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The Alpha Shifter Collection #18
Cruel Mate
Ashley is riding high after finally becoming a member of the pack. On that fateful night, the best and worst things happen to her. Not only does she turn into a wolf, but she finds her mate. None other than the pack’s nomad alpha, Phoenix. He doesn’t want her as his mate.
All he's ever needed was his bike and the freedom of the open road—until Ashley. Phoenix knows he's made a mistake by rejecting Ashley. Nothing else matters to him. Each time he visits the pack he hopes to see her, but she's perfected the art of avoiding him—until he decides to stay.
Ashley wants to stay mad at Phoenix to protect herself, but with every passing day she learns more about their aloof alpha. She wants to give herself to him completely, but will she be risking more than her body?
He left once. He rejected her once. He’d been cruel. Is there any chance that he's really changed?
All he's ever needed was his bike and the freedom of the open road—until Ashley. Phoenix knows he's made a mistake by rejecting Ashley. Nothing else matters to him. Each time he visits the pack he hopes to see her, but she's perfected the art of avoiding him—until he decides to stay.
Ashley wants to stay mad at Phoenix to protect herself, but with every passing day she learns more about their aloof alpha. She wants to give herself to him completely, but will she be risking more than her body?
He left once. He rejected her once. He’d been cruel. Is there any chance that he's really changed?
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2023
127 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Sam Crescent
552 books5,512 followersSam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 1, 2024
I’m at 36% and I am already sure I don’t like this book. Some of Sam Crescent’s books are hard passes for me and while this one is unlikable I’m sure others may find it okay. As for me, the MMC threatened to k!ll the FMC if she didn’t stay away from him when he rejected her. Yes he was cruel about it but all he seems to care about is that she misinterpreted his words to mean that he thought she was f@t. I’m like, seriously?!? Not because he hurt her so badly that she is st@rving herself or that she knows you could off her and her family. Those aren’t the concerns he wants to fix with her. He only cares that something was lost in translation. Lmbo.
Honestly, if I was the FMC and this happened to me, I could see how she would fixate on the only reason for her rejection being a weight issue but I would also have gone crazy wondering if I had actually done something wrong to cause it. So the author ONLY making it a weight issue for the FMC is an incomplete reason for conflict. As for the MMC only wanting to solve her eating issue and not the threats he made is ridiculous. Also, the MMC being a coward over an age gap is just as ridiculous.
So basically I’m disappointed in this book and I’m only around a quarter of the way through. I’m sure SC will finagle the HEA but it won’t be realistic enough to have successfully resolved their issues. I’m positive it will be too easy and boring. We’ll see if I’m right.
68% UPDATE
I think I’m putting a lot on this book but it’s bugging me that now that the MMC decides he wants the FMC that the FMC is just supposed to accept it and give him a chance. Also, the FMC’s starving herself would have made more sense if the MMC had said anything about her weight in his rejection of her. So the author’s convenient use of one of many insecurities women have to force this story into a weight issue is poorly masked and simply poorly written into this story. The author has other books that address weight 100 times better than this one. Lastly, the MMC states that the FMC is all he remembers of his relationship history now that they are working it out. So we the reader and the FMC are to accept this as romantic? So the FMC took over his life five years before and yet he still left her. Again and again, all because she avoided him when he stopped by. But he did always leave. How am I supposed to believe that his relationship memory now only exists beginning fives years before. But let’s not forget that he couldn’t have s e x with anyone but the FMC since he met her. So that implies that he at least tried once(!) to know that. Right…
The FMC’s lack of conviction is typical of a Sam Crescent book. Seriously, if the FMC wanted to loose weight than she should have done more than starve herself. If the FMC was really going to hide forever that her mate had rejected her than she should have dated or just left like she planned to. Make the MMC earn her back! Make the MMC chase her around the world since he likes the road so much. Something!! Not just have the MMC show up with a lame a$$ I’m sorry and forced proximity be the ONLY reason for their relationship to finally get started.
I am struggling with boredom and disbelief of the emotions in this book and the author’s lazy storytelling. Ugh.
FINAL UPDATE
Yeah it wasn’t worth reading. Good luck.
Honestly, if I was the FMC and this happened to me, I could see how she would fixate on the only reason for her rejection being a weight issue but I would also have gone crazy wondering if I had actually done something wrong to cause it. So the author ONLY making it a weight issue for the FMC is an incomplete reason for conflict. As for the MMC only wanting to solve her eating issue and not the threats he made is ridiculous. Also, the MMC being a coward over an age gap is just as ridiculous.
So basically I’m disappointed in this book and I’m only around a quarter of the way through. I’m sure SC will finagle the HEA but it won’t be realistic enough to have successfully resolved their issues. I’m positive it will be too easy and boring. We’ll see if I’m right.
68% UPDATE
I think I’m putting a lot on this book but it’s bugging me that now that the MMC decides he wants the FMC that the FMC is just supposed to accept it and give him a chance. Also, the FMC’s starving herself would have made more sense if the MMC had said anything about her weight in his rejection of her. So the author’s convenient use of one of many insecurities women have to force this story into a weight issue is poorly masked and simply poorly written into this story. The author has other books that address weight 100 times better than this one. Lastly, the MMC states that the FMC is all he remembers of his relationship history now that they are working it out. So we the reader and the FMC are to accept this as romantic? So the FMC took over his life five years before and yet he still left her. Again and again, all because she avoided him when he stopped by. But he did always leave. How am I supposed to believe that his relationship memory now only exists beginning fives years before. But let’s not forget that he couldn’t have s e x with anyone but the FMC since he met her. So that implies that he at least tried once(!) to know that. Right…
The FMC’s lack of conviction is typical of a Sam Crescent book. Seriously, if the FMC wanted to loose weight than she should have done more than starve herself. If the FMC was really going to hide forever that her mate had rejected her than she should have dated or just left like she planned to. Make the MMC earn her back! Make the MMC chase her around the world since he likes the road so much. Something!! Not just have the MMC show up with a lame a$$ I’m sorry and forced proximity be the ONLY reason for their relationship to finally get started.
I am struggling with boredom and disbelief of the emotions in this book and the author’s lazy storytelling. Ugh.
FINAL UPDATE
Yeah it wasn’t worth reading. Good luck.
January 18, 2023
I will say that any rejection from a mate is brutal and this was one of them. I didn't know what to expect but his reasoning was enough for me to forgive him. I liked how everything in the story unraveled and came together. I enjoyed reading it. It's sad for just a moment and then the warmth of instant mate connection is there. It was a quick and spicy read.
January 29, 2023
Another winner! Loved this one! It had some angst to it—hero rejects the heroine and she thinks it’s because of her weight (it’s not.). There was an age gap romance with a hero who is 40 and an 18 year old heroine. The hero freaks out because of her age and takes off. But he’s miserable without her since she’s his mate. She makes him work for her forgiveness.
Safe. Hero has been celibate since heroine comes of age. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No ow. Very minor OM, from heroines bestie who thinks they should try a relationship. No cheating or sharing. HEA with epilogue
Safe. Hero has been celibate since heroine comes of age. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No ow. Very minor OM, from heroines bestie who thinks they should try a relationship. No cheating or sharing. HEA with epilogue
February 8, 2023
Light story of rejected mates
A simple story of rejection and forgiveness. I wanted there to be more meat to this than there was. The characters lacked depth or connection beyond their fated mate bond. There were a lot of points that could have provided dramatic tension - what if Phoenix had asked the heroine to give up her beloved pack and join him in this wanderings? What if the age gap between them provided a real barrier they had to overcome? As I was reading, I kept thinking about the places this story could have gone instead of the straightforward place that it did. Like a ride in the country - you can get where you’re going on the highway but if you take the back roads it’s a much more enjoyable ride. I wish this story had taken the back roads.
A simple story of rejection and forgiveness. I wanted there to be more meat to this than there was. The characters lacked depth or connection beyond their fated mate bond. There were a lot of points that could have provided dramatic tension - what if Phoenix had asked the heroine to give up her beloved pack and join him in this wanderings? What if the age gap between them provided a real barrier they had to overcome? As I was reading, I kept thinking about the places this story could have gone instead of the straightforward place that it did. Like a ride in the country - you can get where you’re going on the highway but if you take the back roads it’s a much more enjoyable ride. I wish this story had taken the back roads.
January 25, 2023
Watch what you say
No matter his intentions, this alpha male made a hurtful mistake that almost cost him everything he never knew he needed. I absolutely love this series! You would think with so many books that there would be repeats, but each book is new and different with a fresh couple and relationship to enjoy. I absolutely loved this couple, and I loved and hated the rejection moment. Seeing them overcome the turmoil and hurt was fantastic and gave me hope for more to come. This is one of those books that gets you in the feels and I can’t wait until the author writes the next one.
No matter his intentions, this alpha male made a hurtful mistake that almost cost him everything he never knew he needed. I absolutely love this series! You would think with so many books that there would be repeats, but each book is new and different with a fresh couple and relationship to enjoy. I absolutely loved this couple, and I loved and hated the rejection moment. Seeing them overcome the turmoil and hurt was fantastic and gave me hope for more to come. This is one of those books that gets you in the feels and I can’t wait until the author writes the next one.
February 2, 2023
Absolutely loved this story! I really enjoyed how strong the heroine was, her character felt genuine and I enjoyed watching her hold her own against the grumpy alpha. This book had that perfect balance of growly alpha with a big dash of regret/grovel. Definitely recommend
I received an arc of this book.
I received an arc of this book.
April 1, 2024
I liked the rejection angst in the first quarter or third of the book, and then it went downhill for me.
There was a lack of development in this romance and the whole plot felt rushed. I also noticed that the dialogue was very surface level and held nothing in the way of nuance or depth.
There was a lack of development in this romance and the whole plot felt rushed. I also noticed that the dialogue was very surface level and held nothing in the way of nuance or depth.
January 19, 2023
This was short and sweet! I’m a fan of Sam Crescent’s writing style and I’ve enjoyed what I have read of this series so far. They can all be read as standalones.
I loved how Ashley was a plus-sized fmc. I feel like you don’t see that enough. The rejected mate trope is one of my favorites. I'm so happy Ashley didn't just roll over and accept him back. Make him work for that shit girl.
I loved how Ashley was a plus-sized fmc. I feel like you don’t see that enough. The rejected mate trope is one of my favorites. I'm so happy Ashley didn't just roll over and accept him back. Make him work for that shit girl.
February 9, 2023
Sweet
Fast
Vanilla
Should have groveled more
But still Bully Mate is my favorite in the entire 18 books of the series
Fast
Vanilla
Should have groveled more
But still Bully Mate is my favorite in the entire 18 books of the series
January 29, 2023
For Ashley Simpkin, it was a night of celebration. It was their high school graduation and their first turning, transitioning from human into wolves.
For a whole year she’d been fearful of not turning, that her parents would be disappointed, and the pack might reject her, feeling sick and hungry at the same time.
Admittedly, for them to do that, their alpha, Phoenix Marshall, forty, a nomad biker would need to be present, which he never was.
The pack had been in trouble several years back, led by a weak, useless Alpha. She was ten at the time. He’d gained power by convincing them that he’d protect them, in truth he’d used their obscure location as a way to keep his place at the top for years. He assumed his role until eight years ago when some wandering wolves stumbled onto their private little town. It hadn’t taken long for the travelling wolves to realise they were powerless. For three days and nights, the pack had lived in fear as the alpha cowered and succumbed to their every demand. Men had been killed, and some women had been … raped.
Then a nomad biker, rode in on his motorcycle, looking for a place to crash, and stumbled onto the men. Phoenix passed through town a few times. This time, he’d stayed, seen what had happened, and then it had been him against possibly ten men. He was an intimidating man, tall, muscular, heavily inked, with scars. But—he kept the town safe. Now he stopped by multiple times a year.
After kissing her, her mate Phoenix rejects her threatening to harm her family, if she utters a word of their encounter…she’s kept a secret, the utter humiliation of rejection.
The alpha of the pack didn’t want her.
Fast forward five years later…her friend Daniel, likes her and was upset that they weren’t mates. Ashley hadn’t known the truth but in high school, he had a huge crush on her. Once he told her how he felt, which happened twenty-four hours after the ‘rejection’. She hadn’t wanted him to have false hope and gently let him down. Daniel understood. They remained friends, but she made the effort to try and find him a mate. She never allowed him to get too close to her either.
Five years ago, Phoenix Marshall had walked into a bar, the same bar he’d been inside for eight years straight. He’d walked into the bar as the alpha of the pack, and the moment he inhaled, he smelt her. His mate—he’d seen her take a drink of her beer, wrinkle her nose, and step out of the bar. Phoenix had followed her, the woman meant for him. A newbie with her whole future ahead of her, and he … well, he’d had no choice but to allow her time to grow up.
He was a nomad. He’d taken a vow to be on his own. Each time he came back to this pack, he broke that vow, but he loved the town, adored the people, and when he came to them in their time of need, he’d kept his word in protecting them. They were all good people, a great pack that banded together.
This young girl—had shaken his world on its axis. Kissing her had been a mistake. All he’d needed in his life was his bike, the open road, and that was it. Not women. Not anyone.
Until he scented her.
He needed to reject her. She was too young, too … new … too shiny. She was not the kind of woman he might imagine as a mate for himself. He was too jaded. Phoenix had seen the cruelties of the world and knew that she needed to be protected.
Being cruel was part of his identity, his survival. He’d convinced himself not to return, but he found himself repeatedly returning, more often than ever before, to catch a glimpse of her.
After that first year, she avoided him.
Phoenix has decided to assume a more active presence within the pack. To her, he ruined what should have been one of the best days of her life, excitement from finally transitioning. She hadn’t simply graduated high school, she’d survived her transition. She was finally a wolf. She had her place in the pack.
In her insecurity, she imagined that his rejection of her was due to her size not her age (at the time of the incident five years ago, she had been eighteen to his forty), resulting in five years of self-inflicted punishment.
Her parents, Ben and Leah were upset with Ashley’s decision to leave, voicing their concerns. They didn’t want her to leave, not the pack or the town.
Finding a soulmate came in the transition. No one turned before that time and age didn’t matter. They aged slowly.
Phoenix recognised her youth and that she was significantly younger.
He has never lived in a pack, been part of a pack. They’re all he has, all he’s known. Phoenix has protected them, kept them safe and he wants to be part of the pack. His bike had lost its appeal. The open road had faded and no longer represented freedom, but a death trap. The only time he felt free was when he visited this pack. The pack that had chosen him as alpha. The pack that homed his mate.
He wanted her so badly. That need hadn’t faded.
For a whole year she’d been fearful of not turning, that her parents would be disappointed, and the pack might reject her, feeling sick and hungry at the same time.
Admittedly, for them to do that, their alpha, Phoenix Marshall, forty, a nomad biker would need to be present, which he never was.
The pack had been in trouble several years back, led by a weak, useless Alpha. She was ten at the time. He’d gained power by convincing them that he’d protect them, in truth he’d used their obscure location as a way to keep his place at the top for years. He assumed his role until eight years ago when some wandering wolves stumbled onto their private little town. It hadn’t taken long for the travelling wolves to realise they were powerless. For three days and nights, the pack had lived in fear as the alpha cowered and succumbed to their every demand. Men had been killed, and some women had been … raped.
Then a nomad biker, rode in on his motorcycle, looking for a place to crash, and stumbled onto the men. Phoenix passed through town a few times. This time, he’d stayed, seen what had happened, and then it had been him against possibly ten men. He was an intimidating man, tall, muscular, heavily inked, with scars. But—he kept the town safe. Now he stopped by multiple times a year.
After kissing her, her mate Phoenix rejects her threatening to harm her family, if she utters a word of their encounter…she’s kept a secret, the utter humiliation of rejection.
The alpha of the pack didn’t want her.
Fast forward five years later…her friend Daniel, likes her and was upset that they weren’t mates. Ashley hadn’t known the truth but in high school, he had a huge crush on her. Once he told her how he felt, which happened twenty-four hours after the ‘rejection’. She hadn’t wanted him to have false hope and gently let him down. Daniel understood. They remained friends, but she made the effort to try and find him a mate. She never allowed him to get too close to her either.
Five years ago, Phoenix Marshall had walked into a bar, the same bar he’d been inside for eight years straight. He’d walked into the bar as the alpha of the pack, and the moment he inhaled, he smelt her. His mate—he’d seen her take a drink of her beer, wrinkle her nose, and step out of the bar. Phoenix had followed her, the woman meant for him. A newbie with her whole future ahead of her, and he … well, he’d had no choice but to allow her time to grow up.
He was a nomad. He’d taken a vow to be on his own. Each time he came back to this pack, he broke that vow, but he loved the town, adored the people, and when he came to them in their time of need, he’d kept his word in protecting them. They were all good people, a great pack that banded together.
This young girl—had shaken his world on its axis. Kissing her had been a mistake. All he’d needed in his life was his bike, the open road, and that was it. Not women. Not anyone.
Until he scented her.
He needed to reject her. She was too young, too … new … too shiny. She was not the kind of woman he might imagine as a mate for himself. He was too jaded. Phoenix had seen the cruelties of the world and knew that she needed to be protected.
Being cruel was part of his identity, his survival. He’d convinced himself not to return, but he found himself repeatedly returning, more often than ever before, to catch a glimpse of her.
After that first year, she avoided him.
Phoenix has decided to assume a more active presence within the pack. To her, he ruined what should have been one of the best days of her life, excitement from finally transitioning. She hadn’t simply graduated high school, she’d survived her transition. She was finally a wolf. She had her place in the pack.
In her insecurity, she imagined that his rejection of her was due to her size not her age (at the time of the incident five years ago, she had been eighteen to his forty), resulting in five years of self-inflicted punishment.
Her parents, Ben and Leah were upset with Ashley’s decision to leave, voicing their concerns. They didn’t want her to leave, not the pack or the town.
Finding a soulmate came in the transition. No one turned before that time and age didn’t matter. They aged slowly.
Phoenix recognised her youth and that she was significantly younger.
He has never lived in a pack, been part of a pack. They’re all he has, all he’s known. Phoenix has protected them, kept them safe and he wants to be part of the pack. His bike had lost its appeal. The open road had faded and no longer represented freedom, but a death trap. The only time he felt free was when he visited this pack. The pack that had chosen him as alpha. The pack that homed his mate.
He wanted her so badly. That need hadn’t faded.
February 2, 2023
When Ashley turned 18, she experienced the best night of her life -- not only had she graduated from high school but she had turned into her wolf for the first time. Many of her pack members, and even her parents, also found their mates right after their turn, and Ashley was hoping for the same thing. Her parents always told her how amazing being with your mate could be and that being rejected is practically unheard of. But when Ashley discovers her mate is the pack's nomad biker alpha, Phoenix, she learns not all mates are amazing when he rejects her, speaking harsh words Ashley has always thought of herself but never said out loud to anyone.
Five years have passed since that night and Ashley has avoided Phoenix like he has the plague whenever he returns to their small town. She's changed jobs, gone camping or hiking in the woods, and avoided the pack whenever she catches word that he's back.
But Phoenix regrets his rejection of Ashley, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to win her back and make her his.
***************
Written in third-person POV, "Cruel Mate" follows Ashley and Phoenix as they navigate a tumultuous fated romance and struggle to repair the bond that had been ripped apart five years ago. Phoenix said harsh things when he rejected Ashley all those years ago and it has replayed in her mind ever since. Those words hurt her and caused her to spiral onto a path of harsh diets that leave her, and her wolf, physically fatigued, and I don't blame her for struggling to forgive and be around Phoenix.
We learn about Phoenix's past quite a bit and it's easy to understand why he would have rejected her all those years ago, which is why I understand Ashley forgiving him in the end but still struggling with him being around early in the book. He had never grown up in a pack, having grown up in the human foster system until he transitioned and survived on his own. He didn't understand his transition for the longest time and he struggled with the idea of being Ashley's fated mate, especially given the age gap between them (22 years), and having never really had a place to call home. But we also learn a lot about Ashley's mindset and what she felt growing up and being "bigger" than the other girls -- she's curvy so she's always had a bit more to her than the other wolves and she struggled with learning to accept that (she frequently did crash diets when she was a teen).
The conflict of the book -- and Ashley's initial reluctance to forgive Phoenix -- play directly on each other's fears and conflict with how they grew up. And it made it a lot better to read than some other fated mate werewolf books since Ashley didn't forgive him until close to the end and she continually struggled with the mindset that he could still leave her at any point in time to go back onto the road with his motorcycle. But the repetitive nature of the same inner monologue grew tiring. Phoenix would say he wouldn't leave her and loved how she looked and she would still worry that he would leave her and thought she was disgusting. It was...tiring to read sometimes.
The romance was...fine. They didn't have much in common really, but we don't completely learn about hobbies or dreams from the characters. Their sexual attraction to each other kept the book moving and their intimate scenes were good, though there were more in a short time than I would have particularly liked. But they worked out and had their happily ever after. And we did see the small fallout of the rest of the pack learning about Ashley and Phoenix's past and mating, so that was at least a little interesting -- though it was over as fast as it came.
This is an okay book to read once, and readers who enjoy second-chance romances or fated mate werewolf shifter books may enjoy this at least once. I would have rated this book higher if the conflict wasn't so repetitive and the characterization was a bit more fleshed out than them just being fated and sexually attracted to each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Five years have passed since that night and Ashley has avoided Phoenix like he has the plague whenever he returns to their small town. She's changed jobs, gone camping or hiking in the woods, and avoided the pack whenever she catches word that he's back.
But Phoenix regrets his rejection of Ashley, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to win her back and make her his.
***************
Written in third-person POV, "Cruel Mate" follows Ashley and Phoenix as they navigate a tumultuous fated romance and struggle to repair the bond that had been ripped apart five years ago. Phoenix said harsh things when he rejected Ashley all those years ago and it has replayed in her mind ever since. Those words hurt her and caused her to spiral onto a path of harsh diets that leave her, and her wolf, physically fatigued, and I don't blame her for struggling to forgive and be around Phoenix.
We learn about Phoenix's past quite a bit and it's easy to understand why he would have rejected her all those years ago, which is why I understand Ashley forgiving him in the end but still struggling with him being around early in the book. He had never grown up in a pack, having grown up in the human foster system until he transitioned and survived on his own. He didn't understand his transition for the longest time and he struggled with the idea of being Ashley's fated mate, especially given the age gap between them (22 years), and having never really had a place to call home. But we also learn a lot about Ashley's mindset and what she felt growing up and being "bigger" than the other girls -- she's curvy so she's always had a bit more to her than the other wolves and she struggled with learning to accept that (she frequently did crash diets when she was a teen).
The conflict of the book -- and Ashley's initial reluctance to forgive Phoenix -- play directly on each other's fears and conflict with how they grew up. And it made it a lot better to read than some other fated mate werewolf books since Ashley didn't forgive him until close to the end and she continually struggled with the mindset that he could still leave her at any point in time to go back onto the road with his motorcycle. But the repetitive nature of the same inner monologue grew tiring. Phoenix would say he wouldn't leave her and loved how she looked and she would still worry that he would leave her and thought she was disgusting. It was...tiring to read sometimes.
The romance was...fine. They didn't have much in common really, but we don't completely learn about hobbies or dreams from the characters. Their sexual attraction to each other kept the book moving and their intimate scenes were good, though there were more in a short time than I would have particularly liked. But they worked out and had their happily ever after. And we did see the small fallout of the rest of the pack learning about Ashley and Phoenix's past and mating, so that was at least a little interesting -- though it was over as fast as it came.
This is an okay book to read once, and readers who enjoy second-chance romances or fated mate werewolf shifter books may enjoy this at least once. I would have rated this book higher if the conflict wasn't so repetitive and the characterization was a bit more fleshed out than them just being fated and sexually attracted to each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2023
2 Stars
This one wasn't so bad tbh. I've never been much a fan of the rejected mate trope. The dynamics don't interest me much and usually the books are immature and based on teenager/new adults and yeah. So, I was a little surprised to not hate this one.
Writing was fine. Particularly I really liked the hero Phoenix. His reasons for "rejecting" his mate Ashley were actually decent. They came from a good place even if his initial delivery of said rejection was a little harsh. I did like him though.
He was different. Especially from the heroine Ashley. He was forty-five to her twenty-three. When he recognized her as his mate he was forty to her eighteen and when he supposedly rejected her he did it with the idea she was too young for him in mind. She was innocent and sheltered compared to his hardened, jaded nomad self. I understand where he was coming from. Especially because when he later explains himself to Ashley and tells her about his past. He grew up without a pack, had no idea he was a wolf until he had a shock by transitioning at eighteen all alone. Managed to survive the change and went hunting for answers. And so having been a nomad and a single wanderer he wasn't use to pack dynamic or how matings worked.
But naive little Ashley didn't quite accept his reasons when he explained them. It was perfectly understandable for me tbh. He grew up in the outside world where a forty year old man lusting after an eighteen year old was considered perverted and wrong. It made him feel like shit. Not to mention her age was a sticking point because the age gap between them and their differences in life experiences.
Which was far more apparent after he admitted everything to her and she still refused to see his side of things despite him being patient with her and explaining it. She kept complaining their ages didn't mean anything in the pack because other mated pairs had much larger age gaps and it clearly wasn't a good enough excuse. She didn't want to understand or see his side of it. It was pretty black and white to me. He might've been a wolf but he hadn't grown up in a pack and saw these mates and the very accepted dynamics that Ashley bitched about. He saw their age gap through a perfectly normal human male POV and that made perfect sense because he grew up in that world.
Simple, right? But dumb Ashley just refused to buy it. 🙄
More so Ashley was a big issue for me. On one hand I love that she wasn't entirely some weak doormat type. She pushed back and made Phoenix work for his forgiveness. But on the other hand she also VERY STUPIDLY made gross assumptions because of the words he used when he "rejected" her that night. And somehow she made a MASSIVE leap to ASSUME one particular line he used meant he was repulsed by her and the fact she was his mate BECAUSE SHE WAS FAT. 🤣😂🤣😂😬😬🤦🏻♀️
FOR REAL??
That line she based that dumb assumption on could've meant anything BUT that. She clung to it and allowed herself to hate her body and diet because of it.
Ugh. So, in those scenes I hated her. God forbid you can be a curvy chick who gee I dunno embraces your curves and doesn't have some dormant insecurity about her weight that just blows up for no reason.
It really was incredibly stupid and unimaginative tbh.
Otherwise the book was alright. Like I said I really liked Phoenix but the execution and lame heroine was a disappointment.
This one wasn't so bad tbh. I've never been much a fan of the rejected mate trope. The dynamics don't interest me much and usually the books are immature and based on teenager/new adults and yeah. So, I was a little surprised to not hate this one.
Writing was fine. Particularly I really liked the hero Phoenix. His reasons for "rejecting" his mate Ashley were actually decent. They came from a good place even if his initial delivery of said rejection was a little harsh. I did like him though.
He was different. Especially from the heroine Ashley. He was forty-five to her twenty-three. When he recognized her as his mate he was forty to her eighteen and when he supposedly rejected her he did it with the idea she was too young for him in mind. She was innocent and sheltered compared to his hardened, jaded nomad self. I understand where he was coming from. Especially because when he later explains himself to Ashley and tells her about his past. He grew up without a pack, had no idea he was a wolf until he had a shock by transitioning at eighteen all alone. Managed to survive the change and went hunting for answers. And so having been a nomad and a single wanderer he wasn't use to pack dynamic or how matings worked.
But naive little Ashley didn't quite accept his reasons when he explained them. It was perfectly understandable for me tbh. He grew up in the outside world where a forty year old man lusting after an eighteen year old was considered perverted and wrong. It made him feel like shit. Not to mention her age was a sticking point because the age gap between them and their differences in life experiences.
Which was far more apparent after he admitted everything to her and she still refused to see his side of things despite him being patient with her and explaining it. She kept complaining their ages didn't mean anything in the pack because other mated pairs had much larger age gaps and it clearly wasn't a good enough excuse. She didn't want to understand or see his side of it. It was pretty black and white to me. He might've been a wolf but he hadn't grown up in a pack and saw these mates and the very accepted dynamics that Ashley bitched about. He saw their age gap through a perfectly normal human male POV and that made perfect sense because he grew up in that world.
Simple, right? But dumb Ashley just refused to buy it. 🙄
More so Ashley was a big issue for me. On one hand I love that she wasn't entirely some weak doormat type. She pushed back and made Phoenix work for his forgiveness. But on the other hand she also VERY STUPIDLY made gross assumptions because of the words he used when he "rejected" her that night. And somehow she made a MASSIVE leap to ASSUME one particular line he used meant he was repulsed by her and the fact she was his mate BECAUSE SHE WAS FAT. 🤣😂🤣😂😬😬🤦🏻♀️
FOR REAL??
That line she based that dumb assumption on could've meant anything BUT that. She clung to it and allowed herself to hate her body and diet because of it.
Ugh. So, in those scenes I hated her. God forbid you can be a curvy chick who gee I dunno embraces your curves and doesn't have some dormant insecurity about her weight that just blows up for no reason.
It really was incredibly stupid and unimaginative tbh.
Otherwise the book was alright. Like I said I really liked Phoenix but the execution and lame heroine was a disappointment.
January 13, 2023
3.75stars—CRUEL MATE is the eighteenth instalment in Sam Crescent’s contemporary, adult ALPHA SHIFTER erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is wolf shifters Ashley Simpkin, and nomad Phoenix Marshall’s story line. CRUEL MATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Ashley and Phoenix) CRUEL MATE follows in the wake of Ashley’s rejection by her fated mate. Five years earlier, eighteen years old, high school graduate and having completed her first shift, Ashley was on top of the world until forty-year old, Phoenix Marshall, nomad and temporary pack alpha rejects his teenaged mate destroying her self esteem and heart in the process. Fast forward to present day, Phoenix realizes he has made a mistake, and is determined to claim Ashley Simpkin as his mate but all does not go according to plan when Ashley refuses to accept Phoenix has changed his mind. What ensues is the building relationship between Ashley and Phoenix, and the potential fall-out as Ashley wants to keep secret the truth going forward.
Phoenix Marshall grew up in the foster care system, rejected by one family after another. Never having been part of a pack, Phoenix knew nothing about fated mates, and refused to accept Ashley as his future wife.Ashley Simpkin never knew heart break like the rejection by her mate. Broken and destroyed, Ashley prepared to move on, move away, and change her appearance to make herself more attractive to a future mate. Falling for Phoenix means submitting to the man who destroyed her self esteem but living a life alone means loneliness for the rest of her life.The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.
We are introduced to Ashley’s parents Ben and Lean Simpkin, as well as Ashley’s best friend Daniel who is desperate to find a mate of his own.
CRUEL MATE is a story of betrayal, secrets and lies, rejection and forgiveness, family and friendships. The fast paced premise is entertaining; the romance is steamy and fated; the characters are broken, energetic and dynamic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Ashley and Phoenix) CRUEL MATE follows in the wake of Ashley’s rejection by her fated mate. Five years earlier, eighteen years old, high school graduate and having completed her first shift, Ashley was on top of the world until forty-year old, Phoenix Marshall, nomad and temporary pack alpha rejects his teenaged mate destroying her self esteem and heart in the process. Fast forward to present day, Phoenix realizes he has made a mistake, and is determined to claim Ashley Simpkin as his mate but all does not go according to plan when Ashley refuses to accept Phoenix has changed his mind. What ensues is the building relationship between Ashley and Phoenix, and the potential fall-out as Ashley wants to keep secret the truth going forward.
Phoenix Marshall grew up in the foster care system, rejected by one family after another. Never having been part of a pack, Phoenix knew nothing about fated mates, and refused to accept Ashley as his future wife.Ashley Simpkin never knew heart break like the rejection by her mate. Broken and destroyed, Ashley prepared to move on, move away, and change her appearance to make herself more attractive to a future mate. Falling for Phoenix means submitting to the man who destroyed her self esteem but living a life alone means loneliness for the rest of her life.The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.
We are introduced to Ashley’s parents Ben and Lean Simpkin, as well as Ashley’s best friend Daniel who is desperate to find a mate of his own.
CRUEL MATE is a story of betrayal, secrets and lies, rejection and forgiveness, family and friendships. The fast paced premise is entertaining; the romance is steamy and fated; the characters are broken, energetic and dynamic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 28, 2023
This is part of The Alpha Shifter Collection where each book reads as a standalone in under an hour or so with a sexy alpha dumb but sexy and the girl he hurt but needs to just breath right. Ashley is a curvy girl who struggles with her weight all her life but worse now that her mate rejected her right after her transition. Her mate pulled her to the side kissed her and said some extremely cruel things threating to kill her, and her family. So, she has struggled to lose weight by starving herself running around to avoid him each time he came to town. Phoenix sexy as all get out forty years old wolf who just scented his mate but finding out she is just a baby does something stupid like rejecting her condemning her to a life of loneliness and realizing five years later after the torture his wolf put him through, he heads pack to the one place that provides his soul a little peace just being around her sooth his soul making his wolf happy. I love that Ashley never gave in to his mess she made him work to show he was sorry and that he wasn’t going to run because she would rather live lonely than be with a man who make her hurt later on when his wondering ways come back but can he convince as well as show her that he is there to stay willing to do whatever to win her heart, will she forgive him, will she tell the world they are matted have been for five years, that he rejected her, will the pack forgive him, will her parents forgive him, and can they find the balance, the happiness they both deserve?.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2023
Another great shifter story from Sam Crescent, with familiar tropes and Sam's own twist. Pack outsider Ashley finally finds her mate shortly after her first shift....only turns out her made is none other than the pseudo rogue alpha who was one a nomad but no the reluctant leader/protector of her pack. Her joy at finding her partner is quickly dashed as the older and infinitely more surly Phoenix rejects her in the most brutal of ways- making very clear that he has no intentions of claiming or even acknowledging her as his. A few years later, the dejected Ashley has kept her rejection secret, silently hiding away from her back whenever the nomadic alpha makes his trips to down. Trips that have somehow become more recent. As if that isn't hard enough, she keeps bumping into her failed mate- and despite his rejection he's protective and demanding and bossy AF. Turns out the mercurial alpha is having a hard time keeping his little mate at arms length- even though he once thought he never wanted one, nor did he think his lifestyle was conducive to a happy mating. Now he's back more permanently with the pack. Cue all the tension!
Fans of Sam will find this on par with her other stories- though I keep having to remind myself that she's 3rd person POV, which has become increasingly not my preferred narrative approach. But the connection is here, the story is fast paced, the banter great. I wish we had a bit more MEAT given the opportunity presented for a more emotional story line with the rejection, but this story moves at hyperspeed. Good steam and fun though
Fans of Sam will find this on par with her other stories- though I keep having to remind myself that she's 3rd person POV, which has become increasingly not my preferred narrative approach. But the connection is here, the story is fast paced, the banter great. I wish we had a bit more MEAT given the opportunity presented for a more emotional story line with the rejection, but this story moves at hyperspeed. Good steam and fun though
February 16, 2023
Cruel Mate was an entertaining and intriguing read. I loved both characters in this book. Sam Cresent's Alpha shifter collection is one of my favorite PNR reads this year. The world and characters that have been created are original, spicy, and action-packed. The main characters and minor characters have depth and were very well-written. I am working my way thru the beginning of this collection it is that addicting to read. Each book can be read as a standalone and will have you flip the pages to see what is happening next.
Ashley is stubborn, witty, compassionate, and curvy. I loved her from the start. I loved how she stood up for herself and didn't let her hurt ruin her. Phoenix is a loner and is used to only answering to himself. Until he inherits something he didn't know he wanted along with a certain woman. I really enjoyed the push and pull each character had. It wasn't a quick fall-in-love type of romance. Ashley really put him through the wringer and he didn't back down. The spice in all of Sam Crescent's books are always super spicy and never disappoints and this book left me fanning myself.
Cruel Mate was a great read. I love a second chance/age gap book. This book had a very original storyline. I was excited that this is also a shifter romance. It was the trifecta of my 3 favorite tropes in one book. This will be a reread for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ashley is stubborn, witty, compassionate, and curvy. I loved her from the start. I loved how she stood up for herself and didn't let her hurt ruin her. Phoenix is a loner and is used to only answering to himself. Until he inherits something he didn't know he wanted along with a certain woman. I really enjoyed the push and pull each character had. It wasn't a quick fall-in-love type of romance. Ashley really put him through the wringer and he didn't back down. The spice in all of Sam Crescent's books are always super spicy and never disappoints and this book left me fanning myself.
Cruel Mate was a great read. I love a second chance/age gap book. This book had a very original storyline. I was excited that this is also a shifter romance. It was the trifecta of my 3 favorite tropes in one book. This will be a reread for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2023
5 years ago Ashley's life changed in a way she never expected.
At the age of 18, she fully transitioned and was now a ful member of the pack. But the high doesn't last too long when she's confronted by the pack's nomadic alpha. Just when Ashley is catching on that Phoenix is her mate, he rejects her then threatens her to silence.
Five years of avoidance and both Ashley and Phoenix are finally ready to move on with their lives but in different ways. Ashley is ready to leave the pack to avoid any kind of run-in with Phoenix when he decides to come back and check-in on the pack. Phoenix on the other hand is tired of the loneliness that is his life now as well as fighting with his wolf for rejecting his mate.
Things aren't so easy for Phoenix though. While he rejected Ashley to give her the chance to grow and live her life without being tied down, she's convinced he rejected her because of the way she looks. It's not so easy to break Ashley down and he's also got to keep her in the pack so he can have the opportunity to show Ashley that he can be an ideal mate.
I've read majority of this series and while this isn't my favorite of the series, it's also not the worst. I kind of wish we would've gotten to see a bit more drama outside of the rejection between Phoenix and Ashley.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At the age of 18, she fully transitioned and was now a ful member of the pack. But the high doesn't last too long when she's confronted by the pack's nomadic alpha. Just when Ashley is catching on that Phoenix is her mate, he rejects her then threatens her to silence.
Five years of avoidance and both Ashley and Phoenix are finally ready to move on with their lives but in different ways. Ashley is ready to leave the pack to avoid any kind of run-in with Phoenix when he decides to come back and check-in on the pack. Phoenix on the other hand is tired of the loneliness that is his life now as well as fighting with his wolf for rejecting his mate.
Things aren't so easy for Phoenix though. While he rejected Ashley to give her the chance to grow and live her life without being tied down, she's convinced he rejected her because of the way she looks. It's not so easy to break Ashley down and he's also got to keep her in the pack so he can have the opportunity to show Ashley that he can be an ideal mate.
I've read majority of this series and while this isn't my favorite of the series, it's also not the worst. I kind of wish we would've gotten to see a bit more drama outside of the rejection between Phoenix and Ashley.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2023
This is not your typical shifter romance. Ashley grew up as a member of the pack and was eagerly awaiting finding her mate. The night of her first shift she found him and the attraction was off the charts for Ashley, unfortunately her newly found mate was the pack’s nomad alpha Phoenix, who didn’t seem to feel the same way as Ashley. Fast forward a few years of steadfast avoidance by Ashley and her worst nightmare has been realized. Phoenix is putting down his nomad roots and moving to the pack permanently, however she soon finds out there’s no way to avoid their predestined relationship. So at first Phoenix seems like the biggest jerk but when you find out what has hardened his heart and realize his cruel taunts were made out of desperation you come to realize he was trying to do right by Ashley. Those of you familiar with this author will not be disappointed by the super hot connection between the two leads and the steamy flirting attempts from Phoenix will have you looking for a fan. My only wish was that the story was a bit longer as everything seemed to happen super fast, especially give the flash forward of time, but still a nice quick and steamy alpha male (literally in this instance), shifter romance. 4 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 23, 2023
2.5 stars
Don't let the rating fool you, I did read this book relatively quickly and it was a nice quick read. I would absolutely choose to read another book by the same author. However, It just didn't hit the spot for me.
To start off, I am currently on an age gap kick. I went into this not realizing there was a gap at all only to find it was 22 years apart. A pleasant surprise indeed. Ashley reacted just how I'd expect an 18/23 year old to act while Phoniex sometimes just came off a little overkill sometimes. The "I'll kill your whole family" portion was a bit much especially for someone he just rejected.
I thought the romance was somewhat cute/predictable. The Fated mates troupe usually means that at some point biologically they will start to like each other even when I couldn't understand why. I think seeing Phoniex POV helped a bit with redeeming him, but I still was 100% a fan of him. Ashley keeping her bearings about herself was a positive I have for the book. Go Ashley!
Romance was cute and I thought the sex/smut was fine. Nothing too crazy although I was wondering about birth control logistics a few times. Would definitely give this author another chance.
Thank you to Sam Crescent, Evernight Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book for a fair review!
Don't let the rating fool you, I did read this book relatively quickly and it was a nice quick read. I would absolutely choose to read another book by the same author. However, It just didn't hit the spot for me.
To start off, I am currently on an age gap kick. I went into this not realizing there was a gap at all only to find it was 22 years apart. A pleasant surprise indeed. Ashley reacted just how I'd expect an 18/23 year old to act while Phoniex sometimes just came off a little overkill sometimes. The "I'll kill your whole family" portion was a bit much especially for someone he just rejected.
I thought the romance was somewhat cute/predictable. The Fated mates troupe usually means that at some point biologically they will start to like each other even when I couldn't understand why. I think seeing Phoniex POV helped a bit with redeeming him, but I still was 100% a fan of him. Ashley keeping her bearings about herself was a positive I have for the book. Go Ashley!
Romance was cute and I thought the sex/smut was fine. Nothing too crazy although I was wondering about birth control logistics a few times. Would definitely give this author another chance.
Thank you to Sam Crescent, Evernight Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book for a fair review!
January 24, 2023
Really more of a 2.5 star but I will round up because it feels closer to a 3 than a 2.
This was a short quick read that was mainly focused on the romance and smut. There was no real plot outside of the relationship between the two leads.
I feel like Ashley reacted how anyone would receiving a rejection like the one she got from Phoenix. Like dude went for the jugular and went to the extreme with the threat during his rejection. I get where he was coming from but I think that he was so out of line.
The book was mostly him trying to win back her trust and forgiveness. I am a huge fan of groveling and Phoenix did do a decent amount but I would have liked to see him do more to actually earn her trust back after having left her for five years. I do not think I would have forgiven him as fast as she did but maybe that is more of a me thing, but after five years I feel like the man should be put through the paces.
I would have also liked to have seen Ashely heal her relationship with her body and food more. Which I know is asking a lot for a book of this length. I just think these characters could have had so much more done with them.
It was a sweet romantic read though and if you are looking for something short and heart warming this is definitely the right choice.
I received an ARC copy of this book from net galley and this review is being provided for free :)
This was a short quick read that was mainly focused on the romance and smut. There was no real plot outside of the relationship between the two leads.
I feel like Ashley reacted how anyone would receiving a rejection like the one she got from Phoenix. Like dude went for the jugular and went to the extreme with the threat during his rejection. I get where he was coming from but I think that he was so out of line.
The book was mostly him trying to win back her trust and forgiveness. I am a huge fan of groveling and Phoenix did do a decent amount but I would have liked to see him do more to actually earn her trust back after having left her for five years. I do not think I would have forgiven him as fast as she did but maybe that is more of a me thing, but after five years I feel like the man should be put through the paces.
I would have also liked to have seen Ashely heal her relationship with her body and food more. Which I know is asking a lot for a book of this length. I just think these characters could have had so much more done with them.
It was a sweet romantic read though and if you are looking for something short and heart warming this is definitely the right choice.
I received an ARC copy of this book from net galley and this review is being provided for free :)
January 29, 2023
Use of english terms is off
I own several of her books and her use of english terminology can be distracting. It has been much worse in some of her other books. I usually edit in my mind as I read. She gets her pronouns confused as if she's forgotten which POV she's writing, she also uses "in" and "on" interchangeably. Minor stuff that I've gotten used to. The only one that really annoys me in this book is she wrote that the heroine's parents "booked a room in restaurant" to spend the night. Maybe she originally had them going out for the evening and later needed them to be gone overnight and forgot to change restaurant to hotel. This along with the other issues suggests her editors are dropping the ball. She's not self-published and writes for Evernight Publishing where she says her books are priced by the word of page count. That would explain why her writing can be so repeatative, sometimes taking more than a paragraph to say the same thing over and over. However, her storylines are great. She writes bully, MC, mafia and paranormal romances plus others. On the surface these might seem to be the same as hundreds of other authors that write in these genre's but there is something unique about her approach that keeps me coming back. Two of my favorites are Asshole Husband and Billionaire Husband.
I own several of her books and her use of english terminology can be distracting. It has been much worse in some of her other books. I usually edit in my mind as I read. She gets her pronouns confused as if she's forgotten which POV she's writing, she also uses "in" and "on" interchangeably. Minor stuff that I've gotten used to. The only one that really annoys me in this book is she wrote that the heroine's parents "booked a room in restaurant" to spend the night. Maybe she originally had them going out for the evening and later needed them to be gone overnight and forgot to change restaurant to hotel. This along with the other issues suggests her editors are dropping the ball. She's not self-published and writes for Evernight Publishing where she says her books are priced by the word of page count. That would explain why her writing can be so repeatative, sometimes taking more than a paragraph to say the same thing over and over. However, her storylines are great. She writes bully, MC, mafia and paranormal romances plus others. On the surface these might seem to be the same as hundreds of other authors that write in these genre's but there is something unique about her approach that keeps me coming back. Two of my favorites are Asshole Husband and Billionaire Husband.
February 1, 2023
This was a quick read but even so, the author was able to create a fun and solid story.
Ashley is eighteen and has just "turned" for the first time when she and her friends are out celebrating, she starts to feel almost sick. The reason for her feeling "off" shows up soon in the form of her "mate" who also happens to be the pack alpha. He's forty and a nomad so he feels like their's isn't a good match and promptly rejects her after kissing her. After Phoenix rejects her, Ashley is lost, heartbroken and embarrassed. No one is rejected by their true mate so the only reason she can come up with is that Phoenix must not be attracted to her because of her weight. She starts practically starving herself and does everything she can to avoid seeing Phoenix.
Several years later, Phoenix and Ashley are thrown back together and he decides that denying his and Ashley's connection is not only hurting him but appears to be damaging her as well. At this point, he has to find a way to work his way back into her heart and get her to trust him again.
It's a sweet, spicy story and I read it in one sitting. Sometimes, I just need a fun little read and this fit the bill.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
Ashley is eighteen and has just "turned" for the first time when she and her friends are out celebrating, she starts to feel almost sick. The reason for her feeling "off" shows up soon in the form of her "mate" who also happens to be the pack alpha. He's forty and a nomad so he feels like their's isn't a good match and promptly rejects her after kissing her. After Phoenix rejects her, Ashley is lost, heartbroken and embarrassed. No one is rejected by their true mate so the only reason she can come up with is that Phoenix must not be attracted to her because of her weight. She starts practically starving herself and does everything she can to avoid seeing Phoenix.
Several years later, Phoenix and Ashley are thrown back together and he decides that denying his and Ashley's connection is not only hurting him but appears to be damaging her as well. At this point, he has to find a way to work his way back into her heart and get her to trust him again.
It's a sweet, spicy story and I read it in one sitting. Sometimes, I just need a fun little read and this fit the bill.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
February 16, 2023
Rejected Mate
On the same night that Ashley shifts into her wolf for the first time, she discovers her mate. It’s their nomad Alpha, Phoenix. This should be a joyous occasion, but Phoenix responds with anger and tells Ashley that they are not mates and rejects her.
She is devastated and years go by with her closing herself off from the pack and retreating into loneliness. Phoenix will take time away from the pack to travel as a nomad on his bike but he always comes back to the pack. He comes back and discovers how unhappy Ashley is and feels a pull to help her, understanding that it’s his fault. The more time he spends with Ashley and the pack, the more he wants to stay and be a member of the pack, their Alpha, and mate to Ashley. However, the damage to their relationship may already be too much to come back from. She doesn’t trust him and the pain of his rejection cut deep. They are forced to spend some time together and have to re-learn to trust each other. This is the only chance they have to fix what’s broken between them.
Good rejected mates romance. Enemies-to-lovers, forced proxy, fated mates, rejected mates and second chance romance. Well developed story that was enjoyable and interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
On the same night that Ashley shifts into her wolf for the first time, she discovers her mate. It’s their nomad Alpha, Phoenix. This should be a joyous occasion, but Phoenix responds with anger and tells Ashley that they are not mates and rejects her.
She is devastated and years go by with her closing herself off from the pack and retreating into loneliness. Phoenix will take time away from the pack to travel as a nomad on his bike but he always comes back to the pack. He comes back and discovers how unhappy Ashley is and feels a pull to help her, understanding that it’s his fault. The more time he spends with Ashley and the pack, the more he wants to stay and be a member of the pack, their Alpha, and mate to Ashley. However, the damage to their relationship may already be too much to come back from. She doesn’t trust him and the pain of his rejection cut deep. They are forced to spend some time together and have to re-learn to trust each other. This is the only chance they have to fix what’s broken between them.
Good rejected mates romance. Enemies-to-lovers, forced proxy, fated mates, rejected mates and second chance romance. Well developed story that was enjoyable and interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2023
This book is a feel-good shifter romance. If you are looking for something more than that, this is not it.
The story starts off running with the much older alpha, Phoenix, fated-mating a freshly-turned teen wolf, Ashley.
Ashley doesn't even get to process what is happening before she is shut down, threatened, and rejected by Phoenix. Years later, Phoenix decides he misses her and needs her back. Cue romance.
My main problem with this book was the lazy way social topics were addressed. The main girl developed an eating disorder because she misconstrued what mate-guy was saying when he was rejecting her. Ok, sure, I can see that coming from a teen girl. But then the main guy wags his finger at her when he finds out and her eating disorder is magically fixed. Main guy has a problem with the large age gap. Yes. Rightfully so. 40 verse 18 is a legit concern for grooming. But five years later its like whateves? He abandons that moral because 23 is so much more mature and he just really needs to get some. And she just forgives him because "he's really a good guy".
I wish that the author had stuck to one topic because it would have had a better potential. I don't think all was lost. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for short shifter romance where you know the drama is surface level and you will get a happy ending.
The story starts off running with the much older alpha, Phoenix, fated-mating a freshly-turned teen wolf, Ashley.
Ashley doesn't even get to process what is happening before she is shut down, threatened, and rejected by Phoenix. Years later, Phoenix decides he misses her and needs her back. Cue romance.
My main problem with this book was the lazy way social topics were addressed. The main girl developed an eating disorder because she misconstrued what mate-guy was saying when he was rejecting her. Ok, sure, I can see that coming from a teen girl. But then the main guy wags his finger at her when he finds out and her eating disorder is magically fixed. Main guy has a problem with the large age gap. Yes. Rightfully so. 40 verse 18 is a legit concern for grooming. But five years later its like whateves? He abandons that moral because 23 is so much more mature and he just really needs to get some. And she just forgives him because "he's really a good guy".
I wish that the author had stuck to one topic because it would have had a better potential. I don't think all was lost. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for short shifter romance where you know the drama is surface level and you will get a happy ending.
January 15, 2023
ARC Review of Cruel Mate by Sam Crescent
* * * * *
A shifter/mate rejection romance that is another added favourite from this fabulous author.
Ashley has just turned eighteen and shifted into her wolf for the first time. Happy and excited, she did not expect to walk outside and meet her mate so sudden...and to be cruely rejected by him all at once after a steamy first kiss.
To make it all the more complicated, her mate was her pack's nomad alpha, and after breaking her heart he has left again.
Pheonix was too old to be with Ashley, a beautiful curvy young woman just having entered adulthood. Five years later, he's had enough of the travelling. His bike no longer appeals to him. The open road means nothing. He misses the little community he became responsible for...as well as certain young wolf who is making sure to avoid him.
He cannot keep ignoring her.
The issue of her age still lingers but he can no longer fight the urge to claim her as his.
Another fantastic shifter romance that I love getting from Sam Crescent. Having being raised from two different worlds really puts the perspective of the age gap issue into play, and how a love can overlook it. Love that Ashley's extreme dieting came up and how it can be very unhealthy.
* * * * *
A shifter/mate rejection romance that is another added favourite from this fabulous author.
Ashley has just turned eighteen and shifted into her wolf for the first time. Happy and excited, she did not expect to walk outside and meet her mate so sudden...and to be cruely rejected by him all at once after a steamy first kiss.
To make it all the more complicated, her mate was her pack's nomad alpha, and after breaking her heart he has left again.
Pheonix was too old to be with Ashley, a beautiful curvy young woman just having entered adulthood. Five years later, he's had enough of the travelling. His bike no longer appeals to him. The open road means nothing. He misses the little community he became responsible for...as well as certain young wolf who is making sure to avoid him.
He cannot keep ignoring her.
The issue of her age still lingers but he can no longer fight the urge to claim her as his.
Another fantastic shifter romance that I love getting from Sam Crescent. Having being raised from two different worlds really puts the perspective of the age gap issue into play, and how a love can overlook it. Love that Ashley's extreme dieting came up and how it can be very unhealthy.
February 5, 2023
Ashley is a sweet young woman adored by members of her pack. She’s celebrating her transition and looking forward to her future as an official member. Her world comes crashing down when the pack alpha, Phoenix, realizes she is his fated mate and he cruelly rejects her. Five years later, Ashley has never emotionally recovered and the sting of rejection is always in the forefront of her mind. Phoenix returns after all this time to reclaim his mate and make things right.
Ashley was such a lovely heroine. She was very likable and relatable. The author did a great job expressing how hurt she was after the rejection. I really disliked Phoenix. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that he was not in a place to take a mate, but he really damaged Ashley’s psyche. There was not enough groveling for me but since this was a novella, Ashley forgave him fairly quickly and things heated up quickly. There was no denying their chemistry and desire for each other. As always, this author writes some of the best spicy scenes!
Tropes: Paranormal romance, fated mates, shifters, wolves, rejected mates, second chances, age gap, curvy heroine, happily-ever-after
Heat: 3/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ashley was such a lovely heroine. She was very likable and relatable. The author did a great job expressing how hurt she was after the rejection. I really disliked Phoenix. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that he was not in a place to take a mate, but he really damaged Ashley’s psyche. There was not enough groveling for me but since this was a novella, Ashley forgave him fairly quickly and things heated up quickly. There was no denying their chemistry and desire for each other. As always, this author writes some of the best spicy scenes!
Tropes: Paranormal romance, fated mates, shifters, wolves, rejected mates, second chances, age gap, curvy heroine, happily-ever-after
Heat: 3/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2023
He Really Tried But He Couldn’t Resist Her!
The day Ashley turned eighteen and had her first shift into her Wolf was the day she met her fated mate the town’s Alpha Phoenix. He recognised her and rejected her all in one moment!
For five years Ashley had hidden from him every time he came to town until she decided that it was time to move on. She didn’t want to leave her pack but the pain of knowing when he was around and living every day without her mate was too much!
Phoenix knew the moment his mate had walked into the bar but he had to reject her, she was too young! For five years he tried to pretend everything was fine and lived with the hurt of being away from his mate.
Now he had decided after fighting his inner self for years that it was time to claim his mate but persuading Ashley after what he did to her was proving difficult. She didn’t believe he would stay around after the heartache of the last five years.
A wonderful hot steamy read full of passion with an age gap relationship!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The day Ashley turned eighteen and had her first shift into her Wolf was the day she met her fated mate the town’s Alpha Phoenix. He recognised her and rejected her all in one moment!
For five years Ashley had hidden from him every time he came to town until she decided that it was time to move on. She didn’t want to leave her pack but the pain of knowing when he was around and living every day without her mate was too much!
Phoenix knew the moment his mate had walked into the bar but he had to reject her, she was too young! For five years he tried to pretend everything was fine and lived with the hurt of being away from his mate.
Now he had decided after fighting his inner self for years that it was time to claim his mate but persuading Ashley after what he did to her was proving difficult. She didn’t believe he would stay around after the heartache of the last five years.
A wonderful hot steamy read full of passion with an age gap relationship!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 13, 2023
I have read the entire series and this might be the best one yet. When Ashley is 18 she gets her wolf and finds her mate, Phoenix, reluctant alpha of her pack. Phoenix is 40 and a nomad and doesn't think he wants a mate and cruelly rejects Ashley. Ashley then spends the next 5 years avoiding Phoenix when he comes into town and considers leaving the pack. Phoenix spends those 5 years regretting his decision but since he grew up among humans he had the human mentality that he thinks that he is just too old for Ashley. What he doesn't realize is that he words he said that day when he rejected her, had lasting hurt for Ashley. Phoenix spent most of the novel proving his worth and devotion by quite a bit of groveling to get Ashley's forgiveness. Ashley is no pushover and it takes her some time to get past the cruel words and actions from 5 years before. There was a depth of emotion in this book that is sometimes missing in past books in the series. I also liked the character development and the groveling and that Ashley didn't give in to easily.
January 13, 2023
Ashley’s transformation went smooth. Unfortunately, her mate was cruel. And let me tell you I was crying. Phoenix was a lone wolf. He didn’t need a pack. But this town needed to rid itself of the evils of the one they had. He was too weak. Now he is their alpha. However, he certainly didn’t expect to find his mate. He didn’t want one and made sure that Ashley knew it. But the only problem is his wolf wanted her and he couldn’t stay away. Now he needs to fix a wrong and show his mate that he truly does need her. Ashley isn’t fooled. She remembers and she keeps her distance. I really felt for her. It’s hard being a BFF woman and to feel rejection from the beginning doesn’t make it easy. Phoenix could have be less cruel. I personally wanted to slap his face. We do learn about his past and it sort of helps but not. He needed to win her back and prove he really wanted her.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2023
This is my first Sam Crescent read. And I enjoyed it so much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
This shifter story focuses on Ashley, a curvy, freshly turned shifter. And her mate, Phoenix, the nomad Alpha who is twice her age. Phoenix, having never grown up around in pack, felt like this wrong going by human standards. So he rejects her in a cruel way. Ashley is absolutely devastated and it shapes her very core.
5 years later, Phoenix finally comes to term that he can’t stay away. But is he too late? Will Ashley be able to find it in herself to forgive him?
This is a sweet shifter novella. Novellas are always a little hard because I always want more. More character development. More story. However, this was still a good read. Easily done before bed. Sam conveyed Ashley’s hurt so well. I was so devastated for her. I wasn’t sure if Phoenix deserved to be forgiven, but when you realize his backstory, you can at least understand his motives. Overall, a good read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
This shifter story focuses on Ashley, a curvy, freshly turned shifter. And her mate, Phoenix, the nomad Alpha who is twice her age. Phoenix, having never grown up around in pack, felt like this wrong going by human standards. So he rejects her in a cruel way. Ashley is absolutely devastated and it shapes her very core.
5 years later, Phoenix finally comes to term that he can’t stay away. But is he too late? Will Ashley be able to find it in herself to forgive him?
This is a sweet shifter novella. Novellas are always a little hard because I always want more. More character development. More story. However, this was still a good read. Easily done before bed. Sam conveyed Ashley’s hurt so well. I was so devastated for her. I wasn’t sure if Phoenix deserved to be forgiven, but when you realize his backstory, you can at least understand his motives. Overall, a good read.
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