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Cascade Shifters #0.5
Convincing the Cougar
Kian Murray is a cougar-shifter clan leader with a problem--he has a limp. Despite earning the injury protecting a group of cubs, he feels helpless. His clan and mate deserves someone hearty and whole, and he's nothing more than a liability. The best thing he can do is give up his clan and his mate and find a way to start over.
Trinity Perez-Murray refuses to watch her mate give up his clan because of a small limp. After four months of trying and failing to bring him back from the edge, she only has one card left to play--she's going to seduce her mate. But just as her charms start to pay off, she and Kian are attacked by a group of unusual shifters.
Now it's up to Kian to help fight off the intruders. But in the heat of the moment, will his alpha instincts return and release the warrior inside?
Trinity Perez-Murray refuses to watch her mate give up his clan because of a small limp. After four months of trying and failing to bring him back from the edge, she only has one card left to play--she's going to seduce her mate. But just as her charms start to pay off, she and Kian are attacked by a group of unusual shifters.
Now it's up to Kian to help fight off the intruders. But in the heat of the moment, will his alpha instincts return and release the warrior inside?
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
118 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Donovan
96 books1,254 followersJessie Donovan has sold over half a million books, has given away hundreds of thousands more to readers for free, and has even hit the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists. She is best known for her dragon-shifter series, but also writes about magic users, aliens, and even has a crazy romantic comedy series set in Scotland. When not reading a book, attempting to tame her yard, or traipsing around some foreign country on a shoestring, she can often be found interacting with her readers on Facebook. She lives near Seattle, where, yes, it rains a lot but it also makes everything green.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 19, 2023
I found Convincing the Cougar a wonderful introduction to another Jessie Donovan series. As an avid reader of Jessie’s dragon-shifter and fantasy Kelderan series, I thought it was time to check-out her Cascade Shifters series. I was not disappointed!
Convincing the Cougar is a short introduction to what looks like a lite-Paranormal shifter series with hot, alpha males looking for committed relationships with a female that not only matches them in intelligence and strength but also bring out the best character in their mate. Readers that enjoy alpha males & strong females in committed relationships, paranormal plots that are lite rather than dark or angst driven, and a bit of steamy sex within that relationship are sure to enjoy this short intro. Sexual intimacy rating - Hot! 4/5.
Convincing the Cougar is a short introduction to what looks like a lite-Paranormal shifter series with hot, alpha males looking for committed relationships with a female that not only matches them in intelligence and strength but also bring out the best character in their mate. Readers that enjoy alpha males & strong females in committed relationships, paranormal plots that are lite rather than dark or angst driven, and a bit of steamy sex within that relationship are sure to enjoy this short intro. Sexual intimacy rating - Hot! 4/5.
September 5, 2018
This book exists solely to start the series. Fully half of it is sex, there's a very brief confrontation that presumably is discussed more in the next book, and there's a dilemma that's resolved fairly quickly.
Want to read
April 13, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/13/2019)! 🎁
March 15, 2019
3 1/2 stars
Quick, spicy read that serves as an interesting introduction to the Cascade Shifters series. A lot of sex for the length of the tale but just enough story to make me curious about the next book re: the issues between the cougar and wolf shifters, as well as the shared problem they'll need to address.
Quick, spicy read that serves as an interesting introduction to the Cascade Shifters series. A lot of sex for the length of the tale but just enough story to make me curious about the next book re: the issues between the cougar and wolf shifters, as well as the shared problem they'll need to address.
May 30, 2016
3.5 stars
This novella has a variety of issues going on-a mystery wolf attack, possible leadership change, and relationship issues. For the short space I thought everything was handled decently well. Because it's so short however, it will be great if we get to see more of Trinity and Kian in other books of the series.
This novella has a variety of issues going on-a mystery wolf attack, possible leadership change, and relationship issues. For the short space I thought everything was handled decently well. Because it's so short however, it will be great if we get to see more of Trinity and Kian in other books of the series.
March 31, 2015
Good start
Read
November 23, 2021This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3FDglTn.
Kian had been a strong clan leader to the cougar shifters for years, but when his leg is permanently injured while protecting the clan's cubs from a bear he doubts himself. How could his clan want a lame cougar leading them? Worse yet, how could his mate want to be with him? Best to just step down as leader and release Trinity from her mating bond. Trin would give anything to show him that he is still wanted, but can she convince him that he is still the same man he once was?
I got this book on BookBub in 2017. Another impulse buy based on the cover. As always I love the mystery when it comes to paranormal romances, even if it bites me in the ass sometimes.
When I began this book I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it because the pair was already mated. They had been together for ten years so there was no mystery of if they would choose each other. He was fighting an internal battle more than a claiming, like most paranormal romances. In fact, this series seems to be going in a direction of getting or keeping someone from their past.
After reading the book I am still torn on if I will be picking up the next in the series. I liked the strength showed by the characters and the mystery of the odd shifter attack. But, I don't know how I feel about Trin tying herself naked to a tree in the woods knowing other males would be coming along soon. Sexy is sexy, but I don't know I'm a private person. I know she was trying to keep her mate, but still.
Kian had been a strong clan leader to the cougar shifters for years, but when his leg is permanently injured while protecting the clan's cubs from a bear he doubts himself. How could his clan want a lame cougar leading them? Worse yet, how could his mate want to be with him? Best to just step down as leader and release Trinity from her mating bond. Trin would give anything to show him that he is still wanted, but can she convince him that he is still the same man he once was?
I got this book on BookBub in 2017. Another impulse buy based on the cover. As always I love the mystery when it comes to paranormal romances, even if it bites me in the ass sometimes.
When I began this book I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it because the pair was already mated. They had been together for ten years so there was no mystery of if they would choose each other. He was fighting an internal battle more than a claiming, like most paranormal romances. In fact, this series seems to be going in a direction of getting or keeping someone from their past.
After reading the book I am still torn on if I will be picking up the next in the series. I liked the strength showed by the characters and the mystery of the odd shifter attack. But, I don't know how I feel about Trin tying herself naked to a tree in the woods knowing other males would be coming along soon. Sexy is sexy, but I don't know I'm a private person. I know she was trying to keep her mate, but still.
December 15, 2019
Injured Alpha & New Threat
He was injured protecting some cubs by a bear-bear-shifter on the brink on insanity. He's convinced that he can no longer be the Alpha that he needs to be due to the injury. He's made a decision to step down and walk away from his mate. Only his mate has other ideas, only before she can complete it they are attacked by a new threat. Can he re-embrace who he was once again to protect his mate and clan?
He was injured protecting some cubs by a bear-bear-shifter on the brink on insanity. He's convinced that he can no longer be the Alpha that he needs to be due to the injury. He's made a decision to step down and walk away from his mate. Only his mate has other ideas, only before she can complete it they are attacked by a new threat. Can he re-embrace who he was once again to protect his mate and clan?
May 2, 2025
Brilliant Series
Convincing the Cougar: A Cascade Shifters Prequel Novella by Jessie Donovan. Cougar shifter and clan leader Kian was hurt saving cubs from a rogue bear attack. The bones in his foot were crushed and had left him with a limp but an attack by rogue wolves proves he can still fight so he asked the clan if they want him to stay as leader or leave. The vote is unanimously for him to stay as leader.
Convincing the Cougar: A Cascade Shifters Prequel Novella by Jessie Donovan. Cougar shifter and clan leader Kian was hurt saving cubs from a rogue bear attack. The bones in his foot were crushed and had left him with a limp but an attack by rogue wolves proves he can still fight so he asked the clan if they want him to stay as leader or leave. The vote is unanimously for him to stay as leader.
December 31, 2019
Kian needs to get out of his head and be the alpha his people need. Trinity is the mate to show him this. She knows he is the same alpha but just with a different approach needed. She just needs to get him to see it too. She finally reaches him only to have him take note of everything she says with a battle that could end him. His people vote and he mans up again for battle as their alpha.
August 15, 2022
A interesting quick short story regarding Cougar shifters, which slightly outlines on who they are and how they are regarded within America. Can be a speedy read especially over the well written dramatic intimacy scenes at the beginning and ending. A little cliffhanger which tells a little of how the two books blend together.
May 15, 2017
This novella didn't grip me the way that Donovan's dragon-shifter series did and I'm not sure why. Kian seems like a great guy with a great story, but I'm just not interested in becoming invested in it or the clans.
June 14, 2017
Convincing the cougar
Loved the storyline and the characters so I can't wait to read more in this series so its a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Loved the storyline and the characters so I can't wait to read more in this series so its a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
September 30, 2019
Quick read novella
Sometimes a handicap can unmake a alpha cougar male and sometimes it takes a saucy mate to get him in the right frame of mind. A handicap does not make the alpha male. Adult readers due to sexual content and reference to violence.
Sometimes a handicap can unmake a alpha cougar male and sometimes it takes a saucy mate to get him in the right frame of mind. A handicap does not make the alpha male. Adult readers due to sexual content and reference to violence.
March 13, 2021
He’s back
This was a great quick read to get acquainted with the Cascade cougars. Hot and steamy, strong female, alpha male and of course the happily ever after. Jessie does an awesome job of bringing a story to life. Can’t wait to read Sy’s story.
This was a great quick read to get acquainted with the Cascade cougars. Hot and steamy, strong female, alpha male and of course the happily ever after. Jessie does an awesome job of bringing a story to life. Can’t wait to read Sy’s story.
December 15, 2021
A great introduction to the series. It focuses on Kian and Trinity but also has some other characters. Plus an issue the pack is facing is briefly mentioned but you know there will more about this in future stories. Overall a really good read.
September 16, 2023
Kian is an injured Cougar shifter, who is thinking of stepping down due to the injury. His mate and wife, Trinity, tries different ways to change his mind. When the decision is left up to his clan, what will the end result be.
July 14, 2017
Short
It was only short but I'm hoping that this was just a taster for some thing longer because it tells of good work
It was only short but I'm hoping that this was just a taster for some thing longer because it tells of good work
August 22, 2017
Rate 4.5 stars - too short, but enjoyable.
November 2, 2019
Good
This was a good read. Seems to be a good lead into the continuing story line. Will probably try to follow up.
This was a good read. Seems to be a good lead into the continuing story line. Will probably try to follow up.
March 23, 2020
Felt like a well-crafted prequel
Excited to see what more these characters bring. I enjoyed this story, plus it was a fun change of pace
Excited to see what more these characters bring. I enjoyed this story, plus it was a fun change of pace
February 1, 2022
I read this book because I have really enjoyed Jessie Donovan's Dragon Shifters series, and it was pretty good but I still like the Dragon Shifters much more.
Read
February 14, 2023Love me some shifters this was such a great book can't wait to read more books by this author
Want to read
March 11, 2023Purch Amazon March 9, 2018
April 11, 2024
Jessie Donovan has a way with keeping you interested in a story. Great book. A must read.
October 11, 2025
😀
Such a great story and author I can't wait to read the next book by her and many more from her
Such a great story and author I can't wait to read the next book by her and many more from her
March 13, 2016
Cela fait un petit moment que je voulais commencer de lire une des séries de Jessie Donovan, une auteure de romance paranormale auto-éditée qui fonctionne assez bien outre-atlantique. Du coup, j’ai jeté mon dévolu sur sa série sur les métamorphes (Moi, accro ? Nooon !) et sa nouvelle prologue est trop courte à mon goût afin de pouvoir me faire une réelle idée sur la qualité d’écriture et de l’univers proposé. Cependant, il y a du potentiel qui me donne envie de lire la suite.
Kian Murry est un alpha couguar, ce qui change des métamorphes habituels, ayant une blesse qui ne guérit et remet en question son statut, tout du moins à ses yeux. Bien qu’il se lamente un peu beaucoup, il reprend du poil de la bête et on finit par l’apprécier. Du début à la fin, ce personnage est original et osé, une bonne idée de la part de l’auteure. Malheureusement, ce n’est pas réellement le cas avec sa compagne Trinity, une féline chasseuse forte au caractère en acier trempé. Elle est le type de femme forte que l’on connait bien dans ce genre de série, il n’y a rien de transcendant ici.
Leur couple fonctionne bien, où du moins jusqu’à 4 mois auparavant, lorsque après sa blessure Kian s’est coupé du reste du clan. Ce qui est intéressant ici, c’est que c’est un couple solide et établit depuis plus de 10 ans, ils se connaissent et jouent sur les faiblesses de l’autre pour le faire craquer. J’aimerais en apprendre plus sur ce couple par la suite qui semble normalement s’échanger des piques et se disputer.
L’écriture n’est pas mauvaise, je regrette seulement que pour aussi peu de pages il y ait autant de sexe ou de scènes à caractère sexuel, et pas assez d’action, d’informations. On ne voit pas ou peu de personnages secondaires à part Sylas, le jumeaux de Kian dont on se doute bien qu’il sera le protagoniste de la suite. Du potentiel, une lecture détente et des mâles sexys, que demander de plus par ce beau temps ?
Kian Murry est un alpha couguar, ce qui change des métamorphes habituels, ayant une blesse qui ne guérit et remet en question son statut, tout du moins à ses yeux. Bien qu’il se lamente un peu beaucoup, il reprend du poil de la bête et on finit par l’apprécier. Du début à la fin, ce personnage est original et osé, une bonne idée de la part de l’auteure. Malheureusement, ce n’est pas réellement le cas avec sa compagne Trinity, une féline chasseuse forte au caractère en acier trempé. Elle est le type de femme forte que l’on connait bien dans ce genre de série, il n’y a rien de transcendant ici.
Leur couple fonctionne bien, où du moins jusqu’à 4 mois auparavant, lorsque après sa blessure Kian s’est coupé du reste du clan. Ce qui est intéressant ici, c’est que c’est un couple solide et établit depuis plus de 10 ans, ils se connaissent et jouent sur les faiblesses de l’autre pour le faire craquer. J’aimerais en apprendre plus sur ce couple par la suite qui semble normalement s’échanger des piques et se disputer.
L’écriture n’est pas mauvaise, je regrette seulement que pour aussi peu de pages il y ait autant de sexe ou de scènes à caractère sexuel, et pas assez d’action, d’informations. On ne voit pas ou peu de personnages secondaires à part Sylas, le jumeaux de Kian dont on se doute bien qu’il sera le protagoniste de la suite. Du potentiel, une lecture détente et des mâles sexys, que demander de plus par ce beau temps ?
September 11, 2014
Ohhhh it surely Convinced Me!!!!!
i finished reading Reclaiming the Wolf so now that i read This short story and i can appreciate it more since i know the characters before hand.
I have to say the following....
Jessie...girl...it was too damn short!!!!!!! I NEED MORE!!!!!!!so much more!!!!
THIS series of books are TOTALLY addictive!!!!
Kian...sighs....damn one hot Alhpa Male in depression...just makes you wanna hug him and hold him (and no not call him George...Kian suits him just fine).Being injured by a werebear has put him into a road down to depression and in thoughts if he is worthy as a clan leader and as a mate
Trinity is one strong headed Alpha female cougar that is deeply truly madly in love with her mate and watching him suffer breaks her heart but it also breaks their relationship between them as Kian due to his injury has kept his distance between them and the clan for 4 months.
She is up to no good and will try everything and anything to have back her mate and clan leader.
Will her efforts work? or will she lose Kian?
A very well written short story by Jessie Donovan with lots emotions and heat that just makes you want to read more and more and more and by having read the next book Kian's brother Sy and knowing how hot he is i can promise you this book and the next one will not dissapoint at all!
A taste of awesome cougars and other shifters....hoping with more to come!!!!
and hope to see Kian's story in the future with in a whole book and not stay in this short story.
Kian and Trin have much more to say
An awesome beginning in this new series and a must must must must read!
i finished reading Reclaiming the Wolf so now that i read This short story and i can appreciate it more since i know the characters before hand.
I have to say the following....
Jessie...girl...it was too damn short!!!!!!! I NEED MORE!!!!!!!so much more!!!!
THIS series of books are TOTALLY addictive!!!!
Kian...sighs....damn one hot Alhpa Male in depression...just makes you wanna hug him and hold him (and no not call him George...Kian suits him just fine).Being injured by a werebear has put him into a road down to depression and in thoughts if he is worthy as a clan leader and as a mate
Trinity is one strong headed Alpha female cougar that is deeply truly madly in love with her mate and watching him suffer breaks her heart but it also breaks their relationship between them as Kian due to his injury has kept his distance between them and the clan for 4 months.
She is up to no good and will try everything and anything to have back her mate and clan leader.
Will her efforts work? or will she lose Kian?
A very well written short story by Jessie Donovan with lots emotions and heat that just makes you want to read more and more and more and by having read the next book Kian's brother Sy and knowing how hot he is i can promise you this book and the next one will not dissapoint at all!
A taste of awesome cougars and other shifters....hoping with more to come!!!!
and hope to see Kian's story in the future with in a whole book and not stay in this short story.
Kian and Trin have much more to say
An awesome beginning in this new series and a must must must must read!
July 6, 2014
This story is very raw and real, with a whole lot of heat and a side of shifters that will keep you coming back for more. Donovan develops both the shifters and their story in an approachable yet enticing manner that draws you into the series as a whole. She brings this entire world to life in a manner that leaves you wanting more.
This novella is a brief introduction to the forthcoming series & the major players in it. Donovan’s very in your face writing that draws attention to the main character’s personality. She develops only the major players at this point in time, but does so in a manner that allows the reader to get to know them. I found myself wanting to see them succeed. I also am dying to get to know them better in the next instalment of the series.
This quick, hot read was the perfect introduction to Donovan’s forthcoming series. I’ll definitely be waiting with baited breath for more!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This novella is a brief introduction to the forthcoming series & the major players in it. Donovan’s very in your face writing that draws attention to the main character’s personality. She develops only the major players at this point in time, but does so in a manner that allows the reader to get to know them. I found myself wanting to see them succeed. I also am dying to get to know them better in the next instalment of the series.
This quick, hot read was the perfect introduction to Donovan’s forthcoming series. I’ll definitely be waiting with baited breath for more!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2014
My Thoughts - 3 out of 5 Unicorns - I liked it!!!
The cover is …well I’m torn. I love the cat and the mountains, but something about the male model that I’m not liking. I’m sure it is just me, but he looks sick or something. Anyways I do love the cat a whole lot :)
Okay this is only about 40 or so pages, so it isn’t too long. This not my favorite of Jessie’s work, but I think this series will get better. There was just not enough for me to connect to the world and characters. I don’t mind the steamy scenes, but some may think it is the main focus of this story. I only tell you to help you decide if this story is for you. I can definitely see promise in this series and can’t wait to read the next book as it is a full length novel, and I think I will connect better having more :) You have the added benefit of getting this story for free. I actually bought it before it became free :)
I think if you love steamy shifter short stories for a quick read, then you will love this :) And it is free, so why not try it :)
The cover is …well I’m torn. I love the cat and the mountains, but something about the male model that I’m not liking. I’m sure it is just me, but he looks sick or something. Anyways I do love the cat a whole lot :)
Okay this is only about 40 or so pages, so it isn’t too long. This not my favorite of Jessie’s work, but I think this series will get better. There was just not enough for me to connect to the world and characters. I don’t mind the steamy scenes, but some may think it is the main focus of this story. I only tell you to help you decide if this story is for you. I can definitely see promise in this series and can’t wait to read the next book as it is a full length novel, and I think I will connect better having more :) You have the added benefit of getting this story for free. I actually bought it before it became free :)
I think if you love steamy shifter short stories for a quick read, then you will love this :) And it is free, so why not try it :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews