What do you think?
Rate this book
Mail-Order Mates #1
Loving the Lion
Curvy Erin Numm is over dating. At the tender age of twenty-eight, she’s seen it all. A string of bad dates and heartbreak has left her ready to put herself on the sideline. Her plans are changed when she meets an agent from Lovely and Kind Brides. The mysterious woman tells Erin she has the PERFECT match for her. Curious, Erin decides to give love one last try and join the mail-order bride agency.
Shifter Owen Brooks is a lion on a mission. He’s working on big plans but he’s having trouble crossing one special item off his to-do list; Find A Mate. A shifter isn’t complete until they find their mate and Owen’s had no luck in that department. After months of no matches, an LK Brides agent emails to let him know she has found his mate. The agent’s optimism is enough to give Owen hope that maybe his long search is over.
Follow two strangers as they embark on a journey to find their one true love. This is the first book in the Mail-Order Mates series. It is a standalone novella with a HEA. No cliffhanger!
Shifter Owen Brooks is a lion on a mission. He’s working on big plans but he’s having trouble crossing one special item off his to-do list; Find A Mate. A shifter isn’t complete until they find their mate and Owen’s had no luck in that department. After months of no matches, an LK Brides agent emails to let him know she has found his mate. The agent’s optimism is enough to give Owen hope that maybe his long search is over.
Follow two strangers as they embark on a journey to find their one true love. This is the first book in the Mail-Order Mates series. It is a standalone novella with a HEA. No cliffhanger!
68 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2015
120 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Lola Kidd
63 books144 followersLola writes romance mostly but she likes to read in almost every genre. She's a sucker for a love story though, no matter what genre she's reading in.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 6, 2016
A 2.5 story for me.
Interesting concept, not the first time that I came across so I knew more or less what to expect from the book.
Were-bear Owen wants a wife but in a town that has mostly men it's hard to find one. Top that with the fact that the wife must be a mate and he is in trouble.
Enter LK mail order brides site who matches him with Erin. There was a fast match and even a faster mating.
I liked the characters but I had issues with the way the book was paced. It didn't flow that easily. For such a short book the couple took it's time to meet and get together and the end felt rushed. I knew this is the direction they were headed - HEA- but I didn't want to get there that fast.
I think a little more work into writing few more chapters, add more details and some depth would have worked for me much better.
Other readers were not bothered by the shortness of the book and it worked just fine for them. If you give it a try you might like it.
Shifters are my favorite characters to read so in the end I liked story and the secondary characters and now, since I know what to expect I am not going to pick much on the writing or lenght but on the story. I am going to read about the matches of all the other town folks in need of a mate.
Interesting concept, not the first time that I came across so I knew more or less what to expect from the book.
Were-bear Owen wants a wife but in a town that has mostly men it's hard to find one. Top that with the fact that the wife must be a mate and he is in trouble.
Enter LK mail order brides site who matches him with Erin. There was a fast match and even a faster mating.
I liked the characters but I had issues with the way the book was paced. It didn't flow that easily. For such a short book the couple took it's time to meet and get together and the end felt rushed. I knew this is the direction they were headed - HEA- but I didn't want to get there that fast.
I think a little more work into writing few more chapters, add more details and some depth would have worked for me much better.
Other readers were not bothered by the shortness of the book and it worked just fine for them. If you give it a try you might like it.
Shifters are my favorite characters to read so in the end I liked story and the secondary characters and now, since I know what to expect I am not going to pick much on the writing or lenght but on the story. I am going to read about the matches of all the other town folks in need of a mate.
February 11, 2016
Quick, simple, semi-heated escape
2.5 stars
Worthwhile for me when I wanted a quick, simplistic time waster with a little escapist heat and a basic BBW/shifter tale.
2.5 stars
Worthwhile for me when I wanted a quick, simplistic time waster with a little escapist heat and a basic BBW/shifter tale.
September 26, 2016
It would be much better if it wasn't so short, too short! all was in such rush :( I liked idea about town and shifters looking to settle, but I needed more !
February 6, 2017
Cute quick read
This was a cute quick read. First time reading this author. I might read the others not sure yet.
Overview. Erin is approached by a mail order bride representatives. They want Erin to meet one of their most eligible bachelors named Owen. Erin has not done well in the dating scene and decided to contact the lady from L&K Brides to set up an online conversation with Owen. Owen is extremely excited that Erin was what he wanted. When they meet, Both are shocked at how much they like each other and can't wait to get married. But things are going to change fast too. Owen wants so much more for his Pride as well as his town and Erin is on his side 100%.
This was a cute quick read. First time reading this author. I might read the others not sure yet.
Overview. Erin is approached by a mail order bride representatives. They want Erin to meet one of their most eligible bachelors named Owen. Erin has not done well in the dating scene and decided to contact the lady from L&K Brides to set up an online conversation with Owen. Owen is extremely excited that Erin was what he wanted. When they meet, Both are shocked at how much they like each other and can't wait to get married. But things are going to change fast too. Owen wants so much more for his Pride as well as his town and Erin is on his side 100%.
January 1, 2018
I like the setup for the series -- small town filled with mostly men looking to bring some women in and revive the town's fortunes -- but there wasn't much conflict. One of the reasons I read genre fiction is because I like stories that get to the point, but the writing in this story was too simplistic. A bit more description of life on the ranch and more about how Owen and Erin's single life before searching for mates would have been welcome. Still, I am going to try the next few books in the series to see if the stories become more involved.
July 24, 2018
Shifter yum
I'm still smiling!! The shifter thing almost takes a back seat to a really romantic love story but not quite. The sense of community that's in this shifter town is what pushes this story over the top.
I'm still smiling!! The shifter thing almost takes a back seat to a really romantic love story but not quite. The sense of community that's in this shifter town is what pushes this story over the top.
April 23, 2018
How to become Alpha
A beautifully written story. The characters are very memorable. There is sexual content inside. It's a rather short read and goes quickly.
A beautifully written story. The characters are very memorable. There is sexual content inside. It's a rather short read and goes quickly.
October 18, 2023
Loved it💘
This short novella was a good read, it was filled with finding love. The want for a family, a little laughter and hoping the town brings wife's to their small town.
This short novella was a good read, it was filled with finding love. The want for a family, a little laughter and hoping the town brings wife's to their small town.
September 2, 2015
A ROARING GREAT READ !!!
Title: Loving the Lion
Series: Mail Order Mates
Author: Lola Kidd
My Rating: FIVE ROARING RED HOT STARS *****
I absolutely love it! It's just so darn good! Loving the Lion is the first book in the amazing new Mail Order Mates series by Lola Kidd and it is awesome! Kidd has once again exhibited her exceptional talent and extraordinary imagination by delivering yet another masterpiece of paranormal romance. She never fails to entertain her readers. Every time I read one of her books, I always finish feeling completely satisfied with a large dose of the warm fuzzies in my heart. The story is exciting, original, imaginative, fast paced, heartwarming, humorous, romantic, arousing and sensual. The dialog is smart, well written and flows beautifully. The characters are fascinating, captivating, engaging, endearing and sexy. Beautiful curvy Erin Numm is only 28 but she's done with dating and relationships. Heck, it's been 18 months since her last date. Yep, she's done with men! Or so she thought! While shopping with her sister, Erin is approached by a mysterious stranger who introduces herself as Olivia Grey with Lovely and Kind Brides, a mail order mates agency for shifters. Huh? And most surprising, she has the perfect match for Erin! What? Sexy lion shifter and rancher, Owen Brooks is a man on a mission. Well, two missions to be precise. Number one is finding a mate through Lovely and Kind Brides. It's been 8 long months and still no success. Nope, so far nothing - until Olivia Grey submitted Erin's photo and profile. He took one look at the lovely Erin and he knew she was the one. Now all he has to do is meet her, convince her to move to Sunset Falls and become his mate. Now for number 2 - get Sunset Falls back in American Shifter Weekly magazine as one of the best small towns in the country for shifters, an award they won once in 1953. And all he has to do is convince his family and the townspeople to help and whip Sunset Falls and his pride back into shape. Easy peasey! Right? Not! Sexy shifters-check! Beautifully curvy bride-check! Humor, romance and a little good old fashion sex-check! This is not a serial. It is a complete book with no cliffhangers. There will however, be more books in the series and I can hardly wait for Book 2! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Title: Loving the Lion
Series: Mail Order Mates
Author: Lola Kidd
My Rating: FIVE ROARING RED HOT STARS *****
I absolutely love it! It's just so darn good! Loving the Lion is the first book in the amazing new Mail Order Mates series by Lola Kidd and it is awesome! Kidd has once again exhibited her exceptional talent and extraordinary imagination by delivering yet another masterpiece of paranormal romance. She never fails to entertain her readers. Every time I read one of her books, I always finish feeling completely satisfied with a large dose of the warm fuzzies in my heart. The story is exciting, original, imaginative, fast paced, heartwarming, humorous, romantic, arousing and sensual. The dialog is smart, well written and flows beautifully. The characters are fascinating, captivating, engaging, endearing and sexy. Beautiful curvy Erin Numm is only 28 but she's done with dating and relationships. Heck, it's been 18 months since her last date. Yep, she's done with men! Or so she thought! While shopping with her sister, Erin is approached by a mysterious stranger who introduces herself as Olivia Grey with Lovely and Kind Brides, a mail order mates agency for shifters. Huh? And most surprising, she has the perfect match for Erin! What? Sexy lion shifter and rancher, Owen Brooks is a man on a mission. Well, two missions to be precise. Number one is finding a mate through Lovely and Kind Brides. It's been 8 long months and still no success. Nope, so far nothing - until Olivia Grey submitted Erin's photo and profile. He took one look at the lovely Erin and he knew she was the one. Now all he has to do is meet her, convince her to move to Sunset Falls and become his mate. Now for number 2 - get Sunset Falls back in American Shifter Weekly magazine as one of the best small towns in the country for shifters, an award they won once in 1953. And all he has to do is convince his family and the townspeople to help and whip Sunset Falls and his pride back into shape. Easy peasey! Right? Not! Sexy shifters-check! Beautifully curvy bride-check! Humor, romance and a little good old fashion sex-check! This is not a serial. It is a complete book with no cliffhangers. There will however, be more books in the series and I can hardly wait for Book 2! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
February 15, 2015
'I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review'
Erin is over dating. She has had so many bad dates that she doesn't see the point in trying anymore. When someone from Lovely and Kind Brides approaches her and says she will be the perfect bride for someone in their system. She is intrigued as she knows that LK Brides caters to shifters. She agrees to meet with the woman and starts to get in contact with Owen.
Owen has had his profile in with LK Brides for a while. He was starting to think that they weren't going to find anyone for him. He lives in a town that mostly has shifters. All of the businesses are shifter owned. But the town is going down hill. They need to do something to bring life back to it. One way to do that is to get some women in the town. The men need to start finding wives. He can't believe his luck when he and Erin start emailing and hit it off so well.
I enjoyed the book. I thought that it was interesting. It wasn't a really spicy read. I like the mainly shifter town idea and that shifters are out in the open. It is a quick, enjoyable read and I definitely recommend reading. I am definitely interested in reading more from this author and in continuing reading this series.
'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
Erin is over dating. She has had so many bad dates that she doesn't see the point in trying anymore. When someone from Lovely and Kind Brides approaches her and says she will be the perfect bride for someone in their system. She is intrigued as she knows that LK Brides caters to shifters. She agrees to meet with the woman and starts to get in contact with Owen.
Owen has had his profile in with LK Brides for a while. He was starting to think that they weren't going to find anyone for him. He lives in a town that mostly has shifters. All of the businesses are shifter owned. But the town is going down hill. They need to do something to bring life back to it. One way to do that is to get some women in the town. The men need to start finding wives. He can't believe his luck when he and Erin start emailing and hit it off so well.
I enjoyed the book. I thought that it was interesting. It wasn't a really spicy read. I like the mainly shifter town idea and that shifters are out in the open. It is a quick, enjoyable read and I definitely recommend reading. I am definitely interested in reading more from this author and in continuing reading this series.
'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
May 27, 2015
It's ok, not great but not bad,a decent way to spend .99 cents...
It's an ok story,not great but not bad.... A good/interesting concept , just need soo much more, more story,more depth more character development.... Felt like some ideas never really got finished,half baked even... Like the Ranch, it had been left to rot for years and years and Owen was Dead set against being the one to change it,he supposedly didn't have enough time,then suddenly he goes,he fights and now everything is ok? And he still had time for a life? Then there's the uber fast insta-love, I liked the story for what it was but everything seemed to be on fast forward and what could have possibly a rather interesting lil story seemed to go by way to fast,( like a speeder on a old country road) and the journey seemed to with out us really getting to go where we needed to....
Interesting plot ideas that wrapped up with out really going anywhere, not a bad way to spend .99 cents but I keep wondering what I could have gotten at dollar tree as well ;)
It's an ok story,not great but not bad.... A good/interesting concept , just need soo much more, more story,more depth more character development.... Felt like some ideas never really got finished,half baked even... Like the Ranch, it had been left to rot for years and years and Owen was Dead set against being the one to change it,he supposedly didn't have enough time,then suddenly he goes,he fights and now everything is ok? And he still had time for a life? Then there's the uber fast insta-love, I liked the story for what it was but everything seemed to be on fast forward and what could have possibly a rather interesting lil story seemed to go by way to fast,( like a speeder on a old country road) and the journey seemed to with out us really getting to go where we needed to....
Interesting plot ideas that wrapped up with out really going anywhere, not a bad way to spend .99 cents but I keep wondering what I could have gotten at dollar tree as well ;)
November 28, 2016
Ok this is the first book in the series and I can't help and wait to write this on the last one since I'm reviewing these books months after I finished them so I can't keep my comment in order ANY~~~AWAY~~~ I want to say I love those short books they were nice and adorable and I found them quite soothing XD
- I loved this book, it's basically about a shifter town full of dudes and they want to upgrade their town to attract new people, cause it's either full of guys or old people.
- And here where this mail order bride company comes in, the agent herself was cool and a constant presence in the series. I especially loved how she spotted the heroine and kept looking at her and looking and staring XD till she finally talked to her XD
- I liked how they started chatting and how he asked her to visit and she came and when he met her at the airport it was cute
- I loved how he was so enamored by her he literally was so gooey eyed over her XD
- I liked how she helped him settled old disputes XD
Overall, *thumbs up*
- I loved this book, it's basically about a shifter town full of dudes and they want to upgrade their town to attract new people, cause it's either full of guys or old people.
- And here where this mail order bride company comes in, the agent herself was cool and a constant presence in the series. I especially loved how she spotted the heroine and kept looking at her and looking and staring XD till she finally talked to her XD
- I liked how they started chatting and how he asked her to visit and she came and when he met her at the airport it was cute
- I loved how he was so enamored by her he literally was so gooey eyed over her XD
- I liked how she helped him settled old disputes XD
Overall, *thumbs up*
February 13, 2015
Great Novella, first story in what looks like a delightful series. Erin has given up on dating, men and the whole scene. Until she is approached by LK Brides—Mail Order Mates. These men are serious and want to settle down. What could be wrong with at least one email? Did I mention all the men are shifters?
Owen, is in his thirties and has not found his mate. He wants to settle down and have a family. One email---
The two have an active email life and then a visit to the small town he lives in. Will they make it past the visit? Is the town ready for them? This little treasure is a feel good read with charming characters who you will want to see again. Lots of personal growth here that I love to see in characters. I can't wait for the next couple.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
Owen, is in his thirties and has not found his mate. He wants to settle down and have a family. One email---
The two have an active email life and then a visit to the small town he lives in. Will they make it past the visit? Is the town ready for them? This little treasure is a feel good read with charming characters who you will want to see again. Lots of personal growth here that I love to see in characters. I can't wait for the next couple.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
February 21, 2015
Liked the story line and the concept. The idea of the mail-order bride (cute spin instead of dating agency themes I have seen pop up as of late). And the main characters were great and really cute. I loved were-bear cowboy Owen he just seems so cuddly, but I love bear shifters and Cowboys they are both swoon worthy. Erin was also really cute, she just seemed like a really nice person.
Where I had the problem was the pace of the book and that is why I could only give it 3 stars. As written, the book seemed choppy to me. It didn't flow/transition easily for me. Now that is just my opinion, others have found it to be fine. But again the story is really cute and I am going to like seeing all those boys...and girl of Sunset Falls get matched up. I will be reading the next one when it comes out.
NOTE: I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review
Where I had the problem was the pace of the book and that is why I could only give it 3 stars. As written, the book seemed choppy to me. It didn't flow/transition easily for me. Now that is just my opinion, others have found it to be fine. But again the story is really cute and I am going to like seeing all those boys...and girl of Sunset Falls get matched up. I will be reading the next one when it comes out.
NOTE: I was provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review
August 31, 2015
Interesting book. This is about a male order bride. Erin was lonely and felt she would never get married. She so longed to be truly loved and find happiness. She was this beautiful plus size woman. She had to be shocked when Olivia Grey approached her about a Lovely and Kind Brides.
Owen longed to find his true mate. He was this handsome lion shifter. He decided to try Lovely and Kind Brides. Seemed like ever girl that was sent his way he was not interesting in. He lived in a town called Sunset Falls that had a lot of single people in it. His town truly need women in it. When he saw a photo of Erin he knew she was the one.
Will he be able to talk Erin into moving to Sunset Falls and becoming his wife?
Owen longed to find his true mate. He was this handsome lion shifter. He decided to try Lovely and Kind Brides. Seemed like ever girl that was sent his way he was not interesting in. He lived in a town called Sunset Falls that had a lot of single people in it. His town truly need women in it. When he saw a photo of Erin he knew she was the one.
Will he be able to talk Erin into moving to Sunset Falls and becoming his wife?
February 6, 2017
Short and sweet
The first book of the LK Brides was very good. The couple meet first through a dating site and chat for a month and finally meet. A few problems, solved and then the marriage.
Very sweet and sexy too. Just a few editing errors but still very enjoyable.
The first book of the LK Brides was very good. The couple meet first through a dating site and chat for a month and finally meet. A few problems, solved and then the marriage.
Very sweet and sexy too. Just a few editing errors but still very enjoyable.
February 14, 2015
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by author Lola Kidd. This is book 1 of the Mail-Order Mates series by the author.
Erin is totally fed up with the whole dating game. She wants to get married and have children but with the dates she has had it is almost no chance of happening. Owen is a rancher and a lion shifter looking for a mate. 2 people looking for love and a happy ending.
I loved how the author wrote this story line with a very smooth flow. The characters were great and I can tell this new series is going to be good.
This is for any paranormal romance book lover.
Erin is totally fed up with the whole dating game. She wants to get married and have children but with the dates she has had it is almost no chance of happening. Owen is a rancher and a lion shifter looking for a mate. 2 people looking for love and a happy ending.
I loved how the author wrote this story line with a very smooth flow. The characters were great and I can tell this new series is going to be good.
This is for any paranormal romance book lover.
February 23, 2015
Okay, so this was more of a short story than a novel. It was still well written, easy to get into and the characters were great fun. This almost read like a teaser for a much longer series, but I believe that all of the installments will be equally as brief. For a story about shifters and mail order brides the amount of smut was minimal. It was there, but easily looked over. I enjoyed the characters and the plot moved at a wonderfully quick pace. None of those awkward lulls where you wonder why you're bothering to read this stuff. I enjoyed this book and hope to find more so that I can keep my reading streak up.
December 19, 2016
This is a quick read with a cute story and some steamy sex. The Mail-Order Mates series starts off with the story of Erin and Owen and Owen's idea to make the town great again. Little did he know that Erin would be such a huge help with the project. I thought it was a fun change from most shifter books for humans to be fully aware and even accepting of the existence of shifters. While this book is HEA and with no cliffhanger, it definitely includes a teaser for book 2, Wolf Seeks Wife (which I proceeded to read immediately upon concluding this book)!
February 17, 2015
I was giving this for a honest review. I have never read any of Lola Kidd's book and want to thank her this story. It is a short story but honest you can't tell. This is a story about Owen who lives in a town that is slowly turning into a retirement town and not only is he looking to save the town, but also find a mate. He joins LK Brides dating agency. They find him a mate, and she is just sweet, but will she like life in a small but almost forgot town? Then throw in a lazy family members. This story does not disappoint.
April 15, 2015
Sweet,Sexy Reading..What's not to love about a well rounded shifter romance!
Olivia is on a mission to bring mates together for love,family and a happy future as they wanted,knowing she will enjoy doing everything in her power to find their personal matchup so they can get their wishes answered. But this also brings you into the journey of her wonderful match making with each new client that steps forward as the previous pairings happiness spurs them into taking their own chance for finding their own HEA. Each book can standalone but I'm recommending that you get them all.
Olivia is on a mission to bring mates together for love,family and a happy future as they wanted,knowing she will enjoy doing everything in her power to find their personal matchup so they can get their wishes answered. But this also brings you into the journey of her wonderful match making with each new client that steps forward as the previous pairings happiness spurs them into taking their own chance for finding their own HEA. Each book can standalone but I'm recommending that you get them all.
February 13, 2015
I read this book in one sitting a perfect lunchtime read. In that lunchtime read you get a good story romance and passion what more can you ask for. A good start to a new series which I shall be following avidly. Don't pass this book by because it's a short. You get an interim HEA but there is more to come. A well written story which left me wanting more. What more can you expect ? well except book 2 like now lol. Go for it its a beautiful story.
February 21, 2015
Shifters needing mail order brides, what a great concept for the series. Erin is curvy but it doesn't define her. She's confident enough to put herself out there to meet Owen. She really shines once she finally gets to town. Owen really steps up and addresses some issues with his family once he has Erin's encouragement and backing. The story isn't long or the plot deep but it's a nice intro into the series.
Adult read
Adult read
March 4, 2015
Well written love story
This is a very enjoyable HEA story, self-contained yet part of a series. Curvy Erin is just about to give up ion dating till a stranger hands her a card and say she might be a perfect match for a client. Owen has been on the mail-order-bride for awhile now but when Erin e-mails him he thinks he’s found the one. But will she want to join him in his very small town where even the young leave and never come back? Very entertaining and well written story to read.
This is a very enjoyable HEA story, self-contained yet part of a series. Curvy Erin is just about to give up ion dating till a stranger hands her a card and say she might be a perfect match for a client. Owen has been on the mail-order-bride for awhile now but when Erin e-mails him he thinks he’s found the one. But will she want to join him in his very small town where even the young leave and never come back? Very entertaining and well written story to read.
April 2, 2016
This was just a novella, but it was cute. I loved the premise behind this: a bunch of single, male, business owners want to revitalize their town and get recognized as being one of the best shifter towns around, so they join a mail order bride company. This is a really quick read, but it's cute. Almost reminds me of the old Harlequin books my mom used to read when I was younger. I enjoyed this.
January 10, 2017
This is the first book in the Mail Order mate series. The characters are both feed up with not meeting that special someone. Erin doesn't want to do the dating scene any more just wants to find Mr right. When she is told of a dating service that looking for people. Owen is a lion shifter and has not meet his mate yet. Can two lonely soul find there way together for a happy ending? Recommenced this book
February 15, 2015
I came upon this book whilst browsing and I liked the overview so I decided to read it. I loved the concept and the storyline and the characters, but it definitely needs editing badly. It's a short read but it's rushed which is a pity as I think if it was longer and more detailed it could have been much better. A lot of grammatical errors as well!
February 15, 2015
He can Roar for me anytime.
This is book 1 in the series and it has a HEA. Owen and Olivia are perfect for each other. I recommend his book, could not put down. Really enjoyed he story. Owen is a lion shifter looking for a mate, Olivia is a BBW looking for love forever. Happy reading.
This is book 1 in the series and it has a HEA. Owen and Olivia are perfect for each other. I recommend his book, could not put down. Really enjoyed he story. Owen is a lion shifter looking for a mate, Olivia is a BBW looking for love forever. Happy reading.
February 17, 2015
This story was great! I was hooked on it immediately. Owen and Erin are so cute trying to find love fore the right reasons but life keeps throwing them curve balls. The fact that there is a parallel situation going on in their world is good. I was happy that the whole story is not centered on their togetherness and that will bring other characters into the story. I can't wait for the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews