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18+ Erotic Shapeshifter Romance, fantasy romance, paranormal fantasy

Calhoun Men
Trent
Elijah
Scott
Sterling
Randal (Coming Soon)
Tanner (Coming Soon)

Marty liked her life just fine. She was alone in the world, and waiting on tables would get her by until she finished college, but the girl she was training wasn’t working out. And the girl got her fired—now what was she supposed to do? She needed that job to survive.

Sterling Calhoun’s encounter with the she-devil was over, but the nightmares still lingered. The only thing that helped him deal with the nightmarish pain were his paintings. And through is Grandda he met Marty, his mate, but Sterling hadn’t been himself for a very long time….

Marty knew a few shifters, so she knew what it meant when Sterling told her she was his mate. Oh, hell no, this guy had to be nuts, the “mates” she knew were a strange lot, and she didn’t want any part of it….

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2017

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About the author

Kathi S. Barton

454 books673 followers
Kathi Barton, author of the bestselling series Force of Nature, lives in Nashport, Ohio with her husband Paul. In addition to writing full time Kathi likes to spend time with her eight grandkids, three children and three children-in-laws. She writes to relax and have fun.
Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman brings them to life for her readers in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal romance with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d like. She loves hearing from her fans. aaronskiss@gmail.com.
Follow Kathi on her blog: http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/

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5 stars
63 (59%)
4 stars
29 (27%)
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11 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Ava.
1,028 reviews23 followers
April 12, 2017
It was a meh... I quite lost my excitement while reading this story and I was so ready (sure was waiting for this one for months!!) but I didn't get what I wanted more specifically on the romance side. It was a bit off, sure the mating thing is spontaneous as fast as the light, I'm not questioning it, it was just a bit lack of story. But I did enjoy the bad/sad story in this one, still with lazy bad man but I did read a real cuckoo guy and a kind of different victim, it wasn't really the happiest ending but it ended well with love. So next book.... can't wait ???
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,684 reviews84 followers
November 19, 2021
'Sterling' is book four in Kathi S. Barton's "Callhoun Men" and if you've been following this series, then you know of all of the sons to date, Sterling has had the hardest time of things. Having a she-demon drugged him and his friends, killing all but him, and taking over his mind and wolf, intended to use him for breeding her monsters. It took a demon, her creator, taking her back for all eternity and marking them and all future generations protected for that ordeal to be over. The reality itself ended but Sterling still carries the memories daily and the only way he's found solace is in his painting. His grandma convinces him to talk to the son of one of her dearest friends who owns an art gallery. That adventure took me down a rabbit hole that I didn't see coming. Trent and Joe went into a diner for lunch and had an encounter with the trainee of their waitress. That was a snafu in the making which wound up getting the waitress, not the trainee, fired. Come to find out, Marty is Sterling's mate and Fate couldn't have found someone more perfect for him. There are several OMG moments with varying family members and their ventures along with children coming into play. This storyline was just as entertaining as all the previous stories in the series. There were a few spots that hit my heart and you'll recognize them when you get there. At the end we're introduced to Randal's mate. The poor man is going to be chasing his tail for a while from the looks of things. I can't wait.
Profile Image for Niki Driscoll.
889 reviews17 followers
March 21, 2017
I am so happy that Sterling got his HEA. Marty is a great addition to this family, she is smart, funny, caring and can easily see the real Sterling behind his suffering. Sterling was surprised when he finds his mate and worried that he is to broken. Both characters were sharp, witty and insecure but they complemented each other making them a strong team. Several twist and turns keep this storyline moving along and I was surprised when other series characters crossed over into this one. ( I always love when that happens. ) Again, we are given a glimpse of what will be coming in the next book making the reader wish the next book was already available to pick up now. ( Sneaky author :) ) This story was easy to read, easy to follow, moved a good pace and keeps your attention right up to the end. I enjoy watching the previous characters grow with each new encounter and look forward to seeing what comes next in the future.
I volunteered to read this story for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Vettech.
529 reviews14 followers
March 25, 2017
Sterling Calhoun still has nightmares from what he went through with the she-devil. So far, his only comfort is from painting....though these paintings are very dark, Sterling finds it very cathartic. Little does he know the pictures from his dreams are about to change his life....and he has yet another surprise right around the corner.

Marty loves being a waitress, yet the rug gets pulled out from under her when she's fired....now she finds possible new employment, plus she is introduced to the man that will turn her world around. Though a bit reluctant, the sexy wolf-shifter will soon change his mates mind.

I really enjoy these characters and loved the sneak peek into the next Calhoun brothers story.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,888 reviews153 followers
April 4, 2017
Sterling may finally be free from the hold the a she-devil had over him, but he's still struggling with the aftereffects. He's trying to move forward with his life, and finds painting helps release what's he's been bottling up inside. Though the work is understandably dark, there's a beauty in it because others will recognize the battle we all fight in one way or another.

Marty works hard and loves her job as a waitress, and those who know her return the sentiment. As she's training a new employee, it's obvious the woman doesn't care what the customers want as she feels they should order according to her wishes. This is apparent when she insists upon trying this with their current customers, members of the Calhoun family, and as a result Marty loses her job. Nope, it's not her fault, but the new waitress has connections.

When the Calhouns learn of Marty's dismissal, their grandfather, having been friends, along with his wife, with Marty's grandmother, decides to check on her. Sterling goes with him and it's instantly apparent that Sterling and Marty are mates.

However, their joining won't completely be a smooth one as Sterling believes he has too many issues for someone to love him, and Marty, knowing how mating works, worries she doesn't have the capacity to love as she's never truly experienced the affection that comes with it.

Will Sterling and Marty mate? Will Marty finally experience love and the freedom to return it? Can Sterling prove they're meant to be? How will Sterling's artwork be received? What will Marty decide to do professionally now that her options are open? What happens when those around the Calhoun  family are in danger? Are Sterling and Marty safe? Will they get their HEA?

One-click now and follow along as Sterling finally gets the happiness he deserves while giving Marty the love she yearns for.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Profile Image for **Elle**Bee**Double U**.
2,213 reviews24 followers
June 13, 2018
Oh be still my beating heart <3
Sterling & Marty have taken the throne for my favorite Kathi couple!
I absolutely adore Sterling. Even after going through what he went through with the she-demon he's still found a way to come out and see the little bit of good life has to offer. When he thought life was as low as it could get, he found an outlet for his pain in his art.

**"Because I think that there are more people out there having the same sort of nightmares, the same fear that haunts them daily and no way of dealing with it. You, Sterling Calhoun, showed them that in your pain that they can find an outlet."**

Marty is Sterling's perfect match in every way. Where Sterling is soft spoken and a little introvert, Marty is one to speak her mind and bring Sterling out of his shell when necessary. She doesn't come from money, she isn't looking for the easy way in life, all she wants is to finish her college classes and survive. Loving Sterling was never in the plans, but he's so easy to love.

**"You say you have nothing. Well, from where I stand, I think you've given us more than anyone could have by loving us, and especially my Sterling."**

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**
425 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2017
WOW, this book was just as exceptional as the last instalment of this unique and creative series!

My goodness, I have just read the 4th book in this amazing series and fallen in love with the extraordinary characters and now I'm going to have to wait for the next 2 books to come out! When I get started on a series like this one, I love to read continually until I've read every word and gotten the the final HEA for the whole family! So, I'm going to be waiting for the next instalment with bated breath, because I just know that it's going to be as phenomenal as the 4 books before! I truly hope that everyone gets this enthralling, riveting and intriguingly sizzling series that will have you reading about these amazing and unique characters that have adventures and fall in love!!!

One of Your Greatest Fans,

Lena deLeon
lenadeleon2004.ld@gmail.com
Profile Image for Elaine Kirby.
972 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2018
Children!

Sterling he's now a painter & a very good one too. Book 2 describes what troubles had befallen Sterling; this book is about him getting his happy back.

Marty, was a waitress until a spoiled little rich girl & mistress of the owner of the diner came along. & then she met some more Calhouns one of which was her mate & she went home with said mate.

There wasn't much of a good vs bad plot in this story but it was still very good. There also aren't a lot of sex scenes in this story but there is the making of new friends but also losing one of them too. Both Sterling & Marty become guardians of a child/baby after his father is killed within days of his mother; Randall Sterling helps them find another child in need but she's a little older than the baby. & what becomes of that child is another story/book.
Profile Image for Annie.
1,883 reviews13 followers
April 3, 2017
Loved it

Love the Calhoun family. Sterling suffered so much for so long, happy that he is healing and finding happiness again. Working through the nightmares through painting.
Marty is human, hard working. And just marking it. When she looses her job the Calhoun family steps in. Sterling is shocked to have found his mate, he's not ready, but Marty need him and he needs her just as much.
Loved Steeling and Marty's story. Another baby on the way, along with taking in a good friends baby and a student of Randal's. The family is getting bigger.
Love that the Bentley's, another favorite family, are friends to e Calhoun's. It's fun to see what they are doing now. Myra and Chris always make things interesting.
Can't wait for Randal and Laney's story.
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,672 reviews45 followers
April 5, 2017
Sterling

Sterling the quite painter of the clan finds himself and a mate. Marty is a strong female and a perfect match for Sterling.
Profile Image for Jeannie Russell.
32 reviews
May 14, 2017
The book was wonderfully written, it is hard to put down. I find this author has written many wonderful fictional books.
Profile Image for Lynn Thinking out loud .
1,489 reviews64 followers
December 16, 2017
Wonderful book

I always enjoy Kathi's books. They're always full of love, family, passion and of course the bad guys. Of course the bad guys always gets their comeuppance.
Profile Image for Adrianna Lamm.
676 reviews12 followers
February 23, 2020
I loved every page of this story. It should probably come as no surprise to anyone who follows my reviews that I am a huge fan of Kathi S Barton.
Profile Image for Shante Pinckney.
56 reviews
April 3, 2017
This series is soooo good it just keeps getting better. Sterling & Marty are HOT! Can't Wait 4 Randal's story.
Profile Image for Patsy Richardson .
74 reviews
April 18, 2017
A story of trust.

Sterling's ordeal with the She-Devil maybe over physical but Mentally??? His nightmares are still the same with his only outlet is by his painting.

Marty a strong minded woman that works a job that just covers her bills but is fired due to the person she is training and their attitude. She is aware of shifter and understands what 'mate' means to them.

When Sterling and Marty meet it is by chance and sparks fly and not just for romance.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews