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The Shadow Shifters #5
Hunger's Mate
Half man, half animal, a Shadow Shifter must walk the line between predator and prey, hunger and obsession—to capture the woman he loves…A natural born hunter proud of his birthright, Ezra Preston agrees to hide his identity and pretend to be human—to learn what his enemies know of his kind. But even undercover, it's not in his nature to play games with a woman. Especially when he discovers the beautiful creature has been keeping secrets of her own…This is no ordinary woman he's stalking but an alluring and mysterious cat thief—with dangerous secrets of her own…Jewel Jenner has plotted and schemed for months, hiding her knowledge of a top-secret operation to save her ailing father. Captivated by her passion, skill, and courage, Ezra wants to help Jewel on her mission. But when he discovers how far she's gone—sleeping with the enemy to steal a fortune in diamonds—he must decide if he can trust this enthralling woman with his secret…or trust his fiercest instincts when he's near her, in Hunger's Mate by A.C. Arthur"The shifter universe just got sexier…sizzling!"—RT Book Reviews
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2015
15 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
184 books916 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 24, 2014
I received Hunger’s Mate via St. Martin’s Press as a four part series. I am reviewing the “part 1”. Intrigued from page one as Jewel is breaking into a safe and her fear is a physical thing on the page. I am instantly sucked into this world. Powers at play intrigue and mysteries are unfolding. Good stuff! Having said that, when we cut away to other character’s interaction and subplots I became confused. After some research, I learned this “sub series” called Hunger’s Mate, is part of a bigger series called The Shadow Shifters. OOOHHHHHH. That explains it. Do you hear the brakes screeching and then the light bulb go on? LOL! Joking aside, you do not have to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one; however I do feel it would help with the overall feel and understanding of this world.
Okay, back to the story at hand. The Shadow Shifter Ezra Preston feels a strong pull towards the mysterious Jewel. He doesn’t understand it and finds himself needing to protect her as well as have his way with her. Primal urges are taking over and his undercover mission may be put in jeopardy.
Hunger’s game part one is a sexy, intriguing kick off to a four part novel by A.C. Arthur and I am sure many PNR readers are going to love it.
*ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley
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Okay, back to the story at hand. The Shadow Shifter Ezra Preston feels a strong pull towards the mysterious Jewel. He doesn’t understand it and finds himself needing to protect her as well as have his way with her. Primal urges are taking over and his undercover mission may be put in jeopardy.
Hunger’s game part one is a sexy, intriguing kick off to a four part novel by A.C. Arthur and I am sure many PNR readers are going to love it.
*ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley
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July 14, 2023
On the run from an extremely abusive and controlling man she turned to for help with her ill father, the heroine doesn't trust anyone especially men. The hero has been severely affected by his experiences in the jungle and because of that drug he was given, he's barely in control of his animal and he fears hurting the woman he wants to mate. When the man she's on the run from ties in with the Shadow hunters dealing with illegal experimentations, their worlds really do collide. The heroine has always been attracted to the hero but never had the courage to take it anywhere so when he starts to aggressively court her, she's torn between her distrust of men and her desire for the sexy golden skinned ladies’ man.
There were aspects of this book that I enjoyed and others that disturbed me. One point I liked was the toned-down sexual activity of the previous books. For once the whole story wasn't spent with the two characters engaged in graphic lovemaking and I was more in line with this book as a result. However, the hero was EXTREMLY aggressive. I won't say he raped the heroine because rape means against her will and she did enjoy it. But he refused to take no for an answer and did in fact grope her sexually in the first meeting. It was a big turn off to read that. I liked how possessive the hero was but you can't truly blame the girl for denying him and being standoffish when you know her experiences with the villain. However, the girl was such a freaking coward. She aggravated me so much. Overall, I thought this book was so/so but miles better than the books previously.
There were aspects of this book that I enjoyed and others that disturbed me. One point I liked was the toned-down sexual activity of the previous books. For once the whole story wasn't spent with the two characters engaged in graphic lovemaking and I was more in line with this book as a result. However, the hero was EXTREMLY aggressive. I won't say he raped the heroine because rape means against her will and she did enjoy it. But he refused to take no for an answer and did in fact grope her sexually in the first meeting. It was a big turn off to read that. I liked how possessive the hero was but you can't truly blame the girl for denying him and being standoffish when you know her experiences with the villain. However, the girl was such a freaking coward. She aggravated me so much. Overall, I thought this book was so/so but miles better than the books previously.
December 23, 2016
Well this one was just OKAY...I was still CAUGHT UP in the Shadow Shifters storyline and the struggle to keep their presence in the United States secret...a pleasure as usual to catch up w/all the good guys as well as the bad...however I struggled to get swept up in the paranormal romance between Ezra Preston and Jewel Jenner aka Dawn Montgomery...and I so wanted to...but sadly I did not like Jewel...and I didn't like the liberties Ezra took w/her...it was EXTREMELY hard to like both characters...I'm glad Ezra found his soulmate and is cured from the darkness that often consumed him...but this so far is my least favorite couple...it was hard to ENJOY the "budding romance" between these two...probably because there really was NO romancing in this one...at least NOT until the very end...kind of a turn-off for me...and way too much crying and whining from the heroine...and too much growling orders and/or demands from the hero...but I was thoroughly INTRIGUED by all the action and suspense going on...looking forward to the next book.
January 27, 2018
Marena is bitten by a hunter and has no clue what's happening to her until Phelan finds her and helps her transition through the change. They both claim they don't do relationships but they grow close fast. They both have stalkers, was an okay read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2015
I read HUNGER'S MATE as a four part serial--- this is my review of the final installment (part 4) and parts 1-4 as a whole
~~
Release Date: February 3, 2015
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Half man, half animal, a Shadow Shifter must walk the line between predator and prey. Love and lust. And pure, blind hunger…A natural born hunter proud of his birthright, Ezra Preston agrees to hide his true identity and pretend to be human to learn what his enemies know of his kind. But even undercover, it’s not in his nature to play games with a woman. Especially when he discovers a creature as mysterious—and utterly delectable—as Jewel Jenner. Can she be trusted? The only thing Ezra knows for sure is that she cannot be resisted…
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: HUNGER’S MATE is the culmination of a storyline that finds Jewel on the run from her past. With over four million dollars in stolen diamonds and the secrets to the next generation of a hybrid soldier in her possession, Jewel’s future is dark but for the man who claims that she is his mate. Ezra will reveal the truth behind the Shadow Shifters and the beast within, but it is Jewel’s prior knowledge that has everyone concerned.
While the Shadow Shifters struggle to recover from an attack against Perryville Resort, Ezra begins to hunt for the people responsible for the attack against his mate. Jewel is a woman with many secrets that have placed her in a position to do more harm than good.
Throughout the storyline several plotlines begin to emerge and intersect; from Ezra and Eli’s backstory in the jungles of Sierra Leone to an ailing infant child whose Shadow Shifter parents have depleted all known resources to help in her recovery. The Genesis Project comes full circle when the past meets the present and the future of the Shadow Shifters species takes an unlikely turn when a baby’s life is dependent upon an experiment from the past. The darkness is Ezra may be the cure everyone is looking for but Ezra’s brother Eli has a secret of his own.
Our heroine, Jewel Jenner, is a difficult character to like. She has some dark demons; a past riddled with secrets and a family she will do anything to protect but when things begin to fall apart, Jewel likes to run and run often. She is unwilling to accept Ezra’s need and love for his mate as her past is awash in betrayal, abuse and loss. Jewel continued to push Ezra at every opportunity; their mutual lies and hidden secrets were the stepping stones to a difficult resolution.
Many of the previous storyline characters play a secondary and supporting role: Shifter Hierarchy is revealed through contention and disagreement: and some of the history between the Shadow Shifters, The Genesis Project and Comastaz Labs is slowly revealed as Ezra begins to uncover the truth.
A.C. Arthur’s Shadow Shifters series is infinitely detailed with a fascinating and colorful history that continues to build throughout each storyline. Each novel looks at a number of different backstories, building plotlines and potential struggles that address the continuing battle between the Shadow Shifters and a secret government organization with plans of their own. Because of the amount of information and the build up of material and data in each installment, it is probably advisable to read the series from the beginning and in order.
There is a familiarity to the Shadow Shifters series-one that does not go unnoticed by this reader. A sense of déjà vu to another series that builds upon a similar set of scenarios and storylines.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
~~
Release Date: February 3, 2015
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Half man, half animal, a Shadow Shifter must walk the line between predator and prey. Love and lust. And pure, blind hunger…A natural born hunter proud of his birthright, Ezra Preston agrees to hide his true identity and pretend to be human to learn what his enemies know of his kind. But even undercover, it’s not in his nature to play games with a woman. Especially when he discovers a creature as mysterious—and utterly delectable—as Jewel Jenner. Can she be trusted? The only thing Ezra knows for sure is that she cannot be resisted…
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: HUNGER’S MATE is the culmination of a storyline that finds Jewel on the run from her past. With over four million dollars in stolen diamonds and the secrets to the next generation of a hybrid soldier in her possession, Jewel’s future is dark but for the man who claims that she is his mate. Ezra will reveal the truth behind the Shadow Shifters and the beast within, but it is Jewel’s prior knowledge that has everyone concerned.
While the Shadow Shifters struggle to recover from an attack against Perryville Resort, Ezra begins to hunt for the people responsible for the attack against his mate. Jewel is a woman with many secrets that have placed her in a position to do more harm than good.
Throughout the storyline several plotlines begin to emerge and intersect; from Ezra and Eli’s backstory in the jungles of Sierra Leone to an ailing infant child whose Shadow Shifter parents have depleted all known resources to help in her recovery. The Genesis Project comes full circle when the past meets the present and the future of the Shadow Shifters species takes an unlikely turn when a baby’s life is dependent upon an experiment from the past. The darkness is Ezra may be the cure everyone is looking for but Ezra’s brother Eli has a secret of his own.
Our heroine, Jewel Jenner, is a difficult character to like. She has some dark demons; a past riddled with secrets and a family she will do anything to protect but when things begin to fall apart, Jewel likes to run and run often. She is unwilling to accept Ezra’s need and love for his mate as her past is awash in betrayal, abuse and loss. Jewel continued to push Ezra at every opportunity; their mutual lies and hidden secrets were the stepping stones to a difficult resolution.
Many of the previous storyline characters play a secondary and supporting role: Shifter Hierarchy is revealed through contention and disagreement: and some of the history between the Shadow Shifters, The Genesis Project and Comastaz Labs is slowly revealed as Ezra begins to uncover the truth.
A.C. Arthur’s Shadow Shifters series is infinitely detailed with a fascinating and colorful history that continues to build throughout each storyline. Each novel looks at a number of different backstories, building plotlines and potential struggles that address the continuing battle between the Shadow Shifters and a secret government organization with plans of their own. Because of the amount of information and the build up of material and data in each installment, it is probably advisable to read the series from the beginning and in order.
There is a familiarity to the Shadow Shifters series-one that does not go unnoticed by this reader. A sense of déjà vu to another series that builds upon a similar set of scenarios and storylines.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
February 17, 2015
CONCEPT
The concept of this story was the fight to keep their existence a secret continues while a shifter works to uncover the secret of the mysterious leading lady but also feels she can free him from the darkness.
STORY
The 5th installment of the Shadow Shifters introduces Ezra Preston and the mysterious Jewel Jenner. Ezra has gone undercover to infiltrate the medical facility to determine the Rogues plan. While in Sedona Ezra’s eyes find Jewel Jenner and senses she is hiding something. He is determined to pursue the attraction between as well as uncover her secret. When secrets are revealed Ezra and Jewel must learn to trust each other and explore their attraction. Will Jewel’s need to save her father, destroy all the shifters have kept hidden from the world. Can Jewel save Ezra from the darkness? The hunger for a mate is real.
CHARACTERS
Again Mrs. Author did an outstanding job with character development. Readers are pulled in my Ezra’s need to protect Jewel to the point that he defies orders. He knows in his hear t and senses she is the one and in order for her to trust him, he must be willing to expose himself to save her. Jewel Jenner is not what she seems and works hard to appear invisible while trying to save her ailing father. She has done some things she is not proud of, but what she endured to keep her father and herself save displays her strength to survive. The attraction between these two is explosive and felt throughout the pages of the book.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue was appropriate for the storyline and kept the reader engaged.
STRUCTURE
Again the structure fell in line and picked up where Shifter’s Claim left readers. Readers will find it difficult to put this book down as the action intensifies and more secrets are revealed. Secondary characters hold their own in this installment and readers will get answers to burning questions. Another love story unfolded in this adventure as the saga continues. This book is setting the stage for the next installment.
OVERALL
Hunger’s Mate lived up to its title in that the shifter hungered for his mate and did not stop until he made her his. Again Mrs. Arthur did a great job crafting this storyline. She has the gift where each Shadow Shifter was his own man and displayed the true alpha male persona that was unique and fitting for each installment. Ezra showed he could take care of his own as his leader and mentors have done in their own books. Loved Ezra and Jewel’s journey and look forward to more with Eli’s story.
The concept of this story was the fight to keep their existence a secret continues while a shifter works to uncover the secret of the mysterious leading lady but also feels she can free him from the darkness.
STORY
The 5th installment of the Shadow Shifters introduces Ezra Preston and the mysterious Jewel Jenner. Ezra has gone undercover to infiltrate the medical facility to determine the Rogues plan. While in Sedona Ezra’s eyes find Jewel Jenner and senses she is hiding something. He is determined to pursue the attraction between as well as uncover her secret. When secrets are revealed Ezra and Jewel must learn to trust each other and explore their attraction. Will Jewel’s need to save her father, destroy all the shifters have kept hidden from the world. Can Jewel save Ezra from the darkness? The hunger for a mate is real.
CHARACTERS
Again Mrs. Author did an outstanding job with character development. Readers are pulled in my Ezra’s need to protect Jewel to the point that he defies orders. He knows in his hear t and senses she is the one and in order for her to trust him, he must be willing to expose himself to save her. Jewel Jenner is not what she seems and works hard to appear invisible while trying to save her ailing father. She has done some things she is not proud of, but what she endured to keep her father and herself save displays her strength to survive. The attraction between these two is explosive and felt throughout the pages of the book.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue was appropriate for the storyline and kept the reader engaged.
STRUCTURE
Again the structure fell in line and picked up where Shifter’s Claim left readers. Readers will find it difficult to put this book down as the action intensifies and more secrets are revealed. Secondary characters hold their own in this installment and readers will get answers to burning questions. Another love story unfolded in this adventure as the saga continues. This book is setting the stage for the next installment.
OVERALL
Hunger’s Mate lived up to its title in that the shifter hungered for his mate and did not stop until he made her his. Again Mrs. Arthur did a great job crafting this storyline. She has the gift where each Shadow Shifter was his own man and displayed the true alpha male persona that was unique and fitting for each installment. Ezra showed he could take care of his own as his leader and mentors have done in their own books. Loved Ezra and Jewel’s journey and look forward to more with Eli’s story.
February 3, 2015
** My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press, for providing me with a free copy of the above novella's for an honest review**
I am reviewing all four parts of this book as a novel. This novel, although part of a series can be read as a stand alone novel, but would help a little with the background if you read the other books in the series first.
This book is a continuation of the overall series and focuses on Ezra and his darkness and Jewel and the secrets she has carried for the last three years.
There is murder, lust, betrayal, love and friendship all tightly packed into a rolling story that pulls you along, answering some questions, but giving you more unsolved ones to take into the next book.
Its never a dull moment and the book really does not take long to read when you get into it. We also get to see more of other members who have found their mates and get to see more of other characters that we hope also get their HEA.
I am reviewing all four parts of this book as a novel. This novel, although part of a series can be read as a stand alone novel, but would help a little with the background if you read the other books in the series first.
This book is a continuation of the overall series and focuses on Ezra and his darkness and Jewel and the secrets she has carried for the last three years.
There is murder, lust, betrayal, love and friendship all tightly packed into a rolling story that pulls you along, answering some questions, but giving you more unsolved ones to take into the next book.
Its never a dull moment and the book really does not take long to read when you get into it. We also get to see more of other members who have found their mates and get to see more of other characters that we hope also get their HEA.
February 8, 2015
Book #5 in the Shadow Shifters series continues the saga as the Shifters advance their mission in America. As half humans and half cats, they work hard to shield themselves from the general public and keep them safe from a rogue delegation of Shifters who want to use their powers to dominate and take over the world. I am a huge fan of this series as each one tells a hot love story while also advancing the overall story of the Shifters. Ezra Preston and Jewel Jenner have both been mentioned in earlier books: Ezra as a bodyguard to the head of the Shifters and Jewel as a secretary to one of regional leaders. When Ezra goes on an undercover assignment to New Mexico to get more information about the Rogues plans, he also discovers that Jewel has secrets, too, that may impact the Shifters and their future as well. As always, Arthur keeps putting out interesting tales in this series and I can’t wait for the story of Eli, Ezra’s twin.
June 21, 2015
This is the story of the mysterious Jewel Jenner of the Perryville Resort in Sedona, and Ezra Preston, a Shadow Shifter Lead Guard. Jewel has secrets that she's hiding, and Ezra has been shaped by his abusive past. Ezra is undercover in Sedona to uncover the secrets of a lab when he meets Jewel.
I don't want to get too far into the story, because I would get into spoilers. I'll just say that there are a couple-few momentous occurrences, one of which I thought was huge. For another, I was surprised that A C Arthur actually went that far. A couple of new story arcs are carried over. I know I'm speaking in riddles, but you'll just have to read the book. If you're a fan of the Shadow Shifters, you can't skip this one or you'll be lost for the next one.
Happy reading!
I don't want to get too far into the story, because I would get into spoilers. I'll just say that there are a couple-few momentous occurrences, one of which I thought was huge. For another, I was surprised that A C Arthur actually went that far. A couple of new story arcs are carried over. I know I'm speaking in riddles, but you'll just have to read the book. If you're a fan of the Shadow Shifters, you can't skip this one or you'll be lost for the next one.
Happy reading!
June 7, 2016
Here's a fun story.. I read this not too terribly long ago and I forgot to review so I thought to myself "Hey! I'll review it now that I have time" and lo-and-behold, I don't remember anything about this book. That does not bode well since I read this less than a month ago.
So, I think I liked it? I think it was decent? Obviously wasn't anything memorable. I remember thinking the characters were 'meh'.
Great review, Sasha. E for Effort.
So, I think I liked it? I think it was decent? Obviously wasn't anything memorable. I remember thinking the characters were 'meh'.
Great review, Sasha. E for Effort.
November 10, 2014
Hot sex+hot guys+ jaguars+ secrets= Another AC Arthur's masterpiece! This fifth installment of the Shadow Shifters series definitely keeps you on the edge of ur seat! The action and sex will always keep u coming back!!! Kudos to Ms. Arthur for delivering another hot one!!!!
March 14, 2015
Very hard to follow
Too much world building as the story is trying to progress. Spirit herbs, different tribes of shifters, secret identities... felt like I was reading the fourth book in a series rather than the first.
Too much world building as the story is trying to progress. Spirit herbs, different tribes of shifters, secret identities... felt like I was reading the fourth book in a series rather than the first.
July 20, 2015
The hero of this book was so aggressive he redefined the word alphahole. He and other characters knew the heroine was on the run from a man, yet he kept pushing her, demanding that she do what he wanted. This book was not for me.
May 18, 2016
I enjoyed this book. I was not smoking HOT, but it was HOT! Love some Ezra! He did not waste time pursuing his mate...good grief! I wish his mate Jewel/ Dawn had more of a backbone though. Great read!
December 29, 2016
A great mix of action, suspense, and passion...
Not surprisingly, Hunger's Mate is a great mix of action, suspense, and passion. I love the Shadow Shifters books and love Sara's story.
Not surprisingly, Hunger's Mate is a great mix of action, suspense, and passion. I love the Shadow Shifters books and love Sara's story.
February 3, 2015
The bar has definitely been raised. Hunger's Mate was sexy, seductive, and action packed. I could not put it down. This series just keep getting better and better.
September 4, 2017
Loved It
A.C. these shifters books keep getting better and better. I love me some Ezra. I cannot wait for Eli's story.
A.C. these shifters books keep getting better and better. I love me some Ezra. I cannot wait for Eli's story.
July 18, 2016
Could not force myself past the first few chapters here. Insta-lust, a plotline that seems to place the man in the midst of the action, the woman on the sidelines, made this not for me.
June 18, 2015
Another great story from A.C. Arthur.
July 15, 2015
very good book. if you like paranormal romance this is a book you have to read. This is book 5 in the series. Very sexy and violent but the storyline is very captivating.
August 6, 2015
these books get better as the series moves along.
August 19, 2015
Ok read. I will read the next book.
December 15, 2015
This was my favorite in the series so far. Lot's of action and romance.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews