4.5

What a delight, WHAT A DELIGHT.
I spent the whole time I was reading this GRINNING like a fool. "A Den Mate for Dylan" is such a lovely, romantic story. It's my second book by Emory Winters, and let me tell you: I think I'm ready to sell my own soul just to get my hands on the sequel ASAP.
(Also, if in the meantime, I manage to get my hands on the sequel to "The Northern Shifters" series, I won't complain either...... *grabby hands*)

This book had it all: a fated mates romance that will make any fan of the good ol' slow-burn happy, a forbidden(ish) brother's best-friend pairing, a whole lot of pining (SO MUCH PINING) and yearning and loving from afar (I nearly sobbed my eyes out!), delicious, delightful omegaverse dynamics (nesting? knotting? heats and ruts? possessiveness? YOU GOT IT), two protagonists that stole my heart and a small-town setting that will make you want to leave the big city ASAP. Also, did I mention a cast of side characters that I immediately fell in love with?

I really, really adored it. Surprisingly enough, while I usually don't love romances that start off with chapters in the past, I adored it here: it really showed how much Dylan had been yearning and suffering, and my heart really broke for him. Also, it made the fated mates aspect of Dylan and Axel's romance so much better: I'm not keen on instalove, so it was so SO refreshing to see an actual build-up to a fated mates/omegaverse pairing.

I adored both protagonists sooooo much: Dylan was such a hoot. Wickedly sassy and funny, absolutely not afraid to speak his mind and take charge of his life, with a huge heart and an even bigger praise kink (lol, no okay maybe not! I wish that aspect had been expanded a bit, actually). I loved Axel too: he's a bit obtuse at times, but he's also such a giant sweetheart, and I loved seeing his more vulnerable moments on page too. They were such cutie pies together too <3 honestly, they game me tooth ache with how much love and care and affection was going on, and I wouldn't want it any other way. This book was the MOST perfect palate cleanser <3

I LOVED THE SIDE CHARACTERS. I'm seriously FERAL over Cooper (

I WANT HIS AND PATRICK'S ROMANCE NOW. EMORY, I WILL SELL YOU MY SOUL (AND SOME NON-VITAL ORGANS) FOR IT, I SWEAR. Alpha/alpha pairings is SUCH an underrated, delicious pairing, and I cannot wait to read what the author has planned for it *happy dance*

) and I loved Adam too.
I can't wait to read whichever book comes next from Emory Winters. I'm so glad she decided to write an omegaverse series! Her first foray into it was *chef's kiss* perfection, and I'm excited for what comes next.


TWs/CWs: death of a parent (off page), social drinking; + the MCs are with other people before the main plot timeline (no cheating).

Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.