What do you think?
Shape-Shifter #1.1-1.4
Natural Family Disasters
Five short stories that give us glimpses into the lives of Griffin, Jorie, and the other characters from Second Nature.
Bonding Time: Griffin has been looking forward to a little feline bonding time with a special lady. Leave it to her sister Leigh to interrupt.
Coming to Dinner: Jorie and Griffin are having second thoughts about their decision to invite Griffin’s shape-shifter relatives and Jorie’s mother for dinner on Christmas Day. What could be more nerve-racking than eight cat-shifters who don’t believe in Christmas celebrating with a human woman, allergic to cats, who doesn’t believe in the existence of shape-shifters? Will it end with peace on earth, or will fur fly?
Babysitter Material: It’s Rufus and Kylin’s anniversary—and no babysitter for the triplets in sight. Kylin has a desperate idea, but is her gruff father Brian, ruler of the pride, really babysitter material?
When the Cat’s Away: When a mouse takes up residence in Griffin and Jorie’s house, Griffin calls her fathers over. With three cat-shifters on the hunt, the house will be a rodent-free zone in no time. Or so she thinks.
Plus One: Griffin accepts Jorie’s invitation to be her “plus one” at Jorie’s high school reunion, eager to find out more about her lover’s past. But the food at the buffet has an unexpected effect on Griffin.
Bonding Time: Griffin has been looking forward to a little feline bonding time with a special lady. Leave it to her sister Leigh to interrupt.
Coming to Dinner: Jorie and Griffin are having second thoughts about their decision to invite Griffin’s shape-shifter relatives and Jorie’s mother for dinner on Christmas Day. What could be more nerve-racking than eight cat-shifters who don’t believe in Christmas celebrating with a human woman, allergic to cats, who doesn’t believe in the existence of shape-shifters? Will it end with peace on earth, or will fur fly?
Babysitter Material: It’s Rufus and Kylin’s anniversary—and no babysitter for the triplets in sight. Kylin has a desperate idea, but is her gruff father Brian, ruler of the pride, really babysitter material?
When the Cat’s Away: When a mouse takes up residence in Griffin and Jorie’s house, Griffin calls her fathers over. With three cat-shifters on the hunt, the house will be a rodent-free zone in no time. Or so she thinks.
Plus One: Griffin accepts Jorie’s invitation to be her “plus one” at Jorie’s high school reunion, eager to find out more about her lover’s past. But the food at the buffet has an unexpected effect on Griffin.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2013
About the author
Jae
123 books3,986 followersJae is the author of twenty-seven award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 28, 2017
This book contains five short stories which are directly connected to the novel Second Nature. All of the stories take place after the action that occurred in that novel.
'Bonding Time'
Jorie and Griffin live together as a couple. Learning about each other. Content.
'Coming to Dinner'
Both Jorie and Griffin's families come to dinner and meet each other for the first time. All three of Griffin's sisters attend, include their mates, plus both of Griffin's 'father's' attend and her mother. Jorie's extended family, at this point, only includes her mother Helen.
This was a great humorous Christmas story. Quite amusing and touching.
rating: 4.64
'Babysitter Material'
Brian and Gus babysit one of their daughter's cubs.
'When the Cat's Away'
Jorie and Griffin live together. They also happen to have three cats living with them (all three of whom started off as Jorie's cats). And yet . . . there is a mouse in the house! Story is about the attempt to tackle this massive breach in security.
Rating: 4.45
'Plus One'
A rather neat and interesting story about Jorie's 15th high school reunion. Griffin attends as Jorie's plus one.
Many old . . . friends would be too strong, many old acquantinces are meet, plus one or two friends of Jorie's. Including . . . Shannon Quinn. Oh, and Griffin has an odd reaction to the buffet food.
Rating: 4.77
July 28 2017
'Bonding Time'
Jorie and Griffin live together as a couple. Learning about each other. Content.
'Coming to Dinner'
Both Jorie and Griffin's families come to dinner and meet each other for the first time. All three of Griffin's sisters attend, include their mates, plus both of Griffin's 'father's' attend and her mother. Jorie's extended family, at this point, only includes her mother Helen.
This was a great humorous Christmas story. Quite amusing and touching.
rating: 4.64
'Babysitter Material'
Brian and Gus babysit one of their daughter's cubs.
'When the Cat's Away'
Jorie and Griffin live together. They also happen to have three cats living with them (all three of whom started off as Jorie's cats). And yet . . . there is a mouse in the house! Story is about the attempt to tackle this massive breach in security.
Rating: 4.45
'Plus One'
A rather neat and interesting story about Jorie's 15th high school reunion. Griffin attends as Jorie's plus one.
Many old . . . friends would be too strong, many old acquantinces are meet, plus one or two friends of Jorie's. Including . . . Shannon Quinn. Oh, and Griffin has an odd reaction to the buffet food.
Rating: 4.77
July 28 2017
November 9, 2023
4.5 stars
How fun to be able to enjoy these short stories in one collection on audio! Abby Craden, who narrated the shapeshifter books these are based on, also voiced these, which is great.
I appreciate that some publishers like Ylva are willing to release these in this format - giving more folks the opportunity to experience them.
Jae can always be counted on for well written stories - short or long. My only (very small) beef with this audiobook is on the production side. Sometimes there was no pause at all between scenes so it took a minute to realize the characters had moved to a different time or place. And I don't mean between the stories - I mean within the stories themselves.
Otherwise, more great stuff from the Jae/Craden combo!
How fun to be able to enjoy these short stories in one collection on audio! Abby Craden, who narrated the shapeshifter books these are based on, also voiced these, which is great.
I appreciate that some publishers like Ylva are willing to release these in this format - giving more folks the opportunity to experience them.
Jae can always be counted on for well written stories - short or long. My only (very small) beef with this audiobook is on the production side. Sometimes there was no pause at all between scenes so it took a minute to realize the characters had moved to a different time or place. And I don't mean between the stories - I mean within the stories themselves.
Otherwise, more great stuff from the Jae/Craden combo!
June 15, 2020
And the story continues from Book 1 with 5 short stories..
Available in Scribd
Available in Scribd
May 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ cute novella
November 22, 2019
I adore the cute little glimpses into the lives of Griffin, Jorie, and their family. If you’ve read Second Nature and love the characters as much as I do, then you definitely need to read these adorable short stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
Plus One was a cute treat.
January 14, 2024
Natural Family Disasters is a compellation of five short story sequels to the novel Second Nature, also by Jae. This should not be read without reading Second Nature, as it does not stand on its own. For those who have read Second Nature, this is a great addition to the novel that delivers some fun moments and great follow-up for the characters.
While it isn't groundbreaking, this novella was fun and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first novel. I am glad that I was able to receive it for free because although it was enjoyable I am not sure how much I would pay for such a short read (Jae often gives away these short stories for free in exchange for signing up for newsletters or whatnot).
While it isn't groundbreaking, this novella was fun and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first novel. I am glad that I was able to receive it for free because although it was enjoyable I am not sure how much I would pay for such a short read (Jae often gives away these short stories for free in exchange for signing up for newsletters or whatnot).
September 10, 2026
Jae does really well with this with Abby Craden's narration. The first blended family dinner of your side and my side. Fancy asking shapshifters to show themselves A great tale
Worth a relisten
Worth a relisten
April 28, 2021
I enjoyed every word of it and had to laugh out loud many times.
Some universal problems and situations we all have been through, revisited with a great sense of humour. I personally enjoyed all the short stories, but my favourites are Coming to Dinner and Plus One. Jae can write some really funny scenes!
Some universal problems and situations we all have been through, revisited with a great sense of humour. I personally enjoyed all the short stories, but my favourites are Coming to Dinner and Plus One. Jae can write some really funny scenes!
May 27, 2016
Awesome
Great follow up. These short stories are hilarious. You need to read second nature first to truly appreciate these short stories. But when you do you'll laugh so hard you'll cry. I definitely recommend you to read this.
Great follow up. These short stories are hilarious. You need to read second nature first to truly appreciate these short stories. But when you do you'll laugh so hard you'll cry. I definitely recommend you to read this.
October 4, 2019
This was a fun collection of stories about Jorie and Griffin from Second Nature.
*Thanks to Ylva for the ebook*
*Thanks to Ylva for the ebook*
December 30, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
January 21, 2025
Fun short stories but left me wanting more!
July 19, 2019
Five cute little stories that are all so adorable.
November 2, 2021
A Fun Epilogue
I really enjoyed Second Nature and was excited to see what happened to the characters after the events in the first novel. These were the perfect set of light hearted stories that the characters got to experience and it was lovely to see them all interact in a down time setting. I especially enjoyed the high school reunion short and it got me wondering now how meta it would be for Quinn to get her own story. The only thing that might have made it better is if we got to experience more of the other family characters.
I really enjoyed Second Nature and was excited to see what happened to the characters after the events in the first novel. These were the perfect set of light hearted stories that the characters got to experience and it was lovely to see them all interact in a down time setting. I especially enjoyed the high school reunion short and it got me wondering now how meta it would be for Quinn to get her own story. The only thing that might have made it better is if we got to experience more of the other family characters.
August 6, 2013
I liked the shorts quite a bit. I'd read some of them previously and enjoyed them again. The ones that were new to me were a nice surprise. It's great to see a bit more of Griffin & Jorie. Jae captures some wonderful scenes for us - very cute and funny.
February 24, 2026
Natural Family Disasters is a delightful and heartwarming follow-up to Second Nature, which you’ll need to read first before landing here. As an anthology of five short stories, it provides exactly what fans of the series need: a closer, more relaxed look at Griffin and Jorie’s life after the high-stakes tension of the first novel.
As always, Jae balances humor with genuine emotional growth. The collection captures the everyday challenges of a human/shifter relationship in a way that feels both grounded and hilarious. The story "Coming to Dinner" was a standout. The concept of eight cat-shifters who don't believe in Christmas sharing a meal with Jorie’s mother—who is allergic to cats and oblivious to the existence of shifters—is a brilliant setup for comedic disaster. Touching while highlighting the theme of stretching your comfort zone for love.
I also thoroughly enjoyed "Plus One," where Griffin attends Jorie’s high school reunion. Seeing the world through their eyes in a mundane setting really highlights their chemistry and the fish-out-of-water aspect of Griffin’s shifter nature, especially when the buffet food has an unexpected effect on her. The writing remains tight and engaging throughout, and Jae’s ability to weave animalistic traits into the characters’ human forms continues to be one of the most creative aspects of her worldbuilding.
While these stories are lighthearted, they offer more, too. It was lovely to see the characters interact during their downtime, allowing the reader to feel fully immersed in their domestic life and the larger pride dynamics. For anyone who enjoyed the slow-burn romance of the parent book, this anthology is a perfect, five-star epilogue that leaves you with a smile. An essential read for fans of Jae’s Wrasa world.
Thank you to the publisher, the amazing Ylva, the author (the equally amazing Jae), and to NetGalley for the chance to enjoy this ARC.
As always, Jae balances humor with genuine emotional growth. The collection captures the everyday challenges of a human/shifter relationship in a way that feels both grounded and hilarious. The story "Coming to Dinner" was a standout. The concept of eight cat-shifters who don't believe in Christmas sharing a meal with Jorie’s mother—who is allergic to cats and oblivious to the existence of shifters—is a brilliant setup for comedic disaster. Touching while highlighting the theme of stretching your comfort zone for love.
I also thoroughly enjoyed "Plus One," where Griffin attends Jorie’s high school reunion. Seeing the world through their eyes in a mundane setting really highlights their chemistry and the fish-out-of-water aspect of Griffin’s shifter nature, especially when the buffet food has an unexpected effect on her. The writing remains tight and engaging throughout, and Jae’s ability to weave animalistic traits into the characters’ human forms continues to be one of the most creative aspects of her worldbuilding.
While these stories are lighthearted, they offer more, too. It was lovely to see the characters interact during their downtime, allowing the reader to feel fully immersed in their domestic life and the larger pride dynamics. For anyone who enjoyed the slow-burn romance of the parent book, this anthology is a perfect, five-star epilogue that leaves you with a smile. An essential read for fans of Jae’s Wrasa world.
Thank you to the publisher, the amazing Ylva, the author (the equally amazing Jae), and to NetGalley for the chance to enjoy this ARC.
February 12, 2026
If you’re a fan of "Second Nature" by Jae (Nov 2009) this book is a must have or read. Second Nature is a shape-shifter romance between Jorie, a human and Griffin who is a liger shape-shifter. This book contains five short stories that feature the pair, their family and world.
My favorite, Coming to Dinner, is the only one that I have read previously. I got it as a giveaway from the author for participating in her annual Christmas advent calendar. Jorie invites her mother to Christmas and to meet all of Griffin’s family. She also wants to reveal the existence of shape-sifters to her. It is delightfully funny with big and small cat jokes. But it also shows the importance of love and acceptance.
Bonding Time and When the Cat’s Away gives a glimpse of domestic life with Jorie and Griffin.
Babysitter Material has Griffin’s father babysitting triplet cups of her sister.
Plus One contains a couple surprises when Griffin goes to Jorie’s fifteen year class reunion.
I love when authors add bonus chapters or stories featuring favorite characters or worlds they have created. The trick is finding out how to get them. Sometimes they can be found for sale but often you need to subscribe to author’s promotional emails. I love that a collection exists like this to get them all in one place. I will add that these can be read and understood if you haven’t read the origin content. But for most readers the point is to get more time with characters you love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jae and Ylva Publishing for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
My favorite, Coming to Dinner, is the only one that I have read previously. I got it as a giveaway from the author for participating in her annual Christmas advent calendar. Jorie invites her mother to Christmas and to meet all of Griffin’s family. She also wants to reveal the existence of shape-sifters to her. It is delightfully funny with big and small cat jokes. But it also shows the importance of love and acceptance.
Bonding Time and When the Cat’s Away gives a glimpse of domestic life with Jorie and Griffin.
Babysitter Material has Griffin’s father babysitting triplet cups of her sister.
Plus One contains a couple surprises when Griffin goes to Jorie’s fifteen year class reunion.
I love when authors add bonus chapters or stories featuring favorite characters or worlds they have created. The trick is finding out how to get them. Sometimes they can be found for sale but often you need to subscribe to author’s promotional emails. I love that a collection exists like this to get them all in one place. I will add that these can be read and understood if you haven’t read the origin content. But for most readers the point is to get more time with characters you love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jae and Ylva Publishing for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
March 5, 2018
More shapeshifter shenanigans
If you loved Second Nature and the other books in author Jae’s shapeshifter series, this is another opportunity to laugh at and with the characters in a series of short stories set in that universe. It’s best to read Second Nature before Natural Family Disasters so the characters and universe are already familiar and to maximize reading enjoyment; reading these short stories as a standalone might be confusing or leave the reader feeling as though they’re not in on some kind of inside joke.
The stories are very funny, easy to read in a few hours’ time, and give readers another peek at the antics that go on in the human and shapeshifter households.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you loved Second Nature and the other books in author Jae’s shapeshifter series, this is another opportunity to laugh at and with the characters in a series of short stories set in that universe. It’s best to read Second Nature before Natural Family Disasters so the characters and universe are already familiar and to maximize reading enjoyment; reading these short stories as a standalone might be confusing or leave the reader feeling as though they’re not in on some kind of inside joke.
The stories are very funny, easy to read in a few hours’ time, and give readers another peek at the antics that go on in the human and shapeshifter households.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2021
This is a set of 5 short stories from the Second Nature 'verse.
Bonding Time
Rating: 2
This one was just a bit odd to me really.
Coming to Dinner
Rating: 5
I enjoyed this one so much!
Babysitter Material
Rating: 2.5
I guess I just wasn't very interested in the characters that this one focused on.
When the Cat's Away
Rating: 2.5
This one just seemed a bit... I don't know, amateurish? Compared to the standard I'm used to in Jae's works.
Plus One
Rating: 1
I didn't like this one at all. Way too much possessive!Griffin. It felt like reading a Twilight fic. Bleh. Also, it was completely unnecessary to use the word "midget" in this story and I found that offensive. Really, I've come to expect better from Jae. Very disappointed.
Average Rating: 2.6
Bonding Time
Rating: 2
This one was just a bit odd to me really.
Coming to Dinner
Rating: 5
I enjoyed this one so much!
Babysitter Material
Rating: 2.5
I guess I just wasn't very interested in the characters that this one focused on.
When the Cat's Away
Rating: 2.5
This one just seemed a bit... I don't know, amateurish? Compared to the standard I'm used to in Jae's works.
Plus One
Rating: 1
I didn't like this one at all. Way too much possessive!Griffin. It felt like reading a Twilight fic. Bleh. Also, it was completely unnecessary to use the word "midget" in this story and I found that offensive. Really, I've come to expect better from Jae. Very disappointed.
Average Rating: 2.6
April 10, 2024
Natural Family Disasters by Jae.
5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved catching up with Jorie, Griffin and their families in this short story collection.
In the five short stories, we are treated to an insight into how the Wrasa’s lives progressed after Second Nature.
I just love how Jae writes the shapeshifter characters; even in their human forms, they still present animal characteristics! The funniest moments were in the last story after Griffin had eaten from the buffet table. These scenes had me laughing out loud. I'm glad I wasn’t reading in public!!! 🐅
The Christmas story was particularly funny and well-written. What an introduction to the family for Helen, Jorie’s mum, especially as she’s allergic to cats. And poor Brian!
5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved catching up with Jorie, Griffin and their families in this short story collection.
In the five short stories, we are treated to an insight into how the Wrasa’s lives progressed after Second Nature.
I just love how Jae writes the shapeshifter characters; even in their human forms, they still present animal characteristics! The funniest moments were in the last story after Griffin had eaten from the buffet table. These scenes had me laughing out loud. I'm glad I wasn’t reading in public!!! 🐅
The Christmas story was particularly funny and well-written. What an introduction to the family for Helen, Jorie’s mum, especially as she’s allergic to cats. And poor Brian!
December 6, 2024
So this sapphic book is quite short. I’m not gonna lie I thought it was the part 2 of the other book “Second Nature.” It was a delightful holiday novella full of humor and territorial charm.
This relatable family dynamics, and a cozy festive backdrop, the author expertly balances comedy and meaningful exploration of queer relationships and self-acceptance. Though brief, the story is both charming and satisfying, perfect for fans of the Romance by the Numbers series or as a standalone read. Honestly I really want more. I definitely got book 3 “Manhattan Moon” and Book 4 “True Nature”
This relatable family dynamics, and a cozy festive backdrop, the author expertly balances comedy and meaningful exploration of queer relationships and self-acceptance. Though brief, the story is both charming and satisfying, perfect for fans of the Romance by the Numbers series or as a standalone read. Honestly I really want more. I definitely got book 3 “Manhattan Moon” and Book 4 “True Nature”
February 28, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
i have to say i laughed at loud at several times during reading this short book with 5 short novellas that had some great characters and funny incidents in them its enough for you to actually want to read the books they are based from..... yep thats me havent read the two books they are based around but this has made me curious enough to want to read them now.... i am such a bad fan... but a fan none the less
cant wait to see what is next from jae.... she knows how to write some great stories
i have to say i laughed at loud at several times during reading this short book with 5 short novellas that had some great characters and funny incidents in them its enough for you to actually want to read the books they are based from..... yep thats me havent read the two books they are based around but this has made me curious enough to want to read them now.... i am such a bad fan... but a fan none the less
cant wait to see what is next from jae.... she knows how to write some great stories
March 2, 2026
Really did enjoy this one, I have rated it a 3.5 stars as I felt it could of been a little bit longer in my opinion but at the same time still enjoyed it.
The annoying part is I thought this was the first book, turns out it wasn't so was slightly disappointed but in all honesty still cannot complain as it was such a nice read.
Will for one be keeping my eyes open for more works by this author in the fitr and hopefully gonna keep my eyes open for the first book.
Thank you to netgallery for allowing me to read this book.
The annoying part is I thought this was the first book, turns out it wasn't so was slightly disappointed but in all honesty still cannot complain as it was such a nice read.
Will for one be keeping my eyes open for more works by this author in the fitr and hopefully gonna keep my eyes open for the first book.
Thank you to netgallery for allowing me to read this book.
September 26, 2026
It took a little bit for me to really get into things, but I will say that it was mostly because I haven't read anything in this universe before. I think my favourite of the short stories was Griffin and Jorie celebrating Christmas with Jorie's mom and Griffin's family, and letting the cat out of the bag, literally. Overall, this was a fun read and I would definitely be open to checking out more in this universe.
Thanks to Jae, Ylva Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
Thanks to Jae, Ylva Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
November 5, 2016
5 short stories following Jae's Second Nature novel (a must read first). Much lighter in tone with humorous situations. My favorites are Coming to Dinner (Jodie's mom meets the in-laws), Plus One (Jorie goes to her HS Reunion with Griffin) and When the Cat's Away (How many Big Cats does it take to catch little bitty mouse?)
January 23, 2022
Jae Never Disappoints
Although this book has definitely serious aspects such as telling your mother that shape shifters exist and she's in a house filled with them, I found myself laughing more than anything. Just an all around enjoyable read in a genre I wouldn't even consider prior to last year's reading challenge and now I'm hooked! Thanks Jae!
Although this book has definitely serious aspects such as telling your mother that shape shifters exist and she's in a house filled with them, I found myself laughing more than anything. Just an all around enjoyable read in a genre I wouldn't even consider prior to last year's reading challenge and now I'm hooked! Thanks Jae!
September 6, 2023
Loved it.
This was a book of short stories of happenings in Jorie and Griffin’s ( from Second Nature) life after they find their HEA. It was great to revisit this couple once again. I especially like Plus One. It was a very humorous account of Jorie’s high school reunion. All in all the book was a total delight.
This was a book of short stories of happenings in Jorie and Griffin’s ( from Second Nature) life after they find their HEA. It was great to revisit this couple once again. I especially like Plus One. It was a very humorous account of Jorie’s high school reunion. All in all the book was a total delight.
November 7, 2025
Loved it
This is a fast paced book full of different perspectives and life's. Jorie and Griffen, Kylin and Rufus, as well as Brian and Gus with the triplets.
Most of the scenes are focused on Jorie and Griffen though. The story is lighthearted and fun to read.
On to the next book.
This is a fast paced book full of different perspectives and life's. Jorie and Griffen, Kylin and Rufus, as well as Brian and Gus with the triplets.
Most of the scenes are focused on Jorie and Griffen though. The story is lighthearted and fun to read.
On to the next book.
July 4, 2020
Not what I expected. Only because I did not read the whole, "about." These are great catch up stories to get you from book 1 to book 3, I'm sure. I still love the characters. In fact, this gave more background to who they are.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews