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

Jennifer Ashley - Rules for a Proper Governess

Scottish barrister Sinclair McBride can face the most sinister criminals in London - but the widower’s two unruly children are a different matter. Little Caitlin and Andrew go through a governess a week, sending the ladies fleeing in tears.
Roberta “Bertie” Frasier enters Sinclair’s life by stealing his watch - and then stealing a kiss. Intrigued by the handsome highlander, Bertie winds up saving his children from a dangerous situation and returns them to their father. Impressed with how they listen to her, Sinclair asks the lively beauty to be their governess, never guessing that the unconventional lady will teach him a lesson or two in love.

Comment: This book arrived in the mail last Friday and I couldn't wait to read it as soon as possible. It's in one of those series I can't wait to get my mind on, because the author does such a great job in making the characters alive and fascinating and in creating a story that has so many special moments and situations I feel it's only a matter of time before I think it's exactly as it should.

This is Sinclair's story. He's one of Ainsley's brothers we've heard about since her book, the third in the series.

Sinclair is a widow and has two children to raise but they can't seem to behave properly so he employs governesses to help and teach them, but they never seem to last long.

One day Sinclair meets Bertie because he defended one of her friend's from being sent to prison over a crime she didn't commit.

Bertie is fascinated by Sinclair and who he is. By saving his children one day she gets to be their governess and even Sinclair is taken with her, something he hasn't felt since his beloved wife died...

I don't have much to say about the book except that I liked it a lot.

There's a certain mystery to solve which adds more to the story, well, this happens in all the books, there's always something to investigate, a sort of action development to move the plot along and not supported only by the romance, but in my opinion, all that could go away because the romance is the true beauty in these novels.

I love how the author picks two main characters, gives them personality, purpose and charisma and makes them alive on the page. I really cheered for this couple, like I did with all the others and I was immensely happy with their HEA.

The fact Sinclair is someone with means and with connections and a vision of life where things go well in terms of his profession and possibilities doesn't make him arrogant. He's confidant and still reachable.

Bertie comes form the poorer section of town, she knows what is to live with almost nothing and she is a pick pocket. But her heart id in the right place and she doesn't mind learning and charming others with her personality and god moods.

I liked the romance and how slowly it developed. I think it was both sweet and cathartic how Sinclair accepted Bertie and was as much of her rock as she was for him when the moments required so. Sure, their relationship wasn't perfect but the way the author inserted sexual tension and little details between them only made their actual romance much better and real.

I liked Bertie's relationship with the children. I think it worked out almost too well, but beggars can't be choosers. Bertie is special and despite the bad things sh saw and went through because of where she lives and how things are for those less fortunate, she still had a sunny disposition and everyone felt it when around her. I really think she's the best character in the book.

I also think there wasn't enough processing of things from the past. But I also admit it was clever of the author to do things the way she did, otherwise the story would go from romance to drama and that would ruin the overall impressions one might have. It's complicated to judge things like these based on what we feel should happen, but for story's development and HEA's purpose, I don't mind how everything went.

In the end, another great book and I can't wait to read more by the author.

Grade: 8/10

Jennifer Ashley - The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie

Daniel Mackenzie lives up to the reputation of the scandalous Mackenzie family—he has wealth, looks, and talent, and women love him. When he meets Violet Bastien—one of the most famous spiritual mediums in England—he immediately knows two things: that Miss Bastien is a fraud, and that he’s wildly attracted to her.
Violet knows she can’t really contact the other side, but she’s excellent at reading people. She discerns quickly that Daniel is intelligent and dangerous to her reputation, but she also finds him generous, handsome, and outrageously wicked. But spectres from Violet’s past threaten to destroy her, and she flees England, adopting yet another identity.
Daniel is determined to find the elusive Violet and pursue the passion he feels for her. And though Violet knows that her scandalous past will keep her from proper marriage, her attraction to Daniel is irresistible. It’s not until Daniel is the only one she can turn to that he proves he believes in something more than cold facts. He believes in love.

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Highland Pleasure series by Jennifer Ashley. It's the story of Daniel Mackenzie, son of Cameron, hero of book #3. Daniel is a grown up now and pretty much focused on his career as an engineer and scientist. 

The story starts with Daniel winning a card game and the loser proposes to pay off the debt with a meeting at a house he rents to a psychic. Daniel doesn't believe in that but after seeing the young woman doing the "show" he feels attracted to her and even more so when he figures how she manages to add the special effects. After talking to her after and seeing how everything works, he's delighted to know she has a talent for machines as well. However, fate and fear make the young woman, Violet, run away with her mother and the maid.
Daniel goes after them and rescues Violet, thus beginning a romance full of adventure, innovation and love.

I was quite satisfied with this novel. It had a couple I was glad to see together, two people I had interest in knowing more about and a supporting cast that I love, with beloved characters to help building up the plot development.

Violet is a unique heroine, she knows hers and her mother's tricks with the psychic tales are just a way to survive but she still feels bad about it, although she also tells herself some people need that reassurance, therefore it can work out too. I liked her character, she was practical but still dreamed about love and something better but she was trapped in a situation that couldn't change much. After meeting Daniel she is even more aware of what she's missing, but fate puts him on her path twice and it becomes obvious she can't let go on her own...she has also to deal with something awful from her past, but she finds in Daniel someone understanding and supportive of her feelings. Their romance was believable and romantic and I rooted for them.

Daniel is a beloved character of the Mackenzie family and someone we've seen grow up throughout the books somehow. I was happy for him and for his happiness. Violet complemented him very well, not only in personality but in common interests. Daniel proved to be a worthy grown up which he recognizes happened with the help of a loving family. His character was well exploited here, both his ties to his family but also his eye for the future, for development. It was well done, I think.

The other Mackenzie characters show up and it was amazing to see them again, to see them interact and be an important part of the plot, because a united family can't just be dismissed and I thin the author does a good job in including almost everyone in each book.

The psychic theme is done relatively well. There's the moral indecision of whether it's only a bad thing when one uses it to deceive people but here it was shown the other side, how some people might see in it the need to believe, to have faith. Nothing is ever black and white only.

I was pretty much happy with the whole book but personally I confess the idea of Violet being older than Daniel didn't appeal much to me...I mean, it didn't ruin the story but for me, I'd have preferred it not to be. Also, Violet's mother was too much an air head and although it's understandable why her character is like that, I still think it's very harsh for her to be so aloof in what her daughter's feelings are concerned.

All in all, a good read, good enough to follow the series tone and expectations. I'm already eager for the following one, later this year.
Grade: 7/10

Jennifer Ashley - Mate Claimed

As a wildcat Shifter and leader of his Shiftertown, Eric Warden knows his own kind. When he sees Iona Duncan, he realizes that although she appears human, she is a half-Shifter wildcat living without a Collar—and that if she doesn't acknowledge her true nature and her mating hunger, it may kill her…
Iona finds the mysterious and powerful Eric alluring, even though she has vowed never to reveal her Shifter side, lest her mother pay the price for hiding her all these years. But her mating hunger is rising, and with Eric so close, she may not be able to resist…and her desire may lead to the very doom they are fighting to deny…

Comment: This is another book in the Shifters Unbound series by ms Ashley. Although I feel this series isn't as strong as her historical one, I still read these books fast and happily.
This series has a lot of novellas as well, and I plan to read them too in the future.

This book features Eric Warden. He's a character we've known since a couple books ago and he always showed a strong and solid presence. Knowing his past I was very eager to see his story.
He met Iona at a bar one day and he found out she was half shifter, something humans don't know and if they do, she has to use the Collar and banned from human rights. Their relationship starts with Eric teaching Iona bout what it means to be a shifter but soon what's between them gets stronger.

This was a solid read in the series. The world is established, we know the rules and we get new characters too, to make th story evolve and get more that feeling of community, even among shifters of different species. I think many characters have a lot of potential to be protagonists, but the novellas have quite the page number too, so nothing would feel like a letdown I imagine.

Eric and Iona's relationship was funny to watch. Once more I felt appreciation with the fact they had a good chemistry but weren't sexually intimate right away. It's really boring when they have sex and their relationship revolves around that from the first pages. I prefer romances as with this case, where they get to know each other step by step until they can't hold on their feelings anymore...it's so much more romantic this way...
Iona was the character with more challenges I think. She has an established life as human but she suffers the issues shifters have, like stronger pheromones and desires. She sees Eric as a threat to her human life, but slowly she gets to know him and care for him. I liked how she learned about being a shifter and how strong the sense of family was for them too and she didn't have to let go of her previous family to be with Eric. The end was interesting for the whole community!
Eric knew how to behave, how to help Iona but he was helpless to fight his attraction to her even when he showed restraint to let her pick the pace. I think his character was quite well done.

The plot follows the same settings as before, shifters have Collars to control their fighting urges but things aren't as simple as that and one lesson to take from this book is, people should have patience and shifters, having longer life spans, consider Collars as a step towards freedom, because time passes faster for the humans who want to control them. It's an interesting idea and it gives an extra help to understand the world and how the shifter community face their lives in these books.

Personally, I had lots of fun with this story, it was a pleasure to rd it and many times I felt I couldn't put it down. I love shape shifters stories and except for book #1 which didn't feel as special, these series has proven to be fascinating.
Grade: 8/10

Jennifer Ashley / Amy Lane

The Mackenzies gather for a clan Christmas and New Year's in Scotland. In the chaos of preparations for the celebration--the first of Hart and Eleanor's married life--one of Ian's Ming bowls gets broken, and the family scrambles to save the day. Daniel busily runs a betting ring for everything from the time Eleanor's baby will arrive to whether Mac's former-pugilist valet can win a boxing match to who will be the first of the many guests to be caught under the mistletoe. Ian begins a new obsession, and Beth fears the loss of one of his precious bowls has made him withdraw once more into his private world. 

Comment: I really liked this story. I am a fan of the series and I took the time to get the two novellas sort of at the same time. This one is like a sugar rush because it's sweet and full of wonderful scenes and warm feelings and special things and possibilities. It's to assure the reader things are indeed well with all those beloved characters. I know some readers don't like these types of stories much, but personally I don't mind and even gladly wish for them if they're meant to be good. I think it's a nice read, to reassure us of the power of family love.
Grade: 8/10

*  *  * 

Whim believes himself to be the least powerful sidhe at Green's Hill: he is as constant as a bumblebee in a hurricane and as faithful as a stray breeze. Whim's prince believes there is more to him than that and on Litha, the night of the summer solstice, sends Whim into the mortal world where he strives to give a piece of himself to others. It is on Litha that Whim meets Charlie, a young, desperate human who steals a kiss. Whim steals one back and, in turn, craves another taste of this extraordinary man. Their vows to return next Litha and finish what they started launch a thirteen-year tradition of celebration between the mortal and the immortal, between love and patience, that is sustained by Whim's driving, faithful compulsion to love and keep his human close to his heart.

Comment: This story isn't very big, it's about two guys meeting by chance and falling in love. It's set int he same world of the Little Goddess series I've read recently by the author, so many things are familiar. This story has a certain sad tone to it...it's hard to think about sacrifices and distance and time going by when you have so many things to live for...I was a bit depressed by this story, the author has created a special world but always with a little sad note in there...
Grade: 6/10

TBR Challenge: Jennifer Ashley - The Untamed Mackenzie

To redeem her family’s disgraced name, Lady Louisa Scranton has decided to acquire a proper husband. He needs to be a man of fortune and highly respectable in order to restore both her family's lost wealth and reputation. She enters the Marriage Mart with all flags flying, determined to find the right bachelor.
But Louisa’s hopes are dashed when the Bishop of Hargate drops dead at her feet—and she is shockingly accused of murder! Soon, Louisa’s so-called friends begin shunning her, because the company of a suspected killer is never desirable in polite society.
The problem comes to the ears of Detective Inspector Lloyd Fellows, by-blow of the decadent Scottish Mackenzie family and an inspector for Scotland Yard. He has shared two passionate kisses with Lady Louisa–and vows to clear her name. For not only does he know she’s innocent, he recognizes he’s falling for the lovely lady.
Fellows is Louisa's only hope of restoring her family's honor—and it is he alone who intrigues Louisa in a way that may be even more scandalous than murder…

Comment: Here we are again, for another year of the TBR challenge. Once more, the theme for January is short stories. I've chosen this one because not only am I a fan of the series, but I've heard many good things about it and I was curious, so in reality, three reasons to read it. I was hoping to see a good story, so I didn't have to think about which story to pick.

For those who know the Mackenzies, Fellows is a character that seemed a villain in the first book but we find out what was behind such animosity and now he is someone we want to see more often. His story starts when he is called about a crime and there he meets again Lady Louisa Scranton, sister to Isabella from book #2. They have shared looks and kisses in the past and now that she's in danger, he only wants to help her, but Louisa isn't indifferent and their relationship changes...

The main thing I looked for in this story was to see Fellows give in to his feelings, because he always looked professional, distant and even a bit arrogant, all traits apparently shared with his half brothers, but I wished I could see some change if he was falling in love. This happened a bit too fast for my taste but when one thinks about the time that has passed since they met, we could actually admit enough time has gone for the feelings between them could simmer and fill them with hope.

This story features a crime, and being Fellows a policeman, we see him go through the clues to reach the guilty one. The way we found out about the killer is done after the guilty one is caught, and we just know the how after it happened. Usually I don't have an issue with this tactic to create suspense until the end, and I guess with such a short amount of page numbers things have to happen behind scenes, but it was a bit rushed to see things go this way. But well, I never suspected the author of the crime nor other of his crimes, so, I can't say it was such a bad thing..but it could have been different.

Now, the most important part, the romance of course...well, apart from the way it seemed too fast considering we don't see many scenes between them before they admit their feelings to each other, I actually liked how they always felt the other was right for them, how the other seemed to fill their head with images of happiness and their hearts with love. It was nice and they are two characters I really hoped to see find some happiness.
Louisa is accused of being the killer but obviously she didn't do it and I thought it was brave of her to try to help and to prove her innocence. I liked her character and her belief Fellows was worthy and admirable and she never thought about loosing a position in society to be with him. It was commendable.
Fellows of course had a more realistic idea of hoe things could be, he knew he wouldn't be worthy of her but he didn't do the "honorable" thing and tried to stay away, he always admitted she was special and after he admitted his jealousy to himself he went after her. I like a hero who doesn't play that act of the "I don't deserve you"...I don't know why but when a woman does this, it feels like humility but with a man it seems just annoying...a matter of perspective, really.

I also liked to see other Mackenzies show up and be a part of their story. Tis happened in all the full length books, why not in this one as well? Plus, it was wonderful to know the Mackenzies accepted and wanted Fellows to feel part of the family. I think the brother's relationship is one of the strongest points in the whole series.

In the end, the story had the needed elements to work out, personally I feel some things could have done better, but overall, I can't say I was disappointed. I know some readers didn't like it as much because of the whole romance focus and all, but I fully hope to see the main couple again and their story seemed balanced enough to be good. Not perfect, no, but enjoyable.
Grade: 7/10

Jennifer Ashley - The Seduction of Elliot McBride

Juliana St. John was raised to be very proper. After a long engagement, her wedding day dawns—only for Juliana to find herself jilted at the altar.
Fleeing the mocking crowd, she stumbles upon Elliot McBride, the tall, passionate Scot who was her first love. His teasing manner gives her an idea, and she asks Elliot to save her from an uncertain future—by marrying her…
After escaping brutal imprisonment, Elliot has returned to Scotland a vastly wealthy yet tormented man. Now Juliana has her hands full restoring his half-ruined manor in the Scottish Highlands and trying to repair the broken heart of the man some call irredeemably mad. Though beautiful and spirited, Juliana wonders if that will be enough to win a second chance at love. 

Comment: This is the fifth full length story in the historical series about the Mackenzies by Jennifer
Ashley. This story features not the Mackenzies but two people close to them, via Ainsley Mackenzie, the heroine from the third book. I was very curious to see a story with two main characters not directly connected to those we've met before.

This is the story of Elliott McBride, Ainsley's brother, and Juliana St John, a family friend who's been left in altar waiting for a groom that eloped with another woman. In a crazy outburst, Juliana asks Elliott to marry her and he accepts. They marry and start their lives together, but along with Elliott comes a great deal of past issues that can be a challenge for Juliana but something she accepts because she always worshiped Elliott. Will love be strong too?

I was quite confident that this book would be a good read and I'd spend some good times reading it. I wasn't wrong but I confess I didn't enjoy this story as much as the previous ones.
This story focuses on two characters we weren't as familiar with, not like we were with all the Mackenzies from one book to another. But I ended up liking them, more so Elliot and the secondary ones. Juliana was OK but that was it. I didn't see nothing in her to be amazing. I felt sorry for some of her disappointments in life but overall, she wasn't a memorable character for me. I get she was special for Elliott but to be really honest, the whole marriage thing was to fast and impulsive and when we got a sort of explanation as to why Elliott agreed so promptly it just wasn't credible for me and for the feel of the story. It suited Elliott's behavior but at the same time it was too easy to justify and I didn't believe it that much. Or should I say, to me it didn't make sense.

The main couple seem good together but it seemed to me there was always a certain sense of distance between their relationship and me, the reader. I don't exactly know how to explain and this didn't happen with the other books, but I felt that this couple's romance wasn't as alive as the others..perhaps just my impression.
Juliana accepted several things and I applaud her sense of justice and fairness. But like I said, she wasn't that vibrant as I imagined she could be.
Elliott,on his side, suffered from PTSD - not called this at the time obviously - and his actions were believable. I ended up liking him more than Juliana. Still these two never amazed me as much as other beloved characters did in the previous books.
The secondary characters were interesting and I wouldn't mind knowing more about them,

Taste is relative and I know many people loved this...but for me it was weaker than the other books and while I was reading it I managed to feel I wasn't as engrossed in it as I could. The overall story seemed good, the scenes and settings helped, but considering it all, I think it was a bit disappointing, 
Anyway, I have hopes for the next...
Grade: 6/10

Jennifer Ashley / Sally Mackenzie

Lady Eleanor Ramsay is the only one who knows the truth about Hart Mackenzie. Once his fiancee, she is the sole woman to whom he could ever pour out his heart.
Hart has it all--a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him--his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss--his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late.
Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes--and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination--Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him . . . or save him.

Comment: Once again a book by this author was deeply engrossing and fascinating. I love the characters and how their family members interact with each other. The plot was interesting and I really wanted to keep reading even when I couldn't. This series is amazing and despite having enjoyed a bit more the previous book, this one I wanted to read since meeting Hart, I can say I wasn't disappointed at all, it was a fun story to follow and to see how they talked and did things was great. The relationship between Hart and Eleanor wasn't easy to settle but their path was wonderful to watch and to be honest, I thought it was done a bit too easily considering their past, but I guess part of it is due to Eleanor's personality, because she is practical and vibrant. Still, this could have been more emotional, I think. But in the end, I read this as fast as I could because I wanted to read more and more. Can't wait for more of these characters.

*  *  * 

When a naked earl climbs through the window into her bedchamber, Lady Elizabeth Runyon does the proper thing: She screams. Loudly. And then...well, Lizzie has had enough of being proper. She wishes to be bold. Wanton, even. She won't be commanded to put on her nightgown. Just this once, she will be absolutely daring...
Robert Hamilton, Earl of Westbrooke, has no intention of being tricked into marriage by a detestable female, and if he has to flee naked across a rooftop, he will. Jolly good there's an open window waiting--as well as an undressed, slightly drunk, and alluringly beautiful Lady Elizabeth. Oh dear. If they are caught together, he might have to marry her. The idea is delicious...and the temptation is irresistible...

Comment: I was positively surprised with this story. So far, I haven't really had any fun reading the books in this series or even real delight but this story was much more interesting and it provided good enough conflicts and situations to care about. Many things done in a clumsy I'd say, but seriously stronger than the others. The man characters, Robbie and Lizzie had chemistry and challenges to overcome and the secondary characters were interesting to know so, in the end, I can't say it was all that bad. It certainly was much more solid and alive than the other previous novels. Let's see the rest...

Sally Mackenzie / Jennifer Ashley

As marriage proposals go, Charles Draysmith's suit is as romantic as the moors in December. Emma Peterson might be only a vicar's daughter, and he the new Marquis of Knightsdale, and perhaps he would rather marry her than endure the marriage mart. But when he suggests how much he'll enjoy securing an heir, well, a lady can only endure so much.
There's something about a woman throwing pottery at a man that piques his interest. Perhaps his proposal lacks grace, Charles thinks. But it does seem a perfect solution. He acquires a wife; his young charges have the mother they so desperately need, and Emma gains security and position. You see? Simple. Practical. Sensib--oh no, not the ceramic dog... He will have to confess the truth to calm her down. And the truth is, he's madly in love...

Comment: Once again, another book in this series that didn't offer anything amazing. i guess these books are doomed to just be passable for me. Yes, yes, I know, why do I bother..let's call it closure. This book is about Charles, he showed up in the first book. I had high hopes for his story, but it's like he became this moron who keeps saying to his intended she better marry him, after all he needs heirs. Hoe she feel in love with him, I don't know. But apparently they did and despite the secret passages and the evil guy, she got him. Oh and unbelievable how naive and innocent she was. Not knowing how babies are done is a bit too much...Thankfully, not too many books remaining.

* * * * *

Heartbroken from the death of her mate three years ago, Shifter Cassidy Warden is tracking down his mysterious killer -- one who could bring danger to all Shifters.
But Detective Diego Escobar rekindles the flames of her mating desire. And once the fires begin, nothing and no one can put them out... 

Comment: This is the opposite. This author does know how to create a story and this time we meet shifters from a different city and the focus is on a female shifter, who I liked. I liked how the story went further and further to new developments, I liked the environment, the new characters, some of them we knew about, but now we're getting to know them, enough tidbits about incoming stories and of course, great scenes about shifters and humans trying to co exist. A world getting stronger with each book. I liked Cassidy and Diego's story and of course, that they got their HEA. Can't wait for more now that we got some hints about who might be.