A Selkie prince forced to produce an heir. An omega destined to become a royal’s fated mate…Prince Kai’s life as he knows it is now over. As the firstborn alpha to the Selkie King of the North, he’s required to produce an heir. Whether he wants to or not. When the Selkie Seekers finally present his fated mate, he dreads being tied to this stranger for the rest of his life. He can only hope his … can only hope his omega will be easy on the eyes and somewhat intelligent.
Raised in a family of good breeding, Luca always knew it was possible he’d end up the mate for an alpha of nobility. Only to whom, he never knew. Every time the Seekers summoned him for the humiliating presentation ceremony to royalty of all levels, he feared being stuck with some unbearable, abusive or very unattractive alpha. As an omega he doesn’t have the choice to say no. Not only is it his obligation, it’s the law. If he refuses, he and his family would become outcasts and banished from the Selkie community.
However, as soon as Kai enters the Great Hall of the North, it’s clear that the handsome prince is his alpha. Luca’s pleased with the choice the fates made until the king demands that not only he become pregnant within six months but produce an alpha pup with his son, otherwise he’ll be cast aside. And getting pregnant might be a problem…
Note: A 56k word m/m shifter mpreg story, this is the first book in the Royal Alpha series. Due to the “knotty” times in this book, it is recommended for mature readers only. It can be read as a standalone and, of course, has an HEA.
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This is a tricky review to write because certain parts of this worked for me really well, but others kept me from connecting with the story. Complaints first so I can end on a good note:
1. Too much sex. Um, yeah, I know this might be a bonus to other folks and sometimes it works for me… but it really took over the story and left me wishing more time had been spent on world building.
2. Kai and especially Luca felt inconsistent. I get character and relationship growth, but their personalities would swing fairly broadly and it made it difficult to get attached to them as individuals or a couple.
3. The world building. I wish the seal skin had been explained better… they’re shifters, but they put it on. Selkies are part of Celtic or Norse mythology, but characters kept exclaiming Poseidon which is Greek mythos. I get that they’re both sea related, but creating a cohesive connection/explanation would have helped.
Stuff I enjoyed:
1. While I wish I understood it better, I liked what felt like an original world. Masters did do a good job of creating unique aspects which I’ve never read before.
2. The humor. Lots of fun banter, especially with Kai’s brothers.
3. Then ending and HEA.
4. Kai’s brothers. They were present enough in the story that I’m definitely invested and looking forward to each of their books. Next up is Rian’s book, The Selkie Prince & His Omega Guard.
Narration:
I enjoyed John Solo’s narration a lot. Minus one character, it’s all men and he gave them all distinct voices that matched Masters’ descriptions of them.
Audiobook review:
Overall: 5
Performance: 5
Story: 4
John Solo’s performance is outstanding!
This is the first book I’ve read by J.J. Masters and the first paranormal story I’ve listened to by John Solo. I have many of John’s audiobooks in my Audible library, including other paranormal ones that I haven’t yet made time to listen to; he is one of my favorite audiobook performers.
I’ve only read one other Selkie story and I enjoyed this one but I have to say that it’s John’s performance that has me gushing over this audiobook and has me wanting to listen to the rest of the series.
In the beginning I wasn’t too fond of Prince Kai and his attitude towards having to accept his fated mate. However, he quickly grew on me after showing his devotion to his Fated Mate, Luca. Likewise, Luca wasn’t exactly happy about being Kai’s Fated Mate at first but that soon changed.
This story is heavy on the sexy time as most of it is about Kai trying to get pregnant to provide an Alpha Heir for Kai. There’s lots of knotting going on! The various voices that John Solo does for the characters are so good. He’s nice and growly when it’s called for (usually Kai) and the emotions he expresses for Luca really made me feel what Luca was feeling.
I’m looking forward to listening to the rest of the books in this series.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
I didnt know what to expect. I had never tried read a book of this nature. I was glad I stepped out of the box. I liked the characters, except the King. Luca was a very sweet person. Took a bit longer to warm up to Kai, but he ended up being my favorite. I love how he stood up for Luca.
I just found JJ Masters and I am beyond impressed with her writing! Kia was a strong Alpha Selkie Prince and he hated having to find his mate by his Father’s, and the Royal Council’s pomp and circumstance. Being an Omega Selkie, from a good family, Luca has been raised to become the mate to an Alpha of importance. There is an instant attraction between Kia and Luca, and oh damn is it ever intense!! The trials and pain they have to go through only brought them closer. I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait for Rian’s story!
I’m usually not into shape shifter stories, I can handle the M/M story line but this is the first book to ever “Catch” my attention. At first I thought it’s ok, but not something I would re-read, but quickly realized I couldn’t stop reading. With the turn of every page, I found myself asking questions, and continuing on with the book to appease my curiosity.
It’s not a Real-Life story by any means, but it’s intriguing all the same. Now I find myself reading the rest of the series, because I need to know what’s happening with Kai and Luca, as well as Kai’s brothers.
If you are interested in a fictional, Strongly Sexual, book give it a try.
I found this book to be a very enjoyable and entertaining read! The storyline was great and the characters were so interesting that I couldn’t put this book down until I finished reading the very last page! I look forward to reading more books in this series!
loved this whole series and all the characters so far. I love getting to revisit the other characters from previous books. I’m always looking forward to the next one. The first book was soo good that I quickly read the next two and was patiently waiting for the next book to come. This alpha was next in line for his father’s throne a d had to choose an omega mate but not just any omega, his fated mate and never did he think he would be able go put his old ways behind him and love his mate so much. such a fun and cute steamy read!and I mean they’re seal shifters!
So I totally stumbled into a whole new world with J.J. Masters’ Royal Alphas series. This is a new sub-genre for me. I’ve read a lot of different paranormal romance and erotica, but this was pretty much my first mpreg. While this is the first book I’ve read by Masters, I can say with confidence, it will not be the last.
The Selkie Prince’s Fated Mate is the first in what looks like a planned series for 5 brothers. Masters is building a rich and complex world in the Royal Alphas series and we’re introduced to it in this opening book.
I have to say, I really liked Kai. As firstborn, he’s next in line for the throne of the Northern colony. While he’s starting to really chafe under his father’s rule, he hasn’t really cared enough to make changes. He’s been happy to float along and keep under his father’s radar. That all changes when he finally meets his fated mate, Luca. Suddenly traditions he was too busy to learn about, are totally barbaric and should be abolished.
Luca isn’t afraid to demand what he wants from his prince. He’s not as submissive as omegas are perceived to be. But he is worried that he won’t be able to produce an alpha pup in the ridiculous time limit the king has given him.
The Selkie Prince’s Fated Mate is funny. I’ve already fallen a little in love with the royal princes and can’t wait to see them matched with their perfect omegas! Masters has created funny and likable characters. And don’t worry – there’s plenty of steamy bits to go around!