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Desert Guards #0.5

The Cougar's Mate

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A Desert Guards Prequel Short Story

Before there was Mason, Hank, Sean, and Belle Foye, there was Floyd.

In this Desert Guards prequel story, learn how the future alpha Were-cougar Floyd nabs gutsy neighbor Glenda Baxter as his mate.

This short story can be read on its own, but is meant to be a supplement to the series. It contains minor spoilers of Book 1.

Read the Desert Guards series in order:
The Cougar's Mate
The Cougar's Pawn
The Cougar's Trade
The Cougar's Bargain
The Cougar's Wish

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2016

77 people are currently reading
175 people want to read

About the author

Holley Trent

155 books302 followers
Holley Trent is a romance author who spins campy yarns set in North Carolina. She has a wicked sense of humor and regularly puts her story characters into unexpected situations.

When she's not writing, she's reading or eating Twizzlers.

Her contemporary and fantasy romances have been published by Crimson Romance, Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing, and she has work due for release by Lyrical Press.

2013 brings a change of pace with her self-published series of paranormal novellas: Shrew and Company. Five women, five romances, one big bear of a problem. Check out boss-lady Dana's story in THE PROBLEM WITH PADDY, available now.

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5 stars
50 (36%)
4 stars
41 (29%)
3 stars
32 (23%)
2 stars
9 (6%)
1 star
5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Annie.
136 reviews5 followers
September 3, 2019
As of 9/3/19, this short story prequel to the Desert Guards PNR series is a freebie!

Per the blurb: This short story can be read on its own, but is meant to be a supplement to the series. It contains minor spoilers of Book 1. But because I'm me (lol) I read this prior to checking out Book 1. It wasn't so much that I felt anything was "spoiled", but there was a revelation I wasn't quite prepared for. 'Tis my own fault! So, I def recommend reading Book 1 first, then coming back around to this short prequel. ☺

That being said, The Cougar's Mate really was a great introduction to this world as well as the author's writing style. It's a short, sweet, and sexy origin story about a working class shifter pack. It was a nice change-up to read about paranormal characters who actually have some of the same concerns regular folk do, such as money and their livelihoods. And Ms. Trent especially excels at back and forth banter and dialog between the MCs. ;)

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will read more from this author for sure!
Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2016
Neighbors

Wow! I absolutely loved this book, which tells the story of Glenda Baxter and Bill Foye as he spirits her away from her family for a campout in a cave he found on his family's ranch. It comes alive on the pages, with them eating peanut butter and crackers while he tries to explain to her what he is. There is a richness to it I rarely see in a short story and it beautifully sets the stage for book one and the rest of the series. If you haven't already ventured into the Desert Guards series, this is a great place to start. And if you have, this is a must read.
Profile Image for Kathy Senft.
150 reviews
February 1, 2016
This is my first Holley Trent book............ But I promise it will not be my last.

I thoroughly enjoyed the shy Alpha of few words, but all action. Not yelling demanding things he has no control over, very Alpha in my opinion. Anyway Great job and look forward to getting to know the rest of your Books.
Profile Image for Sue.
391 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2016
Series

I love shifter series and this lets you know how this all started. It was quick to read but covered what was needed. Now to read the rest.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
February 3, 2024
💝FREE on iBooks today (10/14/18)!💝
Profile Image for JB.
2,179 reviews8 followers
May 7, 2020
Sweet sexy short story

I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
Profile Image for Jennifer Holzapfel.
1,037 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2018
This book was not very entertaining and just starts and ends with no filling. I really didn't enjoy it that much even though it is one of my favorite romance genres.
Profile Image for A.M..
Author 7 books58 followers
July 25, 2020
I did not see the note that this is not really a standalone until after I’d read it.
A cougar shifter needs his true mate to know it is him in his animal form, or the whole thing is off…

3 stars
Profile Image for Cindy Caron.
1,384 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2016
What a great introduction to a new series! Holley Trent has opened a door to the Foye clan of cougar shifters and invited us in to meet them in person. With this short prequel, she has given us Glenda (better known as Glen), and Floyd, and how their story together began. I loved the fact that Glen managed to figure out what Floyd was trying to tell her, with a little nudge here and there. The story is heart-warming, and you may even need a tissue or two, especially near the end.
My only disappointment with this book was that I thought the author could have given us a bit more of their story "in between". I was hoping to read more of how she overcame her mother-in-laws' hostility, and all the parts in between the two sections of the book. Other than that, it was awesome, well written and an excellent base for the series to come. I hope to read the rest of the Foye tales.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Mandy Saial.
1,155 reviews
February 23, 2017
The Cougar's Mate ( Desert Guards Prequel ) - Holley Trent ( 2 Stars )

Glenna and Floyd have been sweethearts for a while now , but Floyd has always kept his distance because of who he really is , but he cant hide his true nature anymore and has decided to show Glenna who he really is...A Cougar .
When she knows what a life with him will be like and will she stay with him or walk away forever ?

I have not read the series , which came out before this Prequel yet , but I was a little disappointed in how rushed it was in certain parts and wanted more of Floyd and Glenna . she finally makes a decision and ... Fast forward years later ...poor Floyd.
I 'm not giving anything away , I was really looking forward to this story ...c'mon Cougar I'm all for it , but it's teeny tiny and left me wanting.
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Profile Image for Ann.
753 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2016
This was a really quick enjoyable read that helped bring some points from the other Desert Guard stories together. This is the beginning story of how Mason's father got his mate and how she became such a central part of the glaring. I liked how Ms. Trent made Glenda such a strong character and how she stood up for what she wanted right from the start. I have enjoyed all of the Desert Guard stories and this was just the icing on the cake!
Profile Image for Lyn Mckenzie.
874 reviews16 followers
April 4, 2016
This is the first Holley Trent book I have read and I am thirsting for more. I loved this short story even though I haven't read the series.
The writing just drew me in, I loved their love story and how they accepted each other completely. I loved the ending too, it saddened me but also made me smile at the strength of their love.
I will definitely be looking to read more of her work
Profile Image for Amber.
1,717 reviews43 followers
April 24, 2016
I got this in a giveaway and honestly wasn't expecting a whole lot but it really hit the mark. I get a little tired of the instalove so this was a nice break. Also, I liked that it was an already established relationship going to the next level. Being a broke student sucks because I really want to read this series now.
Profile Image for Donna Sweeney.
661 reviews15 followers
January 1, 2017
Nice quick read about Anton and Christine. Two wolf shifters who each have their own personal demons but are what each other needs. Personally I thought I might put in for the job of Anton's mate.....he sounded smokin HOT to me !!! Rarrr or should I howl !!!!

Anyway, great shape-shifter romance.

Well done Holley x

Later peeps xxx
Profile Image for Laura.
937 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2017
This books sets the stage for the Desert Guards series.
Profile Image for Shyla.
715 reviews3 followers
January 28, 2016
Too short

The story was too short but I enjoyed it very much. The background was interesting and informative. I have not read the other books as of yet, but this short story makes me want to read them all!!!
Profile Image for Lory.
3,264 reviews33 followers
January 29, 2016
Great prequel to the cougar series

I always did wonder about the guys dad so the backstory story on Floyd and Glenda was really interesting. I also thought it was really sweet that not even in death could keep Floyd away from Glenda. I only wish it was a little bit longer.
Profile Image for Leona Bowman.
835 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2016
It was different that is for sure. My heart went to Floyd and Glendale. It was short but sad. But if you're read this series then it is definitely a must. It helps you understand a little more. I was given this for a honest review.
272 reviews
February 23, 2016
Amazing

Very sentimental and touching story of how the parents met and fell in love....look forward in reading the stories about their children.
861 reviews
December 2, 2017
This is a good story but there is so much missing. I understand there are more books following but this lead in has a big hole in it. I really wanrt to read the next one hoping that along with that character's story, some if the story will reveal itself. Example; the mention of a portal. It is only mentioned at the end of the story. Much like an after thought.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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