A human mob boss and an injured jaguar shifter brought together by a cruel enemy… and fate.
Caden hasn’t believed in fated mates since he was a cub. He figures it’s more of a fairytale that shifter parents tell their kids than the reality of what passes for mates in some of the packs he’s seen.
But then he comes face-to-face with a human man who smells like orange blossoms and radiates authority and safety.
And Caden… Well, he hasn’t felt safe in a long time.
While the rest of the world fears and reviles Quinten Amato and the things he does under the guise of his business, Caden is drawn to him like a cub to an alpha. He doesn’t care what anyone says or what Quinten does, he and his jaguar know the kind of man he is.
The kind who saved his life. The kind who comforts him when he wakes up terrified. The kind whose calm commands set his blood on fire.
Convincing his bossy human they’re meant to be together isn’t going to be easy. Especially not when Quinten’s certain Caden needs things he can’t get from him—and that being a part of Quinten’s life in the shadows is too dangerous.
And he might be right.
The Mobster’s Mate is a full-length novel featuring a human with questionable morals and a jaguar shifter who only sees the best in him. You’ll find an age gap, found family vibes, fated mates, and gobs of possessiveness.
This title is a standalone novel set within the Kincaid Pack universe. It can be read and enjoyed on its own. However, if you’d like to understand the nuances of the world, then start your journey with The Alpha and His King (Kincaid Pack Book 1).
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below. “No matter how dark the world gets, there’s still beauty. Sometimes it’s just hidden.”
I seem to just vibe really well with Kiki’s books and writing. The fact she often includes a little exhibitionism is just the cherry on top (pretty mild in this book). This book was honestly perfect for me. The list of tropes made it an automatic read, and most definitely one I will read again in the future. Here’s hoping it’ll be out on audio.
Caden kinda just imprinted on Quinten when he was rescued, and it was beyond adorable. The entire pack/found family vibe was so sweet and wholesome. I want to read more books in the series. I especially want Dare’s book asap. I would’ve loved to see more or Caden in his shifted form, but what we got was good, and it made sense in the story. If these tropes intrigue you at all, I highly recommend it. I finished it so fast, and I’m sad it’s over.
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Edit to add audiobook review: ___________________________________________
Gahh, I love this book so much. It hasn’t been long at all since I read the ebook, but when I found out that the audiobook was being recorded, I knew I wanted to listen to it asap. I was fully planning on buying it but lucked out by getting on Kiki’s ARC team. Score!
I loved hearing all of my favorite moments from the book in audio, and of course Kirt Graves did a fabulous job with it. I’ve listened to a lot of Kirt audios in a short amount of time lately, and he really is a fantastic performer. I especially enjoy how the characters sound really distinct without sacrificing the quality.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️ Age gap Mafia boss ish Shifter MC Fated mates Found family Possessive Morally gray MC Past trauma Single dad Virgin MC Untouched orgasm Dirty talk Mild exhibitionism
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️ Graphic violence Explicit sexual content On-page killing Captivity Medical abuse Non-consensual medical experiments Death of parents (past) Mild exhibitionism Gun violence Gunshot wound Knotting Forced to kill (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️ Cheating: No OM/OW drama: No Breakup: Yes POV: 3rd person, dual POV Genre: Paranormal romance, M/M Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles Main characters’ age: 38 and 23 Kid’s age: 22 Pages: 219 As they neared the back corner, a low sound that seemed to be part hiss and part growl began to grow louder, and the weight in Quinten’s stomach got heavier. He knew that sound. That was an angry feline shifter. Like, really angry.
Glowing golden eyes snagged and held Quinten’s attention as the world tilted around him. Slowly, the man pulled his lips back, baring his long, perfectly white fangs, and Quinten’s dick fucking twitched. What. The. Fuck.
As soon as he finished coming, he flopped down, boneless. Quinten chuckled. “You okay?” “Killed me,” he mumbled, eyes already closing. His body was heavy and pulsing with satisfaction. “What a way to go,” Quinten said softly, nuzzling into the back of Caden’s neck. “At least roll out of the wet spot before you pass out.” “Can’t…” Just as sleep took him, he felt big, rough hands gently tugging at him.
Quinten tilted his head back, tracing Caden’s mouth with one of his fingers. “You’re going to look so gorgeous with my cock in here.” Arousal surged through him so hard and fast he felt his eyes begin to glow and his teeth start to sharpen. Quinten tsked teasingly. “No fangs, kitten.” “Sorry,” he murmured. Swallowing, he concentrated for a second until they were back to normal, then opened his mouth to show he was ready.
This book serves as a bridge between the Kincaid Pack series and the author's upcoming Silver Oak Pack series.
The author claims that this book can be read as a standalone, but I beg to differ. You'll be lost if you haven't read at least a couple of the Kincaid Pack books.
We've met Quinten, the mob boss, before, but Caden, a jaguar shifter, is a new character. Quinten saves Caden from certain death but fights his attraction to Caden at every turn.
The reasons for this aren't particularly believable, especially since Quinten changes his mind on a dime after yet another conversation with Caden. Why that conversation and not any of the previous ones? Who knows?
I was frustrated with Quinten in general, but I liked Caden and Quinten's pack of shifters, mages, and a lone vampire.
This was a quick, fast-paced read with a solid HEA for the MCs. Don't expect any closure in terms of the plot. This author plays the long game. I anticipate more questions before we get any answers.
I'm a little disappointed. Quinten kind of reminded me of Rick, how he acted like an asshole, and instead of communicating, he ignored Caden, which made him have doubts. It grated on my nerves.
this was fine!! i just expected different things when i started it. i figured dude would be shocked that the other dude was a shifter, but its a common thing in this universe. but still enjoyed
The setup for this book is amazing, I really loved the idea with a human alpha and the various paranormal surrounding him. His denial of a pack, yet al those around himself admiration and look to him for support. Seeing his strength and ability even without the super stuff, Quinten is powerful in his own right and it was interesting to see how developed among the characters.
Caden is wonderful and a perfect combination with Quinten, the chemistry and passion between them. How they compliment each other, the support and protective instincts between the two. Caden seeking out Quintens scent and going after what he wants, not letting Quinten get away with his denial.
The communication on Cadens behalf was incredible once he has his voice and I liked that he didn't allow himself to be walked over, he knows what he wants and is willing to go for it - regardless of others opinions.
While I enjoyed the romance, it's pretty fast paced and steamy once the recovery starts. I was more charmed by all the characters overall and the world building, even without having read about Kincaid's pack I enjoyed the setup here.
The various pack members, Dare is stunning, I loved him so much! Nero was intriguing and of course Robbie & Cadens glimpse of friendship. Even the glimpses at Rick and their pack had me curious about some of their stories.
Overall is an entertaining read with unique ideas, almost forgot the runes and magic. Along with background plots with the secrets revealed through Cadens memories and honestly I was just gripped from start to finish.
It leads to a happy ending for Caden & Quinten, with some plot points still left open and I do look forward to future books related to this one though it works as a standalone ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Lo siento, pero no. Yo tengo una serie de límites y este libro ha sobrepasado uno de ellos.
Ha sido lo peor que he leído de la autora por el momento. No está mal escrito, el problema ha sido la diferencia de edad de los protagonistas. Esto en sí no es un problema, pero si entras en la historia sabrás que hay una peculiaridad aparte y eso, ha sido el colmo y me ha dado mucho asco.
Lo he terminado porque esta novela siento que sirve de puente para la subtrama que Está creando la autora y llevo queriendo leerla desde que acabe Kincaid Pack.
En fin. Espero que mejoren los siguientes. Tengo fe.
PD: parece que soy la unica que le vee un problema a esta novela. VAYA.
This story takes place within the Kincaid Pack universe but you don’t need to have read that series to read this book.
Quinten Amato is a ruthless businessman who takes care of his people. When he finds a chained and injured jaguar shifter in one of his warehouses he vows to find the one responsible and destroy them. Caden may be young and traumatized but he and his jaguar know that Quinten is his and refuse to be pushed away.
After meeting Quinten in the previous book I was interested in knowing more about him but I never expected to get that chance and well, we did. Quinten is a dominant and protective man who takes care of those who are his. He is a total alpha and the shifters under his care even treat him as such, even though he denies his position. I found his pack to be very interesting since it was a human alpha and it also had vampires and witches in his group. I kind of wish we had seen more of the pack in general.
Caden was a sweet jaguar shifter who experienced hell. I really loved Caden and how sweet yet strong he was. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for himself or to tell Quinten when he was being a coward. He forced Quinten to face his feelings and wouldn’t let him hide and I really liked him for that. While I did overall enjoy Quinten and Caden’s relationship, I do think Quinten holding back for so long put a damper on the romance for me. We really needed more scenes with these two getting to know each other and not just having sex, fighting, or fighting off bad guys. But, I still enjoyed their relationship and found it sweet and steamy.
Overall, this was an enjoyable addition to the Kincaid Pack world and a great couple. I can’t wait to read the Silver Oak Pack series and get more stories in this world because it has been a fascinating world and I want to continue to see what is happening, and potentially check in with this couple again.
TW: Recounting of kidnapping, imprisonment, unwilling experimentation, torture, and forced cage fighting; PTSD and nightmares; death and violence; death of parents mentioned
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
The Mobster’s Mate is a standalone story set in the world of Kiki Clark’s Kincaid Pack series. I haven’t read the main series and went into this one cold, curious to see if it worked on its own as billed. And I’m very pleased to report this story works great as a standalone and I had no problems starting here, even without being familiar with the main series. There were definitely characters mentioned who clearly came from the Kincaid Pack series, including alpha Rick Kincaid himself. But there is a nice introduction early on that sets the stage well for this book. It is clear that Quinten has a history with the Kincaid pack, that at some point he saved Rick’s life, and that now the Kincaids owe him a favor. So that was enough to get me caught up (though now I’m even more interested in checking out the main series).
This was a sweet and sexy story with two men who are unexpectedly drawn together.
Omg I loved Caden so freaking much , he was perfection and the perfect mate for Quinten . 🥰
Favorite Quotes
“No matter what, our people will stay protected. This is our city, our family.” “Our pack,” Darius added, earning an exasperated look. Shifters. They always thought with a pack mentality. “I’m no alpha,”
To him, they were a pack, but Quinten knew that wasn’t true. He was just… human. A disgustingly rich human who did things others viewed as questionable to get richer and more powerful. Didn’t exactly sound like alpha material to him.
Quietly, he said, “You make me feel safe. I haven’t been safe in a long time, but you make me feel that way. Right now… I just need to be near you. That’s as much truth as I can give you.”
He wasn’t sure why it had affected him so much, but the idea of a shifter who had three times his strength and speed could turn to him and feel safe and protected… Intoxicating.
“Fuck, kitten, I love the sounds you make. So fucking needy for me.”
“Good. You don’t sleep anywhere but next to me from now on, Quinten Amato. I won’t have it.” Grinning, Quinten wrapped his arms around Caden and palmed his ass cheeks. “Yes, kitten.”
he grinned at the enormous jaguar prowling toward him, eyes glowing a bright gold. “There’s my sweet kitten.” Caden opened his impressive jaws, flashing him his long fangs and giving a quick barking roar of displeasure. While in his jaguar form, he didn’t appreciate being called kitten as much. “I know, I know. You’re a big, ferocious cat.”
“You’re a fucking king, Quinten. Fuck me in your throne room.” This man was going to kill him. [..] He held Quinten’s eyes with his glowing gaze. “Let them hear, Quin. They should know how a king owns his property.” Jesus fuck. He was going to come in his damn shorts if Caden kept that up. “My kinky little kitten,”
“I love all your pieces too, kitten,” he whispered hoarsely.
This spin-off of the Kincaid Pack Series was amazing! I think I can safely say that I even liked it more than the original series and the Kincaid family was a great read, but this book was even better! Quinten is a business man who is considered to be the mobster boss of Chicago. He is human but knows about the parahuman world since his stepbrother is a shifter. Caden shows up in his life in an unexpected and painful way, the young man is a jaguar shifter and Quinten feels immediately protective of him. Caden feels safe for the first time in his life and understands who Quinten is to him soon after meeting him and decides being with Quinten is where he is supposed to be. What a great story this was! I loved everything about this book. I'm always in for a shifter story, but Kiki Clark outdid herself in this one. I loved how possessive Cade was over Quinten, being a shifter he couldn't help it especially because he knew they were fated mates. It was so sad to learn what he had to go through, what he had to suffer because he was a pure soul, a young guy with a beautiful heart. Quinten had his own issues and even though he lived around shifters he didn't quite understand that he already had a pack. I found it funny how everyone kept telling him he was an alpha but he just refused to accept it using being a human as an excuse. Caden burst into his life at the right time and made him change his own view about himself. This was a fantastic novel with a great plot, two wonderful MCs and so much romance. There were steamy moments, but the emotional parts were touching and beautiful. I truly enjoyed it and I'd love to read about some of the secondary characters. This pack stole my heart!!!
4.5 - audio through with Kirt Graves and exclusive epilogue through Hoof & Fang I loooved this. I could honestly stay with this pack for a long time so I hope we hear more from them… Caden’s story hit so well and I just adored them together. Plus this is definitely the hottest couple from Kiki (that I’ve read) yet.
Finished this book so quickly! Really enjoyed Caden and Quinten, their chemistry was amazing and the spice was *chefs kiss*. I will probably read the other books in this universe, as I loved the world building. Overall just a super fun, easy read!
“No matter how dark the world gets, there’s still beauty. Sometimes it’s just hidden.”
(ESP) Este libro sirve de nexo entre las series The Kincaid Pack y The Silver Oak. Como siempre Kiki nos trae personajes de los cuales nos encariñamos automáticamente. Los principales son preciosos y los secundarios nos generan la necesidad de saber más de ellos. Quinten es un mafioso rodeado de seres paranormales extremadamente protector de todo su entorno y Caden en un jaguar que necesita que alguien lo mime. Es una historia bastante corta en donde el lazo de compañeros verdaderos hace que no resulte apresurada la relación que se establece entre ellos. Disfruté mucho de leerlos y ahora a esperar la nueva serie.
(ENG) This book serves as a link between The Kincaid Pack and The Silver Oak series. As always, Kiki brings us characters that we automatically care about. The main ones are beautiful and the sides ones make us want to know more about them. Quinten is a extremely possessive and protective mobster surrounded by paranormal beings and Caden is a jaguar who needs to be pampered. It's a fairly short story where the true bond makes the relationship between them not rushed. I really enjoyed reading it and now look forward to the new series.
Rating: 4.5 Steam: 3 PoV: dual, 3rd person Genre: paranormal romance, MM Main tropes: shifters, age gap, hurt / comfort
This was such a great read! The hurt / comfort and the way Caden instantly felt safe with Quinten totally melted my heart. The story just hit all the right spots for me, and seeing a mobster calling his jaguar shifter “kitten” was just *swoon*.
I really enjoyed the story and how everything came together – I’m quite picky with my paranormal / fantasy reads, so I’m very happy that I picked this one up!
I wanted to read this because Liam's pack story is coming out soon and I am finishing the Kincaid pack books and I know I wanted to be all caught up. This book did not disappoint in the slightest. I was shocked by how much I loved this couple. I had no idea what to expect, maybe I thought it would be more graphic or gruesome or more Sopranos but I was pleasantly surprised it was cute, fluffy, and slightly gruesome and dramatic. Towards the end, my eyes were widened by the surprise and it was a small but FUN plot twist. I cannot get over it.
I Loved the book and the couple they were so cute and HOT and I couldn't stop grinning about the Mobster and his Kitten. I cannot wait to read Liam's pack stories and hopefully, we can see more of the unusual but still strong pack.
Honestly, I enjoyed it. The only problem I have well it’s not really a problem is that even though the author said you don’t need to read the books before this book to read this story. That is a lie the story takes place in the world as her first series. Her first series has six books in total and I have only read the first book. So to say the least, I was a little confused at the beginning because I don’t know who the characters were isn’t understatement? But it was still a good story.
I really enjoyed THE MOBSTER'S MATE and it was interesting to see some more of this world outside the Kincaid Pack. We first met Quinten in a previous book and he was this mysterious and powerful human who lived in the shadows so I loved learning more about him. Quinten might only be human but he was dominant to the core, protective of those he cared for, and a total alpha (even when he was insisting he wasn't). I wasn't expecting Quinten to be surrounded by so many shifters and I found the dynamic of their "pack" really interesting since it's unusual for shifters to defer to a human.
That dynamic was also really intriguing in the relationship between Quinten and Caden since Caden is a jaguar shifter but he finds safety and comfort in his human. Quinten is absolutely the one in charge in the relationship but that doesn't mean that Caden doesn't stand up for himself and I loved those moments where Caden pushed back and forced Quinten to take a chance. Together they were really steamy with a sweet twist of tenderness considering the caretaking Caden needed after being rescued.
I was completely wrapped up in Quinten and Caden's relationship but I do feel like Quinten's walls were up a little too long. He kept so much distance between them through most of the book and I felt like we learned more about Quinten as a morally gray businessman rather than seeing him start to fall for Caden. A lot of the beginning was taken up by Caden's recovery, so I understand the slower nature there, but since this was on the short side (200 pages), I feel like we needed more of Caden and Quinten getting to know each other.
That being said, I would still recommend this to anyone who loves shifter romances and especially if you love age gaps, dirty talk, and I'll kill to protect you vibes. I can't wait to read the new Silver Oak Pack series when it comes out and I hope we'll see more of the characters we met in this book because I need their stories!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warning: recounting of past torture, unwilling experimentation, and forced cage fighting; past death of parents
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Favorite Quotes:
“You deserve a bed—”
“I want this,” he said clearly, grabbing the front of Quinten’s button-up shirt and tugging him between his legs. “You’re a fucking king, Quinten. Fuck me in your throne room.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Connected Series 1. Kincaid Pack 2. The Mobster's Mate (standalone) 3. Silver Oak Pack
This was perfect to me. The kind of book that wraps you up in warmth and refuses to let go. A mob boss turned protective alpha, a jaguar shifter in danger, a life-or-death rescue—and then, just to make it even better their bond feels earned, fated, and inevitable.
The tension? Perfect. The caretaking? Perfect. The romance? Off-the-charts perfect.
It had action, devotion, and a shifter-human dynamic that actually worked in a way that felt natural, high-stakes, and emotionally satisfying. This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading romance. 5 stars, no hesitation. I’m so happy, what is it about this trope that just HITS every romantic bone in my body!?
Ok look, the potential was there but the final result just didn't make it out as it was supposed to.
Loved the concept and the tropes but everything felt plain and uneventful. The bottom was literally tortured for months but he wasn't really scarred by it. We didn't see his journey and how he overcame his mental issues. It's like he said: "I found my mate so no more problems on my part". I've read the author's note that says "this is fiction and not meant to be a guide in healing from trauma", but at least I was expecting for it to be more natural and less of a disposable matter. You could have made them met in other circumstances if you didn't want to go deeper on the mental rep aspect.
I couldn't find a deep connection or real love between the MCs, just a lot of sexual attraction.
I’m not sure where to start. The premise is a tantalizing take combining mafia and shifter tropes. The spice is fueled by dirty talk and a little magic. The chemistry between Quinten and Caden is electric. It’s pretty mild angst that spikes midway through. Really loving the found family vibes! I need more from this pack!
✨✨the vibes✨✨ Shifter bottom/human top Needy bottom😍😍 “I’m trying to protect you”/“you’re being an idiot” Cuddles Dirty talk🫣🫣 Trauma Found family💕💕💕 “I feel safe with you” Great secondary characters
—————
His body wavered for a second, like a cattail in the breeze, and then he was pressing his face into Quinten’s throat and inhaling deeply. His exhale was shuddery, a tiny sound pressing into his thin skin. Needy fingers grabbed at his suit jacket, wrinkling it all to shit, no doubt, but he couldn’t care less.
“You shouldn’t be in here,” Quinten said firmly, but his face softened as he looked at Caden. Pain twisted in Caden’s chest. “Do you want me to leave?” he asked quietly.
“You make me feel safe. I haven’t been safe in a long time, but you make me feel that way. Right now… I just need to be near you.”
“Cover me,” he gasped out, doing his best to push his ass back against Quinten, to offer as much of himself as he physically could. “Coat me in your scent. Own me.”
“Fuck, kitten, I love the sounds you make. So fucking needy for me.”
“You’re a fucking king, Quinten. Fuck me in your throne room.”
I was extremely excited for this book and it exceeded my expectations and then some. I love the Kincaid world and how it continues to expand and grow, intricately weaving through different series and books. It’s such a brilliant tale with a beautiful writing style it pulls me in and never lets go.
There is some really sad parts but it helps with the flow and story. Poor Caden my heart goes out to him. Heartbreaking 💔
There is so many things I can say and want to say but I also don’t want to give anything away. There is so many clever things and great characters. Dare and Nero!!
I seriously can’t wait for the silver pack series, Liam’s story is going to be great!!
Also side note I have kindle unlimited but with books I’m extremely excited for I preorder for two reasons one to support the author and second I get it the day before at 9:00pm. A perk I guess for purchasing it. I don’t do it very often but I did with this book and it was well worth it. Thank you Kiki Clark for creating a wonderful world with shifters, witches, Fated Mates and magical tattoos.
The Mobster's Mate was EVERYTHING I wanted it to be. Y'all it was so good!
Perfect if you've read and loved The Kincaid Pack series- or if you love pnr shifter stories. You COULD read it as a standalone, but it would be better enjoyed if you read Rick's series first.
QUINTEN is a dreamboat. No lie. The man is mafia adjacent, has his own enforcers and witches, runs his city, and adamantly refuses to admit he has a pack.
CADEN is found [redacted!], and the two meet and its hearts beating in time and mates. But Caden has a past, and Quinten has his own issues, and there's a lot happening pretty much all the time.
This was a WONDERFUL story. I can't wait to read the next book, and I hope Darius gets a mate.
Kiki, please let Darius get a mate. I love him.
The two mc's were lovely. The side characters were top tier. Who doesn't love FATED MATES?! The baddie was classic baddie. Seeing Rick and Kai again was 😍💕😍🥰 Insight into the Alpha at Silver Oak!
Seriously, don't sleep on Kiki's paranormal stories. I'm not a fantasy reader, but she writes dang good shifter stories! I loved The Mobster's Mate, and I'll be hopelessly devoted to Kiki until her brain squeezes out the last characters in this amazing paraHUMAN world.
This book had so much potential - complex trauma, moral tension, and a strong found-family thread - but it never commits to any of them. Quinten’s guilt and denial are explored through side conversations with others, not with the person he actually hurt, and Caden’s trauma becomes a prop rather than something handled with care or depth.
The age gap was also ridiculous. It could’ve added emotional complexity if it had been properly explored - power imbalance, protection vs. control, maturity differences - but instead, it’s just there, unexamined and unnecessary.
Every time the story brushed against real emotional honesty, it backed away behind fate logic or an action scene. There’s acknowledgement but no repair, guilt without growth, and a reunion that feels unearned.
There was a good story buried underneath all this - it just stopped short of becoming one.
The Mobster's Mate by Kiki Clark is an adult m/m paranormal romance with hurt/comfort and sass!
I've been waiting for Quinten's story, and it did not disappoint! He is a human "mobster" willing to do anything to protect the ones he cares about, and watching him fall for the sweet Caden was super adorable.
The steamy parts where so amazing, and their romance was so satisfying as they help each other in different ways- they both fit together so well!
This is a spin-off of the Kincaid pack series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Easy read, not too much angst. Loved the dynamic between the two main characters and was glued to the book until the ending. I did feel like due to the pace of the book Caden's back story and trauma was glossed over, I would have loved more of the hurt comfort angle here. But I loved all the side characters and can't wait to find out who will be next in the series, Dare and Nico both stole my heart!!
dnf like halfway thru when we found out not only does he have a son, the love interest is only a year older than said son.....i was resigned to the age gap when i clicked on this and a fifteen year is..........manageable when i lower my standards through the fucking floor but then u pull shit like this and what the fuck!!!! girl why would that endear me to their romance in the slightest! icked tf OUT!