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Alpha Games #2
Challenged Mate
The Alpha Games have ended, but my trials are far from over...
I am a half-breed. An abomination. My mother wasn't who I thought she was, and now I am forced to abandon my pack and venture into Wilds Pack Territory.
I expect a rural, rugged community. Instead, I find a pack rich in commodities and flush with magic. Living here would be exciting if it weren't for the fact I'm about to mate a male who isn't my fated mate...
As I struggle to adjust to life within this new pack, rogue sorcerers continue to unleash rabid shifters on the North American Packs. Fear for my father and former pack consumes me. I want to help them, but I don't know how.
The magic within me is locked away tight. I need to unleash it. If I don't, it's only a matter of time before my enemies get what they want--my death.
Challenged Mate is the second installment in the Alpha Games Trilogy.
I am a half-breed. An abomination. My mother wasn't who I thought she was, and now I am forced to abandon my pack and venture into Wilds Pack Territory.
I expect a rural, rugged community. Instead, I find a pack rich in commodities and flush with magic. Living here would be exciting if it weren't for the fact I'm about to mate a male who isn't my fated mate...
As I struggle to adjust to life within this new pack, rogue sorcerers continue to unleash rabid shifters on the North American Packs. Fear for my father and former pack consumes me. I want to help them, but I don't know how.
The magic within me is locked away tight. I need to unleash it. If I don't, it's only a matter of time before my enemies get what they want--my death.
Challenged Mate is the second installment in the Alpha Games Trilogy.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2022
About the author
Samantha Britt
62 books329 followersLover of all things romantasy, USAT bestselling author Samantha Britt enjoys binge reading and writing new adult fantasy and paranormal romances. Her favorite protagonists are women in the middle of discovering just what they have to offer the world, often drawn to complicated, dreamy guys in the process.
When not swooning over devastatingly handsome Fae, Samantha spends her days raising two rambunctious toddlers, snuggling her fur babies, and enjoying a date night every Friday with the man who gave her the happily ever after she always dreamed of.
Subscribe to Samantha’s newsletter at SamanthaBrittBooks . com to claim a free book and dive into a new fantasy world today!
When not swooning over devastatingly handsome Fae, Samantha spends her days raising two rambunctious toddlers, snuggling her fur babies, and enjoying a date night every Friday with the man who gave her the happily ever after she always dreamed of.
Subscribe to Samantha’s newsletter at SamanthaBrittBooks . com to claim a free book and dive into a new fantasy world today!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 18, 2022
4.5/5 Stars
When I finished the first book in this series I was compelled to continue immediately with the second book. I am feeling much the same with the second book but the third book has not been released yet so I will be lying in wait so I can snatch it up once it does.
There was so much to love about this book. First, the story was so addicting. It was sort of like a low-key mystery with all of the things that are kept from the main character, Blair. I loved how the plot unfolded. There was some great foreshadowing. I could figure out one of the big plot twists but there were others I didn't see coming. Samantha Britt has a straightforward writing style that is easy to read and get lost in. I loved the world that she created with this series though I wanted more depth in the world-building, especially when it came to the sorcerers.
Blair's character experiences a lot in this second installment. I enjoyed her journey as she navigated her way in the Wilds Pack. She was up against so much and she was brave in the face of so much change. I liked that she didn't roll over and stick her belly in the air with this new pack. She made it clear that she wasn't a pushover and stood up for herself when she needed to. Her inner turmoil over some of the things in the book was the most heart-wrenching. Asher's character was only present for some of the book. He was a big mystery for most of the book. Chase was there and he tries to help Blair assimilate into her new pack. There are also a handful of new characters that were delightful. The secondary characters really add a lot of depth and so many possibilities to the story.
The romance in this book is kind of spoilery so I really can't divulge much. Asher and Blair's chemistry is still pretty electric. Asher is still hiding a lot from her through much of the book so the tension is off the charts. So much angst with these two.
Overall, this was a strong continuation of this series! I am absolutely locked on to this series. I have to have the next book ASAP! If you love books that will grab you from the get-go and keep you hooked, have relatable characters that feel real, and have smooth and organic storytelling then you'll want to try this series!
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When I finished the first book in this series I was compelled to continue immediately with the second book. I am feeling much the same with the second book but the third book has not been released yet so I will be lying in wait so I can snatch it up once it does.
There was so much to love about this book. First, the story was so addicting. It was sort of like a low-key mystery with all of the things that are kept from the main character, Blair. I loved how the plot unfolded. There was some great foreshadowing. I could figure out one of the big plot twists but there were others I didn't see coming. Samantha Britt has a straightforward writing style that is easy to read and get lost in. I loved the world that she created with this series though I wanted more depth in the world-building, especially when it came to the sorcerers.
Blair's character experiences a lot in this second installment. I enjoyed her journey as she navigated her way in the Wilds Pack. She was up against so much and she was brave in the face of so much change. I liked that she didn't roll over and stick her belly in the air with this new pack. She made it clear that she wasn't a pushover and stood up for herself when she needed to. Her inner turmoil over some of the things in the book was the most heart-wrenching. Asher's character was only present for some of the book. He was a big mystery for most of the book. Chase was there and he tries to help Blair assimilate into her new pack. There are also a handful of new characters that were delightful. The secondary characters really add a lot of depth and so many possibilities to the story.
The romance in this book is kind of spoilery so I really can't divulge much. Asher and Blair's chemistry is still pretty electric. Asher is still hiding a lot from her through much of the book so the tension is off the charts. So much angst with these two.
Overall, this was a strong continuation of this series! I am absolutely locked on to this series. I have to have the next book ASAP! If you love books that will grab you from the get-go and keep you hooked, have relatable characters that feel real, and have smooth and organic storytelling then you'll want to try this series!
BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM GOODREADS TIKTOK TWITTER BOOKBUB AMAZON PINTEREST
January 3, 2023
Wild Pack lands
Book 2 was just as good as book 1, I'm interested to see how Blair is going to get out of this one and how the story wraps up in the final book.
After the wild pack won the alpha games Blair is forced to leave the only life she's ever known and move to wild pack lands in Alaska. Part of the agreement is to mate with the alpha but how can she mate one man whilst fated to another especially when every moment she's out of Ashers presence her soul yearns to be near him. The Wild pack known to some as abominations, others know them as hybrids bcoz most of the pack are half shifter half sorcerer/sorceress and now that she knows who her mother truly was she's determined to tap into her own magic that was hidden away but it turns out to be easier said than done. The coven continues to hunt for Blair and the magic they believe she stole but that all becomes the least of her problems when she finally finds out who the alpha is or is he? Secrets are still being kept from Blair and she's determined to get to the bottom of it all but the coven won't wait forever and when they break through the wards of the wild pack and threated Blairs new pack she'll have to decided if her life is really worth putting a whole pack in danger or if she should just hand over the magic the coven so desperately want. But at what cost? And what do they even want it for.
Definitely Recommend Reading 📚
Book 2 was just as good as book 1, I'm interested to see how Blair is going to get out of this one and how the story wraps up in the final book.
After the wild pack won the alpha games Blair is forced to leave the only life she's ever known and move to wild pack lands in Alaska. Part of the agreement is to mate with the alpha but how can she mate one man whilst fated to another especially when every moment she's out of Ashers presence her soul yearns to be near him. The Wild pack known to some as abominations, others know them as hybrids bcoz most of the pack are half shifter half sorcerer/sorceress and now that she knows who her mother truly was she's determined to tap into her own magic that was hidden away but it turns out to be easier said than done. The coven continues to hunt for Blair and the magic they believe she stole but that all becomes the least of her problems when she finally finds out who the alpha is or is he? Secrets are still being kept from Blair and she's determined to get to the bottom of it all but the coven won't wait forever and when they break through the wards of the wild pack and threated Blairs new pack she'll have to decided if her life is really worth putting a whole pack in danger or if she should just hand over the magic the coven so desperately want. But at what cost? And what do they even want it for.
Definitely Recommend Reading 📚
August 6, 2022
I really like this series. You can't help but become invested in the characters and the world building is on point. Blair frustrates me but I love her. There were some awesome twist in this book and some secrets that were revealed FINALLY! That ending has me eagerly awaiting the next book.
**Poppy needs her own book - maybe a YA story? Just a thought.
**Poppy needs her own book - maybe a YA story? Just a thought.
July 25, 2024
Angst & Misdirection Done Well
Where the first book focuses on setting up the plot of the trilogy and expertly weaving the mystery into its character interactions, book two takes a heavier focus on the characters themselves and the relationships between them. Its character-driven focus expands on the plot of the previous book with less action and more background info, satisfying readers' curiosity and posing more questions at the same time. The sense of urgency is still there, lingering in a subtle way, whereas the angst takes centre stage throughout the entire story. The stakes are higher than ever despite the calmer atmosphere of the book, leaving readers feeling an eerie mixture of suspense and anticipation.
It has to be said that while there's a ton of forced miscommunication happening, the author uses it in a way that puts readers in-the-know through foreshadowing and small hints dropped within the series so far. So, while its frustrating, enough is happening aside from the misdirections to push the plot along and distract from the feeling.
Where the first book focuses on setting up the plot of the trilogy and expertly weaving the mystery into its character interactions, book two takes a heavier focus on the characters themselves and the relationships between them. Its character-driven focus expands on the plot of the previous book with less action and more background info, satisfying readers' curiosity and posing more questions at the same time. The sense of urgency is still there, lingering in a subtle way, whereas the angst takes centre stage throughout the entire story. The stakes are higher than ever despite the calmer atmosphere of the book, leaving readers feeling an eerie mixture of suspense and anticipation.
It has to be said that while there's a ton of forced miscommunication happening, the author uses it in a way that puts readers in-the-know through foreshadowing and small hints dropped within the series so far. So, while its frustrating, enough is happening aside from the misdirections to push the plot along and distract from the feeling.
August 7, 2022
Just as good if not better than the first one!
The author weaves a tale that keeps you reading and you don't want to put it down. Challenged Mate starts where we left off in Midnight Moon with Blair being taken to Alaska with Asher from the Wilds pack so that she can mate with their Alpha....she still doesn't know who that is and throughout the book she tries to find out but no one is talking....
I don't like to give much away when reviewing a book because I feel that it ruins it for someone else. I will say that this series is really good and worth the time to read. It will keep your interest and Samantha Britt has a way of writing that it will draw you in. I can't wait for book number 3 because the way book 2 ended you know there will be a third.
Sidenote: If you don't like cliffhangers than don't read them...because each book has a cliffhanger to it. But if you really want to read some great books I am telling you to run to your nearest computer, library or bookstore and pick up the Alpha Games series. I have read every book by this author and have loved every one of them....truly a wonderful author
The author weaves a tale that keeps you reading and you don't want to put it down. Challenged Mate starts where we left off in Midnight Moon with Blair being taken to Alaska with Asher from the Wilds pack so that she can mate with their Alpha....she still doesn't know who that is and throughout the book she tries to find out but no one is talking....
I don't like to give much away when reviewing a book because I feel that it ruins it for someone else. I will say that this series is really good and worth the time to read. It will keep your interest and Samantha Britt has a way of writing that it will draw you in. I can't wait for book number 3 because the way book 2 ended you know there will be a third.
Sidenote: If you don't like cliffhangers than don't read them...because each book has a cliffhanger to it. But if you really want to read some great books I am telling you to run to your nearest computer, library or bookstore and pick up the Alpha Games series. I have read every book by this author and have loved every one of them....truly a wonderful author
August 6, 2022
Surprises at every turn
This book picks up where the last ended with Blair traveling up to the Wilds pack lands in Alaska to mate the Alpha of the pack.
There is great description of the community and the people, I especially love the fiesty little girl in the bookstore who teaches Blair about the covens and her mother. There is some action with the attack that occurs and some drama as she tries to access her magic and figure out who the Alpha is, she makes some assumptions but ultimately she figures it out. Then just as things start looking up for her and Asher her fated mate more discoveries occur and the Graystone coven leader shows up to insist she belongs to them. We end on a surprise that makes you want the next book now! Four stars, one removed for editing issues like missing or wrong words in the sentence. Fortunately it does not detract from the excitement of the story.
This book picks up where the last ended with Blair traveling up to the Wilds pack lands in Alaska to mate the Alpha of the pack.
There is great description of the community and the people, I especially love the fiesty little girl in the bookstore who teaches Blair about the covens and her mother. There is some action with the attack that occurs and some drama as she tries to access her magic and figure out who the Alpha is, she makes some assumptions but ultimately she figures it out. Then just as things start looking up for her and Asher her fated mate more discoveries occur and the Graystone coven leader shows up to insist she belongs to them. We end on a surprise that makes you want the next book now! Four stars, one removed for editing issues like missing or wrong words in the sentence. Fortunately it does not detract from the excitement of the story.
August 2, 2022
I loved this book just as much as the first, although, I have to admit, there were times I wanted to reach through the pages and smack Blair upside the head. She’s so stubborn—for good reason, as she’s doing what she thinks she needs to protect her pack and honor her agreement—but still, so stubborn. And don’t even get me started on Asher and what he does in the name of protection—although, I will admit here too, it made for good storytelling and kept me guessing.
Overall, I thought this book was great. The stakes were upped, revelations were revealed, and the ending definitely has me eager for the next book in the series.
Overall, I thought this book was great. The stakes were upped, revelations were revealed, and the ending definitely has me eager for the next book in the series.
August 16, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and this one was just as great. Blair spent her whole life preparing to lead as alpha of her pack, so she was definitely out of her element with the Wilds Pack. The lack of control and choice would be a hard pill to swallow. She really did step up though and push forward. I would have for sure spent more time wallowing. There were some things we learned in this that truly surprised me, and I have so many questions I can't wait to get the answers to. I was not expecting this to end up where it did, and I am so excited to read the next book and see what happens next.
December 26, 2022
these ending!!
Man oh man, this one has aces up sleeves everywhere! Surprises thrown left and right. Suspicion and intrigue. I just want Blair and Asher to have a happy ending lol. There’s a whole canyon of trouble stopping that. I gotta say, book 2 is even better than book 1. I’m definitely loving Kayla and I think Chase is still awesome! Blair’s dad may have tried to protect her but he put her in so many compromising positions based on his lies that I just can’t seem to get on board with liking him. But we shall have to see what happens in book 3!
Man oh man, this one has aces up sleeves everywhere! Surprises thrown left and right. Suspicion and intrigue. I just want Blair and Asher to have a happy ending lol. There’s a whole canyon of trouble stopping that. I gotta say, book 2 is even better than book 1. I’m definitely loving Kayla and I think Chase is still awesome! Blair’s dad may have tried to protect her but he put her in so many compromising positions based on his lies that I just can’t seem to get on board with liking him. But we shall have to see what happens in book 3!
July 31, 2022
4.8 ⭐️!!! loooooved it!! That ending, I knew it wasn’t going to go to plan. Sigh. Now I’m needs me the next book something fierce!!! I’ll probably write something a bit longer than this lol. But just in case you needed a heads up that it’s a great read!!! A little predictable and I couldn’t believe how blonde Blair was being lol…because it was sooo obvious what was going on 😂 but she was just adorably clueless.
July 31, 2022
Wow! Men are idiots lol so much drama that could have been avoided but it made for a really good book! There are more questions than answers in this book but the answers you do get are really juicy. There not much action in this book but there's magic and it's the perfect set up for the next book which will (in positive) will have a lot of action. Thank you to the author for writing a great second book that I didn't want to put down! If you loved Midnight Moon you'll love this book!
November 20, 2024
I hate miscommunication tropes. They’re juvenile and these shifters are supposed to be whole adults. I can’t stand Blair. She makes this series almost unbearable with her stupidity. Asher’s reasons, while semi-valid, aren’t enough to warrant that build up and the chaos it caused. Hunter also should not have been saved. Imagine this book if Blair stopped trying to save a hoe and had no remorse for the actions she takes as a result of other’s poor decisions. Now THAT would be 5 🤌🏽 chef’s kiss!
September 22, 2025
Too much miscommunication - geez the whole book was keeping Blair in the dark about who is the alpha (even though it was obvious). The real story of her witch magic could have been so much more. They ending wasn’t the cliffhanger it could have been - I really don’t care about the evil witch and his plans. Stanley was an obvious villain. Blairs dad was still a jerk but threw out an I love you at the end like it should redeem him- ugh.
March 10, 2026
3 stars
The plot of this was much slower. A lot of moping around after all the action of book 1. 70% of the book focused on the fact she didnt know who the alpha was, but anyone with a single braincell knew who the alpha was so it was just annoying.
Although the ending was a nice shift from cliche when she actually told her friends about the danger and didn't just run into it blindly without help.
Hopefully book 3 will have a satisfying ending
The plot of this was much slower. A lot of moping around after all the action of book 1. 70% of the book focused on the fact she didnt know who the alpha was, but anyone with a single braincell knew who the alpha was so it was just annoying.
Although the ending was a nice shift from cliche when she actually told her friends about the danger and didn't just run into it blindly without help.
Hopefully book 3 will have a satisfying ending
September 1, 2025
Shifters at their best!
The first book was really good but this one was even better. The only issue I had were several errors in language and grammar which detracted from my reading experience. I normally would have stopped reading the book but it was such a good story with plot twists and drama. I am going to dive into the next one!
The first book was really good but this one was even better. The only issue I had were several errors in language and grammar which detracted from my reading experience. I normally would have stopped reading the book but it was such a good story with plot twists and drama. I am going to dive into the next one!
March 14, 2026
Book 1 and 2 Should've Been Combined
The first half of this book was SLOOOOOOOOW! Half of it could've been skipped. This book needed a strong edit. So many needless scenes! The last half of the book was good, so I'll continue the series, but I almost DNF'd it because of the beginning 50% of the book.
The first half of this book was SLOOOOOOOOW! Half of it could've been skipped. This book needed a strong edit. So many needless scenes! The last half of the book was good, so I'll continue the series, but I almost DNF'd it because of the beginning 50% of the book.
August 17, 2022
Once again - great premise, solid plotline with loads of action. I just want more chemistry and romance between the two MC's. A couple of kisses (only) by the end of book 2 is absolutely killing me.
November 25, 2022
OH EM GEEE
This was an amazing book! I love the line of the story it isn’t like most I’ve read between shifters, witches and “Half breeds” is just amazing I’m hoping Blair will figure out how to get out of her situation
This was an amazing book! I love the line of the story it isn’t like most I’ve read between shifters, witches and “Half breeds” is just amazing I’m hoping Blair will figure out how to get out of her situation
December 19, 2022
Well the second book did not disappoint. The Angst between Blair and Asher is off the charts. She is not going to go down without a fight that is for sure. Just as good as the first. At least she is finally figuring out her powers. Now off to the third hoping it will be just as good and give the ending I am so hoping for.
December 27, 2022
Oh yes!! 👏👏
This second book really gets into it! So much is revealed and it's a roller coaster! The characters are absolutely amazing and I love how they all interact with each other. The cliffhanger is so good, I hate it! On to book 3!
This second book really gets into it! So much is revealed and it's a roller coaster! The characters are absolutely amazing and I love how they all interact with each other. The cliffhanger is so good, I hate it! On to book 3!
December 15, 2022
wolf sorcerer
The ending while a set up for book 3 was a cliffhanger. I wanted a better wrap up. Still no hea
The ending while a set up for book 3 was a cliffhanger. I wanted a better wrap up. Still no hea
February 8, 2023
Nooooo whyyyyy
Poor Asher..
They were so close to FINALLY being together!!!
Poor Asher..
They were so close to FINALLY being together!!!
June 4, 2023
3.5
The big reveal wasn't a surprise, not really. More like the main character's TSTL glasses were finally removed. Jeez.
The big reveal wasn't a surprise, not really. More like the main character's TSTL glasses were finally removed. Jeez.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2023
A good follow up of book 1, some plots are reveiled and some are not what you thought they would be :)
September 8, 2023
3.75
I do appreciate the plot makes sense. I would have appreciated more groveling on Ash and her father's part
I do appreciate the plot makes sense. I would have appreciated more groveling on Ash and her father's part
September 12, 2025
Fabulous
What a great read, Blair certainly has had quite a story, I am enjoying your characters Samantha! I can't wait until the next chapter in this tale!
What a great read, Blair certainly has had quite a story, I am enjoying your characters Samantha! I can't wait until the next chapter in this tale!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews