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Unfated Mates #2
An Unfated Mates Tale: Preston & Ethan
A gay wolf fated to a female and the boy he loves who swears he isn't gay at all - can they make their own fate?
Ethan isn't like the other boys - or the other wolves. And Preston isn't gay. He swears!
But between a gay wolf who can't get hard and a straight boy who is suddenly getting hard at all the 'wrong' things, there is a friendship and a love building that will drive each to do the thing they most fear...in order to keep what fate never meant for them to have.
Book 2 of the Unfated Mates tales, a contemporary world where wolves cannot normally feel sexual desire for anyone but their fated mates - but fall in love with the 'wrong' person. Each book focuses on a different couple, but their timelines overlap so should be read in order.
EXCERPT
"Listen to me!" Ethan's tortured cry finally pierced his desperate attempts to flee, but he just turned his head to the side, focusing on the carpet. On the wall. On anything except the gorgeous, naked male straddling his body who didn't even want him.
WARNING
This story includes strong language, some graphic violence, and scenes that might just have you reaching for a few pearls...
Ethan isn't like the other boys - or the other wolves. And Preston isn't gay. He swears!
But between a gay wolf who can't get hard and a straight boy who is suddenly getting hard at all the 'wrong' things, there is a friendship and a love building that will drive each to do the thing they most fear...in order to keep what fate never meant for them to have.
Book 2 of the Unfated Mates tales, a contemporary world where wolves cannot normally feel sexual desire for anyone but their fated mates - but fall in love with the 'wrong' person. Each book focuses on a different couple, but their timelines overlap so should be read in order.
EXCERPT
"Listen to me!" Ethan's tortured cry finally pierced his desperate attempts to flee, but he just turned his head to the side, focusing on the carpet. On the wall. On anything except the gorgeous, naked male straddling his body who didn't even want him.
WARNING
This story includes strong language, some graphic violence, and scenes that might just have you reaching for a few pearls...
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2023
379 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 7, 2022
Well written if not still problematic
Overall I really liked this book! It was different and interesting. Ethan was an amazing character, however I waver on my feelings toward Preston.
I understand the resistance toward his initial attraction to Ethan, however it would have been nice to have had at least one character point out that you can be attracted to men without being gay. Bisexuality is a thing (along with a whole spectrum of other orientations) and yet in order to remain true to the gay-for-you trope it’s totally ignored, and it’s always frustrating to read. It was also increasingly annoying how Preston continued to call Ethan “dude,” all the way through to the end of the book. It was strange reading how his character was willing to be out in public yet continued to express internalized homophobia/homophobic ideology when alone with Ethan. I’d like to have seen his character do more work to get out of that mindset in a less superficial way as he was realizing his ability to live his own life free from his fathers abuse and all the other things that were holding him back.
It also ends at a strange point, like a soft cliff hanger. My guess is that the next book will follow Ethan’s sister and the plot will pick up with her in the next book.
Issues above aside I think this book was really well written, and still enjoyed and recommend it for the author’s unique (very unique) take on shifters and fated mates.
Overall I really liked this book! It was different and interesting. Ethan was an amazing character, however I waver on my feelings toward Preston.
I understand the resistance toward his initial attraction to Ethan, however it would have been nice to have had at least one character point out that you can be attracted to men without being gay. Bisexuality is a thing (along with a whole spectrum of other orientations) and yet in order to remain true to the gay-for-you trope it’s totally ignored, and it’s always frustrating to read. It was also increasingly annoying how Preston continued to call Ethan “dude,” all the way through to the end of the book. It was strange reading how his character was willing to be out in public yet continued to express internalized homophobia/homophobic ideology when alone with Ethan. I’d like to have seen his character do more work to get out of that mindset in a less superficial way as he was realizing his ability to live his own life free from his fathers abuse and all the other things that were holding him back.
It also ends at a strange point, like a soft cliff hanger. My guess is that the next book will follow Ethan’s sister and the plot will pick up with her in the next book.
Issues above aside I think this book was really well written, and still enjoyed and recommend it for the author’s unique (very unique) take on shifters and fated mates.
March 15, 2022
The first book is kind of delicious and this one was pretty great also. Not as good as the first, in my humble opinion, but Ethan and Preston are a great duo, I really enjoyed reading about the progression of their relationship.
4 stars from me.
I will definitely read number 3 in the series and the author’s other works as well. Xx
4 stars from me.
I will definitely read number 3 in the series and the author’s other works as well. Xx
December 31, 2023
this will be similar to the review i left of the first book Unfated Mates.
their relationship was so frustratingly cute. i just wanted them to be happy, all sunshines and rainbows. but again what stopped this from being a higher rated book for me is the same reasons for the last book and more.
1. i’m still unsure if i find it okay for them to do it (wink wink) while in wolf form. like that is straight up animal s*x but with one as a wolf and the other a human… idk how to feel.
2. the writing. the author uses way too many exclamation points, and you can they’re not being used correctly. i also think her 3rd person writing needs work to be more smooth for the readers, oh and way too much use of the word “dude”.
3. it felt like the author just kept making more and more issues to drag it out. this did not to be 250+ pages but the author did not take a break lol. every time they’re happy she brought out another issue. it just got too much imo.
4. i hated how much Preston saw every romantic/emotional act was a girl thing. i understand he has trauma but i assumed it would be addressed at some point. same with his problem with being gay. i liked the resistance but was hoping it would be addressed or that an actual conversation would be had about being gay and that bisexuality is a thing. in other words, his trauma was swept under the rug a lot.
but to end on a positive note, i did love them together. and i love how much they fought and cared for each other, even if they didn’t realize.
their relationship was so frustratingly cute. i just wanted them to be happy, all sunshines and rainbows. but again what stopped this from being a higher rated book for me is the same reasons for the last book and more.
1. i’m still unsure if i find it okay for them to do it (wink wink) while in wolf form. like that is straight up animal s*x but with one as a wolf and the other a human… idk how to feel.
2. the writing. the author uses way too many exclamation points, and you can they’re not being used correctly. i also think her 3rd person writing needs work to be more smooth for the readers, oh and way too much use of the word “dude”.
3. it felt like the author just kept making more and more issues to drag it out. this did not to be 250+ pages but the author did not take a break lol. every time they’re happy she brought out another issue. it just got too much imo.
4. i hated how much Preston saw every romantic/emotional act was a girl thing. i understand he has trauma but i assumed it would be addressed at some point. same with his problem with being gay. i liked the resistance but was hoping it would be addressed or that an actual conversation would be had about being gay and that bisexuality is a thing. in other words, his trauma was swept under the rug a lot.
but to end on a positive note, i did love them together. and i love how much they fought and cared for each other, even if they didn’t realize.
May 18, 2024
Weird ending...
...it just stopped abruptly, not a cliff hanger but more like the story was unfinished.
My first MM book and I enjoyed the twist aspect of a mate bond that I've only ever read in these two books. It's defiantly kept me hooked. Highly recomend.
...it just stopped abruptly, not a cliff hanger but more like the story was unfinished.
My first MM book and I enjoyed the twist aspect of a mate bond that I've only ever read in these two books. It's defiantly kept me hooked. Highly recomend.
March 15, 2022
I loved book one so much that I HAD to read this as soon as it was published. I binge-read this today and absolutely loved it. If you're okay with going into unfamiliar territory, here lies a story with a beautiful romance that takes a popular trope and flips it upside down.
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December 15, 2023better than the first one!
July 27, 2024
wowww!!!!
I loved the first. I loved the second. My goodness. Absolutely superb. Would recommend to anyone. I loved this book so so so so much. The characters were fabulous. I loved their banter and the interactions every minute. This couldn’t have been written better. It was absolute perfection.
!!!!!Spoiler!!!!!
When Victoria helped at the end, she won me over a little bit. I have some respect for her now. But before, I could have swung at her. She was grating on my nerves in the first book.
The story of Ethan and Preston though was extraordinary. Like, the way that they overcame fate much like Nat and Caleb was just perfect.
I loved the character of Preston. He was very much a manly male but he overcame in the face of Ethan because that is the type of love they shared.
In the beginning, it cracked me up seeing how Preston was absolutely against being into a guy. I love how he just gave into the fact because it was Ethan. I also liked that he wasn’t into anyone else when he discovered his sexuality. He only had eyes for Ethan and I adore that fact in novels.
The spice in this book was not overbearing and it was so indulging to read when it made an appearance. Storyline was wonderful. We got to see the perspective of Ethan and Preston during the times we read about in Nat and Caleb’s novel. It was just overall spectacular.
Should definitely read anyone who reads this review. If I could recommend infinite stars, I so would.
It’s not long but it was so easy to read.
I loved the first. I loved the second. My goodness. Absolutely superb. Would recommend to anyone. I loved this book so so so so much. The characters were fabulous. I loved their banter and the interactions every minute. This couldn’t have been written better. It was absolute perfection.
!!!!!Spoiler!!!!!
When Victoria helped at the end, she won me over a little bit. I have some respect for her now. But before, I could have swung at her. She was grating on my nerves in the first book.
The story of Ethan and Preston though was extraordinary. Like, the way that they overcame fate much like Nat and Caleb was just perfect.
I loved the character of Preston. He was very much a manly male but he overcame in the face of Ethan because that is the type of love they shared.
In the beginning, it cracked me up seeing how Preston was absolutely against being into a guy. I love how he just gave into the fact because it was Ethan. I also liked that he wasn’t into anyone else when he discovered his sexuality. He only had eyes for Ethan and I adore that fact in novels.
The spice in this book was not overbearing and it was so indulging to read when it made an appearance. Storyline was wonderful. We got to see the perspective of Ethan and Preston during the times we read about in Nat and Caleb’s novel. It was just overall spectacular.
Should definitely read anyone who reads this review. If I could recommend infinite stars, I so would.
It’s not long but it was so easy to read.
July 14, 2025
Preston is kind of a jerk. He's homophobic and never does any work to examine his own prejudices. The book presents queerness as a binary basically. You're either gay or not. Nobody ever once mentions bisexuality or anything of the sort. Preston repeatedly refers to anything soft, nice, or emotional as "girl things" so he's also misogynistic which is fun. And STOP calling Ethan dude all the time. It's weird.
Ethan is sweet and I loved that the author allowed him to stay a "runt" and he never changed in Preston's eyes for not being as physically strong as other wolves. He is allowed to remain soft throughout the narrative and uses his wits and every other tool in his arsenal to do what needs to be done. I wish he'd gone through more character development internally, undoing some of the persistent abuse by his family that impacts his self esteem.
Also on another note, the author uses way too many exclamation points. They're everywhere and it's also distracting. Nothing they say holds weight if they're always exclaiming or yelling. While the first book was really good in my opinion, this one missed way too many marks. I'm also not a fan of going through the same storyline again when not much happened between them for a while. Overall boring and not nearly enough character development or care taken in her depiction of queer men.
Ethan is sweet and I loved that the author allowed him to stay a "runt" and he never changed in Preston's eyes for not being as physically strong as other wolves. He is allowed to remain soft throughout the narrative and uses his wits and every other tool in his arsenal to do what needs to be done. I wish he'd gone through more character development internally, undoing some of the persistent abuse by his family that impacts his self esteem.
Also on another note, the author uses way too many exclamation points. They're everywhere and it's also distracting. Nothing they say holds weight if they're always exclaiming or yelling. While the first book was really good in my opinion, this one missed way too many marks. I'm also not a fan of going through the same storyline again when not much happened between them for a while. Overall boring and not nearly enough character development or care taken in her depiction of queer men.
March 27, 2023
An Unfated Mates Tale: Preston and Ethan can be read as a standalone, but is part of an interconnected wolf shifter series with multiple POV's and ends in a HEA.
This is the second book in the Unfated mates series. It follows Ethan, a wolf shifter, and Preston, a human with an alcoholic and abusive father.
I really liked the second installment of this series. It was well thought out and detailed. Ethan was so protective and sweet. Preston's struggle with coming to terms that he loved Ethan and would do anything for him was fantastic and seemed very realistic. I really loved how they fought for each other. Their chemistry was fantastic and their lives were so different, but also incredibly similar. The insight into the world was wonderful.
This is the second book in the Unfated mates series. It follows Ethan, a wolf shifter, and Preston, a human with an alcoholic and abusive father.
I really liked the second installment of this series. It was well thought out and detailed. Ethan was so protective and sweet. Preston's struggle with coming to terms that he loved Ethan and would do anything for him was fantastic and seemed very realistic. I really loved how they fought for each other. Their chemistry was fantastic and their lives were so different, but also incredibly similar. The insight into the world was wonderful.
September 25, 2025
This series definitely needs to be read in order, as some scenes appear in both the first book and this one, just from different points of view. This was a shorter time frame, and shorter book overall, but still pretty cute.
However, the attraction between Ethan and Preston seemed to happen very quickly, and it seemed more of an infatuation than actual love, whereas Natty and Caleb had more time to fall in love, etc. Again with the borderline bestiality.. kind of ick so readers beware there. But other than that, it was a very sweet coming of age read, and I am really hoping we will get Vick's story next. It definitely seems like Lexie was building up to another book.
However, the attraction between Ethan and Preston seemed to happen very quickly, and it seemed more of an infatuation than actual love, whereas Natty and Caleb had more time to fall in love, etc. Again with the borderline bestiality.. kind of ick so readers beware there. But other than that, it was a very sweet coming of age read, and I am really hoping we will get Vick's story next. It definitely seems like Lexie was building up to another book.
August 14, 2023
Impressive!
This was an impressive follow up to the first Unfated Mates. However, the ending leaves much to be desired. It’s almost like the author got tired of writing and just quit. There was so much more to be said!! I’m hoping there will be a follow up but I didn’t see anything to indicate that there will be. This story was so captivating. These boys finally finding love. Sexy scenes that were hot, not inappropriate. It was such a good story. I hate that the ending ruined it.
This was an impressive follow up to the first Unfated Mates. However, the ending leaves much to be desired. It’s almost like the author got tired of writing and just quit. There was so much more to be said!! I’m hoping there will be a follow up but I didn’t see anything to indicate that there will be. This story was so captivating. These boys finally finding love. Sexy scenes that were hot, not inappropriate. It was such a good story. I hate that the ending ruined it.
December 24, 2025
So the first 30% or so had so many scenes just copied and pasted from the first book. Idk how to get around that since the timelines overlapped but it was hard to read the books one after another because of it. I also had a few issues with Preston’s character (though his flaws were very understandable) and would have liked to see more growth for his own sake. Otherwise this one was also really cute. Idk how to feel about the wolf bit yet… it’s really not any different than any other monster romance but it feels weird. lol.
October 21, 2023
Lots of repeats of scenes from book one in the first half of the story, with what felt like padding around it. We get to almost at the end of the story to find us at the same place as the ending of the first book and it worried me...
The final pages were a blur with too much and not enough and I felt cheated - seriously, we got this far and for what???
Too many unanswered questions and no follow on and I hate to say it, but was this a cliffhanger? 😲
The final pages were a blur with too much and not enough and I felt cheated - seriously, we got this far and for what???
Too many unanswered questions and no follow on and I hate to say it, but was this a cliffhanger? 😲
February 8, 2024
So much of this was verbatim copied from book 1 but from the pov of one of the guys in this. Feels like a cheating way to get your KU reads.
Preston, although redeemed through his love for Ethan, exhausted me with his constant internalised homophobia. And he’s presumably bisexual, which might have been nice to have had mentioned.
Also, cringe at no lube. They have the internet. They should know better.
Preston, although redeemed through his love for Ethan, exhausted me with his constant internalised homophobia. And he’s presumably bisexual, which might have been nice to have had mentioned.
Also, cringe at no lube. They have the internet. They should know better.
January 18, 2024
This was so much better than the first book, Preston and Ethan are such an adorable and amazing couple. I'm IM LOVE with them, and I really loved them, I liked everything about their relationship and if there's another book and both if they make just a little appearance I'll be the most excited person.
Preston and Ethan, I'll love you both forever 🤍
Preston and Ethan, I'll love you both forever 🤍
May 22, 2024
such a good book!
I loved the first book to this series, but this second one was so funny and sweet!
It made me laugh, and cry, had all the feels! I hope the author makes a book about Ethan’s sister! Maybe even one about Caleb’s parents and why they ran away before their accident. I just really love the characters and the story! It’s so good!
I loved the first book to this series, but this second one was so funny and sweet!
It made me laugh, and cry, had all the feels! I hope the author makes a book about Ethan’s sister! Maybe even one about Caleb’s parents and why they ran away before their accident. I just really love the characters and the story! It’s so good!
June 14, 2024
pretty good
In overall I liked book, there’s was a bit too much “ you mean the world to me” talks, at some point they was in every chapter .
I was disappointed with ending, I was hoping that Caleb and Ethan will form some sort of their own pack and Caleb as alpha will protect him and Preston.
Was disappointed how ending turned out to be
In overall I liked book, there’s was a bit too much “ you mean the world to me” talks, at some point they was in every chapter .
I was disappointed with ending, I was hoping that Caleb and Ethan will form some sort of their own pack and Caleb as alpha will protect him and Preston.
Was disappointed how ending turned out to be
July 30, 2025
loved both books
Loved the books however I feel they just kinda ended at odd points and no further information provided regarding what comes next… I feel I’ve only been giving the start of a story not the whole story which is a huge shame as they are really interesting and fascinating stories hopefully the 3rd book will provide more content on what comes next
Loved the books however I feel they just kinda ended at odd points and no further information provided regarding what comes next… I feel I’ve only been giving the start of a story not the whole story which is a huge shame as they are really interesting and fascinating stories hopefully the 3rd book will provide more content on what comes next
July 5, 2022
Soo good
2nd book in the series and it’s just as good as the first. It picks up from part of the way in the first story and gives you Preston’s and Ethan’s version of events. Loved seeing what happened at the sleepover. Really hope we get Vick’s book!
2nd book in the series and it’s just as good as the first. It picks up from part of the way in the first story and gives you Preston’s and Ethan’s version of events. Loved seeing what happened at the sleepover. Really hope we get Vick’s book!
April 19, 2023
Excellent story
I was so so happy when I saw Ethan and Preston got their own story. It was so sweet and adorable. Looking forward to hopefully more in this world in the future. I'd love to get Vick's story.
I was so so happy when I saw Ethan and Preston got their own story. It was so sweet and adorable. Looking forward to hopefully more in this world in the future. I'd love to get Vick's story.
September 5, 2023
another wow
I immediately read this after finishing the first book. This author is so skilled at making the reader feel the love. Again, she turned this trope on its head, and loved every word.
I immediately read this after finishing the first book. This author is so skilled at making the reader feel the love. Again, she turned this trope on its head, and loved every word.
February 19, 2024
loved it
This book is just as good as the first. I loved reading Preston and Ethan’s story. It was filled with heartache, love, sensual moments and so much more. Again I love Lexie Talkonis’s take on mates and choosing your own fate. Great book , it’s a must read for me.
This book is just as good as the first. I loved reading Preston and Ethan’s story. It was filled with heartache, love, sensual moments and so much more. Again I love Lexie Talkonis’s take on mates and choosing your own fate. Great book , it’s a must read for me.
July 15, 2024
When you read book 1, I always feel the need to read the rest. In this case, I was not disappointed. I loved following the struggles of this couple as they made their own way and figured out how to be together.
February 8, 2025
I really liked this book and was excited to read it after the first book. However I was a little let down with this one. Don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed the book however I was hoping for more character development when it came to Preston being with Ethan.
June 30, 2023
Good read!
I'm glad we got to learn Preston and Ethan's story! I also like how parts overlapped Caleb and Nat's story. Good read!
I'm glad we got to learn Preston and Ethan's story! I also like how parts overlapped Caleb and Nat's story. Good read!
September 13, 2023
Good sequel
October 16, 2023
Different, not bad it was fine. Fast paced
November 11, 2023
Loved it it makes a change to read unfated mates insread of fated and refreshing to see a gay romance instead of normal straight ones. Hope theres more to come would love to read vicks story
January 24, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews