My mother used to say that my father was "too grumpy to love anybody," until they met and fell head over heels. Looking back now, I realize what she meant: sometimes the people who seem most resistant to love are actually the ones who need it most. That's the essence of The Fake Mate—a love story about two people pretending while secretly falling for real, discovering that the greatest connections often come from unexpected places.
Plot Summary
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson is a paranormal romance featuring Mackenzie Carter, a chatty, friendly ER doctor, and Noah Taylor, a grumpy, brooding interventional cardiologist. Both are hiding secrets: Mack's grandmother won't stop pushing her toward unsuitable dates, and Noah is an unmated alpha whose status threatens his career advancement. When Mack impulsively asks Noah to be her fake boyfriend on the same day the hospital board confronts him about his alpha status, they strike a deal. She gets her grandmother off her back, and he gets to prove he's stable enough for promotion. But their fake-mating arrangement becomes something dangerously real when chemistry ignites and a friends-with-benefits dynamic turns into genuine emotion neither expected.
Why I Love This Book
I love how The Fake Mate combines paranormal elements with grounded emotional storytelling. The omegaverse setting is fresh and fun, and Ferguson uses the alpha-omega dynamic brilliantly—their animalistic attraction feels inevitable and intoxicating. Mack is sunshine personified, refreshingly optimistic without being naive. Noah's grumpiness masks a protective, vulnerable heart, and watching him soften for her is delicious. Their banter is witty and flirty; their chemistry is electric. Ferguson balances steamy spice with genuine emotional intimacy, creating a romance that's both funny and deeply felt. The paranormal elements never overshadow their very human connection.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love paranormal romance, omegaverse, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, fake-dating, friends-with-benefits-to-lovers, office romance, wolf shifters, or medical settings (think Grey's Anatomy vibes), you'll adore this. It's perfect for readers seeking contemporary paranormal romance with serious spice but also serious heart. The book doesn't shy away from heavy steaminess, so be prepared for explicit content. Fair warning: there are workplace complications and distance-related tension that add emotional stakes to the romance.
⚠️ Trigger warning: explicit sexual content (very steamy), paranormal elements, pressure from family, workplace dynamics, mentions of career threats, age gap (minor, both adults).
Tagged As
paranormal romance, omegaverse, wolf shifters, alpha/omega, fake dating, friends-with-benefits, grumpy-sunshine, office romance, medical romance, steamy, explicit, contemporary paranormal, paranormal romantic comedy, humor, emotional depth, HEA, standalone, indie.
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Insanely Hot
The Fake Mate features explicit, open-door scenes that are unapologetically steamy and frequent. This is a book for readers who want spice with their sweetness. Ferguson's intimate scenes are creative, detailed, and integral to the characters' emotional journey. If you prefer closed-door or fade-to-black romance, this is not the book for you.
