Thank you NetGalley for providing this e-ARC, all opinions are my own.

This book was really good! I actually got the chance to read the first book of this series through NetGalley as well, so when I saw this one I just had to request it! Especially since it is a queer paranormal romance with a nonbinary main character. It was very interesting to see characters from the first book in a more detailed and more personal way and really get to know them. I really loved V and I am very glad that I got the chance to read more about them.

All in all this book was enjoyable and sweet and if you like queer shifter romances this could be the book for you!

This book was not for me. I love paranormal and shifter romances but I could not get into this book. I loved the idea of a nonbinary protagonist and a queer romance, but the writing was not for me.

Heather McKenna is new to being a werewolf after the curse trapping her wolf has been broken. However she's, struggling to connect to her wolf.

V Raines is feeling frustrated with their pack's outdated beliefs; their father refuses to accept their non binary identity.

When their paths cross and it becomes clear that they're fates mates, Heather isn't ready for it.

This is the 2nd of Abbott's 'Pack of Her Own' series, however it can be read as a standalone (but I would recommend reading the 1st one first to help with the world-building).

While I did enjoy this book, especially the ending, I found it hard to connect to the characters at times. It didn't grab me as much as the first book.

I was a little worried about requesting this one because I hadn’t read the previous book, but I’m so glad I did request it! The story was well written and it was easy to understand some of the dynamics referenced in the earlier book. I instantly liked the main characters who are both outsiders in their own way and ended up showing how strong anyone can be. I’m also a sucker for found family stories, so this one ticked all the boxes for me. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read more about the pack!

Enjoyable paranormal romance. I’ve only started reading shifter stories recently. Mate of Her Own has Heather McKenna who can’t control her inner werewolf. Her mother was a mortal and had a witch curse Heather as a child to force her to be “normal". Called by her sister she goes to Edmonton where her mother is in a hospital. She is hoping for answers or closure. Instead she meets V Rains who is the Knight of the packs territory. V is the only child of the pack Alpha. But V is drawn to Heather as a true mate, which means they can’t do as the Alpha commands.

I read easily as a stand alone as there is a bit of recapping. Heather and her alpha’s story is in Pack of her Own (March 2023). This is about finding and choosing family (or a pack). I did have some unanswered questions particularly about Heather’s father and the witchcraft. Maybe they will be answered in future books or I just have to accept it as the past. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

I love shifter fantasies and especially the dynamics of a good wolf- shifter pack.
Elena Abbott's book is shape shifter romance at its finest.
She beautifully described the urgency of protecting your soulmate, when you finally find her/him/they. Then it‘s Love in the purest way!
Heather is a self-loathing, doubt-driven soul who was simply too hurt by the family that should have loved her.
She has found friends and a new pack, but not all the way to her wolf.
The connection with her is still a long way off, but meeting V, her True Mate, opens up new possibilities.
V, is trapped in the old rules and dusty views of her father, the Alpha of her pack.
She is non-binary, but he doesn’t care about that at all. He has his plans…
However, nothing will stop V from protecting and following their True Mate.
The two MCs have to fight many battles, face enemies and fight against old ways.

There is action, fighting and extremely hot, beautiful scenes full of lust and devotion! I really enjoyed it!
I need to read the first book „Pack of Her Own“!

Thanks to the Author and Bold Stroke Books for the ARC!

Mate of Her Own
Elena Abbott
I enjoy shape shifter romance novels and this one doesn’t disappoint.
Author Elena Abbott is a master at characterization. The characters in this book are well fleshed out. The plot is interesting and has depth. This is not your ordinary shape shifter book. This book is outstanding in its genre.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of Mate Of Her Own. My reviews are always my unbiased opinion.

I thought that this book was a little underwhelming. It seemed like it could have been far more exciting given the subject matter but there was too much of the internal monologues. It also felt like the characters kept having the same conversations and thoughts over and over again.

V was a cool character but it was frustrating for a while that they seemed like the only person able to see reason in their pack. It was nice that they were so protective of the people around them without feeling the need to be the person in charge. I feel like you don’t really see characters like that very offer.

Heather was kind of whiny and annoying. It did make sense because she was told her whole life that she wasn’t good enough for anything or anyone but it still got old after a while. Their separation also seemed forced with Heather abandoning V when they have absolutely no one left and then changing her mind out of nowhere. I also wished that Heather had a chance to confront her mother or at the very least find out what was wrong with her. The stuff with her family felt unresolved.

I did not read the first book but I never felt lost while reading this sequel. It does seem like the first one may have been more exciting than this one so I’ll probably go back and read it at some point. Overall, this wasn’t a bad book but i probably wouldn’t read it again or recommend it to anyone.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Total sucker for shifter shenanigans and this book delivers from mating bites to shifting mishaps. Interesting plot- getting to know the cursed wolf from book one. I do suggest reading Pack of Her Own first as you will love Wren and Natalie just that much more after reading this. The writing was a little rushed, but in this 15-sec attention span world it is an understandable speed increase. Overall, fun read and hits the spot when you want a little bit of witchiness and a whole lot of werewolvies.

"Mate of Her Own" by Elena Abbott is an absolute must read in the world of shifter romance, and it's a book that left me utterly mesmerized. From the very beginning, I knew I was in for something special. This novel stands out in a crowded genre because of its unique and captivating storyline.

What struck me most was the refreshing departure from the usual shifter romance tropes. Instead of following the predictable path, Abbott weaves a tale that is both inventive and enthralling. The depth of the characters and the complexity of their emotions made the story incredibly relatable and immersive. Heather's struggle to connect with her wolf and V's defiance of traditional pack expectations added layers of depth to their characters that I couldn't get enough of.

The drama and real-life circumstances that surround the storyline are masterfully executed. I found it nearly impossible to put the book down as I was drawn deeper into the intricate web of emotions, pack politics, and the mysteries of the curse that bound Heather. Every page was filled with anticipation and excitement.

As I approached the end of the book, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness, not because the story lacked closure, but because I was so invested in these characters that I didn't want to say goodbye. The ending is open in a way that suggests possible future books to continue the stories of others in the pack left me eagerly awaiting more.

Abbott's writing style is a perfect blend of action and drama, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. "Mate of Her Own" is a captivating journey that explores love, identity, and the complexities of werewolf society. If you're looking for a shifter romance that breaks the mold and delivers an unforgettable reading experience, look no further. Elena Abbott's "Mate of Her Own" is a must-read that will leave you craving more.