Jennifer Ashley - Iron Master

Stuart Reid is an Iron Master—a Dark Fae with a rare ability to make iron do his bidding. Exiled by the High Fae who fear him, he now lives in a simple house in Shiftertown outside Las Vegas, watching over Peigi, a bear Shifter woman, and the cubs she cares for.
Peigi, rescued from an evil Shifter and welcomed into the Vegas Shiftertown, knows Reid and the cubs have helped her survive and heal.
She also knows Reid is alone and lonely, a strong man coping with his exile. The bond she feels pulling her to him scares the crud out of her—she’s been down this road before.
When Reid’s people send him a desperate call for help, Peigi senses danger to him—too much of it. She finds she’ll do anything, even sacrifice herself and her happiness, to keep him safe.

Comment: This is the 12th installment in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley. The last book in the series I had read was in 2023 and while the series is ongoing, I confess I had forgotten some details already...

In this installment we finally have the story of Stuart Reid, one Fae that most shifters are fond of because he had been a friend and since living in exile, he is now part of their group. Stuart cannot deny he still feels the pull to return to his world in Faerie but he has made friends and there's Peigi, the bear shifter who won him over...

Peigi has had a traumatic experience with a shifter she believed could have been her mate, while they lived on the run. When this turned out to be a disappointment, she was already committed to care for the cubs that their group had, and when the chance to be rescued was made possible, she decided to take care of them all. She also knows Stuart helped and she is fascinated, but will he want to return to his world instead of trying for a relationship with her?

I have been following this series for years now, and the overall plot always centers around the idea of one day shifters being free and being able to help a normal life like humans, instead of being confined to certain areas and jobs. Of course, with so many books, sometimes the specific plots might have some changes, but there is always this hope things will happen for them. In this book the story actually focuses on a different matter, mostly related to Stuart, and I must say I did struggle a little to focus.

Stuart is a captivating character because he is Fae and in this world, shifters exist on the whim of Fae, a long time ago, and now part of the human world, of course being different targets shifters in an unfair way. This also means there's no love lost between the shifters and the Fae and Stuart should not be someone shifters would respect, but for several reasons, they do. Stuart is aware of the difference but he feels part of the shifter culture and society now. He knows he won't go back to Faerie, but what if he could? In the story he has the chance and I can imagine the idea was to present him with a choice, which isn't really one if this is a romance series, but I don't think the execution of this dilemma was well done.

For some books now, the hint Stuart and Peigi would become a couple was clued several times, and their romance was not really the surprise it could have been. I can suppose that after some books with the hint and the tension such a possibility might arise, their book would be strong in longing and fulfillment, but to me it wasn't so. It's not as if their romance was badly done, but to me it wasn't very exciting to follow. Perhaps this happened with the way the author wrote things, but I also would say that the overall plot just didn't win me over, and the romance didn't seem to "compensate" for the rest well enough.

Somehow, this main couple didn't seem to be very complex. Perhaps it was simply my reading experience, which wasn't always fluid as I'd hoped, but they didn't win me over. I mean, I liked them as individuals, as part of a group, but I wasn't emotionally invested in them as I was with other characters. Their romance was only fine, not amazing. Nothing wrong with that, but it certainly diminished my overall interest in reading the novel too.

The plot is related to Stuart helping out another Fae, in Faerie, with something I can't explain properly. Several shifters are included in this task, and they come and go to Faerie by magical means and I confess this started to confuse me and I kind of lost track of what was going on and where. Besides, Stuart's decision was an obvious one and I felt things were just being put on the paper to validate some details about the main couple's past and why they would work out now as a couple anyway...

In previous installments it was also made to seem as if Stuart was a little more mysterious and his powers as well, and while this does have importance in this book, it was only up to a certain point, and I got the feeling perhaps more on it could have been shared. Perhaps the author didn't want to develop things further, perhaps it never was a big deal, but it did feel as if Stuart didn't fully live up to his possibilities, as a character.

All things considered, this was a predictable type of plot for the series. It must be difficult, as it happens with other authors in regards to their very long series, if the world rules remain the same, to offer fully fresh intake on things, namely the romance. But it can be done. I would not say this is a bad story, it does fit expectations if one is a fan already, but it wasn't the vibrant or special read the previous installment was for me, for instance. I'm hoping the next is more interesting.

Grade: 6/10

Jennifer Ashley - Midnight Wolf

Angus Murray, bouncer for a New Orleans Shifter bar, is sent to round up an elusive, Collar-less Shifter woman, Tamsin Calloway, who is causing trouble for Shifter Bureau, and possesses information they want. If Angus refuses, he risks losing his cub. He finds Tamsin but she's slippery and not about to be rounded up quietly.
In fact, quiet is nothing Tamsin will ever be. She leads Angus on a wild chase, but he's determined to bring her in to save his son.
Can Tamsin convince Angus she's worth helping before she's locked away by Shifter Bureau, Collared, or perhaps killed?

Comment: This is the 11th full length installment in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley. There are also several novellas in between installments, some I've read, others didn't catch my interest or I haven't had the chance to look up for them.

In this novel, we follow Angus, a wolf shifter, as he searches for and chases Tamsyn, a collarless shifter the Shifter Bureau wants to apprehend, because they blackmailed him by holding his son captive. He isn't told why the Bureau wants to catch Tamsyn but as he goes on that task, he can't help but liking her and wanting to help her instead of just handing her over to those he considers to be an enemy of a certain kind. When things take a turn and they see themselves on the run with his son, is there any way for them to hide until a plan can be devised? What about the fact Tamsyn and Angus feel they might actually be a good match?

Somehow, this story caught my attention and I was constantly interested in reading it, unlike some of the installments I liked less, which felt less captivating or even a little boring for some reason. This one was a very good blend of adventure and slow pace and somehow it made me think the pace was well done. I think the author was also clever by planning to have the characters interact with others, which not only helped but reinforced the idea the story was tidier and more self contained.

Angus is a relatively new character, I mean he hasn't been highlighted in previous books (that I remember!) but he is one of those types of characters who is a little brooding but that is actually another word for serious and not given to the usual extroverted personality of most shifters. I actually liked his quiet personality, his way of thinking about things, his calmness and his need to protect those he cares about, namely his son and, then, Tamsyn. 

Tamsyn is a little more alike what one would have gotten used to think of about shifters, she is more bubbly and vibrant and apart from the fact this is a great contrast with Angus, she is one of those people who hides her sadness under a more lively attitude.This means that part of the fun here is to watch her go through the emotions until she realizes Angus is a good potential mate and he respects her feelings and the things she is regretful of, mainly how she isn't collared like her mother and how this means physical distance, which still saddens her.

I really think the author did a good job here, in portraying these two as individuals and as a good couple. Of course, some things are just a given but I was still glad enough on how they seemed to come to terms about one another before they decided they could be mates. It is true that this happened rather quickly, but I find myself much more accepting of this in a PNR as here, especially now that I'm  familiar to the "wold rules". I also liked Angus son, Ciaran, he is really an adorable little boy (and wolf cub).

The plot is not that tricky, many fast paced scenes, some interesting ones when they hide at a carnival, which proved to be a nice change of scenario from the usual in these stories. Tamsyn has knowledge of the plans Angus brother had to fight the Bureau until he was killed but Angus had no clue for he and his brother never got along. I think this part of the novel was done in a competent way, it was good enough to convince me of why the characters' actions were those ones and how things came to be solved.

I particularly liked the several characters we got to see here, and how everyone interacted with Angus and Tamsyn... it might sound as if this means too many things going on at the same time, but for me this was great, I love seeing stories where characters interact and are important for one another. Besides, it is always very satisfying to see characters are not "islands" and they have intense and rich lives, despite the situation Shifters live in and how they aren't as free as they would like.

All in all, this was a good installment for me and now I feel even I cannot wait as long to read the next stories, I hope they will be as rewarding.

Grade: 8/10

Jennifer Ashley - Red Wolf

Lupine Shifter Dimitri has always had to defend himself to other Shifters. As a red wolf, he’s not considered a “pure” wolf, and the battles have honed him into a tough fighter, a champion of the fight clubs. Jaycee Bordeaux, a leopard Shifter, is Dimitri’s staunchest defender and oldest friend. Dimitri is determined to turn that friendship into a mate bond.
Jaycee loves that idea, but she knows that a mate bond can’t be forced. And when Dimitri and Jaycee are called on to go undercover to protect collared Shifters, she knows the dangers ahead will make or break their future together.

Comment: This is the 10th installment in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley. It's been two years since I've read the book before this one and I admit I didn't remember the exact situations which happened there. Thank fully, the world building is well established and one can follow most things easily....

In this new adventure, we have protagonists Jaycee and Dimitry going on an undercover mission to find proof someone is causing shifters harm and how. The two have been friends for a long time and the fact Dimitry is a rare red wolf and stutters made him a target while growing up but Jaycee has always had his back. They do seem to be close and just before this story begins he has mate-claimed her, meaning he has sort of started the process for their bonding which can only continue if she accepts. Adding to this, a new mission can certainly strain their relationship but for two close friends, this turns out to be the easy part. More dangerous is what they will have to do to complete their mission... 

The world building of this series is, as expected, still strong and well thought. There's plenty to think about, lots of room to improve and carry on the series but for me, sadly, there has been an ongoing issue which doesn't seem to have any resolution: a definite step into allowing shifters to have better tights within society and evidence they will be able to have better lives at the same time. Considering how this started, wit shifters being a special kind of being but having to submit to humans'laws, I kind of wish things had progressed more in this regard.

However, the emphasis is still on their origins and how they can fully break free of the Fae  - apparently the ones who magically "created" shifters. Not that this isn't a worthy subject but it goes on and on and I think it would had been a better option to take this in a different direction - I thought so after reading the first book - because by now things are rather repetitive in this area.

The plot of this story has its interest and the author has added a sentient/haunted house to the mix as something new, and while Dimitry and Jaycee's mission is necessary and based on a good reason, I sincerely feel it didn't add much to the overall series. What happened here didn't have to be the plot of a full length book and I felt we were just going on circles on the same ideas. Yes, it was nice to see come previous characters who recurrently show up when it's time to save the day or help friends but in terms of advancing the main plot, nothing happened.

The romance or characters' interactions often work enough to push my grade up because it's simply fun to see the evolution and the friendships of these people. Sadly again, not on this situation because the romance trope here is friends to lovers and what I usually dislike about them happened: Dimitry and Jaycee are good friends, a good team in a mission but as a couple there's noting special about them. Should they be couple? Why not, that's not the issue, I'm quite glad about their happiness together but thinking on them as friends or as a couple didn't change with their mating.

In other books, becoming a mated couple often needs to be considered for some reason but here it wasn't necessary, we already know they got along and their dynamics wouldn't be different if they mated, no matter the one or two times another character gave that indication. This means that for me the romance was practically non existent.

The secondary characters had more interest, especially the antagonists and their actions but since nothing advanced, not even this felt like it was substantial. As for the characters we came to like from previous books and all their domestic lives, they did play their role and I liked seeing them, having one or two more scenes with them or knowing things about them but.. could it be this series is already too long? I see there are yet three full length stories after this one...I suppose the good thing is they are still not long, so it doesn't take long to read them but.... decisions, decisions....

Grade: 5/10

Jennifer Ashley - A Rogue Meets a Scandalous Lady

David Fleming, Hart Mackenzie’s right-hand man, seeks refuge with an old mentor only to find the mentor’s beautiful niece, Sophie, has sought sanctuary as well. In the quiet spaces of the countryside, David finds some peace from his reprobate existence but now faces a new problem–he’s falling for Sophie, Lady Devonport, a lady with a scandalous secret.

Comment: I was quite happy to notice some day that another book in the Mackenzie and MacBride series was coming out. I admit I'm not the best follower of authors and I'm not always aware f when a new book is coming out so it was nice to see this book was going to be released.

I was even happier that it would be a story set in the same time line as the other books I liked. I know there were some stories about family ancestors, set in a different century, but those didn't excite me to read them, so I'm glad this one was par with the current family members.

This is the story of David Fleming, Hart's best friend and fellow partner in all things adventure and scheming. David has had quite a blow to his own self when Eleanor chose Hart instead of him but he can't hate neither because he knows they are in love and good for one another and also, he likes he gets to keep their friendship. Still, sometimes he thinks about it and when this story begins, he is in the middle of a complicated matter, of which he is embarrassed so he avoids the couple by traveling to his mentor's house in the country. That is where he meets his niece Sophie, a young woman who is herself in the middle of scandal. However, helping others by devising mad schemes is his call in life and he does try his best to turn things around for Sophie, but will she appreciate that? What about this weird connection that so quickly formed between them?

I'll be honest, I didn't remember David at all from the other books but, then again, it has been some time I've read them. It was very nice, though to see some of the beloved characters of past books make appearances, although some were only mentioned. Still, this sense of family and closeness which I have come to enjoy in the series was still here and I liked the cozy sensation it provided.

This wasn't a big book, it barely reached the 200 pages in my ebook edition and I must say what felt a little underdone in such a small amount of text was the "falling in love" part. I can trust they are a good couple and that the problems they faced individually got them closer for shared pain over something they could not fully control and I can believe physical attraction and the enjoyment of similar tastes got them in the same path but it still felt that they didn't spend enough time together or getting to know each other even more before their feelings seemed to have become fixed.

David is, indeed, a schemer, but his actions are often a way to help others, who are being wronged, although he doesn't hide the fact he helps Hart getting what he wants, both politically and personally. I liked him for the most part but, since this was a story on the smaller scale, I feel his character and personality weren't developed as much as it could, so he felt a little rushed to his fate, namely finding happiness with Sophie.

She, on the other hand, felt more fleshed out to me, although more development would have certainly have helped to maker her look more confident in her strength to be a good companion to David. I think her problem was a complicated one, and at a time women really had no advocates in justice. The plot also revolves mostly around the attempt to solve her problem with her husband, who wants a divorce on the accusation she has been unfaithful. Of course we know better and it was amusing at times to see she had such good defenders on David and the Mackenzies.

It should be no surprise that the conflicts are solved rather quickly, comparing with the time it takes for David and Sophie's relationship to develop too. I understand the author probably felt she didn't have to waste time on unnecessary things and what does happen, happen with precision but as a big picture, I do feel things could have been done better. For instance, even the choice of cover colors and design... I can't understand how that dress and style could ever be a match for Sophie or her personality. I ca imagine a different look as well as the content which isn't written but it would have been better for certain, were those things to be there instead of the ones which aren't so good.

As a whole, this is worth it to me more for the family bonds and the significance of meeting friends again, after a while. In terms of plot and development I think the author could have done a more emotional work, considering the backgrounds of both main characters and their inner struggles to appear stronger than what they really feel for a large part of the novel.

Still, a good enough experience reading this one.

Grade: 7/10

Jennifer Ashley - Guardian's Mate

Chosen as the Guardian of her Montana Shiftertown, wolf Shifter Rae Lyall is facing opposition—for no woman has ever been selected for this powerful position. Still adjusting to the new authority thrust upon her, Rae travels to train with Zander Moncrieff, a Shifter healer, tasked with teaching her about her new role and its responsibilities.
A polar bear Shifter, Zander wears no Collar and follows no rules but his own. Rae finds him arrogant and demanding, yet compelling and intriguing. Zander has no wish to mate but the sassy Guardian is drawing him out of his shell, stirring feelings long suppressed. And when a new threat looms over Rae’s home, she and Zander must race to the rescue, forced closer to danger...and to each other.

Comment: This is the 9th installment in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley. Although not all the stories feel as balanced I still find enjoyment in reading about the adventures of these characters.

In this story the protagonists are Zander, a healer, and Rae, he first female Guardian. However, Rae is young and is not ready for this new task ahead of her. Her adoptive father takes her to Zander's boat because despite the fact he is not a Guardian, he has the skills to help her train her and he's quite distant so that that other shifters don't try to hurt Rae because of her new role.

The two find a way to work together even though both their animals want more than just an agreement between them. They start to work around a schedule but even in remote Alaska it seems someone else needs Zander's help and problems soon follow. 

Will Rae and Zander be able to fix their problems so they can be properly together at last?

I think this was a very solid installment in the series, as opposed to some, because I felt both the plot and the romance were captivating. Well, the plot more than the romance but nevertheless, the romance still felt good enough mostly because the two of them spent some time together and that made their connection a little more believable.

I suppose I need to say these stories are based on the premise that shifters are less worried about how their intimacy is seen by others and this means that, for me, stories where one of the elements is human is somewhat more interesting because there is always the personal boundary/self image issues that shifters don't tend to have. This is why I feel surprised I liked this one, both Rae and Zander are shifters but they are put in a new situation and they didn't immediately jump into intimacy so the story did feel a little bit sweeter than overwhelming passionate.

The plot is the best thing abut this book. The adventures the characters see themselves in were woven into the time line rather well and despite some scenes I think were there just to make it possible for other situations to happen in future books, I liked how they were developed and created the right atmosphere for things to make sense. For instance, when Rae feels her abilities can't measure to the task she is charged with, something happens and she and Zander team up to solve a problem. It could be much easier to just solve it and go on but that problem follows the rest of the plot without being forgotten so it felt that it mattered and helped to crate the sensation the two of them were also connecting more because of it.

These situations happen even despite the fact the main characters shouldn't have much in common but that's the interest in them being shifters, the fluidity of their behavior and expectations is very different from what would work for simply humans.

Still, I must confess part of me would like them to have a different take on their lives, I'd like them to think more about their "right now" and some of their lives feel a little too alien to really sympathize with while reading about the amount of adventures hey have.

At the same time, the fact they are unique and that there are plenty of characters to bring up a lot of interactions and relationships is quite alluring to me, as I really like the sense of community I get from long series with multiple protagonist characters and families.

Zander and Rae simply felt like a good add-on to this style and I liked knowing them better, Zander especially fr he had appeared in previous books and was described as crazy but, of course, we learn he is quite clever and reliable.

I had fun reading this book and I'm looking for to read more because even though this is not the best world/shifter universe created, it' still great to see known characters and get an idea where they are at. If only the overall plot could advance more quickly...

Grade: 7/10

Jennifer Ashley - White Tiger

For twenty years, Kendrick, a white tiger Shifter, has been the Guardian of un-Collared Shifters who spend their lives living in secret—and in fear of being shunted into Shiftertowns. When Kendrick’s group is discovered and forced to flee, Kendrick is more desperate than ever to protect them
In a diner in the middle of nowhere, lonely waitress Addison Price has seen a lot of unusual drifters come and go, but none has ever captivated—and intimidated—her like the imposing fugitive who wields a broadsword with incredible skill. But when he risks all to protect her, Addison’s fear turns to empathy—and empathy to desire as she learns more about her savior. Soon she’s more than willing to help the crushingly sensual white tiger and his cubs in a passionate bid for freedom. Whatever the cost.

Comment: This is the 8th full length installment in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley. I haven't read anything in this series for more than a year... how time flies!

In this story we have as protagonist Kendrick, he is a guardian (responsible for sending dead shifters into their sort of heaven) who has had several problems lately. The most important, he feels he needs to help those shifters under his care, those who are uncollared and who need guidance but who have also been dispersed through different areas.

While trying to find his friends, Kendrick and his sons have come to spend some time in a isolated diner where one of the waitresses, Addison, has always been a friendly voice and treating his sons well. When the problems he was trying to solve come to meet him, he can't help but accepting Addison's help. But will she cope with being among shifters? And what about how they feel attracted to one another?

As I've felt in regards to some other installments, this story borders on being good but is just right at the the barest step from it and remains OK instead. I feel the overall story: shifters existing, being different from humans but needing to have laws/rights that work for them and allow them to be part of society is just not advancing as I imagined. Yes, these things never happen easily but isn't this fiction? I would like each book to be a step further into this scenario but so far, not yet. Some things happen here and there but after al these books, nothing major to highlight yet.

The book, therefore, is mostly set on small situations, namely the situation of Kendrick and Addison as the main couple. I can understand Kendrick's wish to reunite those he cares about, I can also understand not all those shifters agreed with his way of doing things and this can be quite intriguing. The problem is that the stories aren't that strong on the social or routine issues shifters face. I wouldn't mind the romance being eve more secondary if the world was richer and more developed or if the relationships were more detailed. Things are intriguing but not as developed as they could to turn into fascination level for me.

The romance between Addison and Kendrick is OK, of course we are presented things in a way that makes them obvious partners, as if they couldn't be happy with anyone else. However, their personalities fit what they are supposed to be (he is a natural leader but cautious and quiet because of how he has been brought up and she is quiet but kind and a good person to rely on) and I don't think we ever get to see them develop.

The fact they find themselves in  - sometimes - weird situations just adds on to the bad sync feeling I have when it comes to change of scenes. I mean, it's not such a bad detail but in general, the fact I notice it, makes me feel things could have been done better.

The best part of the book is definitely the interactions between secondary characters. I like the sense of community shifter books usually transmit, as if those individuals could actually become stronger by being with their families/friends/groups.

I really hope the future can be stronger for them as a community and I hope that will happen while the series in on going. There is a lot the author could tap into to continue this; I hope everything won't just be about the conflicts due to shifters not having a definite place to stay and so on.

All in all, this had all the expected elements I thought I'd get but there was not real passion in what was happening, not such an obvious dedication or emotional content when it came to how things were going to happen. It was, like I said, OK for the most part and I add some more points just because it was good to see known characters move on with their lives.

Grade: 7/10

Two novellas by Jennifer Ashley

Comment: I've recently read two novellas by author Jennifer Ashley. These two novellas are included in the Shifters Unbound series, which already reached its 11th installment.

These two novellas are described as being 7.25 and 7.5, so they can be read between books 7 and 8 for chronological order but as always, the stories can be read as standalone. In terms of plot they make sense on their own. Of course, though, some elements are better understood with previous knowledge, which means they are not the best starting point and there's a lot to be gained by reading in order.

I'm a little behind on this series but I do have plans to keep reading and hopefully future stories are as engaging as some I've read. I sure hope, though, the author creates more romantic love stories instead of just assuming we know they will happen anyway...

Just to inform those not familiar, the series is set in a world where Shifters of different types co-exist with humans but are considered "less" and aren't treated well for most people. However, they hare stronger and captivating which is why they have collars that supposedly control their more violent urges. They also have their own rules and communities and, obviously, mates even if sometimes those mates are human.

Lion Eyes is novella 7.25

In this story we have Seamus story, he is a very timid character and not that mentioned, to the point I confess he wasn't memorable to me. 

The plot of this story focuses on his attempt to protect a young cub in his care but there seems to be some issue with a murder and he is a suspect. Bree is a shifter groupie, which means, a woman who likes shifters and wants to be with them and knows things about them most people wouldn't even care about. Somehow Bree ends up helping Seamus proving he is innocent and they discover they are mates.

The plot of this story wasn't as interesting to me, it's quite repetitive compering to others and to top it, the romance was very weak. I can understand the need for quick resolutions in novellas but there wasn't a single aspect of their relationship I'd define as romantic except the obvious HEA. It was a little disappointing, all things in mind.

Grade: 5/10

Bad Wolf is novella 7.5

In this story we have Broderick as the main character, he is a wolf and takes care of his family and is an enforcer of sorts. He has a special care for Joanne (a mentioned character now getting protagonists status) but they just didn't seem to agree on considering themselves mates. Things change when a situation related to a Guardian sword comes up and Joanne offers some help. 

I liked this story enough because the plot was very different from the usual and, for a small sized story, it offered a lot in terms of pace and plot development. It was also nice to see situations not only related to shifters (like the computer talk and the fae details).

I also liked the romance felt a little different with them not just accepting nor simply ignoring their feelings. Of course it was too fast, considering the lack of evidence in previous stories about where they were in terms of relationship but overall, this was a successful one for me.

Grade: 7/10

Jennifer Ashley - Mate Bond

To cement the leadership of his North Carolina Shiftertown, Bowman O’Donnell agreed to a “mating of convenience.” Two powerful wolf shifters, he and Kenzie keep the pack in order and are adored by all. Bowman would do anything to protect Kenzie, for in each other’s arms they’ve found far more than friendship. But as strong as their attachment is, they still haven’t formed the elusive mate bond—the almost magical joining of true mates.
Now with a monster ravaging the countryside and threatening the Shiftertown community, some in the pack fear that a pair without a true mate bond isn’t strong enough to lead. Bowman and Kenzie will have to rely on their instinctive trust in one another to save their Shifters—and the ensuing battle will either destroy them or give them the chance to seize the love they’ve always craved.

Comment: This is the 7th full length installment in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley. It's been a while since I last read a book in the series, if one counts up the novellas in between, but I managed to remember some characters pretty well. My issue is that the protagonists were new so I wasn't very sure I placed them in the universe...

This is the story of Bowman and Kenzie, both lupines, and they are the alpha couple in a Shiftertown. They united themselves in a "mating of convenience" for the sake of the pack but after years together and a son as well, they still haven't fully bonded as mates and that can be scary for them, not only because their relationship resents that but also due to the fact a crack between them might signify a lessening in the pack's structure and no one wants the pack to lose strength.

Faced with a sudden problem no one seems to understand or solve, can Bowman and Kenzie deal with so much at the same time? 

When thinking about the story as a whole, I actually had pleasant time reading but I must say the beginning was a bit boring and the relationship, which seems to be one of the central subjects in the book, wasn't properly discussed and the mating details in a situation like the one portrayed here, when two people mate but don't have the bond mate, wasn't as engaging as I hoped for. These two elements were probably the ones that caught my attention the most in the novel and the plot felt like a secondary issue for me. But I kind of expected more the same.

I've said several times that the lovers reunited is one of my least favorite tropes in romances. I can't have the patience for all the thoughts, references, scenes, flashbacks, whatever related to the couple's past, whether they were in a established relationship or not. Although this book isn't labeled so, it almost felt like that trope because Kenzie and Bowman kept alluding to what happened in the past. I'm glad it wasn't exaggerated but I still made this connection. They have some issues in their mating but they love each other so I thought the issues would stress this more and the drama/angst over their lack of bond would be more evident. I just think the amount of time dealing with their thoughts wasn't as important and scenes of the now should have been for us to appreciate the HEA more. The end isn't as explained as I hoped for but things do end well for them as I'm sure all readers would assume so.

One good element was the balanced relationship they had when it came to decisions, Bowman might be the alpha of the Shiftertown but he didn't order Kenzie around and their team effort was very good to see.

As for the plot, the story has its moments. The main action revolves around the search for a creature and why the creature exists in the first place. I must say the whys of all this aren't new to the paranormal type of plot and my overall impression is that the whole thing isn't as complicated as it looked like initially but it was excuse enough to create certain situations and of course the story needed it. 

I liked the elements related to the shifters as a group and as a community but I always hope for more details to be shown or traits to be seen as key in the characters' interactions but it seems this is already a given and not even the struggles between Kenzie and Bowman as a couple were reason enough for more information to be revealed. Or maybe the author doesn't want/need to put more details out there in order to not make the whole world too complicated.

I think this isn't a favorite book in the series but I can't say I disliked it that much. Question, however: the development on the shifters' need for freedom and social acceptance, it was barely mentioned here. I can understand why the story wouldn't focus on this but... hopefully, the freedom scenario will happen one day. I can totally imagine the stories around an eventual new found freedom and so on...

Grade: 6/10

Jennifer Ashley: Two Shifters Unbound novellas

As the military liaison between the human Shifter Bureau and Shiftertown, Walker is often stuck trying to appease both sides—and angering both. So when bear-Shifter Rebecca is captured taking a run in a restricted area, Walker comes up with a compromise: if Rebecca helps him find a missing woman—thought to have been abducted by a Shifter—she won’t be charged and executed.
As a bear used to roaming for miles, Rebecca hates being confined, distrusts anything involving humans, and—worst of all—the strong and handsome Walker starts triggering her mating need. They have no choice but to work together but both Walker and Rebecca find it hard not to mix business with pleasure…

 Jace Warden is sent to the Shiftertown in Austin to find a way to free all Shifters from their Collars. But pulling off the Collars can cause Shifters to go mad or kill them outright.
In Austin, Jace meets Deni Rowe, a wolf Shifter with troubles of her own—she was deliberately run down in the road, and while her body has healed, she still has episodes of total memory loss during which she retreats into her pure animal self.
Jace has never met anyone like Deni. Courageous and beautiful, she volunteers to help him test the Collar removal. And as Deni and Jace work together, they feel the mate bond begin. But can Jace help Deni believe she can heal enough to be anyone’s true mate?

Comment: Two more novellas by Jennifer Ashley in my attempt to keep in track with the huge amount of series and authors I follow.

Her most prolific series so far seems to be the Shifters Unbound and I've read two more stories, namely novellas 5.5 and 6.5

I liked them but the first clearly disappointed me...

Feral Heat tells us the story of Jace, a cub in the beginning of the series who now has adult status and found his mate. She is Deni, sister to Ellison, another recurrent character.

The story is mostly centered around Jace and Deni being mates as well as the Collars problem Shifters need to solve. Jace volunteers to try to have his Collar removed because that could free many others.  Of course it's not simple but I liked the little new tidbits we learn about this subject, something that has been key in the recent books.

What disapointed me here was the relationship between Jace and Deni, I don't think it was as emotional as it could, considering Deni's past in particular. I know Shifters aren't ashamed of sex and how they see it but it does bother me how much they believe in mates but the way things happen isn't romantic. I suppose it doesn't have to be but this is a romance book, I wanted to see the relationship more seriously developed or, at least, the main couple act more like it at the mating stage. The way it was done, it felt like it just was handy they were unmated and I really didn't feel a connection between them. 

Grade: 5/10

Bear Attraction was more interesting. The plot was very interesting indeed and it allowed for some more development and introduced new characters which will be key in future books, like Kendrick. I think the reader can feel more in sync with the things that are happening and the main couple wasn't as weak as Deni an Jace.

Rebecca and Walker met in previous books, she was charged with keeping him secure because he was thought to be working against Shifters but he proved to be a good ally. Now Walker is investigating a case - which I liked reading about by the way - and he and Rebecca keep looking at each other with serious intentions in mind. Sure, the relationship changed too fast, it seems people don't talk enough for their romances to be believable or more romantic but somehow Becca and Walker seemed to be more balanced as a couple and I liked how sweet it looked for them at the end.

Grade: 7/10

All in all, new developments are here which is always positive, I'd prefer different focus on the relationships but I guess it's just the way it is.

I'm looking for to read more stories and, hopefully with more seriously dealt intent.

Jennifer Ashley - Wild Wolf

Graham McNeil knows that his pack is unruly, but he’s not sure he can take the next step toward Shiftertown stability—choosing a new mate. After losing his mate and son long ago, Graham has worked hard to keep his heart in check. And even if he was inclined to bind himself again, his girlfriend, Misty, is human—a fact that won’t sit well with Graham’s old-fashioned wolves.
But Graham is up against a new enemy, one who could spell danger and death to all of Shiftertown. Graham must now defend his leadership and save Misty, the woman he has grown to love—before Shiftertown is pulled into an all-out war.

Comment: I've been slowly trying to reduce the number of series I have to read and even some authors' backlists and, in that regard, here is another book by Jennifer Ashley, an author whose work I've been satisfied with.

This book is another installment in the Shifters Unbound series and features Graham, a lupine alpha whose pack had to travel to the are of Las Vegas because the government forced them to do it due to financial reasons, not caring they were putting a large lupine pack together with felines. Although the felines, led by Eric, were welcoming enough, Graham knows things might change and he is the only one with strength to keep the pack together.

Melissa "Misty" Granger is Graham's sort of girlfriend. Nothing has ever happened between them and Misty thinks it wouldn't ever but when she is attacked, Graham is the first she thinks of to help her.

Surviving some pretty bad experiences brings them even closer but will it be possible for them to be together? What about the pack's reaction?

Overall, I liked this book but it's not my favorite in the series - in fact, I think the author hasn't presented me with a genius book in the series yet, mostly because an evolution in the plot is taking too long - but all things considered, this was quite interesting. The best think about it was how we were able to see a different Graham, much more concerned about the well being of others and willing to defend and accept Misty and not risking his own happiness just because others might have other ideas.

The world advances too slowly, I think. I know things take time and who knows how many more books could be published but I feel impatient more (positive) changes aren't happening sooner. I get the idea behind all this, but despite the fact the constant appearances of happy/interesting known characters helps, the lack of advance is becoming something too obvious. Ok, some could say the growing tension between Shifters and Fae is already advance enough, but in practical terms, not much is happening.

The romance is something always important to think about and in this case, Misty and Graham had an interesting romance but slightly too quick. According to this book and previous one too, we have the idea Misty and Graham have been in a relationship, not physical, but becoming emotional with time. Graham never truly thought about Misty as his mate for several reasons, but during this book he not only thinks of it but acknowledges it. I get why but then if they always felt like hat it seems rather sudden why only now they felt like acting on it. Ok, the situation may have added but it still felt sudden.

Also, it's never really obvious why Misty, she's human but Graham never seems to confide why she feels special. As a reader, we can guess but in the book it's just another expectation with no real reason and I think that would help in seeing them more as a solid couple.

Some of the secondary characters feel very intriguing. I really think one of the strengths of the series is how bonded the Shifters are, even the ones without mates. The close community feel we have is probably my favorite thing about this and why I usually like Shifters stories so much. In this aspect, the author always does a great job.

All in all, this book offered good elements, some advances - not as much as I'd have liked - in the plot, but the romance could have been so much better. I liked this but I still feel something is missing in terms of making this even more addictive.

Nevertheless, a good enough installment. I'm looking for to read more.

Grade: 7/10

Jennifer Ashley - Tiger Magic

He doesn’t have a name. He doesn’t have a clan. The humans who held him prisoner for forty years have taken them away. He knew nothing but captivity until nearly a year ago, when he was released into the light. Now Tiger lives in the Austin Shiftertown, where he struggles to belong and searches for an identity.
Carly Randal thinks her fabulous life is complete—until her car breaks down on the side of the road, and a wild-looking Shifter is the only one to help her. Tiger takes one look at Carly and knows instantly—she will be his mate. As Carly is drawn into his Shifter world, she risks everything she has for that forbidden something she still wants: passionate love. 

Comment: This is installment #5 in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley. I'm behind on this series but I'll try to read the more recent books so I can catch-up. Because this series has so many novellas in between full length stories and often featuring known characters, it's more difficult to keep up.

In this book we have Tiger's story. He is a character that first showed up in the previous book and was rescued from a secret location. Because he's a Shifter he was welcomed in Austin, in the Shiftertown ruled by Liam Morrissey (from book #1), and he has been living a pretty quiet life, learning to be human and follow rules...until the day he helps a woman with her broken car. He immediately recognizes her as his mate and despite all the others telling him he can't know, he's a different Shifter, more primal, and knows it as truth.

But there are people after him and the secrets he might have about his existence... can Tiger help his mate, help his new friends and find happiness?

I liked this book, mostly because of the scenes featuring many known characters, which gives this story a sense of family, of connection between the characters.

But the main plot, dedicated to Tiger and Carly wasn't as interesting as I hoped. Their bond is important yes, but the way they got to be close to one another was too easy...

Tiger is a special Shifter, he was created in a lab and not in a shifter community and we all know the setting is part of the stimuli that helps us shape out personality, our sense of self and who we are in a group... so I can understand why his behavior and personality were quieter, more suspicious, not always playing along... but then his general behavior wasn't always captivating to em, even when I rationalize that he couldn't help it if he didn't have an example growing up.

Carly is his mate. She finds out she has been cheated on by her supposed fiancé and Tiger is there to help her, but then things get out of control and she is the one who needs o help him. From then on she gets to know more people from Shiftertown and still running from the guy that wants Tiger for an experiment. I assume this is too much to handle but Carly is always positive, accepts things very easily, including her reaction and attraction to Tiger. Well, I can debate that insta-love is almost the thing to look for in shifter stories with the "mate" vibe or something, but it looks like such an easy path, that I wasn't overly impressed.

Then their personalities weren't my favorites...and I feel the author could add a bit more structure to the romances...they all look very similar, even with different characters.

The plot was basic, we knew the good guys would win and to be honest I wasn't terribly interested in it... I preferred to focus on the characters' interactions, which is the thing I love the most in series...to see former and future characters interact, being part of a family or a society I want to see being happy and strong.

I loved seeing Tiger with the children, the children characters are some of the most interesting characters of them all, the simplicity but the way they allow grown ups to have softer scenes... I like the way all this makes the stories feel cohesive, focused on what is important to the Shifters, which is family and safety for them all.

The book has many interesting things but the most important thing,t he main romance wasn't as spectacular as that. I didn't feel their relationship was particularly balanced, especially because Tiger didn't get some of the society nuances and Carly was too much a happy camper or following along too easily.

Then, the end. Many people don't think it was up to the plot, but I didn't mind it much because the family bonds is what interests me the most. Still, I get it that the end could have been a let down, after all the explanation behind Tiger's existence and why it was vital for the bad guy to catch him were moot points after such a turnabout. Like someone said, things happen too fast, both in plot pace and in romance development to be considered more romantic or polished.

All in all, a good enough romance, several things worked out for me, but some others didn't...so I feel happy enough with this book but I wasn't impressed. I hope the following ones are better.

Grade: 6/10

TBR Challenge: Jennifer Ashley - A MacKenzie Clan Gathering

Ian Mackenzie is awakened at Kilmorgan Castle one night to find robbers stealing the priceless art collection of his oldest brother, Hart. Since Ian and Beth are the only ones in resident at Kilmorgan at the moment, Ian decides he must find the art and the culprits before the family shows up for Hart's birthday gathering. With Inspector Fellows and Beth, he investigates, though Ian is somewhat worried by Beth's late husband's brother, a retired missionary, who decides to visit. Does John Ackerley hold the "cure" to Ian's madness? And can Ian discover what has happened to Hart's treasures, and who is targeting the Mackenzies before the enemy strikes again?
Return to Kilmorgan Castle to visit the Victorian branch of the Mackenzie family, and catch up on the brothers and friends, their children, and their lives.

Comment: Another year of the TBR Challenge! I really like this challenge that it's the only one that appealed to me and that made me willing to keep going.

January, as always, is a month for short stories, novellas, etc. and I've picked up this shorter story by Jennifer Ashley, the same thing I did two years ago...what can I say, this author offers plenty solutions for this month's theme! I was very curious about the story, not only because I like the world but also because a friend read it and liked it.

 

In this novella we have the focus on Ian Mackenzie, as he tries to solve a case of missing art, missing bottles of whisky and why all that is happening to frame Hart. Along the way he meets Beth's former brother-I-law and he tries to change Ian for the better, but will Ian really need to change?

Fellows shows up, helps in the investigation, but Ian is definitely center stage here and most of the book is told from his or Beth's POV.

 

Well, first of all, the title isn't appropriate for this story. Although the MacKenzie clan does reunite it only happens at the end of the story and we do not have all of their POVs nor does the focus gets on each of them equally.

The POVs are mostly on the characters of Ian, Beth, Fellows and someone or another very quickly. I wouldn't think this is a clan gathering story and I was expecting that, so I have to confess for some disappointment on that. I don't really mind having read the story I did, but it would have been nice to know what Id get and not a false idea. This serves to prove how important blurbs are and how they can help us to make an opinion on deciding to read or not.

 

As for the story itself, it's good only because it's about the MacKenzies and their family is unique, special to read about to the extent I look for all the books. I've seen the newest boo released is about an ancestor mentioned here quite often but to be honest I would prefer more stories about this group we've met since Ian's full length book. I'll keep reading stories on the MacKenzies for that alone.

The story has a focus on Ian and I liked knowing and seeing him more but I kind of wanted to see more interaction between the family members.

 

This story presents Ian a challenge, of finding out who stole- and why - paintings from the Kilmorgan Castle where the family is supposed to meet later on. On the aftermath of discovering the missing paintings, Fellows arrives to help and the clues might point out to Hart himself, for fraud, despite him not needing the money. Part of the intrigue was interesting although I was more concerned about the characters and not the plot, as I knew it would be solved and my interest is more in the emotional part of things. In the end, this part of the story was quickly solved, all ended up well and that's great.

 

Another key subject of this story is how Beth's brother-in-law claims he can help Ian to cure his madness and make him someone others will understand better. There's a lot of talk, situations arising from this notion but of course, I don't think it's any surprise to know Ian, being so smart, gets to the conclusion it's his uniqueness that allows him to help his family, to protect them, to do what he does for everyone and that the most important people in his life, Beth and his children and his family love and respect him for who he is, not by how he's supposed to be. This was an interesting idea to explore but not exactly revolutionary. Still, it offered interesting scenes and emotions to be developed and I liked seeing Ian realizing he's perfect the way he is.

 

All in all, a good story, not what I thought I'd get, but I can't say it was bad, because I like this "world" and that alone sold me on it.

I can't wait for more stories on the actual MacKenzie family.

Grade: 7/10

Two novellas by Jennifer Ashley

Ellison Rowe, a Lupine Shifter, makes it his goal to protect Maria, once held captive by ferals, from male Shifters looking for mates. He likes Maria's resilience and fire, but she's been broken, and Ellison wants more than anything to heal her. When a new danger threatens Shiftertown's cubs, Maria partners with Ellison to stop a cold-blooded criminal.


Cormac has been moving from one Shiftertown to the next in search of a mate. Now he's in southern Nevada, where a beautiful, unmated bear Shifter greets him...with a shotgun in her hands.
Nell is a hot-tempered mother of two cubs, and she doesn't take kindly to new Shifters showing up in town without her consent - even one with a sexy smile and brilliant blue eyes. But when her sons are endangered and she desperately needs help protecting them, Cormac proves he's worthy of her trust as well as her desire.

Comment: Two novellas by Jennifer Ashley in her Shifters Unbound series.

I thought each one was average, I liked them and the characters but somehow neither was super amazing and in some parts I actually had to tell myself to keep reading.

 

Perfect Mate is bear Nell's story. She's a recurrent character in the series and we know she raised her children alone but she's the alpha bear in her Shiftertown. The story centers around Cormac, a bear that transferred to Nell's town because he's looking for a mate. In fact, the only one available is...Nell. Although reluctant, Nell lets him be around, even replacing her kitchen cabinets. Then one of her sons is kidnapped and Nell accepts any help she can to save her cub.

The story was ok, it was good to see the interaction between characters and what was happening to some of the others. In terms of world progress it was enough information not to make the story feel too isolated. The romance I got it, it was handy, but I never really felt they had to be destined for each other. It just didn't sound as perfect as that. And considering the amount of time the author had, it seems slightly unbalanced when one compares to other relationships in the world. Not that it wasn't be well done, only that I think it lacked something.

 

Lone Wolf is Ellison's story and follows the previous one right away.

Ellison is very protective of Maria, a human woman who's been rescued from a place run by illegal and feral shifters, along with many other women and cubs. Maria only wants to win her independence, work and be free of shifters - or so she thinks. One guy in the bar where she works tries to provoke Maria but she's immediately helped by Liam and the other shifters that were there, including Ellison. With time Maria starts to accept Ellison's help and protection, especially when the group fights a human man who kidnaps shifters to sell as pets.

This story was also interesting but again I wasn't much convinced about the depth of feelings between Maria and Ellison. They seemed to be a good couple but the affection between them felt rather rushed to fit the relationship. As for the rest of the plot, it was good, we got to see how some characters were too; this is a good thing from the author, she includes many characters and it makes her community look more complete, important, happy. All in all, good but could be better.

 

I still think both novellas were interesting addictions to the world, a good way to tell a character's story without having to dedicate a whole book to them and thankfully these stories are big novellas, so the development usually works out, even if, in my opinion, the romances could all be better.

In the end, points for plot, not so many for romance.

Grade (of both novellas): 6/10

Two Novellas by Jennifer Ashley

A short novel of the Shifters Unbound series. Spike, a wildcat Shifter and the champion fighter of Shiftertown, is stunned when Myka, the best friend of a dying human woman, announces that Spike has fathered a cub. What's more, the mother is giving the boy to Spike to protect and raise.
Myka, who'd been raised by an abusive stepfather, is not sure that a wild fighter named Spike is the best man to bring up the cute little jaguar cub. She goes to Shiftertown to check out Spike, and finds that the man behind the name is a lonely Shifter who's lost most of his family and is a fierce caretaker to those he has left.
Spike is torn between the cub and his duties as tracker to the Shiftertown leader, and begs Myka, the only person who understands, to help him. He starts to like the sassy Myka, a horse trainer who's not afraid of working with animals, even if they're wildcats who turn into humans.
When Spike's job puts his cub and Myka in danger, Spike is forced to choose between those to whom he's pledged his loyalty and his need to protect the woman and cub he's come to love.
Shifters Unbound 3.5


 Elizabeth Chapman is saved from an armed robber by a giant Kodiak bear who shifts into a large, well-muscled, and fully bare human. But when it's revealed that the robber is the brother of a dangerous criminal, Elizabeth finds herself the target of a vendetta.
Ronan, the Bear Shifter, takes her to Shiftertown, where she finds that mateless Ronan takes care of Shifters who have no families or clans of their own. Having grown up in foster care herself, Elizabeth can only admire how protective Ronan is, even while she chafes at the confinement.
But Ronan will only let her leave the safety of Shiftertown if he becomes her 24/7 bodyguard. Elizabeth finally agrees. The trouble is, the sassy human Elizabeth is triggering Ronan's long-buried need to find himself a mate.
Shifters Unbound 2.5

Comment: In these last days of December I decided to get two more novellas out of the way. I picked Jennifer Ashley because not only I like her books but I was lucky to have these novellas set in the same universe, the Shifters Unbound series.

Bodyguard is the story of Elizabeth Chapman and Ronan, a bear shifter. Ronan is in Elizabeth's shop, one of those that don't mind business with shifters. Then someone wants to rob the store and kill Elizabeth and Ronan helps her. Being a shifter, of course the police takes him away, but Elizabeth defends him and goes as well. They quickly start a bond but Ronan doesn't give Elizabeth up especially after a gang is after her for revenge.

I liked this story, very well constructed and I'll have to be glad for the author's job in making the romance seem solid despite how fast it happened. I guess her talent in writing makes it look like more time has passed. I think this is one of those novellas that are easily read as a bigger book, it gives off that vibe. The fact Elizabeth and Ronan are mates is just the cherry on top, I liked this one and their relationship.

Grade: 7/10

Hard Mated is Spike's story and how he gets to find out he's got a cub he didn't know about right until the mother of his son is dying. Spike is thrilled to raise him though, but a little boy cub isn't easy to manage and he asks Myka's help, a friend of his cub's mother and someone he feels connected with, even if at the start she didn't think the same. With time, they will try to create a bond while Spike has to deal with his position in the pack and things that are asked of him.

I thought this story was a bit weaker because I wasn't as amazed by the main character's relationship. Myka never seemed as focused on the shifter's friendship or presence and it was more difficult to envision them happy despite the actions leading to it. I think this dealt well with hierarchy ideas and the perception of one's position in a group. I had fun with the story, I was eager to read but Myka didn't win me over. Still, not a bad novella.

Grade: 6/10

Two Roses in short stories

Scandal follows Rose Barclay, young widow of the Duke of Southdown, wherever she goes. It's never her fault--honor bright--but newspapers love to write about the young woman from Scotland, and the much older duke she married, who died on their honeymoon. The duke left her with a large widow's portion, now contested by his son, who kicks Rose out of the estate's dower house and uses it to kennel his dogs.
Rose does *not* need to be found with a large, handsome Scot passed out at her feet, fueling gossips and giving her stepson more ammunition. The Scot is Steven McBride - a decorated soldier who is notorious for heavy gambling and womanizing during his leave time. Steven is happy to open his eyes and find the beautiful woman standing over him, and happy to help spirit her away. He comes up with a ruse to foil the journalists, but Rose will have to go along with his very scandalous proposal.

* * * 

Nobody knows who Miss Rose Sweetly is, and she prefers it that way. She’s a shy, mathematically-minded shopkeeper’s daughter who dreams of the stars. Women like her only ever come to attention through scandal. She’ll take obscurity, thank you very much.
All of England knows who Stephen Shaughnessy is. He’s an infamous advice columnist and a known rake. When he moves into the house next door to Rose, she discovers that he’s also wickedly funny, devilishly flirtatious, and heart-stoppingly handsome. But when he takes an interest in her mathematical work, she realizes that Mr. Shaughnessy isn’t just a scandal waiting to happen. He’s waiting to happen to her…and if she’s not careful, she’ll give in to certain ruination. 

Comment: Both these novellas have been on my intended reading list for a while. I thought I should read them together because it would suit a mini comment here, with two novellas, something I'll try to keep doing in the future. Then, I found it so funny and surprising that the female protagonists in both short stories are named Rose! This was really not planned but quite the little factoid.

Talk to Me Sweetly seems to be quite the success to many readers but I thought the main couple wasn't that interesting and it felt like their interactions were too meaningful to be explored so easily and so fast. But in reality, I never really warmed up to Rose who, despite a fresh and unique personality, seemed very bland. Or maybe, comparing to Stephan, she seemed like that. I liked the racial differences and the challenges that would ask of the protagonists but being this a small story, it was never addressed properly in my opinion. I've enjoyed other stories by the author more but despite that I still plan to read the next full length novel in the Brothers Sinister series in which this short story is included.

Grade: 5/10

Scandal and the Duchess is another installment in the MacKenzie/McBride historical series by Jennifer Ashley. It's Steven McBride story and how he is tired of war, of being alone and helps a former duchess to fight for what is her due. The plot aspects were very interesting and the best thing was to see so many of the beloved characters of the series coming in to offer help. Being this a short story, the romance happens really fast and despite being cute after they start admitting it, the way it happened was fast and unlikely. I know it's hard to give a small story with all the necessary elements to make it work as a whole, but the romance part was really the least impressive even if sweet. Still, a series to keep reading and being eager for.

Grade: 7/10