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Fated Mates #2
Fated Mates and Where to Find Them
Zander is in an auction house for the sole purpose of getting someone to sign a contract. He doesn’t have any interest in owning a blood slave—until he lays eyes on Max. That, he must have.
Max is there for reasons of his own, mostly desperate reasons, and he’s braced himself for a year of hell. Which doesn’t seem to be forthcoming.
Someone needs to explain to this vampire that he’s supposed to use Max, not spoil him. Zander doesn’t seem to get it.
Tags:
Paranormal romance, blood slave contract thing, except Zander doesn’t actually know how to own someone, I’m pretty sure he’d break out into hives if he couldn’t spoil Max, Max has no idea what just hit him, he just knows he’s somehow the responsible one, it’s definitely not Zander, sexy times incoming!, Zander is a walking green flag, sass, so much sass incoming, light angst, mostly as an excuse for cuddles, stubborn to lovers, part time soulmates, full time problem, whole story is just mindless violence and fluff, the summary really doesn’t get across how much sex is in this but it’s also not wrong, cinnamon protection squad, assemble!
Max is there for reasons of his own, mostly desperate reasons, and he’s braced himself for a year of hell. Which doesn’t seem to be forthcoming.
Someone needs to explain to this vampire that he’s supposed to use Max, not spoil him. Zander doesn’t seem to get it.
Tags:
Paranormal romance, blood slave contract thing, except Zander doesn’t actually know how to own someone, I’m pretty sure he’d break out into hives if he couldn’t spoil Max, Max has no idea what just hit him, he just knows he’s somehow the responsible one, it’s definitely not Zander, sexy times incoming!, Zander is a walking green flag, sass, so much sass incoming, light angst, mostly as an excuse for cuddles, stubborn to lovers, part time soulmates, full time problem, whole story is just mindless violence and fluff, the summary really doesn’t get across how much sex is in this but it’s also not wrong, cinnamon protection squad, assemble!
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2023
439 people are currently reading
1192 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Sherwood
79 books1,929 followersAJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 300 reviews
November 21, 2023
DNF'd at 24% - I was getting a bunch of weird vibes from the writing. Random rich vampire sees a poor helpless cardboard-cutout "I'm not like other guys" self-insert protagonist, falls in instalove, calls him darling and "my max" by the second chapter - as he's still in the process of buying him. Then showers him with attention and money and fixes all his problems as Max gapes at him. Christian Grey called, he wants his billionaire persona back.
Also just incredibly childish writing. "I assume you want to take some pictures?" "All the pictures." was my limit. I'd come across a few parts which made me think "Adults don't talk like that, not even 19-y/o's" and made Max feel really childlike, which isn't something I'm after in a book where you'll spend a majority of it railing said immature character. I should've stayed away when I saw that blurb summation about some cinnamon squad or whatever the heck that was on about. Like, bro, don't write a smut book with weird teen uber lolzorz XD :3 speak in it. It's so weird and constructed so poorly with the rather basic writing - and the overall effect was that of an older teenager writing fanfic that was competent, but still felt too casual to be published.
It's like a slightly worse version of TJ Klune's writing, which I also found very childish, and felt there was no chemistry between them. I've been particularly ruthless with books recently, and if you like wolfsong, you might like this. I'm not you. But damn, I don't think I've DNF'd a book quicker. Jesus. I might come back to it, but any real enjoyment I have of this book shrivelled up at the weird phrases.
Also just incredibly childish writing. "I assume you want to take some pictures?" "All the pictures." was my limit. I'd come across a few parts which made me think "Adults don't talk like that, not even 19-y/o's" and made Max feel really childlike, which isn't something I'm after in a book where you'll spend a majority of it railing said immature character. I should've stayed away when I saw that blurb summation about some cinnamon squad or whatever the heck that was on about. Like, bro, don't write a smut book with weird teen uber lolzorz XD :3 speak in it. It's so weird and constructed so poorly with the rather basic writing - and the overall effect was that of an older teenager writing fanfic that was competent, but still felt too casual to be published.
It's like a slightly worse version of TJ Klune's writing, which I also found very childish, and felt there was no chemistry between them. I've been particularly ruthless with books recently, and if you like wolfsong, you might like this. I'm not you. But damn, I don't think I've DNF'd a book quicker. Jesus. I might come back to it, but any real enjoyment I have of this book shrivelled up at the weird phrases.
November 25, 2023
my mom sold me to one direction but vampire
2.5
this was fanfiction. this was ao3. this was my mom sold me to one direction. no bechtel test in sight.
2.5
this was fanfiction. this was ao3. this was my mom sold me to one direction. no bechtel test in sight.
December 31, 2023
2.5/5
This was a tad more to my taste than book one but I won’t change my rating.
I still feel like this series is a bit half-assed. The plot was more or less the same as the first one and I think I’m over it now.
To be fair though the characters were a bit more interesting this time around and their insta-love more believable. The beginning of the book was genuinely good but it kinda lost its charm over time until the point where I was pretty much done with it.
I kinda expected this book not to be much better than the first one since I’m pretty sure this series will just not do anything for me. I guess it’s kinda my fault.
This was a tad more to my taste than book one but I won’t change my rating.
I still feel like this series is a bit half-assed. The plot was more or less the same as the first one and I think I’m over it now.
To be fair though the characters were a bit more interesting this time around and their insta-love more believable. The beginning of the book was genuinely good but it kinda lost its charm over time until the point where I was pretty much done with it.
I kinda expected this book not to be much better than the first one since I’m pretty sure this series will just not do anything for me. I guess it’s kinda my fault.
April 13, 2024
I was right in my assumption that I would enjoy this more than the 1st book. I saw a review of this that said it gave "my mom sold me to One Direction but Vampire" and that is definitely the vibes.
I liked Max and Zander much better than the couple in the first book, and thought their characters were much more consistent. That being said, this is definitely a self-indulgent smutty vampire book - the main character, Max, is very much a self insert who is now being spoiled by the filthy rich love interest.
If your looking for a fun time where you just wanna turn off your brain for a while, this is definitely the book for you.
I liked Max and Zander much better than the couple in the first book, and thought their characters were much more consistent. That being said, this is definitely a self-indulgent smutty vampire book - the main character, Max, is very much a self insert who is now being spoiled by the filthy rich love interest.
If your looking for a fun time where you just wanna turn off your brain for a while, this is definitely the book for you.
May 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐
This was really cute! If you are looking for a cute - quick vampire romance this is for you.
If you are looking for something with lots of lore, explanations and world building this book is not for you, it doesn't have it.
This is a simple, uncomplicated, turn your brain off, don't think a lot - kind of book.
It's something good to read between more serious books or if you just want to relax.
This was really cute! If you are looking for a cute - quick vampire romance this is for you.
If you are looking for something with lots of lore, explanations and world building this book is not for you, it doesn't have it.
This is a simple, uncomplicated, turn your brain off, don't think a lot - kind of book.
It's something good to read between more serious books or if you just want to relax.
November 4, 2023
3.5 stars
November 7, 2023
This was a delightful read, with fun characters and great relationships.
November 27, 2023
This book was not good. what happens on wattpad stays on wattpad. Are we not gonna act like buying a BLOOD SLAVE was not weird in any way?? This is very early wattpad messy bun harry styles on the kitchen table. I just could not with the insta love between rich vampire daddy and timid blood slave who got baught at an auction?? This book should have just stayed on wattpad or ao3.
November 5, 2023
This isn’t what I thought it was going to be. I thought Zander was just being generous and helping. Instead he was being manipulative and skeevy. And Max was kind of an asshole too. DNF 30%.
dnf
January 12, 2024DNF@65%
Mindless. Boring.
Mindless. Boring.
January 29, 2024
This is a word for word copy of a fanfiction on AO3 (with the names changed) called Never Say by the author kibosama.
November 10, 2023
Was inspiration taken from Thai novel “Love Sky”?
While reading this novel, I couldn't shake the feeling of deja vu, as it seemed oddly reminiscent of 'Love in the Air,' a Thai bl tv show based on novels “Love Storm” and “Love Sky” by MAME. From the architecture students connection to the motorcycle racing world, the similarities were uncanny—Max and Chase echoed Sky and Rain, and Zander and Ronan mirrored Prapai and Phayu. Even the mafia involvement and seemingly out-of-place storm references triggered a sense of recognition. My curiosity lead me to a fanfiction titled 'Never Say' by kibosama on Archive of Our Own. A fascinating blend of 'Love in the Air' with a vampire twist.
While reading this novel, I couldn't shake the feeling of deja vu, as it seemed oddly reminiscent of 'Love in the Air,' a Thai bl tv show based on novels “Love Storm” and “Love Sky” by MAME. From the architecture students connection to the motorcycle racing world, the similarities were uncanny—Max and Chase echoed Sky and Rain, and Zander and Ronan mirrored Prapai and Phayu. Even the mafia involvement and seemingly out-of-place storm references triggered a sense of recognition. My curiosity lead me to a fanfiction titled 'Never Say' by kibosama on Archive of Our Own. A fascinating blend of 'Love in the Air' with a vampire twist.
August 30, 2024
I feel like the plot/vampires were very similar in all 3 books. It was still cute and silly. I liked it.
Resist.
Fall in love.
VBS drama.
Kidnapping.
HEA.
“I was determined to marry him before we even put it together, what his nature was. Knowing he’s a vampire’s mate is only an added bonus. Like finding a treasure trove only to discover there’s another room beyond it.”
I still really hate that the humans aren't mated to just one vampire. It doesn't feel all that special to me.
Resist.
Fall in love.
VBS drama.
Kidnapping.
HEA.
“I was determined to marry him before we even put it together, what his nature was. Knowing he’s a vampire’s mate is only an added bonus. Like finding a treasure trove only to discover there’s another room beyond it.”
I still really hate that the humans aren't mated to just one vampire. It doesn't feel all that special to me.
July 29, 2025
3.75
November 3, 2023
cute short story
This is the first book I have read by this author and I did enjoy it. I was confused why book 2 was out before book one but found out book one is a prequel. Side MCs from this one will be the main MCs for book 1. I wish they would have come out in order. I could have waited to read them in order but I didn’t so that’s on me.
Zander is a vampire and he finds Max at a blood auction. Zander is so sweet and sunshiny and just spoils Max like crazy! I loved how Zander referred to Max as “My Max”.
This was a quick sweet read. I liked it had duel POV. It was however not as steamy as the synopsis led me to believe. It was still an enjoyable story with fun characters.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I did enjoy it. I was confused why book 2 was out before book one but found out book one is a prequel. Side MCs from this one will be the main MCs for book 1. I wish they would have come out in order. I could have waited to read them in order but I didn’t so that’s on me.
Zander is a vampire and he finds Max at a blood auction. Zander is so sweet and sunshiny and just spoils Max like crazy! I loved how Zander referred to Max as “My Max”.
This was a quick sweet read. I liked it had duel POV. It was however not as steamy as the synopsis led me to believe. It was still an enjoyable story with fun characters.
November 27, 2023
Y’all I just benched read this small book, so good for no reason??? Like I literally couldn’t stop reading! Even with a headache lol
Love the concept of men spoiling their partners, and this was such a vibe, there was a small world building and I want to know more about it.
I think this book can be longer for sure! It has more room to become a good series for some of the characters that we met in the book. I can tell I’ll read all the small novellas for has long as the author writes in this series. I even I’m reading some other series from the same author since I loved the writing!
Anyways, I recommend if you want to read something small, good pacing, and great chemistry between the characters!
Love the concept of men spoiling their partners, and this was such a vibe, there was a small world building and I want to know more about it.
I think this book can be longer for sure! It has more room to become a good series for some of the characters that we met in the book. I can tell I’ll read all the small novellas for has long as the author writes in this series. I even I’m reading some other series from the same author since I loved the writing!
Anyways, I recommend if you want to read something small, good pacing, and great chemistry between the characters!
April 9, 2024
This book read like a fanfiction I would have read in my room on a laptop at 2am on a school night when I was in 9th grade.
Was it high class literature? No.
Was it the sort of fluffy delightful vampire romance nonsense my brain was craving? Yes.
It was amazing and I can't wait to read the prequel. 8/10 highly recommend if you're looking for something quick paced and light. Especially if you are looking to feel the pull of a paranormal romance obsession from high/middle school.
Was it high class literature? No.
Was it the sort of fluffy delightful vampire romance nonsense my brain was craving? Yes.
It was amazing and I can't wait to read the prequel. 8/10 highly recommend if you're looking for something quick paced and light. Especially if you are looking to feel the pull of a paranormal romance obsession from high/middle school.
November 2, 2023
Loved it
In true AJ Sherwood style, the tags at the end of the blurb always have me giggling and the book has me laughing out loud, loving the characters and wishing for more. Loved it.
In true AJ Sherwood style, the tags at the end of the blurb always have me giggling and the book has me laughing out loud, loving the characters and wishing for more. Loved it.
November 8, 2023
I really liked it. I get the feeling AJ could do not only the currently planned prequel with Ronan and Chase but also one with Fernando and Noel. It was a nice change of pace for a vampire romance
December 18, 2023
There is a spelling mistake in my copy
November 19, 2023
Fun novella
Okay, so these are sort of out of order, but I'm okay with that. The story was still interesting, and I didn't feel like any backstory was missing. Yes, I want to know about Chase and Ronan, but we get that soon.
A chance meeting has Max in contract to Zander even if Max is frightened of vampires. He needs the money to pay his dad's hospital bills.
Zander sees how fragile Max is and sets about wooing him in a slightly over the top way.
A cautious human and a golden retriever vampire, fun, right? So good! Zander was just adorable and Max couldn't help but fall in love.
Lots of additional lore with levels and a government. I really want more stories, like Jin and Dante as well as the Chase one
Okay, so these are sort of out of order, but I'm okay with that. The story was still interesting, and I didn't feel like any backstory was missing. Yes, I want to know about Chase and Ronan, but we get that soon.
A chance meeting has Max in contract to Zander even if Max is frightened of vampires. He needs the money to pay his dad's hospital bills.
Zander sees how fragile Max is and sets about wooing him in a slightly over the top way.
A cautious human and a golden retriever vampire, fun, right? So good! Zander was just adorable and Max couldn't help but fall in love.
Lots of additional lore with levels and a government. I really want more stories, like Jin and Dante as well as the Chase one
December 4, 2023
3.5
Definition of smothered by kindness.
Definition of smothered by kindness.
August 22, 2024
November 03, 2023
I need a Zander in my life, asap!
Zander is so lovely! 😂 😂 😂 OMG!
I need him in my life.
I like that the way the partners who are destined in this world work allows it to be up to those involved to decide whether they want to have a relationship.
I loved the book 😻😻😻😻
Re-Read August 22, 2024
I said it and I repeat it: Zander is the lovely, cutest greener green flag ever!!!
I just love this series and I can't wait for the others books. I need to know which character is the next to find his true mate. Would it be Noel's brother? Or Ronan´s brother? Or Fernando's brothers? Would it be perhaps Max's new friends, Dante and Jin?
There are infinite options and I need them all!!!
I need a Zander in my life, asap!
Zander is so lovely! 😂 😂 😂 OMG!
I need him in my life.
I like that the way the partners who are destined in this world work allows it to be up to those involved to decide whether they want to have a relationship.
I loved the book 😻😻😻😻
Re-Read August 22, 2024
I said it and I repeat it: Zander is the lovely, cutest greener green flag ever!!!
I just love this series and I can't wait for the others books. I need to know which character is the next to find his true mate. Would it be Noel's brother? Or Ronan´s brother? Or Fernando's brothers? Would it be perhaps Max's new friends, Dante and Jin?
There are infinite options and I need them all!!!
November 3, 2023
Love A J Sherwood
Another great story, this one on vampires in a world where they live side-by-side with humans. I do wish it wasn’t quite so short, though, and there was plenty in the showdown near the end that could’ve drawn out the storyline by a lot - unless of course Sherwood plans on making each of those characters have their own story written. On its own, I won’t be buying it because there’s just not enough there to entice me to reread unless it becomes a series. In any case, this is a fun, very quick read. Enjoy
Another great story, this one on vampires in a world where they live side-by-side with humans. I do wish it wasn’t quite so short, though, and there was plenty in the showdown near the end that could’ve drawn out the storyline by a lot - unless of course Sherwood plans on making each of those characters have their own story written. On its own, I won’t be buying it because there’s just not enough there to entice me to reread unless it becomes a series. In any case, this is a fun, very quick read. Enjoy
November 29, 2023
Unlike most humans who sold themselves, he didn’t seem to be doing it for a thrill, or a kink, or any pleasant reason. He was likely the type who fell into the second category: desperation.
I immediately enjoyed the worldbuilding in this novella-length read. I love when any type of supernatural is 'out' or exposed to the human world already. We jump right in with Zander as he makes an unexpected - and pricey - purchase during a business meeting.
“Why are you so mad at me?” Zander whined. “Because you’re going overboard,” Max replied, tone flat. “You’ve been going overboard all morning.”
From the moment he met Max, Zander did the atypical and I sooo enjoyed the fluffy HEA they worked towards! I did feel a bit dropped in on the other characters throughout the book - it made me feel like I missed a prequel but I see Fated Mates and How to Woo Them doesn't release until December of this year. I'll be looking forwards to that read!
January 2, 2024
I loved this book just mas much as the previous one two interesting characters a great romance and a compelling conflict that is solved in this book. I loved the characters very much especially Max and Zander they start off with Zander saving Max since he was desperate and sold himself so trust has to grow in the beginning for them to come to love each other. I did love the slow and gradual romance and how well they fit together by the end. The plot was great starts with Max selling himself to save his Father in doing this Zander spots him and decides to save him after that there is the slow getting to know each other and Max coming to trust Zander many other things happen some conflict that is solved looking forward to more.
November 3, 2023
I've really enjoyed this author's books before, so this was a no-brainer. I loved it, despite the few flaws I found in the text. Solid storyline, slow-burn romance progressed accordingly, two main characters with their own interesting stories/personalities. Looking forward to more in this series. It definitely has potential.
March 7, 2024
Cute but totally over the top.
Zander was getting on my nerves 🙄
This was the first time I’ve read a whole book (although a very short one) about a MM couple. And I have to say… I was somewhat disappointed 😄 But mostly bc the authors note claimed this was very spicy. There was one spicy chapter I believe. Which isn’t a problem per se, but very much false marketing.
Zander was getting on my nerves 🙄
This was the first time I’ve read a whole book (although a very short one) about a MM couple. And I have to say… I was somewhat disappointed 😄 But mostly bc the authors note claimed this was very spicy. There was one spicy chapter I believe. Which isn’t a problem per se, but very much false marketing.
November 2, 2023
another fabulous new book!
AJ never fails to impress with every new series she makes. I have loved all of her books and these two characters could never disappoint. Such a sweet vampire and his devotion to Max is wonderful. Can’t wait for the prequel.
AJ never fails to impress with every new series she makes. I have loved all of her books and these two characters could never disappoint. Such a sweet vampire and his devotion to Max is wonderful. Can’t wait for the prequel.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 300 reviews