Deena Hines had her life together…finally. She’d bought her own home and had a thriving business with her best friend. A mate had not been in her plans, but Julian was making it hard to resist him. She was wary of mating with such a powerful man. But she was in danger, and she would only trust him to protect her…
Success was becoming routine for Julian Chase. Everything was going according to his plans...except his very stubborn mate. From the first glance of Deena, he’d switched up everything to prepare for her. She belonged with him, and he thought they would fall into place. He thought he could give her time, but when danger stalked Deena, putting their mating aside was no longer an option.
Dria Andersen is a full-time photographer, mother of two, and lifelong storyteller. After the birth of her first child, she made a promise to pursue her dreams boldly-starting with writing the kinds of stories she always wanted to see in the world. That leap of faith became her debut novel, and she's been writing ever since.
Dria crafts love stories that center brown girls with heart, strength, and agency. Blending romance with elements of fantasy and wonder, her books invite readers into richly imagined worlds where anything is possible and everyone deserves a happy ending.
“Why? I’m a beast, bitch. Don’t worry, I’ll leave enough of you for the police to get DNA. And when I’m done, I’m going home to Deena—something you’ve never been able to do.”
Dria!! I mean what an amazing series. I don’t think I’ve ever read the books to a series back to back completing them so quick. The writing is gooooood. The character’s development, backstories, communication, spice, family, friendship and more. She pulls emotions off the pages right into her readers.
Julian and Deena’s story is my favorite in how they were led to their mating. I enjoyed them actually going on dates and Julian letting Deena tell him when she was ready. Getting to know Deena more in her own story was pleasant and heartbreaking. Reading the little but major things she would do in her own home is very telling of her childhood. Deena is a strong independent woman and her trusting people fully is not going to be easy. So I’m happy Julian didn’t rush things. A lot of us ladies need peace, trust and a soft place to land. Hell some of you men want the same thing.
Julian is a funny and loyal person. That man played no games about protecting his. Every guy in this series has that thang about them. I still love my Rocco so don’t get it twisted 😂. I really liked Julian’s family and how they embraced Deena right away. Having good family around can make a difference in your life. Honey, Sr is a mess in the absolute best way.
Lastly, the friendship bond between these four guys is outstanding. The end had me like “Hell Yea. Get their ass.” I was singing Down For My N***** by C-Murder because that’s the vibe they gave.
Highlights: -“I understand your need to be independent, but i need you to understand that i won’t allow anything to happen to you. Even if i have to fight you to protect you.” -“That’s just it, shortcake. You’re no longer on your own. The faster you understand, the easier this all gets.” -“You plan on leaving your mate to play with women not smart enough to understand their position.” -“Mama, my lion finna knock all this shit over if you don’t take another step back from this male.”
Honestly I just loved this series. They’re such sweet caring couples. CW stalker, domestic abuse of side characters, including a friend who was beaten to death, foster home and trauma associated with that.
One thing Dria Andersen is going to write is a cagey FMC and a fated mate MMC who's going to keep going after her until she says yes 🤭 Deena was no exception but her need for independence was rooted in needing to make sure. Spoiler alert Juilan was serious about his shortcake.
There's a mystery element that moves this book almost into romantic suspense and I like it. One thing is that the endings are starting to feel a little samey but overall I'm still enjoying this series.
CN: DV (results in a death), stalking, foster care,
I have some very specific moods and I’m starting to think Mrs. Andersen is responsible for them because when I say I was legit dying for a book with the use of the phrase “my baby” then she gave me this book and I OD’d on it like a happy light book fiend! If this woman don’t do nothing else her and be shifter Florida boys are going to make me grin from ear to ear from start to finish. I love this series something serious and this just really puts it over the top for me! Everything about the pace and writing in this book was perfect.
MY FAVORITE COUPLE DEENA AND JULIAN!!! Julian applied that PRESSURE and I expect nothing less from this lion. Him and Deena played off each other energy so well. My girl Deena was trying to fight it at first but could not deny the attraction. Deena was a tough cookie but once you understand her background and learn of her stalker situation then you understand her reasoning for being hesitant. I absolutely lovvvvvvveeeeee this series! You did your BIG ONE with this Dria!!!
Dria is the Queen of shifter romances and I said what I said! She can’t do any wrong and this book is further proof of that! I LOVED Julian and Deena’s story. The way they showed up and supported each other! He was supposed to be her peace but she was equally the same for him! I love this series!
Julian definitely played no games about Deena and returned she gave him a run for his money!!!! Sis said nothing worth having comes easy!!! These two had insane chemistry and I love their banter.
I love the story line and how in this book the author gave so much more insight into the shifting aspects
Loved this story from beginning to end. I really adored how Julian didn’t play when it came to keeping his word and getting his mate. When he said seeing her put a battery in his back. That’s love !! Dria did an amazing job on this story!
Love it when books hold up on a re-read !! Still a 5-star read. This book is hilarious, sweet, and has strong aspects of a found family trope. Like I was just smiling reading it - soo soo good !!! Highly recommend!!!
(1st read: Dec. 23-24, 2023) Loved everything about this novella & their story; certain parts had me cheesing like a school girl 🙈❤️ !!!
Julian was confident but not too jerkish or too much of an a*hole, he let Deena be and let her come around when she was ready, even when she wanted to take his bite, considering the circumstances- he wanted to still take their time to make sure that it was soemthing she really wanted & not just based off the situation at the time, I really appreciated that in his character.
Loved the fact that Deena was headstrong but not overly stubborn to the point of annoyance. She really gave Jules a run for his money and I loved every bit of it 🤣. Glad she got closure for her friend ♥️
Glad we got to see characters from other stories - looking forward to more in this collection !!! Highly recommend
Deena hadn't had it good in her life and that's a given, but the beauty of the people who come her way and the care the provided and also stepping up had me moved. Growing up in the system is hard for kids worse off is teens and the danger that comes with being overlooked but having things happening to you and no one to speak to. I was sad about Deena's friend and the way she passed but the conclusion reached was deserved. *might be a bit hard to pull off for most but...* as for the love story. It's a very Aww storyline, strong heroine, take no talk backs with a man who would die for her on her back as shw and Julian skirt the feelings they have for each other. I loved the pace of adrenalin and love through out, because alot was riding on the line.
Deena is aware of her mate, but a stalker makes her have to confront him sooner rather than later. Julian Chase didn’t mind giving his mate the time to come to him, but now the choice is out of her hands. Can the two come to find what they need in each other?
Dria Andersen really does not play around with these novellas. I thought this one started a bit slow - that may have been me - but it picks up pretty quickly especially toward the back end. Both Julian Chased (Junior and Senior) are a trip. We also get a small peek at Devon whose book JUST came out.
If you like Urban Romance, shifters, and people who need a soft place to land, then this is for you.
Deena, I’m so glad you got a story! Celina’s bestie and business partner deserved her moment 💞
Julian… why did it take danger for you to finally speak up!? 😩 This man was out here like, “my mate, my mate, my mate,” and I was screaming at my Kindle the whole time 😂
I’m still trying to figure out what Dallas and Senior are plotting — and does Declan get a book? Because I need answers! 👀
I’m loving these shifter books so much. It really makes you wonder… do we all have an animal in us somewhere?🤔🤨
Dria, this one was so good. You always mix love, action, and deeper messages about family, identity, and societal expectations so perfectly. Each story gives more layers to this world, and I’m hooked! 🐾💖
Another cute and sexy read by Ms. Anderson. I’ve been waiting for Deena’s story since book one and her story has become my second favorite in the series.
Deena and her BFF Celine have an online cooking show. When threatening letters addressed to Deena only show up in the mail, Julian, who owns his own security company makes it his business to find out who and where the letters are coming from. While trying to track down Deena’s stalker, Julian vows to apply nothing but pressure on Deena to make her his. Poor Deena doesn’t know what to do, she wants him, but she has trust issues. She trusts him to keep her safe, but the verdict is still out on her heart.
I’ve read all of the Knight brother series and I must say; as I read the details put me right there with them as if I was part of every situation or scenario. I was screaming at Deena like girl stop being so stubborn and let that man love you like you deserve to be loved. I was surprised Rocco wasn’t deep into her mating and situation but then again he just got mated so he was still busy doing his thing. Absolutely loved this series. Now I’m headed to the Hamilton series… Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!!
Another short “novella” (182 pages) by Dria Andersen. This story is about a cousin to the Knight Brothers - Julian, who is introduced in the first book. Julian recognizes his mate when he first meets her, but takes a few years to build his business and prepare for their mating. As with most of Ms. Andersen’s books, this is a short, yet complete story. Characters are well-fleshed out and there are no cliffhangers.
Julian and Deena relationship and the trials and tribulations they went through made for some great reading. Also add a crazed stalker from her past made it even better. Each book gave you insight into kids that were in the government systems and how they over came those circumstances with help from people who didn’t forget where they came from.
He was down right crazy to mess with a lions mate. That Panther really was getting away with murder. I am so glad Justice was served. I can't wait to hear about the little cat baby.
The story gave all the 'we go together real bad', alpha man, and tender moments that it needed to give without drawing out the story. It was interesting and satisfying. I loved how mom and dad were just as accepting of her. I loved it beginning to end.
Deena and Julian 🩵 Dria has never let me down and when it comes to the paranormal, I doubt that is even possible. I love the Knight Brothers series. I hope we get a story on Noah.
Have you ever been pissed about a book ending? Well that’s exactly how I feel right now. This story was so well written,not that I’m surprised though. It was worth the 1’click. Go ahead and read it. You won’t be disappointed. God job Ms. Dria 😉❤️
Julian applied the right amount of pressure without being overbearing and I really liked that🥺 Deena and Julian were so cute, this was a cute easy read. Although there was a mystery plot, it went well with the story
In some ways this felt more intense than previous books in this series, but I love how at the core it is so much about chosen family and a community that has your back. I love Deena and Jules and loved seeing them get together.
So now do I get to hear about the wolves because I am definitely intrigued at this point I want to to continue on with the other books!! I know they will be just as great as this series!
This entire series is a 5/5 stars because these men…👀 I want these MEN!! I love the women they all ended up with and I love their extended family and want a book for all of them please and thank you 😊
I love all her books. The Knight Brothers need to find me. Lol. Although they're all taken, someone in this family has to be single. If you haven't read these series... you're missing out! Read them, you'll be so happy you did.
Julian and Deena’s story was very enjoyable. He knew what he wanted and he came to get her. The energy was 👩🍳 💋 I need me a Julian cause 😍 he played no games. Deena was also very likable and here for her man.👏🏽 read it you won’t be disappointed.
This installment was disappointing for me. I know the autor needed to introduce new characters and tease the spin-off but I didn’t care, not when Deena’s story, which I have been anticipating since book 1, was lackluster.