Fated Mates and Where to Find Them

A Fated Mates Standalone

By: AJ Sherwood

Narrated by: Derek Prince

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; the 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!

©2023 AJ Sherwood (P)2024 Podium Audio

cinammon roll goodness and lots of spoiling

Audio: 4.25⭐️

I love AJ Sherwood, and this story is no exception. While it’s lighter on shenanigans and less quirky than most of her oeuvre, it still has hallmarks of her style—little to no angst; one MC finding another absolutely adorable with an urge to wrap around them like an overly affectionate python and shower them with all the things; the other MC bemused but eventually won over by the cuddly bulldozer in their life; and an almost endless supply of good cheer, sass and fun. Max begins the story desperate after his father was in a devastating accident and the hospital bills for his care are astronomical, with more in the way. Contracting himself to a rich vampire seems to be the only option despite his aversion to them after being attacked and left for dead by one.

Zander dislikes blood auctions, but when a business deal sees him at one, he takes one look at Max, clearly terrified but bravely determined and can’t leave him there. Learning about the sacrifices Max has made for his father has Zander instantly smitten and dedicated to doing anything in his power to make Max’s life easier. Expecting to be subjected to cruelty and unwanted feedings and sex, Max is mystified and almost fearful of being spoiled and shown such fondness. As he sees that Zander’s cheerfully giving nature is genuine, he slowly lowers his guard and eventually finds himself unexpectedly in love.

This story is so charming and sweet! Although Zander isn't very fleshed out, he’s so generous, good-natured, and just what Max needs that it works. The vampires are very human but have some supernatural abilities, and their capabilities and hierarchy are conveyed well within the limited worldbuilding. I had an issue with the story in its original form in the anthology about the significant plot beat dealing with the political body that governs vampire society and covets true mates. They were of great concern to the MCs and Zander’s sire, but there was no follow through. There is now added material in this story that goes into the politics which was cool, but then it turns into batshish craziness that is more distracting than what the previous version omitted lol. Still a fun, fluffy story that Derek Prince performs well.

Cute story

This is a fun story with interesting characters. It will be fun to read more stories in this series. The narration was good.

An awesome audio version of a great book.

Another wonderful book by AJ Sherwood. I had already read the e-book version and just had to have the audiobook. The narration is very enjoyable and sometimes has me laughing out loud.

Loved it!

Zander is a quirky vampire. Max is human and needs money to help pay for medical bills for his dad that’s in a coma. Zander comes to Max’s rescue. Zander can’t help himself, he has to spoil his Max. As they learn how to navigate their relationship, they find they appreciate each other and fall in love.

The narrator did a wonderful job, I just loved listening to this audio.

Dull naration

Story was fine, not AJ's best, but good enough. Narration was just dull. My mind kept wandering. I guess I'm just too used to Greg Boudreaux or Joel Leslie.