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Talons #2
Falcon’s Mate
Princess Ari knows it’s her time to marry and has picked out several suitable men in her mind—none of which are Falcoan Army Commander, Rurik of the Fifth. Who cares if he’s sexy and all the women want him? The man tormented her when they were children, causing her untold humiliations. Luckily, there is really no need to worry about such a match. Shifters cannot rule and Rurik is a natural born falcon shifter. But it would seem fate has other ideas.
This book was first published in “Talons”, a multi-author print anthology, and in a matching ebook collection as “Talons: Seize the Hunter”.
This book was first published in “Talons”, a multi-author print anthology, and in a matching ebook collection as “Talons: Seize the Hunter”.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2006
18 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Michelle M. Pillow
202 books3,553 followersNew York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of All Things Romance
Michelle M. Pillow has sold millions of books worldwide and is the author of beloved series including Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Warlocks MacGregor, Tribes of the Vampire, Realm Immortal, Order of Magic, and Merely Mortal. Her books span many genres including romantasy, paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, and paranormal women's fiction.
Recent News: Pan Macmillan Tor Bramble has acquired world rights to the Realm Immortal (high fantasy romantasy, enemies-to-lovers) and Tribes of the Vampire (urban romantasy, gothic vampire seduction) series for new print, audio, and translation editions starting 2026.
A hybrid author (traditional + indie), Michelle is a #1 Amazon bestseller, RT Reviewers' Choice Award winner, Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award nominee, and HOLT Medallion recipient with over 100 books published and counting.
When she's not writing, Michelle is chasing paranormal investigations in old Vaudeville theatres, climbing Mayan temples in Belize, or quoting random movie scenes at anyone who'll listen. She's the proud mom of an incredibly talented artist, collaborates on film and historical documentary projects with her filmmaker husband, and her dream of becoming a zombie extra is technically still alive. (She came close on SyFy's Z Nation, Fall 2016.)
📚 Printable Booklist: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/42pg25jekx
✉️ Newsletter + Exclusive News:
https://michellepillow.com/newsletter...
Facebook: AuthorMichellePillow
Instagram: MichelleMPillow
🌐 MichellePillow.com | MichellePillowBooks.com (signed editions)
Michelle M. Pillow has sold millions of books worldwide and is the author of beloved series including Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var, Warlocks MacGregor, Tribes of the Vampire, Realm Immortal, Order of Magic, and Merely Mortal. Her books span many genres including romantasy, paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, and paranormal women's fiction.
Recent News: Pan Macmillan Tor Bramble has acquired world rights to the Realm Immortal (high fantasy romantasy, enemies-to-lovers) and Tribes of the Vampire (urban romantasy, gothic vampire seduction) series for new print, audio, and translation editions starting 2026.
A hybrid author (traditional + indie), Michelle is a #1 Amazon bestseller, RT Reviewers' Choice Award winner, Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award nominee, and HOLT Medallion recipient with over 100 books published and counting.
When she's not writing, Michelle is chasing paranormal investigations in old Vaudeville theatres, climbing Mayan temples in Belize, or quoting random movie scenes at anyone who'll listen. She's the proud mom of an incredibly talented artist, collaborates on film and historical documentary projects with her filmmaker husband, and her dream of becoming a zombie extra is technically still alive. (She came close on SyFy's Z Nation, Fall 2016.)
📚 Printable Booklist: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/42pg25jekx
✉️ Newsletter + Exclusive News:
https://michellepillow.com/newsletter...
Facebook: AuthorMichellePillow
Instagram: MichelleMPillow
🌐 MichellePillow.com | MichellePillowBooks.com (signed editions)
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 20, 2022
A well written, fun and steamy bird shifter romance novella. Not much of a back story, apart from lots of sex scenes, but it's a bit of escapism.
December 3, 2015
Childhood tantrums can turn into something you never expected.
Princess Ari has grown up with the thought that she hated her childhood tormentor all her life, but the Chalice has a surprise for her.
Rurik the pure blood Falconai Commander has loved Ari since childhood, that is the reason he tormented her, but now that she is about to become the queen and the chalice will choose a noble mate for her he realizes that he has never stopped loving her. Will he be able to see her seated by another male for the rest of his life?
The passion is mind shattering, oh to be flown away in ecstasy. I love it!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Princess Ari has grown up with the thought that she hated her childhood tormentor all her life, but the Chalice has a surprise for her.
Rurik the pure blood Falconai Commander has loved Ari since childhood, that is the reason he tormented her, but now that she is about to become the queen and the chalice will choose a noble mate for her he realizes that he has never stopped loving her. Will he be able to see her seated by another male for the rest of his life?
The passion is mind shattering, oh to be flown away in ecstasy. I love it!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2014
Got this in the Shifter Fated Mates box set. Short but good read. I liked it.
July 23, 2021
Cute short story
Commander Rurik and Princess Ari are childhood nemeses and when the mating chalis decides Ari's future husband and King, the results reveal a surprise. A falcon shifter story that will make you smile. A short enemies to lovers story.
Commander Rurik and Princess Ari are childhood nemeses and when the mating chalis decides Ari's future husband and King, the results reveal a surprise. A falcon shifter story that will make you smile. A short enemies to lovers story.
July 21, 2021
I enjoyed it but I wish it was longer, it was way too short. I need to see if she wrote a story about Vara
February 24, 2017
2.5 stars
It was kinda cute, but it's not one of Pillow's better books.
It was kinda cute, but it's not one of Pillow's better books.
February 28, 2011
This was a cute story; not very long.
Ari is a Princess of Falconia who has always had a dislike/love relationship with Rurik, a natural falcon shifter, now a Commander in the Falconian forces as a natural-born shifter is destined to be.
Her mother has died, and her father has ruled alone as King until Ari was of age to ascend the throne as Queen in her own right. Ari is to drink from the Mating chalice, which will determine who her lifemate will be. After that, she will be crowned Queen and her new mate will be the King, ruling by her side.
The one man she doesn't want the chalice to choose for her is the exasperating, gorgeously handsome, warior Rurik...
I liked this story. Rurik has always loved Ari and they were raised at the palace together. His lame childhood attempts to get her attention and show her he had a crush on her seemed to make her dislike him instead of making her see how he felt.
When the chalice chooses Rurik, he makes Ari see that he loves her, and opens her mind to the possibility of having her reign be one that she chooses, not ne where things are done a certain way because tradition says that's the way it should be.
There is, of course, someone trying to pull them apart in the interest of gaining their own power. Ari's father is delightful as a secondary character.
Ari is a Princess of Falconia who has always had a dislike/love relationship with Rurik, a natural falcon shifter, now a Commander in the Falconian forces as a natural-born shifter is destined to be.
Her mother has died, and her father has ruled alone as King until Ari was of age to ascend the throne as Queen in her own right. Ari is to drink from the Mating chalice, which will determine who her lifemate will be. After that, she will be crowned Queen and her new mate will be the King, ruling by her side.
The one man she doesn't want the chalice to choose for her is the exasperating, gorgeously handsome, warior Rurik...
I liked this story. Rurik has always loved Ari and they were raised at the palace together. His lame childhood attempts to get her attention and show her he had a crush on her seemed to make her dislike him instead of making her see how he felt.
When the chalice chooses Rurik, he makes Ari see that he loves her, and opens her mind to the possibility of having her reign be one that she chooses, not ne where things are done a certain way because tradition says that's the way it should be.
There is, of course, someone trying to pull them apart in the interest of gaining their own power. Ari's father is delightful as a secondary character.
December 1, 2015
Princess Ari was soon to become Queen very soon she didn't realize that all these years that she had been acting like a spoiled child when it came to the Commander Falcoan Army of The Fifth she would make sure that The Fifth always got the most dangerous assignments in a lot of remote areas of the kingdom but now The Fifth is back to celebrate her wedding Commander Rurik was very jealous of the fact that the woman he has loved for so many years is about to marry another man for life he realizes that she is a spoiled princess but he wants her non the less she on the other hand can't stand the fact that Rurik is the man who used to always make fun of her and always embarrass her when they were younger and she hated him even now but she would not be admit that she felt something more than just hate for the Commander Ari is about to drink form the Chalice and her husband would be chosen for her what Princess Ari was not prepared for her new husband once she not blind anymore just before her coronation. There were some interesting parts to the story but the story line didn't have enough content for me I thought it should have been equal sex and story content. Funny. Adult. I was given a copy for and honest review.
December 1, 2015
Ari is a Princess of Falconia who has always loved Rurik, a natural falcon shifter, Leader of the 5th division in the Falconian forces as a natural-born shifter is destined to be. Unfortunately he teased and tormented her as a child so she also kind of despises him. Rurik has always loved Ari but thought she thought she was better then him and teased her as a child.
The woman of her world rule instead of the men. Her father has ruled alone as King until Ari was of age to rule as Queen. Ari is to drink from the Mating chalice, which will determine who her life mate will be or if she will choose to remain alone. After that, she will be crowned Queen and her new mate will be the King, ruling by her side.
When the chalice chooses Rurik, she is taken aback by the choice. She knows she loves him and wants him to love her. However, she knows that he wanted battles and adventure and he cannot have that at her side. Of course someone is trying to pull them apart for their own gain. It was a short but great story. I cannot wait to see where Michelle takes us in this new world she had created.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
The woman of her world rule instead of the men. Her father has ruled alone as King until Ari was of age to rule as Queen. Ari is to drink from the Mating chalice, which will determine who her life mate will be or if she will choose to remain alone. After that, she will be crowned Queen and her new mate will be the King, ruling by her side.
When the chalice chooses Rurik, she is taken aback by the choice. She knows she loves him and wants him to love her. However, she knows that he wanted battles and adventure and he cannot have that at her side. Of course someone is trying to pull them apart for their own gain. It was a short but great story. I cannot wait to see where Michelle takes us in this new world she had created.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
December 4, 2015
A wonderful entertaining read that takes us on a journey to a new world where soldiers are falcon shifters and women rule the planet because they are less volatile and of course more rational(supposedly). Even though this is a novella it was packed with a lot of story, background and history of the main characters and development of this new paranormal magic Scifi world, including a look into the culture and rituals.
The story centers on the ceremony of the Princess who must now take a mate as it is time the crown is passed on to her. She must take a mate which is chosen for her when she must take a secret drink from a special Chalice. When she wakes it will be with her mate and the future king who will support and rule by her side.
The princess is a bit flustered as her childhood tormentor and secret crush has returned for the ceremony after many years away. Will he be the one the chalice chooses despite the history of no purebred shifters becoming king for many many many years?
An entertaining, quick read with an enchanting Romantic storyline with some hot steamy scenes that will transport you to an exotic magical land. Hope there will be more in this series.
The story centers on the ceremony of the Princess who must now take a mate as it is time the crown is passed on to her. She must take a mate which is chosen for her when she must take a secret drink from a special Chalice. When she wakes it will be with her mate and the future king who will support and rule by her side.
The princess is a bit flustered as her childhood tormentor and secret crush has returned for the ceremony after many years away. Will he be the one the chalice chooses despite the history of no purebred shifters becoming king for many many many years?
An entertaining, quick read with an enchanting Romantic storyline with some hot steamy scenes that will transport you to an exotic magical land. Hope there will be more in this series.
November 29, 2015
Remember in school when a little boy used to tease the heck out of you? Remember how annoyed you were but secretly kind of liked it? Well, Commander Rurik and Princess are all grown up now and despite what they say about the other, neither is willing to admit how they really feel.
The time has come for Princess to rule as Queen and take a mate to rule by her side. In this world the choice is not hers but predetermined. Guess who, however with the custom of their first mating will she even know the gorgeous Falcon born shifter is the man beside her? And if so how will they react?
This is a charming story of love and growth. Both have grown up since their childish pranks, but will they give themselves a chance for more?
As always, I am in love the the characters and could not put the book down. Ms Pillow has a way of building worlds that a may be different with strange customs, but with characters who always draw the reader.
A 5 star recommend. I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
The time has come for Princess to rule as Queen and take a mate to rule by her side. In this world the choice is not hers but predetermined. Guess who, however with the custom of their first mating will she even know the gorgeous Falcon born shifter is the man beside her? And if so how will they react?
This is a charming story of love and growth. Both have grown up since their childish pranks, but will they give themselves a chance for more?
As always, I am in love the the characters and could not put the book down. Ms Pillow has a way of building worlds that a may be different with strange customs, but with characters who always draw the reader.
A 5 star recommend. I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
December 2, 2015
This is a really good quick read. It is amazing when the magic around you knows you better than you think you know yourself. Ari is getting ready to choose her mate, and while she thinks she has several good candidates in mind it really comes down to the magic of the chalice. When she is drinking the liquid in the chalice to start the magic she is thinking about one person who she thinks she hates and does not want for a mate, so of course that is who she winds up with. But the truth is both Ari and Rurik have really loved each other for years, but think the other hates them so they want nothing to do with one another. When they are thrown together in the mating bed the truth wins out and they find themselves mated. After Ari thinks that Rurik will not want to be her king so tries to tell him that he is 'free of her', which is the last think either of them really wants. In the end Ari has to follow her heart to let Rurik know she does want him for a mate.....this is the best kind of HAE!
December 3, 2015
This book was given to me as an ARC in exchange of an honest review. I gotta say I loved this book it like many others before it was a great read.It is about a girl who now has become a women and it is time for he to take over and rule her home planet. Ari like many women before her are destined to rule and well the men are left to tend to the families and have less say in ruling,men are though to be to hot blooded and aggressive to rule with a clear head. But Ari world is about to be shaken and when it is time to take a mate she is mated to the last person she thought or want to be mated to. Rurik,was some one from her past that only tormented and seem to hate her or so she taught. When the two collide on the first of the mating night things only heat up and the truth comes out of what and why things were the way they were between the two so many years ago.One lesson to be learned out of it all is one should be true and open with their feelings always or it may be to late in the future when faced with doing so.
December 1, 2015
Princess Ari about to succeed her father as ruler, there is just a small matter of a mating ceremony to get out of the way. The decision is out of her hands as the chalice will select the most suitable mate for her.
Commander Rurik has a long and complicated history with Ari. They played together as children and a crush on both sides led to childish pranks and hurt feelings. Ari took it one step further and has recently been sending Rurik and his soldiers on more and more dangerous missions!!!
As a pure born Falcon, he can't be her mate, pity the chalice doesn't see it that way!!
This a short, fast paced read. It's not my favourite in this series as I found Ari a bit childish and just couldn't understand why she didn't realise her actions were putting Rurik and others in danger in retaliation for what she thought he wanted!
However it's still a great read and I'm looking for the next book ASAP!!!
Commander Rurik has a long and complicated history with Ari. They played together as children and a crush on both sides led to childish pranks and hurt feelings. Ari took it one step further and has recently been sending Rurik and his soldiers on more and more dangerous missions!!!
As a pure born Falcon, he can't be her mate, pity the chalice doesn't see it that way!!
This a short, fast paced read. It's not my favourite in this series as I found Ari a bit childish and just couldn't understand why she didn't realise her actions were putting Rurik and others in danger in retaliation for what she thought he wanted!
However it's still a great read and I'm looking for the next book ASAP!!!
December 2, 2015
Passion In His Talons! This is a wonderful tale that is classic from the time of the little boy and girl in school. Boy pulls the girls hair, sneaks bugs in her desk, and chases her till she screams. Why does he do this… because he really loves her? Princess Ari has been tormented as long as she can remember by the pure-blood Rurik. Now that Ari and Rurik are adults the time has come for the Princess to take a mate. Their custom is she will drink from a challis of sweet drink and herbs. At this precise time Rurik is in the great hall feasting and cannot wait for the ceremony to end. Does his heart belong to Ari? Will these two share the mating bed and finish what started all these years ago? I fell in love with this story from the beginning. Michelle Pillow does a great job of weaving years of pent-up love between these two. You can read this as a standalone, but seriously all of Michelle’s work is great.
December 2, 2015
It was time for princess Ari to that the throne and to pick a mate. She chose to drink from the sacred chalice and have magic pick for her. One sip would put her to sleep and transport her to the mating circle. When she awoke her mate would magically be by her side.
BUT of all the men it could have picked from did it have to be him?
Commander Rurik of the fifth and a natural born falcon shifter. As a boy he always picked on her. How could this be happening lol
Yea that's the set up! Great storyline. Any shifter fan is going to fall for this one. The only problem is it was over to fast as is with any great story you just want more! I sooooo hope she does a series on this I would love it.
Book gifted for an honest review and I honestly loved it.
BUT of all the men it could have picked from did it have to be him?
Commander Rurik of the fifth and a natural born falcon shifter. As a boy he always picked on her. How could this be happening lol
Yea that's the set up! Great storyline. Any shifter fan is going to fall for this one. The only problem is it was over to fast as is with any great story you just want more! I sooooo hope she does a series on this I would love it.
Book gifted for an honest review and I honestly loved it.
December 3, 2015
Ari and Rurik spent their childhoods torturing each other while secretly hiding a crush on the other. Now as adults seems the childhood pattern continues, only now fate has made them mates fulfilling closest held wishes, but are they going to voice that to each other? Apparently not, at least until the union is contested and Ari, thinking Rurik wants to be free of her, offers to let him go. Sweet and steamy just the way I like it! The characters were great and the story exciting, funny and at times a bit sad making for a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it especially if you liked the King of Prey series by Mandy Roth.
**This book received in exchange for an honest review**
**This book received in exchange for an honest review**
December 2, 2015
Michelle Pillow does it again!!! This book brings back memories of being teased by boys. A fast but no less sexy and hot read. Ari is the princess and it's time for her to take a mate and take her crown. Rurik is a falcon shifter who used to tease her mercilessly as a child. Fate has decided they belong together. Can they stay together? Will others try to split them up?. You'll have to read it to find out. Very enjoyable read.
I was given this e-book by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. My conclusions are my own. I wad not compensated in any way.
I was given this e-book by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. My conclusions are my own. I wad not compensated in any way.
December 3, 2015
I loved this book Ari and Rurik were awesome together. It was so shocking to find out the outcome of the ceremony but I was as shocked as Ari when she realized who was to become king. I cannot wait to see who the next book is going to be about if it's anything like a Falcon's Mate then I know it will be surprising.
August 23, 2016
I liked the basis of the story line but i would have loved to see the evolution of characters and a lot more plot in the same book ,it was just too small in length which is sad when it could have been an amazing book. I am going to check out the next book of the series in hope of finding the continuance that i am searching for the plot of the book.
September 12, 2014
This was very short and fast paced. It drew me in and made me want more. but there was not enough of this book to be more then just a good short story. Although the sex happened fast which usually turns me off this seemed to be justified.
November 30, 2015
Princess Ari has been picked on by Army Commander Rurik all her life! Ari has had a secret crush on Rurik and he the same.
She has decided to let tradition decide who is to be her mate..and surprise its Rurik.
Little predictable but it was still good!
She has decided to let tradition decide who is to be her mate..and surprise its Rurik.
Little predictable but it was still good!
December 29, 2009
bleh! spoiled woman and stupid man
February 6, 2011
Loved it wasn't sure if i would because i don't really read these type of romance novels but from the beginning to end i liked it. book description above
July 17, 2014
Good for such a short book
November 27, 2015
another great short read. brat gets what she wants and needs, just doesn't know whats needed before she receives it.
January 28, 2016
Falcons Mate was a great new story that is loosely connected to the other space series. It was filled with lots of passion and humor. I hope there is another in this series .
December 3, 2015
WONDERFUL BOOK I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ONE. LOVED HOW IT ENDED. WHAT AN AWESOME COUPLE. I WAS GIFTED THIS BOOK FOR A HONEST REVIEW. AND I LOVED IT!! ENJOY!
June 6, 2014
Funny, straightforward and short. Enjoyable read which is enough for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews