025
This book was just the right length for the pacing. I enjoyed this relatively quick read. Even if I was so busy, I could only read small chunks at a time. I like the FMC and the MMC. I like her children and am looking forward to reading the second book. Though it worries me that there are ONLY two books. Especially as this was not labeled as a duology and the back of the first book stated the second book would be out in 2022... which was 3 years ago...
November 28, 2023
4 stars for book 1. I enjoyed the first book of this series, it has a fun concept and held my attention well.
[The next part of this review pertains to the remainder of the series… just leaving my thoughts here because I don’t want to write three separate reviews.]
Unfortunately, the next couple of books fell somewhat flat for me. I’m not sure that this author’s writing totally works for me. I didn’t get a good idea of what anything or anyone looked like - the descriptions felt lacking, and I had a hard time visualizing many elements of the story. I also wish that the story was progressing a little faster… after three books, it still feels like very little has actually happened. The main couple aren’t even really together yet. I’m not sure that I’ll continue the series when book 4 is released.
Safe; Nothing steamy on page in the three books I’ve read. Some mild drama from heroine’s ex, nothing mentioned about hero’s past
[The next part of this review pertains to the remainder of the series… just leaving my thoughts here because I don’t want to write three separate reviews.]
Unfortunately, the next couple of books fell somewhat flat for me. I’m not sure that this author’s writing totally works for me. I didn’t get a good idea of what anything or anyone looked like - the descriptions felt lacking, and I had a hard time visualizing many elements of the story. I also wish that the story was progressing a little faster… after three books, it still feels like very little has actually happened. The main couple aren’t even really together yet. I’m not sure that I’ll continue the series when book 4 is released.
Safe; Nothing steamy on page in the three books I’ve read. Some mild drama from heroine’s ex, nothing mentioned about hero’s past
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2022
I've always been partial to a shifter/werewolf tale or two, so when the lovely Carissa Andrews mentioned in her newsletter that she was going ahead with a story about a woman over forty and werewolves, well, my ears pricked up.
Ella, our main character, straight away is shown as a loving, compassionate, protective mother to her two kids. When they all witness a car crash, Ella is the first person to go to see if she can be of any assistance. Unfortunately, the lone driver is in no shape to be saved, but manages to bite her before passing away (hence the title). Unbeknownst to Ella, the guy is an Alpha of a wolf pack and his Omega shows up wearing only his underwear. She'd like to get to know him better as there is some sort of 'attachment' between them, however, her kids are her world and always come first.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. It was honest and gritty and I could tell that the interactions with the kids and the ex were based on experience, as it 'felt right' if you know what I mean? Overall, a well-written story to keep you hooked, great humour, full characters, fun, and I want to know what happens next!
I chose an ARC of this work which I voluntarily and honestly read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.
Ella, our main character, straight away is shown as a loving, compassionate, protective mother to her two kids. When they all witness a car crash, Ella is the first person to go to see if she can be of any assistance. Unfortunately, the lone driver is in no shape to be saved, but manages to bite her before passing away (hence the title). Unbeknownst to Ella, the guy is an Alpha of a wolf pack and his Omega shows up wearing only his underwear. She'd like to get to know him better as there is some sort of 'attachment' between them, however, her kids are her world and always come first.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. It was honest and gritty and I could tell that the interactions with the kids and the ex were based on experience, as it 'felt right' if you know what I mean? Overall, a well-written story to keep you hooked, great humour, full characters, fun, and I want to know what happens next!
I chose an ARC of this work which I voluntarily and honestly read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2022
Big fun action packed mid life with wolves.
I really like fantasy with older women as the main character. It makes all the difference to me, and the difference is because of the experience and believability of those characters. Their concerns and actions just seem much realer - even when there are shifter wolves in the story. So many stories are about young women without kids but we all know that life goes on when you have kids too.
This story starts out right in the action and right away I liked the main character and I related to her kids, at that stage of nearly grown and becoming quite capable but also able to have a full on squabble in the car.
I don't want to give spoilers so will just say this is worth picking up for an escapist read.
I really like fantasy with older women as the main character. It makes all the difference to me, and the difference is because of the experience and believability of those characters. Their concerns and actions just seem much realer - even when there are shifter wolves in the story. So many stories are about young women without kids but we all know that life goes on when you have kids too.
This story starts out right in the action and right away I liked the main character and I related to her kids, at that stage of nearly grown and becoming quite capable but also able to have a full on squabble in the car.
I don't want to give spoilers so will just say this is worth picking up for an escapist read.
January 5, 2024
Great Read
I couldn't put it down the bood the characters were well defind it was easy to read. Love the idea of a female Alpha can't wait to read the next book.
I couldn't put it down the bood the characters were well defind it was easy to read. Love the idea of a female Alpha can't wait to read the next book.
February 23, 2022
Midlife Wolf Bite tells the story of a forty-year-old mother of two who has just gone through a divorce. Ella is the mother of two teenagers, a daughter, Avery, and a son Asher. Ella and her children are on their way to their new home. Ella bought a new home as she wanted to get a fresh start after the divorce.
As they are traveling to their new home they witnessed a car go off the side of the road. Ella takes off to see if she can be of any help to whoever was in that vehicle. They didn’t see who was driving or if there were any passengers. It could be a family with small children. Avery and Asher are afraid and don’t want their mother to go and beg her not to leave them. Ella knows her babies are ok but whoever is in that vehicle may not be.
What Ella sees inside that car is about to drastically change her life forever. Ella’s life will never be the same. What did Ella see in that car? Who was in that car? After Ella went down to offer her help I was left with so many questions. Like what was going to happen to her now? How was what she witnessed going to change her life? How was it going to change her life? Who was the hot dude standing there in his undies?
Midlife Wolf Bite, what a catchy title that fits the story so well. You know once I opened Midlife Wolf Bite I was drawn into its depths from the first page. Once I had read that first word I was lost in its world as I was pulled in deeper and deeper. It was like I was pulled into a black hole and deposited right in the middle of Ella’s world as if I was a part of it.
I can’t wait for more in the Accidental Alpha series to see where the story takes us next. If you like reading stories about werewolves and middle-aged women then grab a copy of Midlife Wolf Bite and be drawn into a world with some very hot werewolves!
As they are traveling to their new home they witnessed a car go off the side of the road. Ella takes off to see if she can be of any help to whoever was in that vehicle. They didn’t see who was driving or if there were any passengers. It could be a family with small children. Avery and Asher are afraid and don’t want their mother to go and beg her not to leave them. Ella knows her babies are ok but whoever is in that vehicle may not be.
What Ella sees inside that car is about to drastically change her life forever. Ella’s life will never be the same. What did Ella see in that car? Who was in that car? After Ella went down to offer her help I was left with so many questions. Like what was going to happen to her now? How was what she witnessed going to change her life? How was it going to change her life? Who was the hot dude standing there in his undies?
Midlife Wolf Bite, what a catchy title that fits the story so well. You know once I opened Midlife Wolf Bite I was drawn into its depths from the first page. Once I had read that first word I was lost in its world as I was pulled in deeper and deeper. It was like I was pulled into a black hole and deposited right in the middle of Ella’s world as if I was a part of it.
I can’t wait for more in the Accidental Alpha series to see where the story takes us next. If you like reading stories about werewolves and middle-aged women then grab a copy of Midlife Wolf Bite and be drawn into a world with some very hot werewolves!
March 1, 2022
This was a really quick read but so entertaining that I read it in one day. Clarissa Andrews has created another new series that's just a hoot to read, with a snarky main character Ella, newly divorced, and her two teen kids Asher an Avery. Ella buys a house sight unseen, one state away from her Ex, just to get away from him, but she finds herself up to her eyeballs in alligators. The only good thing I can see from this move is the hunky guy name Stone who keeps bumping into her yet helps her out time and again and comes to her rescue. Only thing is he's been keeping an eye on her, following her around town. I know it sounds creepy but he has an ulterior motive.
Clarissa's writing is crisp, realistic, as realistic as possible in this sense, and full of snark and emotions, boy what a roller coaster. Her world-building is any Town USA, actually Oregon, so well-described you can feel the woods and the foggy damp weather.
This new series is such a joy to read, it's funny, scary, witty, ferocious and full of buff hunky muscle. I'm super curious about book 2 and can hardly wait to read it.
Clarissa's writing is crisp, realistic, as realistic as possible in this sense, and full of snark and emotions, boy what a roller coaster. Her world-building is any Town USA, actually Oregon, so well-described you can feel the woods and the foggy damp weather.
This new series is such a joy to read, it's funny, scary, witty, ferocious and full of buff hunky muscle. I'm super curious about book 2 and can hardly wait to read it.
March 5, 2022
Intriguing new PWF book.
This story jumps right into the action when Ella and her kids witness a gruesome car crash when moving to a new town to begin a fresh start for them all. I appreciated how she doesn’t spend the first part of the book wallowing about her failed marriage. There’s a strength to Ella from the get-go which draws you to her.
Now, there are times that the plot stalls a little as she begins to understand her new life and situation, but for the most part, the bones of the plot is there and there’s potential for a good series in books to come. The main criticism though, is how Stone appears to have spent many years with the pack and how traditionally packs share their knowledge and traditions; yet he doesn’t understand his pull towards Ella. It’s pretty clear to anyone who’s read any shifter novels before what she is or could be to him. And how fast Ella embraces her new life with very few questions about the big picture she’s now facing. She just kind of goes with the flow. I’d say it’s more of a solid 3.5*’s.
That said, I still enjoyed the story and will be willing to continue the journey with book 2 when it releases.
This story jumps right into the action when Ella and her kids witness a gruesome car crash when moving to a new town to begin a fresh start for them all. I appreciated how she doesn’t spend the first part of the book wallowing about her failed marriage. There’s a strength to Ella from the get-go which draws you to her.
Now, there are times that the plot stalls a little as she begins to understand her new life and situation, but for the most part, the bones of the plot is there and there’s potential for a good series in books to come. The main criticism though, is how Stone appears to have spent many years with the pack and how traditionally packs share their knowledge and traditions; yet he doesn’t understand his pull towards Ella. It’s pretty clear to anyone who’s read any shifter novels before what she is or could be to him. And how fast Ella embraces her new life with very few questions about the big picture she’s now facing. She just kind of goes with the flow. I’d say it’s more of a solid 3.5*’s.
That said, I still enjoyed the story and will be willing to continue the journey with book 2 when it releases.
February 23, 2022
Where do I begin oh my days.... Ella recently divorced with two children asher and avery are on route new house which is supposed to be there do over and the start of there new life .. fate as other plans in store after witness a car being run of the road and nearly running over a wolf Ella feels she need to check on the person in the car little does she know her life is about to change. After being bitten by the alpha he world changes she's been thrown into a world she knows nothing about meeting a strangers Stone whose feels drawn to she begins to feel and ear things. After her world changes she learns that the alpha roll is passed onto her and she has to put her big lady panties on and rise to the challenges coming her way... this was a fantastic read loved all the characters and can't wait to see what's in store for them aboustly loved reading this book
February 25, 2022
May contain some form of spoiler. I absolutely enjoyed this book! Midlife Wolf Bite takes us on a journey with a single middle aged divorcée, and her two teenage kids who move to a different state to start a new life for themselves. Along the way our FMC Ella is accidentally bitten by the dying alpha of a wolf pack, and thrust into a complicated world. She learns to maneuver her new life with her kids, feelings for the mystery omega Stone and friendships with Clementine. She also fights the evil beta of the pack Silas. I truly loved that she was able to take becoming a wolf in stride and then lead herself and her pack to a victory while still protecting her children. She was spunky strong willed and Independent. This book was such a nice change of pace from the young teen style shifter books! I loved that she wasn’t instantly in love and that she put herself and her kids first. I will be looking forward to book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
An interesting take on the werewolf story. We have a middle age woman with two kids, adjusting to single life and dealing with a divorce, when she is bitten by a dying alpha werewolf. I totally can relate to the position this gal finds herself in! Now she has some decisions to make. Her powers are beginning to merge and she needs to decide if she even wants to be a werewolf, as if she has a choice in this matter. To complicate this entire process she finds herself falling a member of the pack.
As her alpha powers are emerging she finds that she is in the middle of a civil war in her pack. This war is placing her children in danger. One thing the pack needs to learn is that you don’t mess with a mama bear and her children. I really enjoyed this novel, and can’t wait to see what happens with our Alpha family in the next novel. I received this novel from Story Origin. This is my true and honest review.
As her alpha powers are emerging she finds that she is in the middle of a civil war in her pack. This war is placing her children in danger. One thing the pack needs to learn is that you don’t mess with a mama bear and her children. I really enjoyed this novel, and can’t wait to see what happens with our Alpha family in the next novel. I received this novel from Story Origin. This is my true and honest review.
March 6, 2022
Midlife Wolf Bite by Carissa Andrews is Book 1 in the Accidental Alpha series. This is a roller coaster ride adventure filled with emotion, snark, and werewolves. The world building is excellent, so much so you feel like your there. The characters are well developed, interesting, and seem as if they are from real life. Ella's (MFC) life is about to change when she goes to help an accident victim. This is an excellent read, one I couldn't put down, one I highly recommend, and am anxiously awaiting book 2. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
February 24, 2022
🌘A howling good time 🐺💗...
I absolutely L O V E D this friggin book!!! I can't wait for the next in this series, especially after the massive ending. Nope not saying...as River Song from Dr. Who would say.... *spoilers* 😉This story is filled with sarcastic humor, a brilliant female main character that has heart, sass, determination, and will surprise everyone including herself. This book definitely laid the groundwork for one heck of a series!!! These characters have already grabbed hold of me and I cannot wait for book two!!!! BRING IT ON 😁😁😁.
I absolutely L O V E D this friggin book!!! I can't wait for the next in this series, especially after the massive ending. Nope not saying...as River Song from Dr. Who would say.... *spoilers* 😉This story is filled with sarcastic humor, a brilliant female main character that has heart, sass, determination, and will surprise everyone including herself. This book definitely laid the groundwork for one heck of a series!!! These characters have already grabbed hold of me and I cannot wait for book two!!!! BRING IT ON 😁😁😁.
March 4, 2022
A Very Good Start to a New Series
I really enjoyed this book, can’t wait until the next. I read a lot of books, in a lot of genres, enjoy most but every once in awhile you get one that is a cut above the others. That keeps your attention from the very first page. I have kindle unlimited but this one will be on my to be purchased favorite list. I hope the next one expands on her life before the move, things hinted at with the ex, to give a little more background. It is a fun book and right now we could all use that.
I really enjoyed this book, can’t wait until the next. I read a lot of books, in a lot of genres, enjoy most but every once in awhile you get one that is a cut above the others. That keeps your attention from the very first page. I have kindle unlimited but this one will be on my to be purchased favorite list. I hope the next one expands on her life before the move, things hinted at with the ex, to give a little more background. It is a fun book and right now we could all use that.
March 5, 2022
Midlife Magic
I liked this story. It was a great take on being a sigle parent to 2 tweens and suddenly becoming a wolf shiffter. WOW! talk about a mind-blowing experience. then theres the whole (fated?)mate thing she has with the hot guy. plus lots of unanswered questions. I can't wait for the next book in the series! I have a feeling that its gonna be awesome!
I liked this story. It was a great take on being a sigle parent to 2 tweens and suddenly becoming a wolf shiffter. WOW! talk about a mind-blowing experience. then theres the whole (fated?)mate thing she has with the hot guy. plus lots of unanswered questions. I can't wait for the next book in the series! I have a feeling that its gonna be awesome!
March 6, 2022
Good start
Good start to a new series about werewolves in Oregon. Features a mom and 2 teenagers relocating after a divorce and their introduction into the paranormal world. The plot and subplots move quickly and the conversations flow naturally. The characters are well defined but have room to grow. I can't wait for the next book!
Good start to a new series about werewolves in Oregon. Features a mom and 2 teenagers relocating after a divorce and their introduction into the paranormal world. The plot and subplots move quickly and the conversations flow naturally. The characters are well defined but have room to grow. I can't wait for the next book!
February 27, 2022
The story grabbed me from the moment I started reading and didn't let go until the very last page. Every moment I wished I was there, or more like I was Ella and it had happened to me, LOL. Such a clever premise, and a different take on the whole shifter/werewolf trope. LOVED the suburban mom heroine and her kids and how it developed, and I can't wait to find out how the story continues. Well done!
March 2, 2022
I voluntarily review an ARC. This is the first book of the Accidental Alpha series, the books should be read in order.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I'm sure it won't be the last.
It's a really good story about a 40+ devorcee with two kids who wants to get a new start. What she didn't plan to was to get a whole new magical life.
I enjoyed the writing style and the different characters, especially when in badass mom mode. There are some minor typos, but they didn't influence the reading experience too much.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I'm sure it won't be the last.
It's a really good story about a 40+ devorcee with two kids who wants to get a new start. What she didn't plan to was to get a whole new magical life.
I enjoyed the writing style and the different characters, especially when in badass mom mode. There are some minor typos, but they didn't influence the reading experience too much.
March 5, 2022
Wow!! I am blown away by this book. I've read a lot of Carissa Andrews and this one didn't disappoint. Being on Ella's adventures were a rollercoaster from the traumatic to the triumphant. I am uber excited to see if there is more to the series.
I received an ARC copy and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC copy and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2022
Wow wow wow. This story was full of snark, sass, and most of all real life. The main character, Ella, is a middle aged "suburban mom" of teenagers who gets sucked into a world she never knew existed. I am OBSESSED with how funny and smart she is, but she really lacks the confidence to know how awesome she is. I completely relate to not knowing the power that lies within you. As a mom, it is hard to see your own worth beyond that of your family. This is a truly special story and I cannot wait for the next one!!!
March 9, 2022
one of the best
This was one of the best shifter novels I’ve read in a long time. The characters were amazing snd having a kick butt female was awesome! This book was sweet, sensitive and romantic without being cheesy or using g sex to sell. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the new alpha!! Loved it!!
This was one of the best shifter novels I’ve read in a long time. The characters were amazing snd having a kick butt female was awesome! This book was sweet, sensitive and romantic without being cheesy or using g sex to sell. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the new alpha!! Loved it!!
February 26, 2022
First of all, wow. As a huge fan of werewolf books, I haven't come across many with a female alpha especially with children so this book was a huge breath of fresh air in that perspective. As a mother myself, the fact this amazing author has made her characters relatable is outstanding and brings a whole new take to the werewolf community. I loved this book soo much I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what's in store for the characters and the new alpha in town.
February 26, 2022
The premise of this book spoke to me: a woman in her 40s just out of a marriage, looking to relocate with her kids and start over.
I don't read a lot of shifter books because they are overdone and the trope just doesn't do it for me. HOWEVER, Carissa's books are not like that! This book was phenomenal and I just love the characters. Stone was my favorite for allll the reasons. :)
I highly recommend this one!
I don't read a lot of shifter books because they are overdone and the trope just doesn't do it for me. HOWEVER, Carissa's books are not like that! This book was phenomenal and I just love the characters. Stone was my favorite for allll the reasons. :)
I highly recommend this one!
March 6, 2022
Delightful all the way to the end. A fortyish divorced Mom with kids. Hooking up with a Wolf Shifter. Definitely different and worth the read.
June 13, 2022
Interesting read
Never read her before, but I will definitely put her on my favorite list. It is so refreshing to have a character not be a teenager or 20 something.
Never read her before, but I will definitely put her on my favorite list. It is so refreshing to have a character not be a teenager or 20 something.
June 8, 2023
I love this, it's so refreshing to see novels from women around my age. I've already started the 2nd book in the series.
March 7, 2022
What is not to love, a mature mom with 2 teens that run into a hot guy that happens to bite mom. Newly divorced and starting over, Ella gets a bite more than she bargains for. I loved this book and how everyone deals with their new challenges. I’m excited to see what the next book brings. I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews