Alpha's Midlife Baby: The Fated Over Forty Prequel

Shifter Nation: Fated Over Forty

By: Meg Ripley

Narrated by: D.C. Cole

I’m fated to the Alpha, but I can’t give him the one thing he needs:
An heir.

They say life begins at 40....

But when infertility led to my divorce, it seemed more like the end.

When I’d rather be at home in my sweats binging '80s movies, my dad begs me to go to Carlton with him for moral support as he presents my much younger sister to their unmated Alpha.

We end up barging into his clan meeting—completely awkward, to say the least.

But not as awkward as when I realize he’s my fated mate.

When he tells me his bear knows we’re destined to be together,w e can’t help but give in to the fire between us.

But he deserves to know the truth: I can never give him an heir, so it will never work.

Until, weeks later, I see the impossible: A pregnancy test with two lines.

Alpha’s Midlife Baby is the prequel novella to the Fated Over Forty series. Steamy shifter love scenes and an HEA inside! No cheating or cliffhanger in this standalone romance. Listeners 18+.

©2022 Meg Ripley (P)2023 Meg Ripley

Baby

To have a child was not in her cards and so she refused his advances

Alpha's Midlife Baby!

This is a prequel and good start to the Shifter Nation "Fated Over Forty" series. What would you do if you found out your sisters intended is actually your fated mate? This is a good read/listen. The narrator did a good job bringing this story and the characters to life. The story is about alpha Chris who is being pushed into a marriage with a girl he has nothing for. Brandy, a divorce, is intending to be there for he sisters engagement. When Chris and Brandy meet they know they are fated mates. She knows it cannot happen because she can't have children. Her time wife her ex proved that; or did it? This is a good story. I love Chris and Brandy together!!

Fated Mates

I read the "Alpha's Midlife Baby" previously. This time around I listened to the audio version and I so enjoyed hearing the characters talking. Chris is a 43-year-old alpha bear shifter in need of a mate and an heir. His mom invites the Grays over for Chris to meet their youngest daughter Nicole and merge the two clans. When Chris sees the older daughter Brandy she is the one that his bear is drawn to. Brandy is Chris’ fated mate. Brandy thinks that she cannot give Chris an heir but things quickly change when a pregnancy test reveal two lines.
This is an easy quick read, entertaining, funny situations, some drama, romance and awesome plot.

I received an ARC audible via Booksprout and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Sweet

This is a sweet prequel to Fated Over Forty series. It is well written and gives depth to the characters. Brandy and Chris have a few ups and downs getting to their HEA. It overall was a beautiful story and start to this series. I enjoyed the narration and how it brought this story further to life. The narrator had distinct voices and made for an enjoyable listen.

I Enjoyed It

I enjoyed this book. It was a fun, quick story. Chris is alpha of his clan and would rather be left to it, but his parents are pushing to find him a mate and set him up to meet a prospective bride and her family. They have good hearted intentions and want their son to be happy. Brandy is going with her sister for moral support to meet the alpha their father and stepmother want her to marry. Brandy is more of a mother to Nicole and wants the best for her. Their stepmother just wants Nicole mated and out of her house and the status of her being mated to a clan alpha. Nicole and Chris have nothing in common, and though polite to each other, neither is interested. But Chris and Brandy click right away and feel they are fated. But as alpha, Chris would need an heir and Brandy and her husband got a divorce after she couldn't have children.

This was an interesting story, with likable (and some unlikable) characters. I listened to it as an audiobook narrated by D.C. Cole. He did a good job and spoke clearly and fluidly. He has a nice deep voice, not quite light enough for the female voices, but it didn't bother me. I would be happy to listen to him again.

Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars

A quick fun listen

Definitely enjoyed reading books with older characters. Brandy has a younger sister that her father and step mother want to marry off. In comes Chris who is Alpha of a local tribe. Chris is being encouraged to finally find a wife. Everyone figures Chris would form a connection with Brandy’s younger sister, but it’s Brandy who catches his eye. Their connection was hot and I was here for it.

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

Quick listen

This is a quick listen. The story I give 3.5 stars. The narrator gets 4 stars. Fated mates meet but deny it is happening. They finally get it figured out but there is a twist. Eventually everything works out.

Sweet Midlife Romance with a little bit of Spice

Meg Ripley's Alpha's Midlife Baby, the prequel to the Fated over Forty Series, is a captivating and relatable story that expertly weaves together elements of romance, fantasy, and the challenges of midlife. As a fan of Ripley's previous works, I couldn't resist diving into this book, and I'm pleased to say that it didn't disappoint.

One of the strengths of Ripley's writing is her ability to create a cohesive world that can be enjoyed both as a standalone novel and as part of a series. Alpha's Midlife Baby beautifully builds upon the existing universe while allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story without feeling lost. Whether you're new to Ripley's books or a long-time reader, this book offers a satisfying reading experience.

I opted for the audiobook version of Alpha's Midlife Baby, and for the most part, it was an enjoyable experience. The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the story to life, making it easy to engage with the characters and the plot. However, there was one minor drawback. The portrayal of the moms in the story, through the narrator's voice, felt a bit stereotypical, akin to southern Karens. Unfortunately, this choice made it difficult for me to fully connect with these characters, even when their personalities seemed likable on paper.

Clocking in at under three hours, this audiobook was the perfect companion for completing household chores or getting ready for the week ahead. Meg Ripley's engaging storytelling and well-developed characters make it an ideal choice for a shorter, immersive experience.

In conclusion, Alpha's Midlife Baby is a delightful addition to Meg Ripley's Fated over Forty Series. It seamlessly combines elements of romance and fantasy while presenting relatable characters and a slow-burn romance that feels genuine. Despite a minor flaw in the narration, the audiobook is still highly enjoyable and well worth a listen. Fans of Ripley's previous works will undoubtedly find this prequel to be a satisfying read, and newcomers to the series will be enticed to explore more of her captivating storytelling.

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

Chris

There is nothing so tiresome as a mama playing matchmaker to her grown child (ie: adult). Even worse, when the match is with the wrong sister. Chris is drawn to the older divorced sister Brandy.
As Alpha Chris must carry on the blood lines. Is that possible with Brandy? It is well written, and entertaining. The narration was well done.

I received a free copy of this audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Amazing

I thought this was such an amazing story. Who knew life after 40 could bring such happiness and love.

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