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Shifters Unbound #4.5
Lone Wolf
Ellison's story
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.
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.
151 pages, ebook
First published April 16, 2013
115 people are currently reading
1858 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ashley
218 books7,342 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
April 20, 2015
Written October 28, 2014
3 1/2 Star - Another interesting and lovely Shiftertown tale with amazing women and alpha men
Book #4.6
You may know by now that I love romances about cuddly hot shifters in 'adult' PNR stories. Both m/f, as this one, and also M/M.
'Shifters Unbound', is a great paranormal m/f series written by (always delivering..) Ms. Jennifer Ashley. Good books to pick up now and then. You always get interesting stories, thoughtful topics and sweet grand love. ~ Maybe my favorite Shifter / PNR series.
Lone Wolf - a short novella (5 hrs audio).
A nice and tasty little snack for all fans of these books. ~ My headphones was, I listened attentively, and highly enjoyed gorgeous Ellison's story. Short and quick but charming sweet.
***********************************************************
At last was it the lovely Lupine Shifter Ellison Rowe's time to get a love story. Ellison is one of a few wolf shifters in Morrisey's Austin Shiftertown. The friendly, helpful and always so amusing and happy guy. The one who has been waiting for someone to love and mate to for such a long time.
Maria is a young Mexican human woman "moved" to Shiftertown after been held captive by ferals from male Shifters looking for mates (book #3). Ellison likes Maria's resilience and fire, he want to protect and take care of her, but she's been broken...
***********************************************************
This is the third time with a Shifters Unbound book as an audiobook. This part like the earlier, narrated by a pleasant female voice, belonging to Cris Dukehart. She does it great.
***********************************************************
The Shifters Unbound series:
This is stand-alone books but as always when reading a series about a bigger bunch of new and old characters is it most fun (and best) to follow these lovely shifter's from book to book even if we meet a new couple of lovebirds in every part.
My reviews and raiting:
***********************************************************
Well-done stories, important topics, grand hot love..
As always in this series, there is also an important subject in the book, for example; human equality, racism and women's rights. There are also some good suspense as well and these shifters sometimes need to fight for the women they want.
...And the love and romance part was 'sweet & steamy' and it felt good to know that dear Wolf Ellison at last got an amazing strong woman to wife and mate. Ahhh.. just cuddling myself in their lovely love.
I LIKE - as always when Jennifer Ashley is the writer
3 1/2 Star - Another interesting and lovely Shiftertown tale with amazing women and alpha men
Book #4.6
You may know by now that I love romances about cuddly hot shifters in 'adult' PNR stories. Both m/f, as this one, and also M/M.
'Shifters Unbound', is a great paranormal m/f series written by (always delivering..) Ms. Jennifer Ashley. Good books to pick up now and then. You always get interesting stories, thoughtful topics and sweet grand love. ~ Maybe my favorite Shifter / PNR series.
Lone Wolf - a short novella (5 hrs audio).
A nice and tasty little snack for all fans of these books. ~ My headphones was, I listened attentively, and highly enjoyed gorgeous Ellison's story. Short and quick but charming sweet.
***********************************************************
At last was it the lovely Lupine Shifter Ellison Rowe's time to get a love story. Ellison is one of a few wolf shifters in Morrisey's Austin Shiftertown. The friendly, helpful and always so amusing and happy guy. The one who has been waiting for someone to love and mate to for such a long time.
Maria is a young Mexican human woman "moved" to Shiftertown after been held captive by ferals from male Shifters looking for mates (book #3). Ellison likes Maria's resilience and fire, he want to protect and take care of her, but she's been broken...
***********************************************************
This is the third time with a Shifters Unbound book as an audiobook. This part like the earlier, narrated by a pleasant female voice, belonging to Cris Dukehart. She does it great.
***********************************************************
The Shifters Unbound series:
This is stand-alone books but as always when reading a series about a bigger bunch of new and old characters is it most fun (and best) to follow these lovely shifter's from book to book even if we meet a new couple of lovebirds in every part.
"Twenty years ago, shape shifters of all kinds banded together and announced themselves to the world, only to be shunted to areas no human wanted ("Shiftertowns"). They are forced to wear Collars that control their hunting and fighting instincts (referred to by Shifters as "Taking the Collar")."
My reviews and raiting:
***********************************************************
Well-done stories, important topics, grand hot love..
As always in this series, there is also an important subject in the book, for example; human equality, racism and women's rights. There are also some good suspense as well and these shifters sometimes need to fight for the women they want.
...And the love and romance part was 'sweet & steamy' and it felt good to know that dear Wolf Ellison at last got an amazing strong woman to wife and mate. Ahhh.. just cuddling myself in their lovely love.
I LIKE - as always when Jennifer Ashley is the writer
Read
April 3, 2013Ellison's story! He pairs up with Maria, who was rescued by Diego and Cass in Wild Cat, and sent to live in the Austin Shiftertown. The action of the series moves back to Austin for this one. Read excerpts at http://www.jennifersromances.blogspot...
January 19, 2016
**2.5 stars**
Hey all....this was my lowest one yet. I have to say that I felt the Texas cowboy shapeshifter Ellison...I felt got shafted in his story. This had a lot more fighting and way less loving in it and for me that was a huge disappointment. Ellison, who is a wolf shifter in the Austin Shifter-town is known as the happy go lucky cowboy wolf, and he was always late to the party when it came to finding and claiming a mate. He finally gets a mate and like I said; the focus on the couple just wasn't what it should have been. Plus, this is another novella, so there was a lot of story drama put into a small amount of pages.
Next up is TIger's book...and I can't wait! Tiger was made and captured in a lab since he was born. He's wild, and I am very happy to report the next installment is back to a full length book! Moving on!!! YAY!
Hey all....this was my lowest one yet. I have to say that I felt the Texas cowboy shapeshifter Ellison...I felt got shafted in his story. This had a lot more fighting and way less loving in it and for me that was a huge disappointment. Ellison, who is a wolf shifter in the Austin Shifter-town is known as the happy go lucky cowboy wolf, and he was always late to the party when it came to finding and claiming a mate. He finally gets a mate and like I said; the focus on the couple just wasn't what it should have been. Plus, this is another novella, so there was a lot of story drama put into a small amount of pages.
Next up is TIger's book...and I can't wait! Tiger was made and captured in a lab since he was born. He's wild, and I am very happy to report the next installment is back to a full length book! Moving on!!! YAY!
August 6, 2016
We know Ellison. He is the wolf shifter who dresses like he is from Texas,although he is from Colorado. We have met him in several previous books flirting with girls, dancing with girl and always end up alone.
We also met Maria before. She was the girl who was saved from the ferals in Mexico and her family did not want her anymore because she was damaged.
Two lonely people looking for happiness and they certainly find it in this book!
Happy ending as usual!
We also met Maria before. She was the girl who was saved from the ferals in Mexico and her family did not want her anymore because she was damaged.
Two lonely people looking for happiness and they certainly find it in this book!
Happy ending as usual!
May 4, 2013
This was a fun, entertaining read! Here we have Ellison a Lupine shifter and Maria a human. Maria was previously captured by a feral shifters and is now trying to put her life back together in Austin Shiftertown. Ellison is a wolf shifter who loves everything texas and is a tracker for Liam *sigh Liam*.
While Maria is working to put her life together all the unmated male shifters are trying to claim her, but it’s Ellison that she trusts and I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom.
Also there is a someone trying to kidnap the cubs and sell them to interested humans who want them as pets. The shifters are get together to save the cubs and battle the bad guys.
The romance was touching and the suspense was exciting, this story kept my interest and I flew through it. I will be waiting impatiently for the next book in this series!
October 26, 2016
I'm on a major reading binge. I can't seem to get enough of Jennifer Ashley's Shifters Unbound series. I was pretty excited to read Lone Wolf, because the hero is Ellison, a shifter that I really loved from previous books. And I absolutely adored Lone Wolf, although it is as good as other books in the series.
What I Liked:
Ellison is sooo dreamy. Again, Ashley has created a hero that I can so get behind. Ellison is responsible, kind, caring, and once he commits to someone, he commits.
Although it was sad, I loved seeing how wonderful Ellison was with his sister. It made me sad he had to go through that, but he was determined to help her anyway he could.
I liked how determined Maria was to start her life over. She wants to put her traumatic past behind her, which isn't easy. Her determination is wonderful.
Ellison is so patient with Maria, which is something she needed. He was willing to wait until she was ready, and that always makes me happy.
Olaf, the polar bear shifter cub, was as adorable as ever. He has become a favorite character of mine throughout the story.
Cris Dukehart continues to be a great narrator for this series.
What I Struggled With:
The suspenseful/mystery bit didn't really work for me completely. Sometimes I couldn't believe all the aspects of it.
Although I did want Ellison and Maria to be together, I did feel a bit disconnected from their story.
While I do love Cris Dukehart's narration, her accent for Maria wasn't the best.
Final Thoughts:
My love for the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley knows no bounds, however, Lone Wolf isn't my favorite.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
What I Liked:
Ellison is sooo dreamy. Again, Ashley has created a hero that I can so get behind. Ellison is responsible, kind, caring, and once he commits to someone, he commits.
Although it was sad, I loved seeing how wonderful Ellison was with his sister. It made me sad he had to go through that, but he was determined to help her anyway he could.
I liked how determined Maria was to start her life over. She wants to put her traumatic past behind her, which isn't easy. Her determination is wonderful.
Ellison is so patient with Maria, which is something she needed. He was willing to wait until she was ready, and that always makes me happy.
Olaf, the polar bear shifter cub, was as adorable as ever. He has become a favorite character of mine throughout the story.
Cris Dukehart continues to be a great narrator for this series.
What I Struggled With:
The suspenseful/mystery bit didn't really work for me completely. Sometimes I couldn't believe all the aspects of it.
Although I did want Ellison and Maria to be together, I did feel a bit disconnected from their story.
While I do love Cris Dukehart's narration, her accent for Maria wasn't the best.
Final Thoughts:
My love for the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley knows no bounds, however, Lone Wolf isn't my favorite.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
June 8, 2013
3.5 stars
The okay romance plot is balanced out by the awesome actions near the end.
I read this novella in backwards, meaning that I read it after Tiger Magic, where I found Ellison to be quite entertaining character. Unfortunately here, in his own romance story, I just found it, well, too smooth. I never been a huge fan of smooth-talking heroes (I prefer my heroes to be rather stoic and calm). So Ellison always calling Maria with sweetheart, darling, love, just made me roll my eyes. Though he was indeed good with his broken sister (that saved his character in my eyes).
Maria, on the other hand, I liked. Maria was one of the female saved by the Shifters on the third book, Wild Cat. She had been broken and trying to build something for herself. I thought she was quite brave -- especially when she confronted the villains, first by a smart plan, and second by gun. I liked that she was also close with the cubs (the polar bear cub Olaf, by the way, was still so, SO adorable and stole the scenes!).
The romance is just okay because I thought for someone who was still in trauma, Maria sure did fall in love with Ellison pretty quick. Again, this is probably due to it being a novella, which made the story a bit under-developed.
The okay romance plot is balanced out by the awesome actions near the end.
I read this novella in backwards, meaning that I read it after Tiger Magic, where I found Ellison to be quite entertaining character. Unfortunately here, in his own romance story, I just found it, well, too smooth. I never been a huge fan of smooth-talking heroes (I prefer my heroes to be rather stoic and calm). So Ellison always calling Maria with sweetheart, darling, love, just made me roll my eyes. Though he was indeed good with his broken sister (that saved his character in my eyes).
Maria, on the other hand, I liked. Maria was one of the female saved by the Shifters on the third book, Wild Cat. She had been broken and trying to build something for herself. I thought she was quite brave -- especially when she confronted the villains, first by a smart plan, and second by gun. I liked that she was also close with the cubs (the polar bear cub Olaf, by the way, was still so, SO adorable and stole the scenes!).
The romance is just okay because I thought for someone who was still in trauma, Maria sure did fall in love with Ellison pretty quick. Again, this is probably due to it being a novella, which made the story a bit under-developed.
May 5, 2013
This novella felt like filler. The story was very similar to others in this series, nothing fresh or significant in terms of the overall arc. I think Maria was supposed to be a feisty independent woman but she caved quicker than an ice-cream on a summer footpath. Ellison was TGTBT and a bit boring. He's been desperate for a mate forever and has had his eye on every woman in past books but Maria was the first one to like him back. So I didn't get that same Mate/Mine feel that I've got from previous books. Looking forward to Tiger's book though.
May 16, 2016
Loved Ellison's story, one of my fav characters and glad to see he finally got the girl. :-)
July 16, 2018
Ellison and Maria
A tale of survival from trauma and renewal of a broken spirit. Maria Ortega, one of Miguel's tormented captives, has found a new life with the Austin Shiftertown. Along with her new life comes a powerful attraction for sexy Ellison.
Unfortunately, Maria has a powerful aversion to being tied down in a mate bond after her experience with feral uncollared Shifters.
This story, although sad in parts, is ultimately a story of triumph of love in spite of tragedy. I really enjoyed it.
A tale of survival from trauma and renewal of a broken spirit. Maria Ortega, one of Miguel's tormented captives, has found a new life with the Austin Shiftertown. Along with her new life comes a powerful attraction for sexy Ellison.
Unfortunately, Maria has a powerful aversion to being tied down in a mate bond after her experience with feral uncollared Shifters.
This story, although sad in parts, is ultimately a story of triumph of love in spite of tragedy. I really enjoyed it.
April 4, 2018
Review posted first on Got Fiction?
This is Ellison’s story (it's a novella, but a longish novella which is kind of a treat), and I really like Ellison. He’s a handsome wolf shifter who loves Texas, and likes to show it. From his big belt buckles to his boots, he loves how “everything’s big in Texas.” It's part of his charm. He has always helped the Morriseys out, and he’s always in a good humor. But he’s also lonely.
Maria was one of the women rescued from a horrible situation a few books ago in Wild Cat (basically she fell for a cute boy who wasn’t a boy but a shifter. He convinced her to leave her family and move in with him. His pack was a bunch of feral shifters who caged the women and used them horribly). Maria finds out taht the old adage "You can't go home" is true. She chooses to stay in the Austin Shiftertown and she picks up any and all jobs she can. She works hard. She learns English. She studies to take the SATs so she can go to college. But throughout all of these things, she keeps to herself and won’t let anyone near.
Until one of the other wolves decides to mate-claim Maria. Ellison steps up to defend her, especially since she rejects the mate-claim. But the fact that she is unmated and there’s a scarcity of women is a real issue.
A favorite part of this story for me is a scene where Ellison decides Maria needs to learn to have fun. He takes her skinny dipping and he wears his cowboy hat in the water. He knows it’s ridiculous, but he also knows Maria thinks it’s funny. And she laughs for him. For him, that’s enough. It’s such a simple, silly thing, and I found it endearing.
But this isn’t just about their beautiful romance. Unfortunately someone tries to steal Olaf (the polar bear cub she’s babysitting). And we find out there’s a demand for stolen shifters. These bad guys have been doing this for a while. And they’re very good at what they do. So good, in fact, that Connor is kidnapped!
Getting him back isn’t going to be easy, but nothing for shifters ever is. And of course, just because the book is over, doesn’t mean it’s the end.
Anyone who love shifters, or wants a new take on shifters (in this series, they are treated as second-class citizens), then I absolutely recommend this series. Another strong addition to a favorite series of mine, Lone Wolf delivers.
***ARC courtesy of Penguin and netgalley
This is Ellison’s story (it's a novella, but a longish novella which is kind of a treat), and I really like Ellison. He’s a handsome wolf shifter who loves Texas, and likes to show it. From his big belt buckles to his boots, he loves how “everything’s big in Texas.” It's part of his charm. He has always helped the Morriseys out, and he’s always in a good humor. But he’s also lonely.
Maria was one of the women rescued from a horrible situation a few books ago in Wild Cat (basically she fell for a cute boy who wasn’t a boy but a shifter. He convinced her to leave her family and move in with him. His pack was a bunch of feral shifters who caged the women and used them horribly). Maria finds out taht the old adage "You can't go home" is true. She chooses to stay in the Austin Shiftertown and she picks up any and all jobs she can. She works hard. She learns English. She studies to take the SATs so she can go to college. But throughout all of these things, she keeps to herself and won’t let anyone near.
Until one of the other wolves decides to mate-claim Maria. Ellison steps up to defend her, especially since she rejects the mate-claim. But the fact that she is unmated and there’s a scarcity of women is a real issue.
A favorite part of this story for me is a scene where Ellison decides Maria needs to learn to have fun. He takes her skinny dipping and he wears his cowboy hat in the water. He knows it’s ridiculous, but he also knows Maria thinks it’s funny. And she laughs for him. For him, that’s enough. It’s such a simple, silly thing, and I found it endearing.
But this isn’t just about their beautiful romance. Unfortunately someone tries to steal Olaf (the polar bear cub she’s babysitting). And we find out there’s a demand for stolen shifters. These bad guys have been doing this for a while. And they’re very good at what they do. So good, in fact, that Connor is kidnapped!
Getting him back isn’t going to be easy, but nothing for shifters ever is. And of course, just because the book is over, doesn’t mean it’s the end.
Anyone who love shifters, or wants a new take on shifters (in this series, they are treated as second-class citizens), then I absolutely recommend this series. Another strong addition to a favorite series of mine, Lone Wolf delivers.
***ARC courtesy of Penguin and netgalley
December 11, 2021
Ellison is such a funky character and I loved his personality and perspective. Great read!
March 26, 2013
I missed a couple of books in this series but it's more I just forgot about it with all the other books I've been reading. I will definitely go back and read the others because this one reminded me how much I enjoy this world and these characters.
This book was about Maria, a human woman living in Shiftertown after having been sequested by a feral shifter pack in Mexico. She was saved by Shiftertown shifters and now does odd jobs around the area while she tries to make some money. Ellis is holding himself back from Maria even though he knows she is his mate. When other male shifters start feeling the mating frenzy and decide they want to mate with Maria Ellis knows he has to step up his game. The shifters also have to contend with human traffickers that are trying to kidnap cubs to sell them on the black market.
This was a novella so it definitely wasn't as long as a normal book but there was a lot of stuff packed into it. I liked the relationship between Maria and Ellis, and despite Maria's past, I don't think the relationship felt rushed. It wasn't that insta-love that seems unrealistic, so I was happy about that. The suspense of finding missing cubs and determining who was behind the kidnappings was also interesting. I wish it were fleshed out a bit more but this was a novella and not a full length novel so I'll accept it.
Overall I'm happy I read this one because it's reminded me I need to go back and finish the others that I've missed. Also the next book in the series is going to be really good I think. It's going to be about Tiger who sounds like a really interesting guy! Very excited for that.
Thanks to netgalley and Penguin for providing me with this book to read and review.
This book was about Maria, a human woman living in Shiftertown after having been sequested by a feral shifter pack in Mexico. She was saved by Shiftertown shifters and now does odd jobs around the area while she tries to make some money. Ellis is holding himself back from Maria even though he knows she is his mate. When other male shifters start feeling the mating frenzy and decide they want to mate with Maria Ellis knows he has to step up his game. The shifters also have to contend with human traffickers that are trying to kidnap cubs to sell them on the black market.
This was a novella so it definitely wasn't as long as a normal book but there was a lot of stuff packed into it. I liked the relationship between Maria and Ellis, and despite Maria's past, I don't think the relationship felt rushed. It wasn't that insta-love that seems unrealistic, so I was happy about that. The suspense of finding missing cubs and determining who was behind the kidnappings was also interesting. I wish it were fleshed out a bit more but this was a novella and not a full length novel so I'll accept it.
Overall I'm happy I read this one because it's reminded me I need to go back and finish the others that I've missed. Also the next book in the series is going to be really good I think. It's going to be about Tiger who sounds like a really interesting guy! Very excited for that.
Thanks to netgalley and Penguin for providing me with this book to read and review.
April 17, 2013
Maria a young women traumatized by her torturous handling by a feral pack of shifters in Mexico is try hard to make a new life for herself. She is living is a Shiftertown, a place where Shifters are segregated from humans and forced to wear shock collars. She takes care of the cubs, learns english and tries to save for school. Unfortunately, her fear of shifters is so deep that she does not trust them enough to feel safe. She dreams of leaving. She is gruff, argumentative, and just plan stubborn.
Ellison, a massive wolf shifter dreams of Maria. he stays a safe distance out of respect for her and the other shifters responsible for her. That dose not stop him from wanting her. He is always there, always putting himself on the line for her safety and happiness. he does this while his life is in chaos, his sister's mind has 'left the building'.
Everything changes when one of the cubs is danger. The whole pack comes together including Maria. (She brings too much, spit and fire for my taste) She fights, argues and charges into everything like a wild bull. Thing resolved pretty quickly, perhaps too easily.
I enjoyed the story. I had a hard time liking Maria. She charged first, not considering her actions. I loved the rest of the characters. Tiger was my favorite. he is also the main for the next book which I will not be missing.
Ellison, a massive wolf shifter dreams of Maria. he stays a safe distance out of respect for her and the other shifters responsible for her. That dose not stop him from wanting her. He is always there, always putting himself on the line for her safety and happiness. he does this while his life is in chaos, his sister's mind has 'left the building'.
Everything changes when one of the cubs is danger. The whole pack comes together including Maria. (She brings too much, spit and fire for my taste) She fights, argues and charges into everything like a wild bull. Thing resolved pretty quickly, perhaps too easily.
I enjoyed the story. I had a hard time liking Maria. She charged first, not considering her actions. I loved the rest of the characters. Tiger was my favorite. he is also the main for the next book which I will not be missing.
April 26, 2013
Little disapppointed in Ellison's story. I didn't like Maria too much, I didn't feel that as a reader I really got to know her very much until the end. I did enjoy the showdown with the bad guy at the end and the reintroduction of Pablo Marquez (from Bodyguard) but the actual ending was way too abrupt. **Spoiler**The fight is over (seriously, the bad guy is shot, and thats the end of the scene) then scene switches to the fight club, fight is interrupted by Maria (like none of the super/crazy/fast shifters were able to keep her from doing that?!) and the pair goes home, HEA. Really? Sorry, but no. Ellison deserved better.
April 18, 2013
I loved that Ellison finally found his one true love, I just wish it hadn't been Maria. To me she was sooooo completely TSTL that it took away my enjoyment of the story. Being that this is a fave series of mine - major disappointment.
December 6, 2015
Good short story!
July 27, 2017
Ellison Rowe has been watching Maria since she was brought to the Austin Shiftertown. He hasn't mate claimed her for himself, but he watches over her trying to keep the other shifters away from her. He takes protecting her pretty serious.
Maria has no intentions in getting involved with a shifter. She has plans of going to school and getting out of the shiftertown she's in. She suffered some pretty bad conditions with shifters that imprisoned her and took away things she could never get back. To achieve her goals she works in the local bar as well as babysitting some of the cubs.
When one of the pack's cubs gets himself into grave danger, Ellison and Maria go to work trying to find out just what these hunters are after. This gives Ellison a lot of time to worm his way into Maria's heart and prove that nothing will ever happen to her again.
I liked Maria. She was strong, had great goals and was very nurturing to the cubs. Dependable. She felt a great amount of guilt over the almost kidnapping and has promised that she will help hunt down the person responsible.
Ellison is very smart. He is biding his time with Maria. Protecting her from the other shifters and just laying out a friendship. It's not hard to like Ellison. His patience and preseverance make him perfect for Maria. I was really rooting for these two.
The planning and execution of the plan to bring down the kidnappers was exciting and fast paced. I assume due to this being a novella. I finished the book with a feeling of contentment for Ellison and Maria. I thought it was going to take forever for Ellison to break through Maria's barriers.
Lone Wolf was exciting both with their problem with the kidnappers and with the love story. I loved that Jennifer Ashley was able to put so much into a novella. A novella I couldn't get enough of! I loved how Cris Dukehart added in Ellison's accent. He thinks of himself as a cowboy and tries to keep it up with his accent. Lots of fun and the narrator knew when he was going to use which accent. A great job was done on narration.
The Series
This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict
Maria has no intentions in getting involved with a shifter. She has plans of going to school and getting out of the shiftertown she's in. She suffered some pretty bad conditions with shifters that imprisoned her and took away things she could never get back. To achieve her goals she works in the local bar as well as babysitting some of the cubs.
When one of the pack's cubs gets himself into grave danger, Ellison and Maria go to work trying to find out just what these hunters are after. This gives Ellison a lot of time to worm his way into Maria's heart and prove that nothing will ever happen to her again.
I liked Maria. She was strong, had great goals and was very nurturing to the cubs. Dependable. She felt a great amount of guilt over the almost kidnapping and has promised that she will help hunt down the person responsible.
Ellison is very smart. He is biding his time with Maria. Protecting her from the other shifters and just laying out a friendship. It's not hard to like Ellison. His patience and preseverance make him perfect for Maria. I was really rooting for these two.
The planning and execution of the plan to bring down the kidnappers was exciting and fast paced. I assume due to this being a novella. I finished the book with a feeling of contentment for Ellison and Maria. I thought it was going to take forever for Ellison to break through Maria's barriers.
Lone Wolf was exciting both with their problem with the kidnappers and with the love story. I loved that Jennifer Ashley was able to put so much into a novella. A novella I couldn't get enough of! I loved how Cris Dukehart added in Ellison's accent. He thinks of himself as a cowboy and tries to keep it up with his accent. Lots of fun and the narrator knew when he was going to use which accent. A great job was done on narration.
The Series
April 24, 2017
I enjoyed this but it fell into the same downfall many shorts do-lack of proper development. I have always loved ellison. It was a little heartbreaking watching him be jovial and joking while his closest friends found their mates. I liked maria for him and they were a great couple but her magically getting over her ptsd didn't really work. With a shorter book its better to have characters with less drama so their overcoming said drama is more believable. I also thought the big action scene had too much going on for me to keep up with, i ended up skimming because I couldn't keep up with everything that was going on. Otherwise I really liked this book, but I'm probably gonna move on to greener pastures as the next few books are characters I'm not especially attached to.
April 12, 2018
This was my favorite story in this entire series. Again Jennifer Ashley writes a clear clean story of Ellison, a shifter and Maria, one of the rescued female humans from Mexico. She takes care of the cubs and works in the Shifter club. She has plans when life interferes. Someone's trying to kidnap shifter Cubs. Olaf is sweet and fun. It was a well paced story and if wonders never cease Jennifer Ashley kept the plot clean and focused.
April 24, 2021
I love that even JA's half books in this series are full stories. Wolf shifter Ellison Rowe has had his eye on human Maria for quite some time, but she escaped from an abusive situation with feral shifters and hasn't been in the head space for another relationship. When a plot comes to life to kidnap young shifters, the two get involved and Maria realizes she is attracted to Ellison. There was plenty of action in this book as well as time with Olaf, the polar bear shifter cub (so cute!)
April 26, 2021
I love any books in this world.... But i wasnt overly keen on Ellison and Maria... It felt more of a convenient Pairing more than a love match, still the underlying story was fun, just not my favorite.
August 24, 2023
I have BEEN in love with Ellison I’m so happy for him! A no think book and a Latina queen FMC? I love that for him!
May 13, 2013
3.5 stars
Review: LONE WOLF is the latest novella (150 pages) in Jennifer Ashley’s Shifter’s Unbound series focusing on the shifters of Shiftertown, Austin Texas. The storyline focus is on wolf shifter Ellison Rowe and the mate of his heart Maria, the young woman rescued in Wild Cat where she was held captive by a feral pack of shifters.
Ellison has always been protective of Maria and knew she would one day be his mate, but her history with the feral shifters meant Maria was off limits to everyone. There would be more than one male vying for Maria’s attention and Ellison knew he had to step up his game before another male claimed mate status and he lost Maria forever.
Maria is well aware of Shifter rules and knew that she could refuse a mate claim. Wanting to go back to university, Maria sets her sights on an education but when the younger shifters are targeted from the human population, Maria will have to put her future on hold, when the Shifters must hunt down the people responsible. For all of the trauma she has suffered in the past, Maria is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants and saving the cubs of Shiftertown has moved to the top of her list.
LONE WOLF is a well-written, wonderful short story that finds another Shifter mated and a continuous uneasy alliance between the human population of Austin and the Shifters of Shiftertown. The relationship between Ellison and Maria growls steadily, as both have been drawn to each other for several storylines. Lone Wolf is the culmination of one woman’s healing at the hands of her intended mate. Jennifer Ashley brings together many of the previous storyline characters to add a familiar feel to each and every installment in the Shifters Unbound series.
READING ORDER
0.5. Shifter Made (April 2011)
1. Pride Mates (January 2010)
2. Primal Bonds (March 2011)
2.5 Body Guard (December 2011)
3. Wild Cat (January 2012)
3.5 Hard Mated (August 2012)
4. Mate Claimed (October 2012)
4.5 Lone Wolf (April 2013)
5. Tiger Magic (May 2013)
6. Wild Wolf (2014)
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
Review: LONE WOLF is the latest novella (150 pages) in Jennifer Ashley’s Shifter’s Unbound series focusing on the shifters of Shiftertown, Austin Texas. The storyline focus is on wolf shifter Ellison Rowe and the mate of his heart Maria, the young woman rescued in Wild Cat where she was held captive by a feral pack of shifters.
Ellison has always been protective of Maria and knew she would one day be his mate, but her history with the feral shifters meant Maria was off limits to everyone. There would be more than one male vying for Maria’s attention and Ellison knew he had to step up his game before another male claimed mate status and he lost Maria forever.
Maria is well aware of Shifter rules and knew that she could refuse a mate claim. Wanting to go back to university, Maria sets her sights on an education but when the younger shifters are targeted from the human population, Maria will have to put her future on hold, when the Shifters must hunt down the people responsible. For all of the trauma she has suffered in the past, Maria is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants and saving the cubs of Shiftertown has moved to the top of her list.
LONE WOLF is a well-written, wonderful short story that finds another Shifter mated and a continuous uneasy alliance between the human population of Austin and the Shifters of Shiftertown. The relationship between Ellison and Maria growls steadily, as both have been drawn to each other for several storylines. Lone Wolf is the culmination of one woman’s healing at the hands of her intended mate. Jennifer Ashley brings together many of the previous storyline characters to add a familiar feel to each and every installment in the Shifters Unbound series.
READING ORDER
0.5. Shifter Made (April 2011)
1. Pride Mates (January 2010)
2. Primal Bonds (March 2011)
2.5 Body Guard (December 2011)
3. Wild Cat (January 2012)
3.5 Hard Mated (August 2012)
4. Mate Claimed (October 2012)
4.5 Lone Wolf (April 2013)
5. Tiger Magic (May 2013)
6. Wild Wolf (2014)
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
April 23, 2013
Ellison's wolf calls out for the lovely human Maria. His instincts say to claim her but the man knows he must let her heal from her captivity by a group of ferals before she'd ever be open to mating a shifter. Maria appreciates the Austin Shiftertown for taking her in but she plans to work past the nightmares and fears and go out into the world to make something with her life. She's not immune to Ellison's charm and when someone comes after the town's cub, Maria will show she's ready to fight back.
Ellison and Maria are a sweet couple. Ellison, always the charmer, knows when to push and when to back off when it comes to Maria. Ellison is easy going but here his alpha side comes out to play. Not all characters can pull off going from a sweetheart to a lethal alpha without it feeling forced but I thought it came naturally for Ellison and I loved it. The felines in this series are my favorite but I think Ellison makes a strong case for the canines.
Fans of the series met Maria briefly when she and other women were rescued from a group of feral males holding them captive in Mexico by Dylan Morrissey, the Shiftertown's former alpha. Maria isn't looking for sympathy or charity. I adore Maria because she doesn't just want to survive; she wants to make a difference. Like Ellison she's sweet but if you try to coddle her she'll whip out some feistiness. How could I not love that?
Someone is kidnapping shifter cubs and now has the young of Austin's Shiftertown in their sights. I thought this was a big deal and the story could have easily been put into a full length novel but Jennifer Ashley's novellas pack a big punch and she plays this out really well alongside the cute romance. It's always a good time when I get to come back to Austin and see all my favorite characters and finally having Ellison meet his mate was a fantastic treat while waiting for Tiger's book.
- Stephanie
Ellison and Maria are a sweet couple. Ellison, always the charmer, knows when to push and when to back off when it comes to Maria. Ellison is easy going but here his alpha side comes out to play. Not all characters can pull off going from a sweetheart to a lethal alpha without it feeling forced but I thought it came naturally for Ellison and I loved it. The felines in this series are my favorite but I think Ellison makes a strong case for the canines.
Fans of the series met Maria briefly when she and other women were rescued from a group of feral males holding them captive in Mexico by Dylan Morrissey, the Shiftertown's former alpha. Maria isn't looking for sympathy or charity. I adore Maria because she doesn't just want to survive; she wants to make a difference. Like Ellison she's sweet but if you try to coddle her she'll whip out some feistiness. How could I not love that?
Someone is kidnapping shifter cubs and now has the young of Austin's Shiftertown in their sights. I thought this was a big deal and the story could have easily been put into a full length novel but Jennifer Ashley's novellas pack a big punch and she plays this out really well alongside the cute romance. It's always a good time when I get to come back to Austin and see all my favorite characters and finally having Ellison meet his mate was a fantastic treat while waiting for Tiger's book.
- Stephanie
April 22, 2013
It is not often that an author can create secondary characters you grow to love just as much as the mains, but Jennifer Ashley does this flawlessly. I have loved Ronan, Spike and Ellison just as much, if not more, than the Morrissey boys! Oh, that kind of hurt to write.
I have been an Ellison fan since we first met him. He has always been a lot of fun to read. In Lone Wolf we see a more complex and serious side of Ellison, while keeping with his usual humorous charm. It was nice to see his interaction with family and not just Shiftertown residents. He is a very nurturing Alpha-wolf and we rarely got to see much of an authoritative side to him in earlier installments.
In this story we meet Maria, one of the humans rescued from the feral pack in Mexico. Maria hasn't had an easy time of things since the rescue, her guilt and fear eat at her. An unsupportive brother only compounds her insecurity. These things also act as a fuel to her fire. She plans on going to school, starting a noble career and supporting herself. On her own. No mates! Maria finds a niche in Shiftertown but never really feels at home until the single wolf-shifter, Ellison, points out that not all shifters, especially those of Shiftertown, see her as just an object of possession. REAL shifter men cherish and protect their mates and cubs.
When an outsider, and human, threatens the safety of all their cubs, Ellison takes a stand with Maria, Tiger, and Broderick at his side. When will these bad guys learn you just DON'T mess with the shifters of Shiftertown, or anyone they care for? Idiotas.
Jennifer Ashley's Shifters Unbound is a series I do not hesitate to buy or pre-order, sight unseen. She always delivers! I have never wished to be a Shifter so badly in my life! Lol. I HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone who is unsure of Shifter books. You will want... no, NEED, a shifter male in your life afterwards.
I have been an Ellison fan since we first met him. He has always been a lot of fun to read. In Lone Wolf we see a more complex and serious side of Ellison, while keeping with his usual humorous charm. It was nice to see his interaction with family and not just Shiftertown residents. He is a very nurturing Alpha-wolf and we rarely got to see much of an authoritative side to him in earlier installments.
In this story we meet Maria, one of the humans rescued from the feral pack in Mexico. Maria hasn't had an easy time of things since the rescue, her guilt and fear eat at her. An unsupportive brother only compounds her insecurity. These things also act as a fuel to her fire. She plans on going to school, starting a noble career and supporting herself. On her own. No mates! Maria finds a niche in Shiftertown but never really feels at home until the single wolf-shifter, Ellison, points out that not all shifters, especially those of Shiftertown, see her as just an object of possession. REAL shifter men cherish and protect their mates and cubs.
When an outsider, and human, threatens the safety of all their cubs, Ellison takes a stand with Maria, Tiger, and Broderick at his side. When will these bad guys learn you just DON'T mess with the shifters of Shiftertown, or anyone they care for? Idiotas.
Jennifer Ashley's Shifters Unbound is a series I do not hesitate to buy or pre-order, sight unseen. She always delivers! I have never wished to be a Shifter so badly in my life! Lol. I HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone who is unsure of Shifter books. You will want... no, NEED, a shifter male in your life afterwards.
April 20, 2013
I've been anxiously awaiting this book since I first read about Ellison in prior Shifters Unbound novels.. I mean, really?? Who can resist a smooth talking, sexy as sin, wolf-shifter cowboy with a look of pure temptation in his eyes and that delicious slow Texas drawl?! Not me! I've wanted to know every detail possible about Ellison & I've wanted to see him finally get his life story & jump into his world, head first. Let me assure you that Jennifer Ashley hit her mark perfectly!
We learn more on Ellison & why he has such an easy-going manner & remains so devoted to his adopted shifter-town outside of Austin.. We also meet the beautiful, fiery and very human Maria, who faced down hell herself with a horrifying past that would break anyone of us. Ellison can't help but linger around this broken but amazing woman and his protective instincts kick in big time! But Ellison realizes that Maria won't be so easy-going as she has the heart of a warrior & will protect her shifter friends without fear. A monster of a man comes up & tries to threaten everything that Ellison & Maria hold dear.. Can Ellison manage to keep his soon-to-be-mate safe? Or will she jump in & protect her friends at the expense of her own life?
This is one satisfying read & as usual, Ms. Ashley weaves a fine web & draws you into the amazing world of the Shifters Unbound and once entered, it's a world you'll never want to leave... This book is an absolute must read for lovers of paranormal and romance.. It's sexy, dramatic, terrifying, mesmerizing & downright amazing! Pick up "Lone Wolf" today & fall in love with a new breed of wolf today!
~ Vicki Rose
Platinum Book Reviews Blog
Platinum gives Jennifer & "Lone Wolf":
5 Platinum Rings!
We learn more on Ellison & why he has such an easy-going manner & remains so devoted to his adopted shifter-town outside of Austin.. We also meet the beautiful, fiery and very human Maria, who faced down hell herself with a horrifying past that would break anyone of us. Ellison can't help but linger around this broken but amazing woman and his protective instincts kick in big time! But Ellison realizes that Maria won't be so easy-going as she has the heart of a warrior & will protect her shifter friends without fear. A monster of a man comes up & tries to threaten everything that Ellison & Maria hold dear.. Can Ellison manage to keep his soon-to-be-mate safe? Or will she jump in & protect her friends at the expense of her own life?
This is one satisfying read & as usual, Ms. Ashley weaves a fine web & draws you into the amazing world of the Shifters Unbound and once entered, it's a world you'll never want to leave... This book is an absolute must read for lovers of paranormal and romance.. It's sexy, dramatic, terrifying, mesmerizing & downright amazing! Pick up "Lone Wolf" today & fall in love with a new breed of wolf today!
~ Vicki Rose
Platinum Book Reviews Blog
Platinum gives Jennifer & "Lone Wolf":
5 Platinum Rings!
June 7, 2019
Ellison finally finds his mate in Maria, a human once captive of the ferals.
Maria is determined to become independent and leave Shiftertown, but living and working with them has made her part of their community. Ellison is being careful not to push her, both because of her traumatic past and because all unmated males are supposed to be careful with the women they'd rescued from the ferals.
The two are obviously attracted to each other and when something forces them together, their feelings deepen and their romance begins.
A nice enough story with appearances from many characters we've seen before and some that will get their own stories in future books, starting with "Tiger" in Tiger Magic next.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Perfect Mate (Shifters Unbound #4.5) ~ ★★★ (16/12/2014)
✦ Mate Claimed (Shifters Unbound #4) ~ ★★★★ (30/07/2014)
✦ Hard Mated (Shifters Unbound #3.5) ~ ★★★★ (05/07/2014)
✦ Wild Cat (Shifters Unbound #3) ~ ★★★★ (15/06/2014)
✦ Bodyguard (Shifters Unbound #2.5) ~ ★★★ (09/06/2014)
✦ Primal Bonds (Shifters Unbound #2) ~ ★★★ (12/08/2013)
Maria is determined to become independent and leave Shiftertown, but living and working with them has made her part of their community. Ellison is being careful not to push her, both because of her traumatic past and because all unmated males are supposed to be careful with the women they'd rescued from the ferals.
The two are obviously attracted to each other and when something forces them together, their feelings deepen and their romance begins.
A nice enough story with appearances from many characters we've seen before and some that will get their own stories in future books, starting with "Tiger" in Tiger Magic next.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Perfect Mate (Shifters Unbound #4.5) ~ ★★★ (16/12/2014)
✦ Mate Claimed (Shifters Unbound #4) ~ ★★★★ (30/07/2014)
✦ Hard Mated (Shifters Unbound #3.5) ~ ★★★★ (05/07/2014)
✦ Wild Cat (Shifters Unbound #3) ~ ★★★★ (15/06/2014)
✦ Bodyguard (Shifters Unbound #2.5) ~ ★★★ (09/06/2014)
✦ Primal Bonds (Shifters Unbound #2) ~ ★★★ (12/08/2013)
August 5, 2016
Such a great addition to the series! Wolf Shifter Ellison Rowe is still sizing formerly brutalized and rejected captive Maria Ortega (introduced in Wild Cat) for a mate claim and he’s not about to let a little thing like rival wolf shifter Broderick beat his time. Meanwhile someone’s endangering shifter cubs for fun and profit and Maria finds that Ellison is a good wolf to have at her back.
Liam got a chance to show why he’s alpha, Ronan showed he’s an even bigger and fiercer bear than originally thought. Pablo Marquez even did some shifting of his own as he got up close and more personal with the shifters against the cub poachers than in the previous installments. The rest of the usual suspects stopped in for cameos and to wave and polish their protective instincts. As always (IMO), Shiftertown is a fun place to visit.
One of the great things about this series is the installments work both as stand-alone’s and as integral series pieces equally well. The only difference between the novellas and the full length novels is the length because the quality is consistent. If you are a shifter fan, this is a series you should be reading.
Originally Read May 1, 2013
Rating 4.5stars)
More reviews can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
Liam got a chance to show why he’s alpha, Ronan showed he’s an even bigger and fiercer bear than originally thought. Pablo Marquez even did some shifting of his own as he got up close and more personal with the shifters against the cub poachers than in the previous installments. The rest of the usual suspects stopped in for cameos and to wave and polish their protective instincts. As always (IMO), Shiftertown is a fun place to visit.
One of the great things about this series is the installments work both as stand-alone’s and as integral series pieces equally well. The only difference between the novellas and the full length novels is the length because the quality is consistent. If you are a shifter fan, this is a series you should be reading.
Originally Read May 1, 2013
Rating 4.5stars)
More reviews can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
May 3, 2013
I've loved Ellison since book 1 of the Shifters Unbound series. He's the fun-loving wolf who hasn't been able to get the girl first. Ellison finally has his chance with Maria, a scared and scarred waitress who is determined to get her life together. Even though the shifters of Shiftertown have been nothing but kind to her, she is determined to live her life away from shifters.
Maria was introduced in Wild Cat, book 4 of the series. I didn't read Wild Cat (I have no idea how that happened but will rectify that immediately). She was rescued from feral shifters and is living in Shiftertown under Dylan and Sean's protection.
I had a hard time warming up to Maria. She was stubborn but not in a good way because her stubbornness was putting herself and others in danger. Of course I loved Ellison but felt that something was missing. This Ellison was different from the fun-loving, flirtatious Ellison in the previous books. I liked how he treated Maria with respect and gentleness. I kind of wished that Ellison was paired with someone with less baggage.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and visiting characters from previous books. I can't wait to read Tiger's story which is next in the series.
Maria was introduced in Wild Cat, book 4 of the series. I didn't read Wild Cat (I have no idea how that happened but will rectify that immediately). She was rescued from feral shifters and is living in Shiftertown under Dylan and Sean's protection.
I had a hard time warming up to Maria. She was stubborn but not in a good way because her stubbornness was putting herself and others in danger. Of course I loved Ellison but felt that something was missing. This Ellison was different from the fun-loving, flirtatious Ellison in the previous books. I liked how he treated Maria with respect and gentleness. I kind of wished that Ellison was paired with someone with less baggage.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and visiting characters from previous books. I can't wait to read Tiger's story which is next in the series.
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