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The Fake Mate
Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.
Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.
Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?
Mackenzie will keep her grandmother off her back, and Noah will get a chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate—a mutually beneficial business transaction, they both rationalize. But when the fake-mate act turns into a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realize love is a whole different kind of animal.
Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.
Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?
Mackenzie will keep her grandmother off her back, and Noah will get a chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate—a mutually beneficial business transaction, they both rationalize. But when the fake-mate act turns into a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realize love is a whole different kind of animal.
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,187 reviews
February 20, 2024
3.75⭐️ giggly and fun!!
February 23, 2024
OKAY hello 911 yes my emergency is that I almost passed out a dozen times reading this. Take me specifically to denver general hospital c/o alpha wolf Dr. Noah Taylor. I am.....unwell. I knew ten pages in that this would be 5 stars and wouldn't you know it, I was right. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This book is both sweet and adorable and primal af. Let me preface this by saying that this is my first time reading wolfie books and its all uhh rather *fascinating.* More on that later. This plot hooked me from like no joke page one and had me smiling and drooling like a feral dog throughout the entire story. No skips, no flaws. No problems whatsoever. Noah is a cardiologist and is *secretly* an ALPHA wolf shifter but takes suppressants to dull his scent so no one knows because alphas are known to be volatile without a mate and thus he might be considered a risk at the hospital. Noah is also quiet and shy and people are afraid of him because he doesn't talk and keeps to himself and is intimidating af without trying but really he is a melting cinnamon roll. Mackenzie is *secretly* an OMEGA wolf shifter. She is sweet and kind and sunshine but also fierce af and a total smartass. Alphas and omegas are rare in this wolf shifter world, and neither has ever come across one before they meet. They fake MATE for reasons described in the synopsis, which to my surprise is QUITE DIFFERENT than simply fake dating. Take your fake dating trope and dip it in the most flammable substance you can find and then light it on fire. Thats this fake mating thing.
So. FAKE MATING, yes, where were we? I'm distracted already. It is very uhh scent based and uhh very biologically engrained in an alpha when he is around an omega, especially when said alpha doesn’t know said omega even is an omega until down the road. Our poor alpha doc is so confused when he stops taking his alpha suppressants and he’s suddenly reacting so uhh possessively around Mackenzie at the beginning of their scheme. Now remember when I said this is my first wolfie book? I did not know the nuances of literary wolf shifters, particularly that alphas have a certain *anatomical anomaly* that can only happen with an omega. So that was wild. And when Mackenzie goes into heat and Noah has to take care of her?!? OKAY. Was Jacob Black doing these things? I need to know. So anyways fake mating becomes fake-mating-with-benefits. At this point, the book just basically caught on fire. 🐺🤍🌙🥵🪢✨🧎🏽♀️
DO NOT make the mistake of thinking this is just some spicy book with no plot. THIS BOOK HAS BOTH. I LOVED THE PLOT. The plot was so good. Mackenzie and Noah are nuanced and complex with fleshed out back stories and lovable grumpy/sunshine personalities. The side characters were engaging and fun, too. Sassy hospital IT tech Parker and anesthesiologist Priya and prying grandma Moira!!! Again, zero flaws. The writing was fast paced, addicting, so well done and engaging. I need more books in this world (Denver lol but Denver with wolf shifters). This is going in my reread pile. RUN and read this when it comes out!!!
This book is both sweet and adorable and primal af. Let me preface this by saying that this is my first time reading wolfie books and its all uhh rather *fascinating.* More on that later. This plot hooked me from like no joke page one and had me smiling and drooling like a feral dog throughout the entire story. No skips, no flaws. No problems whatsoever. Noah is a cardiologist and is *secretly* an ALPHA wolf shifter but takes suppressants to dull his scent so no one knows because alphas are known to be volatile without a mate and thus he might be considered a risk at the hospital. Noah is also quiet and shy and people are afraid of him because he doesn't talk and keeps to himself and is intimidating af without trying but really he is a melting cinnamon roll. Mackenzie is *secretly* an OMEGA wolf shifter. She is sweet and kind and sunshine but also fierce af and a total smartass. Alphas and omegas are rare in this wolf shifter world, and neither has ever come across one before they meet. They fake MATE for reasons described in the synopsis, which to my surprise is QUITE DIFFERENT than simply fake dating. Take your fake dating trope and dip it in the most flammable substance you can find and then light it on fire. Thats this fake mating thing.
So. FAKE MATING, yes, where were we? I'm distracted already. It is very uhh scent based and uhh very biologically engrained in an alpha when he is around an omega, especially when said alpha doesn’t know said omega even is an omega until down the road. Our poor alpha doc is so confused when he stops taking his alpha suppressants and he’s suddenly reacting so uhh possessively around Mackenzie at the beginning of their scheme. Now remember when I said this is my first wolfie book? I did not know the nuances of literary wolf shifters, particularly that alphas have a certain *anatomical anomaly* that can only happen with an omega. So that was wild. And when Mackenzie goes into heat and Noah has to take care of her?!? OKAY. Was Jacob Black doing these things? I need to know. So anyways fake mating becomes fake-mating-with-benefits. At this point, the book just basically caught on fire. 🐺🤍🌙🥵🪢✨🧎🏽♀️
DO NOT make the mistake of thinking this is just some spicy book with no plot. THIS BOOK HAS BOTH. I LOVED THE PLOT. The plot was so good. Mackenzie and Noah are nuanced and complex with fleshed out back stories and lovable grumpy/sunshine personalities. The side characters were engaging and fun, too. Sassy hospital IT tech Parker and anesthesiologist Priya and prying grandma Moira!!! Again, zero flaws. The writing was fast paced, addicting, so well done and engaging. I need more books in this world (Denver lol but Denver with wolf shifters). This is going in my reread pile. RUN and read this when it comes out!!!
November 29, 2023
they won't let me blurb lana's books with things like "epically horny" or "majestically smutty" so I guess that's what goodreads is for. guys go get this book because it has epically horny shifters who are doctors who fake date and engage in majestically smutty (and knotty) activities. thank me later, love you bye :)
February 9, 2024
This book started off very 5 stars-ish for me. I have read romance books in a stretch and it's not all the time that they give me butterflies, but this book does and it was very adorable too. I stand with my statement of what such a loser Noah is (affectionately) because smiling all by himself thinking of a woman he (might be) smitten of? I was howling (get that reference).
However, what went a bit south for me was when Mack started to get into heat and I felt like it was endless smut to the point I got a lil bit bored tbh. I mean we all love some smut in a book at times but it gets oversaturated with this one. Also, I get the nature of this books; it's been long too since I enjoy a werewolf book and this book is as werewolf as it gets, but I can't help but cringe at some of the dialogues lmaooo (could have just been me). Omega! Mine! Omega! Oh, please spare me 🫠
Then we have the third act breakup which could have been avoided if they communicate & its always the same 'he made the decision he thinks best without thinking what she thought best'... And so the jittering feelings I had earlier had gone and alas, this was enjoyable but it ended up being just an okay read for me~
Further RTC
However, what went a bit south for me was when Mack started to get into heat and I felt like it was endless smut to the point I got a lil bit bored tbh. I mean we all love some smut in a book at times but it gets oversaturated with this one. Also, I get the nature of this books; it's been long too since I enjoy a werewolf book and this book is as werewolf as it gets, but I can't help but cringe at some of the dialogues lmaooo (could have just been me). Omega! Mine! Omega! Oh, please spare me 🫠
Then we have the third act breakup which could have been avoided if they communicate & its always the same 'he made the decision he thinks best without thinking what she thought best'... And so the jittering feelings I had earlier had gone and alas, this was enjoyable but it ended up being just an okay read for me~
Further RTC
September 16, 2023
Y'all I ate. this. book. UP! 4+ stars. 4.25? 4.5? I can't decide, I just know it was deliciously fun.
I devoured this in two sittings in less than 24 hours and the only reason it took me that long was because I was so rudely interrupted by real life and having to do things. Had I started this on a lazy weekend day it would have been a one sitting read, I did not want to put it down. It's funny, it's sweet, it's GrumpyxSunshine and Fake Dating (two of my favorite tropes), and it's Reylo coded. This is a romance novel that was made for me.
I will say this book assumes you already know omegaverse mechanics because it's throwing around concepts like omega/alpha/scent/heat/glands/etc without any real explanation, so if you need a primer on all that head to google first or learn the way god intended, like the rest of us did: on accident on AO3.
I devoured this in two sittings in less than 24 hours and the only reason it took me that long was because I was so rudely interrupted by real life and having to do things. Had I started this on a lazy weekend day it would have been a one sitting read, I did not want to put it down. It's funny, it's sweet, it's GrumpyxSunshine and Fake Dating (two of my favorite tropes), and it's Reylo coded. This is a romance novel that was made for me.
I will say this book assumes you already know omegaverse mechanics because it's throwing around concepts like omega/alpha/scent/heat/glands/etc without any real explanation, so if you need a primer on all that head to google first or learn the way god intended, like the rest of us did: on accident on AO3.
March 25, 2024
No I will not explain the omegaverse, you’ll have to discover it by accident like the rest of us like the lord intended.
edit: never mind the author was allegedly kicked out of the reylo fandom for racist fanfics. ffs
edit: never mind the author was allegedly kicked out of the reylo fandom for racist fanfics. ffs
March 13, 2024
Three captivating tropes converge in this enticing read: the grumpy meets sunshine dynamic, an office romance, and a fake dating scenario with a paranormal twist. Prepare for steamy love scenes and an irresistible, sizzling chemistry between the characters. If that doesn't have you sold, I don't know what will! This paranormal romance, penned by the talented Lana Ferguson, combines the allure of Christine Feehan's paranormal romances with the captivating world of Grey's Anatomy. How could I possibly resist diving into its pages?
I must admit, I'm not typically drawn to shapeshifter romances, and when I first encountered the plot idea, I couldn't help but roll my eyes (just a little). However, I am now happily eating my words, as the inclusion of shapeshifter elements intensifies the steaminess of the romance—particularly the magical "knot" aspect. Oh boy, I must confess that, much like Mackenzie, my hormones seemed to take control as I began writing this review!
Aside from the added steamy elements, the relationship between an Alpha and an Omega is a classic case of opposites attracting, injecting an extra dash of spice into the story.
The narrative wastes no time in propelling the plot forward. Mackenzie, or Mack Carter, concocts a lie to appease her overprotective grandmother, who persistently attempts to set her up on meaningless and unsuitable dates. Mack claims to be dating Noah Taylor, the brooding big bad wolf of Denver General, known for reducing nurses to tears (although she insists it's an exaggerated lie).
When Mack approaches Noah and asks for his assistance in deceiving her grandmother, he reveals that he requires her help as well. On the same day, the hospital board summons him for questioning regarding his status as an Alpha—an identity he has kept secret for years, in order to control his inherent violent tendencies. The only way to appease the board is by proving he can manage his urges through a committed relationship. In a twist of fate, Noah urgently needs a fake mate, and Mack agrees to play the part, on the condition that he accompany her to her grandmother's dinner invitation to seal the deal.
Little do they know that by embarking on this lie and spending more time together, they will discover an animalistic attraction—an irresistible magnetic pull that draws them closer. Soon, they find themselves not only in a fake relationship but also in a friends-with-benefits arrangement they simply cannot resist.
Can Mack protect her heart from a man who is considering an offer to work in another city? Will Noah be able to restrain his feelings for her, convinced that she is out of his league and too good to be true?
This fast-paced and highly entertaining read is smoking hot, keeping me glued to its pages just like the author's previous work. I eagerly look forward to delving into more books by Lana Ferguson in the near future.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I must admit, I'm not typically drawn to shapeshifter romances, and when I first encountered the plot idea, I couldn't help but roll my eyes (just a little). However, I am now happily eating my words, as the inclusion of shapeshifter elements intensifies the steaminess of the romance—particularly the magical "knot" aspect. Oh boy, I must confess that, much like Mackenzie, my hormones seemed to take control as I began writing this review!
Aside from the added steamy elements, the relationship between an Alpha and an Omega is a classic case of opposites attracting, injecting an extra dash of spice into the story.
The narrative wastes no time in propelling the plot forward. Mackenzie, or Mack Carter, concocts a lie to appease her overprotective grandmother, who persistently attempts to set her up on meaningless and unsuitable dates. Mack claims to be dating Noah Taylor, the brooding big bad wolf of Denver General, known for reducing nurses to tears (although she insists it's an exaggerated lie).
When Mack approaches Noah and asks for his assistance in deceiving her grandmother, he reveals that he requires her help as well. On the same day, the hospital board summons him for questioning regarding his status as an Alpha—an identity he has kept secret for years, in order to control his inherent violent tendencies. The only way to appease the board is by proving he can manage his urges through a committed relationship. In a twist of fate, Noah urgently needs a fake mate, and Mack agrees to play the part, on the condition that he accompany her to her grandmother's dinner invitation to seal the deal.
Little do they know that by embarking on this lie and spending more time together, they will discover an animalistic attraction—an irresistible magnetic pull that draws them closer. Soon, they find themselves not only in a fake relationship but also in a friends-with-benefits arrangement they simply cannot resist.
Can Mack protect her heart from a man who is considering an offer to work in another city? Will Noah be able to restrain his feelings for her, convinced that she is out of his league and too good to be true?
This fast-paced and highly entertaining read is smoking hot, keeping me glued to its pages just like the author's previous work. I eagerly look forward to delving into more books by Lana Ferguson in the near future.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
March 22, 2024
Here I am, giggling and kicking my feet for scenes that could belong to a bad porn - Noah’s words, not mine.
Firstly, I'd like to thank Ali Hazelwood for having taught me the basics of omegaverse.
As a beginner to the genre, this story is not extremely difficult, but it also doesn't clarify how things like knotting and heat works, or why Noah is so different from the usual idea of an Alpha, because they both are shifters that know these stuff about themselves.
You are probably less naive than me but, when he asked her what colour was her coat, I actually thought he was talking about her jacket. So yeah, I needed that first explanation.
If you're here for the smut, you're in the right place. Like, chef’s kiss to the author and her tremendous imagination.
But Mackenzie and Noah’s cute love story isn't less wonderful: from fake dating to friends-with-benefits to admitting they feel something for real to mated in a matter of weeks, after having rejected love all their life.
Call it fate, call it timing, call it hormones, I don’t care, I just wanna know where I can find it.
↠ 4.5 stars
Firstly, I'd like to thank Ali Hazelwood for having taught me the basics of omegaverse.
As a beginner to the genre, this story is not extremely difficult, but it also doesn't clarify how things like knotting and heat works, or why Noah is so different from the usual idea of an Alpha, because they both are shifters that know these stuff about themselves.
You are probably less naive than me but, when he asked her what colour was her coat, I actually thought he was talking about her jacket. So yeah, I needed that first explanation.
If you're here for the smut, you're in the right place. Like, chef’s kiss to the author and her tremendous imagination.
But Mackenzie and Noah’s cute love story isn't less wonderful: from fake dating to friends-with-benefits to admitting they feel something for real to mated in a matter of weeks, after having rejected love all their life.
Call it fate, call it timing, call it hormones, I don’t care, I just wanna know where I can find it.
↠ 4.5 stars
March 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
I am unapologetically such a sucker for werewolf romances, and I definitely enjoyed this one. It was more unique than the usual since it's a contemporary romance with some werewolf details sprinkled in.
I really liked Noah and believe he should be protected at all costs. Mack was OK; I think she was being a little obtuse/selfish toward the middle when he was clearly having feelings and she thinks it's a good time to propose friends with benefits.
Also not really a fan of the 3rd act breakup. The whole I'm gonna leave you for you to protect you is bullshit. I think he could have groveled more imo, but I'll allow it. We also miss a very important event at the end, so booooo.
But overall recommend for contemporary romance and werewolf romance 3
I am unapologetically such a sucker for werewolf romances, and I definitely enjoyed this one. It was more unique than the usual since it's a contemporary romance with some werewolf details sprinkled in.
I really liked Noah and believe he should be protected at all costs. Mack was OK; I think she was being a little obtuse/selfish toward the middle when he was clearly having feelings and she thinks it's a good time to propose friends with benefits.
Also not really a fan of the 3rd act breakup. The whole I'm gonna leave you for you to protect you is bullshit. I think he could have groveled more imo, but I'll allow it. We also miss a very important event at the end, so booooo.
But overall recommend for contemporary romance and werewolf romance 3
March 27, 2024
3.5/5 stars! The Fake Mate is a fun, fake dating romance, that is the perfect fall/Halloween read. it follows Mackenzie Carter, an Omega, and Noah Tyler, an Alpha, who are both doctors at the same hospital and agree to be fake mates to benefit one another. I had never read something that takes place in the Omegaverse, but it was cute, steamy, and overall really funny, which I was not expecting from a wolf-shifter romance. I really love the fake dating trope as well, so this one was right up my alley!
I enjoyed The Fake Mate much better than The Nanny , Lana Ferguson's debut, which I read and reviewed in July. one thing that bothered me about nanny, was the 2-dimensional characters, but in The Fake Mate, both main characters, and all of the side characters were well fleshed out! The banter in this book was also way smoother than the cringy dialogue in The Nanny, and her writing is stronger as well. It honestly reminded me of Ali Hazelwood's books because of the hospital setting, so if you're a fan of her books or a fan of paranormal romance, I highly recommend picking this book up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the e-arc of The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson in exchange for an honest review.
Read my reviews for Lana Ferguson's books here:
The Nanny - 2 stars
The Fake Mate - 3.5/5 stars
The Game Changer - 3 stars
Under Loch and Key - Release date: December 3rd, 2024
I enjoyed The Fake Mate much better than The Nanny , Lana Ferguson's debut, which I read and reviewed in July. one thing that bothered me about nanny, was the 2-dimensional characters, but in The Fake Mate, both main characters, and all of the side characters were well fleshed out! The banter in this book was also way smoother than the cringy dialogue in The Nanny, and her writing is stronger as well. It honestly reminded me of Ali Hazelwood's books because of the hospital setting, so if you're a fan of her books or a fan of paranormal romance, I highly recommend picking this book up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the e-arc of The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson in exchange for an honest review.
Read my reviews for Lana Ferguson's books here:
The Nanny - 2 stars
The Fake Mate - 3.5/5 stars
The Game Changer - 3 stars
Under Loch and Key - Release date: December 3rd, 2024
December 5, 2023
4.5 ✮
Mackenzie and Noah are both doctors who also happen to be wolf shifters and they agree to “date” each other for different reasons that will benefit them both. Mackenzie is definitely one of my new favorite characters. she’s so sarcastic and outgoing, she just felt like someone who I would get along with in real life lol. I liked Noah too, it was so funny seeing him adjust to Mack’s personality and the way she was able to bring him out of his shell was so cute. their chemistry was jumping off the page and we love that for them. 🔥
Lana Ferguson must’ve put crack in these pages cause it made no sense how glued to this book I was, it’s so fast paced and entertaining. I loved the writing and the humor, I will be reading anything this author writes.
there’s a lot of side characters that I enjoyed (Noah’s mom, Mack’s grandma and her best friend Parker). I just wish we got more time with the mc’s cause I felt like we didn’t know much about them personally. there’s some phrases used during the sex scenes that had me rolling my eyes.. I mean Noah’s literally an alpha so he’s possessive but not in a way that was too obnoxious tbh.
when this book is released and I can do a reread it might reach a 5 star, but just know I really liked this regardless.
⇝ tropes: fake dating, grump x sunshine, age gap, fated mates, workplace romance, omegaverse
thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Mackenzie and Noah are both doctors who also happen to be wolf shifters and they agree to “date” each other for different reasons that will benefit them both. Mackenzie is definitely one of my new favorite characters. she’s so sarcastic and outgoing, she just felt like someone who I would get along with in real life lol. I liked Noah too, it was so funny seeing him adjust to Mack’s personality and the way she was able to bring him out of his shell was so cute. their chemistry was jumping off the page and we love that for them. 🔥
Lana Ferguson must’ve put crack in these pages cause it made no sense how glued to this book I was, it’s so fast paced and entertaining. I loved the writing and the humor, I will be reading anything this author writes.
there’s a lot of side characters that I enjoyed (Noah’s mom, Mack’s grandma and her best friend Parker). I just wish we got more time with the mc’s cause I felt like we didn’t know much about them personally. there’s some phrases used during the sex scenes that had me rolling my eyes.. I mean Noah’s literally an alpha so he’s possessive but not in a way that was too obnoxious tbh.
when this book is released and I can do a reread it might reach a 5 star, but just know I really liked this regardless.
⇝ tropes: fake dating, grump x sunshine, age gap, fated mates, workplace romance, omegaverse
thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc, all opinions are my own.
March 5, 2024
The way this audiobook had me grinning LIKE A FOOL. How was this so cute?? This is a fake dating werewolf romance and I was obsesseeddddd with the hero. He's more quiet and reserved and falls SO HARD for the heroine. Like, he has to see her and is sad he hasn't been able to SMELL HER FOR THREE DAYS. The spicy times were spicing and I just loved this so much!
April 3, 2024
4.25 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a book that is similar to 'The Love Hypothesis' definitely give 'The Fake Mate' a go!
——————————————
*Sees cover:* ''Oohh, it looks like a good rom-com book cover with doctor main characters.''
*Looks more further into the cover:* ''Aww, there are paw prints on the floor, maybe there's also a cute little puppy in it.''
*Reads the first three words of the synopsis and realizing what it's actually about* ''Oh. Ooooh.''
Smashes the 'want to read' button!
If you're looking for a book that is similar to 'The Love Hypothesis' definitely give 'The Fake Mate' a go!
——————————————
*Sees cover:* ''Oohh, it looks like a good rom-com book cover with doctor main characters.''
*Looks more further into the cover:* ''Aww, there are paw prints on the floor, maybe there's also a cute little puppy in it.''
*Reads the first three words of the synopsis and realizing what it's actually about* ''Oh. Ooooh.''
Smashes the 'want to read' button!
December 10, 2023
Ok - SO. This was a really good shifter romance but not in the way that most shifter romances go!! I think when most people snag a werewolf/shifter romance from Kindle Unlimited - they follow a very typical lineup of rejected mates, fated mates, with much of the plot lines following 'pack' drama.
The Fake Mate is so much more than that!! It's a world where shifters/werewolves are basically integrated into society, and this follows a couple of werewolves fake-dating to save their furry butts from annoying/career-destroying paths!
I think I knew I would like this - but I didn't expect to feel so attached to the characters!! Their spice became believable... EXCEPT for oneeee.... lil thing...
THE KNOTTING. If you're used to shifter romances - there's a whole lot of conversation surrounding specific monster romance sexual acts!! lol a bit wild, but I'm not not into it? 😂😂😂
NOTES:
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 - Slow burn that absolutely EXPLODES
↑↑ Update - Finished December 8th, 2023 ↑↑
This was also delivered yesterday, and I think I'm going to add it to my must-read pile this week just so that I'm not distracted before I start The Gentlemen's Gambit?
I love the feeling of having too many books to read at once! I leave one in my car for emergencies.. one on my desk at work for breaks, one on my nightstand, and one in my day bag at all times.
Do you carry books with you everywhere?
↑↑ Update - Started December 6th, 2023 ↑↑
The Fake Mate is so much more than that!! It's a world where shifters/werewolves are basically integrated into society, and this follows a couple of werewolves fake-dating to save their furry butts from annoying/career-destroying paths!
I think I knew I would like this - but I didn't expect to feel so attached to the characters!! Their spice became believable... EXCEPT for oneeee.... lil thing...
THE KNOTTING. If you're used to shifter romances - there's a whole lot of conversation surrounding specific monster romance sexual acts!! lol a bit wild, but I'm not not into it? 😂😂😂
NOTES:
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 - Slow burn that absolutely EXPLODES
↑↑ Update - Finished December 8th, 2023 ↑↑
This was also delivered yesterday, and I think I'm going to add it to my must-read pile this week just so that I'm not distracted before I start The Gentlemen's Gambit?
I love the feeling of having too many books to read at once! I leave one in my car for emergencies.. one on my desk at work for breaks, one on my nightstand, and one in my day bag at all times.
Do you carry books with you everywhere?
↑↑ Update - Started December 6th, 2023 ↑↑
January 9, 2024
I’m really digging these contemporary romances that feature supernatural creatures. No snarly pack wars, no vampires leaving a trail of blood across the city, just romances with…unusual challenges. :D
This one is so fun! It’s basically The Love Hypothesis vibes with werewolf doctors, except way less hectic and sitcom-zany, and even funnier and cuter and sexier. (Oh my god, the amount of extended foreplay with them literally just necking as they leave their scents on each other for weeks and weeks is so much hotter than actual sex scenes in most books.) Both of them are so smart, but the author doesn’t exhaust you trying to prove it. This is probably the best version of the popular grumpy + sunshine trope I’ve read after The Hating Game, with his terrifying reputation written with wry understanding and affection, and her hilarious banter and cheerful refusal to be intimidated by him convincing you they’re a great match. Plus the author subverts a lot of typical romance choices, with a minimum of misunderstandings and exaggerated rom-com shenanigans. Which is saying something, considering the premise, haha.
I’m really excited to read more of this author’s books. Anyone who can make you laugh out loud and arch your neck a little more thinking about handsome werewolves moves right onto the auto-read list.
4.5 stars
This one is so fun! It’s basically The Love Hypothesis vibes with werewolf doctors, except way less hectic and sitcom-zany, and even funnier and cuter and sexier. (Oh my god, the amount of extended foreplay with them literally just necking as they leave their scents on each other for weeks and weeks is so much hotter than actual sex scenes in most books.) Both of them are so smart, but the author doesn’t exhaust you trying to prove it. This is probably the best version of the popular grumpy + sunshine trope I’ve read after The Hating Game, with his terrifying reputation written with wry understanding and affection, and her hilarious banter and cheerful refusal to be intimidated by him convincing you they’re a great match. Plus the author subverts a lot of typical romance choices, with a minimum of misunderstandings and exaggerated rom-com shenanigans. Which is saying something, considering the premise, haha.
I’m really excited to read more of this author’s books. Anyone who can make you laugh out loud and arch your neck a little more thinking about handsome werewolves moves right onto the auto-read list.
4.5 stars
October 18, 2023
3.5 stars
i really like this, i thought it was fun and i hope a lot of werewolf books like these come out in the future. i think the authors biggest problem is that these books are 400 pages. there’s no reason a romance book should be longer than 320 pages and this was no exception. i felt like the smut happened too soon. it was about 39% so the rest ended up being ok because the build up was gone. i also felt like these characters were too grown to be dumbasses. why are you confused as to why you can tell when his mood changes. you know why, don’t be dumb. other than that! i do recommend this book!
i really like this, i thought it was fun and i hope a lot of werewolf books like these come out in the future. i think the authors biggest problem is that these books are 400 pages. there’s no reason a romance book should be longer than 320 pages and this was no exception. i felt like the smut happened too soon. it was about 39% so the rest ended up being ok because the build up was gone. i also felt like these characters were too grown to be dumbasses. why are you confused as to why you can tell when his mood changes. you know why, don’t be dumb. other than that! i do recommend this book!
Want to read
January 21, 2024All my years of smutty shifter/omegaverse KU books have come in handy 🤭🤭
We finally have a cute romcom omegaverse book 💜BRING ON the KNOTTING!!!!!
We finally have a cute romcom omegaverse book 💜BRING ON the KNOTTING!!!!!
March 22, 2024
ADORED THIS.
I fucking love werewolf stories and this hit the spot. Grumpy sunshine + fake dating + doctors. SIGN ME UP. I had heard mixed reviews about this book, but I genuinely couldn't put it down. My only complaint is that there was a little too many sexy times. I know I don't that that often, but it was a lot of spice LOL. AND THE KNOTTING... HAHAH ever since I read Bride I've been confused about it. Happy to report that I still don't think I understand, but we will be leaving it at that.
The pacing and the build-up was really well written. I lovedddd the dual POV. ++ short chapters! Was this book the best thing I ever read? No. But for a rom-com, it was really enjoyable.
I fucking love werewolf stories and this hit the spot. Grumpy sunshine + fake dating + doctors. SIGN ME UP. I had heard mixed reviews about this book, but I genuinely couldn't put it down. My only complaint is that there was a little too many sexy times. I know I don't that that often, but it was a lot of spice LOL. AND THE KNOTTING... HAHAH ever since I read Bride I've been confused about it. Happy to report that I still don't think I understand, but we will be leaving it at that.
The pacing and the build-up was really well written. I lovedddd the dual POV. ++ short chapters! Was this book the best thing I ever read? No. But for a rom-com, it was really enjoyable.
March 11, 2024
fun fun FUN
April 24, 2024
Fucking Jessica 😂
I devoured this book! I am absolutely giddy over the fact that this will be a lot of romance readers first foray into omegaverse.
Sweet and oh so spicy! 😘
___________________
4.12.23
I am dying because NOTHING about this cover prepares you for the fact that this is a WOLF SHIFTER ROMANCE.
At most, I see one of them maybe working in a veterinary clinic. Wild.
Excited nonetheless though.
I devoured this book! I am absolutely giddy over the fact that this will be a lot of romance readers first foray into omegaverse.
Sweet and oh so spicy! 😘
___________________
4.12.23
I am dying because NOTHING about this cover prepares you for the fact that this is a WOLF SHIFTER ROMANCE.
At most, I see one of them maybe working in a veterinary clinic. Wild.
Excited nonetheless though.
December 9, 2023
3.5
como me vas a escribir un omegaverse y no ponerme la escena donde se MUERDEN y se hacen mates.... le baje media estrella solo por eso, me quede enojada
sacando eso me gustó mucho!!!
como me vas a escribir un omegaverse y no ponerme la escena donde se MUERDEN y se hacen mates.... le baje media estrella solo por eso, me quede enojada
sacando eso me gustó mucho!!!
January 5, 2024
i am now a lana ferguson enthusiast
February 7, 2024
i just finished this book and all i got is two things to say
1. I really loved this book
2. I really want some soup right now
1. I really loved this book
2. I really want some soup right now
February 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -NetGalley ARC
Description:
Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.
Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?
This is my first time reading this author and an actual shifter book with all the bells and whistles (knotting, marking, etc.) and I wanted to hate it, but the chemistry between these two characters was so good, I couldn’t. The story itself was age old, you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours (HA! No pun intended!) which turned into friends with benefits.
The charming part for me, and why I enjoyed it so much, was they were both shocked that they fell in love, even though they clearly cared for one another deeply and neither character felt they deserved that love.
If you’re a fan of shifter books, you’ll love this book.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥
*The sex was hot and frequent and the sex talk was male dominating. (Call me “Alpha”) If this isn’t your thing or is triggering for you, I wouldn’t read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publshing for a chance to read this book for an honest review.
Description:
Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.
Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?
This is my first time reading this author and an actual shifter book with all the bells and whistles (knotting, marking, etc.) and I wanted to hate it, but the chemistry between these two characters was so good, I couldn’t. The story itself was age old, you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours (HA! No pun intended!) which turned into friends with benefits.
The charming part for me, and why I enjoyed it so much, was they were both shocked that they fell in love, even though they clearly cared for one another deeply and neither character felt they deserved that love.
If you’re a fan of shifter books, you’ll love this book.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️🔥
*The sex was hot and frequent and the sex talk was male dominating. (Call me “Alpha”) If this isn’t your thing or is triggering for you, I wouldn’t read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publshing for a chance to read this book for an honest review.
February 18, 2024
THIS WAS SOOO FUN!!!! I literally devoured this in a day and it had me giggling loud enough to be receiving side eye from husband. But honestly! Who knew a girl would love shifter romance so much (Thank you to bride and fake make for that new obsession).
This is a fake mates(fake dating) book between to werewolf shifters that turns into a friends with benefits, and let me tell you the spicing was SPICY!!! There was a lot of 🪢🪢 if you know what I mean 👀🤣!!
Listen I rate off of vibes and the vibes delivered with this one!! I think it’s perfect for those stuck in a slump because it was just too fun!!
Spice level: 3/5
This is a fake mates(fake dating) book between to werewolf shifters that turns into a friends with benefits, and let me tell you the spicing was SPICY!!! There was a lot of 🪢🪢 if you know what I mean 👀🤣!!
Listen I rate off of vibes and the vibes delivered with this one!! I think it’s perfect for those stuck in a slump because it was just too fun!!
Spice level: 3/5
November 17, 2023
✨Nooo not blackmail your so sexy aha✨
Two wolves (lol) live inside me: The one who loves knotting and the alarming amount of fluids it involves and the one who hates blackmail. Do what you will with that information.
✨
Before pick The Fake Mate up, I was in a major slump and needed something light and sexy. All in all I really couldn’t have chosen a better audiobook. The narrators were fantastic, the omegaverse element was exciting, and the coworkers/fake mate plot had a nice pace. The knotting was a bonus. Or maybe it was the main character…
Whatever genre this is, I’ll take some more please! We weren’t overloaded with paranmoral elements and there wasn’t a “I need to save this town from a big baddie” type of vibe like the other witchy/paranmoral contemporaries I’ve read. They were simply two doctors who happened to be wolf shifters, which was completely normal in their world. I liked that it wasn’t overwhelmingly paranormal, but the shifter element remained central to the plot.
There was a different kind of baddie though: blackmail. I really didn’t like the bad guy and I REALLY didn’t like how blackmail entered the chat at eighty percent and was like let’s ruin everything! I will never understand why the blackmailed character doesn’t just confide in the other one and trust them to make their own decisions!! It’s frustrating ALWAYS.
So while I loved most of this book, I definitely hit a wall with about twenty percent left. The repercussions lasted a while, and I was just so annoyed at Noah for being a huge dummy. It was kind of remedied with grovel orgasms, but he still wasn’t the one to make the first move. He should’ve been the one to initiate the apology scene, not just hoping she’d maybe see through the lies.
As for the audiobook, the performances really were incredible. I think it was my first time listening to either narrators—don’t quote me on that—but WOW I want them as a duo forever!! Their voices matched up really well, especially the voices they did for each other. Trust me, that rarely happens! Normally with dual-narrated books I’ll have a favorite narrator and get sad when it switches over, but I was so pleased with both of them.
Overall, I’m really happy Lana tried shake-it-up-Chicagoed and went with an omegaverse sophomore novel. It was unexpected and deeply fun. Also I know the next book is now the hockey one (and I’ll be SAT), but we got a teaser of a different book at the end of this one and OH MY GOD. I need it biblically. I’m so ready for a good hate-fucking book.
✨
As a little bonus, I do believe we got to see Wanda show up from The Nanny! It’s fun to think of these two books living in the same world. Just think about Aiden’s already impressive penis skills getting a KNOT. Maybe Noah should go bite him or something.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75/5
- One random note: I hope we get the deleted scene of them marking each other because lowkey I feel cheated that we didn’t get to see it!!! It’s always my favorite part whenever it’s involved in Kresley Cole books. Like they resist so long and the tension has been building for that moment!!
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
Two wolves (lol) live inside me: The one who loves knotting and the alarming amount of fluids it involves and the one who hates blackmail. Do what you will with that information.
✨
Before pick The Fake Mate up, I was in a major slump and needed something light and sexy. All in all I really couldn’t have chosen a better audiobook. The narrators were fantastic, the omegaverse element was exciting, and the coworkers/fake mate plot had a nice pace. The knotting was a bonus. Or maybe it was the main character…
Whatever genre this is, I’ll take some more please! We weren’t overloaded with paranmoral elements and there wasn’t a “I need to save this town from a big baddie” type of vibe like the other witchy/paranmoral contemporaries I’ve read. They were simply two doctors who happened to be wolf shifters, which was completely normal in their world. I liked that it wasn’t overwhelmingly paranormal, but the shifter element remained central to the plot.
There was a different kind of baddie though: blackmail. I really didn’t like the bad guy and I REALLY didn’t like how blackmail entered the chat at eighty percent and was like let’s ruin everything! I will never understand why the blackmailed character doesn’t just confide in the other one and trust them to make their own decisions!! It’s frustrating ALWAYS.
So while I loved most of this book, I definitely hit a wall with about twenty percent left. The repercussions lasted a while, and I was just so annoyed at Noah for being a huge dummy. It was kind of remedied with grovel orgasms, but he still wasn’t the one to make the first move. He should’ve been the one to initiate the apology scene, not just hoping she’d maybe see through the lies.
As for the audiobook, the performances really were incredible. I think it was my first time listening to either narrators—don’t quote me on that—but WOW I want them as a duo forever!! Their voices matched up really well, especially the voices they did for each other. Trust me, that rarely happens! Normally with dual-narrated books I’ll have a favorite narrator and get sad when it switches over, but I was so pleased with both of them.
Overall, I’m really happy Lana tried shake-it-up-Chicagoed and went with an omegaverse sophomore novel. It was unexpected and deeply fun. Also I know the next book is now the hockey one (and I’ll be SAT), but we got a teaser of a different book at the end of this one and OH MY GOD. I need it biblically. I’m so ready for a good hate-fucking book.
✨
As a little bonus, I do believe we got to see Wanda show up from The Nanny! It’s fun to think of these two books living in the same world. Just think about Aiden’s already impressive penis skills getting a KNOT. Maybe Noah should go bite him or something.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75/5
- One random note: I hope we get the deleted scene of them marking each other because lowkey I feel cheated that we didn’t get to see it!!! It’s always my favorite part whenever it’s involved in Kresley Cole books. Like they resist so long and the tension has been building for that moment!!
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
December 6, 2023
Just what the doctor ordered (🥁 ba dum tssss). 4.5 rounded up. This was exactly what I wanted it to be and just what I was in the mood for.
This book started off SO. GOOD. This is a grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, workplace romance between an alpha wolf and an omega wolf in a more contemporary-modern day type of society.
The Premise
Noah and Mackenzie are both doctors in the same hospital in Denver. Noah is secretly an alpha wolf shifter, which are said to be a basically extinct sub-species of shifters. Meanwhile, Mackenzie is an omega wolf shifter, which is another extremely rare type of shifter. Alphas are believed to be volatile and dangerous, so Noah concealed his alpha status to get a job at the hospital while taking suppressants to hide the truth. Meanwhile, omegas are stereotyped as extremely sexual people, and Mackenzie finds herself constantly attracting gross men who sexualize her immediately. In order to get her grandmother to stop setting her up on dates with horrible guys, she tells her grandma that she has a boyfriend from work named Noah (after she sees Noah in the break room). Meanwhile, the hospital board gets an anonymous tip that Noah is an alpha and lied on his application about his designation. When Mackenzie asks Noah to take a selfie with her that she can send to her grandmother, Noah creates a plan and asks Mackenzie to pretend to be his mate to the hospital board (mated alphas are supposedly not as violent or volatile). And thus, their fake dating scheme is born.
Overall
I will admit that the middle of the book got a little slow and repetitive, and the 3rd act breakup was extremely predictable, but I still loved it. The spice was certainly spicing - I loved the scene when they were ~playing doctor~ (they both ARE doctors and they were talking about Grey's Anatomy and I just loved).The beginning was definitely the strongest part of the book, but the spice was hot, and the HEA was adorable. All of the scenting scenes had SO MUCH TENSION, and I was blushing so hard. It's a quick read. I'd highly recommend if you like shifter romances, in particular.
This book started off SO. GOOD. This is a grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, workplace romance between an alpha wolf and an omega wolf in a more contemporary-modern day type of society.
The Premise
Noah and Mackenzie are both doctors in the same hospital in Denver. Noah is secretly an alpha wolf shifter, which are said to be a basically extinct sub-species of shifters. Meanwhile, Mackenzie is an omega wolf shifter, which is another extremely rare type of shifter. Alphas are believed to be volatile and dangerous, so Noah concealed his alpha status to get a job at the hospital while taking suppressants to hide the truth. Meanwhile, omegas are stereotyped as extremely sexual people, and Mackenzie finds herself constantly attracting gross men who sexualize her immediately. In order to get her grandmother to stop setting her up on dates with horrible guys, she tells her grandma that she has a boyfriend from work named Noah (after she sees Noah in the break room). Meanwhile, the hospital board gets an anonymous tip that Noah is an alpha and lied on his application about his designation. When Mackenzie asks Noah to take a selfie with her that she can send to her grandmother, Noah creates a plan and asks Mackenzie to pretend to be his mate to the hospital board (mated alphas are supposedly not as violent or volatile). And thus, their fake dating scheme is born.
Overall
I will admit that the middle of the book got a little slow and repetitive, and the 3rd act breakup was extremely predictable, but I still loved it. The spice was certainly spicing - I loved the scene when they were ~playing doctor~ (they both ARE doctors and they were talking about Grey's Anatomy and I just loved).The beginning was definitely the strongest part of the book, but the spice was hot, and the HEA was adorable. All of the scenting scenes had SO MUCH TENSION, and I was blushing so hard. It's a quick read. I'd highly recommend if you like shifter romances, in particular.
December 9, 2023
Dnf cause what in the wattpad was this?-
January 5, 2024
I’ve been going back and forth on whether to write this review, because I REALLY, REALLY (REALLY) don’t want to. But for the good of mankind, imma do it. Lord, forgive me.
This book was the cringiest, wackiest thing I’ve probably ever read. And I hated it, BUT if you loved it, then let me be helpful: maybe you’d like Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match. I only made it about 100 pages into that paper brick of absolute unhinged insanity before running like hell and have yet to return. But hey, reading is subjective, so why not give it a try? Can’t be worse, I promise.
Now, the part I really didn’t want to put out here, but alas I’m doing my saintly duties. The amount of times she uses the word “KNOT” in reference to male autonomy during sex scenes is an automatic, emphatic NO from me. Thank you very much, next.
And what is this industry’s strange obsession with publishing Reylo fanfiction writers recently?
On second thought... if the goal was to make me hate the fake dating trope, then 5 stars.
This book was the cringiest, wackiest thing I’ve probably ever read. And I hated it, BUT if you loved it, then let me be helpful: maybe you’d like Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match. I only made it about 100 pages into that paper brick of absolute unhinged insanity before running like hell and have yet to return. But hey, reading is subjective, so why not give it a try? Can’t be worse, I promise.
Now, the part I really didn’t want to put out here, but alas I’m doing my saintly duties. The amount of times she uses the word “KNOT” in reference to male autonomy during sex scenes is an automatic, emphatic NO from me. Thank you very much, next.
And what is this industry’s strange obsession with publishing Reylo fanfiction writers recently?
On second thought... if the goal was to make me hate the fake dating trope, then 5 stars.
January 4, 2024
“That’s the funny thing about love Noah, it’s terrifying and there’s no guarantees. We don’t fall in love because it’s a sure thing, we fall in love because our hearts don’t speak the same language as our brains. Your heart doesn’t have that little voice that worries about what ifs. It sees something good and goes all in. Sometimes you just have to listen to your heart more than your head.”
This quote oh my god. I loved this book
This quote oh my god. I loved this book
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