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Southern Shifters #5
Be Were
Dean had a family once. Until tragedy and betrayal consumed them. Now he lives on his own terms keeping life simple and carefree. Then one night leads to one bite and he's forced back into a dangerous world that reminds him he's still as angry as ever and this time he's not leaving until he gets what he wants. Niki.
Niki Harris has lived a life of secrets and solitude with no interest in making a change. But an easy one night stand turns complicated and she finds herself marked. Now she has to decide, tell the sexy shifter with a possessive streak a mile wide she's pregnant and in danger or do what she's always done--run.
Be Were is the full story from the free first chapter bonus, White Cougar Christmas.
Niki Harris has lived a life of secrets and solitude with no interest in making a change. But an easy one night stand turns complicated and she finds herself marked. Now she has to decide, tell the sexy shifter with a possessive streak a mile wide she's pregnant and in danger or do what she's always done--run.
Be Were is the full story from the free first chapter bonus, White Cougar Christmas.
138 pages, ebook
First published January 27, 2014
224 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Gayle
133 books1,337 followersGRAB the first book in my USA Today bestselling Southern Shifters series in Kindle Unlimited. Click
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Eliza Gayle writes dragon romance and fantasy romance with unforgettable characters, fiery passion, and magical twists. A New York Times bestselling author, she’s created series like Dragon Lords and Southern Shifters that keep readers hooked from page one. (She also writes dark contemporary romance under E.M. Gayle) She currently lives on a small island in the Pacific Northwest (but was born and raised in Florida and then spent 10+ years in NC) and spends her days writing romance, wandering the beach, kayaking or defending her keyboard from her cat Salem.
Before her writing career began, she served in the Marine Corps and lived a crazy life of adventure. Then she read her first spicy romance novel and everything changed. So after years of thinking about writing she finally grabbed her laptop and wrote.
Latest Release: THE HEART OF THE DRAGON
Coming next: THE FATE OF THE DRAGON
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 11, 2014
Eliza Gayle does an amazing job of writing a scorching hot shifter romance with a snarky independent heroine and a dominating alpha male. This book was another solid installment in this amazing series.
This one starts off with a bang. Dean and Niki meet and the fireworks fly. Both are looking for a one night stand. But when Dean's inner beast calls to him that this is his mate, he can't help but mark her.
In the throes of passion, Niki doesn't realize what he has done.
Dean plans to tell her, but she is fast on her feet and out the door before he gets the chance. But Dean left behind way more than just his mark, he left Niki pregnant.
Niki is an outcast among her kind. She is a rare breed and she is not supposed to be able to get pregnant. So she is running scared and hoping that she won't get caught.
When Niki is kidnapped and threatened, Dean has no choice but to go in with guns blazing. He is there to take what is his. But Niki is not going to quietly.
"You call me mate one more time and I'll be borrowing a knife from Calder over there to slice off your balls."
Dean is in over his head. He has fallen for a woman that he might not be able to have.
He wants her and he will do anything he has to do to have her. But she is elusive and independent to a fault.
Dean wants to catch her but she does not want to be caught. When her past catches up with her, she and her unborn child could be in grave danger. Dean has no idea what she is facing.
In the end, can Dean save her from her enemies? Can he win her heart? Can Niki ever be happy to settle down and stay in one place? Can the two shifters from different worlds make this combustible chemistry into a relationship?
This is book 5 in the Southern Shifters series. While it is not critical to read the previous books in the series, it is helpful. There are appearances by characters from previous books. This book was pure high octane fun. It was entertaining and hot.
Niki is a kick ass female who is snarky and witty. She knows what she wants and she goes for it. I can't help but admire her tenacity. Dean is a really good guy. He just wants to get the girl, no matter what the cost. The story is told from multiple points of view but primarily Dean and Niki.
If you want a fun, hot and sexy paranormal romance read, Eliza Gayle delivered.
4 Stars!
www.readinghaven.com
This one starts off with a bang. Dean and Niki meet and the fireworks fly. Both are looking for a one night stand. But when Dean's inner beast calls to him that this is his mate, he can't help but mark her.
In the throes of passion, Niki doesn't realize what he has done.
Dean plans to tell her, but she is fast on her feet and out the door before he gets the chance. But Dean left behind way more than just his mark, he left Niki pregnant.
Niki is an outcast among her kind. She is a rare breed and she is not supposed to be able to get pregnant. So she is running scared and hoping that she won't get caught.
When Niki is kidnapped and threatened, Dean has no choice but to go in with guns blazing. He is there to take what is his. But Niki is not going to quietly.
"You call me mate one more time and I'll be borrowing a knife from Calder over there to slice off your balls."
Dean is in over his head. He has fallen for a woman that he might not be able to have.
He wants her and he will do anything he has to do to have her. But she is elusive and independent to a fault.
Dean wants to catch her but she does not want to be caught. When her past catches up with her, she and her unborn child could be in grave danger. Dean has no idea what she is facing.
In the end, can Dean save her from her enemies? Can he win her heart? Can Niki ever be happy to settle down and stay in one place? Can the two shifters from different worlds make this combustible chemistry into a relationship?
This is book 5 in the Southern Shifters series. While it is not critical to read the previous books in the series, it is helpful. There are appearances by characters from previous books. This book was pure high octane fun. It was entertaining and hot.
Niki is a kick ass female who is snarky and witty. She knows what she wants and she goes for it. I can't help but admire her tenacity. Dean is a really good guy. He just wants to get the girl, no matter what the cost. The story is told from multiple points of view but primarily Dean and Niki.
If you want a fun, hot and sexy paranormal romance read, Eliza Gayle delivered.
4 Stars!
www.readinghaven.com
February 2, 2014
A novella born of a short story. And unfortunately it's crystal clear. No characterization, no real plot, no idea what's going on except some sex. (I can't even complain it's a sex fest. It's not. But it's very mechanic, the "insert tab A in slot B" type).
March 6, 2014
This is an exciting erotic hybrid shifter romance that captures the imagination.
Dean lives his life on his own terms keeping life simple and carefree, then one night leads to one bite and right back into the dangerous world he left behind only this time he’s not leaving until he gets what he wants…Niki. Having lived a life of secrets and solitude Niki Harris has no intention of changing that but an easy one night stand complicates things and she finds herself marked, pregnant an d in danger. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions, Tell the sexy shifter he’s a father or what’s she’s always done…run?
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with action, suspense and romance. This shifter world comes to life with vibrant images and great details that capture the imagination. The characters are strong, charming, compelling and grab a hold of the reader and doesn’t let go. The suspense and action builds lots of delicious spine tingling anticipation as the enemy comes after Niki and this group of southern shifters is going to let them get away with it.
Dean and Niki’s attraction for each other is quite combustible as they come together and the frequent sex scenes explodes from the pages and leave the reader scorched. The relationship however, is off on rocky ground and keeps the reader on pins and needles to see if this couple will overcome the obstacles and reach their happily ever after. Take a seemingly tough as nails with ice in her veins and mix her up with a protective hybrid alpha male and what you get is a wild ride to keep the readers thoroughly entertained.
I was enraptured with this story from the very beginning and I love the world and the fascinating characters the author has created. I can’t wait to get to know these southern shifters a lot better.
Dean lives his life on his own terms keeping life simple and carefree, then one night leads to one bite and right back into the dangerous world he left behind only this time he’s not leaving until he gets what he wants…Niki. Having lived a life of secrets and solitude Niki Harris has no intention of changing that but an easy one night stand complicates things and she finds herself marked, pregnant an d in danger. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions, Tell the sexy shifter he’s a father or what’s she’s always done…run?
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with action, suspense and romance. This shifter world comes to life with vibrant images and great details that capture the imagination. The characters are strong, charming, compelling and grab a hold of the reader and doesn’t let go. The suspense and action builds lots of delicious spine tingling anticipation as the enemy comes after Niki and this group of southern shifters is going to let them get away with it.
Dean and Niki’s attraction for each other is quite combustible as they come together and the frequent sex scenes explodes from the pages and leave the reader scorched. The relationship however, is off on rocky ground and keeps the reader on pins and needles to see if this couple will overcome the obstacles and reach their happily ever after. Take a seemingly tough as nails with ice in her veins and mix her up with a protective hybrid alpha male and what you get is a wild ride to keep the readers thoroughly entertained.
I was enraptured with this story from the very beginning and I love the world and the fascinating characters the author has created. I can’t wait to get to know these southern shifters a lot better.
November 22, 2014
BE WERE. Southern Shifters. Eliza Gayle
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I've read a few of Eliza's books now, and they are definitely on the racy side of sexy, plenty of hot, erotic sex, which is both well written and fits the storyline. This book was no exception....Wow!
I was a little confused when it began thinking I’d read it before, but on checking found its a continuation of the storyline from the novella A White Cougar Xmas, and I’d wondered what happened to Nikki at the end of that. So was a good start. We meet characters from the earlier Southern Shifters books, and I like the way the story begins to enlarge, with a simple, concluded plot in this one ( no cliffhangers- hurrah) but leading, and adding to, an overall story arc to the series as a whole.
I feel with each book we're getting to know more about the characters, and understand their pasts and how that impacts on current actions. Certainly Dean and his brother have had a first very close, then problematic past, and they need to put that aside and work together here. Nikki has always been very alone and secretive about her origins, we learn why here, and Dean has his work cut out in getting her to trust him.
Once again a shortish read at 175 pages for £1.93, but though its not long the pages are densely packed, and its a complete, well written story, with lots of sensuality which fits the storyline, not ones of those books where the story is just a carrier for endless sex scenes. The sex here is hot, very hot, and graphic, but mirrors the plot and where its going perfectly.
Stars: four and a half, a bit longer and I've have given it five. Its a keeper files book, and one I’ll re read when series complete in one of my back to back reading fests :)
ARC supplied by Netgalley
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I've read a few of Eliza's books now, and they are definitely on the racy side of sexy, plenty of hot, erotic sex, which is both well written and fits the storyline. This book was no exception....Wow!
I was a little confused when it began thinking I’d read it before, but on checking found its a continuation of the storyline from the novella A White Cougar Xmas, and I’d wondered what happened to Nikki at the end of that. So was a good start. We meet characters from the earlier Southern Shifters books, and I like the way the story begins to enlarge, with a simple, concluded plot in this one ( no cliffhangers- hurrah) but leading, and adding to, an overall story arc to the series as a whole.
I feel with each book we're getting to know more about the characters, and understand their pasts and how that impacts on current actions. Certainly Dean and his brother have had a first very close, then problematic past, and they need to put that aside and work together here. Nikki has always been very alone and secretive about her origins, we learn why here, and Dean has his work cut out in getting her to trust him.
Once again a shortish read at 175 pages for £1.93, but though its not long the pages are densely packed, and its a complete, well written story, with lots of sensuality which fits the storyline, not ones of those books where the story is just a carrier for endless sex scenes. The sex here is hot, very hot, and graphic, but mirrors the plot and where its going perfectly.
Stars: four and a half, a bit longer and I've have given it five. Its a keeper files book, and one I’ll re read when series complete in one of my back to back reading fests :)
ARC supplied by Netgalley
February 7, 2014
I think I loved this segment in the series more than 'Bad Kitty' I loved Dean he's all upfront, "the sexy stranger nodded his head. "Feeling little tense?" He had no idea. She shrugged. It wouldn't do to put all her cards on the table this early. "Maybe we could find something else for you to do with all that pent up energy." He's all for in the moment, "I'm going to come in you, baby. Right effing now." Sometimes Niki knows how to bush Dean in the direction she wants, "this time he hissed at her. "Dammit, Niki." That was the only warning she got before he picked her up, turned and laid her out on one of the old wooden tables. "You have a way of pushing every ne of my buttons until all I can think about is getting inside you." He gets all bossy when hes worked up, "I'm never going to forget how effing good your pu**y feels wrapped around my di**. Ever, baby." He pumped several hard strokes before he continued. "This thing we've got going on between us? You getter get used to it because it's going to happen. Mark my words." Dean cares for Niki so much it's adorable, "Dean grabbed her around the wait and lifted her into his arms. "Oh sh**. Niki, what happened? Eff. Eff. Eff. Dammit I didn't mean - Sh**. Baby please tell me what's wrong. DO you need a doctor?" He's not one for stopping what he starts and he doesn't care who happens to see, "eff that. Ain't stopping now." He pushed halfway inside her. "They come in now they better pull up a effing chair and watch cause this show is started." I can't wait for more.
March 13, 2014
This was the first Southern Shifters book I have read. I enjoyed reading it. I liked that Niki was strong, witty, independent and had attitude...she didn't put up with anyone's shit and gave as good as she got. Dean was a nice guy- would do anything to get the girl he wanted. I thought it was a little odd that the hybrid shifters had several different breeds in them(e.g. bear, wolf and jaguar) but I liked that Niki was special(created in a lab). It was a hot shifter romance.
February 24, 2014
Eliza Gayle and her Southern Shifters are back! This is a series that just keeps building and adding depth to the world that the author has created. In this the fifth instalment we learn more about the hybrids and how cruelly some have been mistreated . So settle in and enter Ms Gayles imagination that's filled with hot romance, strained relationships and danger!
Niki Harris is a rare white cougar hybrid, bred to kill but sometimes all she wants and needs is a whole lot of good loving! Meeting the gorgeous Dean in a bar seems like the answer to her prayers . He's sexy, he's available and he's definitely interested but there's a huge fly in this ointment because Dean thinks that Niki is his mate! That's not going to happen because all Niki wanted was one night of fun so the only thing to do is run!
Dean is desperate to find Niki and starts trying to hunt her down but what he doesn't realise is she's carrying his cub ! Finding her will be the ultimate game changer though as both Niki and their unborn child are in danger. It's time for Dean to claim what is his but can he persuade Niki that her place is with him in time?
These books whilst not the longest I've read are always on my must read pile. This particular one might confuse some readers initially as the first chapter has been previously released as a free ebook entitled A White Couger Christmas. It's a tale that starts with a passionate encounter and the sex in this book whilst sensual in no way feels gratuitous and happily fits the story. If pages filled with erotica put you off then have no fear as this author has created believable shifters who just want to love each other.
These books continue to build on each other and the reader learns more about this world that Ms Gayle has created but for me personally I thought the villains of the piece were a little shady and although there is a resolution I still had questions. I would hazard a guess that this is intentional by the author and we will learn even more as the series progresses.
It's a simple story with an ending that felt a little quick but what really pleased this reader was catching up with characters from previous books and seeing how their lives are impacting on others. Moments of humour and a mystery that still needs to be solved. A great cast of supporting characters who are really intriguing and who will hopefully have their own stories told.
This is a well written book that added yet another layer to the world of Southern Shifters. I'd have preferred it to be longer but then I always do! Easily read as a standalone novel but I'd recommend reading the rest of the series which starts with Lucas if you wish to follow their journey. These books are great value for money and if alpha men, kick ass women and steamy sex sounds like fun to you then not to be missed. A book that really entertained me, recommended .
Niki Harris is a rare white cougar hybrid, bred to kill but sometimes all she wants and needs is a whole lot of good loving! Meeting the gorgeous Dean in a bar seems like the answer to her prayers . He's sexy, he's available and he's definitely interested but there's a huge fly in this ointment because Dean thinks that Niki is his mate! That's not going to happen because all Niki wanted was one night of fun so the only thing to do is run!
Dean is desperate to find Niki and starts trying to hunt her down but what he doesn't realise is she's carrying his cub ! Finding her will be the ultimate game changer though as both Niki and their unborn child are in danger. It's time for Dean to claim what is his but can he persuade Niki that her place is with him in time?
These books whilst not the longest I've read are always on my must read pile. This particular one might confuse some readers initially as the first chapter has been previously released as a free ebook entitled A White Couger Christmas. It's a tale that starts with a passionate encounter and the sex in this book whilst sensual in no way feels gratuitous and happily fits the story. If pages filled with erotica put you off then have no fear as this author has created believable shifters who just want to love each other.
These books continue to build on each other and the reader learns more about this world that Ms Gayle has created but for me personally I thought the villains of the piece were a little shady and although there is a resolution I still had questions. I would hazard a guess that this is intentional by the author and we will learn even more as the series progresses.
It's a simple story with an ending that felt a little quick but what really pleased this reader was catching up with characters from previous books and seeing how their lives are impacting on others. Moments of humour and a mystery that still needs to be solved. A great cast of supporting characters who are really intriguing and who will hopefully have their own stories told.
This is a well written book that added yet another layer to the world of Southern Shifters. I'd have preferred it to be longer but then I always do! Easily read as a standalone novel but I'd recommend reading the rest of the series which starts with Lucas if you wish to follow their journey. These books are great value for money and if alpha men, kick ass women and steamy sex sounds like fun to you then not to be missed. A book that really entertained me, recommended .
December 18, 2018
On a lonely Christmas night, hybrid shifter Dean and rare, genetically engineered, white cougar, Niki have a one night stand. Dean immediately claims her as his mate, but Niki, far more cynical and wary of love and mating, runs off. Dean starts searching everywhere for her. Several months later, Niki turns up pregnant and alone at the Dark Moon Bar, run by Dean's brother, Bhric. It isn't until Niki is kidnapped that Bhric tells Dean that Niki was with him, exacerbating tensions between the two, but launching an all out rescue. As a group, the three, plus two bear shifters, do what they can to figure out who took Niki and what their purpose was. Niki is unusued to working in a group and still trying to resist Dean's insistence on their being mates. But the sense of family and togetherness is tempting. However, it won't be safe for her or her baby until the villains are dealt with.
Not as good as the one before it, but a solid story in it's own right. There's a lot more sex going on here and it only slightly interferes with the plot...it's definitely used to distract the main characters from their problems...as a way of saying - See? Look at what we've got. The problem is that while I totally felt the love and emotion coming from Dean, Niki acted like she couldn't be bothered. I figured she'd pick up and leave and never feel sadness about Dean. I was surprised when she did and it didn't feel like it had built up to that. I think Niki was too hard and too prickly to ever feel vulnerable in love. She was kind of painted into a corner and there wasn't much to bring her out of it. The plot itself was fairly interesting. I was much more interested in the tension between Dean and Bhric (and even the friendship between Niki and Calder) than I was in the romance between Dean and Niki. I also liked learning about the white cougars and where they came from, nor did I realize there was a fertility issue among the shifters. I'll be picking up the next book in the series looking for some explanations...like who Kitty's mother was...
Not as good as the one before it, but a solid story in it's own right. There's a lot more sex going on here and it only slightly interferes with the plot...it's definitely used to distract the main characters from their problems...as a way of saying - See? Look at what we've got. The problem is that while I totally felt the love and emotion coming from Dean, Niki acted like she couldn't be bothered. I figured she'd pick up and leave and never feel sadness about Dean. I was surprised when she did and it didn't feel like it had built up to that. I think Niki was too hard and too prickly to ever feel vulnerable in love. She was kind of painted into a corner and there wasn't much to bring her out of it. The plot itself was fairly interesting. I was much more interested in the tension between Dean and Bhric (and even the friendship between Niki and Calder) than I was in the romance between Dean and Niki. I also liked learning about the white cougars and where they came from, nor did I realize there was a fertility issue among the shifters. I'll be picking up the next book in the series looking for some explanations...like who Kitty's mother was...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2014
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story. I have not read shape shifter novels in a while so it was fun getting back to it. I really love the characters and will definitely be reading more from this author.
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April 4, 2022
This was a fast-paced, insta-attraction, your my mate romance. It also had some science-y things which added to the intrigue, and some family issues, on both sides, to be worked out!
February 7, 2014
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
Are you looking for sweet, commonplace, boring romance? If so don't bother reading this review! Eliza Gayle strikes again. Whether it's her Southern Shifters Series or her Purgatory Series, Ms Gayle has a story to tell.
be Were is book two in her Southern Shifter's Series and it is a grand adventure with a full set of gifts. Adventure, Family Dynamics, social issues and of course just a touch of the erotic..
Niki Harris is tough as can be. She was created from assorted DNA and is one of the rare white cougars. The family (I use the term loosely) has become known as a bit crazed but can be and is used regularly as the assassins of the were community. But Niki is more than that. She accepts that she has to be alone but every now and then she wants just a little bit of human contact. One Christmas Eve she got way more than she bargained for. Now she's mated, pregnant and on the run. With some hard choices ahead of her.
Dean is a mixed breed with his wolf at the forefront. While a child and part of a family he didn't have to deal with the were's purists tendencies but as an adult things have shifted. Alone, estranged from his brother, Dean is almost afraid to trust once again in the shifter community. When Niki Harris shows up at his bar, he can't leave her alone.. He has found his mate and without her consent he marks her. When he wakes up the next morning Niki is gone and Dean will do anything to get her back.
Dean has no clue where to even look and when his brother shows up on his door letting him know that his pregnant mate has gone missing Dean almost looses it. Setting aside his issues the brothers work together along with an assortment of shifters both pure bloods and mixed, to get her back. And once she's back.. revenge.
A good story made better by the fact that we get to see some of the characters from Bad Kitty.. including Kitty who is often referred to as well crazy. It adds humor to what could be a dark story.
This book can be read totally and completely as a stand alone book but why would you even want to? There is so much complexity wrapped into this book. I am totally enjoying everything Ms Gayle writes.. Make sure you check her out and be Were!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of be Were, provided by netgalley.
Are you looking for sweet, commonplace, boring romance? If so don't bother reading this review! Eliza Gayle strikes again. Whether it's her Southern Shifters Series or her Purgatory Series, Ms Gayle has a story to tell.
be Were is book two in her Southern Shifter's Series and it is a grand adventure with a full set of gifts. Adventure, Family Dynamics, social issues and of course just a touch of the erotic..
Niki Harris is tough as can be. She was created from assorted DNA and is one of the rare white cougars. The family (I use the term loosely) has become known as a bit crazed but can be and is used regularly as the assassins of the were community. But Niki is more than that. She accepts that she has to be alone but every now and then she wants just a little bit of human contact. One Christmas Eve she got way more than she bargained for. Now she's mated, pregnant and on the run. With some hard choices ahead of her.
Dean is a mixed breed with his wolf at the forefront. While a child and part of a family he didn't have to deal with the were's purists tendencies but as an adult things have shifted. Alone, estranged from his brother, Dean is almost afraid to trust once again in the shifter community. When Niki Harris shows up at his bar, he can't leave her alone.. He has found his mate and without her consent he marks her. When he wakes up the next morning Niki is gone and Dean will do anything to get her back.
Dean has no clue where to even look and when his brother shows up on his door letting him know that his pregnant mate has gone missing Dean almost looses it. Setting aside his issues the brothers work together along with an assortment of shifters both pure bloods and mixed, to get her back. And once she's back.. revenge.
A good story made better by the fact that we get to see some of the characters from Bad Kitty.. including Kitty who is often referred to as well crazy. It adds humor to what could be a dark story.
This book can be read totally and completely as a stand alone book but why would you even want to? There is so much complexity wrapped into this book. I am totally enjoying everything Ms Gayle writes.. Make sure you check her out and be Were!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of be Were, provided by netgalley.
September 10, 2016
Niki is a rare white cougar, created and raised in a lab as part of an experiment. She's now free, alone, pregnant and on the run from her one night stand.
Dean is a hybrid Jaguar shifter. He's had a falling out with his family and he's on his own and prefers it that way. Until Niki walks into his bar and he immediately recognizes and claims her as his mate. Now he just need to convince Niki of this.
Pretty good read. It's well written, flows smoothly and it's a solid story. I didn't get into this one as much as I did Bad Kitty. It has good bones and I was interested the entire time, just nothing really jumped out at me. I do like that Niki could possibly be the key to figuring out the fertility problem within the shifter community, but the story really never went into any detail about it.
Overall, it has a solid story, the sex is REALLY good but the plot felt a little weak to me. It was an enjoyable read and I will continue with the rest of the series.
My Favorite Quotes:
"You call me mate one more time and I'll be borrowing a knife from Calder over there to slice off your balls."
"Fuck that. Ain't stopping now. They come in now they better pull up a fucking chair and watch cause this show is started." ."
"Open your eyes and look at me, babe. Watch me as I take what is mine. Because I fucking love it."
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dean is a hybrid Jaguar shifter. He's had a falling out with his family and he's on his own and prefers it that way. Until Niki walks into his bar and he immediately recognizes and claims her as his mate. Now he just need to convince Niki of this.
Pretty good read. It's well written, flows smoothly and it's a solid story. I didn't get into this one as much as I did Bad Kitty. It has good bones and I was interested the entire time, just nothing really jumped out at me. I do like that Niki could possibly be the key to figuring out the fertility problem within the shifter community, but the story really never went into any detail about it.
Overall, it has a solid story, the sex is REALLY good but the plot felt a little weak to me. It was an enjoyable read and I will continue with the rest of the series.
My Favorite Quotes:
"You call me mate one more time and I'll be borrowing a knife from Calder over there to slice off your balls."
"Fuck that. Ain't stopping now. They come in now they better pull up a fucking chair and watch cause this show is started." ."
"Open your eyes and look at me, babe. Watch me as I take what is mine. Because I fucking love it."
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2018
Be Were is the fifth book in the Southern Shifters series by author Eliza Gayle. This is an angst-filled story. I love the powerfully written characters. They are vibrant, and Ms. Gayle does a great job of making me feel what her characters are feeling. I loved this one.
This is my first time reading the series. I was not lost but this one is so good I would love to go back and see what I have missed.
Dean he once had a family a good life that was carefree. Now he has pain, betrayal, and anger. He is a strong character. Very alpha male type of man. He feels deeply and loves just as deeply.
Niki has lived her entire life alone and keeping secrets. She doesn’t mind living that way still. But she has to let Dean in to protect her and her unborn baby. This is not easy for a woman who has always relied on herself.
I liked her mix of vulnerability and strength. She is no shrinking flower she has a core of pure steel. She is a blend that would make you want to have her as your best friend.
I loved this book. Kept me interested and wanting more. I highly recommend to any paranormal lover.
Five Shooting Stars
This is my first time reading the series. I was not lost but this one is so good I would love to go back and see what I have missed.
Dean he once had a family a good life that was carefree. Now he has pain, betrayal, and anger. He is a strong character. Very alpha male type of man. He feels deeply and loves just as deeply.
Niki has lived her entire life alone and keeping secrets. She doesn’t mind living that way still. But she has to let Dean in to protect her and her unborn baby. This is not easy for a woman who has always relied on herself.
I liked her mix of vulnerability and strength. She is no shrinking flower she has a core of pure steel. She is a blend that would make you want to have her as your best friend.
I loved this book. Kept me interested and wanting more. I highly recommend to any paranormal lover.
Five Shooting Stars
February 25, 2014
This was a very alpha filled read. The heroine, Niki, was extremely dominate, independent, and one of the most deadly were's around. This character was wonderful to read with her ability self reliant. The fact that she was completely kick arse was a big bonus.
Dean was a bit harder for me to attach to. There were alpha tendencies, yet there were more than a couple of instances to which he lost Niki, and instances where some not so alpha decisions were made. I found him a bit confusing/conflicting with what I had hoped he would be.
Between my mixed feelings about Dean and my reading this out of order....is what brought this to a 3 star read for me. I feel if I had started with book one, having more knowledge of the work Gayle had created this would have been a 4 star for me.
This is a very interesting, hot read. I will be picking up more of Eliza Gayle's Southern Shifters :)
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Dean was a bit harder for me to attach to. There were alpha tendencies, yet there were more than a couple of instances to which he lost Niki, and instances where some not so alpha decisions were made. I found him a bit confusing/conflicting with what I had hoped he would be.
Between my mixed feelings about Dean and my reading this out of order....is what brought this to a 3 star read for me. I feel if I had started with book one, having more knowledge of the work Gayle had created this would have been a 4 star for me.
This is a very interesting, hot read. I will be picking up more of Eliza Gayle's Southern Shifters :)
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February 21, 2014
3 1/2 *
This is the first book I've read from Eliza Gayle and was is a fun, if quick, mind trip of action and steamy sex. There was nothing really new as far as plot is concerned... it was the typical shifter type story, but the writing was deft and enjoyable. The characters were interesting and showed a lot of promise that would have been more fully realized if the book were longer. I really liked the combination of strong alpha male and strong female lead mixed with the vulnerability that dealing with new feelings and emotions gave them.
All in all, an enjoyable hour or so that I would have no problems recommending to someone who was looking for a fast paranormal read.
This is the first book I've read from Eliza Gayle and was is a fun, if quick, mind trip of action and steamy sex. There was nothing really new as far as plot is concerned... it was the typical shifter type story, but the writing was deft and enjoyable. The characters were interesting and showed a lot of promise that would have been more fully realized if the book were longer. I really liked the combination of strong alpha male and strong female lead mixed with the vulnerability that dealing with new feelings and emotions gave them.
All in all, an enjoyable hour or so that I would have no problems recommending to someone who was looking for a fast paranormal read.
March 14, 2014
I enjoyed a lot better the fourth book in the series "Bad Kitty" than this one, unfortunately this book wasn't for me. I didn't grow attached to the characters and they were almost annoying at times. A little ridiculous too when the romance was going too fast. I didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters. There were changes of point of views unannounced, it was troubling and confusing at first. There wasn't any real plot behind all this.
***ARC received through Netgalley***
***ARC received through Netgalley***
July 9, 2017
Unusual
This was the 3 Rd book out of the series I have read. My favorite so far. I am totally enjoying the characters and the authors style of writing. What is new with this series are the shifters are not typical but a new type. Makes for an interesting book. Strong alpha characters but not necessarily male which is a good change up. The 2 main characters in this book are facinating. I enjoyed them so much I just bought the next book in the series. Definitely a good book. I highly recommend it.
This was the 3 Rd book out of the series I have read. My favorite so far. I am totally enjoying the characters and the authors style of writing. What is new with this series are the shifters are not typical but a new type. Makes for an interesting book. Strong alpha characters but not necessarily male which is a good change up. The 2 main characters in this book are facinating. I enjoyed them so much I just bought the next book in the series. Definitely a good book. I highly recommend it.
March 13, 2014
Take a very alpha mixed jaguar shifter and a dangerous female white cougar on the run and you have an explosive tale of passion, determination, possession and some good old sexy time. Be Were is a fun. quick read with two characters who know what they want and are determined to get it, the only problem is one may need convincing of what they need.
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March 18, 2014
It was ok. I admit though I was kind of confused in the beginning. There are just some paranormal books out there that have some crazy background story that just confuses the hell out of me.
The storyline is what caught my attention though, but because there was so much background information I got lost with what the storyline was, and had to constantly go back to the blurb and double check to see what the book was about.
The storyline is what caught my attention though, but because there was so much background information I got lost with what the storyline was, and had to constantly go back to the blurb and double check to see what the book was about.
November 5, 2018
Sadly it didn't live up to what I had hoped it would be based on the original short ("A White Cougar's Christmas", which here is the first chapter).
I don't go in for pregnancy stories? Not for romances and not for the main couple over the length of the entire book. (As part of a larger series, sure. As a huge part of a 160ish page novel? Please no.)
I don't go in for pregnancy stories? Not for romances and not for the main couple over the length of the entire book. (As part of a larger series, sure. As a huge part of a 160ish page novel? Please no.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2014
Read and Reviewed for http://www.manicreaders.com and http://www.romfanreview.com
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October 26, 2022
The couple: Dean and Niki
Romance trope: shifter
Series: Southern Shifters
Length: 242 pages
Plot: Niki shows up to the bar, looking for a hookup, and she finds Dean. The hot shifter takes her home the minute he realizes she's his mate. When she realizes it though, she takes off before he even wakes up. He spends a long time trying to find her. Good thing, because she's pregnant! But there are people out there looking for her and Dean will need to help keep her safe.
Commentary: Niki was exactly the kind of heroine I don't like - super bada$$ better than everyone at everything. And with an attitude to match. In fact, her bad attitude is what really made me dislike her the most. I'm sure her nastiness was hiding a heart of gold or something, but I would normally not read a heroine like this. Dean had some kind of patience. I wish he had shared his story about his past ex with Niki though - it might have made a difference.
Grammar/syntax: needed another pass with the proofreader, particularly for commonly confused words like your/you're.
Previous book in the series: Bad Kitty
Next book in the series: Shiftin' Dirty
Romance trope: shifter
Series: Southern Shifters
Length: 242 pages
Plot: Niki shows up to the bar, looking for a hookup, and she finds Dean. The hot shifter takes her home the minute he realizes she's his mate. When she realizes it though, she takes off before he even wakes up. He spends a long time trying to find her. Good thing, because she's pregnant! But there are people out there looking for her and Dean will need to help keep her safe.
Commentary: Niki was exactly the kind of heroine I don't like - super bada$$ better than everyone at everything. And with an attitude to match. In fact, her bad attitude is what really made me dislike her the most. I'm sure her nastiness was hiding a heart of gold or something, but I would normally not read a heroine like this. Dean had some kind of patience. I wish he had shared his story about his past ex with Niki though - it might have made a difference.
Grammar/syntax: needed another pass with the proofreader, particularly for commonly confused words like your/you're.
Previous book in the series: Bad Kitty
Next book in the series: Shiftin' Dirty
November 22, 2020
Can a one night stand lead to a furry forever? Dean is angry and bitter, estranged from his family and doesn't want to spend Christmas alone. When Nikki wanders into his bar, he gets much more than a willing partner to warm his bed. Nikki has secrets and when Dean lets his intentions slip, she runs away. She ends up at the bar of his estranged brother where she finds acceptance and friendship. When her past catches up with her, Dean's brother brings him in to help rescue her. The main couple from book 4 makes an appearance and her adopted family at the bar will get their own books. Of course this wouldn't be a Southern Shifters book without lots of action in and out of bed.
November 6, 2021
I loved how Niki and Dean's meet. There is something special between them from the beginning.
As the story moves on, I really started to not like Niki. Not sure if part of it was because I have not read the other books in the series, but she is SO stubborn. Needing to do it on her own. I know she has been working on her own, but didn't understand why she was so resistant to help.
The rest of the characters show they understand Niki better than she understands herself.
Story was an entertaining read that I didn't want to put down. Glad they figured it out in the end.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
As the story moves on, I really started to not like Niki. Not sure if part of it was because I have not read the other books in the series, but she is SO stubborn. Needing to do it on her own. I know she has been working on her own, but didn't understand why she was so resistant to help.
The rest of the characters show they understand Niki better than she understands herself.
Story was an entertaining read that I didn't want to put down. Glad they figured it out in the end.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 4, 2021
Good Fated Mates Paranormal
I enjoyed this book. Dean and Nikki seemed made a great couple, he calmed her wilder tendencies and she gave him someone to protect and cherish. I did get a bit lost when events from prior books in the series were referenced. I have read some but not all of the prior books so those references would likely have made sense if I hadn’t missed a few. I will probably go back and catch those I missed. Nikki’s family seems a bit messed up I wonder if we will learn more about her mother and siblings in future Books in the series.
I enjoyed this book. Dean and Nikki seemed made a great couple, he calmed her wilder tendencies and she gave him someone to protect and cherish. I did get a bit lost when events from prior books in the series were referenced. I have read some but not all of the prior books so those references would likely have made sense if I hadn’t missed a few. I will probably go back and catch those I missed. Nikki’s family seems a bit messed up I wonder if we will learn more about her mother and siblings in future Books in the series.
May 13, 2019
Review
This offering in the series was like all of them well written but it was my least favorite so far. A lot of hoopla was made about are heroines upbringing you know paramilitary, assassin sort of stuff, yet she was kidnapped, knifed, and then turned her back on a proven enemy, she was either trained bye Larel and Hardey or she was basically just not bright. But I've enjoyed the series overall so I read on.
This offering in the series was like all of them well written but it was my least favorite so far. A lot of hoopla was made about are heroines upbringing you know paramilitary, assassin sort of stuff, yet she was kidnapped, knifed, and then turned her back on a proven enemy, she was either trained bye Larel and Hardey or she was basically just not bright. But I've enjoyed the series overall so I read on.
Read
September 3, 2020I realised that I had actually read a previous story in this series. It reminded me of the one fault I found with the books, they were not long enough. Eliza weaves a great story, with really unusual different characters. However I am left wanting more. If you enjoy shifter stories than you will like this series. The books can be read as stand alones however its good to read them in order as characters from previous books pop up.
November 8, 2021
Nikki met Dean at his bar she didn’t want to be alone on Christmas so they had one night and Dean said mate to Nikki she ran. She didn’t want a mate, then found out she was pregnant but wouldn’t tell Dean, his brother did. She had been bred to be a killing machine and told she was sterile. Until she was 12 she lived in a cell and tested. Not wanting to be mated, kidnapped, pregnant and people wanting to use her as a Guinea pig. Things did turn out ok.
November 9, 2021
Oh I loved this book. I haven’t read anything by this author before so obviously I haven’t read any of the previous books but that in no way spoilt this for me. I guess if anything I would have loved it to be longer, only because I really love my books to be longer and be in so much detail. While this wasn’t that long I enjoyed it so much I read it all in one go, couldn’t put it down.
Really liked this book and look forward to reading more
Really liked this book and look forward to reading more
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