Rejected Mate

The Hitched Live Series #0.5

by G.K. DeRosa

Kole Winterclaw is a god among the wolves of the Blood Moon Pack. As heir to the throne, he is powerful, gorgeous, and of course, every she-wolf in Moon Valley wants to do him. Except for me.

You see, I’m a half-blood. An outcast. Because I can’t shift.

I’ve spent the last three years in wolf territory hiding out, keeping my head down until I can return home to the human realm.

Then one day, the wolfy mate bond triggers and everything changes. Because guess who is my fated mate?

I wish I could say there’s a happy ending, but that only happens in fairy tales.

***Author's note: Rejected Mate is an ADULT dark paranormal romance with some dark themes, possessive males, and adult language. It is a prequel to the Hitched Live series. It is set within the world of Azar, along with (in reading order) Hitched, Darkblood Academy, Royally Hitched, Darkblood Prison, Wolfish, Vampish and Of Gods and Wolves, but it's not necessary to read the other series first to enjoy this one.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, College, Amazon

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2023

About the author

G.K. De Rosa has been an avid reader from a very young age. In fact, before she could even read, she tried fooling everyone into thinking that she could. At the precocious age of two, while living in Italy, she had memorized an entire children’s book in Italian and expertly turned the pages at the exact right moments of the story. As she grew up, she always enjoyed literature, no doubt having been instilled with a love of story telling from her early years in Catholic school where she was greatly influenced by exemplary teachers who taught her the value of English and Literature. Though she did not pursue writing in college and instead went for the more traditional route of International Business inspired by her love for travel and all things foreign, after a move to New York City, she found her creative writing side calling once again. She began writing a restaurant review blog, City Lights and Tasty Bites, detailing her other passion – food! The hectic hustle and bustle of the city, combined with long commuting times gave her the opportunity to spend more time reading and rekindled a lost love. After reading countless books in many diverse genres over the two years in New York City, and returning to her home state of Florida, she felt compelled to write something for herself. She had always felt particularly drawn to Young Adult novels and having been an eternal romantic at heart, a fantasy romance was a natural choice. She currently lives in South Florida with her real life Prince Charming and their fur baby, Nico the German Shepherd.

Reviews

[Angela Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short little prequel was just ok for me. I know it was only like 70 pages and is meant to give a look into what happened prior to the Hitched Live series, it just really didn’t have much happy going on. Kole is a real jerk, I kept rooting for Knox and Aspen being together.

[Alexa Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m excited to see how Aspen gets her revenge on Kole

[Kreela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to say this but you get what you expect.

It's steamy from the start, which was too soon for me. I like a slow buildup.

What made it 3 stars was that it was a typical rejected mate story. The writing style was enjoyable, but the content lacked any uniqueness to the trope. Since this story is just a short lead-in to the vella serial, I would hope it will become more interestingly quirky; but unfortunately, my review is on the content I read.

I also don't plan to ever become a serial buyer. That leads to potentially an unmanageable monthly amount out of my paycheck. I used to buy comics and know very well what a money sink that idea is.

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

REJECTED MATE is the prequel to The Hitched Live Series. It is a short Novella that introduces us to poor Aspen, who had a human mother and a wolf shifter for a father. When her father found out her mother was pregnant with a half-human then he left. Aspen was raised in a human world, and never did shift. That didn't matter with the Half-Blood decree. All humans of mixed origins were required to come to their territories for an education about their species. It had been three miserable & lonely years, Aspen tried avoiding the wolves of Blood Moon Pack. She is known as an outcast, but she only had one semester of college left, and she could return to the human world. That's when the impossible happened, and the wolf bond strikes.

Kole Winterclaw was known as a prince among wolves of the Blood Moon Pack. He was heir to the throne. Every she-wolf wanted to be with him. Yet, fate plays a mean trick, and it is Aspen who is his fated mate. There is no stopping him once he knows she is his mate. Something in her gut told Aspen, if she gave into Kole that would be the worst mistake of her life. This ends in a lot of loose ends with not a happy ever after ending. But it made me start the next book right away.

[Jessica Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh that was so good!!

This was so good!! I wish it was longer!! Keep in mind this is a prequel so its short but so hot! It immediately sucks you right in and I never read a book so fast! Pages were flying by as my eyes devoured every word! I felt like I could see everything, feel everything! I am now desperate to read more!! This was my first read by Author G.K. DeRosa and now im going to read everything I can get my hands on!!!

First off Twins?! And no its not what you think lol. Kole and Knox are the Alpha wolf twin sons. Aspen is a half breed who's wolf hasnt shown up yet but shes going to college and almost finished when the unthinkable happens. I tell you I really thought (and im not giving anything away because you need to read this for yourself and discover the magic of this story!) That it was gonna be the one brother. Something seemed like it was there. But whew! This dude knew right away and did nothing for 4 years?! What a jerk. Anyways I hope Aspen gets some really good revenge because what she had to endure was cruel and heartless and unforgivable! But I repeat this book was so hot!!!! I want more. I need more!! Man I love me some wolves!!

[Jessica (Read book. Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this prequel novella up for free earlier this week. I'd been seeing those drama movies on Tiktok a lot this week and kept seeing one about rejected mates and such so it had me feeling in the mood for something like that. This was a quick fun read, it introduced you to the world briefly and the characters, I finished this in virtually one sitting and I'm keen to continue the series.

The writing was great, and the narration had a fantastic flow to it. I'm super keen to learn more about the characters and see where things go.

So, if like me you've been seeing those drama shorts on TT and are in the mood for a rejected mates shifter story, pick this one up, it hit the spot.

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Cruel For School

Aspen has her first run in with Kole, her fated mate, in an university classroom, where he practically molests her in public. He's a real creep. He makes promises he can't keep, because his dad has delusions of power for his son. When will these shifters get it through their heads that life doesn't go well if you reject your fated mate. Kole is going to have the worst luck in the world when he becomes alpha, at least that's what I predict. I'm glad I already have book one, because I am super sympathetic to Aspen's pain, and I need to see how DeRosa puts Aspen's life back together.

[Sarah Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've followed Hitched Live on Kindle Vella, this is the prequel to Aspen's story (which is coming to KU!). If you haven't, be prepared for some dark spice as her sleazy mate does her wrong. This is not your typical G.K. DeRosa story - it's grittier and has a spice level of 4/5, BUT you get all the same elements we love about GK's writing: dark and broody alphas, a strong and feisty FMC, and amazing world-building, all wrapped up in her usual fast-paced style. It's simply unputdownable. When you are done with this, go grab a copy of Sweet Revenge - the first part of Aspen's story!

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great prequel

Wow what a introduction!! If this is a start to a new series then I'm completely sold!! I wasn't expecting this prequel to be so good. Poor Aspen got a little more than she bargain for. Being a half-breed (human & wolf) isn't really helping her situation. But I loved how even though she was hurting she kept her head up and handle her problems I would say like a BOSS but that's pushing it. For every girl that's had her heart broken then this is going to be the series for you. I can't wait to see what going to happen next.

[Kelly Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

This is a short read prequel to the "The hitched live series" an enemies to lovers romance. Aspen feels the mate bond snap into place with the one guy she can't stand "Kole" the soon to be Alpha, she figures they're mated for a reason right? That is until Kole decides to break the mate bond and with Aspen being half human, half shifter she decides returning to the human world is her best option. But she wants revenge, for the humiliation, i'm guessing the rest of the series explores that, along with her very mixed feelings for Kole's twin brother, Knox. 3 🌟

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice teaser to get us ready for Aspen's story.

Kole, alpha heir, finds that he is the fated mate of Aspen; however, she is half human/half wolf, and she has yet to shift for the first time. Kole did her dirty because he claims and mates her then gives in to political pressure and rejects her so that he can marry to cement an alliance with another pack.

His twin, Knox, whom I think secretly wants to claim Aspen, is not happy especially when she leaves college because of Kole's betrayal. This was a cliffhanger and I need to go read the next in series.

[Alorix_S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really short book. I'm not familiar with the rest of the series, but it felt like this prequel could’ve just been a prologue in one of the main books, because the plot was pretty minimal.

That said, the ending does have a small cliffhanger, and it did make me curious about the series as a whole.

My only hesitation is the smut: it was extremely fast-paced with no build-up, which isn’t really my preference. If the rest of the series is written like that, I’m not sure I’d enjoy it, but that’s just a personal taste thing.

[Kina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start to series

I liked how the main character, Aspen, survived and still kept her head up. It was a little predictable and I really felt like Knox liked her but as he said Kole always got his way.

But its their culture and they have a controlling father. It'll be interesting to see what happens, because we all know when people underestimate the underdog they end up needing them in the end.

[EGotay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rejected Mate"
by G.K DeRosa

Rejected Mate is the prequel of The Hitched Live Series

Oh!!! Was so good till the end... Honestly, I forgot the title of the book 🤣🤣🤣 So caught me off guard his rejection.
I don't find the story it was rushed knowing how Wolf behaved when is about mates. So it was good for me.
Now I want to see her getting her revenge. 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Kole will feel worse than Aspen, that is for sure.
I like it was a different and unique story.

[Turbos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extra Alphahole

This mini prequel of sorts for The Hitched Live series is the perfect little morsel to what I'm going to assume is a delicious series! Kinda like dipping your toes in the water to test the temperature.. Ultimately, until you dive in, you won't know for sure but you will have a good idea about what you can look forward to! I enjoyed reading this..and I recommended it to a friend and my 21yr old daughter already..lol! Next, I am diving into the 1st book!

[Lonetraveller · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you want to read a short novella that is entirely made up of the H’s being complete assholes, cheating, bullying, just everything bad? A book that has the farthest thing from an HEA, of a girl used and abused, basically ALL the bad things? Then this is the book for you. Absofuckinglutely terrible.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of "Rejected Mate"

A short story of just the right length. Aspen, a half-breed (human and wolf) tries to avoid the heir-apparent alpha wolf who is her age and unavoidably attracted to her. He pursues her with fervor as she resists. Sex scenes are few but very hot, and the story ends with a cliff-hanger for what is clearly the first volume of a series.

[Tarsha Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

wish it had of been a RH

I finished the Aspen series. Like others I was hoping for more spice and I guess I didn’t read enough of the reviews bc I was totally expecting some RH scenes or ending

Overall, nice series, some feel good with a mystery, and disappointment in characters, good buildup.

[Rhona Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's okay but....

I'm not a fan of crude language for lovemaking in books, it just takes you out of the romance and makes it look dirty and degrading. Yes I could choose not to read the book, but I just whizzed through those pages but most of the Azar books haven't been crude but the Wolves and God's series was as well. I hope it does not continue.

[Raquel A · Rating 3 out of 5]

At least it was short.

Very short prequel. The H was a jerk and I definitely won't continue to see how the h gets her revenge.
She's a half blood and can't shift. The H is the Alpha heir and is a player around campus. After years of knowing each other, the H claims the h as his fated mate. Then decides to break the bond in the most despicable way.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far I'm not feeling this one I know that was a very short prequel but what I read that just didn't leave me wanting to really go out of my way to read more. It was I'm sorry predictable and like most of what is out there so far, so unless I see something new in the series I can't say I will be following along on this one sorry.

[Victoria Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now you know

I always wondered how Aspen found herself with Kole, and now we know.
For every girl that's had a broken heart, this book shows the best way to recover. From one horrible option, to 12 handsome options, being rejected has never been fixed so completely.

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a great start to what could potentially be a great series but as I live in a country that cannot access Kindle Vella I have no way to continue with this and as I cannot read the rest of this I will only give a 3 star review.

[Joanne H · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is the start of the series, Wow. I love it and the action is continuous with some bite. A female human/wolf was sent to the Blood Moon Pack so she could turn into her wolf but what she got instead sent her packing. Good storytelling.

[Ada · Rating 3 out of 5]

not happy with the end result

The book is to short and you want to continue to the next book but in order to do that the format is different and you need to pay chunk in chunk at the the book will be very expensive. Not a good deal you are left hanging.

[Nantia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, fun and 🌶️🌶️

It was just the perfect book to get me out of my reading slumb.
Fun, quick and sexy af really made me looking forward for my next read. If she doesn't end with the one I want, i will go berserk.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tossed away

Why did she have to be drawn to him, the alpha heir of the pack? Her inner wolf is silent, maybe nonexistent. A steamy YA novella. I look forward to Hitched. He's gonna get it!

[Mare Sierra · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, this is like a prequel to the actual series. It wasn't for me tho. I couldn't get motivated to continue the story. I couldn't figure it out if it was a YA or Adult Fantasy novel/novella. It wasn't believable for me.

[Kai (CuriousCompass) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is single handedly the worst thing I've read this year. I honestly fully lost interest in this series because of this lmao.

Stupid MC, predictable plot, disgusting corny ass men, etc. Every trope and character dynamic I hate rolled into a big bundle of suck.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed reading this prequel to the hitched live series. I got to know a little bit about Aspen but I'm looking forward to reading the series and finding out more about her and the other characters. Good potential in thus series I think its going to be a good one.