Unavoidable Truth

Fated Mates #3

by Jess Bryant

Sometimes the thing you least expect, is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Darius Moreno knows his place. He’s the Head Enforcer of the Moirae Pack. He protects and councils his Alpha. If it came down to it, he’d give his life to save each and every one of his packmates. They’re the only family he’s ever known, or needed. He never planned to mate, knowing it would take time away from his duties, but fate has other plans for him.

Leo DeLuca knows who he was meant to be. The Alpha of the Crescent Pack, he was born to power and raised to lead. But when a crazed wolf murdered his parents and kidnapped his sisters, his entire world turned upside down. He knew that asking the Moirae pack for help was the only way to save his family, but he never imagined it would lead him to his fated mate.

Two males from different packs. Two fierce, dominant personalities. Two alpha wolves vying for power. It should be a recipe for disaster but when fate steps in, the truth is unavoidable. Darius and Leo were made for each other, two halves of a whole. Now, if only they can stop fighting fate and each other, they may finally realize they’re stronger together than they could ever be apart.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2022

About the author

Jess Bryant is an avid indoorswoman. A city girl trapped in a country girl's life, her heart resides in Dallas but her soul and roots are in small town Oklahoma. She enjoys manicures, the color pink, and her completely impractical for country life stilettos. She believes that hair color is a legitimate form of therapy, as is reading and writing romance. She started writing as a little girl but her life changed forever when she stole a book from her aunt's Harlequin collection and she's been creating love stories with happily ever afters ever since.

Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn't afraid to tell you that your school isn't as cool as hers... or that your sports romance got it all wrong.

For more information on Jess and upcoming releases, contact her at JessBryantBooks@gmail.com or follow her on her many social media accounts for news and shenanigans.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unavoidable Truth is book three in the Fated Mates series by Jess Bryant. This can be easily read as a stand alone. There are some events that have previously happened that leads up to this book but I was easily brought up to date and didn’t feel lost at all. This is a MM, fated mates, very slow burn, shifter romance.

Darius Moreno is the head enforcer of the Moirae Pack. His job is to protect his alpha who is also his friend, Michael. Darius doesn’t have any family but Michael and the pack are his family and he would gladly give his life for his alpha’s if it was required.



Leo DeLuca was meant to be the alpha of the neighboring pack, the Crescent Pack. But a crazed wolf killed his father, who was the alpha, and kidnapped his three sisters. Leo needs help to take his pack back and rescue his sisters so he goes to Michael and the Moirae Pack for their assistance.

There couldn’t have been a more inconvenient time for it to happen but as soon as Leo stepped out of the car at Michael’s lodge, he knew. The man, the enforcer Darius, standing on the front porch, was his fated mate. Darius knew it immediately as well. But his life has revolved around protecting Michael and their pack and he never thought that would change. Now was not the time for this. They had to rescue the DeLuca sisters and get Leo’s pack back.



Both Leo and Darius know there is no way to avoid fate. But Darius wants to wait, to put off the mating until he is ready. He never anticipated this happening and needs time to adjust. What he doesn’t realize is that fighting against it only hurts them both.

“Fate had sent him an angel”

I love fated mates romance but didn’t expect this to be quite as slow burn as it was. I was expecting something a little faster. Even though I did understand Darius’s need for time. This had a surprisingly sweet ending and at the end, I did truly feel the love between these two. The next book is Leo’s sister Maya’s book in Unmistakable Mate.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Bex_Book_Revieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet-HOT meet cute!

♡♡♡An Unavoidable Meet-cute between an Enforcer and a Pack Alpha!!♡♡♡

Jess Bryant's Unavoidable Truth is a Sweet-HOT introduction to a MM Shifter relationship in her Unfated Mates Series, and I am HERE FOR IT!!

Leo and Darius meet when Leo is crossing Crescent Pack land to meet with the Morae leader to ask for help after someone has stolen his sisters, and claimed the Alpha status for himself. Darius is, of course his prickly, grumpy bear self when Leo's first instinct is to jump him right then and there. Leo can't figure out why yet another wolf doesn't like him, but he can feel the bond, so it doesn't really matter.

Darius has never real had any true family, the leader of the Morae pack and his father took him in so they're his chosen family - he would do anything for them, even set aside a possible mate? So when Leo keeps trying to worm his way into Darius' life, he is confused. Is it a trick, can he trust it? He can feel the bond, but what will it mean to leave Michael in the lurch?

I love Ms. Bryant's slow burn approach to Leo and Darius love story, I was thrilled that there isn't an immediate "in lust" type of love. I so enjoyed watching them each have to work for it, not in a gaslighting type of way, but that really sweet getting to know you better, that occasionally gets interrupted by some action filled moments. This is the kind of book I love to fall and get lost in, thank you Ms. Bryant for some beautiful new wolves!!

5/5 ⭐'s
3/5🌶's

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Darius and Leo's story was absolutely amazing. Gosh, there is such an intoxicating blend of rich emotions, intense feelings, taut tension and raw drama here that I quickly found myself pulled in, captivated and left feeling short of breath, with my pulse racing and my head spinning. I have really been enjoying this PNR series and I liked the first two books a lot but honestly, there was really just something extra about this one. I mean Of course Fate plays a big part in these romances but in this one well, you truly felt that power and for me that was a very moving and quite poignant thing. This is my frank and freely posted review.

[Riet De Bruin-Strijker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to dislike shifter romances, but slowly I’m going to like and even love them. I always enjoy reading M/M romances and this book surely was one that I loved. It was brilliantly written. This is about not expecting to see your mate in the person he is or that meeting your mate in the circumstances you’re in, that can be quite disturbing. Sometimes the thing you least expect, is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Darius Moreno knows his place. He’s the Head Enforcer of the Moirae Pack. He protects and councils his Alpha. If it came down to it, he’d give his life to save each and every one of his packmates. They’re the only family he’s ever known, or needed. He never planned to mate, knowing it would take time away from his duties, but fate has other plans for him.

Leo DeLuca knows who he was meant to be. The Alpha of the Crescent Pack, he was born to power and raised to lead. But when a crazed wolf murdered his parents and kidnapped his sisters, his entire world turned upside down. He knew that asking the Moirae pack for help was the only way to save his family, but he never imagined it would lead him to his fated mate.

Two males from different packs. Two fierce, dominant personalities. Two alpha wolves vying for power. It should be a recipe for disaster but when fate steps in, the truth is unavoidable. Darius and Leo were made for each other, two halves of a whole. Now, if only they can stop fighting fate and each other, they may finally realize they’re stronger together than they could ever be apart.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unavoidable Truth was a good read. Personally, the first book in the series is still my favourite, but I thoroughly enjoyed Leo & Darius’s book.

I have to admit, when we initially met him, I wasn’t a fan of D… his attitude rubbed me the wrong way.. but Jess changed my mind in him and by around the two third mark I was definitely taken with him. Under that surly, sometimes mean exterior was a great heart.

I really liked Leo. As an Alpha he needed someone strong but he also someone he could just be himself with, and that’s what he got from Darius.

Seeing these two develop their relationship was good after having caught glimpses of what was going on in the previous instalment in the series when they guys were kinda on the sidelines.
Watching previous events from both Leo and Darius’s POVs gave another layer to things that happened with Rafe & Zoey as well as Michael & Luna.

I’m looking forward to the sisters books, though I think Maya is likely gonna give her potential mate a run for his money!!!!

This series was my first read by Jess Bryant but I’m definitely gonna be catching up on her other works.

4 stars

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a lover of this series and couldn’t wait to read Darius’s story. And what a story it is! So much is packed into this incredible book of two men who are fated to be together. But with turmoil in both of their Packs, how can Leo and Darius cement their bond? Darius is loyal to his Moirae Pack and will do anything to protect his Alpha, but he also knows he needs to figure out his feelings for Leo. And with Leo being the Alpha for his Crescent Pack, can he envision it with Darius by his side? Can two Alpha’s actually be together? Can they work out this unique situation?

I always enjoy MM stories and this one is so good and I love the twist with it being a shifter story. I felt the intense emotions both from the human side and from the wolf side. Both were sizzling and I literally devoured this book. Darius may be all gruff and standoffish, but when it comes to Leo, I could feel the lust and love coming off the pages! I am so glad I took a chance on PNR, because I am totally hooked on this series and can’t wait for more!

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 Stars)

The third in the Fated Mate series, and a lot of this story was what we had already "seen" just in a different POV. Darius is the enforcer for Michael's pack, and Leo is the alpha of the Cresent pack. When Leo goes to Michael asking for help with the whole Maddox situation, Darius knew the moment Leo stepped out of the car that he was his mate. But this could not have come at a worse time, there were other things that had to be put first before they could pursue their mating. But what happens if they put off their mating for too long? Will the pull eventually lessen? Or will their wolves take over and make sure the mating happens?

This was just ok for me, we get the danger and drama, and some ok naughty bits. I'm not sure why I was expecting a bit more from Darius and Leo, but I felt like we didn't actually get enough of them as a couple and it was more about dealing with the issues and Darius pushing Leo away for most of the story. I give this 4 stars.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Leo and Darius: this book is amazing. The strength and loyalty these two show toward their respected packs is unbelievable. You can’t fight fate no matter how hard you try. Great writing.

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Leo and Darius know they are fated mates the moment they meet but for some reason Darius is fighting the pull as strongly as he can. I love the way that no matter how many times Darius pushes Leo away he fights for them both no matter what. When chaos is surrounding both the Crescent and Moirae packs they know their focus shouldn't be split but what fate sets in motion you cannot stop. I loved Leo and how he fought for his mate, Darius is so loyal to his family and I loved that about him and together they are force of nature.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Leo and Darius: this book is amazing. The strength and loyalty these two show toward their respected packs is unbelievable. You can’t fight fate no matter how hard you try. Great writing.

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Leo and Darius know they are fated mates the moment they meet but for some reason Darius is fighting the pull as strongly as he can. I love the way that no matter how many times Darius pushes Leo away he fights for them both no matter what. When chaos is surrounding both the Crescent and Moirae packs they know their focus shouldn't be split but what fate sets in motion you cannot stop. I loved Leo and how he fought for his mate, Darius is so loyal to his family and I loved that about him and together they are force of nature.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about Leo and Darius. Their story is the 3rd book in Jess Bryant's Fated Mated Series and is a MM romance. The storyline had me engaged from the first page and I could put the book down, who needs sleep anyway? LOL. This story goes from one drama to another but there's a HEA waiting for them once there's time for them.

Two alpha males, one a pack leader the other an enforcer, from different packs. Everything about their mate bond could be seen as an issue but fate has a reason. They meet at a time of chaos and tragedy and are strong enough to know they need to delay, not deny, their bond to look after those they care about. The chemistry between them is explosive, neither denies who they need to be with forever, just that they need to hold things back.

[Sarah Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have been waiting for the next book in this series. Jess Bryant knocked it out of the park. If you didn’t know that Jess can seamlessly write on both sides of the romance spectrum here is proof with this series alone. Darius and Leo are perfect together. We know that Darius is the head enforcer of the Moirae pack. He owes them everything. But Leo can see that as fated mates they are destined to do so much more. If you are new to the series, you can start here and go back. If you have read the other two books, then you know who the key players are and saw this one coming from a mile away. But the passion that Leo and Darius have is out of this world. Binge the series today.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have missed this world and I am so very glad that Jess Bryant has returned with the 3rd in the Fated Mates series! Her storytelling has something special. the connection I feel to her stories is deeper than many other authors. Her characters stay with me long after I finish the stories. This one was no different. Darius and Leo have some big obstacles in their way but when fate chooses their mate, they have to find a way around them. I love the way the families come together to support them. I can not wait for the next book in this series!

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you ever go into a book thinking you won’t like it?
Ya, not me. Never me. I Never have thought that.
Darius, Head Enforcer….
Leo, Alpha….
The character development is a winning success in this story. Sure, it has smexy spots. Did you see who wrote the book? She writes good smexy. I was more blown away at the attention to Darius growth through the book. The depth of Darius is where he becomes so much more relatable and more lovable.
If you are on the fence about this book after Micheal’s, run through the forest. You never know who might be chasing you. ;)

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve missed this series so darn much!! Book one drew me this author and her incredible story telling. So let me tell you excited I was to read this and how it’s a perfect fit. They are a perfect fit. Darius and Leo are intense and their connection is spot on. Of course danger lurks and the drama that ensues makes this one not to miss. Grab this and if you haven’t started this series you are missing out!!

[Payton Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unavoidable Truth is a great addition to this series! Darius and Leo have amazing chemistry and their story hooks you in so quickly. The conflict in this story is interesting and a great way to make a paranormal story relatable. I bounce between liking paranormal and not liking it but this book could easily send me on a paranormal reading binge it's that good! I've love every one of Jess Bryant's books and this one is no different!

[Christina Astorga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.

I love Jess Bryant. The way she writes, her characters and the worlds she creates, I enjoy all of it. This is my first book in this series and it did not disappoint. Leo and Darius are a wonderful couple. Leo is so patient even when he is hurting. For a couple of chapters, I was not a fan of Darius. Lol. No worries, it all makes sense and I love how it all comes together.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darius and Leo’s story touched me in ways I wasn’t prepare for. I’m not normally a paranormal/shifter reader. This was my first book in this series. I was so drawn to it I’m going back and reading the other books in the series.

I loved the fact that this is an MM book. It’s a fascinating story. I don’t want to spoil it so I’ll just say prepare yourself to become immersed and see what a truly humane story this is. I’m so happy I took the chance on a new genre.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

But seriously…This might be my favorite in the series and that is saying A LOT, because I love-love Unbreakable Bond and Unbelievable Faith, and then in walks Darius and Leo and BOOM…their story is very layered and emotional and it just jumps off the page. You won’t be sorry you grabbed this amazing story!

[Julie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for SNS

Leo and Darius: this book is amazing. The strength and loyalty these two show toward their respected packs is unbelievable. You can’t fight fate no matter how hard you try. Great writing.

[Mrs Jayne Rushton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess does it again.

I have to admit I'm new to her shifter books, but this has shown me the error of my ways.

What a brilliant read with such a fantastic couple. Jess writes some of the most engaging couples in her books, and this is one of her best. I felt everything they did.

Loved it.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

I enjoyed it but not as much as the previous two. I really liked that we got lots of happy time with Leo and Darius at the end. Looking forward to the next two in the series.

[Joy Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆     Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💣💣💣     Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚

Cliffhanger? ❌️

Do I recommend? ✅️ 

Tropes: PNR, shifters, fated mates

Darius Moreno is the head enforcer to the Moirae Pack. He takes his job seriously. He protects and advises his alpha. His pack are his found family. He's even willing to forgoe a mate so he can stay devoted to keeping his pack safe. Leo DeLuca was born to be a powerful alpha to the Cresent Pack. Then his parents are murdered, his sisters are kidnapped and his spot as alpha taken. He knows he'll need to ask Darius' pack for help. He never expected that in doing so he'd find his mate. Two powerful alphas from different packs are destined to bond. They were made for each other. They just have to realize that together they will be more powerful than either could have imagined. 

My favorite paranormal author passed away years ago and I've yet to find her signature on any pnr I've read until now. Mrs. Bryant easily pulled me in and I didn't want to put it down for even a minute. I plan to devour everything else she's written. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given. 

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate's Plan . . .

Darius Moreno is the head enforcer in the Moirae Pack. He is dedicated and protective of the pack who are like family to him. He was willing to give up finding a mate so that he could devote himself entirely to his packmates.

Leo DeLuca is the Alpha of the Crescent Pack. He is sure of himself and knows he is doing what he was born to do. But he has lost his family and his sisters have been kidnapped by a crazed wolf. He needs help from the Moirae pack if he has any hope of saving his family. But both Leo and Darius are dominant alphas. But Fate has put them together and it can work if they stop fighting long enough to see they are meant to be together. Will they accept this Fate being offered to them? Or can they not curb their dominant natures to accept each other?

[Romantic888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third story in the Fated Mates series by a new author to me, and I loved it. Darius is an enforcer from the Moirae Pack, and Leo is the Alpha of the adjacent Crescent Pack. Both of them have a tragic past, and the story of how they reach their HEA is very well told, with great characters, emotions, chemistry, and suspense, but not too much unnecessary angst. I really love paranormal romances between strong characters, and I found this one to be very satisfying. Although I didn’t read the other stories in the series and the characters from the other stories are intertwined with this story, I thought it worked well as a standalone, but I am definitely going to pick up the others, even though they are MF and I usually read MM. Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unavoidable Truth is the third book in the Fated Mate series, and it is a doozie! As tales about mates go, this one definitely takes us off the traditional trek and leads us on a journey that challenges tradition yet makes the most sense. The characters remain compelling and engaging, and they feel like family and people you know—rooting for Leo to not only finally take his rightful place as Alpha over the Crescent Pack but to have his mate by his side. How that all works out brings drama, suspense, action, and romance and keeps you turning the pages. It set up the fourth book awesomely, and I can hardly wait to read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darius is the head enforcer to the Moirae pack and when Leo shows up the both of them know instantly that they are mates. However, Leo is there for help, so he doesn't do anything about it. Once everything settles some Leo doesn't hold back and makes his claim known. Will they get a chance to be together before more trouble comes?

This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can say the only part I didn't like much was the going back over what we already read but I understand you need to see it from there eyes it just felt repeative. Love Leo but someone needs to kick Darius in the ass and if Michael was any bit of the best friend he says he was then he would have taken 2 minutes to talk to him. I feel a lot of this book showed how he didn't respect the mate bond for him just for everyone else and that's wrong and hurtful. I wanted to give more but it just felt blah

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the Read

This is a new to me author and there were previous books in this series that I haven't read. I really did enjoy this story though. I'm sure there were things from the previous books that would have made the experience even better but I don't feel it took away a lot from the story for me.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit for Jess Bryant. This third installment was just as entertaining as the previous two have been. I can't wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SAUGA · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh

My personal opinion, it was a cute book but the characters were mediocre at best. And why is Leo so useless ? Like bro get your shit together