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Rydarian Mates #1
Their Reluctant Mate: A Dark Shifter Romance
They tamed her in public. They'll claim and share her in private.
Within moments of being given as a mate to three fearsome shifters, Lexie was stripped bare, spanked for her defiance, and then brought to a shameful climax with their whole village watching.
But as she's carried off with her punished ass still sore inside and out, it's not what these savage beasts did to her in public that's on her mind.
It's what they're going to do to her once they have her all to themselves.
Publisher's Their Reluctant Mate is a stand-alone romance which is the first book in the Rydarian Mates series. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
Within moments of being given as a mate to three fearsome shifters, Lexie was stripped bare, spanked for her defiance, and then brought to a shameful climax with their whole village watching.
But as she's carried off with her punished ass still sore inside and out, it's not what these savage beasts did to her in public that's on her mind.
It's what they're going to do to her once they have her all to themselves.
Publisher's Their Reluctant Mate is a stand-alone romance which is the first book in the Rydarian Mates series. It includes spankings and rough, intense sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
1046 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 16, 2025
Dubious non-con beware
I'm sure it's great for some, but this was a non-con fail for me. I usually enjoy reading about this taboo trope, but it didn't make sense that someone brave enough to make a dangerous trek for a friend would just surrender all of her agency and independence without more of an internal strugglt. The FMC is supposedly this intelligent, opinionated woman, right up until the MMCs each tell her and force her to shut up, take what they give, and then wonder why she isn't grateful for it? It felt disjointed and the character relationships were under developed. Maybe if the FMC had more internal discussion/ conflict? Or if the MMCs weren't so one dementional, and misogynistic? It didn't mesh in my opinion.
I'm sure it's great for some, but this was a non-con fail for me. I usually enjoy reading about this taboo trope, but it didn't make sense that someone brave enough to make a dangerous trek for a friend would just surrender all of her agency and independence without more of an internal strugglt. The FMC is supposedly this intelligent, opinionated woman, right up until the MMCs each tell her and force her to shut up, take what they give, and then wonder why she isn't grateful for it? It felt disjointed and the character relationships were under developed. Maybe if the FMC had more internal discussion/ conflict? Or if the MMCs weren't so one dementional, and misogynistic? It didn't mesh in my opinion.
November 12, 2025
2.5 rounded up
2 for spice
Their Reluctant Mate, is a scifi whychoose romance. I really like shifter romances, and was very excited, especially MFMM. Usually they have a fated mate trope, so this one was definitely a change. I liked the setting and the plot was super interesting and futuristic. The issues I had reading this book was how the females were expected to act and treated all the time after they joined the lions. It was not working for me because of the men's expectations and lastly the pace of the relationship development and because of expectations the spice was just ok and it quickly changed to love way too fast. It was an ok read and I got through fast but was not something I would pick up again.
I received an ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
2 for spice
Their Reluctant Mate, is a scifi whychoose romance. I really like shifter romances, and was very excited, especially MFMM. Usually they have a fated mate trope, so this one was definitely a change. I liked the setting and the plot was super interesting and futuristic. The issues I had reading this book was how the females were expected to act and treated all the time after they joined the lions. It was not working for me because of the men's expectations and lastly the pace of the relationship development and because of expectations the spice was just ok and it quickly changed to love way too fast. It was an ok read and I got through fast but was not something I would pick up again.
I received an ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
February 15, 2025
So much promise, but could not stand the FMC. After her second fight with the leader of the cats I could not keep reading. Her justifications in her head just made her stupid and selfish, not a FMC I want to read about. I’m really disappointed because the story had really captured my interest and the world building was great.
September 11, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ever since my Twilight phase in middle school, I've always loved romances that go bump in the night. I initially liked vampire stories, but found myself gravitating towards furred friends thanks to countless omegaverse novellas. Tragically, Their Reluctant Mate didn't feature any alpha knots, but I was willing to overlook their absence. This book interestingly focused on lion hybrids with coalitions, which consisted of multiple males and one female. Anything to logic out reverse harem, right? I did like the uniqueness of TRM, such as the backstory and specific terms for their species. As someone who gobbles up RH freebies off Amazon monthly, I was no stranger to this particular grouping. That being said, some parts seemed too harsh to be enjoyable. I liked the different personalities of the coalition, even if Diego got a little too trigger happy with his space tools at times. This was a neat RH sci-fi erotica and I'm happy to have gotten the chance to read it. I will probably read another book along this vein in the not too distant future. Hopefully there's less humiliation and lion DNA in the next one.
Ever since my Twilight phase in middle school, I've always loved romances that go bump in the night. I initially liked vampire stories, but found myself gravitating towards furred friends thanks to countless omegaverse novellas. Tragically, Their Reluctant Mate didn't feature any alpha knots, but I was willing to overlook their absence. This book interestingly focused on lion hybrids with coalitions, which consisted of multiple males and one female. Anything to logic out reverse harem, right? I did like the uniqueness of TRM, such as the backstory and specific terms for their species. As someone who gobbles up RH freebies off Amazon monthly, I was no stranger to this particular grouping. That being said, some parts seemed too harsh to be enjoyable. I liked the different personalities of the coalition, even if Diego got a little too trigger happy with his space tools at times. This was a neat RH sci-fi erotica and I'm happy to have gotten the chance to read it. I will probably read another book along this vein in the not too distant future. Hopefully there's less humiliation and lion DNA in the next one.
September 17, 2025
This was a quick read, but I could not really get into the FMC. I feel like she was so independent until the 3 MMC told her what to do. I get it that they are not human, so human customs are not what they follow, but it was a little too much.
The world building was so will done, I just wished I liked the characters more.
The world building was so will done, I just wished I liked the characters more.
March 4, 2025
hmmm
I wanted to love this more but she dragged the whole dub con out way too much and I can’t stand when characters can’t come to a decision “do I love it….do I hate it idk but I’m gonna complain the whole time” and than all of a sudden it’s resolved and their all in love😒😒😒😒 it also felt the primal animalistic parts were a bit to misogynistic. Like I get it they all went through hell and torture and extreme gene manipulation to change there very dna to add animals and even many males and females were r@ped or forced to do the act but to just throw away their humanity felt weird and the line your not on earth anymore so get used to this more savage way of being treated was just a little to extreme for me and I love dark and extreme books….. this just felt like they didn’t respect the females opinions and even blamed them even though a majority had nothing to do with the experiments but they were still some how to blame idk the ideologies just felt to disjointed to be enjoyable. Like a said I love a good spanking and punishment book but this wasn’t it for me more so cuz they were just punished for standing up for the weak or voicing their opinion. Instead of it being a punishment for actually doing something wrong or dangerous and needed to have it reinforced that the males were there for her safety and not to dangerous things it’s you can’t voice your opinion and than later at the very end it’s oh well thank you for voicing you opinion our success wouldn’t have happened with out you 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
I wanted to love this more but she dragged the whole dub con out way too much and I can’t stand when characters can’t come to a decision “do I love it….do I hate it idk but I’m gonna complain the whole time” and than all of a sudden it’s resolved and their all in love😒😒😒😒 it also felt the primal animalistic parts were a bit to misogynistic. Like I get it they all went through hell and torture and extreme gene manipulation to change there very dna to add animals and even many males and females were r@ped or forced to do the act but to just throw away their humanity felt weird and the line your not on earth anymore so get used to this more savage way of being treated was just a little to extreme for me and I love dark and extreme books….. this just felt like they didn’t respect the females opinions and even blamed them even though a majority had nothing to do with the experiments but they were still some how to blame idk the ideologies just felt to disjointed to be enjoyable. Like a said I love a good spanking and punishment book but this wasn’t it for me more so cuz they were just punished for standing up for the weak or voicing their opinion. Instead of it being a punishment for actually doing something wrong or dangerous and needed to have it reinforced that the males were there for her safety and not to dangerous things it’s you can’t voice your opinion and than later at the very end it’s oh well thank you for voicing you opinion our success wouldn’t have happened with out you 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
February 4, 2025
not a fan
Very rapey with forced submission. I was not a fan. Had great promise I thought, but the men never fulfilled the promise of being great mates.
Very rapey with forced submission. I was not a fan. Had great promise I thought, but the men never fulfilled the promise of being great mates.
February 1, 2025
Lexie and all the other scientists are just trying to survive. Living on Rydaria should have been easy. But having their supplies taken and dealing with greed and power, just is hell. Now her group is starving and getting sicker. Tara and Lexie need to find a way to make an alliance with the feline clan. Kane has visited this camp and told them the deal they have for them. They need females. They can help but only is the females come willingly to be mates. Lexie does what she has to, to save Bianca. Now she is mated to Kane, Malik, and Diego. But they make her feel more than she ever thought.
I have to say I didn’t like Zion. He was rude and too aggressive. Lexie wanted help and at the same time she kept her cool. She tried to make a more sensible agreement but obviously they didn’t go for it. But come on, humiliating her isn’t the way. And how do they plan to get more females if they are being bullies. I love Lexie’s spirit. She speaks her mind but of course that gets her a hot butt. We have three clans: lycan, feline, and raptor. Trying to form an alliance with the raptors and stop the wolves from being destructive and deadly. I can see that the birds are going to be an easy alliance. They need to eliminate Elias. They also need to find out what importance Babcock is. With the camp in need of help, it will take Lexie, Tara and Bianca to help make the change. I am sure Tara will be the next story. But I wonder will she have a coalition with Zion. They seem to butt heads or will she fly off with Raphael. That would be interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have to say I didn’t like Zion. He was rude and too aggressive. Lexie wanted help and at the same time she kept her cool. She tried to make a more sensible agreement but obviously they didn’t go for it. But come on, humiliating her isn’t the way. And how do they plan to get more females if they are being bullies. I love Lexie’s spirit. She speaks her mind but of course that gets her a hot butt. We have three clans: lycan, feline, and raptor. Trying to form an alliance with the raptors and stop the wolves from being destructive and deadly. I can see that the birds are going to be an easy alliance. They need to eliminate Elias. They also need to find out what importance Babcock is. With the camp in need of help, it will take Lexie, Tara and Bianca to help make the change. I am sure Tara will be the next story. But I wonder will she have a coalition with Zion. They seem to butt heads or will she fly off with Raphael. That would be interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2025
Interesting read
Thank you to NetGalley and Stormy Night Publications for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of Their Reluctant Mate by Ivy Barrett.
I was really torn between 3 and 4 stars for this book. I actually thought the writing was incredibly well-done and the story was captivating and interesting, but the connections and the relationships felt inauthentic to me.
The premise is interesting— we’re about a century into the future, and human hybrids have been created in brutal and terrible ways, and then the hybrids were dumped and abandoned on another planet, and then eventually the researchers responsible for creating and torturing the hybrids are also outcast from Earth and sent to the same planet.
It’s a fun premise (I’m ALWAYS here for a good shifter story), but the dominance/submissive relationship is one of my least favorite tropes, and I found myself growing incredibly tired of the sex scenes.
That being said, despite being torn between 3 and 4 stars, I ultimately ended up giving this book 4 stars, because the writing and the story was good, and the description of the book makes it very clear that there will be sex scenes that could be bothersome or upsetting to some people (and the word reluctant is literally in the title, so it’s not like we could’ve expected this book to be filled with consensual sex). So while the sex didn’t upset me, I also didn’t enjoy it, but that’s a me-problem, because the author is very clear that that’s how this book was going to be!
And the story was intriguing enough that I will be reading the second book in the series, too, so that’s a pretty substantial compliment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Stormy Night Publications for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of Their Reluctant Mate by Ivy Barrett.
I was really torn between 3 and 4 stars for this book. I actually thought the writing was incredibly well-done and the story was captivating and interesting, but the connections and the relationships felt inauthentic to me.
The premise is interesting— we’re about a century into the future, and human hybrids have been created in brutal and terrible ways, and then the hybrids were dumped and abandoned on another planet, and then eventually the researchers responsible for creating and torturing the hybrids are also outcast from Earth and sent to the same planet.
It’s a fun premise (I’m ALWAYS here for a good shifter story), but the dominance/submissive relationship is one of my least favorite tropes, and I found myself growing incredibly tired of the sex scenes.
That being said, despite being torn between 3 and 4 stars, I ultimately ended up giving this book 4 stars, because the writing and the story was good, and the description of the book makes it very clear that there will be sex scenes that could be bothersome or upsetting to some people (and the word reluctant is literally in the title, so it’s not like we could’ve expected this book to be filled with consensual sex). So while the sex didn’t upset me, I also didn’t enjoy it, but that’s a me-problem, because the author is very clear that that’s how this book was going to be!
And the story was intriguing enough that I will be reading the second book in the series, too, so that’s a pretty substantial compliment.
September 13, 2025
Ok! I did not expect to like this book as much as I did 😂! The plot instantly sucked me in, and trust me I was nervous about reading a shifter book. Not my thing really but was excited to give it a shot nonetheless. And girl! Thea men had me panting 😆. The broody one, the dangerous one, and the sweet one. But of coarse they are each dominating men of coarse!!!! The plot takes place in a future world with genetic modification. So of coarse I’m worried that I’m walking into some sort of half him half animal scenario. BUT TO MY SURPRISE, it wasn’t really like that. Ivy has a way of integrating reality (being human) and the mythical part (animal shifting) in a way that is easy to read and easy to visualize. The FMC Lexie is doing what she needs to do to save herself and her friend. A sacrifice for the greater good kind of scenario.
Lexie, you strong willed girl! It’s ok to enjoy your kinks! There is no shame in it 😂. She’s your typical feisty woman that wants justice that is given on Earth. But soon learns that’s not her new norm. And girl the way I felt for you on that first night! But we all know that she will be more than fine in the end!
Kane, Diego, and Malik! You men as sooooo dominating that anyone would be scared. Kane the leader, Diego the protector and dangerous man, and Malik you sweet and caring man 🖤. What girl wouldn’t love the combined combination. True why choose trio 🫣. They are protectors, but are still men 👀 that have needs. You boys had this girl blushing!!!
This book ended and I needed more!!!!
Lexie, you strong willed girl! It’s ok to enjoy your kinks! There is no shame in it 😂. She’s your typical feisty woman that wants justice that is given on Earth. But soon learns that’s not her new norm. And girl the way I felt for you on that first night! But we all know that she will be more than fine in the end!
Kane, Diego, and Malik! You men as sooooo dominating that anyone would be scared. Kane the leader, Diego the protector and dangerous man, and Malik you sweet and caring man 🖤. What girl wouldn’t love the combined combination. True why choose trio 🫣. They are protectors, but are still men 👀 that have needs. You boys had this girl blushing!!!
This book ended and I needed more!!!!
January 28, 2025
This was a wonderful story, the characters and scenario were totally captivating
This is a simply wonderful read the characters are simply wonderful and I thought that the writing was simply great. The inhabitants that have been put on the planet have been put here because they have been mutated by humans and turned into shifters without their permission, this was experimentation that was done without permission and far outside the remit of what would be considered safe to humans of any age, sex or race it was simply experiments at their most barbaric.
When Lexie decides that she has no other option if she is going to save one of her tent mates that is desperately ill so approaches the cat hybrids even though she already knows that the only way they will agree to help is if she agrees to form a coalition with three mates that happen to be Kane, Diego and Malik.
Their actual relationship starts off very rocky and the need to understand that her mates are not human they are now changed because of the various cat DNA that has been introduced within their body. The ways in which their physical ability has been affected is different between each of her mates and as she learns of their abilities she is totally amazed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a simply wonderful read the characters are simply wonderful and I thought that the writing was simply great. The inhabitants that have been put on the planet have been put here because they have been mutated by humans and turned into shifters without their permission, this was experimentation that was done without permission and far outside the remit of what would be considered safe to humans of any age, sex or race it was simply experiments at their most barbaric.
When Lexie decides that she has no other option if she is going to save one of her tent mates that is desperately ill so approaches the cat hybrids even though she already knows that the only way they will agree to help is if she agrees to form a coalition with three mates that happen to be Kane, Diego and Malik.
Their actual relationship starts off very rocky and the need to understand that her mates are not human they are now changed because of the various cat DNA that has been introduced within their body. The ways in which their physical ability has been affected is different between each of her mates and as she learns of their abilities she is totally amazed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2025
Good storyline, world building also good, it was explained by the leader what was to be expected, from the females, of the human encampment, but yet the woman felt that they had a right to be demanding as if they ALL weren't there because of the sins of the humans against the hybrids, I would have totally understood if they would have slaughtered them all, yet they didn't. I know that not all the humans worked with the scientists that did the experiments, but still were associated, and being giving a chance at a slightly better life, I say slightly because from what the annoying MFC was going through with her pervy mates its a little rough, (but she likes it, so not so rough I guess.) All in all the main reason I didn't give this book a higher rating is the woman and the MFC Lexie, for some insane reason, seemed to think that the feline hybrids were supposed to give a crap about what the wolves do to the humans, the things that belonged to the humans before they were taken from them by the wolves, should be returned to them, when they are taken back by the cats, that they should be allowed to stay in the feline village, without giving nothing in returned. it just makes them all so entitled, it irked me. Then the fact that it ends with no real resolution when it comes to the wolf shenanigans, it just felt kind of unfinished and I didn't like it enough to read another book should one be available to answer the unanswered.
September 21, 2025
Alright, okay... That's it?!
So, I understand that there will be more books in the series (I think the second one is already out?), but there were SO MANY plots started in this book and then we were left with basically zero answers. It was a big book of banging with some story thrown in. I don't usually mind that, but with this amount of underlying plot, I just needed more.
This wasn't a bad book by any stretch, I just wish it had been different. Also, 3rd person in this scenario was extremely jarring and I didn't enjoy it. POV doesn't matter most of the time and it rarely bothers me, but this one could have benefited from first person with multiple POVs. Being written in 3rd just completely isolated me from the characters and I honestly didn't really care about Lexie at all, even though this is her story.
Enough with the bad and onto the good: I love the world of Rydaria. Extreme weather, unknown animals, and isolation from Earth are just so so good. Also, the reason behind why the scientists and hybrids are there is pretty juicy. Like I said, lots of good plot and story-building, but it just hasn't paid off yet. I also really liked Tara's character and her ability to be a great friend but also call out Lexie's bullshit every time.
A solid 3/5 for now, but with further books, I can see this becoming a great series. I may pick up that second book when I get a chance, just to dive back into the world.
So, I understand that there will be more books in the series (I think the second one is already out?), but there were SO MANY plots started in this book and then we were left with basically zero answers. It was a big book of banging with some story thrown in. I don't usually mind that, but with this amount of underlying plot, I just needed more.
This wasn't a bad book by any stretch, I just wish it had been different. Also, 3rd person in this scenario was extremely jarring and I didn't enjoy it. POV doesn't matter most of the time and it rarely bothers me, but this one could have benefited from first person with multiple POVs. Being written in 3rd just completely isolated me from the characters and I honestly didn't really care about Lexie at all, even though this is her story.
Enough with the bad and onto the good: I love the world of Rydaria. Extreme weather, unknown animals, and isolation from Earth are just so so good. Also, the reason behind why the scientists and hybrids are there is pretty juicy. Like I said, lots of good plot and story-building, but it just hasn't paid off yet. I also really liked Tara's character and her ability to be a great friend but also call out Lexie's bullshit every time.
A solid 3/5 for now, but with further books, I can see this becoming a great series. I may pick up that second book when I get a chance, just to dive back into the world.
October 13, 2025
If you’re picking up this book, you’ve probably already read the blurb, seen the list of kinks, and are well prepared for dubious consent, non-consent, and consent, coerced realtionships, lots of sex — public and private, with multiple partners, a lot of mysogyny, and BDSM. Except that in BDSM the submissive partner is in charge, able to end a scene when they like. Here the men are in charge, always, ignoring their submissive partner’s wants because they know best …
And of course she enjoys it. And of course the guys end up being good guys, just with ravenous sexual apetites. This is a book written for its audience, and if you’re part of that audience there’s a lot to like here. The writing is solid and the world building is interesting — and of course, there’s lots of sex.
I’m going to be honest, I’m not the audience for this book. I’m not thrilled with how the female characters become sex hungry doormats and how every man seems to be just some well endowed misogynist, even if that misogyny is famed as benevolent. The pace is lopsided, often too rushed and the conflict between the cats and wolves just sort of putters out. I didn’t see much chemistry in the characters, though the sex scenes did have some heat to them.
All in all, this book isn’t for me. It doesn’t have enough of what I want (characters) and the plot was lacking. But if you think this is something you’ll enjoy, I hope you have fun with it. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
And of course she enjoys it. And of course the guys end up being good guys, just with ravenous sexual apetites. This is a book written for its audience, and if you’re part of that audience there’s a lot to like here. The writing is solid and the world building is interesting — and of course, there’s lots of sex.
I’m going to be honest, I’m not the audience for this book. I’m not thrilled with how the female characters become sex hungry doormats and how every man seems to be just some well endowed misogynist, even if that misogyny is famed as benevolent. The pace is lopsided, often too rushed and the conflict between the cats and wolves just sort of putters out. I didn’t see much chemistry in the characters, though the sex scenes did have some heat to them.
All in all, this book isn’t for me. It doesn’t have enough of what I want (characters) and the plot was lacking. But if you think this is something you’ll enjoy, I hope you have fun with it. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 25, 2025
Ivy Barrett delivers an engaging blend of romance and imagination in Their Reluctant Mate. One of the standout elements of this story is the immersive world building—richly detailed, well-paced, and layered in a way that pulls the reader into the setting with ease. The rules of the universe feel both inventive and believable, adding depth that enhances the characters’ journeys.
At the heart of the novel is Lexie, a main character who immediately captured my interest. She is strong, relatable, and compelling in her own right, making her more than just a supporting piece of the romance plot. Her choices, vulnerabilities, and resilience drive much of the story’s emotional weight and kept me invested from start to finish.
Barrett balances the tension between romance and larger world stakes seamlessly, keeping the narrative moving without sacrificing character growth. While this book can be enjoyed on its own, it also lays a solid foundation for the series, leaving just enough intrigue and development to make me eager to pick up the next installment.
Overall, Their Reluctant Mate is a captivating read that blends world building, character depth, and engaging romance into a memorable story. I would definitely recommend it to fans of paranormal and sci-fi romance—and I personally look forward to continuing this series.
At the heart of the novel is Lexie, a main character who immediately captured my interest. She is strong, relatable, and compelling in her own right, making her more than just a supporting piece of the romance plot. Her choices, vulnerabilities, and resilience drive much of the story’s emotional weight and kept me invested from start to finish.
Barrett balances the tension between romance and larger world stakes seamlessly, keeping the narrative moving without sacrificing character growth. While this book can be enjoyed on its own, it also lays a solid foundation for the series, leaving just enough intrigue and development to make me eager to pick up the next installment.
Overall, Their Reluctant Mate is a captivating read that blends world building, character depth, and engaging romance into a memorable story. I would definitely recommend it to fans of paranormal and sci-fi romance—and I personally look forward to continuing this series.
September 24, 2025
Lexie is a conservation biologist who specialized in big cats. She just finished a five year study of a pride and wrote a book that became a bestseller. She applied for several jobs but got one as a feline consultant for Nuevo Biotech. But it was discovered that they were creating hybrid human/animals. Now she’s on Rydaria and they are barely surviving. Then Kane comes and offers the women to come to their stronghold and become mates to a coalition. In order to get medicine for her friend, Lexie agrees to be the mate for Kane’s coalition. Kane is a Guardian, Malik is medical, and Diego is a Shadow. Lexie runs off at the mouth towards Zion, the main leader, and Kane must punish her publicly. The wolves are their enemies and they attack the humans and massacre almost all the men. The women are traumatized and Zion allows them to stay but just for a little while. They attack the wolves in retaliation and Kane is terribly wounded.
I don’t know if this makes sense but I tried. Spanking. Explicit sex. Three men and one woman. I think they were way too rough. But Lexie enjoyed it deep down.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
I don’t know if this makes sense but I tried. Spanking. Explicit sex. Three men and one woman. I think they were way too rough. But Lexie enjoyed it deep down.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *
August 31, 2025
I received an ARC of Their Reluctant Mate from NetGalley and Stormy Night Publications. This was my first Ivy Barrett book and while it didn’t fully click for me, I can see why readers enjoy her take on shifter romance.
The setup had so much potential - a brutal, primal world with fierce alpha energy and plenty of heat. The spice is definitely there, and if you’re here for raw, unapologetic chemistry, this book delivers.
For me though, the world building felt a bit thin and the storyline rushed, which made it harder to really connect with the characters or get pulled fully into the setting. I wanted a little more time to breathe in between the action and the relationships.
That said, it’s a fast, spicy read that’s going to appeal to fans who love their shifter romances high on intensity and low on hesitation. If you’re looking for bold, alpha-driven dynamics with plenty of heat, this is worth checking out.
The setup had so much potential - a brutal, primal world with fierce alpha energy and plenty of heat. The spice is definitely there, and if you’re here for raw, unapologetic chemistry, this book delivers.
For me though, the world building felt a bit thin and the storyline rushed, which made it harder to really connect with the characters or get pulled fully into the setting. I wanted a little more time to breathe in between the action and the relationships.
That said, it’s a fast, spicy read that’s going to appeal to fans who love their shifter romances high on intensity and low on hesitation. If you’re looking for bold, alpha-driven dynamics with plenty of heat, this is worth checking out.
September 18, 2025
Their Reluctant Mate is the first book in the Rydarian series. Lexie was abandoned on a planet with the rest of a research team. The research team was finding ways to make military personnel have stronger senses similar to animals. Well… things go wrong and people are now able to turn into animals. After a trial is done all victims and staff are dumped on the planet. In order to survive they must work together.
I think this was an interesting novella. The concept was very compelling. But it wasn’t executed the way I hoped and some parts could have been better. I felt like the book was rushed. I know it’s a novella, but maybe it could’ve been more! I wasn’t a huge fan of the dubious non con scene, it was really murky. I am really interested to see what will happen now that different conflicts and possible solutions have been set into motion.
Thank you to Stormy Night Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!
I think this was an interesting novella. The concept was very compelling. But it wasn’t executed the way I hoped and some parts could have been better. I felt like the book was rushed. I know it’s a novella, but maybe it could’ve been more! I wasn’t a huge fan of the dubious non con scene, it was really murky. I am really interested to see what will happen now that different conflicts and possible solutions have been set into motion.
Thank you to Stormy Night Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!
February 19, 2025
I picked this one up based on the intriguing story concept. Shifters in a SciFi setting? Sign me up!
Then came the first sex scene, and nope.
This was not BDSM. It was r*pe + InstaLove. Not hot. Not intense. Just cringey dumb.
The reviews stating that this was well-written only reinforce my impression that readers today are stupid and uneducated. Guardians was not well-written from either a writing mechanics perspective or from a storytelling perspective.
The premise was good. The story held a great deal of promise. Unfortunately, the author mishandled both from start to finish. Not to mention the research flubs. How f*ing hard is it to google the details?
I am continually amazed at how books this bad earn money. As Chuck Wendig said, crap floats.
Then came the first sex scene, and nope.
This was not BDSM. It was r*pe + InstaLove. Not hot. Not intense. Just cringey dumb.
The reviews stating that this was well-written only reinforce my impression that readers today are stupid and uneducated. Guardians was not well-written from either a writing mechanics perspective or from a storytelling perspective.
The premise was good. The story held a great deal of promise. Unfortunately, the author mishandled both from start to finish. Not to mention the research flubs. How f*ing hard is it to google the details?
I am continually amazed at how books this bad earn money. As Chuck Wendig said, crap floats.
August 31, 2025
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con este libro y todos son a partir de esos avisos (que muy bien hechos estan). No es el tipo de literatura que suelo leer ni el tipo de vinculo que suelo disfrutar mucho pero por momentos me metía tanto en la historia de ese mundo que la autora creó que terminaba siendo algo secundario (aunque no tiene nada de secundario, creanme).
La verdad es que me encantaría saber como sigue esta historia y cómo la autora va a ir desarrollando las comunidades que se enfrentan en ese mundo hostil. Tambien me interesa saber como serían los otros vinculos, si todos serían iguales o habría otro tipo de accionar.
Muchas gracias Stormy Night Publications por el ARC que leí en Netgalley a cambio de una reseña honesta.
La verdad es que me encantaría saber como sigue esta historia y cómo la autora va a ir desarrollando las comunidades que se enfrentan en ese mundo hostil. Tambien me interesa saber como serían los otros vinculos, si todos serían iguales o habría otro tipo de accionar.
Muchas gracias Stormy Night Publications por el ARC que leí en Netgalley a cambio de una reseña honesta.
September 2, 2025
****Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of Their Reluctant Mate by Ivy Barrett in exchange for an honest review.
I wish the book had been longer… The world-building and storyline were truly exciting and intriguing. However, I must point out that the dark elements are pretty strong. If you’re looking for something soft and romantic, this is definitely not the book for you. But if you’re into dark reverse harem stories set in another world, then this one is absolutely worth it.
The only thing that made me a little sad was that the book wasn’t long enough to really build a connection with the characters. Each character’s past is touched upon, but I would have loved to hear more about their lives and experiences on Earth.
I wish the book had been longer… The world-building and storyline were truly exciting and intriguing. However, I must point out that the dark elements are pretty strong. If you’re looking for something soft and romantic, this is definitely not the book for you. But if you’re into dark reverse harem stories set in another world, then this one is absolutely worth it.
The only thing that made me a little sad was that the book wasn’t long enough to really build a connection with the characters. Each character’s past is touched upon, but I would have loved to hear more about their lives and experiences on Earth.
September 14, 2025
Published 24/1/2025
I was lucky enough to be able to read an ARC copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ivy laid the story out beautifully. We knew what was going on, we knew the situation, we learnt about the groups. For me personally, the balance between the story and their intimacies was perfect. Ivy has left it open for the series to continue seamlessly and for us to wonder who the story would follow next. I adore the difference in this shapeshifter story, genetically engineered and different to the others. I cannot wait to find out what else happens in this world. The four of the coalition were so beautifully balanced, everyone needs to add a Malik, Kane and Diego to their life.
I was lucky enough to be able to read an ARC copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ivy laid the story out beautifully. We knew what was going on, we knew the situation, we learnt about the groups. For me personally, the balance between the story and their intimacies was perfect. Ivy has left it open for the series to continue seamlessly and for us to wonder who the story would follow next. I adore the difference in this shapeshifter story, genetically engineered and different to the others. I cannot wait to find out what else happens in this world. The four of the coalition were so beautifully balanced, everyone needs to add a Malik, Kane and Diego to their life.
September 27, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this Arc!
This storyline is very reminiscent of the Breeds series by Lora Leigh. That is one of my favorite series to read. I love the science behind the hybrids and the romance between them finding their mates. Of course that meant I had high hopes for this series, I loved anything about hybrids or shifters. The science part of it always fascinates me and I’ll always be a mate trope lover. However the romance part of this book didn’t do it for me. I’m not into forcing the female to mate with you and this is very much that. She’s not allowed to be into this as her own person, she becomes theirs to do whatever they wish with. It’s humiliating and embarrassing to read about a strong female character being treated that way. It’s giving Stockholm syndrome.
This storyline is very reminiscent of the Breeds series by Lora Leigh. That is one of my favorite series to read. I love the science behind the hybrids and the romance between them finding their mates. Of course that meant I had high hopes for this series, I loved anything about hybrids or shifters. The science part of it always fascinates me and I’ll always be a mate trope lover. However the romance part of this book didn’t do it for me. I’m not into forcing the female to mate with you and this is very much that. She’s not allowed to be into this as her own person, she becomes theirs to do whatever they wish with. It’s humiliating and embarrassing to read about a strong female character being treated that way. It’s giving Stockholm syndrome.
February 3, 2025
Wow what a great start to a new sci fi dystopian series that has suspense, action and adventure and survival with elements of spicy in a hostile environment.
Sent to a harsh and volatile planet for a punishment by association Lexie and her colleagues try to survive only to lose valuable supplies to raids by the lupine hybrids, they strike an alliance with the feline hybrids to become long for mates to a coalition of males..
There is quite a bit going on between the lupine and feline hybrids and I loved the word building and the characters that made this book a hard to put down read..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sent to a harsh and volatile planet for a punishment by association Lexie and her colleagues try to survive only to lose valuable supplies to raids by the lupine hybrids, they strike an alliance with the feline hybrids to become long for mates to a coalition of males..
There is quite a bit going on between the lupine and feline hybrids and I loved the word building and the characters that made this book a hard to put down read..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2025
Serious trigger warning needed
While the story line is an interesting concept, I could not get past the male characters requirement for the female characters to prostitute themselves in order to get what they needed to just survive. I understand that dom/sub relationships are a power exchange. However, coerced consent is not true consent.
I read about half way through the book and then skimmed the rest hoping that the male characters would grow a conscience or show they still had some humanity in them still. But, I was disappointed that the female characters just in essence rolled over and accepted the sexual abuse.
While the story line is an interesting concept, I could not get past the male characters requirement for the female characters to prostitute themselves in order to get what they needed to just survive. I understand that dom/sub relationships are a power exchange. However, coerced consent is not true consent.
I read about half way through the book and then skimmed the rest hoping that the male characters would grow a conscience or show they still had some humanity in them still. But, I was disappointed that the female characters just in essence rolled over and accepted the sexual abuse.
February 4, 2025
What? Just ended.
So sad, the book was good. The sex brutal like the planet but suddenly it just ended?
Seriously confused lexie's issues with Zion only made sense if he wanted her as his mate...I was waiting for him to approach her,Zane,Malik and Diego.
There's a war with wolves, breeding they have the Dr. a hole the wolves have a secret way to breed. That's left hanging in the air.
It's like a world built, a story in the works and we end on them about to have sex again?
Ahhhh frustrating!
So sad, the book was good. The sex brutal like the planet but suddenly it just ended?
Seriously confused lexie's issues with Zion only made sense if he wanted her as his mate...I was waiting for him to approach her,Zane,Malik and Diego.
There's a war with wolves, breeding they have the Dr. a hole the wolves have a secret way to breed. That's left hanging in the air.
It's like a world built, a story in the works and we end on them about to have sex again?
Ahhhh frustrating!
February 4, 2025
ivy doesn't disappoint. If you looking for hot and steamy, then she is the one to go to. Another of Ivys shifter romance stories. Dominance is the name of the game and spankings are at the top of the list. Shifters are created from kidnapping men and woman for test subjects only for things to to blow up when some escape and kill. So they are shipped to a different world to keep earth safe. Except, the ones who made them are to blame and everyone from the company are round up and transferred to the same planet the shifters are shipped to.
February 10, 2025
Lexie, Kane, Malik, and Diego
This is a very good, well written, RH, Shifter/Human romance. Lexie thought she had a good job until it was discovered they were abusing science by developing hybrids. All employees are sent to a planet where the hybrids had been sent three years earlier. The cat hybrids needed women and offered security and food if they volunteered to join a coalition. Kane as a guardian, presented this alliance and saw Lexie and knew she was meant to join his coalition with Malik and Diego. Read why and how she joins Kane’s coalition.
This is a very good, well written, RH, Shifter/Human romance. Lexie thought she had a good job until it was discovered they were abusing science by developing hybrids. All employees are sent to a planet where the hybrids had been sent three years earlier. The cat hybrids needed women and offered security and food if they volunteered to join a coalition. Kane as a guardian, presented this alliance and saw Lexie and knew she was meant to join his coalition with Malik and Diego. Read why and how she joins Kane’s coalition.
February 19, 2025
good plot lots of spice 🔥🔥🔥
This was a hard book to put down! It’s unique to any shifter story I’ve ever read- think a little like ice planet barbarians but with genetically altered shifters. Kinda dystopian. Great backstory. If you’re familiar with this author you will know what to expect her spice to be - watch trigger warnings because it’s very primal/alpha. But I highly recommend to those like me who enjoy this type of spice with a great plot. Looking forward to more in this series!
This was a hard book to put down! It’s unique to any shifter story I’ve ever read- think a little like ice planet barbarians but with genetically altered shifters. Kinda dystopian. Great backstory. If you’re familiar with this author you will know what to expect her spice to be - watch trigger warnings because it’s very primal/alpha. But I highly recommend to those like me who enjoy this type of spice with a great plot. Looking forward to more in this series!
March 9, 2025
So good! I loved this book! Totally captivated from the beginning.
I always enjoy Ivy's books and this one was just as good.
The story was great, the men were brutal but hot and extremely protective of what is theirs. Their brutality comes from being feline shifters. They're no longer human.
The chemistry between the 3 feline shifters and their mate, Lexie is beyond hot. Although the males are extremely rough and brutal with punishments. Constantly spanking her as punishment or just because.
The males definitely are the Alphas.
I always enjoy Ivy's books and this one was just as good.
The story was great, the men were brutal but hot and extremely protective of what is theirs. Their brutality comes from being feline shifters. They're no longer human.
The chemistry between the 3 feline shifters and their mate, Lexie is beyond hot. Although the males are extremely rough and brutal with punishments. Constantly spanking her as punishment or just because.
The males definitely are the Alphas.
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