Rex's Mate

Akio's Assassins #2

by V.S. Morgan

Former assassin Rex realizes retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be without someone to share it with. He longs for the kind of connection his friends Hunter and Casey have. Tired of meaningless hookups, Rex and his wolf are ready to find their mate. But what if his mate is the human-were bunny shifter his former boss placed in his care? Can he win the heart of this fierce and beautiful man?

Abducted and genetically altered against his will, Aaron is thrust into a world he’d thought was only make-believe. Under the protection of a Minnesota wolf pack, he struggles with his new abilities as a rabbit shifter and his growing attraction for his cocky protector. Can he trust the former assassin to keep him safe and find his brother still being held captive by the evil group responsible for changing his life forever?

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Audiobook, M M Supernatural, Novella

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2015

About the author

V.S. Morgan has lived all over the United States but now calls Minnesota home. She incorporates her travels and experiences into her stories whenever possible. V.S. dreamed of becoming an author from the tender age of eleven after snagging one of her mom’s Harlequins. She writes contemporary, suspense, and paranormal m/m and m/f with heart and heat.

Reviews

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really loved this! I really liked the characters, Rex and Aaron had great chemistry together and they also had great verbal banter back and forth, funny and sharp. I also liked that they both felt pretty equal in the bedroom, it wasn't an overly dominant and super passive pairing, which made it a nice change. (Maybe I've been reading too much alpha/omega stories haha) Rex was sweet, patient, and loving to Aaron and I really loved this short story. I can't wait for David's story!

Yes, there is that whole "mates" aspect and some insta-lust, but I definitely recommend this to someone wanting to read a hot, well written short shifter story. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by author V.S. Morgan and It was a cute book. In this book we have Rex, who is a wolf shifter, former assassin all around bad ass. Rex is unsatisfied with life as he watches his pack mates all finding their bond mates and settling down. As he comes home one night after another night out on the town that was totally non-fulfilling he notices a covered cage in the pack house kitchen and hears something scratching around in it, imagine his surprise when he lifts the blanket and finds a cute fluffy black and white bunny in the cage. Rex assumes this is just another rescue animal that Casey has taken in and covers the cage heading up to bed. Rex notices a wonderful smell in the house like his Grandma's Cinnamon and sugar Churro's but he ignores it thinking it must be a moment of nostalgia. The next morning he wakes up with the bunny in his face - come to find out the bunny, is a shifter and his name is Aaron.

Aaron, or Harvey as the group is calling him when they first meet the black and white fluffy bunny has no idea why he is stuck in a bunny nor how to get out of it, all he remembers is life at Juliard where he was enrolled in their music program. He knows something is wrong but he can't figure out what nor why this huge man named Rex has taken an interest in him, and when he sees Rex shift for the first time into a wolf, well Aaron's Bunny is terrified. However, he can't get over how much he loves the way Rex smells to him, like Christmas and Hanukkah all wrapped up together.

It is very unusual to be a non-predator shifter and Aaron has been turned into a shifter by a group of people who are doing experiments on people in an attempt to find the perfect super soldier. It turns out that Aaron and his twin brother, David, were both kidnapped by a group known as "The Brotherhood" and while under their control they were injected with toxins that modified their DNA making them into shifters. Bunny's were chosen as they are easy to control and then the group was going to move onto predators once they had the method perfected.

Rex knows that Aaron is his mate but he also knows that he is going to have to take his time with Aaron as this man has had his life totally torn apart by The Brotherhood and he will need to help Aaron put the pieces back together. Rex helps Aaron with his first shift out of bunny form and then helps him overcome a lot of anguish and frustration as to why this happened to him and his brother. Rex and Aaron start working on finding David, which brings the two men closer together and eventually the mating attraction wins over and the two finally bond.

It is a quick read and everyone gets their happily ever after. There isn't much angst in the story it just quickly moves along. There is a bit of insta love but I come to expect that in shifter books with the whole bonding/mating relationships. There is a book one in this series where we can read about Casey and Hunter, however I have not read it and I totally understood this book. If you like shifter books and want a quick read this book might be for you!

[S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for some M/M and paranormal. When you combine the two, its a win-win for me!

V.S. Morgan was a new-to-me author and I definitely will be going back and one-clicking their other books!

One of my favorite aspects of paranormal, specifically shifter stories is the concept of mates. Who doesn't love the idea of finding the one person you're fated to be with? The insta-love warms my cold heart and the passion is off the charts!

Aaron and Rex's story was very bittersweet. Poor Aaron has been through hell and back. Unable to relax because his twin brother is still missing, he feels drawn to Rex but doesn't quite understand what everything means. He has survivor's guilt and can't rationalize being happy with Rex while his brother is still missing and possibly suffering.

Rex is an experienced assassin, having been around the block more than once, and probably having blown it up when he was done. Despite being quite the dominant in his life and oozing strength he showed the true power of love by being patient with Aaron. He waited until Aaron was ready to claim him and that meant more to Aaron than any sweet words he could have said.

I won't give any spoilers but this is an HEA and the heat factor is off the charts when Aaron finally gives in to the passion between Rex and him. The book does have graphic violence, depictions of torture and hot sexy action between to men so if that's not your thing, you may want to skip this one.

[Missy Fern - BFD Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rex's Mate by author V.S. Morgan. My first, but not last, book by this author.

What a crazy, funny book! I actually rolled my eyes when I realized it was about about a shifter wolf, Rex, and a hybrid shifter bunny, Aaron. Seriously, how would that work, would Rex eat him (not talking in a sexy way!), and what's cool about a shifter bunny?

Well, every F'N thing is cool about Aaron. He's smart, he's funny, he's a smart a$$. He and his twin are kidnapped and genetically altered with bunny DNA into hybrid shifters. I was right there with him when he wished for a cooler animal, but then he totally owned it and made it great.

Rex is beta in his wolf pack. He's a retired assassin bad a$$. His group rescued Aaron, stuck in bunny form. Rex quickly realizes the bunny is his mate and develops a "somewhat" patient side to coax his bunny. It's so sweet and funny to see the bad-a$$'s softer side.

Smart-a$$ vs Bad-a$$. Rex was determined to win his bunny's heart. Aaron was pretty busy freaking out about his new hybrid status, his attraction to Rex, and looking for his brother. Rex was loving, kind, considerate and held back on his passion. When we finally get to the sexy stuff, holy hell. HOT! Aaron was not passive and Rex was alpha-fierce. Fireworks!!!

This book was only 88 pages but it's packed with adventure, suspense, desire, humor, fated love, and explosive chemistry. Loved the hell out of it. Wanted more!

[Morgan Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Rex in Hunter’s Mark, he was Hunter’s former lover and spotter. He happened to make an off hand comment about bunny shifters… and what do you know?

Aaron and his twin end up captured by scientists relating back to WWII and their DNA is spliced with that of a rabbit in an attempt to build a “super soldier”. When Aaron is freed, he doesn’t want anything to do with this new world he’s been thrust into – even if he is madly attracted to Rex, the guy who saved him from the lab.

**

This is a great sequel to Hunter’s Mark and maybe even a bit better. I felt more for the characters and also felt their attraction and romance a bit more. Aaron’s unwillingness to simply buy in to the party line felt really authentic to me and I especially loved how simplistically devoted Rex was to making Aaron’s world a better place. Totally crush worthy!

I really hope we get to see the Den Mother’s story that is hinted at because I am loving this new series!

5 of 5 stars

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this!! Can't wait for Akio and David's story.

[Kirha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaron gets an ominous voicemail from his twin brother David to meet him at a parking lot in Hoboken. It takes him a while, but David eventually shows up, looking nothing like the twin who went missing over a month ago. His normal brown hair is now black and white and he seems different somehow. Before Aaron can question David, they are attacked by a group of men and taken to separate areas. Aaron is genetically altered into a shifter, but that is just the beginning of his troubles.

Rex is finding retirement as an assassin not all its cracked up to be. He comes to the realization that he lacks the companionship that some of his counterparts already have. Rex wants more. During a routine mission by his commando buddies, they come across a scared shifter rabbit and Rex is asked to care for him. The rabbit becomes immediately attached to Rex and he to it. When he wakes up one morning to a full sized man next to him in the place of the rabbit, things get interesting.

I have never read a story of this nature. I am used to wolves, tigers and any other predatory shifters, but never a bunny. After I got past the initial type of creature the author chose for Aaron I delved into the story more. What I found was that I actually liked it. Throw in some sexual tension between Rex and Aaron, and some funny rabbit quips and it made for an interesting story.

The author made me love Aaron. Having been forced into the supernatural world, and a bunny nonetheless, he was still able to cope with these new found changes. Rex and the other shifters helped him adjust, but Aaron still needed to find his brother. With the help of the other commandos and Rex, it was resolved. Like most shifter love stories, they get together.

There were certain aspects of the story felt rushed and the steaminess wasn’t as powerful as I thought it would be. Having read other M/M books, I didn’t feel like the lead characters had a strong connection, but still a good story.

[Fiction Vixens Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Rex and Aaron's love that is bittersweet ,and who in the world doesn't want to find their perfect soul mate that you are fated to be with for the rest of your life. These two have an instant love that will melt your heart and curl your toes well your reading about them. Poor Aaron has been through hell and back many time ,because of worrying about his twin brother who is missing and Aaron won't rest until he knows his brothers where a bout's. He's drawing to Rex and doesn't quite understand why, and doesn't know what everything means. Aaron has what is called survivor's guilt and he can't rationalize about be happy with Rex until his brother is found. Now Rex is different in many ways he's assassin with experienced seeing he's been around the block a few times, and has probably blown up a few things along the way . Despite his ways and being quite dominant and his strength shows through his real power ,just by the way he's patient with Aaron and not pushing him for anything.he's not ready for. That is sweeter then any words he could say to him. I could goon and tell you what becomes of Rex and Aaron but that would spoil the story for you. I highly recommend you read this amazing touching story you won't be disappointed.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars

Aaron is recovered from a gruesome laboratory, not as himself, exactly. He’s the sole survivor of a raid on a genetic torture lab. The raid was organized by Hunter and Rex’s former boss, so Hunter agrees to shelter the parti-colored rabbit until he shifts back to human form. Rex’s wolf bonds with the rabbit, and Rex loves him up for several days. Unfortunately, when Aaron’s change happens, well, it’s not sunshine and roses.

This is a fast moving story, and I think I’d have loved it better if I had read the previous novella in the series. Aaron’s definitely attracted to Rex, but he’s been through so much, and he really hates that he’s now a rabbit shifter. To him, this is just another weakness, and shameful. Rex is frustrated that his love is not reciprocated, but he’s steadfast, wholeheartedly supporting Aaron—even when Aaron’s a brat. I liked the banter, and I liked the cautious and careful development of their relationship. Rex is a true romantic, something neither Aaron, nor I, expected.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex is the beta of the Pawlak clan. He is a retired assassin for a vampire named Akio. One night he comes home to find a weird cage that smells like cinnamon, vanilla and another scent mixed together that entices him to the cage. He finds a black and white furred rabbit in the cage. He leaves it and goes to bed, only to wake up to the rabbit in his bed later on. The Den Mother of the clan has tasked them to care for this rabbit, who turns out is a man named Aaron. He had an identical twin brother named David. They were separated somewhere along the lines. This is a story about mates finding one another. It is a M/M romance, and sweet. There are some bits of thrills in this book as Rex goes in search of something that can help ease Aaron's pain a little bit, even if it is not his twin David. The question is, will they be able to find David? Is he alive or dead? Will Aaron ever realize Rex is his mate as Rex and his wolf realized Aaron and his rabbit were his? Fun, short read to be had in this book. I need to get my hands on this author's other book about Hunter.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex's Mate by author V.S. Morgan is a sweet funny read. I loved bunny shifter Aaron. He is a good brother, and loyal friend. He also has a feisty nature. Him and his twin are abducted and genetically changed. He went from being a human to now a human shifter hybrid. His animal is a cute white and black bunny. He even gets the white and black fur in his human form. His hair is the same color. If that was not enough change for him, he gets rescued by his mate.
Rex is a beta wolf. He is a badass assassin. Then he gets an adorable little bunny as a mate. He finds his softer side coming out as Aaron's story unfolds. I liked that Rex though tough has a soft side a mile wide for Aaron.
There is humor, action, and adventure in this story. I could not helping turning the pages and wanting to know what happens next. I so think this should be a start of a series because I want to know what happens to Aaron's twin. He needs his story next. Bring on the shifters and the men who love them.

Five Shooting Stars and a Star Dust Award

[Riva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:

I loved this story. It is slightly different than your regular shifter story. Also, even though this is Book 2 in the Akio assassins’ series, this is a stand alone. I did not read book 1 and still really enjoyed this one. It was full of dark drama, action and romance, everything I like in a shifter book. Aaron and his twin brother David are kidnapped by evil scientist connected to the Nazis. They are experimented on and become hybrid shifters. Aaron is a bunny, but don’t let that fool you; he is a pretty fierce bunny. Rex was born a wolf shifter and has a dark past. In fact both MCs do. Also, don’t make any sexual assumptions about who is top dog in bed. A love the chemistry between Aaron and Rex and all Rex is willing to do for his bunny. I also enjoyed the band of brothers dynamic with the assassins and look forward to future books as they all appear to be gay. The narrator puts in a great performance and really brings these men to life. He does very diverse voices and accents. Overall highly recommend if you like shifter stories.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars

Description ~

Former assassin Rex realizes retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be without someone to share it with. He longs for the kind of connection his friends Hunter and Casey have. Tired of meaningless hookups, Rex and his wolf are ready to find their mate. But what if his mate is the human-were bunny shifter his former boss placed in his care? Can he win the heart of this fierce and beautiful man?

Abducted and genetically altered against his will, Aaron is thrust into a world he’d thought was only make-believe. Under the protection of a Minnesota wolf pack, he struggles with his new abilities as a rabbit shifter and his growing attraction for his cocky protector. Can he trust the former assassin to keep him safe and find his brother still being held captive by the evil group responsible for changing his life forever?

My Review ~

To Come with Blog Tour

[Marinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex is a wolf shifter and a retired assassin for an organization that kills the lowest of the low ran by a 350 year old vampire.
Aaron and his twin brother David are kidnapped and used by The Brotherhood who want to create super soldier shifters. Aaron is rescued and placed in the Pawlik claim where Rex now lives. Aaron is stuck in his shifter state as a rabbit and he's bonding with Rex. Once Aaron can shift back things get interesting.
Can Aaron learn to trust Rex and the rest of the clan? Can Rex and his organization find Aaron's brother? Will Rex be able to break down the walls Aaron put up and convince him that he's Rex's mate? Throw in some hot M/M sex and some pretty good action scenes and you have a good short lunch read.
Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(3.75 stars)

So this was a quick MM shifter romance. I felt like we should have read a previous book before this one, as there seemed to be a situation that was sort of gone over but you kind of want to read it.

Anyways, Rex is a wolf shifter/former assassin who watched his best friend find his mate and now he wants the same. Aaron is a human... or at least he was born human.

Rex knows what Aaron is, his mate, but Aaron isn't even sure what he himself is right now. So Rex waits, letting Aaron get used to the new normal. Which I thought I was super sweet, normally you have shifter books where it's one sniff and the more dominant one will jump and bite, so this was a nice change.

This was an interesting short read. I give this 3 3/4 stars.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of m/m romance plus add in some shifters you have a winner in my book. Aaron is thrust into the world of shifters and questions why a bunny shifter at that. Rex is this big strong wolf shifter, but it's something to see when he gets all soft over Aaron's bunny. Fate has a funny way of working out. You'll see that for a few of these characters. The heat level is very hot in this one, but you can feel the trust and connection between Rex and Aaron. You will see the journey Aaron makes in this one as he becomes acquainted with the life of a shifter, It's a nice fast past paranormal m/m romance. If you're a fan of the genre I recommend giving this one a read.

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars
This author wasn’t on my radar until a friend lent me her copy of this book. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. For the most part, I really liked it. I like stories that pair small shifters like bunnies with predator shifters like wolves. My biggest issue with the story was my inability to really warm up to Aaron’s character. His character did fit the situation though. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t handle what he went through as well as he did. Rex I loved. He was so patient with Aaron.

Overall, a pretty good story. I’ll definitely read the next one in the series. I really want to read David’s story next.

[C.M. Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Hunter's Mark by V.S. Morgan, I jumped at the chance to read Rex's Mate, and I was not disappointed. Though shifters usually aren't my "thing," I've enjoyed these quick reads. The romance is front and center, the world is believable, and the scenes are hot!

Rex's Mate adds a nice twist to the world that V.S. Morgan has created by introducing non-wolf shifters. I loved watching the relationship develop between Rex and Aaron as Aaron comes to terms with the new reality of his life.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rex is a gentle giant and all he wants is to be loved. Aaron is spitfire who wants to stand on his own to feet. They don't know it yet, but they're a match made in heaven.

Morgan's sexy shifters have strong and unique personalities. Rex's Mate is a mixture of intense action, adventure and romance, pulled together into a well crafted short story. I recommend it to readers looking for a paranormal story that's more than a romance.

My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly’s Book Reviews.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex is a retired assassin and a wolf shifter. He longs for his mate. His pack takes in Aaron, an injured rabbit who didn't know he was a shifter. Aaron and his brother were both humans that were kidnapped and were used in experiments. This is Rex and Aaron's story, it made me laugh, chuckle, and sigh. If you like paranormal romance you will definitely like this book.
I was given this book as an arc reader for an honest review.

[Lynn Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well how do you handle being a wolf and attracted to your prey? Rex who was and assassin has suddenly been attracted to a human turned bunny. These two males have much to overcome. Can Aaron figure out how to be a rabbit shifter in the middle of a wolf pack? What of his brother still held by mad men? Will these two strong men give into the attraction they feel? I give this story 4 stars.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sydnee Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by V.S. Morgan! I loved the first book in this series, and have been waiting impatiently for the second one. It was definitely worth the wait! Once I started Rex's Mate, I couldn't put it down. The author has managed to put just the right amount of angst and suspense in the book, along with some sweetness and humor, that keeps you flipping pages. I can't wait to see who's story is next!

[Fran Zoch, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron was abducted with his twin brother David next thing he remembers is waking up with Rex, Rex knows Aaron is his mate and he will do anything for him which includes finding his brother and waiting for Aaron to accept him.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, fun m/m pnr.

[DoaJaneoDoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

it took me a while to remember characters, after that it was enjoyable read.

Can't wait for Den Mother's story 

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

[Books 2 Blog]

Find B2B Kirha's 4star review

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