Blood, Shadow & Claw

Knotty Monster Mates #1

by S. Cinders

I’m no princess, and he’s everything sinister that goes bump in the night.

I used to believe in fairy tales. But all of that flew out the window when a car accident dumped me in a mysterious wilderness. Guess what? Turns out, I’m a member of an ancient group of shapeshifters known as the Umbra.

Lost and utterly clueless, my world flipped upside down when I met Ajax, the ridiculously hot Alpha of the Umbra shapeshifters. He’s everything I’m not—confident, strong, and seriously sexy. And I've got a death grip on a wastebasket, praying to whoever will listen that I don’t end up having anybody’s alien babies. Obviously, we are a match made in heaven… or so he thinks.

While I’m over here trying not to lose my mind, Ajax insists we’re destined mates, and he’s dead set on being my protector, my guide, my... daddy? Erm... That’s new.

In a world where danger hides behind every tree, the pack learns hunters are targeting shifters of all kinds. As the Umbra are elusive, lurking in the darkest parts of the forest and often mistaken for myths, tensions rise as some members of the pack blame me for the hunters.

Ajax is all in, ready to show me just how strong our bond can be. But I’m just an overgrown foster kid who has never really had a home. It’s hard to believe in happily ever after when I’m no princess and he’s everything sinister that goes bump in the night.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2024

About the author

S. CINDERS is a USA TODAY Best Selling Author of sci-fi romance, historical romance, new adult romance, fractured fairy tales, to paranormal romance. S. CINDERS lives in the Midwest with her husband and two teenage sons who keep her on her toes. Known as the naughty romance author, you will remember her for her banter and engaging characters. Once you start, you won't want to stop!

Where you can find S. CINDERS?
https://linktr.ee/scindersauthor
*Visit the link and grab your FREE BOOK*

Reviews

[Kimmylongtime · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a minute since I had the opportunity to read something from this author. This book did not disappoint while it was not as long as her normal books it checked all my necessary boxes. I appreciate when an author can jump between genres with ease.

Unlike many reviewers I am a huge fan of DDLG kink and I appreciate when a woman can operate in her little space. There is something powerful about giving up certain power to your partner and still staying true to yourself.

But to the meat and potatoes 🥔. Mazie is a plus size influencer. Tik Tok, instagram and Facebook. She is an everyday person and she has her same doubts and anxieties like everyone else. In a world full of fake people online she uses these platforms to be her authentic self and get out of her comfort zone.

One day she receives a letter from a popular brand and goes on a very spur of the moment trip. One thing leads to another and she does not make it to that event. Us as reader we are terrified of what could happen to Mazie but we keep faith. Hoping she does not get hurt out in the mountains during winter alone the unthinkable happens.

She does get hurt but Ajax is there to save her. This book gave me the push and pull and even though the attraction was instant the love was gradual. This was a Fabulous read that I finally read through today at work.

This is a stand-alone but I can see it going further from here.

[Jesslynxreay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read a book about umbras before, so I thought that was neat. It’s about a girl who feels like she doesn’t belong in the world, coming across the umbra pact and oh look, she’s a fated mate to the alpha. Romance, good spice, betrayals, action scenes, save the day, happily ever after. It’s a neat story, cute romance. It’s well written but some things are glossed over, there’s some errors (lots of missing quotation marks at the beginning of a sentence when it follows an action after another sentence) that don’t take away from the enjoyment of reading the book, and a lot of wanting to yell at the characters! So this book sucked me in, I liked reading it and wanted to see what happened. But the reasonings and things they do often feel forced and a lot would be resolved if they just talked to each other or actually listened to what someone had to say. So there’s those typical frustrations, but this book is supposed to be a quick spicy read, I think focus is on the romance, and I think the author takes the necessary liberties to force the book along. Overall, while it could have been better, it was still a nice book to read. 3.5 stars really. I got an arc copy and am leaving a review of my own volition.

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story so much. The characters have a lot going for them and I just wanted to get to know them more. It had some action, deceptive characters that may surprise you. The heat was for sure there and a couple times in a big way. I liked that very much.

100% can't wait to see what comes next!

[Jenifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Potential spoilers ahead if you've not already finished this book.


I'm unsure of where to start my review for this book. I guess I'll start out by saying that overall I enjoyed the story. There, that was easy. Now for the harder parts.

I felt like I needed a map for this book. The story was all over the place, crossing into different tropes it seemed like every other chapter. It started with a bit of history of who the Umbra are, complete with some gorgeous drawings. Then we get this neuro-divergent character, who is agoraphobic, yet takes off on a journey to do a meeting with an athleisure wear company. Never questioning that she's going deep off roads into the woods. Red bells, anyone?!?! Then she wakes up and is told she's an umbra and just kinda rolls with it. Enter into the paranormal section of our tale.

Then she gazes at the Alpha and boom, she's mated and next thing you know they're getting freaky in the sheets. Oh but wait, here comes the (cringe) daddy scenes, but not in a good way at all. Every time she said Daddy anything I got creeped out. Then, the book went into the erotica stage for a bit. Then I put it down overnight and the next morning started to read again and questioned whether I had the same book pulled up. It was Mazie sitting alone (I recall the alpha saying she should never be alone) and suddenly a little girl is there. I then went back to make sure I hadn't skipped a chapter. Nope, just left field, let's throw this in there.

After that crazy interlude chapter, we get three chapters of internal monologue where all Mazie does is beat herself down to her absolute lowest point and comes to the conclusion that she has to leave to keep everyone safe. Now, earlier in the book, she's welcomed warmly into a friend group and they never leave her alone. Now she's isolated and has no one. Whiplash alert - what the heck happened to cause everyone to let her be alone and obviously depressed.

Finally after Mazie leaves, we get into some action and the meat of the story. The fight scene was interesting and I'm glad that she took point and was the one fighting the battles, as it helped to strengthen her character. But then she blacks out after all the adrenaline leaves her body and when she wakes it's back to being an insecure woman all over again. Thankfully that gets nipped in the bud quickly. Then we finally reach the end which sets up book two in the series (assuming that it's a planned series).

Also, did anyone else feel like Ajax was the male version of a Mary Sue character? For being an Alpha he seemed very weak and insubstantial. There were several chapters where he kept popping in, asking Mazie if she's okay, her lying saying yes, and then he pops back out of the scene. He's her mate for cripes sake - he should stick around and press her when he obviously knows she's not okay. Even the chapters from his POV seemed to be lacking.

Lastly - the book was in need of some serious editing. Lots of wrong words used, and punctuation, especially using quotes to indicate speaking parts, were greatly lacking. Hopefully this was fixed in the final copy and as an ARC reviewer I just got an unedited version.

Like I said at the beginning overall the story was good, as long as you didn't take it too deeply. There are far better PNR books that I could have read, but I did manage to stick through this one and finish it, although I may not continue in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In shadows deep, the Umbra tread, Guardians of the moonlit thread. Ancient power, hidden might, Bound to darkness, shunning light. Yet whispers from the moon goddess clear, "One day soon, the light draws near. From shadowed veil, they'll rise and stand. Strong and free in sunlit land." Beware the change for hope and fear, The Umbra’s fate—both bright and clear. Balance holds their future plight, Are they doomed only to walk the night?"
Cinders, S. Blood, Shadow & Claw: Knotty Monster Mates. Savage Ink Press. Kindle Edition.

It's been a hot minute since I've read a shifter book by Ms. Cinders and stepping back into one of her worlds was glorious. She has a way of telling a tale that brings the world to life and the characters into 3D. The chemistry between Ajax and Mazie Green was intense initially, yet I felt a bit like Mazie, thinking Ajax was a bit fickle. He had a bit of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde going where he was aloof through the day and inseparable at night which was confusing. It was refreshing to see an FMC not only want a DDlg relationship but still be fierce and in charge simultaneously. I don't want to give away anything more than this because I want new readers to have the same experience when they visit this world. I want to know how things work out with Eva next, so you know I'll be on the lookout for the next release.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.

This was a total miss for me, it just felt like everything is all over the place and jumpy / moved too fast + the daddy kink was not for me.


THOUGHTS:

- First off, the cover - the heroine mentions like a hundred times that she's a "plus size Influencer", does the girl on the cover look plus sized? Nope (but maybe that's a personal gripe) but I hate when that happens

- Next, I was expecting more world building and plot. The book opens with a random situation a whole bunch of info about the heroine and then we meet the main male lead right away and five seconds later, she climbs him like a tree. Then from there they're mated like 5mins after that? Maybe I'm basically but I prefer a little more relationship building.

- the shifting / mate thing was confusing to me. Like are they human looking and then shift? How does that work? Why is she a shifter and she's never known before now? What do they look like? Etc.

- Daddy kink .... BARF. The daddy / baby thing is NOT for me, I tried to power through it but it grossed me out so bad. Also they talked for like 5 mins before starting to hook up?

- Smut, the smut was pretty good but the daddy thing killed it for me. If you're into that, you'll love this.

[Angela Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading S. Cinders as she is great at writing steamy scenes with complex characters. So when I saw the book was about a type of shifter that was new to me, I was even more excited. Then I started reading it and I was full of emotions. Now I did read an ARC from Booksprout so I didn’t expect perfection, but there were a lot of odd mistakes that kept throwing me out of the story. Scenes seemed to be missing and conversation referred to that I didn’t read about. So my ratings were starting to go down, and then at the 3/4 mark she started ripping at my soul in a good way, so I elevated the ratings again. When, even with the things that threw me out of the story, she can get me on the edge of tears…I know S Cinders hasn’t lost her touch. You feel for Mazie and Ajax. They are dealing with a lot and trying to stay true to themselves as a couple during it. Mistakes happen and heartache comes, but you know the happily ever after was worked for. It was a good overall story that has the potential to be fabulous. I’m sure she’ll work on getting the errors fixed and I can eventually say it’s a 5 star read.

[Nicole Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️Thoughts❤️

I enjoyed this story, and if you're looking for a quick read, I recommend it!

Summary:

This was about a shifter group called Umbras that lived out in the mountains hidden away from society. The FMC was in the foster care her whole life so she struggles with believing that she will ever get her happily ever after. She gets into a wreck while driving through this mountain and the next thing she knows, she is destined mates with the Alpha of the Umbras.

While she struggles with her anxiety, trying to accept this new world and her love for Ajax, danger is literally knocking on their doorstep. And their enemies will shock you once they are revealed.

Read this now to find out what happens!

💗Paranormal Romance
🖤FMC suffers from severe anxiety
💗Fated Mates
🖤Insta Love
💗Obsessed MC
🖤Daddy Kink

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐
Steamy:🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Type📣: Standalone but this book is part of a series.
Recommend: Yes!

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mazie is a plus-size influencer who goes off the road in a snowstorm on her way to an event. She's rescued by Ajax, the alpha of the Umbra shifters, and her fated mate? Seeing him doess something to Mazie, and her own dormant Umbra awakens. Now, as the mate of the alpha and new to the pack, Mazie finds herself navigating a world she never could have imagined. When a growing threat to the pack makes her doubt her place, Mazie must find out where she stands before it's too late.

This was a unique story about a new type of shifter. I liked how we discovered them along with Mazie and learned through her perspective. This story was short, but besides the ploy feeling a bit rushed, I enjoyed it. I would have liked more between Mazie and Ajax than the instalove connection, but with fated mates, it goes without saying. Overall, it is worth the read, and I will definitely keep an eye out for future stories in this series!

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Successful plus-size influencer Mazie (h) accepts an invite to an exclusive mountain retreat, only to have a car accident during a storm. Rescued by Ajax (H) and Kyle, two members of the Umbra shifter pack, Mazie wakes up in an unfamiliar environment, and discovers she's not just human—she's an Umbra, destined to be Alpha Ajax's mate. Mazie struggles with her new identity and the pack's expectations while developing a deep bond with Ajax, and things heat up between the two. Her journey is marked by her efforts to integrate into the pack, facing pack politics, betrayal, and the deadly threat of hunters targeting shifters. As they face relentless enemies and internal issues within the pack, Mazie and Ajax's connection deepens, and they'll have to fight for one another and the Umbra pack. Hot and steamy curvy girl, shifter, fated mates, romance exploring love, loyalty, unity, family, and self-discovery.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feline Umbra.
Great world building where the feline shifters are called Umbra, not to be confused with lion shifters. It’s an intriguing world where one female doesn’t fit in, suffers anxiety yet pulls herself together to compete a task. Mazie is such a noble character who tries her best and I admire her for it. Even realizing when she suffers an accident she still tries to keep her panic subdued. Enter the male alpha and I have to say wowzers! I like their story and how he compliments her crazy. He helps her battle emotional and physical strife. When the villains enter, it’s a great drama. Happy ever after. This story is about acceptance, finding your place in the world and family.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the cover of this book. This is the first book If the series. We learn about the Umbra shifters. The author does a great job describing them and even pictures of them. Our heroine is Mazie. She is an introvert and rather connect with others through the internet. She is smart and a beautiful curvy woman. One bad storm and her world will change. The story is a sweet romance with a male that may be a his pack alpha but is a cinnamon roll too. Can Mazie handle her new world or try to escape back into her old one?

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book about how Mazie’s life was turned upside down when she met the Umbra’s.
I liked the journey that she took and how a little faith can help her with her confidence and her choices in life.
I thought that Ajax was caring a respectful and only wanted Mazie to be happy.
This was a very good story about life, love, understanding, and making your own choices. It doesn’t hurt that it has plenty or romance and steam as well!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from just reading the preview. I couldn’t put it down until I read the entire book. Mazie has struggled to face her fears her whole life. After an accident on her way to a meeting she wakes up and discovers a world that will change her life.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The spice they get into is whew. But there are some quick jumps in the storyline from one scene to another. The plot may not be the center of attention, but it really needs to be adjusted to not feel like I am missing something in the writing.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I adored Ajax and Maize and they were just fabulous together. They had a great connection and their chemistry was amazing. This was a quick, unique, and enjoyable story and I look forward to reading more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and look forward to continuing this series. The story was emotional and exciting. The chemistry between Ajax and Maize was potent and their connection evident. Maize was easy to feel for and I thought Ajax was quite swoony.

[Angela Denny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your typical shifter book. They are unique in a lot of ways. Mazie was raised human and never knew what she was til an accident changed her life. Ajax is the alpha of the Umbra pack and her mate. Some hot steamy parts and a but of a mystery make this a fun story to read

[Stealthy Dragon 623 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this story but I feel like the flow was a little off. The misunderstanding moments through out the story overshadowed what could have been very great character building moments. I ended up loving the side character girl group more than the FML.

[Rebecca Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Maize and Ajax are awesome! I loved their interactions and the story. They were so good together. It was sweet, sexy and a little funny, also some action as well. I couldn't put it down!

[Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Kadi]

DNF 14%.
Why? Seemed incomplete. Like it needed proofreading and more story-building around certain parts. Saying that it had potential so decided not to give a rating

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. Cinders
Blood, Shadow & Claw: Knotty Monster Mates
Maize and Ajax
This was a fun book about how a woman who didn't know she was a shifter got to be with her Pack, and found her forever home.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Book Snob Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mazie is on her way to a job in the middle of nowhere when she loses control of her car. Then it really gets a little wild. This plus size model and influencer gets quite the wake up call about reality, well her reality specifically, because everything she thought she knew…isn’t what it appeared to be. And surprise, Ajax’s innocent true mate just literally crash landed in his territory…good things really do come to those who wait.

Loved the storyline, loved that she was a very successful plus-size influencer, and love that shit got real very fast. These two mates were definitely bringing the heat, she was innocent, and then she really embraced her sexuality…in a very big way, again, and again, and again. Gotta love true mates, am I right. Also love that some of his pack were fans of hers, one had a bit of a fan-girl moment…so cute. There were quite a few wtaf’s, and our Mazie was quite the badass. An epilogue that will have you wanting the next book, and a hea.