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Catamount Lion Shifters #4
Destined Mate
Welcome to the bestselling Catamount Lion Shifters Series – steamy paranormal romance! Shana Ashworth is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after her husband’s tragic death and the discovery of his betrayal of Catamount shifters. What no one knows is that long before she became a widow, Shana’s marriage was cold and distant. Her heart still feels encased in ice. The only man who seems capable of cracking through the ice is Hayden Thorne—a sexy, smoldering, and powerful shifter from Montana.
When Hayden shows up for a visit in Catamount on a mission for help to break down the smuggling network in Montana, the first woman he encounters is Shana. Shana is breathtaking—a deliciously curvy, intelligent, sexy and strong shifter. When Hayden met her before in Montana, the spark between them burned bright and hot. But he kept his distance. Now, he finds that impossible. Shana is his flame as much as he is hers.
Shana wants nothing more than a fling—someone to make her feel again. Hayden is perfect—an out-of-town shifter who will be gone before her heart has a chance to get involved. She underestimates what lies between them. While Hayden chases the truth about the smuggling network, Shana comes to mean more to him than he imagined—everything. She is meant to be his mate, but he knows she must come to him only when she trusts her heart.
More than anything, Shana wants to feel in control of what happens in her life. The draw to Hayden is so powerful, she can hardly bear it. Yet, she must dig deep to believe in possibility again. As Shana tries to come to terms with what Hayden means to her, Hayden must see through his investigation and where it leads. Shana’s struggle to trust threatens their love.
On a journey that spans from Montana to Maine, Hayden and Shana must hold tight to each other as they unravel the threads of shifter secrets. Both put their lives on the line to protect each other and all that shifters hold dear. In a love story filled with passion, steamy romance, suspense and adventure, the tinder of desire flares into white-hot passion, tossing and twisting them in its fire. Shana and Hayden must discover if the power of their love can hold them together.
*All books in this series end with HEA!
When Hayden shows up for a visit in Catamount on a mission for help to break down the smuggling network in Montana, the first woman he encounters is Shana. Shana is breathtaking—a deliciously curvy, intelligent, sexy and strong shifter. When Hayden met her before in Montana, the spark between them burned bright and hot. But he kept his distance. Now, he finds that impossible. Shana is his flame as much as he is hers.
Shana wants nothing more than a fling—someone to make her feel again. Hayden is perfect—an out-of-town shifter who will be gone before her heart has a chance to get involved. She underestimates what lies between them. While Hayden chases the truth about the smuggling network, Shana comes to mean more to him than he imagined—everything. She is meant to be his mate, but he knows she must come to him only when she trusts her heart.
More than anything, Shana wants to feel in control of what happens in her life. The draw to Hayden is so powerful, she can hardly bear it. Yet, she must dig deep to believe in possibility again. As Shana tries to come to terms with what Hayden means to her, Hayden must see through his investigation and where it leads. Shana’s struggle to trust threatens their love.
On a journey that spans from Montana to Maine, Hayden and Shana must hold tight to each other as they unravel the threads of shifter secrets. Both put their lives on the line to protect each other and all that shifters hold dear. In a love story filled with passion, steamy romance, suspense and adventure, the tinder of desire flares into white-hot passion, tossing and twisting them in its fire. Shana and Hayden must discover if the power of their love can hold them together.
*All books in this series end with HEA!
- GenresParanormalShapeshifters
156 pages, ebook
First published January 21, 2016
37 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
J.H. Croix
206 books1,498 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with strong independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!
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January 22, 2016Another Amazing Book by an Amazing Author!
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Well what can I say, Croix has hit another one out of the park! This fourth book in the series kind of surprised me. I did not expect Shana to have a story so soon. As with all her other books, Croix has strong characters. Especially the female characters. Shana is timid yet she knows deep down that she deserves to be happy after what she went through in a loveless marriage. She gets bold and brave and comes on to Hayden. Oh and Hayden, what can I say about him! I have liked him since he was introduced in the second book. First of all, he works for the Federal Government which seriously rocks my boat. Secondly, of all the male characters introduced, Hayden is one of two that I would love to put an actual face to instead of just imagination. The other is Noah from book 3 by the way. There seems to be more erotic scenes in this book than the others which I liked. Another thing that I liked is the fact that ---SPOILER ALERT---- Hayden does not expect Shana to just pick up and move to Montana to be with him which is what would have happened in many of the other alpha male books that I have read. Instead, Hayden moves to Maine to be with Shana.
Now the only thing ummmmm bad for lack of a better word: this was in the other books as well but I did not mention it in my other reviews because it was not until this book that it really started to bother me. In all of the books, the first sex scene is always spontaneous. However, each and every time, the male reaches for his pants and magically has a condom. Now don't get me wrong, I know there are people who do carry those for just that very reason. However, Hayden and especially Noah in the 3rd book were both described as male characters who did not have much of a love life if any at all. I mean Noah stated that it had been years since he had been with a woman but yet he carried condoms. I don't know, maybe I'm just being a gripe but it really threw me off. However, it was not enough to affect the rating I am giving. The rating is based on the book overall and I am not going to deduct any points because I don't understand why something was written the way it was.
Please read these books, they are short quick reads that will get your heart racing and perhaps a little heated, um ok a lot heated but the erotic scenes are so real and intense that it truly does not seem imaginary. I have always heard you should write about what you know so I am guessing Croix... well let's leave it at that LOL!
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review. Well what can I say, Croix has hit another one out of the park! This fourth book in the series kind of surprised me. I did not expect Shana to have a story so soon. As with all her other books, Croix has strong characters. Especially the female characters. Shana is timid yet she knows deep down that she deserves to be happy after what she went through in a loveless marriage. She gets bold and brave and comes on to Hayden. Oh and Hayden, what can I say about him! I have liked him since he was introduced in the second book. First of all, he works for the Federal Government which seriously rocks my boat. Secondly, of all the male characters introduced, Hayden is one of two that I would love to put an actual face to instead of just imagination. The other is Noah from book 3 by the way. There seems to be more erotic scenes in this book than the others which I liked. Another thing that I liked is the fact that ---SPOILER ALERT---- Hayden does not expect Shana to just pick up and move to Montana to be with him which is what would have happened in many of the other alpha male books that I have read. Instead, Hayden moves to Maine to be with Shana.
Now the only thing ummmmm bad for lack of a better word: this was in the other books as well but I did not mention it in my other reviews because it was not until this book that it really started to bother me. In all of the books, the first sex scene is always spontaneous. However, each and every time, the male reaches for his pants and magically has a condom. Now don't get me wrong, I know there are people who do carry those for just that very reason. However, Hayden and especially Noah in the 3rd book were both described as male characters who did not have much of a love life if any at all. I mean Noah stated that it had been years since he had been with a woman but yet he carried condoms. I don't know, maybe I'm just being a gripe but it really threw me off. However, it was not enough to affect the rating I am giving. The rating is based on the book overall and I am not going to deduct any points because I don't understand why something was written the way it was.
Please read these books, they are short quick reads that will get your heart racing and perhaps a little heated, um ok a lot heated but the erotic scenes are so real and intense that it truly does not seem imaginary. I have always heard you should write about what you know so I am guessing Croix... well let's leave it at that LOL!
January 22, 2016
She did it again!!! What you ask? Well, I will tell you. Ms. Croix is a writer, a phenomenal writer of contemporary romance. A few months ago she broke into the shapeshifter romance genre. I have to say she has done this to perfection. Destined Mate is the fourth book in the Catamount Lion Shifter series, and it is outstanding. Each and every book has been phenomenal.
This is the story of Shana and Hayden. Shana was married to Callen, one of the men responsible for bringing the trouble to Catamount. Shana feels guilty because she did not see what Callen was doing. Probably because their marriage was failing, to the point that Shana was thinking about divorce. Because of the way her marriage was, her view of marriage has been severely poisoned, and she plans to never go that route again. But, you know what they say about “plans”? The first time she meets, Hayden the attraction was instantaneous. She, Chloe, Dane, Shana’s brother and Jake went to Montana, where the trouble began. Hayden is a Fish & Wildlife officer from Bozeman, he is also a shifter. Now, Hayden has come to Catamount to meet with Dane, and the suspects that were caught in Catamount. He wants to see if he can gain some information regarding the problem in Bozeman. When he arrives in Catamount he stops for coffee at Roxanne’s before heading to Dane’s. He and Roxanne are talking when Shana limps in. She had slipped on some ice while out running. Being a good friend, and knowing where Hayden is going, Roxanne asks him to drive Shana home to Dane’s guest house where she is currently living. During the drive Shana realizes her attraction to Hayden is mutual. She and her “plans” are in trouble. She starts to see her outlook starting to change and it scares her. My favorite part is when she is speaking to Roxanne about her feelings for Hayden and …….. STOP, no more, I will not give any more away. You need to read this book. It is fabulous!!!
Now, I really need say thank you, thank you, thank you for the gift of the ARC for this book for an honest review. Stupendous!! Kudos to you Ms. Croix. I just love your books. You just have an art of drawing your readers into your books.
Thank you for reading my review.
This is the story of Shana and Hayden. Shana was married to Callen, one of the men responsible for bringing the trouble to Catamount. Shana feels guilty because she did not see what Callen was doing. Probably because their marriage was failing, to the point that Shana was thinking about divorce. Because of the way her marriage was, her view of marriage has been severely poisoned, and she plans to never go that route again. But, you know what they say about “plans”? The first time she meets, Hayden the attraction was instantaneous. She, Chloe, Dane, Shana’s brother and Jake went to Montana, where the trouble began. Hayden is a Fish & Wildlife officer from Bozeman, he is also a shifter. Now, Hayden has come to Catamount to meet with Dane, and the suspects that were caught in Catamount. He wants to see if he can gain some information regarding the problem in Bozeman. When he arrives in Catamount he stops for coffee at Roxanne’s before heading to Dane’s. He and Roxanne are talking when Shana limps in. She had slipped on some ice while out running. Being a good friend, and knowing where Hayden is going, Roxanne asks him to drive Shana home to Dane’s guest house where she is currently living. During the drive Shana realizes her attraction to Hayden is mutual. She and her “plans” are in trouble. She starts to see her outlook starting to change and it scares her. My favorite part is when she is speaking to Roxanne about her feelings for Hayden and …….. STOP, no more, I will not give any more away. You need to read this book. It is fabulous!!!
Now, I really need say thank you, thank you, thank you for the gift of the ARC for this book for an honest review. Stupendous!! Kudos to you Ms. Croix. I just love your books. You just have an art of drawing your readers into your books.
Thank you for reading my review.
January 16, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have been anxious for this book since I read the first chapter at the end of the third book. Shana was in a loveless marriage with a shifter that just wanted her family connections. Then he got killed and turned her world upside down when she found out he was involved with drug smuggling. She met Hayden when she went to Montana to help with the investigation. There was a spark but they didn’t do anything about it so she returned to Catamount. A few months later she was shocked to find him in Roxanne’s shop. The attraction was immediate for both of them. This book follows their rocky romance where she isn’t too sure to trust what she feels and he knows but doesn’t want to push. I really loved this story although at times I wanted to smack her because she worried too much instead of following her heart ;)
I have been anxious for this book since I read the first chapter at the end of the third book. Shana was in a loveless marriage with a shifter that just wanted her family connections. Then he got killed and turned her world upside down when she found out he was involved with drug smuggling. She met Hayden when she went to Montana to help with the investigation. There was a spark but they didn’t do anything about it so she returned to Catamount. A few months later she was shocked to find him in Roxanne’s shop. The attraction was immediate for both of them. This book follows their rocky romance where she isn’t too sure to trust what she feels and he knows but doesn’t want to push. I really loved this story although at times I wanted to smack her because she worried too much instead of following her heart ;)
January 10, 2016
I received as an ARC for my honest review.
This is Shana and Hayden's story. It continues with the ending of the last book with the smuggling issue.
I would have to say, between this story and the last one, I am not sure which one I enjoyed more.
Shana has gone through a lot within the last year. Her husband, Callen, died and part of the drug smuggling. Dealing with her horrible marriage.
Hayden comes to visit Dane. There is the instant chemistry between the two. Shana makes the first move, which was bold. You don't see that to often in books, girls taking what they want.
You still get to see your favorite characters, Dane, Noah, Jake, Phoebe, and Chloe.
They are getting to the bottom of the smuggling issues. The glimpse into the future was a nice touch at the end.
This is Shana and Hayden's story. It continues with the ending of the last book with the smuggling issue.
I would have to say, between this story and the last one, I am not sure which one I enjoyed more.
Shana has gone through a lot within the last year. Her husband, Callen, died and part of the drug smuggling. Dealing with her horrible marriage.
Hayden comes to visit Dane. There is the instant chemistry between the two. Shana makes the first move, which was bold. You don't see that to often in books, girls taking what they want.
You still get to see your favorite characters, Dane, Noah, Jake, Phoebe, and Chloe.
They are getting to the bottom of the smuggling issues. The glimpse into the future was a nice touch at the end.
January 22, 2016
Given to me for an honest review. Sometimes Shana is enjoying the sun, the birds talking, and the buds on the trees. She wasn't enjoying the ice she slipped on or the thorns of a wild rose bush that attacked her running tights. Luckily, no one saw her. She decides to get some coffee before going back home. Hayden stops to get some coffee and Roxanne tells him Shana needs a ride home. Her brother never mentioned that Hayden was coming to interview the drug runners that are in jail. She had met Hayden when she went to Montana last year. She had almost kissed him when she was in Montana. Now she might have a short fling while Hayden is here. Do they? Does Hayden get info from the jailed men about the drug running?
January 23, 2016
I fell in love with Shana and Hayden's story. Shana is such a strong woman who doesn't even realize it. She has never been one with her lion and that keeps her from fully trusting it. Hayden is determined to make Shana realize that he loves her and they can have a life together. Shana is only looking for some good fun and loosening up and figures Hayden is safe since he is only visiting. She doesn't count on the way her lion is pushing her and the feelings she has. She was burned once before and lived through the scandal and doesn't trust herself. There is also the investigation surrounding her husband to wrap up. I can't wait to read more in this series and find out more about the people in this small town. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2016
This series gets better with each book including strong, relatable characters and a plot that has action, adventure, suspense, paranormal elements and steamy scenes. Destined Mate centers around Shana Ashworth, from legendary Catamount, Maine, and Hayden Thorne, who works for the Feds in Bozeman, Montana and comes to Catamount hoping to find some information he can use to stop the smuggling network in Montana. I loved their instant, hot chemistry and couldn't put the book down once I started reading. Ms. Croix has written another winner and I'm looking forward to book 5 in the Catamount Lion Shifter series.
I receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2016
Destined Mate by J.H. Croix is by far my favorite book so far in the series. I am enjoying these stories in this series so much, I usually do not read paranormal shifter books. J.H. Croix has changed me into loving this genre, this book is filled with love, romance, lots of suspense and wonderful characters. Shana and Hayden are so hot for each other, so much chemistry. This series just keeps getting better, if you love shifter books you definitely want to pick this book and series up.
I was given an ARC of this book, for my honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book, for my honest review.
May 22, 2016
Last (I'm assuming) story in the series is about Shana and Hayden the Fish & Game warden we met in the second book from Montana.
The h was a bit of a bonehead at times. They didn't talk a whole lot until 3/4 through the book. They'd look at each other, jump each other's bones then it would dissolve into him talking with the guys about the smuggling plot (which really, now that it's done could have been left out entirely) or the h talking with her girlfriends.
As a freebie on KU it's an entertaining read but I probably wouldn't re-read.
The h was a bit of a bonehead at times. They didn't talk a whole lot until 3/4 through the book. They'd look at each other, jump each other's bones then it would dissolve into him talking with the guys about the smuggling plot (which really, now that it's done could have been left out entirely) or the h talking with her girlfriends.
As a freebie on KU it's an entertaining read but I probably wouldn't re-read.
January 11, 2016
OMG!!! I love this series! Each book kept getting better. I loved how each couple got explored and each got their own happily ever after. The characters all had amazing depth and pulled you into their hearts and minds.
January 31, 2016
Good read
I enjoyed this book. It had a good story to it as well as some smoking romance. This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last.
I enjoyed this book. It had a good story to it as well as some smoking romance. This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last.
September 22, 2018
Destined Mate is the 4th book in the Catamount Shifters series. While you don’t have to read the other books in the series to read this one (each book can be read as a stand-alone with HEA), I would advise it b/c a lot of Shana’s back story is in those books. However, J.H. Croix does a very good job explaining parts of Shana’s story in this one.
It’s been about a year since Shana’s husband died and his secret drug smuggling was revealed. She is still trying to get over the depth of his deception and the lingering effects it has had on her and the whole community.
Hayden was first introduced in the 2nd book, Chosen Mate, when Shana and Phoebe took a trip to Montana. The drug smuggling among shifters is even worse in Montana and he’s been trying to find key players to stop the ring. In this book he comes for a visit and immediately runs into Shana.
When they first met in Montana there was a spark of interest and now that he’s visiting in Catamount that spark turns into a roaring fire. But Shana still has insecurities that developed during her marriage. She has to let go of them first and let her heart lead her if she’s going to get her HEA with Hayden.
It’s been about a year since Shana’s husband died and his secret drug smuggling was revealed. She is still trying to get over the depth of his deception and the lingering effects it has had on her and the whole community.
Hayden was first introduced in the 2nd book, Chosen Mate, when Shana and Phoebe took a trip to Montana. The drug smuggling among shifters is even worse in Montana and he’s been trying to find key players to stop the ring. In this book he comes for a visit and immediately runs into Shana.
When they first met in Montana there was a spark of interest and now that he’s visiting in Catamount that spark turns into a roaring fire. But Shana still has insecurities that developed during her marriage. She has to let go of them first and let her heart lead her if she’s going to get her HEA with Hayden.
April 15, 2019
After her husband's death and learning he had betrayed the shifters in Catamount, Shana Ashworth is picking up the pieces of her life. She's never told anyone that long before she was widowed, her marriage was basically one in name only. Shana wants to do something to melt the ice she feel is around her heart. When Hayden, the Fish and Game Officer from Bozeman, Montana shows up in town to try to get some names of the people in Bozeman who are involved in the drug trafficking, she thinks he'd be perfect to have some fun with. But she's not prepared for the feelings that overcome her when they're together. Hayden's working on the drug trafficking mystery and already knows what he wants in his personal life.
I enjoyed the story and returning to Catamount. The book seemed a bit short plot-wise and there were some grammatical errors that detracted from the story for me.
I enjoyed the story and returning to Catamount. The book seemed a bit short plot-wise and there were some grammatical errors that detracted from the story for me.
April 6, 2020
Shana gets her HEA
You knew it was coming — Widow Shana gets her second chance at happiness as the mysterious smuggling ring is finally taken down
You knew it was coming — Widow Shana gets her second chance at happiness as the mysterious smuggling ring is finally taken down
July 14, 2016
WOW, WOW, and WOW
I've read all four books in this wonderful series. I'm partial to shifter stories and this series is the best. J. H. Croix is extremely talented; the storyline is consistent throughout each book in the series. The characters are well developed and complex. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader's interest. Each book in this series is devoted to the start of the relationship and maintains and covers the growth of the love for the book's highlighted couples. My only complaint is that each book is not long enough. I was completely into each story and hated it when I got to the end of the story. I wanted more of their story in each book. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Croix's work. I'm sure you will enjoy this series too.
I've read all four books in this wonderful series. I'm partial to shifter stories and this series is the best. J. H. Croix is extremely talented; the storyline is consistent throughout each book in the series. The characters are well developed and complex. Plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader's interest. Each book in this series is devoted to the start of the relationship and maintains and covers the growth of the love for the book's highlighted couples. My only complaint is that each book is not long enough. I was completely into each story and hated it when I got to the end of the story. I wanted more of their story in each book. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Croix's work. I'm sure you will enjoy this series too.
February 26, 2016
Book 4 of the Catamount series is my favorite so far. Shana is still dealing with her betrayal of her husband. The whole shifter community wants answers. So, Dane brings in Hayden a gorgeous investigator. Will everything finally get answer. Can Shana get over her betrayal? You have to read it to find out. This book was complimentary for a honest review.
July 26, 2016
Very good
An excellent story that had true love, romance and action. It's great when the main characters hit it off in the beginning and not drag it out.
An excellent story that had true love, romance and action. It's great when the main characters hit it off in the beginning and not drag it out.
October 8, 2016
Yea!!!!! Shana gets her happy ending. Hyden is wonderful for her. So happy this series end with happiness for every one.
April 6, 2017
Just found this author and she has jumped to my favorites list
The entire series grabs ahold of you and keeps you going from start to finish. I am now in love with lion shifters.
The entire series grabs ahold of you and keeps you going from start to finish. I am now in love with lion shifters.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews