Wolf Mate

Outcast Pack #4

by T.J. Nichols

An injured witch determined to find his fated mate and a wolf shifter determined to avoid commitment, no matter how hot the attraction.

Brandon Wineford has sworn off relationships because dating humans is too hard—they can’t be trusted with the truth—and finding a shifter he actually likes is impossible. But with his friends in the Outcast Pack finding love, he’s feeling the bite of going home alone. When his best friend asks him to help out behind the bar at a fated mate-finding event, he reluctantly agrees.

Finding a mate has been at the top of rugby player Ross Starling’s to do list since he first learned he’s a witch. He never turns up a chance to kiss a shifter. This will be his third official mate-seeking event. Some might say he’s a mate chaser or that he’s desperate, but he knows there is someone for him.

When he sees Brandon wearing a pink ‘kiss me’ shirt, that is exactly what he wants to do.

Brandon has other ideas. He doesn’t believe in forever, and he doesn’t want to risk his heart on a witch. And if they don’t kiss, they can’t become mates. But there are plenty of other things they can do…

Wolf Mate is a steamy standalone romance in the Familiar Mates world. It features a grumpy events manager and a hopeful witch who wants nothing more than to find the one he is meant to be with.

Discover the Outcast Pack mm paranormal wolf shifter steamy romance series. Join the wolves as they fight to make their pack official and fall in love along the way. Each book has a new couple and a HEA and no mpreg.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Audiobook, M M Romance, LGBT, Werewolves

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2023

About the author

TJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.

After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/

You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars.

Good enough fated mates story with one main character having annoying negative motivation as the conflict. Otherwise, pretty simple and sweet. Too many mentions of past lovers.

Free audiobook from stuff your ear buds day. Australian male narrator did a great job.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ MM Wolf Shifter x Witch Fated Mates Romance.

This was so cute! I love shifter romances, but having the addition of witches being their mates and that's how witches get familiars!? I loved it. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, but I didn't feel like I was missing vital info.

I listen to the audiobook, and I loved it. I can't remember the last time I listen to an audiobook where the narrator had an Australian accent. It fit, since the book takes place in Australia.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

Wolf Mate is the fourth book in T.J. Nichols’ Outcast Pack series. While Brandon is a member of the pack, this one definitely stands alone much more than the first three, as there is none of the larger series arc here and very little interaction with other pack mates. That said, some familiarity with this larger world (and/or the Familiar Mates series) will be a help here as this one is really focused on the witch/shifter bond, which is a key part of the series.

This story is a little shorter than some of the others and takes a bit of a different slant. Often in these two series we have the men accidentally triggering a bond and then dealing with the aftermath. In this case, Ross is actively seeking a bond, going so far as to attend events where witches and shifters can try to find their mates by kissing one another (thus kicking off the mate bond if they are fated to be together). Meanwhile, Brandon is totally not interested in a mate, having sworn off relationships. So the guys are having this hot night together, all while intentionally avoiding kissing. After reading so many books set in this world, it was fun to get a little bit of a different approach here.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Outcast Pack series, this novella tells the tale of Brandon, an outcast wolf (because gay is bad, apparently) who doesn't believe in mates or relationships or love, and certainly doesn't want to be bound to a witch, and Ross, a rugby player and energy witch who can heal others but not himself.

They meet. They attract. They do the deed, but no kissing because that might just mean they're fated mates, and we can't have that. Except nobody told Brandon or Ross that exchanging bodily fluids might kickstart the bond. Oopsie.

This was over much too fast, sadly. I would have liked a bit more character development, a bit more exploration into their bond, and a bit more reason to believe that these two are truly in love, and not just driven by the mating bond.

YMMV.

ETA: While this could be read as a standalone, it is IMHO imperative that you know the lore of this world to understand what is going on inside this book, therefore reading previous books in this series and/or the Familiar Mates series is recommended.

[Hanna W · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the fourth book of the outcast pack series and another great read by TJ Nichols.
I really liked the characters even though I had to warm up to the idea that Brandon was a little standoffish at first and didn’t want a mate and least of all a witch.
But fate had its own way.
I loved that Ross was so sure of them being mates and that he didn’t give up on Brandon. That was adorable.
The way Brandon and Ross finally found their love for each other was just cute.

And even though it was a shorter book it was really good written.
There were a couple of characters from different books but it still can be read as a standalone. (I may or may not have re-read the other books Whoopsi😂)

I really enjoyed reading this book. Can’t wait for the next one!

[I received an digital arc and this is my honest opinion]

[Imanewreader ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

this was very short, i might have slept through 30% of the book. but it made my rise more bearable !!

love mates actually bonding (like emotionally) before letting destiny decide.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the previous books and liked them but I have to confess I could not remember Brandon but essentially that did not change my enjoyment of this story.
So this can be read as a standalone.

I really liked how the story was built. Brandon and Ross had a great chemistry.
I really liked that they did not fall over each other and decided to be mates.
They felt the connection and followed up on it.

It is a bit short and I would have loved to see more of them as a couple. We get the impression that they have a good chance that it will work out but it would be good to see more of them.

So, 3,5 stars for another good read by T.J Nichols

An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

I have been quite enjoying the Outcast Pack series by T.J Nichols. Unfortunately Wolf Mate didn't match up to the others for me. Fated mates always equals insta love, but I needed more. I felt we get to know Brandon a bit but both characters end up a little flat. Overall, it was a decent wolf/witch paranormal romance novella with a good amount of steam.

[Melissa Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable. It's been a hot minute since I read the rest of the series so it took a while to remember who all the referenced characters were. It felt a little like Brandon was very hung up on a single situation to color his view of fated mates, but I did appreciate that he sought that source our and spoke to them (trying to avoid spoilers here). All in all, as far as these books have gone, this one was pretty low-angst and that was a nice change.

[Jude · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay - that was weird. #4 Wolf Mate was not what was expected. It really had nothing to do with the Outcast Pack and as one little blurb said - it was more in the Fated Mates series - so what the heck?
Characters? One is a bit of a jerk and one is really desperate. Plot? Not really there other than fated and they met - Yipee? Resolution? To what? None of the series threads were dealt with! A huge Fizzle for me.

[Lauren Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short and very spicy. Only complaint is I would have loved more of a deeper story or a surprise twist.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is the 4th book in the series, IMO it can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading them in order as you will get a fuller feel for the world. Brandon is a wolf shifter that was kicked out of pack at a young age. He also wants nothing to do with getting mated. When he is roped into working a "kiss me" mating gathering for shifters and witches to find their mates, he is less than pleased. Ross is a witch looking for his mate & when he sees Brandon, there is a spark. Even though Brandon is attracted to him, he refuses to kiss him cause don't want a mate. The only thing I would have liked would have been more of them as a couple.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion

[Elaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine

~

Wolf Mate (Outcast Pack, 4) by T.J. Nichols
116 pages
★★★★★

3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: MM Romance, Shifter, Alpha Male, Fates Mates
Genre: MM Romance, LGBT, Shifter, Paranormal, PNR


Wolf Mate is the fourth novel in the Outcast Pack series, but it begins a new start for the series, which has been split into two three-book arcs, as far as I believe. With the main drama over the pack politics over, this story takes us in a new direction, feeling more like an equal crossover between Familiar Mates and Outcast Pack. It blends the prospect of a familiar mate bond with the Outcast Pack cast, which is not only a first, but a refreshing change for the series.

With the pack politics, most of the romances were secondary plots, with quite heavy themes and a lot of action going on. This story takes us back to the early Familiar Mates stories, which were more romance, fated-mates focused. The book takes place a full month after the events of the previous book, and promises more new characters in the future, with Simon getting the next book.

Both main characters are new to the series. Brandon is part of the Outcast Pack, while Ross is a witch. They're brought together by fluke? Fate? Vanessa? Brandon's friend, Vanessa, is running a fated-mates Kiss Me event, where shifters and witches come together to find their fated mate. This is a totally unique idea to the series, but it was brilliantly done, with real rules and a lot of thought put into how it would function in the real life.

Ross has been searching for a fated mate for years, and this is his third event. Brandon is a hotel manager, but when Vanessa needs help bartending her event, he steps up to help. Not expecting to feel an attraction to Ross, who isn't afraid to make a move. While Ross is convinced Brandon could be his mate, feeling a magnetic pull towards him, Brandon is abrasive and reluctant. He wants nothing to do with a mate bond, after seeing the mess of Sam and Mark's relationship.

Together, their chemistry is off the charts. There's some UST, then some heat, and a whole lot of want and need between them, as a couple. But, they don't forget to stop and think of the practical things, either. They have separate lives, separate goals and wants, and they actually talk about them. Which, I can't even tell you how refreshing that is.

The relationship deals with a few kinks, like a shifter-kink of chasing prey, and a human kink of enjoying being overpowered, and conversely the other person enjoying dominance over their partner. It's not extreme, just a little holding down, begging, and rough play in the bedroom. It was all handled nicely, with Brandon being unsure about how his needs would be treated, and with Ross being afraid people would see him – a hulky rugby player – and make the wrong assumptions about his need to be dominated and topped.

~

OVERALL

Wolf Mate was a refreshing addition to an already great series. It took the best parts of the Familiar Mates series, and the best parts of the Outcast Pack series, and blended them into something that could easily stand on its own feet. It's a strong romance, a great intro to both series, and a clever, well plotted continuation of two series I already enjoy.

[fishreads (back? from hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3,5 stars rounded up) Brandon Wineford is a successful event manager and one of the wolf shifters from the now officially recognized Outcast Pack. Brandon doesn't do relationship and he certainly isn't looking for a fated mate. Unfortunately for Brandon he can't say no to a friend who is down two bar staff at the fully booked once a year fated mates event.

Ross Starling is an injured high profile rugby player, who also happens to be a witch looking for a fated mate. The moment Ross sees Brandon across the bar he feels a connection between them, but despite the fact that the interest is mutual Brandon plays hard to get and absolutely refusing to kiss Ross (in order to see if they might be fated mates). Still, Brandon isn't strong enough to refuse coming to Ross' hotel room after the event ends. The morning after he tries to leave Ross without exchanging an information but, feeling guilty about it, changes his mind.

Unlike previous three books in the series, Brandon and Ross' story was the one where the romance between two main characters was the sole focus of the story. I found it completely refreshing to finally get away from homophobia thinly veiled as wolf packs politics. I loved the beginning where Brandon did his best to resist Ross, but there was no denying that they were perfectly suited for each other. Despite their separate issues and insecurities the two manage to work through them, by having honest conversations and being patient with each other. I also really enjoyed the epilogue where Ross and Brandon indulge in some primal play, which I can't remember reading about in a book before. As I've already read all the books in the series, by the time I'm trying to compose these reviews, I can without a doubt say Brandon and Ross' book was my favorite in the whole series.

Themes: dual POV, fated mates, witch/shifter

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m already a fan of this world and series, and enjoyed Brandon and Ross’s story, which was a satisfying one night read. I liked the crossover between the Familiar Mates and Outcast Pack series.

The idea of a ‘kiss me’ gathering is fun, especially as Brandon and Ross are convinced if they don’t kiss they won’t form a bond. Of course, that goes as well as expected, but I liked that it takes a while for them to both want that, and that they fall for each other before cementing their bond, rather than the other way round.

I like that Ross is a healer who can’t heal himself, but that isn’t what he’s looking for. I also liked that Ross and Brandon don’t initially want the same thing. Ross wants a partner, but Brandon wants a pack more than a mate so is wary of doing anything that might complicate that.

I thought Brandon and Ross worked well together as a couple, and I liked Ross’s different perspective on shifters and the duality of wolf and man.

Found family, family, and friendship is a strong theme throughout the story. I loved Ross’s memories of his grandmother, and the support of the Outcast pack for Brandon. Loved seeing Sam and Mark again too, and Sam’s talk with Ross.

The HEA is sweet. I’m looking forward to seeing Ross and Brandon again as side characters in future books.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I enjoyed this book but it was my least favourite of the series so far. This is the first series that I’ve read by TJ Nichols and I’m definitely going to be reading more from them in the future. I also thought that it was another good addition to the Outcast Pack Series, that is set in the same world as Familiar Mates Series which I haven’t read yet. I enjoyed Brandon and Ross’s story. It was definitely insta-lust that turns into love.

It makes sense since it’s such a short read and it’s usually part of the course for a fated mates paranormal read. Brandon is roped in by his friend to help at her Find a Mate event but the last thing he wants or needs is a mate, as even a mate doesn’t mean happily forever just look at his friend Sam and his ex-witch mate Mark and that Mark had to lose his magic and destroy their familiar bond to save their marriage.

Ross, an injured Rugby player has wanted to find his mate for years. He’s already been to two prior Find a Mate events with no luck so he’s hoping third times a charm. I thought the chemistry between Brandon and Ross is undeniable but I would’ve loved a bit more action like in the previous books. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I’d recommend this book, series, universe and author to others.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

So you're telling me the rugby person is a witch - in fact, his magic is about healing. And he plays sports. Am I the only one who's stuck on this particular detail?

People like to talk about talents, especially when you're young or they have nothing to do with how you use said talent. We're supposed to find that thing and grab it with both hands and maybe even monetize it so we can be happy. People can decide not to use what others consider a talent and that's called wasting your talent.

This witch has a "talent". It's a very tangible, very special skill that could help people. He decided to play with balls and gets paid a lot of money to do so. It makes it super-worse. I am sorry because this is not really a complaint about the writing but the gap between what he could do (in secret, I admit) and what he's doing with his life... gosh. Can you tell I am not a sports fan or should I just write it outright?

To be fair this is a bit better than previous books. This is not a very happy series - it combines homophobia and conservative old men (and young men) who grow claws and it's not a pleasant combination to read about.

I have quite mixed experience with this author but her best books are what keeps me trying and hoping this series will be as good as the other one. Or I guess mediocre is also acceptable 😅 now.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf Mate by author TJ Nichols is the fourth book in the Outcast Pack series. I found this book to be one where you should read the series in order. There is a love story that can sorta stand alone but I think you would get the most out of reading the series in order. As far as the series is concerned, this story is not the strongest. However, I would read anything TJ Nichols writes because I love the character connection and the very different worlds, they bring in their stories.

This story starts out in a very different place than where it ends up. Love does win the day, but there is a lot to unpack before that is achieved.

Brandon has sworn off relationships. Dating humans is hard, dating paranormals is even harder sometimes. He also doesn’t want a witch to control him.

Ross: finding a mate is at the top of his to-do list. He is a rugby player and a witch. He is far more patient and willing to work for what he wants.

Overall, these two men are a great pair. They each bring unique personalities to the table, that each man needs in his life. The overall storyline was moved along with this story. I cannot wait to see where the Outcast Pack goes next. I am loving this series so far and want more.

Five Shooting Stars

[Tony Farnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf Mate is the latest part of the Outcast Pack Series and concerns the wolf shifter Brandon and a witch, Ross, who plays rugby professionally. Unlike the others in the series this is a mostly gentle low angst read concerning a mate-chasing witch and a resistant wolf who does not know what he has let himself in for when lets the witch into his life.

A number of the wolves and their mates also appear with Sam doing his anti-fated mates attitude coming to the fore again. It is a great read with love slowly building between the unlikely partners. The rugby playing healer witch could well have an important role to play in future outings of the series.

Wolf Mate does a good job of showing how the fated mate thing comes about and how love is wrapped up with it. It also makes a case for ‘mate chasers’ indirectly as it shows it is not all about getting more power and maybe it’s just a lot of lonely people wanting to find someone who they can be honest with and love. It also lays to rest the untruth about wolves not making good mates. Ross and Brandon are wonderful characters and their attraction for each other feels real. It is also very sexually charged.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf Mate is the fourth book in the Outcast Pack series. I’d recommend reading the series in order as there is crossover with previous characters. Brandon is a wolf shifter that was notched kicked out of his pack at a young age. He does not want a mate, he’s seen his parents’ marriage dissolve twice over and friends, the same. He agrees to bartend for a friend at an event to find their fated mates and meets Ross. Ross is a star rugby player that has been hurt at the height of his career. He’s resting and recouping. He really wants a mate and attend the same event that Brandon is working at. They have a connection and serious chemistry, but Brandon denies him. They end up in bed for a one-night stand, but there’s no kissing because Brandon is stubborn, and pig headed. If they don’t kiss, they don’t become mates, right? This is hot and steamy with quite a bit od spice thrown in. The story is fantastic, well written, the pacing flows. I finished it in one sitting. Overall, fantastic!

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars A good start to the book and Brandon is admit he doesn’t want a witch or to be involved. But fate has there own way of deciding.

Brandon is called to help out at a bar for his friend but was hesitant of an event Venessa was holding. A kiss me mating gathering for shifters and witches.
Ross 33 was a witch ruby player and wanted to find his mate, a suspicion about the bartender twigs his powers.
A different kind of knowing about mate pairings by a simple 💋 but tell that to Branden’s wolf.
This is a first read for this author with this book which I really enjoyed reading knowing this was part of a series. Wolf Mate is part of a series but can be read as a standalone story and includes both POVs.
Hot sexy scenes with a characters large endowment featured in.
Branden has baggage and was afraid of hurting people to take the chance.

I received an GRR Advanced Reader Copy and this is my honest thoughts.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ross and Brandon's romance was an enjoyable read, but the ending left me feeling a bit confused. I think I would have been better prepared for this story if I'd read the rest of the books in the series, because I think I missed out on some of the overall world lore by reading this as a standalone. I still found the storyline and steamy bits entertaining, but something was missing for me to fully connect with the characters. I also wish Ross and Brandon's story had lasted longer than a couple of dates, because I'd have liked to see how they managed to make their mated relationship work with careers in different cities. I didn't love or hate this book, and though I was happy to see the characters get their happy ending, I don't think I'd read another book in this series.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions. 

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short and too dithery

I've read the previous three in the series and the first two ended with barely a HFN. The third was much better and by far my favourite but this has reverted to type again.
Brandon doesn't want a mate, fated or otherwise, whilst Ross is certain his One is out there and is waiting for them and this inevitably causes problems when they meet. To be honest, there is little angst because the story is so short (and felt even shorter than the actual page count) and much of the time was spent on Brandon's dithering.
I liked both characters but wanted more of them as a couple. The last chapter saw them accept their fate, then the epilogue gave us a couple of hours of their life a few weeks later and that's it. Barely another HFN, as I said, and I really felt shortchanged.
A two and half star read, rounded up by cameos from the rest of the series.

[Susan Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed the Outcast Pack series by TJ Nichols and Wolf Mate is no exception. One of the things I like about the series is that not all the pairings are wolf/wolf and even if they are, there is usually a twist. In Wolf Mate the combination is the dreaded wolf/witch. It was fun to see one half, the wolf, try to avoid the mating at all costs, and the other half, the witch, actually give him some room. While fated mates means insta-love, the story is a nice variation on that trope. The fated mates trope is not the only trope involved in the book that is played with. The characters from previous Outcast Pack books also have walk-on roles in this story. An enjoyable addition to the series.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Brandon's friend, Vanessa asked him to help her out of a jam by tending bar. Van needs a paranormal, to work a Kiss Me event. Ross, was recovering from a torn ACL. He's anticipating physical therapy helping him get back to playing rugby. Ross, is a witch and is ever hopeful of fining his mate. Brandon, definitely didn't want to have a relationship with witches, but he felt an awareness toward Ross. Ross was positive the bartender was his mate. Nice to see old friends. Can Brandon set down his fears and accept a mate? Good story. Nice exploration. I wish the story was longer and we could get to know Brandon and Ross more. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

May the Fates shine on you

This is book 4 in the Outcast Pack Series. It's the first book I've read by a new to me author, TJ Nichols. Now I'm going to need to read more from this author, I'm glad I had the chance to read/review this ARC.

The story had an interesting story line surrounding a rugby player looking for his fated mate at an event held yearly called the ‘Kiss Me’ gathering. The premise; shifters and witches meet and kiss to find out if they are fated mates. Once they kiss the mate bond begins to form, if they don't kiss no mate bond is formed.

This book was a fairly quick read. First person dual POV, opposites attract, low angst, medium heat

[smatchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t remember reading any of the other books in this series, and the blurb intrigued me so I grabbed it. I didn’t love it. Brandon was kind of a jerk and Ross seemed kind of desperate for love and a mate so was willing to put up with it. Even once they kissed and knew they were fated mates, Brandon was still a jerk! I rarely want a book to be longer, but this one could have used Brandon doing some groveling once he started catching feelings for Ross. I’m not sure if it was my dislike of Brandon coloring my view, because I have liked other books by this author, but the writing and dialogue felt abrupt as well. Not recommended and I hope I remember to avoid this series in the future!

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandon has sworn off dating humans because he's tired of constantly having to hide a part of himself but finding a shifter he likes is also hard. Finding himself behind the bar at an event to find fated mates is not his first option but it's to help out a friend. Ross has attended two other events like this looking for his mate. When he's served by Brandon he knows that there's something between them, but Brandon refuses to kiss him to confirm the connection. Brandon feels the connection to the witch but is too jaded to admit it. Their meeting should only be a one night stand, but the fates say otherwise.

[James Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mate

I am going to give this book a 4/5. I am reading the series and enjoying it. This book is a great addition to the series. It is about Brandon, a wolf shifter, and Ross, a witch. Brandon has decided he does not want a mate and Ross is looking for his mate. Well, the two men meet at an event and Ross is interested but Brandon is not. But Brandon finds Ross hot enough for a hook up. The two men spend the night together and things change. Ross wants to settle down and Brandon does not. The two men definitely have to communicate and negotiate. I am going to read the next book.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the first 3 books in the series it was an amazing read. I love how unique each couple and their story is while still moving the overall pack storyline forward.

This is a short and sweet story with the perfect mixture of spice and story. It will leave you feeling wanting more but happy with the ending at the same time.

I can’t wait to read more about the outcast pack! Each book can be read alone but is best when started at the beginning.

I received early access to this book but the review is my own.