He burns for his fated mate's touch. But touching each other would destroy them both. Literally.
Once a resident of Griffin Island, Tyr—known to humans as Terry—has been exiled to the human world, bearing a magic tattoo that prevents him from being able to reveal his true nature. In the small town of Autumn Grove, he begins to rebuild his life.
An outcast from his people, he believes he has no fated mate—until she comes to him, carrying a stolen child and seeking sanctuary. He must teach her to live in the human world, and protect her from those who would seek to harm her.
But she has magic too, a cruel curse that will physically harm both of them if they touch each other. Doomed to be together yet apart, they can't live without each other, and can't give in to their yearning.
Their love is a ticking time bomb, and something has to give, before they both combust.
Lauren Esker writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance that’s just a little off the beaten path. Which isn’t surprising since she’s a lifelong Alaskan who is a little off the beaten path herself! (Literally and figuratively.) She also writes graphic novels and scifi/fantasy as Layla Lawlor, and m/m romance as Layla M. Wier.
So my expectations of how this book was going to go was shot out of the water as soon as I saw who the female MC was going to be.
Jumping to the end for a second, People would think that the twist was what happened when the main couple met and perhaps the sliver of mercy they were given, but I think it is what happened at the end.
Personally I think that someone said, “We are have all this true love, and magic how about one more fairytale element?” And that is where they pulled this ending from?
In all honesty, I was wondering what would have happened if they held on before that girl had suggested it.
As much this book was written up after they said that series was complete, I think they had to set up the end for this next couple and heck yeah, there is another couple.
For a moment of fancy, I thought that we could have purely Griffin series. But even as I really think about it, I knew it wasn’t going to happen, but they have set up for another book. If they get around to it or not who knows?
I have to find news on upcoming books.
Ok, back to the rest of the story.
I kinda wish that we saw them interacting with other people more. I’m not saying we should trade off their time with each other with what I wanted, I just wanted more of what I wanted. Maybe it turned out that way because no one knew or didn’t want to do research into how to run a nursery or a bakery. Or they had no interest into going into all that.
But considering they worked in the green house together a fair bit, that could have been included more in the story. Also, we could have seen how she met other people in the town so we would know it was happening rather than just being told a year later that someone called her the Donut Lady.
For being in and around this town for like 4-ish books we barely know anything. About the place. We got the most information about the town in the last book. Babysitting Bear. And I’m sure we know more about the dinner than we do the set up of the nursery.
But that is me. I like that stuff. I would have docked half a star if it was possible. It’s a small gripe in an over all good story. But for the love of god stay away from the storms people. That was a stupid stunt and you were lucky.
I received "Forbidden Griffin" by Zoe Chant as an ARC. "Forbidden Griffin" is a shifter romance between two exiled griffins. While trying to avoid too many spoilers, Cela is exiled from Griffin Island because her babies were not born griffins. A nice enforcer suggests she find Tyr to help her out. Needless to say, Cela and Tyr get a lot more than they bargained for when they meet and Tyr helps Cela get used to living in a human world, as Cela had never been off the island. They'd make a nice family... if only they could touch. The story follows Tyr and Cela's journey to break their curse and become a family along the way. It's a sweet story of new beginnings and second chances, as well as new and blended families. Though this is the 8th book in Chant's Bodyguard Shifters series, it is easily read as a standalone, though there are a few references to things that happened in prior books. I will definitely be going back to read the other books in the series when I get the chance.
As a teacher, I like this book because it showcases how outcasts can be accepted into society and that people are more than they seem. Many people were hesitant around Tyr due to their past interactions with him, especially as he was unable to tell them the full truth. It also shows that there is both good and bad in societies. Cela couldn't tell them anything about where she came from, but they knew she needed help and provided to the best of their abilities. It was a warm story about gaining a new home.
As a cosplayer, most of the outfits are day to day clothing, but a cosplayer or make up artist could have a lot of fun using making up and costumes to come up with an effect that looks like their animal counter parts. Like wouldn't it be cool to see a snow leopard gryfalcon costume? So many neat shifters to choose from.
4.5 stars. Cela, the female griffin lead, has been exiled from Griffin Island because she refuses to allow her twins, who are shifters but not griffins, to be adopted out to a mainland shifter family. Desperate, because she’s from an insular clan and never had a walkabout in human territory, she takes the only advice she’s been given and heads for Tyr, the male griffin lead and another exile. They’re shocked to find they’re mates but distraught to find that the magic that marks them as exiles means they’re unable to touch each other. Tyr is also setting up a new business and trying to establish a relationship with his teenage children with a human ex.
Now they need to work out how to remove the magic that’s causing them pain, as well as ensuring they have financial means for survival. It’d also be nice to have a support network…
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy, somewhat angsty, contemporary fantasy romance. I enjoyed Cela’s resilience and determination to survive. I empathised with both their emotional pain regarding their lack of capacity for physical contact. I enjoyed Tyr’s patience and generosity. I enjoyed the secondary characters and the support they provided the lead characters. I enjoyed the building intimacy. I enjoyed the integration of all their children and the joy they both found in being active parents.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Part of the Bodyguard Shifters series each can be read as a standalone with a shifter and the one who captures his undivided attention. Cela is sweet with a little spice learns she is much stronger than she ever thought living isolated on an island with her kind never having an interaction with the human world until the arranged matting with another of her kind didn’t go as planned and having her twins them not being what her mate thought they should be he abandon them to survive in the human world she knows nothing about. Her strength shines through getting a job in a coffee shop learning all kinds of new things and this is where she meets her fated mate. Tyr sexy as all get out overprotective, kind, accepts her little ones never dreamed he would find his fated mate especially after being exiled just like her and the one main problem is due to the magic from their island them being exiled, they cannot touch each other with out feeling like they are on fire. The journey they both agree to walk together as fated mates despite the challenges they decide not to give up but what happens when others from there island starts trouble for the two of them, will they realize they are much stronger together than apart, will they stand together against those who wish to see them unhappy, will they find a solution to rid then of the magic allowing them to really be together, and will thy find their own happiness in the human world?
I loved, loved this fated mates romance with a side a broken magic. This story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, mystery, painful pasts, and spice. And oh the feels in this one - phew - be prepared for the palpable big feels including angst and pain because Cela and Tyr cannot touch each other despite being mates. Cela is a griffin shifter whose 7 month old twins are only regular shifters instead of griffins. As a result they are exiled from griffin island where she’s lived her whole life. Lirin, one of the exile guards suggested Cela seek help from her exiled brother Tyr. Tyr has settled in small town Autumn Grove near his children and ex-wife to try to atone for his long absence from their lives. Tyr and Cela instantly know they are fated mates but the same griffin tattoo magic that marks them as exiles also harms them if they touch. To get to their HEA they’ll have to deal with the curse while unpacking baggage, learning new things, and becoming a blended family. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, good world building, and a captivating storyline. I loved this couple and this series.
Yet another 'this is a trope that I didn't think would appeal to me, but when Ms Esker writes it, I really like it!' instalment.
Where Dancer Dragon (Book... 5? in the series, I think) explored the question of what fated mates have to do if they no longer have the plot-convenient mate bond as a relationship shortcut for them, this instalment explores what happens if the mate bond is there... but the mates can't touch each other.
I enjoyed both the fact that this nicely subverts the 'YAY YOU'RE MY MATE! WOOOHOOO LET'S BANG!' relationship progression I've seen in way too many fated mate stories, and also that the story explores other non-touch forms of intimacy that Tyr and Cela then have to try out.
Plus, as always, I love the found family story aspect, plus - as an added bonus - the complex blended family themes where someone isn't necessarily a bad guy just because they're a previous character's ex.
Basically, this was a nice wrap-up to all the books I've read so far in the series, with just a hint of what might well end up being the characters for the next book, if Ms Esker ends up writing it. Now it's time to head over to the spin-off series and find out what happened to Reive!
Tyr banished griffin due to his human /griffin twin fathering relationship with his ex-Paula, met Cela also banished by her ex- Kav for birthing split griffin twins, in Autumn Grove Shifter town and there they found soul mate hood. However they can only touch during full moon when their magical marks disappear. Unable to bear this torment Tyr returned to Griffin Island to challenge Kav, Cela’s ex-husband, who banished her, and was joined by Cela and Peyton, human ex-felon, as they defeat Kav. Holding on defeating the pain of their touch the island’s binding spell was broken and they got their HEA in Autumn Grove but Peyton stayed in Maine as she met her mate Kav… would he banish himself now or bring Peyton into his kingdom?? Love hurts!! A Must- Read!
02/08/25- 02/12/25 Tariffs and more Unrest!! Eggs $8.49/ doz Only US Die como closed .. sad day for their workers and crafters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Next book in the series with the ex boyfriend, I was not sure if I would like this one I was team Paula and he did make big mistakes with her But with the tattoo if there was ever a good time to use the word complicated its here. Sadly his love interest has a even more tragic journey I liked her a lot. Plus I am glad the author did not make her be best friends with Paula the ex and mother of his kids to Disney of course they both are likeable but nobody wants to hang out with the ex. I liked how that was written with grace.
Not sure if this series is still on going will we get his sister in a book? and of course Peyton was surprised about Peyton but the storyline would be to alike this one (unless we have her in a different series back near the island, was this her cameo goodbye)
Well I ended up routing for the two of them so good writing x
If you have read someof the Bodyguard Shifter Series books then you may remember Terry/Tyr, a griffin, who played a role in Paula`s life as her ex-husband. This is his and Cela`s story. Cela is also a Griffin, who was exiled from her home island because her children turned out to not be griffins. Coming from a clan that does not allow outside contacts she is toally unprepared to live in the human world. Terry`s sister sends her to Tyr and Autumn Grove to find help. The story is about magic gone wrong - magic that was supposed to protect the griffins becoming a major issue in keeping them apart. Overcoming inexperience and ignorance, misconceptions and finding support and help in the most unusual situatios. This book has it all. Quite a few unusual twists to the story, which keep one wanting to read it all in one go. I am looking forward to the next story of the series.
Determine to protect her twin children, Cela is banished from Griffin Island and she finds herself on the mainland with very little money, no clue what to do and the name of someone who could help her. When Cela meets Tyr they are stunned to discover that they are mates but the island has left its magic on both of them and if they touch each other it causes excruciating pain. Unable to touch, they continue trying to live a life together with friends helping them but it's not enough and difficult decisions need to be made if Cela and Tyr stand any chance of a HEA. I loved this beautiful and heartwarming story. Full of drama and angst, you can't fail to be captivated by Cela and Tyr as they navigate being mates and the difficulties that they are facing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoyable enough though a couple of things bothered me. Maybe because it’s been a while since I read this series. Celia was okay, brave for putting her babies first. Though why she wasted so much time before checking on why Tyr wasn’t answering his phone, I don’t know. Tyr was a sweetie, though I don’t remember his background interaction with his ex wife Paula from the previous book due to it being so long ago, 2021, since I read it. So I’m assuming it’s good that he’s interacting with his biological children. I hated Kav and his callous treatment and behaviour. Supposedly the island would harm the children eventually and he sent them off for their own good. But he walked away from his own children rather than leave the clan. Not fatherly behaviour. Don’t think I’ll be accepting of him and Peyton being mates if that story is ever written. Read through kindle unlimited.
Such a great story. I believe this is the only book in the series that I hadn’t read yet. I decided to reread the entire series first. I just can’t get enough! It’s great that many authors write under the Zoe Chant pseudonym. It gives me more authors to research and read. I’ve especially enjoyed this series by Lauren Esker. I would enjoy reading another book within this series; however, if this is the final book, it was fabulous. Maybe a spin-off about the Griffin Island folks or a novella for Payton and Kav. It would be great for Mitch to find his mate as well which was a possible reference by this author. I can only recommend that you start reading. Definitely read in order so you can be introduced to all of the characters who overlap throughout this series. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
When you recognize your fated mate right away, and they recognize you, there needs to be a big problem to make a book. Not being able to touch each other is pretty big.
I liked Tyr and Cela. Cela has two adorable twin babies, and Tyr has two older kids, who are also kind of adorable, though Austin would not like hearing that! I liked that they had time to get to know each other before hopping into bed.
The ending disappointed me a bit. I don't understand the magic. In order for an ending to be satisfying, the characters need to learn something or overcome a difficulty. I didn't feel like they learned anything or taught the griffins anything, and overcoming their problem didn't feel like something they worked toward and achieved.
Celia is banished from Griffin Island when she refuses to set aside her babies as they are not full griffin shifters. She is set aside by the man that was her arranged mate, the father of the same children. She travels to Autumn Grove at the recommendation of one of the enforcers, her brother Tyr lives there.
When she finally makes it to Tyr's house, the both realize they are mates. Magic of their tattoos keep them from from touching due to the intense pain. Tyr is determined to find a way for the both of them to be together, there must be some magic out there.
This is an emotional story, the mates are able to love each other but not touch.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Forbidden Griffin by Lauren Esker is a captivating paranormal griffin shifter romance with a satisfying HEA. Tyr with her twins, exiled to the human world with a secret identity, meets his fated mate in Autumn Grove. They face a perilous dilemma: their love is forbidden by a curse that threatens their lives if they touch.
Esker weaves a gripping tale of forbidden love, supernatural intrigue, and the struggle against fate. The chemistry between Tyr and his mate is palpable, and their journey is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. For fans of paranormal romance seeking a blend of passion and danger, "Forbidden Griffin" is a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For this young woman who has been made to feel guilty for not being a mother that would not let her children be taken from her became an outcast from being a member of the Griffin pack.she was left alone to make a life in the human world,only to find her mate and unable to tutch him for the tatoo stoped them untill her mate went back to the island to have it removed but the others could not help but when the two kissed it broke the islands hold on them but not just them but for those that had been unable to find there mates because of the old magic that held them or so thy were all free.I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and may fortune smile 😃on you always 😁from a bookworm that loves to read
This was a wonderful read. Cela and Tyr have a problem. And it's not the fact that they are mates. They are both very happy with what that means. With each day, they grow closer. But not physically. The simplest of touches is painful for both of them. They grew up with the understanding "it's the way of our people", and never really questioned it. Until now. Can than find a way to solve the problem before it tears them apart? You know how to find out. Their journey is full of love and such joy, but also pain. A must read for all shifter lovers. This is my honest review of an advanced copy I received.
Terry is struggling to do better as a father. He's bought a greenhouse company to be closer to the kids. His ex.. Paula and her friends are trying to trust him and help him settle in the community.
Cela is cast out of Griffin Island when her children turn out to be non-griffin shifters. Terry / Tyr's sister points her in his direction for help.
Imagine their surprise when they see each other. They're fated mates, but their tatooes prevent them from touching. It's such a sweet story watching them work around their difficulties while searching desperately for a solution to their problem.
It's been a hot minute since I've read the Bodyguard shifters, but they all make an appearance in the story ... along with their familes :)
Cela is a griffin shifter, chosen to mate with Kav, the leader. She gives birth to twins and it’s found each twin is one half of a griffin. For this Cela and her babies are banished from the Griffin Island. One of the griffins tells her to head for Autumn Grove and her brother, also banished, his name is Terry Raines. When Cela finds Terry they instantly know they are mates but something to do with the tattoos, they both have as Griffin shifters, is stopping them touching each other. A desperate trip back to Griffin island solves the problem.
Forbidden Griffin is my first time reading a book by these two authors and I really like their writing style. This book is part of the Bodyguard Shifters series and it is a gripping paranormal romance that takes readers on a journey filled with danger, passion, and the bond between fated mates. How could I not love this book, I highly recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
loved it !! love Cele and Tyr... this is their story... a fast paced drama.. cursed and exiled to the human world.. Tyr has been living in Autumn Grove for a while now... Cele and her children , just moved here and know nothing about the human world... they find that they are fated mates but, the curse... they can't touch !! what are they going to do ? so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an intriguing story that was a bit mysterious while learning more about the Griffin shifters. I have enjoyed reading this series. The only thing that I dislike about it is the long time between the book releases. It would be a much better reading experience if the series was written closer together, rather than having to wait years before a new book is out. I would recommend this book, series, and author.
A fast paced and mysterious shifter romance with so many difficulties that only true mates would even try . Cute kids ( of the shifter variety ) and clueless exiles make this a not to be missed shifter romance story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love that Tyr got his happy ever after! The whole concept of he and Cela both being outcasts and being unable to touch due to broken magic was fascinating. I had no idea how the situation would resolve itself and experienced a jolt of joy of how that resolution had a ripple effect. 5 star shifter romance!
This was quite the adventure read full of twists. Tyr and Cela are both griffins but both are also banished... As she has no idea about the world outside of the island so Tyr has a lot to teach her. However, these two turn out to be fated mates. As you may imagine, there a many twists, lots of drama, emotions and family pressure. There's also lots of love and I really liked that Cela had the spine to stand up for her man ;D I really enjoyed their journey to an HEA, although it was a tough one. This is the first book of the series I've read and I'm looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series :D
Another fantastic book in the Bodyguard Shifters series. I was hooked start to finish. I absolutely adored Tyr and Cela. The struggles they had go overcome tugged at my heartstrings. Its not all angst and there are plenty of wonderful moments. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I love when they have reformed characters from previous books. Terry aka Tyr, definitely became a likable ML who I rooted for with enthusiasm. Cela was a sweet FL, who charmed everyone. And of course, there was a happily ever after. I would definitely recommend this series.
I read over 100 books a yr so I’ve seen a few plot points. Her creativity has been part of why I enjoy her writing so much. Great characters, mixes the regular believably with the paranormal. This one was new so was the priceless solution. Love shifter community she has built.
Forced to leave your home, family, and friends is never an easy thing, but finding your true mate and not be able to.... sorry, you will have to read it to find the answer!
There are lots of twists and turns as they combat all the forces working against them. There is drama, family pressures, passion and lots of emotions present in the story. It is well worth a read. This is my honest opinion of this story.