What do you think?
Rate this book
Mismatched Mates #6
The Alpha Contract
Sometimes you get what you pay for. Sometimes you get more than you bargained for...
Brook's alpha-centric family doesn’t respect him. He'll only succeed his father as CEO is if he takes an alpha mate. But an alpha is the last thing he wants. Brook likes to be on top, in life and in bed.
A paid mate seems like the ideal solution. The alpha can run interference with Brook's family, but Brook will be in charge. When he hires Dimitri, a rough-around-the-edges criminal who's deep in debt and desperate enough to take any job, Brook expects a transactional relationship. One night together to form the mate bond. Simple.
Dimitri's never been with another man, but how bad can it be? Even if Brook is a snobby rich dude, like his family. Only he isn’t. He's funny, honorable, open-minded, and surprisingly vulnerable…and an unexpectedly willing lover. Dimitri's protective instincts are as aroused as his body.
Brook can’t help responding to Dimitri's kindness, humor, and ability to take charge, in bed and out—something that's never appealed to Brook until now. And that makes things anything but simple.
It's supposed to be a means to an end. A mutually beneficial arrangement. But for this to be anything more, they'll have to expose their family secrets and admit their real feelings…
The Alpha Contract can be read as a standalone and is only loosely related to the previous book in series, Lost Touch. Contains an alpha-for-hire, a wealthy executive with a plan, and plenty of knotting. This series does not contain mpreg. HEA guaranteed.
Brook's alpha-centric family doesn’t respect him. He'll only succeed his father as CEO is if he takes an alpha mate. But an alpha is the last thing he wants. Brook likes to be on top, in life and in bed.
A paid mate seems like the ideal solution. The alpha can run interference with Brook's family, but Brook will be in charge. When he hires Dimitri, a rough-around-the-edges criminal who's deep in debt and desperate enough to take any job, Brook expects a transactional relationship. One night together to form the mate bond. Simple.
Dimitri's never been with another man, but how bad can it be? Even if Brook is a snobby rich dude, like his family. Only he isn’t. He's funny, honorable, open-minded, and surprisingly vulnerable…and an unexpectedly willing lover. Dimitri's protective instincts are as aroused as his body.
Brook can’t help responding to Dimitri's kindness, humor, and ability to take charge, in bed and out—something that's never appealed to Brook until now. And that makes things anything but simple.
It's supposed to be a means to an end. A mutually beneficial arrangement. But for this to be anything more, they'll have to expose their family secrets and admit their real feelings…
The Alpha Contract can be read as a standalone and is only loosely related to the previous book in series, Lost Touch. Contains an alpha-for-hire, a wealthy executive with a plan, and plenty of knotting. This series does not contain mpreg. HEA guaranteed.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2022
670 people are currently reading
1063 people want to read
About the author
Eliot Grayson
42 books1,373 followersEliot's a lifelong Southern California girl, right down to the flip-flops and backyard garden. When she's not writing her next book, you can find her reading, drinking tea, or (more likely) catering to the demands of her kids and ancient, cranky cat.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
June 14, 2022
DNF at 63%
Originally, the one positive thing I was going to manage to say was that at least I finished the book....but I guess not. No positives.
1. Mismatched Mates #6
This is a lie. Standalone? Yes, 100%. Why is it even in this series then? This sets the wrong expectations, like them being wolves and magic mattering and also being good.
2. Werewolves??
Nah. Hope you like omegaverse going-to-work book. Yay!
3. Brook is an omega top!
lol jk
The book starts off with Brook saying he's a top, he likes to top, he'll bottom once for sake of mating, etc....then he becomes hypnotized by the knot. He's not even a power bottom. Just totally erases any prior sexual preferences in the face of alpha dick. Gross, boring.
I did not finish this, but I heard from people who did that this never changes.
4. Dimitri is straight!
Hahaha....yes actually that's true.
This isn't even GFY. Talk about yikes. Repeatedly says that Brook is 'just a hole' or 'just like a woman' kind of thing. I mean literally. Here's a quote.
Wow that's super great. Love it. Can really see the romance developing. This is at 61% by the way. And no there is no tension to suggest that Dimitri actually feels otherwise.
Once again, people who finished this told me that he never even manages to touch Brook's dick or do anything even slightly gay. what the fuck
5. Brooks as a character
What a whiny little shit, jeez. He is wildly unsympathetic. Childish, immature tantrums. Maybe that's why no one at the company takes him seriously, if he's that petulant.
6. Dimitri as a character
who? oh you mean this cardboard cutout? haha stop it
7. Pop culture references from 40+ years ago! yay!
I loathe pop culture references in books. I hate them so much. This has a whole pile of very dated references, which is almost worse than the painfully more recent ones. Movies from the 1960s? Heck, movies from the 1980s?? A random childrens book that stopped being published in 1979? A poem from 1785?? (lol ok thats cheating its a famous poem)
(i googled everything in my rage)
who is supposed to know these things?? it communicates nothing if you don't already have background knowledge, other than the knowledge that you've missed something, and this is a freaking werewolf (allegedly) romance (allegedly) book (tbd) published in 2022.
Overall, ....what a mess. I recommend not reading this, or if you do, pretend its a brand new series and unrelated to the Mismatched Mates world. And even then, it's still not good.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
Originally, the one positive thing I was going to manage to say was that at least I finished the book....but I guess not. No positives.
1. Mismatched Mates #6
This is a lie. Standalone? Yes, 100%. Why is it even in this series then? This sets the wrong expectations, like them being wolves and magic mattering and also being good.
2. Werewolves??
Nah. Hope you like omegaverse going-to-work book. Yay!
3. Brook is an omega top!
lol jk
The book starts off with Brook saying he's a top, he likes to top, he'll bottom once for sake of mating, etc....then he becomes hypnotized by the knot. He's not even a power bottom. Just totally erases any prior sexual preferences in the face of alpha dick. Gross, boring.
I did not finish this, but I heard from people who did that this never changes.
4. Dimitri is straight!
Hahaha....yes actually that's true.
This isn't even GFY. Talk about yikes. Repeatedly says that Brook is 'just a hole' or 'just like a woman' kind of thing. I mean literally. Here's a quote.
“Unlike you, I can admit it when I enjoyed something. Yeah, it got me off. A tight hole will do that. Fucking you is kind of adjacent to what I usually enjoy.”
Wow that's super great. Love it. Can really see the romance developing. This is at 61% by the way. And no there is no tension to suggest that Dimitri actually feels otherwise.
Once again, people who finished this told me that he never even manages to touch Brook's dick or do anything even slightly gay. what the fuck
5. Brooks as a character
What a whiny little shit, jeez. He is wildly unsympathetic. Childish, immature tantrums. Maybe that's why no one at the company takes him seriously, if he's that petulant.
6. Dimitri as a character
who? oh you mean this cardboard cutout? haha stop it
7. Pop culture references from 40+ years ago! yay!
I loathe pop culture references in books. I hate them so much. This has a whole pile of very dated references, which is almost worse than the painfully more recent ones. Movies from the 1960s? Heck, movies from the 1980s?? A random childrens book that stopped being published in 1979? A poem from 1785?? (lol ok thats cheating its a famous poem)
(i googled everything in my rage)
who is supposed to know these things?? it communicates nothing if you don't already have background knowledge, other than the knowledge that you've missed something, and this is a freaking werewolf (allegedly) romance (allegedly) book (tbd) published in 2022.
Overall, ....what a mess. I recommend not reading this, or if you do, pretend its a brand new series and unrelated to the Mismatched Mates world. And even then, it's still not good.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
![Profile Image for Megan [Semi-Hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 20, 2023
MM Romance
Fake Relationship
2 Stars ⭐️
I like this series but some books have definitely been better than others and this one just didn’t quite measure up. I usually recommend reading this series in order because they are loosely linked together but this one felt a bit removed from the rest of the series. I am usually okay with these books only being in one POV but I wasn’t a fan of Brook for some time and being stuck in only his thoughts annoyed me. Thankfully this book got better as time went on but it reminded me of AH’s book “Unnatural” and I guess I just preferred that version better.
Blake’s book is up next and I absolutely cannot stand him but I felt that way about Jared too and his book rocked my world so maybe I’ll love it. 🤷🏻♀️
Fake Relationship
2 Stars ⭐️
I like this series but some books have definitely been better than others and this one just didn’t quite measure up. I usually recommend reading this series in order because they are loosely linked together but this one felt a bit removed from the rest of the series. I am usually okay with these books only being in one POV but I wasn’t a fan of Brook for some time and being stuck in only his thoughts annoyed me. Thankfully this book got better as time went on but it reminded me of AH’s book “Unnatural” and I guess I just preferred that version better.
Blake’s book is up next and I absolutely cannot stand him but I felt that way about Jared too and his book rocked my world so maybe I’ll love it. 🤷🏻♀️
January 18, 2023
A mostly straight alpha (who by the end of the book is still straight and still avoids touching the other guy’s dick) , a juvenile feet-stomping second “almost alpha” and some cartoonish villains (the parents) do not a good abo book make.
June 10, 2022
A nice surprise to get another Mismatched Mates romance
This is kind of adjacent to the majority of the Mismatched Mates series as it concerns Drew's cousin Brook.
It's still a sweet romance though which follows the fake marriage/mate trope well and sees a somewhat lost and powerless Brook seek to turn the tables on his family by finding his own Alpha mate and taking over as CEO of the family company.
On the way, he has to shed preconceptions not only about Demitri, the alpha he hires, but also about himself.
I liked how Demitri stood his ground and gave Brook as good as he got in spite of their different stations in life.
I also liked how he went out of his way to provide a solid platform for Brook to accept his feelings were changing.
They sparked off each other from the start and their escapades in bed were both hot and also occasionally funny.
With a couple of twists and turns along the way, this romance works itself into a very happy ending.
This is kind of adjacent to the majority of the Mismatched Mates series as it concerns Drew's cousin Brook.
It's still a sweet romance though which follows the fake marriage/mate trope well and sees a somewhat lost and powerless Brook seek to turn the tables on his family by finding his own Alpha mate and taking over as CEO of the family company.
On the way, he has to shed preconceptions not only about Demitri, the alpha he hires, but also about himself.
I liked how Demitri stood his ground and gave Brook as good as he got in spite of their different stations in life.
I also liked how he went out of his way to provide a solid platform for Brook to accept his feelings were changing.
They sparked off each other from the start and their escapades in bed were both hot and also occasionally funny.
With a couple of twists and turns along the way, this romance works itself into a very happy ending.
October 28, 2025
A cute little romance between a shifter determined to prove himself to his crappy family, and the blue-collar alpha he hires to mate him for the advantages of being backed up by an alpha. I love this whole series, and a re-read gave me exactly what I was looking for. Eliot is so good at writing little misunderstandings between MCs (not major plot point like miscommunication trope level misunderstandings, but just minor instances where poorly chosen words lead them to be unsure how the relationship is progressing. The story is humorous and heartwarming, and helped me out of my book slump.
September 21, 2022
This review may contain spoilers
I love this series, but this wasn't my favorite installment. It had an interesting setup, and I really liked the dynamics between Brook and Dimitri as they dealt with Brook's family and the company. I also liked the caretaking aspect of the book, with Dimitri looking out for Brook both in high-tension situations and also just domestically. As usual in this series, the book had some good emotional angst too.
Unfortunately there were also some aspects of the book that didn't work for me. Part of it was that I didn't feel that I really understood Dimitri's thoughts and feelings, why he was attracted to Brook and why/when he fell for him. This also tied into one of my least favorite tropes in MM romance - the straight guy who stays "straight" throughout the book. Now, we're not in Dimitri's head so I can't know how he identifies at the end of the book, but there was no bi awakening discussed or indication that Dimitri identified as anything but straight (a label he uses even after he starts having sex with Brook). He also doesn't touch Brook's dick once in the whole book, and while the book doesn't explicitly say that touching/sucking a dick is too gay for him, it feels implied since he says he's fine with rimming/anal with Brook because it's similar to when he did it with women. Some readers might like this trope. I don't. The sexual dynamic just doesn't work for me and I didn't enjoy reading it. I wish it had been mentioned in the blurb or description.
I love this series, but this wasn't my favorite installment. It had an interesting setup, and I really liked the dynamics between Brook and Dimitri as they dealt with Brook's family and the company. I also liked the caretaking aspect of the book, with Dimitri looking out for Brook both in high-tension situations and also just domestically. As usual in this series, the book had some good emotional angst too.
Unfortunately there were also some aspects of the book that didn't work for me. Part of it was that I didn't feel that I really understood Dimitri's thoughts and feelings, why he was attracted to Brook and why/when he fell for him. This also tied into one of my least favorite tropes in MM romance - the straight guy who stays "straight" throughout the book. Now, we're not in Dimitri's head so I can't know how he identifies at the end of the book, but there was no bi awakening discussed or indication that Dimitri identified as anything but straight (a label he uses even after he starts having sex with Brook). He also doesn't touch Brook's dick once in the whole book, and while the book doesn't explicitly say that touching/sucking a dick is too gay for him, it feels implied since he says he's fine with rimming/anal with Brook because it's similar to when he did it with women. Some readers might like this trope. I don't. The sexual dynamic just doesn't work for me and I didn't enjoy reading it. I wish it had been mentioned in the blurb or description.
November 12, 2024
Tropes: buying a temporary fake mate, paranormal
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: knotting
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: seizure disorder, abusive/discriminatory/unsupportive family.
4.5 stars
Brook is 28. He is a werewolf in a rich family but he is not an alpha and his family has put him down over the years over that. Is also suffering from a disorder that is genetic and causes vision problems, seizures and other things. He's very involved in the family business and he's successful with it. His father is going to need to retire soon and Brook it's the best candidate to take over as CEO and he wants it bad. In order to do that though, he feels like he needs to mate with an alpha to be taken seriously. He wants to pick someone though, someone he can negotiate with, make a deal with, control. Rather than being forced to go with someone his family chooses who has ambitions that he cannot control. He finds Dimitri, an alpha in need of money and allies, who is pissed off a bunch of packs. He propositions him.
Dimitri identifies as straight but he's willing to mate with Brook (once will be enough right?!) and then pretend in front of Brook's family and colleagues if it'll give him enough money to settle his debts. Brook is a top and doesn't want to submit so they have some push pull. But once turns into twice and twice turns into more. And the steam and connection between them is stronger than anything they've experienced. And they actually make really good life partners too, Dimitri calms Brook down, takes care of him at home, supports him in front of his family and work colleagues. They make each other better people.
This was really good. The dynamic between Brook and Dimitri was full of tension and steam (omg the steam!), but also it was a really natural relationship and a positive one. Good story, good conflict.
Some notable moments:
Even when they are just talking, Dimitri can't keep any distance between them. "“He’s not going to respect you, even though you deserve it.” Dimitri shifted his head, breathing hot against my earlobe, his arms tightening around me. “But I do, okay? And he might back off if I don’t back down.” Another brush of his lips, another shiver, and my abdomen felt molten."
Whelp. The smut in this book... "He filled me up in one hard, brutal thrust, punching the last of the air out of my lungs. He’d gone easy on me before, I realized. And that was my last coherent thought. Dimitri pounded me into jelly, cock surging so deep into me with every snap of his hips that I couldn’t think, couldn’t move, couldn’t do anything but take it."
"I watched wide-eyed and frozen in shock as Dimitri stalked into the bathroom, glowing golden-gray eyes fixed on me as he started to tear off his clothes. He’d changed out of his suit at some point while I slept, and his T-shirt and jeans were on the floor in five seconds flat. And then he opened the shower door and stepped in with me, crowding me against the wall."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4/5
Kinks: knotting
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: seizure disorder, abusive/discriminatory/unsupportive family.
4.5 stars
Brook is 28. He is a werewolf in a rich family but he is not an alpha and his family has put him down over the years over that. Is also suffering from a disorder that is genetic and causes vision problems, seizures and other things. He's very involved in the family business and he's successful with it. His father is going to need to retire soon and Brook it's the best candidate to take over as CEO and he wants it bad. In order to do that though, he feels like he needs to mate with an alpha to be taken seriously. He wants to pick someone though, someone he can negotiate with, make a deal with, control. Rather than being forced to go with someone his family chooses who has ambitions that he cannot control. He finds Dimitri, an alpha in need of money and allies, who is pissed off a bunch of packs. He propositions him.
Dimitri identifies as straight but he's willing to mate with Brook (once will be enough right?!) and then pretend in front of Brook's family and colleagues if it'll give him enough money to settle his debts. Brook is a top and doesn't want to submit so they have some push pull. But once turns into twice and twice turns into more. And the steam and connection between them is stronger than anything they've experienced. And they actually make really good life partners too, Dimitri calms Brook down, takes care of him at home, supports him in front of his family and work colleagues. They make each other better people.
This was really good. The dynamic between Brook and Dimitri was full of tension and steam (omg the steam!), but also it was a really natural relationship and a positive one. Good story, good conflict.
Some notable moments:
Even when they are just talking, Dimitri can't keep any distance between them. "“He’s not going to respect you, even though you deserve it.” Dimitri shifted his head, breathing hot against my earlobe, his arms tightening around me. “But I do, okay? And he might back off if I don’t back down.” Another brush of his lips, another shiver, and my abdomen felt molten."
Whelp. The smut in this book... "He filled me up in one hard, brutal thrust, punching the last of the air out of my lungs. He’d gone easy on me before, I realized. And that was my last coherent thought. Dimitri pounded me into jelly, cock surging so deep into me with every snap of his hips that I couldn’t think, couldn’t move, couldn’t do anything but take it."
"I watched wide-eyed and frozen in shock as Dimitri stalked into the bathroom, glowing golden-gray eyes fixed on me as he started to tear off his clothes. He’d changed out of his suit at some point while I slept, and his T-shirt and jeans were on the floor in five seconds flat. And then he opened the shower door and stepped in with me, crowding me against the wall."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2023
Yep, I think this is my fav of the series; I'll have to re-read the others too confirm though *nods*
-------------
This was utterly fabulous.
It's been so difficult for me to choose which one of these books has been my favourite so far, but this one is, hands downs, one of the potential candidates. I utterly loved it, start to finish.
Each one of the "Mismatched Mates" books has a distinct atmosphere and a plot and main couple that really stands out in my memory, and this one was no exception. If the previous book was somewhat darker and bolder, "The Alpha Contract" is a bit lighter, a bit more romantic, a bit more trope-y, but still heartfelt and emotional, and as steamy as all the previous books. I loved it so much!
The story is so good: I love myself a good ol' "I'll pay you so we can pretend to be together, and trick all my horrific relatives into giving me what I really want, but it's only fake, no, of course I'm not attracted to you, ha ha, wait, what am I feeling".
This book has, literally, all my favourite tropes: a fake relationship (combined with a a very real, very steamy mating), opposites attract, strong dislike-to-love, a hefty dose of hurt/comfort (there's disability rep that I really appreciated!), a tiny bit of GFY. Plus, all the usual shifter shenanigans that make Eliot Grayson one of my go-to authors: lots of knotting and mating rituals, werewolf illnesses and shamans, an alpha with a strong sense of smell (*wink, wink*) and a very pronounced protective streak and his uber rich, smaller pretend-mate who's tired of being underestimated.
I absolutely adored both MCs. Brook was fantastic: he's angry, grumpy, snarky, high-strung and intelligent, but with an endearingly awkward side that made him even more lovable. I really felt for him and for how he was constantly being treated by his so-called family. Dimitri was his perfect match: laid-back and gentle, even when he was being domineering and sexily growly; his protectiveness of Brook and his family made me really fall for him. I loved them together to bits: they've got a TON of chemistry, the constant sexual tension between them was *chef's kiss* and their sexy times were unbelievably hot, hot, HOT.
I'm soooo looking forward to reading the next book in this series! I'm not sure who it will be about, but nevertheless, I just know I'll still end up devouring it.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
-------------
This was utterly fabulous.
It's been so difficult for me to choose which one of these books has been my favourite so far, but this one is, hands downs, one of the potential candidates. I utterly loved it, start to finish.
Each one of the "Mismatched Mates" books has a distinct atmosphere and a plot and main couple that really stands out in my memory, and this one was no exception. If the previous book was somewhat darker and bolder, "The Alpha Contract" is a bit lighter, a bit more romantic, a bit more trope-y, but still heartfelt and emotional, and as steamy as all the previous books. I loved it so much!
The story is so good: I love myself a good ol' "I'll pay you so we can pretend to be together, and trick all my horrific relatives into giving me what I really want, but it's only fake, no, of course I'm not attracted to you, ha ha, wait, what am I feeling".
This book has, literally, all my favourite tropes: a fake relationship (combined with a a very real, very steamy mating), opposites attract, strong dislike-to-love, a hefty dose of hurt/comfort (there's disability rep that I really appreciated!), a tiny bit of GFY. Plus, all the usual shifter shenanigans that make Eliot Grayson one of my go-to authors: lots of knotting and mating rituals, werewolf illnesses and shamans, an alpha with a strong sense of smell (*wink, wink*) and a very pronounced protective streak and his uber rich, smaller pretend-mate who's tired of being underestimated.
I absolutely adored both MCs. Brook was fantastic: he's angry, grumpy, snarky, high-strung and intelligent, but with an endearingly awkward side that made him even more lovable. I really felt for him and for how he was constantly being treated by his so-called family. Dimitri was his perfect match: laid-back and gentle, even when he was being domineering and sexily growly; his protectiveness of Brook and his family made me really fall for him. I loved them together to bits: they've got a TON of chemistry, the constant sexual tension between them was *chef's kiss* and their sexy times were unbelievably hot, hot, HOT.
I'm soooo looking forward to reading the next book in this series! I'm not sure who it will be about, but nevertheless, I just know I'll still end up devouring it.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Another sexy fake mates fall in love werewolf romance.
I gotta be honest, I was a bit fever-delirious when I (re)read this, so I kinda zoned out a couple times. But it was sexy? That’s what stuck, the sexiness.
They had this weird game of chicken going on, ‘who’s gonna be the first to admit they enjoy the sex?’, and it was both a bit annoying AND a bit fun at the same time. Honestly Brook, three times THE SAME DAY is not a fucking fluke anymore. Dimitri is hot and has a big knot, let’s just admit it and move on.
I’m starting to develop a sort of hate/love relationship with this series, because while I always enjoy the stories, I WANT DUAL POV. How much better would it be if I knew how down bad Dimitri had it for Brook??
But alas, I still enjoyed it even if I don’t remember some parts. It was sexy and possessive, hurt/comfort, an insecure hurt MC getting all the love and happiness he deserves.
So yeah, good times.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- MC w/ genetic condition/seizures
- GFY
- Top/bottom
- Usual top becomes a bottom
- Coming hands-free
- Rimming
- Shower sex
- Facial
And then we lay there, both of us panting for breath, the sweat cooling on our skin, wrapped so closely in one another that neither our bodies nor our souls could have been separated. Mated.
Another sexy fake mates fall in love werewolf romance.
I gotta be honest, I was a bit fever-delirious when I (re)read this, so I kinda zoned out a couple times. But it was sexy? That’s what stuck, the sexiness.
“You can have three flukes in a row.” “You referring to the three times I knotted you and you came like crazy, or the three times you came just tonight?”
They had this weird game of chicken going on, ‘who’s gonna be the first to admit they enjoy the sex?’, and it was both a bit annoying AND a bit fun at the same time. Honestly Brook, three times THE SAME DAY is not a fucking fluke anymore. Dimitri is hot and has a big knot, let’s just admit it and move on.
“I only want you. That’s it. Don’t offer me anything else.”
I’m starting to develop a sort of hate/love relationship with this series, because while I always enjoy the stories, I WANT DUAL POV. How much better would it be if I knew how down bad Dimitri had it for Brook??
But alas, I still enjoyed it even if I don’t remember some parts. It was sexy and possessive, hurt/comfort, an insecure hurt MC getting all the love and happiness he deserves.
So yeah, good times.
My fake mate. My unlikely alpha. My Dimitri, as imperfect as I was and impossibly perfect for me at the same time.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- MC w/ genetic condition/seizures
- GFY
- Top/bottom
- Usual top becomes a bottom
- Coming hands-free
- Rimming
- Shower sex
- Facial
August 8, 2024
reread: the way I jumped on this audio the minute it dropped
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
It's always a fun time to be back in the Mismatched Mates world,
one thing these books never are is boring, that's for sure
I was really intrigued by the dynamic set up in this book, and honestly,
you don't need to say more than ''fake relationship" to get me on board.
Brooks was super easy to root for, his family situation was so frustating,
and I loved how Dimitri stood up for him but also just was in his corner when he needed it.
Grayson is so great at shifter steam, and this was definitely one of my favorites in this series.
As always, I wish this book was bit longer so we could have a more fully fledged out middle or ending, but overall a great time was had by all.
Excited for an audiobook release so I can reread it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
It's always a fun time to be back in the Mismatched Mates world,
one thing these books never are is boring, that's for sure
I was really intrigued by the dynamic set up in this book, and honestly,
you don't need to say more than ''fake relationship" to get me on board.
Brooks was super easy to root for, his family situation was so frustating,
and I loved how Dimitri stood up for him but also just was in his corner when he needed it.
Grayson is so great at shifter steam, and this was definitely one of my favorites in this series.
As always, I wish this book was bit longer so we could have a more fully fledged out middle or ending, but overall a great time was had by all.
Excited for an audiobook release so I can reread it!
June 14, 2022
DNF @ 48%.
This book exemplifies disappointment.
There is no Armitage. In fact, the only tie in to the series is explained in one sentence:
> And Drew, my alpha cousin, whom my father had tried to groom for the job and marry to a female alpha with a distinguished pedigree—well, he’d vanished for months, come back mated to a human, and then taken off for California.
We have shifters that don’t shift. An Alpha who checks every box of Brooks “what I don’t want” list… which included being straight and an exclusive top. And then you have Brook, the reluctant bottom, who also considers himself an exclusive top. But magic knot syndrome fixes that, I guess.
I feel like Brooks condition exists as the only reason to empathize with him, which is kinda gross. Otherwise, I can see no other reason why I should root for this rude turd.
To make the last book in Mismatched Mates not feature the Armitage pack, to not have any cameos of previous characters, to give me two people. To have virtually no shifting. To have a straight alpha that is just doing his job and Brook who hates the thought of bottoming so much he has a seizure… Brook might as well have been a fuck doll for how the only sex scene I read played out.
It doesn’t even read like a shifter book… more so like an omegaless omegaverse book. The blurb doesn’t even mention werewolves. Which should have told me enough.
Im walking away before I experience any lot disappointment with this book than I already had.
This book exemplifies disappointment.
There is no Armitage. In fact, the only tie in to the series is explained in one sentence:
> And Drew, my alpha cousin, whom my father had tried to groom for the job and marry to a female alpha with a distinguished pedigree—well, he’d vanished for months, come back mated to a human, and then taken off for California.
We have shifters that don’t shift. An Alpha who checks every box of Brooks “what I don’t want” list… which included being straight and an exclusive top. And then you have Brook, the reluctant bottom, who also considers himself an exclusive top. But magic knot syndrome fixes that, I guess.
I feel like Brooks condition exists as the only reason to empathize with him, which is kinda gross. Otherwise, I can see no other reason why I should root for this rude turd.
To make the last book in Mismatched Mates not feature the Armitage pack, to not have any cameos of previous characters, to give me two people. To have virtually no shifting. To have a straight alpha that is just doing his job and Brook who hates the thought of bottoming so much he has a seizure… Brook might as well have been a fuck doll for how the only sex scene I read played out.
It doesn’t even read like a shifter book… more so like an omegaless omegaverse book. The blurb doesn’t even mention werewolves. Which should have told me enough.
Im walking away before I experience any lot disappointment with this book than I already had.
June 19, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up
I haven't read most of the books in the Mismatched Mates series so I have very little context for the larger world this book is set in. From what I've been told by other readers this is a good thing when it comes to this book as it is truly a standalone. There wasn't much world building or shifter lore in this book and knowledge of the universe isn't necessary as the only relevant themes that come up are brief mentions of the alpha/omega dynamic, the alpha having a knot, and some vague ~shifter magic~.
Overall the book was acceptable. There were a lot of dated pop culture references and the characters were rather flat but it is still readable. What I did enjoy was the caretaking Dmitri gave to Brook but there was not nearly enough of it. I didn't fully buy their transition from contractual obligation and a convenient hole for the straight dude (and the hole is on a super reluctant bottom who states he is a top several times) to in love and fitting into their sexual dynamic without resistance. If this was an attempt at a "gay for you" romance it missed the mark.
Short, readable, has some sweet moments, but you won't be missing out on anything if you skip it.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
I haven't read most of the books in the Mismatched Mates series so I have very little context for the larger world this book is set in. From what I've been told by other readers this is a good thing when it comes to this book as it is truly a standalone. There wasn't much world building or shifter lore in this book and knowledge of the universe isn't necessary as the only relevant themes that come up are brief mentions of the alpha/omega dynamic, the alpha having a knot, and some vague ~shifter magic~.
Overall the book was acceptable. There were a lot of dated pop culture references and the characters were rather flat but it is still readable. What I did enjoy was the caretaking Dmitri gave to Brook but there was not nearly enough of it. I didn't fully buy their transition from contractual obligation and a convenient hole for the straight dude (and the hole is on a super reluctant bottom who states he is a top several times) to in love and fitting into their sexual dynamic without resistance. If this was an attempt at a "gay for you" romance it missed the mark.
Short, readable, has some sweet moments, but you won't be missing out on anything if you skip it.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
October 7, 2023
[2.9] fake relationships of any kind are my siren call, so when i heard this had a mating of the business deal sort, i came huffing and puffing to line up.
we started off on the right foot, but the more i learned about Brook, the more i wanted him to shhhhhh 😂 honey, i know you have an inferiority complex, but you seriously think that personality is going to take you places? (i know, i know, haha joke’s on me. he has a hot Russian alpha and i’m just moonlighting as a blanket burrito 🥲)
maybe it would’ve been easier to digest if we weren’t always in his head, but alas, the woes of a single pov.
also i listened to the audio so i might have missed it, but did Dimitri ever identify as anything other than straight, or is he just planning on running with that label to the ends of the earth? questions, questions.
we started off on the right foot, but the more i learned about Brook, the more i wanted him to shhhhhh 😂 honey, i know you have an inferiority complex, but you seriously think that personality is going to take you places? (i know, i know, haha joke’s on me. he has a hot Russian alpha and i’m just moonlighting as a blanket burrito 🥲)
maybe it would’ve been easier to digest if we weren’t always in his head, but alas, the woes of a single pov.
also i listened to the audio so i might have missed it, but did Dimitri ever identify as anything other than straight, or is he just planning on running with that label to the ends of the earth? questions, questions.
July 23, 2022
I adore this author SO much -- quotes from Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Invasion of the Body Snatchers in the same book? Hell yes! Along with a Roget reference -- utterly priceless. Yes, Brook is fooling himself about so very many things, but Dimitri is still there for him, reminding him of what's real and what's valuable. While being big, dumb, polite, and silent. Maybe not so much with the silent. Or polite. And definitely not dumb. But big he has covered. In a big way. Heh.
May 21, 2023
AVISO: Las reseñas de esta saga serán demasiado breves porque no hay mucho que decir de ellas salvo que sirven para evadirte y basta, bueno y que le coges un poco de cariño a los personajes. (No estoy segura de recomendarlas, la verdad).
¿Qué?, ¿Por qué? No. Ya no hay porqué. Mi única neurona se acaba de ir de paseo. De verdad, mi paciencia está llegando a un limite y sigo leyendo porque soy tontita. Yo ya no le veo sentido a nada, de verdad…
¿Qué?, ¿Por qué? No. Ya no hay porqué. Mi única neurona se acaba de ir de paseo. De verdad, mi paciencia está llegando a un limite y sigo leyendo porque soy tontita. Yo ya no le veo sentido a nada, de verdad…
March 14, 2024
Tropes and Things to Know.
🏳️🌈 Omegaverse/shifters
🏳️🌈 Fake relationship
🏳️🌈 Straight guy/gay guy (don’t worry, we’ll get there”
🏳️🌈 Forced proximity
🏳️🌈 Rich guy/poor guy (or maybe just average wealth guy?)
🏳️🌈 “I’ll pay you to be my mate” yeah because that always goes well
🏳️🌈 Excellent narrator (it sometimes makes a difference in how a book is reviewed. A good or bad narrator can make a book way worse or better than it would've been if just read instead of listened to. The interpretation and narrating style really does matter!)
If ever a book needed a second pov, it was this one. Being stuck in Brook’s head sucked. Buuuut… it still worked out ok but I think almost all the criticisms of this book would be squelched by a second pov. Still, hey editor, did you not have this thought? How hard would it have been to throw us a bone every few chapters to let us in Dimitri's head? Because I for one, think I would have liked it there 💙
Full disclosure- I read reviews before starting this book. I don’t mind spoilers and I love to see which of my GR friends have read the book I’m starting. So let’s dive into the main criticism shall we? Lots of people say that Dimitri makes a big deal about a flippant nonchalant “a hole is a hole” comment. Yes there was one main conversation that weighs heavily on Brooks mind but for the most part I personally didn’t feel that Dimitri made some huge deal about it. If anything he was like “dude, I don’t care. I just like sex.” (See Ilya Rosenoff). I also felt like Dimitri was possibly biromantic but had never been given the opportunity to explore that side of himself. Also, a lot of bisexual people don’t have the opportunity in our (I'm in the US btw) society/culture don't. It's changing but it's still ingrained in SO MANY people from literally toddlerhood to like the opposite sex only. (Just think of any stupid adult asking "hey kid who's your girlfriend" to say, a kindergarten kid, or elementary school aged kid. AND IF YOU FUCKING DO THAT SHIT, stop. STOP right now. If for any reason you are personally interested in who some kid might fancy learn to say "is there anyone you like?" or "have feelings for" and please exclude the gender. It's not fucking necessary.... You're subconsciously ingraining in them that there is only one appropriate answer for romantic feelings and it must be of the opposite gender. Don't be part of the problem. Okay, sorry... back to the review...But with reading through the lines and interpreting it with my own personal lens- I felt like Dimitri was super chill about sex (He had ZERO problems getting aroused when thinking about sex with Brook) and his romantic feelings and need to take care of Brook developed first before a genuine sexual attraction to Brook as a person rather than just a willing participant happened. I think this shift occurs when they go from basically “rewarding” each other with sex to Dimitri going into Bs room literally every night to have sex. I think Dimitri knows then that he’s in love with Brook but can’t bring himself to express his thoughts because Brook has made such a damned big deal about this being a financial arrangement only… and that he’s not physically attracted to Dimitri (despite a multitude of evidence to the contrary).
Why am I harping on about this? Because there are so many super negative reviews criticizing the author and the character. And I just didn’t see that… Sexuality is a spectrum. Heteroflexible, biromantic, bisexual? I dunno. But I felt like Dimitri came to accept his attraction, love, and respect for Brook as his partner/mate before Brook did.
Ok so again, I wonder sometimes if I read the same book as everyone else. To me the author very carefully created a character (Dimitri) who started off saying “I’m straight but who cares? I need the money and I don't care about it being a guy.” who I think by at least the third time they were together begins to show both his sexual attraction and feelings for Brook. But he’s *very* careful. He’s constantly letting Brook lead. He doesn’t want to do more than “what he was hired for” because Brook has made SUCH a big deal from the beginning about Dimitri being basically just an Alpha he needs to mate with him. I felt really sad for Dimitri as his clear attraction and desire for Brook grows but Brook keeps fighting and insulting Dimitri (see the whole you don’t/can’t make me cum sex scene. Seriously wtf Brook you insensitive ass.) Brook was being ridiculous and honestly insulting to Dimitri even after Dimitri proved his point over and over again trying to convince Brook that he was attracted to Dimitri. I think Dimitri was walking a very fine line of wanting to be with Brook however Brook would let him but not overstepping Brook's stupid lines in the sand. He clearly washed to kiss Brook at one point and asks Brook point blank about kissing him but Brook said he won’t kiss men "like" Dimitri because he’s not gay 🙄 and Dimitri's disappointment is nearly palpable. So he kisses everywhere else instead. Like seriously Brook. Are you dense? For a smart soon to be CEO you clearly are missing some signs. Or maybe Brook was just too scared to admit his feelings for Dimitri because Brook wasn't willing to put himself out there first, and Dimitri was trying his best to respect Brook's boundaries and hard lines he'd drawn about their contractual relationship.
When they finally admit their feeling for each other it was awesome, Dimitri made sure to get Brook everything he wanted *before* he kissed Brook and basically asked Brook to ask him to stay. Still very carefully trying to respect Brook’s stupid arbitrary boundaries, but also to ensure that Brook was the one in control. He always let Brook set the rules.
I think this story demonstrated how two people despite their believed preferences can fall in love if given the opportunity to spend quality time with each other. It felt very arranged marriage gone right sort of vibe. I loved how Dimitri defied Brook's preconcieved notions about Alpha's by cooking for and caring for him. Seriously, Dimitri took care of Brook so sweetly (be still my heart) and Brook (like Shane Hollander) honestly needed to loosen up a little lol. They were good together. Dimitri wanted to take care of him, Brook wanted to be taken care of. Dimitri needed financial help and help caring for his mother and Brook desperately wanted to give Dimitri anything he wanted. And they clearly had allll the right chemistry in the bedroom ;)
Anyway, sorry this was SO long. Ugh I just really liked this book. I hate that it’s gotten so many bad
reviews. So thanks for coming to my ted talk.😂💙🏳️🌈
ps. I really really don't like the guy on the cover. Ick. Imma just pretend his face doesn't exist. I really hope that's not a real person who I'm insulting. I should just leave it at that I don't find him attractive. At. All.
🏳️🌈 Omegaverse/shifters
🏳️🌈 Fake relationship
🏳️🌈 Straight guy/gay guy (don’t worry, we’ll get there”
🏳️🌈 Forced proximity
🏳️🌈 Rich guy/poor guy (or maybe just average wealth guy?)
🏳️🌈 “I’ll pay you to be my mate” yeah because that always goes well
🏳️🌈 Excellent narrator (it sometimes makes a difference in how a book is reviewed. A good or bad narrator can make a book way worse or better than it would've been if just read instead of listened to. The interpretation and narrating style really does matter!)
If ever a book needed a second pov, it was this one. Being stuck in Brook’s head sucked. Buuuut… it still worked out ok but I think almost all the criticisms of this book would be squelched by a second pov. Still, hey editor, did you not have this thought? How hard would it have been to throw us a bone every few chapters to let us in Dimitri's head? Because I for one, think I would have liked it there 💙
Full disclosure- I read reviews before starting this book. I don’t mind spoilers and I love to see which of my GR friends have read the book I’m starting. So let’s dive into the main criticism shall we? Lots of people say that Dimitri makes a big deal about a flippant nonchalant “a hole is a hole” comment. Yes there was one main conversation that weighs heavily on Brooks mind but for the most part I personally didn’t feel that Dimitri made some huge deal about it. If anything he was like “dude, I don’t care. I just like sex.” (See Ilya Rosenoff). I also felt like Dimitri was possibly biromantic but had never been given the opportunity to explore that side of himself. Also, a lot of bisexual people don’t have the opportunity in our (I'm in the US btw) society/culture don't. It's changing but it's still ingrained in SO MANY people from literally toddlerhood to like the opposite sex only. (Just think of any stupid adult asking "hey kid who's your girlfriend" to say, a kindergarten kid, or elementary school aged kid. AND IF YOU FUCKING DO THAT SHIT, stop. STOP right now. If for any reason you are personally interested in who some kid might fancy learn to say "is there anyone you like?" or "have feelings for" and please exclude the gender. It's not fucking necessary.... You're subconsciously ingraining in them that there is only one appropriate answer for romantic feelings and it must be of the opposite gender. Don't be part of the problem. Okay, sorry... back to the review...But with reading through the lines and interpreting it with my own personal lens- I felt like Dimitri was super chill about sex (He had ZERO problems getting aroused when thinking about sex with Brook) and his romantic feelings and need to take care of Brook developed first before a genuine sexual attraction to Brook as a person rather than just a willing participant happened. I think this shift occurs when they go from basically “rewarding” each other with sex to Dimitri going into Bs room literally every night to have sex. I think Dimitri knows then that he’s in love with Brook but can’t bring himself to express his thoughts because Brook has made such a damned big deal about this being a financial arrangement only… and that he’s not physically attracted to Dimitri (despite a multitude of evidence to the contrary).
Why am I harping on about this? Because there are so many super negative reviews criticizing the author and the character. And I just didn’t see that… Sexuality is a spectrum. Heteroflexible, biromantic, bisexual? I dunno. But I felt like Dimitri came to accept his attraction, love, and respect for Brook as his partner/mate before Brook did.
Ok so again, I wonder sometimes if I read the same book as everyone else. To me the author very carefully created a character (Dimitri) who started off saying “I’m straight but who cares? I need the money and I don't care about it being a guy.” who I think by at least the third time they were together begins to show both his sexual attraction and feelings for Brook. But he’s *very* careful. He’s constantly letting Brook lead. He doesn’t want to do more than “what he was hired for” because Brook has made SUCH a big deal from the beginning about Dimitri being basically just an Alpha he needs to mate with him. I felt really sad for Dimitri as his clear attraction and desire for Brook grows but Brook keeps fighting and insulting Dimitri (see the whole you don’t/can’t make me cum sex scene. Seriously wtf Brook you insensitive ass.) Brook was being ridiculous and honestly insulting to Dimitri even after Dimitri proved his point over and over again trying to convince Brook that he was attracted to Dimitri. I think Dimitri was walking a very fine line of wanting to be with Brook however Brook would let him but not overstepping Brook's stupid lines in the sand. He clearly washed to kiss Brook at one point and asks Brook point blank about kissing him but Brook said he won’t kiss men "like" Dimitri because he’s not gay 🙄 and Dimitri's disappointment is nearly palpable. So he kisses everywhere else instead. Like seriously Brook. Are you dense? For a smart soon to be CEO you clearly are missing some signs. Or maybe Brook was just too scared to admit his feelings for Dimitri because Brook wasn't willing to put himself out there first, and Dimitri was trying his best to respect Brook's boundaries and hard lines he'd drawn about their contractual relationship.
When they finally admit their feeling for each other it was awesome, Dimitri made sure to get Brook everything he wanted *before* he kissed Brook and basically asked Brook to ask him to stay. Still very carefully trying to respect Brook’s stupid arbitrary boundaries, but also to ensure that Brook was the one in control. He always let Brook set the rules.
I think this story demonstrated how two people despite their believed preferences can fall in love if given the opportunity to spend quality time with each other. It felt very arranged marriage gone right sort of vibe. I loved how Dimitri defied Brook's preconcieved notions about Alpha's by cooking for and caring for him. Seriously, Dimitri took care of Brook so sweetly (be still my heart) and Brook (like Shane Hollander) honestly needed to loosen up a little lol. They were good together. Dimitri wanted to take care of him, Brook wanted to be taken care of. Dimitri needed financial help and help caring for his mother and Brook desperately wanted to give Dimitri anything he wanted. And they clearly had allll the right chemistry in the bedroom ;)
Anyway, sorry this was SO long. Ugh I just really liked this book. I hate that it’s gotten so many bad
reviews. So thanks for coming to my ted talk.😂💙🏳️🌈
ps. I really really don't like the guy on the cover. Ick. Imma just pretend his face doesn't exist. I really hope that's not a real person who I'm insulting. I should just leave it at that I don't find him attractive. At. All.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
Nope. This one didn't work for me at all. Blaming it mostly on Brook who kept dramaqueening his way through the book. Dimitri was more likeable but this couple just didn't make sence for me. 2 ⭐⭐
July 1, 2022
My first book by this author that I didn’t love. It was hot as hell and I went through it quickly, but it was lacking the usually snark and chemistry of the past books. It felt rushed and I didn’t really root for the characters. It won’t turn me off this author though.
April 13, 2024
3.5-4 rounded up.
I agree with another review that this is so loosely connected to the rest of the series it may as well have been the start of a new one. Eliot’s writing is always a win for me and although I felt less of a connection between the characters compared to earlier books in the series, the ending mostly made up for that. It’s a satisfying short read based on a contractual mate bond I just wanted more emotion and communication between the MCs.
I agree with another review that this is so loosely connected to the rest of the series it may as well have been the start of a new one. Eliot’s writing is always a win for me and although I felt less of a connection between the characters compared to earlier books in the series, the ending mostly made up for that. It’s a satisfying short read based on a contractual mate bond I just wanted more emotion and communication between the MCs.
June 26, 2022
Like crack to me, but Dimitri was a bit too “straight” for me for this to be a 5 star read.
Kinda toxic, like all the others.
Kinda toxic, like all the others.
August 27, 2025
8/26/2025 just the latest in a long lines of relistens. This is one of my fave audiobooks to listen to. It's classic Eliot Grayson hot, hilarious sweetness, all in Chris Chambers' delicious voices. Brook's voice is one of my fave voices ever, and Dimitri's is super hot. Love it all!!
10/18/2023 - Loved this audiobook. Chris Chambers from Stand By Me was one of my first crushes as a kid so I was predisposed to like this Chris Chambers. He earned my regard on his own merit with Dimitri's voice and accent, and I am in LOVE with Brook's voice. I have a lifelong obsession with voices (it sounds stupid but whatever) and Brook's is UUGGHHH so good. I listen to audiobooks to fall asleep and I will definitely be listening to this one again! I love this book, it makes me laugh, and... I just love everything about it.
__________
Loved this one! The main characters are delightful. At first I was disappointed by only seeing Brook's POV but I started to pay attention and realized you get a sense of what Dimitri is feeling anyway, and I ended up thinking it was a cool way to do it. Loved their interactions and have already read this book twice since buying it two days ago. It is a quick read and made a nice counter-balance to the darker books I'm reading.
10/18/2023 - Loved this audiobook. Chris Chambers from Stand By Me was one of my first crushes as a kid so I was predisposed to like this Chris Chambers. He earned my regard on his own merit with Dimitri's voice and accent, and I am in LOVE with Brook's voice. I have a lifelong obsession with voices (it sounds stupid but whatever) and Brook's is UUGGHHH so good. I listen to audiobooks to fall asleep and I will definitely be listening to this one again! I love this book, it makes me laugh, and... I just love everything about it.
__________
Loved this one! The main characters are delightful. At first I was disappointed by only seeing Brook's POV but I started to pay attention and realized you get a sense of what Dimitri is feeling anyway, and I ended up thinking it was a cool way to do it. Loved their interactions and have already read this book twice since buying it two days ago. It is a quick read and made a nice counter-balance to the darker books I'm reading.
June 21, 2022
The Alpha Contract.
Brook is a pretentious snob who would have had a lesser alpha, an alpha less self assured/self contained, running away. Yet Brook’s vulnerability and insecurities come through allowing for a positive character arc in his story.
Still , it would have been nice to get a chapter through Dimitri’s eyes so I could better understand how/why he could fall for Brook. For a man, as Dimitri was straight.
I think it was a bit of missed opportunity to not explore Dimitri’s interest/experience/acceptance with falling in love with another man, and the prickly Brook especially.
Brook is a pretentious snob who would have had a lesser alpha, an alpha less self assured/self contained, running away. Yet Brook’s vulnerability and insecurities come through allowing for a positive character arc in his story.
Still , it would have been nice to get a chapter through Dimitri’s eyes so I could better understand how/why he could fall for Brook. For a man, as Dimitri was straight.
I think it was a bit of missed opportunity to not explore Dimitri’s interest/experience/acceptance with falling in love with another man, and the prickly Brook especially.
February 16, 2023
This is the second book I've read (or in my case, listened to) by Eliot Grayson. I enjoyed The Alpha Contract just as much as Undercover. A great choice for a low angst romance, nicely written, with interesting characters and an engaging storyline.
The audio version of The Alpha Contract was nicely narrated by Chris Chambers. Chambers always delivers a nice performance, and I like the voices he picked for the two main characters.
The audio version of The Alpha Contract was nicely narrated by Chris Chambers. Chambers always delivers a nice performance, and I like the voices he picked for the two main characters.
June 10, 2022
Loved: the premise - arranged mating, both MCs, how Brook discovered that Dimitri was not at all what he expected and how Dimitri took care of Brook, respected him and kept his word. The dynamics between the two and high steam. The epilogue.
Niggles: the book is written from Brook's POV and we don't get to know when and how Dimitri's feelings towards Brook changed. The ending felt rushed, ILY sudden.
The book takes place in Mismatched Mates world but other than that it is a completely stand alone story - none of the MCs from previous books made an appearance, no knowledge about previous books required to fully enjoy this one.
The series remains one of my favourites in the genre.
Niggles: the book is written from Brook's POV and we don't get to know when and how Dimitri's feelings towards Brook changed. The ending felt rushed, ILY sudden.
The book takes place in Mismatched Mates world but other than that it is a completely stand alone story - none of the MCs from previous books made an appearance, no knowledge about previous books required to fully enjoy this one.
The series remains one of my favourites in the genre.
July 5, 2022
“Family issue. Not your business. Nothing that’s going to bite you in the ass.” He bared his teeth at me.
“That’s my job, apparently.”
And oookay, not touching that one.
Every time I write a review for a book from this series I sound like a broken record. But I’m always so entertained by them. The way the alphas are written, a little bit surlies but at the same time being supportive to their mates it’s all I want in an ABO setting. And of course the snarky omegas create the perfect balance. This book isn't centered in the main plot, it’s more about the relationship development, so it can easily be read as a standalone. Not gonna lie, every book that there is a detour from the Armitage Pack I can’t help but miss them so much.
Dimitri and Brook’s relationship is not conventional and it's not for everyone. But if you’ve read until this point of the series you should probably like it or you are a masochist. Dimitri’s behavior every time any member of Brook’s family said something derogatory, which happens a lot, was everything. And let me tell you, I hope that Brook’s brother gets his own book, I love a good characters’ redemption stories. Another thing I don’t think I need to clarify at this point of the series is Dimitri and Brook’s chemistry in the bedroom, it was fire.
Every installment of this series is always a must for me. I always have a great time reading them. Can’t wait for more!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
June 19, 2022
Firstly, I would definitely agree that this is only tangentially related to the Mismatched Mates series – in fact, I would go so far as to say that it does it a disservice to tack it onto the end as readers may be disappointed or confused expecting something more like the other books.
However, if you read this book as a complete stand-alone, I reckon the love will be for real. I have seen a few people express concerns about certain aspects of the book: Dimitri being completely straight initially, his comments about how he is able to perform sexually with Brook, and aspects of Brook appearing to have extremely female characteristics whilst being a man.
And I can understand and appreciate them.
However, I found this book engaging and entertaining. It made me giggle at some of their interactions, the sex was hot, and the almost cartoonish villains just added to the whole thing. I guess I would suggest you suspend belief and just enjoy the good writing, the snark and banter, and the guaranteed HEA. This book made me smile, sigh and generally feel happy and I think my appreciation for it is based on that more than anything.
I’ve enjoyed the Mismatched Mates series and would love to read more, but perhaps this book could be the beginning of another, different series in it’s own right? Definitely recommend if you are looking to escape for a few hours and deserving of a 4/5 from me.
I received an ARC from GRR.
However, if you read this book as a complete stand-alone, I reckon the love will be for real. I have seen a few people express concerns about certain aspects of the book: Dimitri being completely straight initially, his comments about how he is able to perform sexually with Brook, and aspects of Brook appearing to have extremely female characteristics whilst being a man.
And I can understand and appreciate them.
However, I found this book engaging and entertaining. It made me giggle at some of their interactions, the sex was hot, and the almost cartoonish villains just added to the whole thing. I guess I would suggest you suspend belief and just enjoy the good writing, the snark and banter, and the guaranteed HEA. This book made me smile, sigh and generally feel happy and I think my appreciation for it is based on that more than anything.
I’ve enjoyed the Mismatched Mates series and would love to read more, but perhaps this book could be the beginning of another, different series in it’s own right? Definitely recommend if you are looking to escape for a few hours and deserving of a 4/5 from me.
I received an ARC from GRR.
July 30, 2022
This was a fun, quick, steamy read with a HEA that made me smile. It wasn't perfect but I genuinely enjoyed it.
Having read the rest of the series I was more than prepared for questionable consent and a slightly toxic dom/sub relationship. But the sex scenes are hot if you're comfortable with that dynamic.
I enjoyed the "older" pop cultural references, but then I'm mid 30s.
Dimitri's feelings aren't very obvious to the reader but being a romance I think mentally you fill in the gaps. Maybe it would've benefitted from dual POV or more of a reliance on the mate bond. I personally would've expected more exchange of feelings through the bond. But the way Dimitri supports and cares for Brook is warming, particularly juxtaposed with the way Brook's asshole family treat him.
Although part of a series the link is thin and it's essentially a complete standalone.
Having read the rest of the series I was more than prepared for questionable consent and a slightly toxic dom/sub relationship. But the sex scenes are hot if you're comfortable with that dynamic.
I enjoyed the "older" pop cultural references, but then I'm mid 30s.
Dimitri's feelings aren't very obvious to the reader but being a romance I think mentally you fill in the gaps. Maybe it would've benefitted from dual POV or more of a reliance on the mate bond. I personally would've expected more exchange of feelings through the bond. But the way Dimitri supports and cares for Brook is warming, particularly juxtaposed with the way Brook's asshole family treat him.
Although part of a series the link is thin and it's essentially a complete standalone.
May 1, 2023
The worst book in the series by far. A boring corporate job plot, leads that lack chemistry, an asshat MC who didn’t deserve a HEA, a “straight” love interest (because internalized biphobia is something I look for in a queer romance 😐), and shame about the act of bottoming. Literally the only thing I liked was the chronic illness rep, I kept reading hoping for some satisfying character growth but I never got any
May 8, 2024
Lovely low angst romance. I always enjoy the fake relationship trope. 😊
Brook's family was really terrible. It was so great to see him get more confident with sweet Dimitri by his side!
Brook's family was really terrible. It was so great to see him get more confident with sweet Dimitri by his side!
June 30, 2022
Even though its is the 6th book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. The only few connections are that it took place in the same universe with the previous books and Brook is a cousin of Drew from Lost Touch. The relationship was only briefly mentioned and there was no other scenes with Drew in. So definitely can be read as a standalone. Yet, is this my fav book in the series? Afraid not. And this is just me because I wasnt a fan of social differences trope.
Brook is struggling with his role in his family and ambition. Born with an illness (which is already a disgrace to his family of werewolves) and not an alpha, Brook was always undermined and discriminated against in favour for his ungrateful and immature brother. Brook then has a plan- mate to an alpha who isnt interested enough to dominate him in his career. What started off as a fake marriage/husband/relationship bought with money, then not unexpectedly, turned into something genuine and real. Its really sad that Brook found love and comfort from little gestures made by Dmitri instead of his own family. And in the end, he found a family who he can finally live with happily.
Brook is struggling with his role in his family and ambition. Born with an illness (which is already a disgrace to his family of werewolves) and not an alpha, Brook was always undermined and discriminated against in favour for his ungrateful and immature brother. Brook then has a plan- mate to an alpha who isnt interested enough to dominate him in his career. What started off as a fake marriage/husband/relationship bought with money, then not unexpectedly, turned into something genuine and real. Its really sad that Brook found love and comfort from little gestures made by Dmitri instead of his own family. And in the end, he found a family who he can finally live with happily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews