My Mate

The Alpha Shifter Collection #23

by Sam Crescent

Dex Arlington is the Alpha’s son, and he will not allow anyone to hurt his mate. When he finds out she's been beaten up by one of the pack wolves, he goes to settle the score. He doesn’t care that Casey hasn’t been able to change into a wolf. She belongs to him, and no one will hurt her, and anyone who tries will pay the price.

Casey Scott isn't happy. Ever since she knew she was a wolf, all she has ever wanted was to transition. She wants to run out in the wild, beneath the full moon. Only, it never happens. Her wolf is not coming.

She doesn’t know how Dex can want her. Yet, nothing sends him away. He refuses to leave her alone. From the moment they first met as children, he said he knew they were meant to be mates.

But someone has a secret. They are closing in. Who would dare try to kill the Alpha’s son?

Genres: Shapeshifters, Romance, Novella, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2025

About the author

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

Reviews

[Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

‼️Cute Novella
♥️DUEL VIRGINS
♥️Mates
‼️Some Angst
‼️Mates/Childhood/Love From Early in life
‼️Very mildish OWD
😍He has eyes only for her from age 3!!!
‼️some bullying not from the MCs

This was short and sweet and had a bit of a storyline that I was surprised at. It did take me a min to get into it though. And some of the writing and dialogue was off to me.
But overall really enjoyed this quick read and DUEL V can’t get better than that!

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOUBLE VIRGINS!!

Holy jalapeños, this was smokin!!! I loved this one, it was the perfect combo of sweet and steamy!

I especially loved that both the hero and heroine were virgins and belonged only to each other, no memories of another gunking up their heart and soul, no one else coming between them!

And for the win—their first time together isnt skipped over or cut off!! Finally!

Super safe! Both virgins, no cheating or sharing, very minor unwanted OW drama (hero doesn’t have anything to do with her!) no om drama, hea with epilogue years out!

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute, quick read




- dual V
- small OW drama (last chapter, the girl is obsessed with mmc, he doesn’t care about her, I don’t want to spoil too much, because it has a lot to do with the plot)

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of The Alpha Shifter Collection get comfortable you put it down until the last page has been turned. Casey is sweet she has been pushed around because of her inability to shift; her pack isn’t accepting of her well some members and her self esteem is taking a hit not to mention anxiety issues, but her mate will take care of that. Dex sexy as all get out son of the alpha has known who his fated mate is he has nominated himself as her protector won’t allow anyone to push her around, he knows she will shift, and he ensure that she fits right in with everyone else regardless of the fact she doesn’t shift he committed to the mate bond. But when outside danger starts to affect them will they stick together, who is trying to keep them apart, why hasn’t her wolf made an appearance, and will they find happiness somewhere along the way with or without her wolf?

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Mate is Book 23 of The Alpha Shifter Collection. It's a short and steamy, instalove, paranormal, fated mates, curvy girl gets her wolf shifter romance. Casey is a sweet and curvy wolf shifter who hasn't transitioned yet. She is worried the pack will reject her because of it. Dex is the hunky son of the Alpha. He has been in love with Casey for some time. They are best friends, and he knows that she is his fated mate. She has feelings for him too but is worried about not being good enough for him. Can Dex show her that he is all in? And when there is unexpected danger, can they keep each other safe? This couple had great chemistry. Dex was a big old cinnamon roll for Casey, and we got a very happy ending. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookreviewgirl_xo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"We can't live our lives in fear."

Rating : 3.25/5

Dex + Casey

✔ Friends to Lovers
✔ "Hurt her and Die"
✔ Alpha's Son/ Unshifted Wolf
✔ Mates
✔ Insta-love
✔ Both 18 Years Old
✔ Both Virgins
✔ Slight OW Drama
✔ Multiple POVs - Third Person
✔ HEA with Epilogue

[Jen ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers below...


It's pretty cute, and I really enjoy the communication between Dex and Casey.

He'd known since they were three that she was his mate, and since then he did everything he could to protect her from anyone who tried to bully or hurt her.

He can't exactly unalive them (pack's rule), but he definitely made them pay and had them apologize to her every freaking time. If that's not defending her honor, IDK what else is. 🤭

He's also faithful to her, which I get is the bare minimum, but I still want to emphasize it. 😂 Even though he could be with other girls since he's the alpha's son (and I know there are lots of opportunities). He never even considered other girls because, to him, Casey's the only one that counts, and nobody else comes close. *Sighs* Dex, my man, you really are the best! 🤭

I love Casey too, and I love her kind heart. Even with all the awful things some of her pack did to her, she stayed a good person, always ready to lend a hand whenever she could. She was honest, thoughtful, selfless, and protective in her own way. And I just really loved that about her. It's pretty amazing how some people stay true to themselves, not letting the actions and behaviors of others get to them. I think it really takes a lot of courage to be that kind of person, and it just seems to come so naturally to Casey. 🥹

I felt sad for her when she couldn't change into her wolf. She’s been waiting for this a long time, and when it didn't happen, my heart broke a little for her every time. Still, even with everything going on, she kept a positive outlook. She began to accept that maybe it just wasn't meant to be, and she was working on being okay with that.

I'm just glad that Dex was with her all throughout these moments, and they could share and talk about their feelings together. I I really appreciate how open they are and how they can talk about anything and everything, or even just nothing at all.

Anyway, the villain totally caught me off guard since she wasn't even mentioned in the story at all. She only showed up at the end, and wow, she was awful. That girl is truly one of a kind, and the things she did? Nasty—they're just downright nasty. I'm just glad she finally got her comeuppance.

Overall, I loved it. I had fun with it, and I just wish it were a bit longer—still novella-length, but with a few more pages to show more sweet moments between the MCs. But yeah, ignoring my personal issue, this is really an entertaining read. ☺️


Book info:
- Novella
- Fated mates
- Dual V! 💕
- Open communication 👏
- Supportive family
- No cheating, OM/OW, separation
- Suspense (🤏)
- Surprised pregnancy
- HEA (10 yrs later, happily married, with 3 kids and pregnant)

[bookswiftt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro me gustó mucho, es un libro muy corto que está hecho para leerlo en 4-5 horas, le doy 5🌟 porque apesar de ser corto, tiene una buena trama, y te entretiene mucho.

Como podemos ver en la portada es un libro acerca de lobos, tenemos a nuestros dos protagonistas, por un lado esta Dex, el hijo del alfa que está próximo a convertirse en el Alfa de la Aldea y por el otro está Casey, que es una chica que aun no ha podido transicionar osea que aun no ha podido encontrar a su "loba" por lo cual se siente muy apartada de la manada porque apesar de que ella sabe que es una loba aun no tiene las capacidades que todos a su alrededor sí.

En el desarrollo del libro encontramos que Dex siempre ha querido a Casey, ella es para él la indicada, desde pequeños él siempre lo ha sabido y apesar de que él es el próximo Alfa y ella aun no ha transicionado por lo cual podrían acusarlo de no ser un buen Alfa, él la quiere y está dispuesto a todo por ella, mientras que Casey se siente justo así, que debido a que su transición se ha retrasado mucho pues ella no es digna de él, a lo largo del libro vamos viendo como él siempre está para ella y la apoya y nunca la juzga por no tener aun su "loba" sino que al contrario, para él ella es perfecta tal cual es, pasan ciertas cositas como que la bruja de la aldea les muestra lo que podría ser el futuro de ellos, lo cual causa cierta incertidumbre e inseguridad en Dex y Casey, pero al final todo se resuelve y tenemos un HEA asegurado.

Amé el libro porque es tan simple y fácil de leer, esta hecho para leer rápido y no matarte tratando de entender ciertas cosas o llorar mares, lo que busca este libro es entretenerte un rato y pasar un buen tiempo, y lo cumple. 🤍

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book that I am voluntarily reviewing.

Casey has been dreaming of meeting her wolf ever since she realized what she was, the years have passed and she was finally about to meet her, was finally going to be able to run free only she can no longer hear her call, her wolf has been silenced when she is meant to be at her loudest. She is heartsick at watching the rest of the pack having what she has always wanted. Her pack have all but turned their back on her, well all except Dex her best friend and also the next leader. She had always thought that they were mates but how could that be true when she is half the wolf that she should be. Can she and Dex be together if she never shifts or could there be another reason that her wolf has suddenly vanished?

Dex has always known who Casey was to him, she was always meant to be his one true mate but when they turned eighteen and her wolf didn’t emerge, he knew that something was wrong. He has watched her self-esteem drop and still try so hard for the rest of the pack. She is always there for anyone, but the past year has been hard for her and he can see her losing all hope, Dex has enough for both of them and he is determined to show her that they are meant to be whether she finds her inner wolf or not. But could there be another reason why she hasn’t shifted yet and who would want to keep them apart?

I loved this book and was unable to put it down and found it easy to read in one sitting. Dex was the perfect alpha to be and his love for Casey was apparent from the start. Plenty of steam but with innocence of a true love. Highly recommended read. 4.7*

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mate - The Alpha Shifter Collection - Book 23 by Sam Crescent

I adore this series and was delighted to read another addition to it. Dex Arlington is eighteen and the future alpha of the pack. Since he was a pup he has known that Casey Scott who is also eighteen is his fated mate. He finds himself drawn to her like no other, he protects her and aches to be with her but he has to show patience. Casey isn't blind to her feelings for the future alpha of the pack but knows he needs a strong female by his side. Not someone like her who is unable to shift into her wolf. She is struggling to connect with her animal and knows and feels the rest of the packs feelings about her lack of ability to shift. She can't bring herself to agree with Dex that they are fated because she knows her lack of wolf is no good for a future luna but Dex is truly one in a million and sets about showing his woman just how very special she is and what she means to him. I loved Dex he was such a point of strength for Casey, her true soul mate, her rock. I enjoyed his relationship with his father Klaus too, the current pack alpha. It was good to see more to the character. Lucinder the witch was also an interesting character to add to the story. A thoroughly enjoyable book that I loved every moment of. Sam does it again! Happy Reading.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will their bond prevail

My Mate may be the twenty-third book in The Alpha Shifter Collection but it is still entertaining and working. This story is abbot Casey Scott and Dex Arlington. They have known each other since they were young children. It was then that they both fell in love with each other, with Dex knowing in his heart that they were meant to be together no matter what. Now they are older and things are shifting. Well actually not for her as she has not been able to shift into her wolf yet much to her dismay. It has left her questioning herself and where she belongs. Dex does not give up on Casey as he still believes she is his fated mate. As the son of the pack alpha he holds a position and will defend and protect what and who is his.
This story had me laughing at times and then engrossed with my head down and not being able to look up until I found out what was to happen next. Around every chapter there is something new, a new twist, and new revelation, a new prediction.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey, didn’t shift into her wolf, when it was expected of her and that makes her a target for bullies and gives her anxiety, but she has a protector her mate Dex. He is always there for her, has her back, loves and supports her.
He, the alpha’s son, loves her for her, despite her shifting problems.
But suddenly danger arises and someone wants to break them up and they have to fight for their future.
I absolutely loved the concept that we have a strong pair with steadfast feelings and commitment. No rejection, no wavering, no doubts.
I absolutely love Dex, his possessiveness, his love for her and he is protective of her and their relationship.
Casey is as sweet as you can be, is loved by many (even if she doesn’t realizes it) and they have a beautiful relationship.
I loved their chemistry, their story is beautiful, sweet and spicy.
It’s a story full of love, twists and a beautiful ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Mate is the twenty-third book in the Alpha Shifter Collection. The book is an easy read with a very sweet love story. It is nice to read a paranormal supernatural story with alphas who care deeply for their pack, sacrifice for their good, and truly take care of them regardless of their status. Kindness and compassion go a long way. It is also nice to read a love story where there is no doubt that the two people are in love and fated to be together, and they do not fight it. Their complications came from outside the relationship, but there was still some angst and drama, and wonderful characters.

The book would have gotten five stars, but I am not used to reading stories by Sam Crescent that have so much predictability with a bit of a shallowness in the storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we have another big hit. I loved how Casey can't turn into her wolf when everyone else has and she becomes the person some of the pack bully. Dex has always had he back protecting her and knowing every little thing that happens with her. He has known from a young age that she is his mate and has always had her back. I loved how their relationship develops and even knowing that she may not turn into a wolf Dex doesn't think less of her and still wants her for his mate. Casey is such a sweet, giving person that everyone loves her even though she doesn't feel that way. The relationship between these two is full of spice and also sweet. Love the twists and surprises in the end. Sam never lets us down with her stories. This is a must read!!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dex has known that Casey is his mate. Sure, she can’t transition now but it will come. He isn’t about to let anyone bully her. He will protector her to the end. Casey was hoping the transition would happen when she turned 18 but nothing. She feels like she doesn’t belong in the pack. Dex has been nothing but sweet. When he tells her she is his mate, she knew it was right. But what is holding her back. Never mess with Lucinda the witch. She isn’t bad but her magic comes with a price his father knows well. This was a really good story. I enjoyed the difference. It was an awakening of two wolves with one lost but then found.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet romance for alpha in training, Dex, and his fated mate, Casey. She hasn't been able to shift into her wolf and this is causing her some serious anxiety, not to mention rejection and bullying from some pack members. Dex loves her totally, though, and I really liked the role model his father was in how the pack came first. That no sacrifice was too big to save the pack. Put together with a strong fated mates love, Dex and Casey are committed to each other but have to deal with outside influences and danger. This was a bit of an angsty read but I couldn't put it down ;P Definitely a great addition to the series :D

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I love a good paranormal fated mate novel and this novel just checked so many boxes for me. I was excited to jump into this novel and was not disappointed. Once I started reading I didn't want to put it down. It was a sweet novel to read. I loved Dex, and his fated mate, Casey. I loved Dex and how protective he was of Casey. I loved their chemistry. I loved watching their realization that they are fated mates and as they fall in love. So good! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next. Loved it!

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Casey and Dex. Dex has been her protégé and kept her safe for years, but when she is attacked again he has had enough and steps up his game and does everything he can to make her understand how he feels about her. Casey is desperate because she has not only been attacked but she is also distraught because her wolf refuses to show himself, but everything changes when she finds out that Dex cares about her and what he has done for her and is willing to do. A great romantic shifter story that I would definitely recommend reading.





I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Mate…

I’m not going to spoil this because you should enjoy this unfolding like I did. The basic premise is that the FL hasn’t transitioned into her wolf when she turned 18. But she still knows that the ML is her mate, and he knows it too. He’s the future Alpha but he’s only a teenager too, so he still has his own Alpha, his dad, guiding him. There is also a character named Lucinda who seems to be a witch, but left her coven behind to live in their forest.

This is a quick, short story but it’s good. I enjoyed it and I really liked the characters. This was a fun little read!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Mate

Dex had always know Casey was his mate and had protected her for years and after the last attack on her, he was more determined to make her aware of his feelings.

Casey was upset and frustrated, her Wolf had not come forward but finding out how much Dex cared for her and what she was to him made her re-think and evaluate who she was.

This is one super romantic read with some steamy moments and a twist you won’t see coming!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first page of this book to the last. The plot is intense in the best ways. Casey is part of a wolf pack, but she cannot shift. It is a mystery to her why she can't. Dex has been her constant protector since he was a small boy, and that has not changed. I love the closeness between Dex and Casey. There are twists in this book that I didn't see coming, and it made it so good. Excellent plot, great spice, and the best HEA!

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protector Mate

Casey is a shifter who has never shifted into her wolf. This has caused her a lot of disappointment and stress, especially when the other pack members pick on her and beat her for being different. Her only friend, Dex, stands up for her as her protector. He is the Alpha’s son and he thinks Casey is his mate. He will keep her safe no matter what happens.

This was a sweet romance between the two main characters and there was some good suspenseful moments as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[olivia V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

fated mates, cute teen romance, cute hea, some pack and witch action.. way better than book 1 in this series. This felt very different from some of the other stuff written and especially some of the earlier books, hardly a drop of ow drama, mc is completely and totally loyal and devoted. This is an anomaly in this authors works. I'll take it but not going to even bother reviewing any of the others I tried, I dnf'd about 5 before this from some of her other series. I would say the majority of this authors books are not safe whatsoever.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Casey wanted was to turn into her wolf but that moment hasn't come. Dex is the Alphas heir and had been by Casey side since they were young kids and he knew she was special to him even then was, he didn't mind that her wolf hadn't come but he will destroy anyone who will come for her but what about the ones coming for him? Well written, double vcard, sweet steamy, fated mates, friends to lovers, shifter romance

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Crescent has written another story in this series. Casey has turned 18 but hasn't shifted yet so some of the pack bully her. Dex, who is the Alpha's son and heir, has always protected her since they were kids. The story is friends to lovers and was a wonderful read. I loved how they were each others "first" and as always Ms. Crescent gives us an epilogue so we can see them in the future! A bit of OW drama but nothing bad and it's quickly resolved!

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an intriguing shifter romance. Casey is unable to transition and it is causing her lots of stress. Dex is an alpha and knows that Casey is his mate. He doesn’t care about Casey’s inability to shift. Dex has to convince Casey that his love for her is unconditional. Outside forces are interfering in their happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really admire the main male character! He always believed that she was his true mate and stayed so faithful and committed to her. The story was filled with exciting twists and turns, and I loved how it showed that the future is always uncertain. And the villain? She surprised me completely, just popping up out of nowhere!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dex and Casey’s story has them growing up together and he knew she was his mate but her wolf doesn’t transition. That doesn’t keep him from wanting her and protecting her. But other are bullying and hurting her and he will show them. But some are trying to separate them throw in drama and secrets and you have a good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dex is the future Alpha of his pack and has loved Casey and knows she is his mate. Casey has a problem she has never shifted. Most in the pack love Casey but there are some that tease her due to her lack of shifting. Dex will do anything to protect Casey. fate may have a different plan for the couple depending on what path they chose.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 23 in the Alpha Shifter series, it is a standalone.

Casey Scott is a sweet young member of the pack who has been unnable to shift while Dex Arlington is the Pack Alpha's Son, has know for many years that Casey is his, and has always protected her.

It was nice to read a book where the Alpha isn't an A$$hole, there were also secrets, steam, humour and and a surprising Villian, an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.