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Shadow Mate

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The small town of Mystic River was known for its secrets and its shadows. But the most mysterious figure of all was Colby, a man with a reputation as a smuggler and a gangster. Yet, to the surprise of many, Colby proves to be a valuable ally to the town, with a deep understanding of the Shadow League that threatens them all. In exchange for information, Colby only asks that the town provide safe passage for the Shadow Sisters and the women they protect.

But when Brie, the leader of the Shadow Sisters and the last descendant of a powerful line of lynx-shifters, meets Colby, she is torn between her duty to protect her heart and the undeniable pull of desire. As their passion grows, they must also confront the Shadow League, battling ancient rivalries and malevolent forces that seek to tear them and the Resistance apart. It is an organization that seeks to subjugate all shifters and non-shifters alike. There is a prophecy that predicts the League cannot be defeated by arms alone; only the love of true fated mates can defeat the League, but with danger lurking around every corner and betrayal a constant threat, can Brie and Colby trust in their love to save them?

Set in a world of secrets and shadows, "Shadow Mate" is a thrilling tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Fans of paranormal romance will be captivated by Brie and Colby's journey as they navigate treacherous terrain and face off against powerful enemies.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2024

103 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

Delta James

323 books2,304 followers
As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
755 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2024
Wow I’ve have been waiting for this one and Colby and Brie’s story doesn’t disappoint. It’s the next piece in this intricate puzzle Delta has woven in this series. It’s a page turner from the first chapter to the last. How their crazy fated mates romance works out makes for a wonderful read.
335 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2024
Another exciting action filled captivating Mystic River Shifters tale. Colby & Brie (fated mates), along with their clans take on the Shadow League. Lots of intrigue and suspense. Definitely recommend this series!
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,978 reviews175 followers
April 9, 2024
I LIKE A GOOD CHALLENGE

The story is part of the Mystic River Shifters. It will have a great cast of characters, including humans and shifters. To fully understand the character's interactions and progression of events, it is best if they are read in written order because it is an ongoing saga. Each story picks up from where the last one left off (especially within the epilogue.) This story will be about Colby Reynolds and Brie Hawthorne. I think this is the story we have all waited for.

Colby Reynolds is the Alpha at Windsong. He has been in love with Aubry ‘Brie’ Hawthorne for as long as he can remember—and she is his fated mate—whether she wants to acknowledge it or not. Colby has helped Brie and her group of Shadow Sisters financially and in any way possible, including allowing some of the ladies rescued to come to Windsong. Why can’t Brie agree for them to be together, work together, and become mates?

Because this story is mystery, suspense, life and death danger, action and adventure with supernatural beings and battles, I am going to just say, that there were times I wanted to scream at Brie and tell her that Colby isn’t giving her an ultimatum, he wants to work as a team, be a support system for one another. Between the two of them, they can take on evil. Yes, there are battle scenes of good versus evil. I would rather embrace the sweet and spicy love chemistry between these two with a few quotes from the story.

“Would it be so wrong for you to find peace and some kind of solace in this world while you fight a good fight? Would we not both be stronger if we had the other to lean on?”

Brie: Look, Colby, I’m going to be honest with you. I accepted a long time ago that I was destined to live my life alone.
Colby: We both know that isn’t true. Destiny has brought you to your fated mate.

Colby: Our time will come.
Brie: I don’t believe there will ever be a time for us.
Colby: That’s all right. I’ll believe enough for both of us until you catch up.

“It doesn’t have to change anything because you already know the truth. Brie, this two steps forward and one step back thing is getting old.”

“The two of you belong together in this life, just as you have in past lives, and as you will in future ones. Your destinies—fates if you will—are bound together.”

The story is another step closer to the battle that is coming between the Shadow League and the Resistance and the more that happens, the more that shifters must decide to take a side because it affects all of them—and humans too. As with the other stories, the epilogue will set up more to come.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,680 reviews83 followers
August 30, 2024
It's here! The long-awaited storyline for Colby, the Alpha of the Windsong Clan and well-known secret head of the Resistance against the Shadow League, and Brie, Alpha of the Shadow Sisters and unwilling fated mate of Colby Reynolds. Ms. James always has strong and opinionated characters. What is truly fascinating about this couple is that they go against the norm of most shifter couples. Colby is the romantic one. The one who has the most patience while playing the long game by not forcing the bond but waiting for Brie to come to him voluntarily.
On the other hand, Brie wants no part of having a mate where she is expected to give up her heart, mind, soul, and leadership of the Shadow Sisters. It was wonderful to have friends and family from previous books taking part in this one. There's a bit of angst, a lot of action and adventure, and the chemistry sizzles. This is one of those that make the wait seem like no time at all. It's that good.
Profile Image for Mandy Grepares.
179 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2024
The fight with the Shadow League comes to a head.I was so excited to read about Colby and his fated mate Brie. She is alpha to the
Shadow Sisters and didn't want to accept Colby at first. I had a hard time understanding her reasons for pushing Colby away. They knew they were fated to be together since they were young. Brie took her past and let it affect her future. Brie turned around really quickly and finally gave Colby a chance. The fight with some of the league was over fast and ended pretty easily. Overall, it was a good read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alejandra Guerrero.
1,714 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2024
I liked Brie at first, but she quickly became annoying. Her reason for keeping Colby at arms length was stupid to say the least. And she keeps stringing him along and making both of them miserable until almost 80% in. All because he might (MIGHT!!!) become abusive like her father (who was killed by Colby, because he's honorable, unlike her mother), after he has proved, over and over again, that he will support her and let her be free. His friends took too long to call the bitch on her stupidity. Her friends are assholes for letting her hurt herself and Colby over and over for so long, when a simple talk seemed to solve every issue she had. Literally. The action is decent, though Strode as a villain was… underwhelming. Still, if it wasn't for Brie this would have a higher rating.
495 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2024
This is Colby and Brie's book and depending on what part of the story you're at, it's a 3, 3.5, 4, 2 - Brie's constant whining.

The dislikes first. Winter should have gone off on Brie a lot sooner. Her incessant whining made me want her to be a mistake as Colby's fated mate. She could be a strong, stubborn, willful woman and then my head would spin, and she was a simpering, whining, brat. They touched on the underhandedness stuff her mother pulled and you can see it in the way Brie acted at times. It got to be just too much. Did Caye not think that maybe Brie being mated to Colby wasn't a bad thing? She's a Hellhound and her brother is mated so she'd know it was actually a good thing and yet, she allowed her supposed best friend to wallow in self-pity. The author mentions Phantom Fire coming in for the fight and then just drops it. I wanted to see them in action. Strode turned from a big baddie into a sniveling lacky so fast I'm still not sure I'm done being dizzy. The attacks were snapshots, and the battle was a snippet. It felt extremely rushed. The author could have cut at least half of Brie whining for a better battle.

The likes. The North American shifters are finally being brought into things. Hopefully all come in when the real battle happens. I miss the old friends & the women can certainly reap fire and brimstone down on the ruling council again. Witches and Fae and Banshees? Way to set up the next series. The battle snippet left the reader feeling underwhelmed & with the mentioning of the others you get the feeling the author is building for a great knock down drag out. Cullen is mentioned quite a bit as is Salem so the reader is not so patiently waiting to see what role they will play. We know who the first Shadow Sisters book couple will be and I'm personally hoping for payback for Greg's attitude when Roz was turned. Brie - the non-whining side - taking names and letting no one get in her way. When she's in this mode, she's defiantly equal to Colby and a true mate. Brie and Winter getting a long and everyone being worried about it. The fact that the next series if the Shadow Sisters so we haven't heard the last of Brie and Colby. Adriana - whatever recess in the author's mind she came out of, please dive back in and find more. She's a force to be reckoned with as a human, a witch, hybrid, and a Banshee. I think I'd be more concerned about her and Salem getting together kicking backsides and taking names as witch/wolf hybrids. Colby and Brie get a fresh start so to speak and start to learn how to be mates, working with each other.

After all that, this book was underwhelming mainly due to the buildup on all sides of Colby and Brie, and they fell short. The main issue was the overdone push and pull. They did snap out of it and there was hope with the upcoming battle, but the reader wanted a knock down drag out battle with everyone & Colby told the author that Strode was a wimpy puppet who put on airs not the puppet master. Those two wants don't go together especially when the weakening of Strode wasn't really discussed until the end of this book. That being said, the ending set up Colby and Brie to lead the Shadow Sisters and resistance in Europe, Caye in the Americas, and threw a Banshee/wolf hybrid into the mix while making sure Winter is close enough to be brought into the action. It sets the next series up beautifully.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
91 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2024
I’ve been reading Delta James’ stories for several years now. I read them because they are entertaining. They are steamy with a guaranteed HEA… after appropriate challenges so that the couples come to value what they’ve found, to not take it for granted. Also, many/most of them are rooted in DF’s imagination, not reality. Leave the ‘real world’ behind. They are set in places I likely will never travel to, except via books. I still learn something about the setting, a culture, a custom. It can be a real temptation to search the internet for more info about places & customs. There may be some hints at more real world issues, but not always, and never overshadowing the story. As I said, they are entertaining and leave the real world behind…

Till now.

Shadow Mate, Mystic Rivers book 10, is STILL all of the above. I loved the story for all the reasons I always love Delta James stories.

But for me, for this time, for some reason, Shadow Mate struck another deeper chord.

We’ve seen Colby & Brie in earlier stories. And, there are plenty of updates with earlier couples as the story arc races to its climax.

Colby & Brie are fated mates (NOT a spoiler 🤪🤣😉).

This time around, we get a much deeper sense of WHY Brie has resisted the bond so fiercely, so relentlessly. Sometimes we take up the burden of our parents, not their legacy. We focus on one goal, one path, without taking into account that we can make room, make peace with letting someone in, letting love in, to enrich the journey. Can you see beyond the traditional role to accommodate the adjustments that can lead to real happiness, not just fulfillment? It can be a struggle in itself. And Brie is struggling, fighting herself just as hard as she fights Colby. And Colby… what a guy! He aches after every bitter encounter, yet, loves Brie enough to still support & encourage her as she figures things out.

Loved these two!

So… if you want a story that’s exciting, steamy, amazing, grab & enjoy Shadow Mate. If you want a story with a deeper meaning to think about… grab & enjoy Shadow Mate. And don’t forget the Bonus!

The overall story & world will continue. I can hardly wait! Thank you Delta James!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Anika.
666 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2024
Delta James weaves another captivating tale in the Mystic River Shifters series with 'Shadow Mate'. Colby and Brie's story is filled with action, suspense, and the allure of fated mates. Fans of the series will love the intricate plot twists and the ongoing battle against the Shadow League.

Colby Reynolds, the enigmatic Alpha of Windsong, has harbored feelings for Brie Hawthorne, the last descendant of powerful lynx-shifters, for years. Despite their undeniable bond, Brie hesitates to embrace their fated connection. Delta James expertly weaves a tale of mystery, suspense, and romance, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from the first chapter to the last.

The story unfolds with a blend of supernatural battles, life-and-death dangers, and the complexities of fated mates struggling to find their way to each other. Brie and Colby's journey is fraught with challenges, both external and internal, as they navigate the treacherous waters of love amidst a brewing war.

The supporting cast of characters, including humans and shifters, adds depth to the story, enriching the intricate tapestry of Mystic River. Each character's interactions and choices contribute to the ongoing saga, making it imperative for readers to follow the series from the beginning.

With poignant moments of longing, heartfelt declarations of love, and pulse-pounding action scenes, 'Shadow Mate' captivates readers from start to finish. Delta James masterfully crafts a world where love and destiny collide, and where the fate of shifters and humans alike hangs in the balance.

For fans of paranormal romance, 'Shadow Mate' is a must-read. It not only continues the enthralling saga of the Mystic River Shifters but also sets the stage for an epic battle between good and evil. As Colby and Brie's story unfolds, readers will find themselves immersed in a world of secrets, shadows, and the undying power of love.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,294 reviews207 followers
September 2, 2024
3.5 stars—SHADOW MATE is the tenth instalment in Delta James’ contemporary adult MYSTIC RIVER SHIFTERS erotic, paranormal romance series. This is lynx shifters, Mystic River alpha Colby, and leader of the Shadow Sisters Brie’s story line. SHADOW MATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.


Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Colby and Brie) SHADOW MATE focuses on the fated but tempestuous relationship between our story line couple. Brie and Colby are both lynx shifters but Colby’s reputation as a smuggler threatens any future with our story line heroine. Colby has known Brie is his mate for as long as he can remember but Brie refuses Colby’s claim, instead leading the group known as the Shadow Sisters, woman who aid other women in trouble, women trying to escape abuse and control. When a witch/shifter hybrid seeks sanctuary from the Shadow Sisters, and by association from the Mystic River shifters, the group is targeted, and must work together in a an effort to protect one of their own.

The world building focuses on a new future for the pack as well as our story line couple. From dragons to vampires, shifters to hellhounds , banshees to the fae, the large assortment of predators and warriors work together as part of the Resistance, and in opposition to gain control.

The relationship between Colby and Brie is tempestuous at best. Having watched her mother suffer at the hands of her abusive mate, Brie refuses to become anyone’s mate, bowing down to any man fated or not. Throughout the story, Brie continues to push Colby away but constantly pulls the man back into her life. The $ex scenes are provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting supernatural characters.

SHADOW MATE is a story of betrayal, power and control, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and entertaining ;the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are stubborn and determined.


copy supplied for review
Profile Image for ltfrom bc.
542 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2024
This book as been a long time coming - but well worth the wait. The author has teased us about Cody since the very first book. Throughout the many books in this Master Series (if that is what you call multiple series with an overarching theme), the author gives a bit more into who Cody is and who his fated mate is - Brie but not enough information to figure out who Cody really is. One would assume that this would be the end of the story, but it definitely is not. There is much more to happen , I am sure.

This is was fast paced story. The author started the book as a page turner and that continued till the end - or what is the end of this story. I am always amazed at the continuity that author is able to achieve when writing this Master Series. Nothing ever seems to be missed. The timeline continues to be accurate as well. That is the sign of a well done piece of writing. It can be hard to tell stories within stories that grow and expand, but the author has it all under control.

I enjoyed the characters, especially Cody as it becomes clear that he is much more than what he projects to his friends and the community he lives in. I did not like Brie as much. She was strong willed to the point of being irritating and overly stubborn at times… so stuck in her beliefs and never growing as a person. But it worked, because it did bring out a side of Cody that I did not expect. I was especially glad to read, albeit briefly of a favorite character from one of the Wayward Mate series. I have often wondered if any of them would be mentioned in this Master Series. It seems like they should be, but one never knows. I am glad there is now a very brief connection. It will be interesting to see if there is more before the final book… before the final ending in the battle between good and evil.

I impatiently await what comes next.
Profile Image for Leisel.
750 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2024
Not only is 'Shadow Mate' a truly incredible story, but this is the 10th book in a truly creative series and personally it has become one of my all time favourites! Sometimes a series of stories can start to disintegrate over time but not this one. I honestly feel it has gone from strength to strength but personally this story and these two leading characters have become the quintessence of this series. If ever I've been ready for a leading couple to grace the pages of a shifter romance it was of these two, because over time of this series readers have learnt about the dynamics of both to see just how incredible they would be when finally given their own complete story. My personal opinion is that if you simply read this story first you would be totally lost to the overall scope of the series but it definitely should entice you to go to the beginning. Honestly I'd be envious of anyone that came across this series now to simply be able to indulge in the whole series in one sitting. For me, Colby, the lead male is the top Alpha of this story, is just so deliciously and tantalisingly created which means from the moment you start reading you are going to be left hanging out for more. Then of course Brie, is no insipid female so you will see there is going to be chemistry galore between these two. I thought it was a really well conceived and created plot filled so well with action, drama, contiguity and connections to the previous stories, sexual tensions, suspense and more. Honestly it is just so incredible how readers so simply fall into this shifter world and get carried along in such an incredible and exciting world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amber.
779 reviews
May 8, 2024
Brie and Colby are fated mates, but Brie is dedicated to the Shadow Sisters, and feels she can't have any distractions. Or rather, that is her excuse for always pushing Colby away. Until she learns the truth about her misconceptions. Will she finally accept him or will she continue to make them both miserable?
Brie and Colby were amazing in this story. I liked how the author crafted the push and pull of them, and how just at the right time, after years of giving in to her Colby finally had had enough, and it was at this point that Brie also started to come around. Brie of course was a naturally little more frustrating to read because of her being so obstinate, but I think the author gave her just the right amount of stubbornness and not too much, otherwise we might have all DNF the book.
I can't remember how many books in these series I have read (Mystic Rivers and Otter Cove too), and we've seen Colby is every.single.book so I think it's befitting that his should be the last. I'm amazed at how the author has created this overarching story, and pulled everything together. And now all the little pieces of Colby in each story is finally in place! It took a while for the Resistance vs Shadow League story to play out but it's been a good run and I feel it really picked up in the last few books. Sometimes the books can feel a little slow in pace but I suppose that's also due to the complexity of the plot and having to unravel everything for the reader.
If you've read other books in this series, you definitely need this one. If you haven't, you might be a little lost but the story between Brie and Colby is definitely good enough for a standalone.
3,166 reviews
April 13, 2024
A simply wonderful read, captivating with wonderful characters and story that’s holding your attention in full
This is a simply wonderful addition to the series and I guarantee readers that you will not be able to put this book down once you begin reading the story that will hold your attention in full and you will be left looking forward to future books.
As Colby Reynolds and his beautiful mate that he prefers to keep her identity quiet but to those who know him there is no dispute that he cares deeply for her.
Brie is the last of the descendants of Lynx shifters and she is also the lead of the secret society of Shadow Sisters that have worked alongside Colby and many others to ensure that female shifters were not forced into unwanted mating’s, she is also Colby’s mate even though it is a fact they both keep extremely secret as any of his enemy’s would surely use her against him.
This is a wonderful read and I guarantee you will love to see how things work out for Colby and Brie who have spent their lives helping other shifters find safety and happiness with mates of their own It is a difficult and dangerous time at present in Mystic river and many of the favourite characters make an appearance.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all their wonderful writing.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
April 14, 2024
This was a small town shifter romance.

I have been waiting for this book and it did not disappoint! This book was non-stop action and steam. Highly recommend. Must read.

Aubrey/Brie Hawthorne is a Canadian snow lynx shifter and the head of the Shadow Sisters. She lives in a cave in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. Cayetana, a hellhound, is her beta.

Colby Reynolds is a lynx shifter and the alpha of his chowder at Windsong in Mystic River, Alaska. He has an extensive intelligence network he uses to support the Shadow Sisters and Resistance.

They are fated mates but Brie thinks she needs to put the needs of the Shadow Sisters before her personal wants. Colby has been patient with her but now that the Shadow League has put a bounty on her head he needs her to be near him so he can help protect her. The Shadow Sisters liberated Adriana Mulroney, a rare witch/wolf shifter hybrid, who Strode is desperate to get his hands on. She is brought to Windsong. Colby and his sister Kyra reconcile and he leaves her and her mate Scott in charge of Windsong. He, Brie, Adriana and Maya move to St. Piran 's Abbey in Cornwall which he hopes the Shadow Sisters will make into their headquarters. Adriana gets taken by Strode's men in an assault on the Abbey. They attack Strode's stronghold and rescue Adriana. Colby and Brie get their HEA.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,519 reviews
July 23, 2024
I have been waiting to read this book for a while now and it did not disappoint! Aubry “Brie” Hawthorne is a lynx shifter and the leader of the Shadow Sisters. She is also the daughter of the previous Alpha before Colby. The clowder (Name for the group of lynx shifters), are now Colby’s and are doing extremely well for themselves now with him at the helm. Caye is a hellhound and her second in command. Brie and Caye are awesome and they just show how formidable they are in this book. I pretty much think that Windsong, where the clowder lives in Mystic River, Alaska, went from one extreme under Brie’s sire, Thane, to another under Colby. You’ll see why I think that. So much is revealed in this book! So many answers to questions to the Otter Cove and Mystic River series are answered. I love just the idea of the Shadow Sisters. Seeing them in “action” in the books are just awesome. They totally kick butt. So many emotions were evoked by what I read in this book: parts were hilarious, parts were scary, a few were terrifying. There were parts where I cried, giggled, lolled, bounced on the bed with glee, and put the AC on because dang there were very steamy and romantic parts too. I think this is my favorite book so far. I knew I would love the book because it was about Colby and Brie and it was soooo much better than I expected I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received this advance reading copy for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Louise Car.
207 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2024
I know shifters don't actually exist, but Ms.James paints such a vivid picture that I'm
almost convinced that they do. We are back in Mystic River with a mixed bag off not
characters, both shifters and humans. I have been waiting for Colby’s story, and I was
not disappointed, although unraveling the layers of the storyline was overwhelming at
times. The build-up was too long, and I found it hard to concentrate, but overall, this was a solid read with danger, mystery, suspense, and good versus evil.

Colby always painted himself as the villain, but this was to keep his distance not only to protect his people at Windsong but also the Shadow Sisters. Colby was determined not to give up on Brie, but I thought he had the patience of a saint, even if she was his fated mate.

I could have strangled Brie at times with her constant complaining and her refusal to take her place as Colby’s fated mate. She was no shrinking violet, but try as she may, she could not escape the erotic dreams of Colby that plagued her. She did not like being told what to do but needed Colby’s connections and money, especially when the war against the Shadow League was heating up.

I struggled at times with this book, but there were many aspects that I did enjoy. It had the right amount of tension, emotion, and heat. The ending has left me wanting more from this couple, and I look forward to the next book.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for B. Koe.
948 reviews11 followers
April 19, 2024
FANTASTIC READ!!!!
I’ve long been a fan of author Delta James’s writing, gobbling up nearly every book she has published. For those who have not yet tried a Delta James paranormal novel, they are long on story and suspense with enough steam to keep her readers happy yet existing on pins and needles awaiting the next novel’s publication. In SHADOW MATE, author James finally gives her readers the long-awaited love story of Colby and Brie. He is the Alpha of the Windsong clowder, and she is the Alpha of the Shadow Sisters. The problem is . . . well, there are several issues, the least of which is the addition of Adriana the witch/wolf shifter. While some say it is best to read the other novels in the series to understand the tale’s nuances and follow the connecting plotline shared by the paranormal novels Ms. James has published over the last year or so, I am of a different belief.
Start with SHADOW MATE! Then when you finish it, don’t be surprised if you want to read the books published before it and are compelled to reread SHADOW MATE and every subsequent paranormal book Delta James publishes! Her stories are that compelling! The characters are strong and multi-dimensional. I admit I’ve become invested in every one of them – even the secondary characters have become book friends. While I initially used Kindle Unlimited to read many of the novels in the Mystic River, Phantom Fire, and Otter Cove series, there are some I’ve purchased to keep in my FAVORITES category on my Kindle. I suggest, STRONGLY, that you add SHADOW MATE to your romance library and then read it today! 😉
Profile Image for Cora.
146 reviews
May 17, 2024
I really wanted to like this book. Colby and Brie have been threaded through this series since the beginning, and I was so excited to finally read their story.

Pros: Lots of action! Brie and Colby finally get their cheese board together and find their happiness! We meet awesome new characters and are reaquainted with amazing characters of stories past.
Colby is an awesome character who's been relatively shrouded in secrecy, so it was doubly great to finally see behind the curtain.

Cons: Brie's constant pity party. She's a strong character, but she's obtuse when it comes to Colby. Her whining and mean snark are not endearing, and I understand why Winter was pissed at her.
I also think the story should have been paced a little differently. We spent far too much time on Brie's stubbornness and not enough time on the crux of the story.
On a related note, the crux was over too quickly. We've been building up to this for an entire series, and it was over in the blink of an eye. The bad guy was underwhelming and, dare I say, silly. He felt more like a caricature by the end. It doesn't match the puppet master persona that's been built up over this 10-book series.

Overall, I found the story disappointing. I really wanted to like it, but this one missed the mark for me. That being said, I'll definitely be reading the spin-off series when it comes out.
Profile Image for Shelley G.
866 reviews9 followers
May 27, 2024
wow and epic finish to this series I absolutely loved them. Colby and Brie finally get their happy ending after so much chaos, running, danger, denial, restraint and more. strong well developed richly developed characters and story line, cohesive detailed writing that really ties each story together as it evolves to the end.

I was a bit disappointed on how quickly and easily strode was killed with a simple broken neck that was very anti climatic but otherwise the story was great.

i love how multiple characters can appear in the story lines yet each couple has their own stand alone story. the appearance of others enhances the series greatly.

Brie was really damaged and brain washed by her mother Gaia and I was getting to the point where I wanted to really smack some sense into her for what she was putting not only herself but colby thru esp after everything he had done for her and her mother for so many years. However, she finally came to her senses and accepted the future fate had in store for her. For such a strong smart character she was really rather stupid and immature when it came to dealings with her fated mate.

Looking forward to the new shadow sisters series and seeing the reappearance of past characters in the new story line.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
212 reviews
April 17, 2024
I’ve been waiting for Colby’s story since he was first introduced at the beginning of this series – he’s one of my favorite characters. It turns out that he’s known who his fated mate is for quite some time. Now we get to finally meet her too.

Brie is a snow lynx shifter and the leader of the Shadow Sisters, a group that works to save female shifters from forced matings. She’s smart and fierce and, well, more than a little tiresome. Brie has resisted the draw she feels toward Colby because of her dedication the important work she’s doing. Colby has given her the space she’s needed, but when he learns there’s a bounty on her head, he moves to bring her under his protection. They begin working as a team just in time, for the adventure and intrigue definitely ramp up and their combined skillsets and resources are much needed.

I loved the reconciliation between Colby and his sister, and can see how relocating the Shadow Sisters to Europe will broaden plot possibilities going forward. While I wish Colby had ended up with a less irritating mate, the addition of the Shadow Sisters to this series is going to be high entertainment indeed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kate.
353 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2024
This author is really great at world-building! The Mystic River world has a variety of magical beings, including witches, shifters and more. This story is about Brie and Colby, who are lynx shifters with complicated histories. Colby was used to challenge Brie’s father. He then became Alpha, built a criminal empire, and turned the stronghold of Windsong into a major player in the Resistance. Brie became the Shadow Sisters’ Alpha. Colby has supported Shadow Sisters’ endeavors in multiple ways over the years. Both Brie and Colby have always known they’re fated mates, but Brie stubbornly has believed that insurmountable obstacles prevented them from mating. This book has steamy times as Brie and Colby work together on a rescue (and eventually come to an understanding). There are good supporting characters, lots of heat and some twists and turns. As a caveat, Colby and Brie’s story is part of a saga. It’s highly recommended to read the earlier books in this series in order, because of the complex relationships of the Shadow Sisters, the Shadow League and the Resistance. The book ends with a preview of the next story in the series, so we can look forward to more Mystic River! I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
385 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2024
She heads up the Shadow Sisters, a group of female shifters that help other females, whether or not shifter, escape from captive situations, and moving them to safe places. Because of her dedication to the Sisters, she resists her fated attraction to Colby Reynolds, alpha of a clan of Canadian lynx shifters at Windsong in the remote wilderness in Alaska, which is extremely frustrating to Colby. They have known they were fated mates since they were children.

In spite of Brie's obstinance, she and Colby are actually working toward the same end....the destruction of Abraham Stroud, an ancient, evil dragon shifter, and the Shadow League. But Brie can't seem to see the need to collaborate with Colby, even though he is the head of the Resistance, the "good guys" fighting against the Shadow League, who are also Brie's enemy.

Colby has been a very patient man, but his patience is finally running out. How much longer can Brie hold out against her own feelings for Colby? Are there things she doesn't know about Colby that might affect her feelings? Come join Colby, Brie, their friends and allies, while they fight the Shadow League and their own conflicted emotions. Great story, well told.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,409 reviews18 followers
April 24, 2024
Yes, finally! Colby got his story at long last. We've watched him stand back while other Alphas have found and claimed their fated mates, and he was patiently (or not) waited. Brie is a determined female, and she was determined to fight the mating bond as long as necessary. As leader of the Shadow Sisters, Brie was indoctrinated early (by her mother) that men, particularly alphas, were evil and not to be trusted. While Colby was her childhood friend, and had fought for her freedom, he wasn't given an exception in her mind. (Frankly Giai - her mother - did Colby dirty, but that's my opinion).

We get to see some old favorites in this book too. Kyra, Scott, Winter, Hayden, and Caye all make an appearance. Oh Winter, I might not have cared for you much in your book, but you've matured emotionally and really put Brie in her place. Woo-hoo! Wth a little help from their friends, will Colby have a chance at finally claiming his mate? Will they continue their hunt to stamp out the Shadow League? You won't want to miss all this action folks!

I was blessed with a gift copy and happily volunteered my review. I know you will devour each morsel with shear delight as you flip through the pages to find out what happens next. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
355 reviews
May 7, 2024
I have been waiting for Colby's book forever, and I hate to say it, but I hated Brie for 95% of this book. I found her to be selfish and felt Colby deserved a better fated mate. This was a bitter sweet book for me to read. Colby sacrificed so much for his friends, family, and pack, and they all easily turned their backs on him and believed the worst. While Colby was in the Middle East, he discovered information that the Shadow League was up to know good. So to protect those he held dear, he allowed others to think he was a criminal to hide his network of spies gathering information for the coming war. Colby and Brie have always known they were fated mates. Brie's mother used this information to her advantage and disappeared with Brie when she was younger. Brie being raised by her bitter mother, was thought to never trust a man. So while she was willing to sleep with Colby, she never was willing to submit. When Brie became the leader of the Shadow Sister's, Colby was their biggest supporter. As the war, starts to ramp up, Colby believes there needs to be a presence in the UK. So as the fight shifts to the UK, Brie must decide to accept Colby as her fated mate or walk away. Overall, I enjoyed the book and cannot wait for the next installment.
2,022 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2024
10+ Stars!! I have waited so long for Colby and Brie's story and it is perfection!! Everything about this book was absolute perfection and so worth waiting for!! Colby and Brie have been my personal favorite couple out of all the series that intertwine with this saga. The suspense, the screaming at Brie (me) to come on already he loves you more than life itself, Colby has given you everything including the freedom to do your job as the Alpha to the Shadow Sisters! How dense are you Brie?! Delta James had me so twisted with this and the glimpse into Colby's tour in Afghanistan and the way Brie's mom tricked for lack of a better word Colby into fighting and beating the Alpha to Windsong and subsequently making it into a force to be reckoned with!! Oh and making up with his two best friends Asher and Jackson I LOVED IT!!! I'm so completely and utterly happy with this book...now to tie up the rest! I want and don't want the end to come...I will be so sad when it comes to a finish. Bravo Ms. James bravo!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
45 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2024
Colby and Brie's romance will go down in fated mate history as legendary. Meeting Brie you understand what shaped Colby's behavior in all the other books in the series. There are a few steamy scenes that will make you sweat, and the general interaction between the couple is really good.

There is a bit of an annoyance at Brie being too stubborn and pushing Colby away too much when it's clear that he is going out of his way to please her and give her what she wants. I love a fierce heroine but a girl needs to give as much as she takes and all she does is take.

The action scenes are good until the end when things seem rushed. The big epic end battle was surprisingly 'meh' which was surprising for this author is very good at writing epic action scenes in the past. It felt like there were characters and things missing from the battle and even the characters that were in the end battle seemed to just shrug it off like it was nothing. With how many books went into this build up I was expecting just a bit more and was disappointed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,561 reviews23 followers
April 28, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "SHADOW MATE" This an exceptional read so full of intrigue, secrets, suspense, steam, danger, forced matings, enemies, twists that's makes for an addicting page turner.
Colby Reynolds is Alpha of Windsong who's had feelings for Brie Hawthorn his true mate keeping her identity a secret so she can't be used by his enemies against him.
Brie is one of last decendants of powerful Lynx Shifters & head of Secret Society of Shadow Sisters, shes worked with Colby as well others to prevent female forced unwanted matings.
I definitely recommend to get this excellent story Brie & Colby take you on quite the journey her telling him she's accepted she'll be alone even thought she knows Colby is her mate, he tells her it's destiny that brought her fated mate to her, will they get their HEA, will he convince her their time will come, he'll wait until she's ready, it's a must read you don't want to miss getting.
EXCELLENT RIVITING INTENSE SHIFTER ROMANCE I LOVED IT 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2024
Finally Colby and Brie get their story. I’ve been waiting so long for this book and it was well worth the wait. This book was so exciting to read. The resistance is finally going to take on Strode. In addition to Colby and Brie getting their story (phenomenal by the way) this book has lots of twists and turns, it introduces new characters and sets up the next series. I was so looking forward to reading this book but so sad that I thought it would be the end. I needn’t have worried, Delta James is a smart cookie and fabulous writer. I shouldn’t have been worried.
This book has loads of exciting action, it’s edge of your seat stuff. I did occasionally want to slap Brie around the head to get her to wake up and believe in Colby but as I don’t condone violence and Delta has a plan I suppressed my anger and read on….so worth it. Their final joining was phenomenal. I’m so excited to read the next series. I received this from BookSirens. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Foodiegirl.
1,048 reviews21 followers
April 25, 2024
I have been waiting for Colby's story for so long. To be able to clear his reputation as the bad apple of Mystic
River, gangster, and involved in other illegal activities. Colby tries to keep her identity quiet to protect her from the Shadow League, but to everyone who knows him, there is no disputing that he's her fated mate.
Brie's father was the last of the Alpha of Lynx shifters, she and her mother escaped the clan when Colby defeated him becoming the
new Alpha. Protecting her is difficult considering she's the leader of the secret society of Shadow Sisters that have worked alongside Colby for years. Ensuring that female shifters were not forced into unwanted matings, and helping abused women.
This is a wonderful read It is a difficult and dangerous time for the Resistance and many of the favorite characters make an appearance to help take down Strode.
You will love every moment of this book as Colby turns almost everyone's life in a different direction.
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