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Mismatched Mates #7
The Alpha's Gamble
Cut off from his family—and more importantly, the family fortune—Blake Castelli stakes his future on one last throw of the dice: he’ll go to Las Vegas and use his line of credit at the Morrigan casino to replenish his bank account.
But the Morrigan’s under new ownership. And while Blake doesn’t remember handsome, arrogant Declan MacKenna from their ill-fated encounter ten years ago, Declan remembers him. And he wants payback.
Declan offers Blake a humiliating, degrading deal he has no choice but to take even though it's all kinds of wrong. While Blake may be an alpha werewolf, so is Declan—and he out-alphas Blake at every turn. Blake shouldn’t enjoy what Declan does to him. He shouldn’t crave things no alpha should ever accept. Declan’s turned him into someone he doesn’t recognize: helpless, needy, and out of control.
Declan wants to keep hating Blake, but he can't. Blake wants to trust Declan, but that’s impossible. When magical and mundane attacks threaten them both, Blake has nowhere to turn. Will Declan realize his feelings run deeper than desire in time to save them both? If not, they could lose everything…even their lives.
The Alpha’s Gamble is part of the Mismatched Mates series, but it can be read as a standalone. Contains blackmail, knotting, and intrigue, plus a side dish of biting. This series does not contain mpreg.
But the Morrigan’s under new ownership. And while Blake doesn’t remember handsome, arrogant Declan MacKenna from their ill-fated encounter ten years ago, Declan remembers him. And he wants payback.
Declan offers Blake a humiliating, degrading deal he has no choice but to take even though it's all kinds of wrong. While Blake may be an alpha werewolf, so is Declan—and he out-alphas Blake at every turn. Blake shouldn’t enjoy what Declan does to him. He shouldn’t crave things no alpha should ever accept. Declan’s turned him into someone he doesn’t recognize: helpless, needy, and out of control.
Declan wants to keep hating Blake, but he can't. Blake wants to trust Declan, but that’s impossible. When magical and mundane attacks threaten them both, Blake has nowhere to turn. Will Declan realize his feelings run deeper than desire in time to save them both? If not, they could lose everything…even their lives.
The Alpha’s Gamble is part of the Mismatched Mates series, but it can be read as a standalone. Contains blackmail, knotting, and intrigue, plus a side dish of biting. This series does not contain mpreg.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2023
206 people are currently reading
1038 people want to read
About the author
Eliot Grayson
43 books1,399 followersEliot's a lifelong Southern California girl, right down to the flip-flops and backyard garden. When she's not writing her next book, you can find her reading, drinking tea, or (more likely) catering to the demands of her kids and ancient, cranky cat.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
February 4, 2025
re-listen February 2025
Ugh, these two are so damn delicious.
re-listen December 2023
This feels like it's going to be one of my comfort audios to come back to often.
4.5***** stars
Gawd I loved this, it was def my kind of book and my fave in the series. Couldn’t put it down. The dynamic between Declan and Blake kept me hooked start to finish. It was entertaining and deliciously smutty.
Great narration again by Chris Chambers.
*************
Mismatched Mates Series:
Book 1 - The Alpha’s Warlock - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Captive Mate - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - The Alpha Experiment - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Lost and Bound - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - Lost Touch
Book 6 - The Alpha Contract
Book 7 - The Alpha’s Gamble - 4.5 stars
*It’s best to read this series in order but imo you can go for this one as a standalone.
Ugh, these two are so damn delicious.
re-listen December 2023
This feels like it's going to be one of my comfort audios to come back to often.
4.5***** stars
Gawd I loved this, it was def my kind of book and my fave in the series. Couldn’t put it down. The dynamic between Declan and Blake kept me hooked start to finish. It was entertaining and deliciously smutty.
“It’s shaken,” I said, holding the martini up. “Not stirred. I don’t think I’m Bond material.” I swallowed hard, forcing myself to keep my eyes on his and not stare down at the floor in submission like an idiot. Unfortunately, I couldn’t seem to lie or prevaricate when his eyes bored into mine like that. Some alpha I was. “I’m more like the Bond girl, only—not a girl. Pretty. Occasionally clever. Mostly useless unless someone needs eye candy.”
Great narration again by Chris Chambers.
*************
Mismatched Mates Series:
Book 1 - The Alpha’s Warlock - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Captive Mate - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - The Alpha Experiment - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Lost and Bound - 4.5 stars
Book 5 - Lost Touch
Book 6 - The Alpha Contract
Book 7 - The Alpha’s Gamble - 4.5 stars
*It’s best to read this series in order but imo you can go for this one as a standalone.
June 19, 2025
I'm usually fine with dubious consent—I could even deal with it in Captive in the Dark, and a lot of people couldn’t. I like dark romance. But that’s the thing: people in dark romance always have a reason—a good reason. Caleb needed Livvie for his revenge, the guy in Born Darkly needed his psychologist to break free, etc.
This guy? He basically forced our MC because the MC was an entitled little sh*t who, when drunk, caused the other MC to lose his job. I mean, Eliot could’ve given us a sad backstory—like our MC really needed that job, maybe someone in his family died because he didn’t have the money to help them or something. Then I would’ve understood the grudge. He could’ve seen someone close to him die because of one entitled guy… That I could’ve understood.
But nope. He just lost his job, got a new one, became the owner of the casino, his life was going fine, and when he saw a chance for revenge, he was like: “Let’s manipulate (force) this guy who got me fired to pay me with his body.”
I needed a better reason. Yes, he wasn’t all bad—he started being nice to our MC—but let’s not forget that the first few times, he was forced.
And this book was basically just smut. I miss plots. Give me plots, pretty please!
This guy? He basically forced our MC because the MC was an entitled little sh*t who, when drunk, caused the other MC to lose his job. I mean, Eliot could’ve given us a sad backstory—like our MC really needed that job, maybe someone in his family died because he didn’t have the money to help them or something. Then I would’ve understood the grudge. He could’ve seen someone close to him die because of one entitled guy… That I could’ve understood.
But nope. He just lost his job, got a new one, became the owner of the casino, his life was going fine, and when he saw a chance for revenge, he was like: “Let’s manipulate (force) this guy who got me fired to pay me with his body.”
I needed a better reason. Yes, he wasn’t all bad—he started being nice to our MC—but let’s not forget that the first few times, he was forced.
And this book was basically just smut. I miss plots. Give me plots, pretty please!
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 2, 2023
4.5 stars ☆
He bared his fangs at me, eyes glowing like stars. "You're mine, Blake. Mine, all mine, and no one else's."
He didn't make it a question, but I knew he wanted an answer anyway. "Yours," I gasped, pulling my knees back to try to alleviate the sting of how quickly he'd prepped me. "All yours."
when the asshole character is soft ONLY towards their lover (it's also satisfying when it starts off as hate until, eventually, feelings come into play and becomes a lil more soft) >>>
me:
He bared his fangs at me, eyes glowing like stars. "You're mine, Blake. Mine, all mine, and no one else's."
He didn't make it a question, but I knew he wanted an answer anyway. "Yours," I gasped, pulling my knees back to try to alleviate the sting of how quickly he'd prepped me. "All yours."
when the asshole character is soft ONLY towards their lover (it's also satisfying when it starts off as hate until, eventually, feelings come into play and becomes a lil more soft) >>>
me:
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 20, 2023
Reread-August 18-19 2023
Audiobook: Narrator: Chris Chambers 5 Stars ⭐️
This book was hot to read and even hotter to listen to but I have to say I didn’t feel the connection between them this time either because there’s not a lot of romance just fucking. Since we are only in Blake’s POV, I just needed more from Declan 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t change my ratings after rereading a book because I respect past me’s rating but I definitely feel like this should get demoted to 3 stars ⭐️. That being said, it was hot 🥵
MM Romance
Blackmail To Mates
4.25 Stars ⭐️
Well it’s official, my favorite books in this series have all been characters I’ve absolutely hated except for book one (Nate). I hated Blake something fierce going into this book and wasn’t happy I was going to be in only his POV the whole time but he had a lot of character growth and the sex scenes in this book were red hot. 🥵
I really thought I’d 5 star this but unfortunately I felt the pacing was off and I wish there had been more romance between them instead of just sex. I didn’t doubt Blake’s feelings because his POV is filled with pining, want, and finally being able to give into his non-alpha desires but Declan took his time warming up to Blake (as he should) and I just wished for a bit more relationship development. However, I still absolutely adored this and I’m a bit sad because I think this series may be over. Usually I can tell who the next story will be about and there is not anyone left that I can see much to my dismay. 😭
The reason the sex was so hot in this book was because at first it was dubcon but Blake comes in his pants every time he’s “forced” to do anything. Even though he’s an alpha like Declan, Blake has always wanted to be submissive and taken care of due to his fucked up family but would never allow himself to feel weak so this dynamic between them turns Blake into a total cockslut who cannot get enough of Declan’s cock or being knotted. This is the first book I’ve read about alpha werewolves where both knots are used. I didn’t know that was a thing and I couldn’t visualize how it was possible for Blake’s knot to work that way but the idea of total submission made this even better. Then Declan likes to bite during sex so every time he does that, it activates the mate bond using their alpha magic but it only lasts a few hours and this messes with both of them. I actually started to feel for Blake because he’d feel Declan’s true self and just when he felt safe and relaxed it would undo itself. By the end of this I just wanted to hug Blake and make everything better but Declan took care of that for me. 💗
I will be really sad if this is the last one in this series as I’ve really enjoyed it.
Audiobook: Narrator: Chris Chambers 5 Stars ⭐️
This book was hot to read and even hotter to listen to but I have to say I didn’t feel the connection between them this time either because there’s not a lot of romance just fucking. Since we are only in Blake’s POV, I just needed more from Declan 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t change my ratings after rereading a book because I respect past me’s rating but I definitely feel like this should get demoted to 3 stars ⭐️. That being said, it was hot 🥵
MM Romance
Blackmail To Mates
4.25 Stars ⭐️
Well it’s official, my favorite books in this series have all been characters I’ve absolutely hated except for book one (Nate). I hated Blake something fierce going into this book and wasn’t happy I was going to be in only his POV the whole time but he had a lot of character growth and the sex scenes in this book were red hot. 🥵
I really thought I’d 5 star this but unfortunately I felt the pacing was off and I wish there had been more romance between them instead of just sex. I didn’t doubt Blake’s feelings because his POV is filled with pining, want, and finally being able to give into his non-alpha desires but Declan took his time warming up to Blake (as he should) and I just wished for a bit more relationship development. However, I still absolutely adored this and I’m a bit sad because I think this series may be over. Usually I can tell who the next story will be about and there is not anyone left that I can see much to my dismay. 😭
The reason the sex was so hot in this book was because at first it was dubcon but Blake comes in his pants every time he’s “forced” to do anything. Even though he’s an alpha like Declan, Blake has always wanted to be submissive and taken care of due to his fucked up family but would never allow himself to feel weak so this dynamic between them turns Blake into a total cockslut who cannot get enough of Declan’s cock or being knotted. This is the first book I’ve read about alpha werewolves where both knots are used. I didn’t know that was a thing and I couldn’t visualize how it was possible for Blake’s knot to work that way but the idea of total submission made this even better. Then Declan likes to bite during sex so every time he does that, it activates the mate bond using their alpha magic but it only lasts a few hours and this messes with both of them. I actually started to feel for Blake because he’d feel Declan’s true self and just when he felt safe and relaxed it would undo itself. By the end of this I just wanted to hug Blake and make everything better but Declan took care of that for me. 💗
I will be really sad if this is the last one in this series as I’ve really enjoyed it.
February 4, 2026
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
Ooooh, this was a fun one.
Loved the banter and the teasing between Blake and Declan, the way they kind of irritate each other but can’t get enough at the same time. It starts off a little iffy (like literally every book in this series), but you can see right away how into it Blake is, how he wants to beg Declan for more. God, so hot.
Alpha on alpha isn’t used enough unfortunately, ‘cause damnnnn. I need more of that. All that dominance and roughness, biting and passion. And holy shiiiiit, Blake coming untouched because Declan said he missed him???? Excuse me?? Are you trying to kill me?
I wanted a Declan POV sooooo bad. I wanted more of his backstory, more of him falling for our rich fuckboy. Even though you can clearly feel that 99% of the time he’s thinking ‘why the fuck am I into this guy?’ . But Blake’s Blake, and he might be a bit of an asshat but he’s also nice and he cares. They just fit together in a weird way and I couldn’t get enough.
The plot is a bit whatever, but the romance was sexy and fun. Honestly, if there’s good chemistry between the characters I don’t really care about the rest. I’m a simple creature that craves smut and love. And this worked a charm.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Alpha vs alpha
- Blackmail
- Dub-con
- Drugging/hexing (not between MCs)
- Top/bottom
- Coming untouched 🔥
- Spanking
- Knotting (+ bonus mouth knotting)
- Hand necklace
- Rimming
- Fuck first, kiss later
- Biting & scent marking
“Toys are for playing with, Blake. And I’m going to play with you as much as I want.”
Ooooh, this was a fun one.
Loved the banter and the teasing between Blake and Declan, the way they kind of irritate each other but can’t get enough at the same time. It starts off a little iffy (like literally every book in this series), but you can see right away how into it Blake is, how he wants to beg Declan for more. God, so hot.
“Bodies respond to physical stimulus. That doesn’t mean I liked it.” “Do you want me to prove you wrong, or do you want to admit you’re wrong right now and save us both the trouble?”
Alpha on alpha isn’t used enough unfortunately, ‘cause damnnnn. I need more of that. All that dominance and roughness, biting and passion. And holy shiiiiit, Blake coming untouched because Declan said he missed him???? Excuse me?? Are you trying to kill me?
“Am I going to find a bottle of Scotch older than I am on your tab next?” “I wouldn’t even appreciate a bottle of fifty-year-old Scotch,” I retorted, my voice coming out as sulky and bitchy as the words. Declan’s mouth dropped open, and he stared at me for a full three seconds. “Fifty-year-old—you little—how the fuck old do you think I am? You know what? Don’t fucking answer that.”
I wanted a Declan POV sooooo bad. I wanted more of his backstory, more of him falling for our rich fuckboy. Even though you can clearly feel that 99% of the time he’s thinking ‘why the fuck am I into this guy?’ . But Blake’s Blake, and he might be a bit of an asshat but he’s also nice and he cares. They just fit together in a weird way and I couldn’t get enough.
“Show me how good it feels to be my bitch.”
The plot is a bit whatever, but the romance was sexy and fun. Honestly, if there’s good chemistry between the characters I don’t really care about the rest. I’m a simple creature that craves smut and love. And this worked a charm.
“You own me too,” he said quietly.
“Always.”
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Alpha vs alpha
- Blackmail
- Dub-con
- Drugging/hexing (not between MCs)
- Top/bottom
- Coming untouched 🔥
- Spanking
- Knotting (+ bonus mouth knotting)
- Hand necklace
- Rimming
- Fuck first, kiss later
- Biting & scent marking
November 9, 2025
Tropes: enemies to lovers, revenge, amnesia (kind of), forced proximity, captive/captor, paranormal, push/pull
Feels: 5/5
Steam*: 5/5
Kinks: knotting, alpha/alpha, brat, dubcon
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: dubcon, abduction (not between MCs, I mean there was to some extent but Blake was the best treated prisoner ever with five star accommodations and food), drugging, violence, miscommunication trope (but honestly I didn't care, I loved this book so much)
Nov. 9 2025 - read for the 4th time. Love this book.
5 stars! The best book of the series, will definitely reread.
Blake is an alpha and about 30, he's a spoiled and snobby brat who comes from a rich family and has never had to work. He's used to flitting around and living the high life, spending family money. But earlier in this book series family drama blew up and Blake has essentially been cut off from the money. Blake has been a jerk in the past, but he's also been abused in the past by his father, so there's a vulnerability to him. He's a villain and a victim.
Blake goes to a casino and gambles money he doesn't have on credit and counts cards. He's hoping to earn a bunch of money so that he can keep up his standard of living. He gets caught and pulled in to be questioned by the casino owner and security. Turns out 10 years ago, Blake propositioned the casino owner who was just a worker at that time and really needed the job and got him fired. Declan, the casino owner has had a grudge since. Now that he ended up on top through his hard work, he wants to make Blake pay for what he did back then plus how he was basically stealing from his casino in the present. He won't involve the cops. He'll take that payment out of his ass. Both of them are alphas, and he wants to force Blake to submit. He'll keep him as his fuck toy for months until he considers the debt paid.
There's a little bit of dubcon here, because Blake wasn't enthusiastically consenting the first time and there's moments later on where Blake is enjoying it physically but kind of hurting emotionally but a deal's a deal.
This was such a good book. I went into this book thinking that I would hate Blake because in the previous books he was such a jerk. But you realize pretty quickly that Blake is actually a vulnerable insecure person who's not mean spirited and he's a victim too. Doesn't excuse his s*** but it does make him more sympathetic and redeemable. I was shocked that this ended up being my favorite book out of the entire 10 book series, which I devoured this week. And it was my favorite book by a lot.
There was interesting plot. The dynamic between the characters was so good. They hated each other. Blake snarked so hard even when it wasn't smart for him too. They pulled each other closer while at the same time pushing each other away. They wanted to punish the other person but at the same time they were climbing out of their skin with how much they craved them. They snuck in little moments of tenderness so often. The steam in this book was wildly hot, like these guys shook the bed and sweated it out, wringing all the pleasure they could out of each other's bodies. I really loved how it wasn't insta love, it wasn't easy for them to like the other person, it kept the tension going throughout the book and every exchange was full of that angst and tension.
Little things about the book that I loved:
- From the beginning, Declan could not keep his eyes off of Blake. He hated him, but he couldn't stop looking at him so intensely.
- The dialogue and the freaking humor that was slipped in! I loved Blake's brattiness and how he just kept pushing buttons. He was smart too. And he was good to the casino employees and he kept his word, and you could see from his thoughts that he wasn't really a bad person.
- Blake's fancy standards. Only a monster would heat up lobster bisque soup in the microwave. And he would never hook up with someone who wore pleated khakis.
- The way Declan casually/not so casually surmised / asked Blake if this was his first time being fucked, such an intense and charged moments but also merciless.
- The way Declan at every opportunity was just nuzzling Blake (and licking him, fingers wandering, and biting him). He was starving for him and he kept accidentally showing the reader that this was more than just physical. I say the reader because Blake was too insecure and boy-dumb to get it. High steam plus platonic snuggles?! My kryptonite.
- I loved that Declan's instinct was to possessively declare that no one else was ever going to have Blake. And then he had to backtrack because he realized how he sounded.
- The way that Declan smiled, giggled, and barked laughter at Blake's antics. He just enjoyed him so much. He was such a serious and intense guy so those moments meant more coming from him. He didn't resent things or make Blake feel bad about things like other people who had made Blake feel insecure. Blake could be himself even if that meant being ridiculous.
- Blake begging to be kissed was adorable. And it was just an off-the-cuff little moment that was done perfect.
- Blake was so smart and protective of himself, and decided to hold himself back from talking and just give Declan the bare minimum that he had asked for for a couple weeks there. It was a really smart move on his part, he kept his side of the deal, but he protected himself emotionally. And I absolutely loved Declan's response to that. He noticed and he missed Blake's personality, his conversation, he missed him just being him. It bothered him and unsettled him.
- The way Declan was so focused on Blake when he was around him. He would just steer him into the shower, crowd into his space, pull him in.
- No OM drama!
One minor thing that I didn't love was the miscommunication trope being used. On page 193 as we were nearing the end, Declan said the most stupid thing. He was trying to convey that he wanted to talk and that they would make it a real relationship, but instead he accidentally made it sound like he was about to break up with Blake. And really, the miscommunication trope was used throughout the book. They didn't have great communication. Normally I would have been more bothered by that, but given this book had so many other positives going for it I didn't really care in the greater scheme of things.
Some notable moments:
I love him saying, the f*** do you mean?!? ""But if you think you’re going to get away with this kind of petty bullshit, think again. I’m not going to sue you. I’m going to fuck you until you scream.” He was going to… “What?” I demanded. “Until I scream? Alphas don’t scream, what the fuck are you talking—” And then I stopped abruptly, my brain screeching to a halt along with my mouth as what he’d actually said caught up to me. I’d focused on the screaming part, and overlooked the… “The fuck do you mean you’re going to fuck me?”"
"Laughing. The bastard was laughing. At me. And trying to muffle it in my own skin! “Fuck you! Fuck—fuck you for—I hate you so fucking much, Declan!” He pulled his face away from my shoulder and laughed out loud, a low, rich rumble that shook me in a different way. “Oh, fucking Jesus Christ,” he wheezed after a long minute of me lying there with my face burning and my body stiff as a board in his grasp. “Shit. Blake. What’s worse?” And then he was off again, cackling like a fucking madman. “The pleated khakis,” he gasped at last. “Or the blackmail?”"
It's sweet how focused on Blake he is, that he doesn't believe Blake loves him but he has no intention of letting him go and every intention of making him happy/his. "“There’s no fucking way,” he said, with an edge of bitterness. “You’re grateful to me, and you need me because you don’t have anyone else. And you want me,” he growled. “I’m going to keep you so well fucked that you’ll never stop wanting me. But you can’t possibly love me. Not after the way I’ve treated you. You don’t need to lie to me to make sure I take care of you, Blake. I will. No matter what.”"
When a man growls because he wants to permanently claim you so bad. "“You said you’d bite me back the next time I bit you,” he growled. “Going to keep your promise?” “Yes, Declan, yes—” He curled down, set his teeth into my skin, and bit."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 5/5
Steam*: 5/5
Kinks: knotting, alpha/alpha, brat, dubcon
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: dubcon, abduction (not between MCs, I mean there was to some extent but Blake was the best treated prisoner ever with five star accommodations and food), drugging, violence, miscommunication trope (but honestly I didn't care, I loved this book so much)
Nov. 9 2025 - read for the 4th time. Love this book.
5 stars! The best book of the series, will definitely reread.
Blake is an alpha and about 30, he's a spoiled and snobby brat who comes from a rich family and has never had to work. He's used to flitting around and living the high life, spending family money. But earlier in this book series family drama blew up and Blake has essentially been cut off from the money. Blake has been a jerk in the past, but he's also been abused in the past by his father, so there's a vulnerability to him. He's a villain and a victim.
Blake goes to a casino and gambles money he doesn't have on credit and counts cards. He's hoping to earn a bunch of money so that he can keep up his standard of living. He gets caught and pulled in to be questioned by the casino owner and security. Turns out 10 years ago, Blake propositioned the casino owner who was just a worker at that time and really needed the job and got him fired. Declan, the casino owner has had a grudge since. Now that he ended up on top through his hard work, he wants to make Blake pay for what he did back then plus how he was basically stealing from his casino in the present. He won't involve the cops. He'll take that payment out of his ass. Both of them are alphas, and he wants to force Blake to submit. He'll keep him as his fuck toy for months until he considers the debt paid.
There's a little bit of dubcon here, because Blake wasn't enthusiastically consenting the first time and there's moments later on where Blake is enjoying it physically but kind of hurting emotionally but a deal's a deal.
This was such a good book. I went into this book thinking that I would hate Blake because in the previous books he was such a jerk. But you realize pretty quickly that Blake is actually a vulnerable insecure person who's not mean spirited and he's a victim too. Doesn't excuse his s*** but it does make him more sympathetic and redeemable. I was shocked that this ended up being my favorite book out of the entire 10 book series, which I devoured this week. And it was my favorite book by a lot.
There was interesting plot. The dynamic between the characters was so good. They hated each other. Blake snarked so hard even when it wasn't smart for him too. They pulled each other closer while at the same time pushing each other away. They wanted to punish the other person but at the same time they were climbing out of their skin with how much they craved them. They snuck in little moments of tenderness so often. The steam in this book was wildly hot, like these guys shook the bed and sweated it out, wringing all the pleasure they could out of each other's bodies. I really loved how it wasn't insta love, it wasn't easy for them to like the other person, it kept the tension going throughout the book and every exchange was full of that angst and tension.
Little things about the book that I loved:
- From the beginning, Declan could not keep his eyes off of Blake. He hated him, but he couldn't stop looking at him so intensely.
- The dialogue and the freaking humor that was slipped in! I loved Blake's brattiness and how he just kept pushing buttons. He was smart too. And he was good to the casino employees and he kept his word, and you could see from his thoughts that he wasn't really a bad person.
- Blake's fancy standards. Only a monster would heat up lobster bisque soup in the microwave. And he would never hook up with someone who wore pleated khakis.
- The way Declan casually/not so casually surmised / asked Blake if this was his first time being fucked, such an intense and charged moments but also merciless.
- The way Declan at every opportunity was just nuzzling Blake (and licking him, fingers wandering, and biting him). He was starving for him and he kept accidentally showing the reader that this was more than just physical. I say the reader because Blake was too insecure and boy-dumb to get it. High steam plus platonic snuggles?! My kryptonite.
- I loved that Declan's instinct was to possessively declare that no one else was ever going to have Blake. And then he had to backtrack because he realized how he sounded.
- The way that Declan smiled, giggled, and barked laughter at Blake's antics. He just enjoyed him so much. He was such a serious and intense guy so those moments meant more coming from him. He didn't resent things or make Blake feel bad about things like other people who had made Blake feel insecure. Blake could be himself even if that meant being ridiculous.
- Blake begging to be kissed was adorable. And it was just an off-the-cuff little moment that was done perfect.
- Blake was so smart and protective of himself, and decided to hold himself back from talking and just give Declan the bare minimum that he had asked for for a couple weeks there. It was a really smart move on his part, he kept his side of the deal, but he protected himself emotionally. And I absolutely loved Declan's response to that. He noticed and he missed Blake's personality, his conversation, he missed him just being him. It bothered him and unsettled him.
- The way Declan was so focused on Blake when he was around him. He would just steer him into the shower, crowd into his space, pull him in.
- No OM drama!
One minor thing that I didn't love was the miscommunication trope being used. On page 193 as we were nearing the end, Declan said the most stupid thing. He was trying to convey that he wanted to talk and that they would make it a real relationship, but instead he accidentally made it sound like he was about to break up with Blake. And really, the miscommunication trope was used throughout the book. They didn't have great communication. Normally I would have been more bothered by that, but given this book had so many other positives going for it I didn't really care in the greater scheme of things.
Some notable moments:
I love him saying, the f*** do you mean?!? ""But if you think you’re going to get away with this kind of petty bullshit, think again. I’m not going to sue you. I’m going to fuck you until you scream.” He was going to… “What?” I demanded. “Until I scream? Alphas don’t scream, what the fuck are you talking—” And then I stopped abruptly, my brain screeching to a halt along with my mouth as what he’d actually said caught up to me. I’d focused on the screaming part, and overlooked the… “The fuck do you mean you’re going to fuck me?”"
"Laughing. The bastard was laughing. At me. And trying to muffle it in my own skin! “Fuck you! Fuck—fuck you for—I hate you so fucking much, Declan!” He pulled his face away from my shoulder and laughed out loud, a low, rich rumble that shook me in a different way. “Oh, fucking Jesus Christ,” he wheezed after a long minute of me lying there with my face burning and my body stiff as a board in his grasp. “Shit. Blake. What’s worse?” And then he was off again, cackling like a fucking madman. “The pleated khakis,” he gasped at last. “Or the blackmail?”"
It's sweet how focused on Blake he is, that he doesn't believe Blake loves him but he has no intention of letting him go and every intention of making him happy/his. "“There’s no fucking way,” he said, with an edge of bitterness. “You’re grateful to me, and you need me because you don’t have anyone else. And you want me,” he growled. “I’m going to keep you so well fucked that you’ll never stop wanting me. But you can’t possibly love me. Not after the way I’ve treated you. You don’t need to lie to me to make sure I take care of you, Blake. I will. No matter what.”"
When a man growls because he wants to permanently claim you so bad. "“You said you’d bite me back the next time I bit you,” he growled. “Going to keep your promise?” “Yes, Declan, yes—” He curled down, set his teeth into my skin, and bit."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2023
Enemies to lovers with a wolfing twist
This one works as a standalone in the Mismatched Mates series although it's definitely the most 'mismatched'!
Brook's brother Blake is our subject here and oh boy is he in for a bit of a shocking awakening both sexuality and regarding his own douche bag behaviour.
There's definitely a touch of the dub-con in this one, along with the usual dom/subby kind of vibes but I found myself invested in the relationship.
Declan McKenna is the alpha-ist alpha to have ever alpha-ed, or something similar. He's the owner of the casino where Blake gets his comeuppance.
It was intriguing to watch him through only Blake's POV but it's clear he exudes power and control. The slow burn turn from 'enemies' to friends and then to a real relationship is done well.
The secondary element with Walter I must admit had me scratching my head, it didn't really have enough background given to it for me to fully buy into.
That said, overall it's another enjoyable addition to the series and it's smoking hot!
This one works as a standalone in the Mismatched Mates series although it's definitely the most 'mismatched'!
Brook's brother Blake is our subject here and oh boy is he in for a bit of a shocking awakening both sexuality and regarding his own douche bag behaviour.
There's definitely a touch of the dub-con in this one, along with the usual dom/subby kind of vibes but I found myself invested in the relationship.
Declan McKenna is the alpha-ist alpha to have ever alpha-ed, or something similar. He's the owner of the casino where Blake gets his comeuppance.
It was intriguing to watch him through only Blake's POV but it's clear he exudes power and control. The slow burn turn from 'enemies' to friends and then to a real relationship is done well.
The secondary element with Walter I must admit had me scratching my head, it didn't really have enough background given to it for me to fully buy into.
That said, overall it's another enjoyable addition to the series and it's smoking hot!
February 13, 2023
OK, so this isn't even trying to have plot anymore. That would be less offensive if at least the romance made sense, but even after reaching the end, I still don't understand what reasons these two could possibly have to like each other - other than both being super hot apparently.
The worst thing is that the few plot and character points that are hinted at are never really elaborated on - like, if you don't have any other plot and then include these tidbits, then at least give those a payoff!
There is the one singular thing concerning Blake's background/family/father (which is also basically the only thing tying this to the series) which is used to show both these characters that they might not entirely be who they project themselves to be, and which is initially placed a lot of importance on...but then it's never explained what the heck is up with that! And they never even have a(n on-screen) conversation about it, DESPITE making a point of showing how this is clearly a show/refusal of trust on Blake's side to refuse to talk about it!!!
The whole book reads very much as if the author had the hook, tropes, maybe some scenes and jokes that they wanted to include - and then couldn't come up with a coherent storyline but just strung everything together anyway. Even the "villain" made no sense whatsoever and seemed to only serve to uphold the semblance of plot and for the pants joke.
I'm sad that this seems to be the direction this series is heading. I can see that the absence of plot (to make it more standalone and thus, accessible) and the amount of explicit scenes instead probably makes this sell better. I wish the author had just made these a separate series instead, because this feels very much to me as if the original series has been abandoned.Will I never get Charlie and Dor now?
The worst thing is that the few plot and character points that are hinted at are never really elaborated on - like, if you don't have any other plot and then include these tidbits, then at least give those a payoff!
There is the one singular thing concerning Blake's background/family/father (which is also basically the only thing tying this to the series) which is used to show both these characters that they might not entirely be who they project themselves to be, and which is initially placed a lot of importance on...but then it's never explained what the heck is up with that! And they never even have a(n on-screen) conversation about it, DESPITE making a point of showing how this is clearly a show/refusal of trust on Blake's side to refuse to talk about it!!!
The whole book reads very much as if the author had the hook, tropes, maybe some scenes and jokes that they wanted to include - and then couldn't come up with a coherent storyline but just strung everything together anyway. Even the "villain" made no sense whatsoever and seemed to only serve to uphold the semblance of plot and for the pants joke.
I'm sad that this seems to be the direction this series is heading. I can see that the absence of plot (to make it more standalone and thus, accessible) and the amount of explicit scenes instead probably makes this sell better. I wish the author had just made these a separate series instead, because this feels very much to me as if the original series has been abandoned.
December 30, 2024
Even better on the re-read 🧡 my favourite Eliot Grayson.
---------------
GAH, this was addictive!
Incredibly steamy, highly enjoyable, absolutely bonkers and I was obsessed with it, from start to finish.
Is there anything better than a redemption story featuring a big, villainous dickish alpha who's brought low by an even bigger, domineering (but slightly less dickish) fellow alpha? I think not.
Alpha/alpha stories are my weakness: the power struggle, the fight for control, all the "why does this feel so right, I'm supposed to be an alpha", the ultimate surrender, everything about that is my jam... and Eliot Grayson managed to absolutely exceed my expectations with this novel!
She also managed the impossible, and made me root for Blake, Brook's horrible brother, from the very start.
He's a walking, talking disaster, a total brat, an self-loathing mess of an alpha and I found him both very frustrating and wholly endearing.
I loved him, and I loved Declan too.
Their relationship was perfect: deliciously dark and codependent with a side of dub-con, steamy and obsessive. Both Blake and Declan are inevitably drawn to one another, and the pull between them was so damn vivid. They also become, throughout the novel, inescapably devoted to one another and seeing their relationship progress, from hate to lust to obsession to love, was an absolute treat.
Eliot Grayson is, to the paranormal/UF m/m romance world, what Alessandra Hazard is to the contemporary romance one (so yes, both of them are geniuses), and she could write a million stories just like this one, and I'd devour them and rate them 5 stars, no questions asked. I'm soooo looking forward to reading her next masterpiece.
---------------
GAH, this was addictive!
Incredibly steamy, highly enjoyable, absolutely bonkers and I was obsessed with it, from start to finish.
Is there anything better than a redemption story featuring a big, villainous dickish alpha who's brought low by an even bigger, domineering (but slightly less dickish) fellow alpha? I think not.
Alpha/alpha stories are my weakness: the power struggle, the fight for control, all the "why does this feel so right, I'm supposed to be an alpha", the ultimate surrender, everything about that is my jam... and Eliot Grayson managed to absolutely exceed my expectations with this novel!
She also managed the impossible, and made me root for Blake, Brook's horrible brother, from the very start.
He's a walking, talking disaster, a total brat, an self-loathing mess of an alpha and I found him both very frustrating and wholly endearing.
I loved him, and I loved Declan too.
Their relationship was perfect: deliciously dark and codependent with a side of dub-con, steamy and obsessive. Both Blake and Declan are inevitably drawn to one another, and the pull between them was so damn vivid. They also become, throughout the novel, inescapably devoted to one another and seeing their relationship progress, from hate to lust to obsession to love, was an absolute treat.
Eliot Grayson is, to the paranormal/UF m/m romance world, what Alessandra Hazard is to the contemporary romance one (so yes, both of them are geniuses), and she could write a million stories just like this one, and I'd devour them and rate them 5 stars, no questions asked. I'm soooo looking forward to reading her next masterpiece.
January 30, 2023
I was expecting some gritty darkness with some more noncon action but these are just two sweet alpha dingdongs. I enjoyed this a lot but it gets a deduction for not being full of rough alpha-alpha energy: 4.25
In this book Blake goes through a lot of personal relearning:
- he learns he was a self-centered, entitled dick in the past and learns a) he doesn't want to be one and b) acts upon that
- he learns that he's full of internalised alphaness (see toxic masculinity) and struggles a lot with this throughout the course of the book. A lot of I'm supposed to/not supposed to has to be reframed into I am happy doing this/I am not happy doing this
And Declan is the worst bad-guy-kidnapper
- his anger towards Blake makes sense as does it's quick dissipation
- we understand less of him because it's first person POV Blake and I'm still not sure how he worked his way back to getting his casino but
- he's such a marshmallow
Grayson was smart in glossing over the sex scenes more towards the end because nothing else would have made sense. It's a shame they didn't bond and make use of their magical matey-ness sooner or show us Blake fully accepting he's a size-queen bottom who just wants to be spanked into abandon and praised but all in all this was a banger for me and I was smiling at the end :)
Some quotes:
NSFW infos:
- Two alphas, one of which has never been with an alpha or bottomed
- Similarish age? Like 30-ish
- Knotting
- Close-call oral knotting
- Spanking
In this book Blake goes through a lot of personal relearning:
- he learns he was a self-centered, entitled dick in the past and learns a) he doesn't want to be one and b) acts upon that
- he learns that he's full of internalised alphaness (see toxic masculinity) and struggles a lot with this throughout the course of the book. A lot of I'm supposed to/not supposed to has to be reframed into I am happy doing this/I am not happy doing this
And Declan is the worst bad-guy-kidnapper
- his anger towards Blake makes sense as does it's quick dissipation
- we understand less of him because it's first person POV Blake and I'm still not sure how he worked his way back to getting his casino but
- he's such a marshmallow
Grayson was smart in glossing over the sex scenes more towards the end because nothing else would have made sense. It's a shame they didn't bond and make use of their magical matey-ness sooner or show us Blake fully accepting he's a size-queen bottom who just wants to be spanked into abandon and praised but all in all this was a banger for me and I was smiling at the end :)
Some quotes:
"You want my knot, baby?" Baby? Did I hate that? (p. 104)
"His muscular nudity held my attention so thoroughly that it took me a second to realize he was holding the plate of cheesecake. Beefcake with a cheesecake, a still life. (p. 113)
"In a better world, he wouldn't hate me, and I could lean against his chest and use him as an armchair while I ate dessert." (p. 114)
"He'd said I was his. Yeah. I couldn't really argue with that anymore. He owned me. And right now, I couldn't even pretend to hate it." (p. 189)
NSFW infos:
- Two alphas, one of which has never been with an alpha or bottomed
- Similarish age? Like 30-ish
- Knotting
- Close-call oral knotting
- Spanking
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
11/5/2023 - listened to the audiobook and it was great! Love Chris Chambers. Declan's accent was sublime. Gonna go backwards and listen to Lost Touch and then One Decent Thing. I love both of those books and I listen to audiobooks to fall asleep, and Chris Chambers is great to listen to but also great to fall asleep to.
_______________________
Feels like I've been waiting for this book for so long and it was worth it! I really hated Blake before but seeing his perspective, and his realization about how people actually perceive him, really helped make him a sympathetic character. I really like that we only get to hear one voice so we have to use other clues to see what the other MC is feeling and thinking. I love this series and I love Brook and Dimitri so it was interesting to see Blake's thoughts regarding Brook. I like that both Blake and Declan had a growth opportunity, and I love the humor that you can always find in Eliot Grayson's books. There was a part in this book that reminded me of Brook so I had to go back and read that real quick where he's like, "It feels terrible!" to Dimitri haha. Anyway this was a delightful addition to this wonderful series!
_______________________
Feels like I've been waiting for this book for so long and it was worth it! I really hated Blake before but seeing his perspective, and his realization about how people actually perceive him, really helped make him a sympathetic character. I really like that we only get to hear one voice so we have to use other clues to see what the other MC is feeling and thinking. I love this series and I love Brook and Dimitri so it was interesting to see Blake's thoughts regarding Brook. I like that both Blake and Declan had a growth opportunity, and I love the humor that you can always find in Eliot Grayson's books. There was a part in this book that reminded me of Brook so I had to go back and read that real quick where he's like, "It feels terrible!" to Dimitri haha. Anyway this was a delightful addition to this wonderful series!
January 2, 2024
This book was 60% sex, 35% Declan being a bitch to Blake and 5% plot.
Blake is very into self pity. Not a very loveable character. I get the insecurity from family trauma but man.....He's an acquired taste. And not in a good way.
Declan's just a dick.
Also, WHEN did these men fall in love? It was just sex, snark, rinse, repeat and then....love realizations? Hallelujah! It's a New Year's miracle! Yeah, no. The progression was not well developed at all.
"I had it bad. In fact, I loved him."
🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️What do you love about this man, baby? Is it the blackmail? The dubcon sex? His commitment to being hurtful to you? WHAT'S THERE TO LOVE HERE, BLAKE?
Sigh. We really need to hold a symposium on how love declarations do NOT equal apologies.
And he's celebrating like he's won a prize 💀💀💀Declan isn't the prize, baby, he's the punishment.
Wait. Was it the food? Is he in love because of the food? I mean, I love food as much as the next girl but that's a low, low bar.
That being said. Their first kiss? PERFECTION.
The setup?🔥
The execution?🔥
No notes. Credit where it's due.
"Ask me again tomorrow."
Arguably the only thing Declan got right.
"I’d have preferred a little more groveling, but all right."
YOU AND ME BOTH, BLAKE!!!
Blake is very into self pity. Not a very loveable character. I get the insecurity from family trauma but man.....He's an acquired taste. And not in a good way.
Declan's just a dick.
Also, WHEN did these men fall in love? It was just sex, snark, rinse, repeat and then....love realizations? Hallelujah! It's a New Year's miracle! Yeah, no. The progression was not well developed at all.
"I had it bad. In fact, I loved him."
🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️What do you love about this man, baby? Is it the blackmail? The dubcon sex? His commitment to being hurtful to you? WHAT'S THERE TO LOVE HERE, BLAKE?
Sigh. We really need to hold a symposium on how love declarations do NOT equal apologies.
And he's celebrating like he's won a prize 💀💀💀Declan isn't the prize, baby, he's the punishment.
Wait. Was it the food? Is he in love because of the food? I mean, I love food as much as the next girl but that's a low, low bar.
That being said. Their first kiss? PERFECTION.
The setup?🔥
The execution?🔥
No notes. Credit where it's due.
"Ask me again tomorrow."
Arguably the only thing Declan got right.
"I’d have preferred a little more groveling, but all right."
YOU AND ME BOTH, BLAKE!!!
September 30, 2024
Needy-possessive-revenge-hate sex crack
Reread Sept 2024:
This is still a favorite and is one of my favorite “secretly suffering sad boi” books. On the outside Blake is a pretty party boy douchebag but inside he’s insecure and lonely. Such good angst when Blake is feeling down and worthless and Declan still just sees him as his party boy persona. Declan’s turmoil when he realizes he’s been a giant dick to sweet sweet Blake 🥹🥰 gawddd SO GOOD
Reread Sept 2024:
This is still a favorite and is one of my favorite “secretly suffering sad boi” books. On the outside Blake is a pretty party boy douchebag but inside he’s insecure and lonely. Such good angst when Blake is feeling down and worthless and Declan still just sees him as his party boy persona. Declan’s turmoil when he realizes he’s been a giant dick to sweet sweet Blake 🥹🥰 gawddd SO GOOD
February 4, 2023
The only thing I liked about this book is the noncon, and that's about it.
With no POV from Declan, his character lacks depth and development. I don't understand his reasoning for most of the story other than he wants revenge on Blake because he got him fired from a family business. But other than that, there is so much more not discussed. Like, does he really hate Blake, or is he just using revenge as an excuse to have sex with him? Did he like Blake from the beginning when he first met him 10 years ago? This character gives so many mixed signals that it's hard to see the real character.
Blake is truly everything that Declan describes him to be and more. He doesn't know how to work, he is spoiled rotten, has to get the most expensive foods, gambles his money away (even if it's Declan's), and constantly needs attention. He also never explains the reasoning for why he feels inferior as an alpha (because of his father and brother's seemingly bullying him) to Declan. I don't understand why he falls in love with Declan just because he has sex with him every day. Is it Stockholm syndrome? Probably. The two characters barely talk, and when they do, Blake is complaining about something, or Declan is telling Blake how much of an annoyance he is.
There is too much sex and too little plot. I think if you forget about the plot, then you will enjoy the book.
With no POV from Declan, his character lacks depth and development. I don't understand his reasoning for most of the story other than he wants revenge on Blake because he got him fired from a family business. But other than that, there is so much more not discussed. Like, does he really hate Blake, or is he just using revenge as an excuse to have sex with him? Did he like Blake from the beginning when he first met him 10 years ago? This character gives so many mixed signals that it's hard to see the real character.
Blake is truly everything that Declan describes him to be and more. He doesn't know how to work, he is spoiled rotten, has to get the most expensive foods, gambles his money away (even if it's Declan's), and constantly needs attention. He also never explains the reasoning for why he feels inferior as an alpha (because of his father and brother's seemingly bullying him) to Declan. I don't understand why he falls in love with Declan just because he has sex with him every day. Is it Stockholm syndrome? Probably. The two characters barely talk, and when they do, Blake is complaining about something, or Declan is telling Blake how much of an annoyance he is.
There is too much sex and too little plot. I think if you forget about the plot, then you will enjoy the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
March 19, 2024DNF @ 21%. No rating.
This wasn't my thing at all. The reason I picked it up was because both Declan and Blake are alpha werewolves and I love alpha-alpha pairings. Making things potentially even more interesting was that former richy-rich Blake has lost access to his family's wealth and Declan takes advantage of that to get revenge on Blake by forcing him into a humiliating prostitution arrangement. I was expecting an intense enemies to lovers plot where two violent alpha werewolves start out hating each other's guts but slowly fall in love.
Unfortunately, the author's take on Blake's alpha nature was a joke. The guy is a spoiled, immature, whiny man child who is supposed to be an alpha werewolf in his early 30s but he acts like a teenage boy. Not only that, but he goes ga-ga over Declan's alphaness immediately and easily takes on the submissive role that Declan forces him into. Blake is also dumb. For example - the guy spent days at Declan's casino, gambling with money he didn't have and racking up huge room bills that he also knew he couldn't afford. So Declan tells Blake he can work the owed debt off by being Declan's personal whore or Declan will turn him over to the cops. So what does Blake do a few hours after agreeing to this? He decides to 'get revenge' on Declan by ordering tons of expensive room service and charging it to their (Declan's) room. And then Blake is gobsmacked when Declan informs him that every cent of that order will be added to Blake's debt. Because...duh! There's stupid and then there's that. Basically, there was nothing alpha about Blake and when you add in that I really hate immature, annoying MCs then there was nothing left.
Fair warning: while the characterizations weren't what I wanted at all, the author does go all in with the enemies to lovers aspect. Declan forces Blake into a prostitution arrangement and the sex scenes that I read were all non-con (even though the author claims they're dubcon). Other reviews indicate that Blake suffers mental health issues (panic attacks, crying) from the abuse he's subjected to, which would have been a DNF point for me anyway. I adore MCs who are rough and violent with each other but only if they're on a level playing field in terms of their physical strengths and their ability to defend themselves. Blake isn't an alpha in any sense of the word so having Declan treat him like that isn't a fun game - it's just abuse and I'm not into that.
For those still curious about the book, please note that the little bit I read worked very well as a standalone. I haven't read any other books in the series and there was little sign in the part I read that this is part of a series.
I seems I was the only one who had issues with Blake's characterization and people who are fans of the rest of the series generally enjoyed it and many thought this was the best of the series, which meant my expectations really weren't what they should have been and that's why I won't rate it.
This wasn't my thing at all. The reason I picked it up was because both Declan and Blake are alpha werewolves and I love alpha-alpha pairings. Making things potentially even more interesting was that former richy-rich Blake has lost access to his family's wealth and Declan takes advantage of that to get revenge on Blake by forcing him into a humiliating prostitution arrangement. I was expecting an intense enemies to lovers plot where two violent alpha werewolves start out hating each other's guts but slowly fall in love.
Unfortunately, the author's take on Blake's alpha nature was a joke. The guy is a spoiled, immature, whiny man child who is supposed to be an alpha werewolf in his early 30s but he acts like a teenage boy. Not only that, but he goes ga-ga over Declan's alphaness immediately and easily takes on the submissive role that Declan forces him into. Blake is also dumb. For example - the guy spent days at Declan's casino, gambling with money he didn't have and racking up huge room bills that he also knew he couldn't afford. So Declan tells Blake he can work the owed debt off by being Declan's personal whore or Declan will turn him over to the cops. So what does Blake do a few hours after agreeing to this? He decides to 'get revenge' on Declan by ordering tons of expensive room service and charging it to their (Declan's) room. And then Blake is gobsmacked when Declan informs him that every cent of that order will be added to Blake's debt. Because...duh! There's stupid and then there's that. Basically, there was nothing alpha about Blake and when you add in that I really hate immature, annoying MCs then there was nothing left.
Fair warning: while the characterizations weren't what I wanted at all, the author does go all in with the enemies to lovers aspect. Declan forces Blake into a prostitution arrangement and the sex scenes that I read were all non-con (even though the author claims they're dubcon). Other reviews indicate that Blake suffers mental health issues (panic attacks, crying) from the abuse he's subjected to, which would have been a DNF point for me anyway. I adore MCs who are rough and violent with each other but only if they're on a level playing field in terms of their physical strengths and their ability to defend themselves. Blake isn't an alpha in any sense of the word so having Declan treat him like that isn't a fun game - it's just abuse and I'm not into that.
For those still curious about the book, please note that the little bit I read worked very well as a standalone. I haven't read any other books in the series and there was little sign in the part I read that this is part of a series.
I seems I was the only one who had issues with Blake's characterization and people who are fans of the rest of the series generally enjoyed it and many thought this was the best of the series, which meant my expectations really weren't what they should have been and that's why I won't rate it.
February 1, 2023
4.5 stars!
I finally started this series with a full-length book (1st one I read was a novella) which is a standalone lol.
I literally was just checking out for steamy scenes as the premise seems interesting, so I skipped the 1st few chapters of Blake's downfall, but later on, I was hooked. Read it all throughout my free time to complete it!
Blake & Declan, goddamn is the chemistry hot 🥵. Plus, I love unorthodox (common in this world, which is so accepting & awesome!) pairing, like the Alpha Alpha one here! Even tho their relationship started with Declan punishing Blake with blackmail & essentially making him his bitch, ah I needed that dirty dirty angst & confusion *evil laugh*. Plus, when the feelings start, it's so sweet to see. But oh Walter, how was Declan so f'ing neutral, even tho it's admirable. But damn. Just damn. Oblivious!!!!
The whole book is in the same place, Declan's casino in Las Vegas, so their relationship building is at front & center, plus who the f is stalking Blake deary *surprise surprise, Blake & I weren't surprised*
The ending & epilogue were lovely!
Btw, The whole book is from Blake's pov, seeing his transformation from a spoiled brat to someone actually caring of other's feelings was good character development, so was seeing Declan starting to trust in him. But I wish we got Declan's pov too, it'd made everything so much better! Especially in the initial scenes where his words hurt Blake (& later when they were in love). But I did like Blake's humor!
P.s. I do hope now changed Blake contacts his brother Brook (gonna check out his book in future) sometimes, hate their family tho 🥴.
I finally started this series with a full-length book (1st one I read was a novella) which is a standalone lol.
I literally was just checking out for steamy scenes as the premise seems interesting, so I skipped the 1st few chapters of Blake's downfall, but later on, I was hooked. Read it all throughout my free time to complete it!
Blake & Declan, goddamn is the chemistry hot 🥵. Plus, I love unorthodox (common in this world, which is so accepting & awesome!) pairing, like the Alpha Alpha one here! Even tho their relationship started with Declan punishing Blake with blackmail & essentially making him his bitch, ah I needed that dirty dirty angst & confusion *evil laugh*. Plus, when the feelings start, it's so sweet to see. But oh Walter, how was Declan so f'ing neutral, even tho it's admirable. But damn. Just damn. Oblivious!!!!
The whole book is in the same place, Declan's casino in Las Vegas, so their relationship building is at front & center, plus who the f is stalking Blake deary *surprise surprise, Blake & I weren't surprised*
The ending & epilogue were lovely!
Btw, The whole book is from Blake's pov, seeing his transformation from a spoiled brat to someone actually caring of other's feelings was good character development, so was seeing Declan starting to trust in him. But I wish we got Declan's pov too, it'd made everything so much better! Especially in the initial scenes where his words hurt Blake (& later when they were in love). But I did like Blake's humor!
P.s. I do hope now changed Blake contacts his brother Brook (gonna check out his book in future) sometimes, hate their family tho 🥴.
June 27, 2023
A 4 rating because the voice actor did the damn thing, quite well!
Forced intimacy or go to jail....Yeah that's good choices for fraud. Punishment is suppose to balance the scales. Not throw the whole kit-n-kabudal out the window.
I had mixed feelings starting off...ya see these themes in kidnapping or mafia type books. Deep dark and suffering until...wait it isn't that bad...but I love em though. Spending the end stating how you feel isn't real. I gave you a choice. Blah blah blah
Then I pick out how this isn't a Stalker, not mob. So one can get away with it because they are shifters. It's different! Question if the author just wanted to red con the series.
Ya did leave plot holes! So I'm going to need a novella. These brothers really need to talk. Cameos of all the other players in this tempest of hurt feelings, force, jealousy and acceptance.
Forced intimacy or go to jail....Yeah that's good choices for fraud. Punishment is suppose to balance the scales. Not throw the whole kit-n-kabudal out the window.
I had mixed feelings starting off...ya see these themes in kidnapping or mafia type books. Deep dark and suffering until...wait it isn't that bad...but I love em though. Spending the end stating how you feel isn't real. I gave you a choice. Blah blah blah
Then I pick out how this isn't a Stalker, not mob. So one can get away with it because they are shifters. It's different! Question if the author just wanted to red con the series.
Ya did leave plot holes! So I'm going to need a novella. These brothers really need to talk. Cameos of all the other players in this tempest of hurt feelings, force, jealousy and acceptance.
January 28, 2023
The perfect amount of heat and plot.
I really don’t know how Eliot Grayson does it, but I’m consistently impressed with how good this series is. The more books I read in this genre and the more that thought is cemented for me. The spice is good, the plot is good, and the MCs are fully fleshed out.
This book starts out incredibly hot and I would have been satisfied with just that. Then I’m hit with not just a story, but a good one that I’m interested in. The parts you expect to happen are there and, even if slightly predictable, still so fun and satisfying to read. There’s tension! God so many books lack that these days, especially at this length.
Everything about this book and series is just my cup of tea. I want more vampires though! I just want more of everything really.
I really don’t know how Eliot Grayson does it, but I’m consistently impressed with how good this series is. The more books I read in this genre and the more that thought is cemented for me. The spice is good, the plot is good, and the MCs are fully fleshed out.
This book starts out incredibly hot and I would have been satisfied with just that. Then I’m hit with not just a story, but a good one that I’m interested in. The parts you expect to happen are there and, even if slightly predictable, still so fun and satisfying to read. There’s tension! God so many books lack that these days, especially at this length.
Everything about this book and series is just my cup of tea. I want more vampires though! I just want more of everything really.
January 26, 2023
“You want to tease me, I can tease you,” he murmured in my ear. “You said you weren’t playing games with me. But I know you are, darlin’. You won’t win.” Oh, the hell I wouldn’t.
There’s finally a new installment for this series and I just couldn't stop reading it. Like the previous ones, this book is more focused on the erotic side rather than the main original plot. I wonder if eventually there’s going to be a meeting between the Armitage and the Castelli packs. I bet some encounters would be hilarious. I mean, Blake and Nate? Or Ian and Declan? I’d love to see that happening. Like I say every time I recommend this series, this is the kind where you need to connect to the characters in order to enjoy it. Most of them could be obnoxious, which it’s what I love about them but I know it's not to everyone's liking.
From the last couple of installments we already knew that Blake was a little bit of a spoiled douche (ok, more than a little). He’s far from being a lovely brother or a supportive cousin. But if you got this far on the series I'm sure, like me, that you didn't care. What is new is Declan and omg I love how this author describes dominant Alphas. Some might not like how their relationship started but I couldn’t think of a better person to be with Blake. Accepting him for who he is without justifying his behavior. I’m pretty sure this is my first time reading AlphaxAlpha. And even though there was a clear dominance and not much power control, I’ve got really interested in this trope. I wonder how it would work with two alphas without a single submissive bone.
Getting spicier book by book, I love each new combination of kinks and tropes. The next installment is never soon enough!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
October 31, 2024
This was very good! And I came to it in an interesting way. I had googled, ‘Books that are like Heath Grayson’, with his wonderful ‘Bro’ series, of which I have read all.
Eliot Grayson’s name came up in the search results along with a Reddit thread about good MM books by this author.
I think that I have read them maybe once before, and chose this one from the consensus at Reddit. They were right. It is good!
Blake and Declan and Stockholm Syndrome at its finest!
Blake was free to go after a while of being detained in Declan’s suite, but, he had no where to go and no money and he really did kite a large check at Declan’s casino. The sex Declan demanded of him turned into something explosive very soon into this odd couple relationship. Declan was a workaholic boss, determined to reach the top. Blake was a spoiled playboy who had burned all his bridges. Gosh, they were both so attractively described! There was some good humorous dialogue among all the excellent conversations and writing of this growing and changing relationship.
The sex turned to love worked beautifully! This was a very romantic story! It was a good read.
Eliot Grayson’s name came up in the search results along with a Reddit thread about good MM books by this author.
I think that I have read them maybe once before, and chose this one from the consensus at Reddit. They were right. It is good!
Blake and Declan and Stockholm Syndrome at its finest!
Blake was free to go after a while of being detained in Declan’s suite, but, he had no where to go and no money and he really did kite a large check at Declan’s casino. The sex Declan demanded of him turned into something explosive very soon into this odd couple relationship. Declan was a workaholic boss, determined to reach the top. Blake was a spoiled playboy who had burned all his bridges. Gosh, they were both so attractively described! There was some good humorous dialogue among all the excellent conversations and writing of this growing and changing relationship.
The sex turned to love worked beautifully! This was a very romantic story! It was a good read.
February 12, 2023
Pre Reading: Oooh, after Brook mated Dimitri, now Blake's going to bump and grind with a fellow alpha? Blake will be off balance, and it'll all piss off mum and dad. Good! Can't wait.
Post Reading: This book went in a different direction than I thought it would. It's definitely an erotic story. And, hooley dooley, Grayson's alpha's appendages are getting laaarger. Eliot Grayson has a way of making me invested and involved and while I wanted to slap MacKenna, metaphorically speaking of course, Grayson has been known to hit me with an MC it takes me time to like.
There is humour, naughty stuff, biting, I love some biting, cheesecake, I love cheesecake too, and a lotta lotta sex that leads to a HEA. And Blake has a redemption arc and I wanted to hug him. Who knew?
Blog review at-
Post Reading: This book went in a different direction than I thought it would. It's definitely an erotic story. And, hooley dooley, Grayson's alpha's appendages are getting laaarger. Eliot Grayson has a way of making me invested and involved and while I wanted to slap MacKenna, metaphorically speaking of course, Grayson has been known to hit me with an MC it takes me time to like.
There is humour, naughty stuff, biting, I love some biting, cheesecake, I love cheesecake too, and a lotta lotta sex that leads to a HEA. And Blake has a redemption arc and I wanted to hug him. Who knew?
Blog review at-
July 21, 2024
This is the most unbelievable of all the connections/relationships in the series.
I don’t buy it at all. What happened here?
One star for narration. One star because I’m addicted to the series and can’t miss a book. And kudos for attempting an alpha alpha pairing but it honestly kind of sucked. Not fulfilling as a reader and not believable in their character development from blackmailed sex slave to being in love. I don’t think Grayson cut out to write dark romance. You have to really have skill to write that kind of development believably. There’s had to be nuance and character growth and layers and revelations. This book didn’t have it.
I don’t buy it at all. What happened here?
One star for narration. One star because I’m addicted to the series and can’t miss a book. And kudos for attempting an alpha alpha pairing but it honestly kind of sucked. Not fulfilling as a reader and not believable in their character development from blackmailed sex slave to being in love. I don’t think Grayson cut out to write dark romance. You have to really have skill to write that kind of development believably. There’s had to be nuance and character growth and layers and revelations. This book didn’t have it.
August 18, 2023
I went into this hating Blake but somehow I ended up liking him 🤷🏻♀️ possibly my favourite from the series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2nd time listening to this 🎧Chris Chambers did a great job. And yep, it’s definitely my fav from the series 😁
2nd time listening to this 🎧Chris Chambers did a great job. And yep, it’s definitely my fav from the series 😁
July 10, 2024
I don't know why I haven't read this as soon as it came out.
Brilliant writing, loved the characters, loved the setting, the romance, the built up, the suspense, the coming around.... Just love this authors writing ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Brilliant writing, loved the characters, loved the setting, the romance, the built up, the suspense, the coming around.... Just love this authors writing ❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 28, 2023
Enjoyable but mostly just hot porn.
January 26, 2023
Enemies to lovers is my kryptonite and Eliot Grayson wrote this trope really really well in The Alpha's Gamble! Blake, a bratty alpha and an asshole at times, met his match with Declan, another alpha who wanted revenge. The hate/love between them was very intense and angsty. However, they slowly came to care for each other. Also, I think this is Eliot's hottest book! The multiple sex scenes was very sooo steamy but also sooo necessary. I wanted more of them!!
dnf
January 27, 2023Non-Con, dark departure from previous books
DNF 22%.
If you’ve read the previous books, you’ll remember Blake Castelli, asshole alpha older brother to another POV character. None of that changes in the first quarter of this book — details on his past and current choices are revealed that show he’s not a good guy.
Enter MacKenna, bigger alpha asshole casino owner. Blake ruined his life ten years earlier, but for some reason, they both feel strong sexual attraction to each other.
The manifestation of this attraction is dark. In their first two sexual scenes together, there’s not even a hint of caretaking or kindness — this is one man sexually exploiting another for revenge. Both of them come in both scenes, but as this kind of non-con isn’t my kink, it didn’t work for me.
Based on skimming parts of later chapters, I’m confident that there will be some character/relationship growth and that things will turn around for these protagonists. But I’m not invested enough in these characters to want to continue.
DNF 22%.
If you’ve read the previous books, you’ll remember Blake Castelli, asshole alpha older brother to another POV character. None of that changes in the first quarter of this book — details on his past and current choices are revealed that show he’s not a good guy.
Enter MacKenna, bigger alpha asshole casino owner. Blake ruined his life ten years earlier, but for some reason, they both feel strong sexual attraction to each other.
The manifestation of this attraction is dark. In their first two sexual scenes together, there’s not even a hint of caretaking or kindness — this is one man sexually exploiting another for revenge. Both of them come in both scenes, but as this kind of non-con isn’t my kink, it didn’t work for me.
Based on skimming parts of later chapters, I’m confident that there will be some character/relationship growth and that things will turn around for these protagonists. But I’m not invested enough in these characters to want to continue.
January 27, 2024
Beefcakes & Cheesecakes
“I wore his possession of me like a brand no one else could see.” Anyone who says alphas are knot a big deal hasn’t yet met Declan. And believe me, he’s alll alpha, with room to spare, or maybe not, tee hee. He’s exactly who bratty, spoiled, and surprisingly lovable Blake needs in his life. It took me a while to warm up to Blake, but he has depths and I enjoyed watching Declan discover them all. And I fell in love with these two like they did, tumultuously, resolutely, and powerfully. Honestly, I loved every delicious, tasty bite of Declan and Blake’s fantastic hate/lust/love revenge romance. A perfect mismatch.
“I wore his possession of me like a brand no one else could see.” Anyone who says alphas are knot a big deal hasn’t yet met Declan. And believe me, he’s alll alpha, with room to spare, or maybe not, tee hee. He’s exactly who bratty, spoiled, and surprisingly lovable Blake needs in his life. It took me a while to warm up to Blake, but he has depths and I enjoyed watching Declan discover them all. And I fell in love with these two like they did, tumultuously, resolutely, and powerfully. Honestly, I loved every delicious, tasty bite of Declan and Blake’s fantastic hate/lust/love revenge romance. A perfect mismatch.
January 30, 2023
It was a hot MM read with imbalanced power dynamics and an alpha MMC that acted more like an omega, but the love declarations came out of nowhere and were a bit unbelievable. I didn't understand what exactly they had found attractive about each other other than physical attributes and if whatever happened 10 years ago had really affected the MMC Declan that much.
Romance:
Romance:
September 7, 2023
To say I immediately loved this would be an understatement. Fair warning, this is darker than what we are used to from EG, and omg do I want more like it. I never would have guessed I would love and empathize with Blake from the last book… but I do.
-high heat
-dubcon
-blackmail
-kidnapping
-mating
-alpha/alpha
-submission
-size difference
Can I just relisten already?
-high heat
-dubcon
-blackmail
-kidnapping
-mating
-alpha/alpha
-submission
-size difference
Can I just relisten already?
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