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Shifters Unbound #16
Stray Cat: Shifters Unbound
The elusive mate bond …
For Lindsay, a lynx Shifter, it’s always been Xav, but will he share the mate bond she's forming with him?
When Xav goes missing after one of his missions, Lindsay thrusts aside all doubts and focuses on one thing—finding Xav.
Xav has had the best times of his life in Lindsay’s presence, though she’s impetuous and wild, which makes him crazy with worry. He’s not sure the two of them can be serious about anything, especially something as important as their relationship.
When danger from one of Xav’s old enemies, as well as Shifters who insist Lindsay choose a mate, threatens to tear them apart, Xav and Lindsay must trust their instincts, grabbing onto the bond that makes them stronger together.
For Lindsay, a lynx Shifter, it’s always been Xav, but will he share the mate bond she's forming with him?
When Xav goes missing after one of his missions, Lindsay thrusts aside all doubts and focuses on one thing—finding Xav.
Xav has had the best times of his life in Lindsay’s presence, though she’s impetuous and wild, which makes him crazy with worry. He’s not sure the two of them can be serious about anything, especially something as important as their relationship.
When danger from one of Xav’s old enemies, as well as Shifters who insist Lindsay choose a mate, threatens to tear them apart, Xav and Lindsay must trust their instincts, grabbing onto the bond that makes them stronger together.
238 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2025
140 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ashley
215 books7,336 followersNY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 10, 2025
Disappointing. Felt like the author wrote it on auto-pilot. Lots of illogical plot points that made it frustrating to read.
July 5, 2025
Not a bad book, just in the overall arc of the series, this was just okay.
May 22, 2025
Ah, the will they, won’t they, couple! These two have been dancing around each other for a while, and they tease and tantalize, but don’t commit. It takes a bit, and some specific circumstances, to get them both of the same mind. Even then, trouble still lurks, but once they pulled that pin, they are all in!
May 18, 2025
Always fun being back in this world! And now we get Xav and Lindsey’s story. We’ve met both in the past but now we get to explore their relationship. These two have been circling one another for a long time. How they aren’t officially together baffles everyone. The two just can’t seem to admit to the other that they want to be together for good. For Lindsey, she wants what all shifters want. A mate bond. To her, what if she can’t form one with Xav? What if she does but he doesn’t because he is human? She knows how she feels about him but what if what he feels just isn’t as strong? For Xav, it’s kind of the same. He knows that that if he goes fully in and they don’t have this bond, that someone could show up and have one with Lindsey and she would be taken from him. Is it worth risking his heart? What these two fail to realize that in holding back, they are truly delaying any bond that could form. But lucky for them things are about to change and decisions need to be made if they are finally in or are ready to let one another go. When the two are pulled in to find a missing person, they’ll have to work together. But with all their missions, danger is just a step away. I really enjoyed Xav and Lindsey’s story! It was definitely a finally these two are getting it type of story. Lots of laugh, romance, and of course some great familiar faces. This world is always a blast to come back to and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
May 22, 2025
It needed more…
I always enjoy getting reacquainted with these characters. The Las Vegas and Austin Shifter Town characters are my favorites. I’ve waited for Xavier and Lindsay to make it official and not just the casual thing they had going on. So I was excited to get their story.
However, I would have liked more action and intensity. The scene when Diego and the shifters rescued Xavier and Lindsay was anticlimactic. That was a missed opportunity for an intense fight scene in my opinion.
I always love getting more of Tiger’s character in the stories. But he hardly had an active role. I felt as if the story needed more.
I still enjoyed this book because I am invested in these characters.
I always enjoy getting reacquainted with these characters. The Las Vegas and Austin Shifter Town characters are my favorites. I’ve waited for Xavier and Lindsay to make it official and not just the casual thing they had going on. So I was excited to get their story.
However, I would have liked more action and intensity. The scene when Diego and the shifters rescued Xavier and Lindsay was anticlimactic. That was a missed opportunity for an intense fight scene in my opinion.
I always love getting more of Tiger’s character in the stories. But he hardly had an active role. I felt as if the story needed more.
I still enjoyed this book because I am invested in these characters.
May 17, 2025
For some reason this one was really slow for me. It didn't help that the drama between the "human" brothers made me want to do away with them both, what a waste of time for our crew to help them! I was glad that Xav and Lindsey got things figured out by the end and were happy.
May 24, 2025
Feels like I've been waiting forever for this book, now it's here and every bit as good as I hoped it would be.
Xavier -Xav is Diego Escobars younger brother and partner in the I security business. Diego has been happily mated with Cassidy for a while so.Xav visits shifter town frequently and has a strong friendship with Lindsay a lynx shifter,although they have a lot of fun together they're not currently dating.
But Can is working to bring down a drug Lord and Lindsay is worried so their in her lynx form to protect him. When they arrest the man they realise the brothers arrested him years ago when I'm the police force, but he want Lindsay to do a.job for him.
She's keen but Zac wants to protect her her, and in the midst of it all they find the mate bond forming, but can they survive a kidnapping?
I loved this book, am ready for the next in the series. Did think the twins and Seth would have grown a little by now.
Xavier -Xav is Diego Escobars younger brother and partner in the I security business. Diego has been happily mated with Cassidy for a while so.Xav visits shifter town frequently and has a strong friendship with Lindsay a lynx shifter,although they have a lot of fun together they're not currently dating.
But Can is working to bring down a drug Lord and Lindsay is worried so their in her lynx form to protect him. When they arrest the man they realise the brothers arrested him years ago when I'm the police force, but he want Lindsay to do a.job for him.
She's keen but Zac wants to protect her her, and in the midst of it all they find the mate bond forming, but can they survive a kidnapping?
I loved this book, am ready for the next in the series. Did think the twins and Seth would have grown a little by now.
August 4, 2025
I should have expected this but I’d hope for something more. These stories are not really hitting the mark with me. Every couple seems like a model of the last. The dynamic between the couples are all the same and I find this tends to happen with the large book series. But I guess I was looking for more. While these shifters follow the same structures they lack personality. They all act like shifters but they don’t act with the natural personalities of their species. Take Shelly Laurenston series. Her shifters behave like the animals they are. One story of a bear shifter who was so frustrated he just climbed the tree and started eating at a beehive, regardless of how many times he got stung. He was stress eating.
Ashley’s shifters, however, don’t act like their animals. They act all alike. And to tell you the truth, most don’t really give me a terrifying feeling that their that dominating or frightening.
So I give this book and this series a 3 star Meh.
Ashley’s shifters, however, don’t act like their animals. They act all alike. And to tell you the truth, most don’t really give me a terrifying feeling that their that dominating or frightening.
So I give this book and this series a 3 star Meh.
June 8, 2025
Lindsey is a great character but this book for me is not quite five stars.
Having followed the Shifters Unbound series since book one, Pride Mates I love each new instalment and this is no exception. The author has chosen for this book two characters already familiar from previous books Lyndsey and Xavier. While the book is as entertaining as ever with Lyndsey especially being a fun character I did feel there was something missing. There is usually more depth and Intensity to this series and this book had a lighter feel. Not necessarily a bad thing just different but I have to admit while I enjoyed the book I missed the angst we usually experience before the H.E.A............... Still plenty spicy though........
Having followed the Shifters Unbound series since book one, Pride Mates I love each new instalment and this is no exception. The author has chosen for this book two characters already familiar from previous books Lyndsey and Xavier. While the book is as entertaining as ever with Lyndsey especially being a fun character I did feel there was something missing. There is usually more depth and Intensity to this series and this book had a lighter feel. Not necessarily a bad thing just different but I have to admit while I enjoyed the book I missed the angst we usually experience before the H.E.A............... Still plenty spicy though........
June 16, 2025
Jennifer Ashley's Shifters Unbound series is one of my all-time favorite paranormal romance series and I've been invested for nearly 15 years. Sadly, I didn't love Stray Cat. It's being listed as a full length book, but the audiobook was under 7 hours and it felt very much like a novella or short.
Xav and Lindsay's relationship has been brewing for many, many years and admittedly, I expected a lot of this book. Maybe my expectations were too high because Stray Cat felt like filler. This was the first time I've ever felt like that with this series and am a bit disappointed. I'm not saying that Stray Cat was bad, but it wasn't great and I kinda feel like Xav and Lindsay deserved better.
Xav and Lindsay's relationship has been brewing for many, many years and admittedly, I expected a lot of this book. Maybe my expectations were too high because Stray Cat felt like filler. This was the first time I've ever felt like that with this series and am a bit disappointed. I'm not saying that Stray Cat was bad, but it wasn't great and I kinda feel like Xav and Lindsay deserved better.
July 10, 2025
Great series and great read.
Lindsay and Xav danced around each other for a long while. But when the wolves started getting restless because Lindsay was unmated and there wasn't a big selection mate wise for them, they threatened to challenge Xav. Lindsay biggest concern was Xav was human and a challenge was to the death. Her other concern was if they both would experience the mating bond. If only one felt it Lindsay thought it best to break their relationship off. Thing is neither of them knew what a mating bond felt like but one of my fave characters Tiger gave some solid advice to Xav.
Love this series and I hope we get a book for Brody and maybe Emma is his one.
Lindsay and Xav danced around each other for a long while. But when the wolves started getting restless because Lindsay was unmated and there wasn't a big selection mate wise for them, they threatened to challenge Xav. Lindsay biggest concern was Xav was human and a challenge was to the death. Her other concern was if they both would experience the mating bond. If only one felt it Lindsay thought it best to break their relationship off. Thing is neither of them knew what a mating bond felt like but one of my fave characters Tiger gave some solid advice to Xav.
Love this series and I hope we get a book for Brody and maybe Emma is his one.
May 18, 2025
I don't get the title and the pic of a cat cause she's not a stray cat and she's a lynx and that's not a pic of a lynx. They have played around with each other on and off 4 a while now. Lindsay and Xav haven't figured out who they r 2 1 another yet. When the unexpected past comes up they thought they were going 2 help him but can they really or will they find out there's spot more going on that anyone expected. When they bring in the big guns, Tiger, into this whirlwind mystery they will hopefully figure out more about what 2 do with each other in different situations. I enjoyed it alot.
May 22, 2025
Nice to have the Shifters back
So nice to have a story with the Shifters again. The Las Vegas Shiftertown crew and Diego' s security company are involved in action again. His brother Xav and his on again, off again lynx girlfriend find their way through a rough adventure.
This story does not advance the background story arc that was building in the previous books, the fight with the Fae and whomever else is coming for the Shifters, but it was a nice visit with the characters again.
So nice to have a story with the Shifters again. The Las Vegas Shiftertown crew and Diego' s security company are involved in action again. His brother Xav and his on again, off again lynx girlfriend find their way through a rough adventure.
This story does not advance the background story arc that was building in the previous books, the fight with the Fae and whomever else is coming for the Shifters, but it was a nice visit with the characters again.
July 15, 2025
I had forgotten how much I loved the Shfters Unbound series. It has obviously been too long since I binged the series. Stray Cat is Xav and Lindsay's story. Happy Dance!!!! I knew he couldn't resist. Lindsay is such an amazing character. It is a good thing they are perfect for each other and make a great team.
I can't believe how much trouble they kept finding themselves. It made for a lovely, action-packed, suspenseful story. It was a really enjoyable read. Fingers crossed there is more to come.
I can't believe how much trouble they kept finding themselves. It made for a lovely, action-packed, suspenseful story. It was a really enjoyable read. Fingers crossed there is more to come.
May 29, 2025
We are back on Shifter Town with all the gang for a rip roaring adventure that you can’t put down. All our favorites are back and Lindsey and Xav get there HEA!!
Lindsay wanted what all Shifters did—to find the mate bond, that powerful, magical tie that tethered Shifters to their beloved.
Little bit of danger and a whole lot of Shifter shenanigans. My favorite time of year when we get a new shifter book. She always blows it out of the park.
Lindsay wanted what all Shifters did—to find the mate bond, that powerful, magical tie that tethered Shifters to their beloved.
Little bit of danger and a whole lot of Shifter shenanigans. My favorite time of year when we get a new shifter book. She always blows it out of the park.
November 18, 2025
-3 stars. i used to really enjoy this series about shifters, but lately these books all seem kinda the same. this one felt kinda rushed to me.
neither of the characters will commit to each other because they don't know if the other feels the same, and neither of the dummies will SAY how they feel. i REALLY hate that trope.
but i did enjoy how resourceful and cunning the gal is. i especially enjoyed that she doesn't need rescuing from the kidnappers, they need rescuing from her.
neither of the characters will commit to each other because they don't know if the other feels the same, and neither of the dummies will SAY how they feel. i REALLY hate that trope.
but i did enjoy how resourceful and cunning the gal is. i especially enjoyed that she doesn't need rescuing from the kidnappers, they need rescuing from her.
May 17, 2025
Likeable characters and a decent story. Nice addition to the series. I always enjoy it when Tiger plays a part in things. I don’t enjoy the other unmated male shifters threatening Xav because Lindsey is choosing him. That part is enraging because their attitude contradicts the original world building where women get to choose their mates. Please go back to the original intent!
May 27, 2025
I absolutely love this series!
I have read every book in the shifters unbound series, and was so excited to finally get Cab and Lindsay's story. Visiting old friends in Las Vegas shifter town was just icing on the cake. This series can be read as stand alone, but is much better when you immerse yourself in Jennifer Ashley's shifter world.
I have read every book in the shifters unbound series, and was so excited to finally get Cab and Lindsay's story. Visiting old friends in Las Vegas shifter town was just icing on the cake. This series can be read as stand alone, but is much better when you immerse yourself in Jennifer Ashley's shifter world.
June 2, 2025
great story
Good story Lindsay a strong smart shifter that is afraid to speak her mind. Diego a human that been dating Lindsay on and off isn’t sure where their relationship is going but he doesn’t want to lose her. Both of the, need to decide quick because he other shifters are getting restless.
Good story Lindsay a strong smart shifter that is afraid to speak her mind. Diego a human that been dating Lindsay on and off isn’t sure where their relationship is going but he doesn’t want to lose her. Both of the, need to decide quick because he other shifters are getting restless.
June 5, 2025
Stray Cat
I feel like this book was a fluff piece even though it had the basic story line of other books it didn’t give the depth of what I’m use to from the author. It was a fast paced story however it was predictable in many areas and just plain. I usually highly recommended the book and author but this time I can’t.
I feel like this book was a fluff piece even though it had the basic story line of other books it didn’t give the depth of what I’m use to from the author. It was a fast paced story however it was predictable in many areas and just plain. I usually highly recommended the book and author but this time I can’t.
June 7, 2025
This book was just...okay.
The romance was okay but not really deep, or emotional. There was very little back story, I'm guessing because it's part of a series. Also, the reasoning behind helping a random bad guy find his brother was just sort of dumb and not very believable. The twist was so obvious.
It all culminated in a very lackluster read that I only finished because I was bored.
The romance was okay but not really deep, or emotional. There was very little back story, I'm guessing because it's part of a series. Also, the reasoning behind helping a random bad guy find his brother was just sort of dumb and not very believable. The twist was so obvious.
It all culminated in a very lackluster read that I only finished because I was bored.
July 7, 2025
It was OK, but definitely was lacking. Didn’t really feel the connection between the couple, who had been dancing around being in a relationship for years. Lindsey felt juvenile. Her being empathetic towards the bad guy to find his brother felt off. It was no surprise that the bad guy lied and the brother wasn’t what the bad guy made him out to be.
July 8, 2025
Forming the Mate Bond
Diego Escabar's brother, Xavier, and Cassidy Escabar's best friend, LIndsay, were attracted from their first meeting, but both valued their independence. It takes a couple of kidnappings to help them realize they are two halves of the same whole. I enjoyed seeing how they worked out their differences.
Diego Escabar's brother, Xavier, and Cassidy Escabar's best friend, LIndsay, were attracted from their first meeting, but both valued their independence. It takes a couple of kidnappings to help them realize they are two halves of the same whole. I enjoyed seeing how they worked out their differences.
July 22, 2025
Love Shifters
I loved Lindsey and Xavier's book. We get a good look and the integrated Las Vegas shifter community. Lindsay and her cat knew that Xav was the one for her. Could a human form a mate bond? Will they bond? What is going on with Brody and Emma? I love the Shiftertowns, we want more, please!
I loved Lindsey and Xavier's book. We get a good look and the integrated Las Vegas shifter community. Lindsay and her cat knew that Xav was the one for her. Could a human form a mate bond? Will they bond? What is going on with Brody and Emma? I love the Shiftertowns, we want more, please!
May 22, 2025
Love this Series!!!
I’ve been reading 📖 this series since the beginning and I still love it. I look forward to the next installment in series and definitely recommend reading it. ☺️🩵
I’ve been reading 📖 this series since the beginning and I still love it. I look forward to the next installment in series and definitely recommend reading it. ☺️🩵
May 23, 2025
This is an awesome addition to the series!
This is an awesome addition to the series! I have read and reread this series so many times, and Stray Cat continues to carry on the tradition of being amazing! I can’t wait for the next one.
This is an awesome addition to the series! I have read and reread this series so many times, and Stray Cat continues to carry on the tradition of being amazing! I can’t wait for the next one.
May 27, 2025
Good story
I always enjoy the shifter stories. There are so many fun characters that are nice to revisit when they pop up in other stories. I wasn't as engaged with Lindsey as with some of the other characters bit it was still fun to read her story.
I always enjoy the shifter stories. There are so many fun characters that are nice to revisit when they pop up in other stories. I wasn't as engaged with Lindsey as with some of the other characters bit it was still fun to read her story.
June 23, 2025
Here kitty
As always a great story. Even if people are not turning into animals, it makes a wonderful storyline. Author, Jennifer Ashley, writes like it happens all the time in our world.
As always a great story. Even if people are not turning into animals, it makes a wonderful storyline. Author, Jennifer Ashley, writes like it happens all the time in our world.
June 24, 2025
amazing I love shifters unbound and have been waiting for xav and Lindsay to get their HEA since we met them in Deigo and Cassidy book. this was an awesome story. I can't wait for more shifters. I really think Olaf needs an HEA...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews