What do you think?
Rate this book
City Shifters: the Pride #4
Cut to the Chase
Ruby O'Shea gives the orders in her pack. And when a rival alpha propositions her with a marriage of convenience at the cost of her power, she rejects him. Happily ever after might not be in her cards, but she refuses to give up her power, her pack, and everything else she's worked for. Unfortunately, the other alpha doesn't take rejection well, and prepares to destroy Ruby and her pack.
Carter Chase knows Ruby is his mate, and he'd do anything for her. Except she's practically allergic to asking for help of any kind. Ruby willingly submits in his bedroom, but in public she pretends there's nothing between them. Carter's lion is ready to tear the city apart to prove their devotion, but when Ruby thinks he interferes with the rival wolf pack, she walks away for good.
Ruby knows she's meant to be with Carter. She aches for him. But she's worked her entire life to be alpha, and she won't give that up. Even for true love. Can she relinquish enough control, and trust him enough, to cut to the chase and find their happily ever after?
Carter Chase knows Ruby is his mate, and he'd do anything for her. Except she's practically allergic to asking for help of any kind. Ruby willingly submits in his bedroom, but in public she pretends there's nothing between them. Carter's lion is ready to tear the city apart to prove their devotion, but when Ruby thinks he interferes with the rival wolf pack, she walks away for good.
Ruby knows she's meant to be with Carter. She aches for him. But she's worked her entire life to be alpha, and she won't give that up. Even for true love. Can she relinquish enough control, and trust him enough, to cut to the chase and find their happily ever after?
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2015
38 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 2, 2016
What a fun & exciting look at the life of city shifters. Nash has developed some interesting dynamics between the different shifter groups in this novel. Each stands on its own yet the entire shifter community still comes together as one at times. This creates an intriguing backdrop for the plot that Nash brings forward. Her vibrant descriptions bring things to life as the spicy yet difficult relationship between the main characters blossoms.
I loved the dynamic between the main characters in this novel. It was such an ever-changing thing that you could really feel the realism on top. Powerplay and equality both play an important role. The supporting characters were also a lot of fun to get to know. This is one of those novels that can easily be read on its own but for the full context on all of the supporting characters and their pasts, the previous novels in the series would come in handy.
As a whole, this was a very enjoyable read. It has definitely sparked my interest in this series & this author’s work at large.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the dynamic between the main characters in this novel. It was such an ever-changing thing that you could really feel the realism on top. Powerplay and equality both play an important role. The supporting characters were also a lot of fun to get to know. This is one of those novels that can easily be read on its own but for the full context on all of the supporting characters and their pasts, the previous novels in the series would come in handy.
As a whole, this was a very enjoyable read. It has definitely sparked my interest in this series & this author’s work at large.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
Good story! In the previous story, I didn't like Ruby but she and Carter won me over!
June 27, 2022
50 shades of gray meets harlequin romance meets paranormal.
Good but not great.
Good but not great.
January 18, 2020
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
Cut to the Chase is one of those stories where you’ll discover so much more about some previously secondary characters than you ever thought possible usually with eye-opening surprises along the way. Carter is definitely that person, Ruby to a lesser degree. They’ve both been somewhat involved in previous stories but now they’ll shine in their own unconventional romance that despite all odds actually works for these mates.
We all know that still waters run deep and Carter is the perfect example of what you see on the surface is far from what you’ll discover in private. The somewhat quiet one, the steady one, the peacekeeper most of the time. Yet he’s been in love with Ruby for a long time now and given that she’s his stubborn mate he’s in it for the long haul. With the recent developments of the turned down mating/joining packs proposal from the other wolf pack in town, and the escalating troubles because of that refusal, Carter knows it’s time to step forward and claim his mate. Getting the independent, strong-willed, completely stubborn Ruby to acknowledge the connection between them isn’t going to be easy. But Carter has his ways, and he’ll slowly show Ruby just how well they could work together, in all areas of their lives.
Ruby is co-Alpha with her brother, and she is convinced that to show weakness by becoming romantically involved with anyone, including the man she knows is her mate, would weaken her in the eyes of her pack and the rival one as well. She’s wrong, but Ruby rarely does things halfway or backs down from a decision. Ruby is tough, stubborn, strong and perfectly capable of handling life on her own – but she’s discovering that Carter brings out a softer side, a side that would step back and let him have control for a bit and that not only fascinates but terrifies her as well. She’s going to fight this thing between them tooth and nail but she’s beginning to understand that to be strong doesn’t always mean to stand alone – and having this man at her back could be the best thing that’s ever happened to her.
I enjoyed Cut to the Chase very much. It moves the story threads woven throughout this series a bit forward, gives us the chance to catch up with other characters, and shows that Ruby and Carter really do work well together since the air around them sizzles whenever they’re together. Carter may be seen as the quiet one but he’s got a taste for a bit of kink and as Ruby slowly lets go of her ironclad grasp on control she’ll discover that to give way to Carter in some things could be exactly what she wants and needs. I liked them as a couple, and it’s true that opposites really do attract as this wolf and this lion make a remarkable couple.
If you love a Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance that is intriguing in the plot with likable characters, a bit of sexy steam with a little kink involved and a world that is fascinating in both story and characters then you’ll want to pick up Cut to the Chase and follow this series from the start.
At the time of this original review, I had read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription – it is no longer available through KU.
Cut to the Chase is one of those stories where you’ll discover so much more about some previously secondary characters than you ever thought possible usually with eye-opening surprises along the way. Carter is definitely that person, Ruby to a lesser degree. They’ve both been somewhat involved in previous stories but now they’ll shine in their own unconventional romance that despite all odds actually works for these mates.
We all know that still waters run deep and Carter is the perfect example of what you see on the surface is far from what you’ll discover in private. The somewhat quiet one, the steady one, the peacekeeper most of the time. Yet he’s been in love with Ruby for a long time now and given that she’s his stubborn mate he’s in it for the long haul. With the recent developments of the turned down mating/joining packs proposal from the other wolf pack in town, and the escalating troubles because of that refusal, Carter knows it’s time to step forward and claim his mate. Getting the independent, strong-willed, completely stubborn Ruby to acknowledge the connection between them isn’t going to be easy. But Carter has his ways, and he’ll slowly show Ruby just how well they could work together, in all areas of their lives.
Ruby is co-Alpha with her brother, and she is convinced that to show weakness by becoming romantically involved with anyone, including the man she knows is her mate, would weaken her in the eyes of her pack and the rival one as well. She’s wrong, but Ruby rarely does things halfway or backs down from a decision. Ruby is tough, stubborn, strong and perfectly capable of handling life on her own – but she’s discovering that Carter brings out a softer side, a side that would step back and let him have control for a bit and that not only fascinates but terrifies her as well. She’s going to fight this thing between them tooth and nail but she’s beginning to understand that to be strong doesn’t always mean to stand alone – and having this man at her back could be the best thing that’s ever happened to her.
I enjoyed Cut to the Chase very much. It moves the story threads woven throughout this series a bit forward, gives us the chance to catch up with other characters, and shows that Ruby and Carter really do work well together since the air around them sizzles whenever they’re together. Carter may be seen as the quiet one but he’s got a taste for a bit of kink and as Ruby slowly lets go of her ironclad grasp on control she’ll discover that to give way to Carter in some things could be exactly what she wants and needs. I liked them as a couple, and it’s true that opposites really do attract as this wolf and this lion make a remarkable couple.
If you love a Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance that is intriguing in the plot with likable characters, a bit of sexy steam with a little kink involved and a world that is fascinating in both story and characters then you’ll want to pick up Cut to the Chase and follow this series from the start.
At the time of this original review, I had read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription – it is no longer available through KU.
Read
April 15, 2023Hmm on the fence. The whole love story ending doesn't work for me. I mean, is it really true love? Really? Cuz if she didn't get rejected by the wolf, then Carter's love story ending wouldn't exist. I mean, it's like their fake true love is only as real as the wolf says it is. Right? Makes me wonder why she didn't tell him about it. She runs in acting as if he was her first choice, when he really wasn't. She's kinda dishonest. At least give him the chance to make decision based on all the facts. Nah don't buy it, it doesn't get right now. It's too fake. And he won by technicality. And he doesn't even know it yet. Also thought she didn't try to get to know him well. And judged him for something that didn't even fit his personality type. Odd. Sorry but this couple is too fake, and Carter's voice doesn't fit character it's like a young high school boy talking. Fail
August 16, 2022
Awesome read. He had known that she was his mate for six years, but her brother had warned him off. She had been propositioned by another Alpha in a different pack. But she couldn’t accept the proposition without destroying her own pack. He went into her bar after the meeting and she was upset and he comforted her. He wanted a relationship out in the open, she wanted a trial. Whilst this trial was on, she walked into a meeting to which she thought that he was betraying her. It looked a war between packs was brewing. So she went to the other Alpha and accepted his proposal. To only have him reject it, knowing that she had a mate. It was then that she realised nothing was as important as her mate.
Narration was awesome too
Narration was awesome too
February 21, 2022
I just couldn’t like Ruby in her own book.
She’s been a secondary side character since book one. A female Alpha wolf and best friend of Natalie, with a tough and uncompromising attitude.
This unfortunately comes across strongly and I disliked the way she treated Carter. Her pack took precedence over her mate.
Going so far in her denial of them being mates as to accept the mating offer of another wolf we’ve meet, one with a nasty attitude.
Interesting that Miles shows some decency in not accepting, as he knew she and Carter were mates.
And what was the attitude switch from super tough alpha, to submissive in the bedroom. It didn’t feel real.
Read in the box set.
She’s been a secondary side character since book one. A female Alpha wolf and best friend of Natalie, with a tough and uncompromising attitude.
This unfortunately comes across strongly and I disliked the way she treated Carter. Her pack took precedence over her mate.
Going so far in her denial of them being mates as to accept the mating offer of another wolf we’ve meet, one with a nasty attitude.
Interesting that Miles shows some decency in not accepting, as he knew she and Carter were mates.
And what was the attitude switch from super tough alpha, to submissive in the bedroom. It didn’t feel real.
Read in the box set.
March 15, 2021
Oh my...Carter Chase is an enigma. His relationship with Ruby was fire. I loved the strong side of his personality that was shown in this book compared to the way we have seen him thus far in the series. I continue to love the family dynamic of the pride and how they are welcoming of all shifters. I'm surprised that no one shifted during this entire book...when someone definitely should have to put Miles Evershaw in his place. I have totally enjoyed this series and Ms. Nash's take on shifters.
April 22, 2018
Oh my
Oh my I am loving this series more and more. Ruby the Alpha leader of one of the wolfpacks need a strong male lover. She cannot fine one that would let her be who she is. But in walk Carter Chase he may be quiet but he is man enough to handle the Bloodmoon Alpha. One of if not the best shifter series I have read.
Oh my I am loving this series more and more. Ruby the Alpha leader of one of the wolfpacks need a strong male lover. She cannot fine one that would let her be who she is. But in walk Carter Chase he may be quiet but he is man enough to handle the Bloodmoon Alpha. One of if not the best shifter series I have read.
January 20, 2018
Ugh. Why does it have to be the one alpha that is female in the series be the one that likes to be controlled in private? The alpha men are tough & strong everywhere but the tough & strong alpha female must be weak & submissive in the bedroom.
January 12, 2018
A wolf and a lion what could be better. I really enjoyed Ruby and Carter's story. It is tough to get be the Alpha female all the time and Carter is perfect for the tough wolf Alpha.
November 5, 2021
Less dramatic as the other books but I liked it.
December 3, 2023
Once again, I have no idea why I keep reading these. But it is short enough for me to just power through so here we are again.
June 8, 2023
This is the fourth book in the City Shifters series, but I agreed to read and review after being assured that it could be read as a standalone. I agree with that statement, but I do feel that you would gain the most from reading the prior books, simply because it sounds like they are all good stories!
Ruby is the joint alpha, along with her brother Rafe, of one of the two wolf packs in town. When the alpha of the other pack approaches her with a business/personal proposition, she is taken aback. She speaks to Carter, a friend of the pack and a lion shifter himself, and he offers an alternative - one she had never thought of. Ruby is all about the pack, but nothing apart from that is mentioned. The pack doesn't play a big part in this book as all the action is between Ruby and everyone else. It alludes that Carter is in to light BDSM, but this is not mentioned in detail, rather it fades to black.
This book is told both from the first perspective (Ruby) and third (Carter), so it is obvious from the start of each chapter who is 'talking'. Well-written, with developed characters and situations, and with no editing or grammatical errors that I could see, this was a thoroughly enjoyable paranormal romance. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 22, 2016
Ruby is the joint alpha, along with her brother Rafe, of one of the two wolf packs in town. When the alpha of the other pack approaches her with a business/personal proposition, she is taken aback. She speaks to Carter, a friend of the pack and a lion shifter himself, and he offers an alternative - one she had never thought of. Ruby is all about the pack, but nothing apart from that is mentioned. The pack doesn't play a big part in this book as all the action is between Ruby and everyone else. It alludes that Carter is in to light BDSM, but this is not mentioned in detail, rather it fades to black.
This book is told both from the first perspective (Ruby) and third (Carter), so it is obvious from the start of each chapter who is 'talking'. Well-written, with developed characters and situations, and with no editing or grammatical errors that I could see, this was a thoroughly enjoyable paranormal romance. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 22, 2016
January 23, 2016
Ruby and the Dom
Carter is known as the polite, even tempered Chase brother. Armed with an MBA, he handles the family's financial holdings and acquisitions. Ruby O'Shea, alongside her twin, Rafe, is co-alpha of the Blood Moon wolf pack. Carter has loved her for years, but she hasn't been ready, focused solely o n the needs of her pack. Then a matchmaker sets Carter up on three disastrous dates within a week and Ruby receives a proposal for a marriage of convenience from the alpha of the SilverLine pack. Commemorating over a bottle of tequila, they compare their worst date ever stories and find the spark bet them that was absent with everyone else. But Carter isn't an alpha, and Ruby is afraid being seen with him will make her a target, talking him into a secret two week trial period. What she doesn't stop to consider is that an easygoing lion, regardless of status in the Pride, will always protect his mate. Even an independent alpha mate.
This is an excellent addition to the Pride series. I recommend the books be read in order since the storyline builds. And I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Carter is known as the polite, even tempered Chase brother. Armed with an MBA, he handles the family's financial holdings and acquisitions. Ruby O'Shea, alongside her twin, Rafe, is co-alpha of the Blood Moon wolf pack. Carter has loved her for years, but she hasn't been ready, focused solely o n the needs of her pack. Then a matchmaker sets Carter up on three disastrous dates within a week and Ruby receives a proposal for a marriage of convenience from the alpha of the SilverLine pack. Commemorating over a bottle of tequila, they compare their worst date ever stories and find the spark bet them that was absent with everyone else. But Carter isn't an alpha, and Ruby is afraid being seen with him will make her a target, talking him into a secret two week trial period. What she doesn't stop to consider is that an easygoing lion, regardless of status in the Pride, will always protect his mate. Even an independent alpha mate.
This is an excellent addition to the Pride series. I recommend the books be read in order since the storyline builds. And I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 3, 2016
Layla Nash’ “Cut to the Chase” is book 4 in the City Shifters: The Pride series. When the story opens, Ruby O’Shea (an alpha wolf leader) is about to get propositioned. Thankfully, she says no as she starts down a different path. One that leads her into the arms of Carter (a lion). As can be expected, mixing species is frowned upon by many, but the electricity that exists between the two could probably light up the neighborhood. This is a great story, and the added paranormal aspects make it more intense and enjoyable. The interactions between the different shifter groups was entertaining as Nash played on the different known behaviors to make the blending of shifter and human that much more believable.
And the sex scenes…oh yea, those were really good. Love a bit of kink mixed with the vanilla sex with the added frustration of Ruby realizing how much she enjoys submitting to Carter.
Many thanks to the author for sending me a review copy. This was great fun and a story I plan to read again. And again.
And the sex scenes…oh yea, those were really good. Love a bit of kink mixed with the vanilla sex with the added frustration of Ruby realizing how much she enjoys submitting to Carter.
Many thanks to the author for sending me a review copy. This was great fun and a story I plan to read again. And again.
April 16, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, but I'm so disappointed that I hadn't heard of the author prior and haven't read the first three books of the series. While this is a standalone story; the appearance of so many characters from previous books made me want to know their background and how they came to be together too.
That aside, CUT TO THE CHASE is a fast-paced, passionate and compelling tale of the weight of responsibility versus the pull of the heart, and all the confusion and drama that goes hand in hand with gut-wrenching decisions.
The storyline is easy to follow and consistent throughout, while the characters with their multitude of varying personalities, make this a captivating read and definitely suck you into wanting more.
I think I'm seriously going to back to the beginning before I move on to book five!
That aside, CUT TO THE CHASE is a fast-paced, passionate and compelling tale of the weight of responsibility versus the pull of the heart, and all the confusion and drama that goes hand in hand with gut-wrenching decisions.
The storyline is easy to follow and consistent throughout, while the characters with their multitude of varying personalities, make this a captivating read and definitely suck you into wanting more.
I think I'm seriously going to back to the beginning before I move on to book five!
February 9, 2017
Poor Carter. And Ruby is also pack first. But whatever becomes of the Council meeting?
December 24, 2015
Another great story in the City Shifters series! I was a bit disappointed that Carter wasn't quite so sensitive and geeky as I'd initially thought him from cameo appearances in other books. But if you ignore that the story was a good one. Plus, I really enjoy the way world-building points from earlier books keep threading through later stories and moving the entire series forward. Looking forward to the final installment!
April 15, 2016
Carter is a feline Ruby is a wolf pack alpha and they are mates. Carter just has to convince Ruby she can still be an alpha with him by her side. Ruby just has to realize that Carter is there to help her and being mates will not effect her being an alpha and running her pack. Thank you to Layla Nash for this very entertaining review copy totally enjoyed reading it. Highly recommend.
April 18, 2016
This was a good read but I think it might have been even better had I read the first few books. I am now going to go back and start with book one and am looking forward to since this book was well written and I really enjoyed the characters. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2016
Carter is the quiet brother. The peacemaker. The Yoga and Zen practitioner. So how can Ruby O'Shea the fiery alpha of the Blood Moon wolf pack possibly be his mate? Well stranger things have happened. And still waters do run deep. There's a side to Carter that no one but Ruby has seen. Can she surrender to him and let love grow?
June 27, 2016
I was provided this book for an honest review.
This was a great story! The dynamics of the pack, the strained relationships with other shifter clans, and the intermingling of the clans is a refreshing story-line.
Ruby & Chase are great together!
This was a great story! The dynamics of the pack, the strained relationships with other shifter clans, and the intermingling of the clans is a refreshing story-line.
Ruby & Chase are great together!
November 4, 2023
This book might be about Carter and Ruby, but I have to admit that I completely lost it when Edgar spilled the truth about his mate. Pregnant Natalia couldn't hold her emotions and mine exploded out right alongside hers. Oh I can't wait to see Edgar get his happy ending in the next book.
February 14, 2016
It's a long time since I have been this intrigued in a series... I ended up buying all the books and read them in one day, could not put them away...
May 5, 2016
Lovely
One of the best shifter series I have ever read ... I can't wait to read Edgar's story! Great job!!
One of the best shifter series I have ever read ... I can't wait to read Edgar's story! Great job!!
June 4, 2016
Cut to the Chase
Wow this is my new favorite author. I have read every book back to back and I have nothing but praises. I just wish they would get rid of evershaw.
Wow this is my new favorite author. I have read every book back to back and I have nothing but praises. I just wish they would get rid of evershaw.
January 10, 2017
Loved it! On to the next. This series is really good.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews