What do you think?
Rate this book
Shifters Unbound #3.5
Hard Mated
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.
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.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2012
438 people are currently reading
2870 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ashley
210 books7,330 followersNY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
January 13, 2016
This was a quick read...it is book 3.5 in the series and even though it was short it still had lots of action, love, friendship, and sex! Jennifer Ashley continues to hold me captivated with this series. This novella takes us back to the shifter town where the Morrisey family rules.
In this story, we have Spike who is a tattooed shifter who fights in an illegal shifter club. He also is a tracker; but one day a lady finds him and reveals a surprise to him that will change his life forever. The messenger becomes someone who Spike is highly attracted to. I loved this story, as Spike was this rough tough guy that was so misunderstood. Everyone expected him to be dumb when in actual fact, he was highly intelligent. Myka eventually takes notice of just how much more than meets the eye there is with Spike. Underneath his rough and tough exterior is this extremely sensitive guy who just wants so badly to be seen for whom he really is inside. Myka is the one who does see the real him. When these two finally give in to their attraction, they become very loyal to one another, and they are two lost lonely souls who find love and friendship within one another.
An amazingly sweet love story!
In this story, we have Spike who is a tattooed shifter who fights in an illegal shifter club. He also is a tracker; but one day a lady finds him and reveals a surprise to him that will change his life forever. The messenger becomes someone who Spike is highly attracted to. I loved this story, as Spike was this rough tough guy that was so misunderstood. Everyone expected him to be dumb when in actual fact, he was highly intelligent. Myka eventually takes notice of just how much more than meets the eye there is with Spike. Underneath his rough and tough exterior is this extremely sensitive guy who just wants so badly to be seen for whom he really is inside. Myka is the one who does see the real him. When these two finally give in to their attraction, they become very loyal to one another, and they are two lost lonely souls who find love and friendship within one another.
An amazingly sweet love story!
Read
March 18, 2019Spike's story. Enjoy!
September 13, 2016
Written April 14, 2014
3.3 Stars - a cute story about to be a father suddenly and as an added high-profit in the lottery of life, also find a lovely female mate
It was time for a in between book, Hard Mated, part #3.5 in the Shifters Unboand series, one of my favorite m/f PNR series by a favorite author, Jennifer Ashley.
I enjoyed as usual these amazing cuddly shifters.
This time it was about a male big cat shifter. A lonely jaguar who met a human woman and got a son. ~ Something that he really deserves.
***********************************************************
Spike (aka Eron) is a wildcat (Jaguar) shape shifter living in Austin Shiftertown since a year. He is kind of lonley and often quiet man but a tattooed, six foot six champion fighter. Spike is living with his dear grandma and they are now the only two left in their species. Spike "works" as an tracker to Liam, the Shiftertown's Alpha (..a gorgeous man who we know from Pride Mates).
When the best friend of a dying human woman announces that Spike has fathered a cub is he absolutely stunned. What's more, the mother (as he hardly remember after a single night years ago) is giving the 4 years old boy/cub, named Jordan, to Spike to protect and raise.
Myka Thompson is a human young woman, a bit damaged in her past but strong and tough, who is working as a horse trainer. She is not sure that this scary fighter shifter is the best man to bring up her best friends son, a very cute but wild little jaguar cub. Already the day after her friend died (in a terrible disease), and Jordan moved over to Spike, she feels she have to check out this Spike man and see that Jordan is okay and cared for.
Mika soon finds that the man behind the (odd) name is a lonely shifter who's lost most of his family and is a fierce caretaker to those he has left. ~ He'll do anything to protect his son, but he needs her help.
***********************************************************
Hard Mated is a tender "inst-love-mine-mate" novel in only 160 pages. Almost immediately begin the feelings to steam and boil. ~ A kiss, a few caresses and their hearts beats fast and hard. Spike feels from the beggining that this pretty woman is something extra, perhaps even his future mate?
If you already like this series, as I do, you will of course be happy to hear what had happened to the other couples from the previous books. I'm just saying...
***********************************************************
As I said in some of my previously reviews of this Shifter Unbound series, am I always looking forward to know much more about the opportunity for all these different kind of shifters to become free. A Freedom from a nasty and very hard discrimination, reservats similar settlements, collars and a lot of unjust (human) laws. Some small steps toward this change is also maybe made in this part.
In my opinion is this series great with very well thought out stories. This part was maybe not the best but Jennifer Ashley can really 'do' her thing. ~ It is an PNR series for "grown up readers" who don't just want a smexy story and a sexy alpha male. In these books, there are both important social issues, old traditions, strong women, warm family relationships and hot love.
If you want to know more about these books and shifters; their culture, these Shiftertowns, their struggle for justice and equality, etc see my earlier thoughts:
***********************************************************
A cute in between book in this fascinating shifter series. Not the best perhaps, but an quite okay shorer novel. A tattooed, tough jaguar shifter is not entirely wrong to conquer. Lucky Mika!
I LIKE - as always when it's about Shiftertown's marvellous shifters
3.3 Stars - a cute story about to be a father suddenly and as an added high-profit in the lottery of life, also find a lovely female mate
It was time for a in between book, Hard Mated, part #3.5 in the Shifters Unboand series, one of my favorite m/f PNR series by a favorite author, Jennifer Ashley.
I enjoyed as usual these amazing cuddly shifters.
This time it was about a male big cat shifter. A lonely jaguar who met a human woman and got a son. ~ Something that he really deserves.
***********************************************************
Spike (aka Eron) is a wildcat (Jaguar) shape shifter living in Austin Shiftertown since a year. He is kind of lonley and often quiet man but a tattooed, six foot six champion fighter. Spike is living with his dear grandma and they are now the only two left in their species. Spike "works" as an tracker to Liam, the Shiftertown's Alpha (..a gorgeous man who we know from Pride Mates).
When the best friend of a dying human woman announces that Spike has fathered a cub is he absolutely stunned. What's more, the mother (as he hardly remember after a single night years ago) is giving the 4 years old boy/cub, named Jordan, to Spike to protect and raise.
Myka Thompson is a human young woman, a bit damaged in her past but strong and tough, who is working as a horse trainer. She is not sure that this scary fighter shifter is the best man to bring up her best friends son, a very cute but wild little jaguar cub. Already the day after her friend died (in a terrible disease), and Jordan moved over to Spike, she feels she have to check out this Spike man and see that Jordan is okay and cared for.
Mika soon finds that the man behind the (odd) name is a lonely shifter who's lost most of his family and is a fierce caretaker to those he has left. ~ He'll do anything to protect his son, but he needs her help.
’Tracker, he called himself.
Caretaker was more like it.’
***********************************************************
Hard Mated is a tender "inst-love-mine-mate" novel in only 160 pages. Almost immediately begin the feelings to steam and boil. ~ A kiss, a few caresses and their hearts beats fast and hard. Spike feels from the beggining that this pretty woman is something extra, perhaps even his future mate?
‘Myka's scent, the feel of her body, her taste, the soft sound she made in her throat - awakened the beast. He wanted her, he needed her soft flesh against his in the night.’
If you already like this series, as I do, you will of course be happy to hear what had happened to the other couples from the previous books. I'm just saying...
***********************************************************
As I said in some of my previously reviews of this Shifter Unbound series, am I always looking forward to know much more about the opportunity for all these different kind of shifters to become free. A Freedom from a nasty and very hard discrimination, reservats similar settlements, collars and a lot of unjust (human) laws. Some small steps toward this change is also maybe made in this part.
In my opinion is this series great with very well thought out stories. This part was maybe not the best but Jennifer Ashley can really 'do' her thing. ~ It is an PNR series for "grown up readers" who don't just want a smexy story and a sexy alpha male. In these books, there are both important social issues, old traditions, strong women, warm family relationships and hot love.
If you want to know more about these books and shifters; their culture, these Shiftertowns, their struggle for justice and equality, etc see my earlier thoughts:
***********************************************************
A cute in between book in this fascinating shifter series. Not the best perhaps, but an quite okay shorer novel. A tattooed, tough jaguar shifter is not entirely wrong to conquer. Lucky Mika!
‘The jaguar tattoos moved with his embrace, as he scooped her up to him to kiss her again, this kiss tinged with wilness.’
I LIKE - as always when it's about Shiftertown's marvellous shifters
April 15, 2019
A great addition to a remarkable series!
Spike is a jaguar tracker for the shifter clan. He is also a champion fighter. His entire world changes when he learns that he has a son. Suddenly, there's a 4 year old boy who needs his dad. Luckily he has help, in form of Jordan's honorary aunt, Myka.
Myka doesn't want to get involved with the shifter. She is content with her life, barring the loneliness. But meeting Spike (Eron) finding out about the man he is, it changes things.
I like Eron, he is a great hero, a bit tortured, fierce, but also protective and loving. Myka is a woman scarred by her past, but capable of so much love. And Eron certainly deserves it.
And the best part, Jordan. He is so damn cute, there was a plethora of awww ... moments, especially the interaction between father and son.
I'm pretty sure that the big cat on the picture is actually a female, but we can just imagine that it's a male, right? :D
Rating:
4.5 stars
Spike is a jaguar tracker for the shifter clan. He is also a champion fighter. His entire world changes when he learns that he has a son. Suddenly, there's a 4 year old boy who needs his dad. Luckily he has help, in form of Jordan's honorary aunt, Myka.
Myka doesn't want to get involved with the shifter. She is content with her life, barring the loneliness. But meeting Spike (Eron) finding out about the man he is, it changes things.
I like Eron, he is a great hero, a bit tortured, fierce, but also protective and loving. Myka is a woman scarred by her past, but capable of so much love. And Eron certainly deserves it.
And the best part, Jordan. He is so damn cute, there was a plethora of awww ... moments, especially the interaction between father and son.
I'm pretty sure that the big cat on the picture is actually a female, but we can just imagine that it's a male, right? :D
Rating:
4.5 stars
March 6, 2020
5 Stars ~ Hard Mated (Shifters Unbound #3.5) by Jennifer Ashley
Every since book one Pride Mates I have been waiting for Spikes story. I really wanted him to get a full length book, but Hard Mated turned out wonderful and I’m happy with the novel. I love the Shifters Unbound sereis by Jennifer Ashley. She makes you want to have a big tuff loving shifter of your own.
I also read Hard Mated as part of the Dark and Dangerous, Six-in-One Hot Paranormal Romances Boxed Set.
Spike, a wildcat Shifter and the champion fighter of Shiftertown. Will have his world turned upside down by a little human women and son/cub he never new he had.
Myka, who’d been raised by an abusive stepfather will do anything to protect the little cub and make sure that the wild fighter who is his father will be a good fit.
Both will learn to protect and love each other and the little cub.
Spike is just so darn sexy. I’ll take a tattoo, harley riding, sexy shifter any day. The story is a fun easy romantic read! Myka is perfect for Spike, they complement each other and their love making was hot and sensual. The world that Jennifer Ashley creates is believable and her shifters are more then just animals they are loving caring beings who will do anything for the ones they deem worthy to love.
If you have not checked out this series yet. I highly recommend you do!
Every since book one Pride Mates I have been waiting for Spikes story. I really wanted him to get a full length book, but Hard Mated turned out wonderful and I’m happy with the novel. I love the Shifters Unbound sereis by Jennifer Ashley. She makes you want to have a big tuff loving shifter of your own.
I also read Hard Mated as part of the Dark and Dangerous, Six-in-One Hot Paranormal Romances Boxed Set.
Spike, a wildcat Shifter and the champion fighter of Shiftertown. Will have his world turned upside down by a little human women and son/cub he never new he had.
Myka, who’d been raised by an abusive stepfather will do anything to protect the little cub and make sure that the wild fighter who is his father will be a good fit.
Both will learn to protect and love each other and the little cub.
Spike is just so darn sexy. I’ll take a tattoo, harley riding, sexy shifter any day. The story is a fun easy romantic read! Myka is perfect for Spike, they complement each other and their love making was hot and sensual. The world that Jennifer Ashley creates is believable and her shifters are more then just animals they are loving caring beings who will do anything for the ones they deem worthy to love.
If you have not checked out this series yet. I highly recommend you do!
April 4, 2018
Review posted on Got Fiction?
Know what I love about Jennifer Ashley's stories? No two heroes are alike. Spike is different than any other shifter yet.
Spike was Fergus' tracker (old leader of San Antonio Shiftertown, and all-around bad guy). He is Liam's tracker now, and this is his story.
Spike is thrust into role of father of an unruly 4 year old cub after the mother dies. The mother was a human shifter groupie who he’d had one night with, but it’s her friend Myka who wants to take custody of little Jordan. Spike is the Shifter Fight club champion and he’s an amazing Tracker. We find out that he may be more alpha than he’s letting on, which could pose hierarchy problems in the Austin Shiftertown. But what surprises Myka is that the hard-core fighter who looks like a thug, is incredibly gentle and protective of his new-found cub.
Myka has issues processing what she sees. Not just Spike himself, but the fact that he’s protective of Jordan, and he’s not going to hurt him. Her past issues come to play, but luckily we can trust Jennifer Ashley to never give us a TSTL heroine, so Myka learns. She understands that Spike isn’t who everyone thinks he is-A big brutish fighter. There’s so much more to him than anyone sees, and she tells them so.
When Spike’s job puts them in danger, he has to figure out how to be both a father and a tracker. Myka and Spike have a hard road, but it is so worth the reward.
I think that the idea of shifters as second-class citizens is horrid...and all-too realistic. This is one of my favorite series, and Jennifer Ashley rocked my socks with yet another Shifters Unbound story.
Know what I love about Jennifer Ashley's stories? No two heroes are alike. Spike is different than any other shifter yet.
Spike was Fergus' tracker (old leader of San Antonio Shiftertown, and all-around bad guy). He is Liam's tracker now, and this is his story.
Spike is thrust into role of father of an unruly 4 year old cub after the mother dies. The mother was a human shifter groupie who he’d had one night with, but it’s her friend Myka who wants to take custody of little Jordan. Spike is the Shifter Fight club champion and he’s an amazing Tracker. We find out that he may be more alpha than he’s letting on, which could pose hierarchy problems in the Austin Shiftertown. But what surprises Myka is that the hard-core fighter who looks like a thug, is incredibly gentle and protective of his new-found cub.
Myka has issues processing what she sees. Not just Spike himself, but the fact that he’s protective of Jordan, and he’s not going to hurt him. Her past issues come to play, but luckily we can trust Jennifer Ashley to never give us a TSTL heroine, so Myka learns. She understands that Spike isn’t who everyone thinks he is-A big brutish fighter. There’s so much more to him than anyone sees, and she tells them so.
When Spike’s job puts them in danger, he has to figure out how to be both a father and a tracker. Myka and Spike have a hard road, but it is so worth the reward.
I think that the idea of shifters as second-class citizens is horrid...and all-too realistic. This is one of my favorite series, and Jennifer Ashley rocked my socks with yet another Shifters Unbound story.
February 28, 2023
As an intro to the Shifters Unbound series, this book was great. There was action and connection and a unique setting for shifters. I wasn't a fan of how shifters were treated, but as this was a novella in the series, I'm hoping the other books will give me more insight. And yes, I'll be getting to those because I fell in love with these characters. Spike was so much more than he appeared and after Myka gave herself the chance to get to know him, she discovered his greatness too. I'm also intrigued by all of the side characters who popped up throughout this story and I'm looking forward to getting to know them.
April 13, 2013
Another short and fun read in the Shifter Unbound series for me. This was Spike’s story, he is a wildcat shifter and a tracker for Liam the Austin Shiftertown leader (Liam....Oh Liam). In walks Mykka into his life with stunning news that his one night stand and her best friend Jillian had his cub. Jillian is also dying of cancer.
Spike is overwhelmed and overjoyed to have a cub, and sets about making a home for him. Spike knows nothing about raising a baby and looks to Mykka for help. So there relationship starts.
Mykka is unsure that Spike to be able to take care of his son, first of course because he is a male, second because he is a big bad scary shifter.
One thing I am enjoying about all of the books in this series is how important family is. How each group comes together to support each other and then support each other as a community. It keeps me reading this series.
August 21, 2012
Jennifer Ashley is one of my favorite authors and Shifters Unbound is one of my favorite series from her. I forgot how much I love this series until I started reading Hard Mated. Sexy Tattooed Spike *sigh* Liam *sigh* Sean *sigh* Ronan *sigh* I love Spike and Myka together!! I really enjoyed this book and I loved the story line!! So good. I got to catch up with all my favorite characters again and can't wait for Eric's book next. Such a great read and I hope that Jennifer continues with this series after Eric's book because I don't want to see it end yet!!! Hard Mated is definitely going in my keeper pile to be reread. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. :) Spike <3
July 10, 2023
I looove not thinking!!!
August 4, 2016
Spike is a tattooed guy who likes fighting at an illegal fight club and Myka is the girl who meets after one of his fights and falls in love with.
This would have been a simple love story. But Spike happens to be a jaguar shifter and the night he meets Myka he also discovers that he has a four years old son. This makes things a bit complicated.
This is the story of Spike, his son Jordan and his sweetheart Myka and how they become family.
The book also describes internal power fights for the shifters' hierarchy. Liam's position is being compromised and a new enemy appears.
Another very good addition to this great series.
This would have been a simple love story. But Spike happens to be a jaguar shifter and the night he meets Myka he also discovers that he has a four years old son. This makes things a bit complicated.
This is the story of Spike, his son Jordan and his sweetheart Myka and how they become family.
The book also describes internal power fights for the shifters' hierarchy. Liam's position is being compromised and a new enemy appears.
Another very good addition to this great series.
August 26, 2012
Nice addition to the series. I wish it had been longer and the relationship could have been filled out much more for our enjoyment. I really liked the hero who everyone thought was just a big thug but the heroine saw through immediately. I do think that if you haven't read any of the others in the series you would be pretty lost here.
February 20, 2015
Tracker for the Austin Shiftertown, Jaguar shifter Spike works hard to keep his killer instincts in check, but he is going to give full rein to his protective ones when he discovers that he has a cub and now that he's finally met the woman that he wants to claim for his very own.
HARD MATED was really enjoyable shifter romance that works amazingly well in the short space - since both of the characters are great and are great together. I liked the fact that both Spike and Myka have a common core of loneliness that draws them together and I loved that Myka's experience as a horse trainer helps her to hold her own against the bigger stronger shifters - and I like that she uses her smarts to even things out at times as well. I liked that there were some really touching moments near the end of the story that even had me tearing up a bit.
Since this story is set in the Shifter town from the earlier books in the series, it was also fun to to see many of our old favorite members of the Morrisey pride/pack/clan and to get a chance to catch up on some important events in their lives.
So HARD MATED was a nice little nibble of the Shifter Unbound world to tide us fans over until MATE CLAIMED in October 2012 takes us back to Eric Warden's Shifter town, but this short would also work as a standalone, since there was enough of a recap of the world building to bring a new reader up to speed.
HARD MATED was really enjoyable shifter romance that works amazingly well in the short space - since both of the characters are great and are great together. I liked the fact that both Spike and Myka have a common core of loneliness that draws them together and I loved that Myka's experience as a horse trainer helps her to hold her own against the bigger stronger shifters - and I like that she uses her smarts to even things out at times as well. I liked that there were some really touching moments near the end of the story that even had me tearing up a bit.
Since this story is set in the Shifter town from the earlier books in the series, it was also fun to to see many of our old favorite members of the Morrisey pride/pack/clan and to get a chance to catch up on some important events in their lives.
So HARD MATED was a nice little nibble of the Shifter Unbound world to tide us fans over until MATE CLAIMED in October 2012 takes us back to Eric Warden's Shifter town, but this short would also work as a standalone, since there was enough of a recap of the world building to bring a new reader up to speed.
February 3, 2016
Spike is cat shifter who is Liam's tracker and inherited from the prior regime. He is also a shifter fight club champion. So you are thinking all brawn and tatt'ed up muscle and no brain, but you would be wrong. Eron(Spike)just won another fight when he is approached by a pretty human telling him that he must come with her that a friend is dying and she wants to talk to him. He is curious of course and goes with her. Come to find out he had a one night stand with Joanne and turns out he is the baby daddy. He is presented with a 4 year old bundle of curious boy that can shift into a cub. All of a sudden Eron's whole entire view of his life changes and the dominate genetics that he has surpressed suddenly come alive as he realizes that not only does he have a son to protect, he also is having mating urges with Myka. Myka for her part has always had trust issues due to abuses in her past, but Spike has away of getting past all her defenses and setting up shop right in her heart. Now they have to figure out how to hold on to happiness as a shifter from Spike's past threatens all that he now holds dear. This was a sweet short read that I wished the ending could have been drawn out. But knowing how busy JA is, I am thankful for anything she writes. I am so looking foward to Eric Warden's book. Just from the tidbit we got, it is going to be a blast.
December 31, 2018
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (posting to blog 10/8/18)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GFCJh5
The Gist: Finding out you have a 4 year old and you're now the only parent? Well, that's life changing and Spike's gonna have to learn to juggle parenthood and being the town's Tracker.
Hard Mated was fun. I enjoyed Spike and Myka (his baby mama's best friend) and seeing them for an aliance and tackle raising a little boy. They're both easy to like and made a good team. His little cub was precocious and adorable. I do love those cubs. There was a little shifter drama added to the mix to keep things exciting.
January 25, 2017
Okay, I got a little carried away and did not exactly read this one in order but I wanted Spike. I kept hearing Spike this Spike that. I wanted him now.
Myka had something that would change Spikes world forever. She just didn't know just how much it would change her world also.
This was a quick read that gave me a friendship go awry, ex-bedmates, destine mate, wild tots, sexy cats, and a passion that could not be leashed.
Myka had something that would change Spikes world forever. She just didn't know just how much it would change her world also.
This was a quick read that gave me a friendship go awry, ex-bedmates, destine mate, wild tots, sexy cats, and a passion that could not be leashed.
September 2, 2012
In a world were shifters are real. They have been placed in shifter communities and feared by normals. The shifters are treated like second class citizens. Not as many rights, quick to jail and punish. There are people who follow the shifters to bars as almost groupies. Jillian was someone drawn to the shifters. Several years ago she had a one night stand with a shifter named Spike. Spike is an enforcer of the Austin, TX shifter town. He does what his Alpha says, a tracker and a fighter. He is one of the best if not the best fighter in shifter town. Myka has to get Spike to the hospital. Jillian's dying wish is to get her son, who is the result of a one night stand, to his father. Spike not only finds out that Jillian has had a son by him but she is about to die. Myka is fearful of the shifter because of her own past. Spike, now with a young son, who has just lost his mother and has the energy of a young shifter is causing all kinds of havoc. Spike loves his son already but knows he needs help. Myka is drawn to Spike in a way she never thought possible. Spike wants Myka to stick around and not just to help with his son.
This is a novella, so short and quick. It is part of a series. In the shifters unbound series you learn of Spike but you don't really get to know him until this book. I love Spike! Sexy, strong, and who doesn't love a man who loves his little boy. Scenes with his son are very comical because he knows how to protect but you get the feeling he really has no clue on how to handle a child. Myka, with baggage of her own, had a preconceived idea of how shifters were. But not until she is immersed into their world does she truly believe Jillian's son is in the right place and with the right people. The attraction is one Myka fights at first but gives up the fight quickly. You are really rooting for the two characters, threw out the story. LOVED IT!! Jennifer Ashley's shifter series are some of my favorite stories out. I look forward to each one. Keep them coming Jennifer. Adults only, but if you want a good romance/action book this one you can read alone but I will tell you the entire series if GREAT!!
you can read this review and more on juliesbookreview.blogpsot.com
This is a novella, so short and quick. It is part of a series. In the shifters unbound series you learn of Spike but you don't really get to know him until this book. I love Spike! Sexy, strong, and who doesn't love a man who loves his little boy. Scenes with his son are very comical because he knows how to protect but you get the feeling he really has no clue on how to handle a child. Myka, with baggage of her own, had a preconceived idea of how shifters were. But not until she is immersed into their world does she truly believe Jillian's son is in the right place and with the right people. The attraction is one Myka fights at first but gives up the fight quickly. You are really rooting for the two characters, threw out the story. LOVED IT!! Jennifer Ashley's shifter series are some of my favorite stories out. I look forward to each one. Keep them coming Jennifer. Adults only, but if you want a good romance/action book this one you can read alone but I will tell you the entire series if GREAT!!
you can read this review and more on juliesbookreview.blogpsot.com
February 17, 2013
3.5
The Shifters Unbound books are always intense reads for me. I really enjoy the world that Ashley has created with the shifters being isolated and treated as second class citizens. There's a lot of room for play here to see how the worldview itself will, in the future, shift and change or stay stagnant.
I find it so interesting in the various books how the different types of shifters butt heads with each other as they establish dominance. This one is no exception, there's a lot of subtle and not so subtle power plays at work here.
Spike is a jaguar shifter. He's also a fighter and a tracker. He's such an underestimated character with other shifters thinking he's nothing but muscle. I liked seeing how those attitudes changed.
Ashley always brings the heat and this one is no exception. Myka is a human who brings huge change to Spike's life. There's great chemistry here and Myka is no pushover, I like that she's tough and able to stand up for herself. My favourite quote from the story:
Who could resist a comment like that?
I'm a sucker for the younger shifters so Jordan was a treat here. This is a great installment for the shifter series. If you're already a fan get reading this if you've not read Ashley before then I'd really recommend you start with Pride Mates the first in the series which will really set you up with world-building because while this story is a fantastic addition I don't think it works as a standalone.
The Shifters Unbound books are always intense reads for me. I really enjoy the world that Ashley has created with the shifters being isolated and treated as second class citizens. There's a lot of room for play here to see how the worldview itself will, in the future, shift and change or stay stagnant.
I find it so interesting in the various books how the different types of shifters butt heads with each other as they establish dominance. This one is no exception, there's a lot of subtle and not so subtle power plays at work here.
Spike is a jaguar shifter. He's also a fighter and a tracker. He's such an underestimated character with other shifters thinking he's nothing but muscle. I liked seeing how those attitudes changed.
Ashley always brings the heat and this one is no exception. Myka is a human who brings huge change to Spike's life. There's great chemistry here and Myka is no pushover, I like that she's tough and able to stand up for herself. My favourite quote from the story:
Who could resist a comment like that?
I'm a sucker for the younger shifters so Jordan was a treat here. This is a great installment for the shifter series. If you're already a fan get reading this if you've not read Ashley before then I'd really recommend you start with Pride Mates the first in the series which will really set you up with world-building because while this story is a fantastic addition I don't think it works as a standalone.
March 31, 2013
As this is a short novel in the Shifter Bound series, I though I would do a shorter review for it....Ever since the series started I have been wanting Spike's story, and when I noticed that he was the hero, I was thrilled to say the least. He always made me laugh, and he had spunk, and I really liked that.It starts out with him in a fight with another shifter bear, where he meets Myka who comes to him with a shocking announcement, one that would change him, that he has a cub, a little boy, and this the mother was dying. Thrust into fatherhood pretty quickly, he finds himself overwhelmed but overjoyed as well to have a child. However Myka isn't just going to lie down and let him take over without knowing if Jordan would be safe with Spike. But before she knows it, sparks fly between them and a passion explodes, and Myka realizes she is falling in love with a shifter when she least expected it to. I found Hard Mated to be a fun and enchanting story, with the usual spark that is always in Ashley's novels, and I am growing to love this series even more, since each book just gets better. I have loved her historicals, but I have a weakness for shifter novels, and I think this series is at the top of my list. From the first moment I picked it up I was enthralled, and couldn't put it down!!! A KEEPER!!!!
August 21, 2012
I've said this before and i'll say it again! Hands down this is one of the BEST series i have ever read!!! LOVED the story of Spike and Myka!
July 9, 2013
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
Spike and Myka and Jordan make a sweet family. A good short story addition to the series.
Spike and Myka and Jordan make a sweet family. A good short story addition to the series.
July 13, 2017
I'm not sure how this novella got overlooked when writing my reviews as it was one of my favorites!
Spike is one of the tough trackers for the Shiftertown. He is on his own and his life is tracking and fighting at the fight clubs. When he is called to a dying woman's bedside he gets the surprise of a lifetime. He's a daddy! He instantly goes into protective mode and accepts that cub into his life. Myka, the cub's mother's best friend is leery of Spike's ability to be a father, so she decides to watch him herself. This proves convenient when Spike's duties interfere with fatherhood. Spike comes to rely on Myka to help him organize life being a single dad.
Of course, with all the time together, Myka and Spike are bound to come together. I love Spike as a dad, and the romance growing between him and Myka was so sweet. I had big smiles at the end knowing Spike was now a family man and no longer without family and on his own.
I loved this couple. His fear gripped me when Myka and the cub were in danger. Spike is not going to let his new life be torn apart quite so easily. Hard Mated really pulled at me and I got really invested in their story. Spike somehow became a favorite for me and his HEA was amazing. This was definitely one of the best novellas of the series!
One thing I'm going to say about the books so far. Tattoos are a BIG deal. The author spends a lot of time describing the tattoos of each of the characters. I felt like we got way more time spent on them than was necessary. That has been my only gripe so far, and I only acknowledge it here because Spike has SO many!
The Series
This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict
Spike is one of the tough trackers for the Shiftertown. He is on his own and his life is tracking and fighting at the fight clubs. When he is called to a dying woman's bedside he gets the surprise of a lifetime. He's a daddy! He instantly goes into protective mode and accepts that cub into his life. Myka, the cub's mother's best friend is leery of Spike's ability to be a father, so she decides to watch him herself. This proves convenient when Spike's duties interfere with fatherhood. Spike comes to rely on Myka to help him organize life being a single dad.
Of course, with all the time together, Myka and Spike are bound to come together. I love Spike as a dad, and the romance growing between him and Myka was so sweet. I had big smiles at the end knowing Spike was now a family man and no longer without family and on his own.
I loved this couple. His fear gripped me when Myka and the cub were in danger. Spike is not going to let his new life be torn apart quite so easily. Hard Mated really pulled at me and I got really invested in their story. Spike somehow became a favorite for me and his HEA was amazing. This was definitely one of the best novellas of the series!
One thing I'm going to say about the books so far. Tattoos are a BIG deal. The author spends a lot of time describing the tattoos of each of the characters. I felt like we got way more time spent on them than was necessary. That has been my only gripe so far, and I only acknowledge it here because Spike has SO many!
The Series
November 8, 2021
3.5 stars
Another strong novella! I really liked the premise here: Spike, the cage-fighter and tracker, gets thrown into the world of domesticity when he learns that he has a cub from a previous one-night stand with a human. When she tragically dies from cancer, her best friend Myka takes it upon herself to make sure Spike knows how to take care of a toddler. There are lots of cute domestic moments here, and while I don't generally love a baby in a romance, there is something endlessly appealing when that baby is a tiny animal! The book also has a strong emotional core: I definitely shed a few tears as Myka grieves the loss of her best friend.
I was less into the subplot, which had yet another attempted Shifter coup, kidnapping, final battle, etc. These are just starting to feel a bit repetitive. Surely there are other things that can happen in Shiftertown! Don't any of these villains learn from the LAST failed coup???
Another strong novella! I really liked the premise here: Spike, the cage-fighter and tracker, gets thrown into the world of domesticity when he learns that he has a cub from a previous one-night stand with a human. When she tragically dies from cancer, her best friend Myka takes it upon herself to make sure Spike knows how to take care of a toddler. There are lots of cute domestic moments here, and while I don't generally love a baby in a romance, there is something endlessly appealing when that baby is a tiny animal! The book also has a strong emotional core: I definitely shed a few tears as Myka grieves the loss of her best friend.
I was less into the subplot, which had yet another attempted Shifter coup, kidnapping, final battle, etc. These are just starting to feel a bit repetitive. Surely there are other things that can happen in Shiftertown! Don't any of these villains learn from the LAST failed coup???
March 23, 2017
I enjoyed this book but not quite as much as Ronan's. I went ahead and read this one a) because i'm waiting on wild cat to come in to my local library and b) i wanted to make it through this shifter town before i moved to the next. now i didnt particularly like spike in the first book so i went into this one with a healthy skepticism, but i actually ended up liking him. I liked that Myka was tough and didn't let the shifters run all over her. I didn't like any of the names. Spikes nickname and real name were absurd and myka was odd. I did like the couple and sex scenes. I enjoyed the basic plot line but unlike the last short it wasn't fleshed out enough for me. I felt like there was more to her past than met the eye and i wanted that story. i didnt exactly disbelieve the i love yous but a little more development wouldnt have gone astray there either. It was enjoyable though and i eagerly await wild cat
October 23, 2020
Watching Spike and Myka find each other was page turning.....
I love this series.... each book throws you deeper into the rabbit hole of shifter politics, customs and the war with the inner beast.
The reason im not 5 starring it... was the mothers death and how everyone kind of seemed fine with it... the cub never asked after her once and was running around quite happily.... Myka jumping her dead best mates ex fling... it was all a bit... weird....
I love this series.... each book throws you deeper into the rabbit hole of shifter politics, customs and the war with the inner beast.
The reason im not 5 starring it... was the mothers death and how everyone kind of seemed fine with it... the cub never asked after her once and was running around quite happily.... Myka jumping her dead best mates ex fling... it was all a bit... weird....
dnf
October 3, 2017DNFed at 74%
I can't stand Spike. Can't STAND HIM! He's a guy who's been using his muscles all his life and now he wonders why people thinks he's just muscle and no brain?
And how can I believe a woman who was beat up as a child would hook up with fighter without any misgivings? If the story would have been about that at all, I wouldn't have minded. But I didn't care for all the focus on Spike.
I can't stand Spike. Can't STAND HIM! He's a guy who's been using his muscles all his life and now he wonders why people thinks he's just muscle and no brain?
And how can I believe a woman who was beat up as a child would hook up with fighter without any misgivings? If the story would have been about that at all, I wouldn't have minded. But I didn't care for all the focus on Spike.
April 10, 2018
Spike & Myka are winners. This is the best and most cohesive installment in this series. Two people meet and the world has to make room for them. Spike has a son who need pack and his grandmother who's a hoot. Watching the growth of Spike and laughing at the kid made my day. Jennifer Ashley should stay this focused when writing longer works.
February 14, 2024
Enjoyed reading Hard Mated. Not a favourite, although I did enjoy it. Perhaps it might be because it's a #3.5 - a quick read. I do love this author's work. 4☆
November 11, 2017
3 1/2 stars
November 10, 2025
4.5.
“I want more than survival, and so do you. I say we come together—and live.”
“I want more than survival, and so do you. I say we come together—and live.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews