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Haven #1
Rules of Mating
Ashlei Preen had spent her entire childhood trying to fit in with the residents of Haven. A pretty tall order for someone deemed a regular human in a town of shifters. In spite of her minor "defect" she managed to hold her own. As an adult she applied that same tenacity to her medical practice. Lately her thoughts have been filled with the town's newest resident who seems more eager to be away from her rather than share the same air space, but Ashlei's used to having to fight for what she wants.
Done with the big city and the stream of crime that consumed his life as a Special Forces detective, Seth Riddick thinks Haven is just what he needs: a thriving shifter town where he can be true to himself and enjoy his frequent hunts without fear of being tranqed (that really pisses him off). Haven's definitely a paradise for a lone wolf like him, but even paradise has its complications. For Seth that complication comes equipped with a stethoscope and enough determination to have him questioning his bachelor status.
Done with the big city and the stream of crime that consumed his life as a Special Forces detective, Seth Riddick thinks Haven is just what he needs: a thriving shifter town where he can be true to himself and enjoy his frequent hunts without fear of being tranqed (that really pisses him off). Haven's definitely a paradise for a lone wolf like him, but even paradise has its complications. For Seth that complication comes equipped with a stethoscope and enough determination to have him questioning his bachelor status.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2012
51 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Nia K. Foxx
27 books149 followersWhat can I say, I love to read and write. I have 3 beautiful children who keep me active and happy, if not for them I'd probably be a recluse surrounded by zillions of books, a few tablets and several laptops. I love getting all feedback since my goal is to improve on my craft. I haven't written my best work yet. Hope to hear from you.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 27, 2016
This is my first book by this author. I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
Although an enjoyable read, this was just okay read for me.
Although an enjoyable read, this was just okay read for me.
July 24, 2012
escription: As a shifter, who can’t shift, Ashlei Preen has pretty much given up on love — that is, until the new sexy shifter sheriff catches her scent.
The Good: I really liked the premise of a shifter who couldn’t shift living in a town of shifters. The sex was very hot, and fans of shifter romances will appreciate the primal details. There were also some really funny comedic moments and the town’s residents are a hoot.
The Bad: As much as I loved the premise, the story was weighed down by a really resistant, really insecure heroine, who isn’t given believable motivation. Her stubborn refusal to believe that the hero was truly interested in her was baffling and made for a frustrating read. I also didn’t understand the class system among these werewolves. At one point, it seemed that some conflict might arise out of the fact that the hero and heroine were from two different breeds, but nothing ever came of it, leaving me to wonder why this story detail had been introduced in the first place. Also, there is a great mystery that’s introduced way too late in the story and isn’t resolved. Overall, the novel needed a tighter structure, and a clearer emotional through line, especially for the heroine.
The Naughty: Steamy. Rough, animalistic sex.
Editing issues: One typo found.
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Length: 171 pages
Final Grade: B-
Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com
The Good: I really liked the premise of a shifter who couldn’t shift living in a town of shifters. The sex was very hot, and fans of shifter romances will appreciate the primal details. There were also some really funny comedic moments and the town’s residents are a hoot.
The Bad: As much as I loved the premise, the story was weighed down by a really resistant, really insecure heroine, who isn’t given believable motivation. Her stubborn refusal to believe that the hero was truly interested in her was baffling and made for a frustrating read. I also didn’t understand the class system among these werewolves. At one point, it seemed that some conflict might arise out of the fact that the hero and heroine were from two different breeds, but nothing ever came of it, leaving me to wonder why this story detail had been introduced in the first place. Also, there is a great mystery that’s introduced way too late in the story and isn’t resolved. Overall, the novel needed a tighter structure, and a clearer emotional through line, especially for the heroine.
The Naughty: Steamy. Rough, animalistic sex.
Editing issues: One typo found.
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Length: 171 pages
Final Grade: B-
Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com
June 27, 2016
Fun read
I really enjoyed this book. I love her sifter stories and the world she's created. I have to look to see if there are sequels.
I really enjoyed this book. I love her sifter stories and the world she's created. I have to look to see if there are sequels.
September 5, 2012
Plot:
Ashlei lives in a town full of multispecies shifters; she even comes from a family of cats, but she can't shift herself. Ashlei is secretly in love with the new wolf sheriff Seth, who is also new to town. As the town Doctor Ashlei spends a lot of time working with Seth, but hasn't gotten the courage to really get to know him. Seth, a confident alpha loses all of his nerve around the quirky town Doc. That is, until a multispecies hunting accident hurls them together
The Good:
Great and interesting idea that intrigued me enough to buy this book; I like the idea of an edgy or awkward character who finds confidence within themselves despite the "haterade" that life throws at them. Also, this book gets good towards the end, thoug you have to read 3/4 of the book to get to it.
The Bad:
The idea is good, but the execution is only so-so. For one, we have to wait until the end for the good drama, spending most of the book listening to the wishy-washy heroine talk herself out of a good man; one paragraph Ashlei is strong and independent, than insecure and needy in the next; this is very annoying and only lends me to believe that the message behind this book is, "Sometimes we get in our own way" which is a good lesson, but done to death in the genre. I really wish that the drama centering around the "pink cloth" was introduced earlier, to break up the slow pace of the main characters romance. I also whis that the author spent more time developing the characters so I at least related to them on some level. I don't even know their last names, the history of the town (yes, it's a character too), what shaped Seth into the alpha he is today, how he end up in a tiny out of the way town? Is their a national shifter newspaper that they put an ad in? Why does the clinic boast such expensive equipment? what does her apartment above the clinic look like? What motivates Bailey, Regina, Will, or Thad? The only things I know about them are bear, feline, wolf. Oh yea, Thad is blonde and gay; the, "I'll decorate your office" kind of gay. Which brings me to my next point, too many cliches, here is an actual quite from the book, "Exit stage left" Really? How many times have I read and heard this sentence? For some readers it's comforting, but for book junkies like me it's irritating to have to muddle through cliche after reused sentence after someone else's idea liquefied in the blender and poured out onto the page in a sloppy mess.
Overall: It's an okay read with some great ideas and a few good scene's, however the price is steep and the book doesn't really get good until close to the end, so unless your a diehard fan of the author or genre, skip it.
please visit me @ BookDevour@blogspot.com
Ashlei lives in a town full of multispecies shifters; she even comes from a family of cats, but she can't shift herself. Ashlei is secretly in love with the new wolf sheriff Seth, who is also new to town. As the town Doctor Ashlei spends a lot of time working with Seth, but hasn't gotten the courage to really get to know him. Seth, a confident alpha loses all of his nerve around the quirky town Doc. That is, until a multispecies hunting accident hurls them together
The Good:
Great and interesting idea that intrigued me enough to buy this book; I like the idea of an edgy or awkward character who finds confidence within themselves despite the "haterade" that life throws at them. Also, this book gets good towards the end, thoug you have to read 3/4 of the book to get to it.
The Bad:
The idea is good, but the execution is only so-so. For one, we have to wait until the end for the good drama, spending most of the book listening to the wishy-washy heroine talk herself out of a good man; one paragraph Ashlei is strong and independent, than insecure and needy in the next; this is very annoying and only lends me to believe that the message behind this book is, "Sometimes we get in our own way" which is a good lesson, but done to death in the genre. I really wish that the drama centering around the "pink cloth" was introduced earlier, to break up the slow pace of the main characters romance. I also whis that the author spent more time developing the characters so I at least related to them on some level. I don't even know their last names, the history of the town (yes, it's a character too), what shaped Seth into the alpha he is today, how he end up in a tiny out of the way town? Is their a national shifter newspaper that they put an ad in? Why does the clinic boast such expensive equipment? what does her apartment above the clinic look like? What motivates Bailey, Regina, Will, or Thad? The only things I know about them are bear, feline, wolf. Oh yea, Thad is blonde and gay; the, "I'll decorate your office" kind of gay. Which brings me to my next point, too many cliches, here is an actual quite from the book, "Exit stage left" Really? How many times have I read and heard this sentence? For some readers it's comforting, but for book junkies like me it's irritating to have to muddle through cliche after reused sentence after someone else's idea liquefied in the blender and poured out onto the page in a sloppy mess.
Overall: It's an okay read with some great ideas and a few good scene's, however the price is steep and the book doesn't really get good until close to the end, so unless your a diehard fan of the author or genre, skip it.
please visit me @ BookDevour@blogspot.com
June 4, 2012
"Very fun read, Seth is battling his inner alpha with allowing Ashlei to understand what he is wanting and it all backfires leading to some sizzling encounters."
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=9675
Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=9675
May 15, 2012
This book is funny and sexy at the same time!!! Bloody interesting to read! Do not miss out on this one....
December 15, 2014
This was amazing! A breath of fresh air, it has all the usual that makes an IR paranormal romance pop but the personality of Seth and Ashlei was great!
December 30, 2022
I loved this, it hit all the right buttons for me.
The FMC was a bit wishy-washy. When I tried to put myself in her shoes her choices made more sense.
The MMC was a deliciously OTT possessive and growly alpha. The restraint he showed at the beginning definitely fueled his later desperation.
I'm a sucker for the touch-her-and-die, throw-you-over-my-shoulder-and-carry-you-off-caveman-style tropes alpha males.
The tension went in waves, with enough of a build-up between encounters that it made the culmination of each encounter all the more rewarding.
The FMC was a bit wishy-washy. When I tried to put myself in her shoes her choices made more sense.
The MMC was a deliciously OTT possessive and growly alpha. The restraint he showed at the beginning definitely fueled his later desperation.
I'm a sucker for the touch-her-and-die, throw-you-over-my-shoulder-and-carry-you-off-caveman-style tropes alpha males.
The tension went in waves, with enough of a build-up between encounters that it made the culmination of each encounter all the more rewarding.
December 20, 2017
Overall the book was good. Except Ashlei was SO ANNOYING. If I could I have slapped some sense into her, I would have. Gosh, so annoying. One minute she’s all ‘I have crush on the sheriff but, he won’t notice me. Next, she’s all why is he paying attention to me. Could just slap her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
Everything happened so quickly! One minute they’re taking peeks at each other from across the street & next thing you know they’re mated! And since everything happened so quickly there was hardly any real romance.
July 15, 2012
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Ashlei Preen is the doctor in the town of Haven, and she and her family are lion shifters. Everyone except Ashlei, that is. Ashlei is a non shifting shifter which has been something she has had to live with her entire life. This is especially hard because the town of Haven is full of shifters of all kinds, and they look at her with pity. No shifter male will approach her because they feel that because of her non shifting problem she would not be able to handle a shifter male. She has come to terms with that and has decided that she will not mate, that is until the new sheriff comes to town.
Seth Riddick is the ultimate alpha male and he has his sights set on Ashlei. At first he thought she was human but when she told him that she couldn't shift his interest in her just increased. Her sister Reigna was against her growing attraction and referred to Seth as a fleabag. Her mother continually tries to set her up with guys, the latest being Thad, who is more interested in her brother Will than her. She tries hard to keep her attraction quiet but fails miserably because Seth is simply gorgeous.
Nia Foxx writes stories that will keep you interested and characters that will reach out from the pages of her book, grab you by the hand, and pull you right in. Every character in this story had a purpose and contributed towards story.
Ashlei’s sister Reigna was funny, calling Seth a wolf in sheriff's clothing, and drawing pictures of what Ashlei’s and Seth’s children would look like, saying that they were faces only a mother could love. This story was so enjoyable, the heat between the main characters radiated from the pages. However, there are a few loose ends left hanging such as who is kidnapping girls and burying their clothes that were left unresolved. These I’m sure will be answered in future books. Overall, Haven: Rules of Mating is an excellent read one that I’m sure will appeal to everyone.
Ashlei Preen is the doctor in the town of Haven, and she and her family are lion shifters. Everyone except Ashlei, that is. Ashlei is a non shifting shifter which has been something she has had to live with her entire life. This is especially hard because the town of Haven is full of shifters of all kinds, and they look at her with pity. No shifter male will approach her because they feel that because of her non shifting problem she would not be able to handle a shifter male. She has come to terms with that and has decided that she will not mate, that is until the new sheriff comes to town.
Seth Riddick is the ultimate alpha male and he has his sights set on Ashlei. At first he thought she was human but when she told him that she couldn't shift his interest in her just increased. Her sister Reigna was against her growing attraction and referred to Seth as a fleabag. Her mother continually tries to set her up with guys, the latest being Thad, who is more interested in her brother Will than her. She tries hard to keep her attraction quiet but fails miserably because Seth is simply gorgeous.
Nia Foxx writes stories that will keep you interested and characters that will reach out from the pages of her book, grab you by the hand, and pull you right in. Every character in this story had a purpose and contributed towards story.
Ashlei’s sister Reigna was funny, calling Seth a wolf in sheriff's clothing, and drawing pictures of what Ashlei’s and Seth’s children would look like, saying that they were faces only a mother could love. This story was so enjoyable, the heat between the main characters radiated from the pages. However, there are a few loose ends left hanging such as who is kidnapping girls and burying their clothes that were left unresolved. These I’m sure will be answered in future books. Overall, Haven: Rules of Mating is an excellent read one that I’m sure will appeal to everyone.
April 22, 2012
The premise was really interesting. Ashlei cant shift yet she is shifter born and lives in a town of shifter. Seth just moved to Haven from NJ and they both have crush on each other but neither have done anything about it when the book starts.
Ash was EXTREMELY annoying. All this back and forth she did got really old. Her lack of communication with Seth was stupid. Her thinking he didn't like her/want her (more than a good time) when he said he did. She refused to listen which I got was the point since more than one character called her hard headed.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book at this price. $6.99 is steep for this book though it was plenty long. There was a couple of loose ends which I'm guessing will be picked up in the next book but its pretty pointless unless this couple is the couple for the series vs new couple each book.
Ash was EXTREMELY annoying. All this back and forth she did got really old. Her lack of communication with Seth was stupid. Her thinking he didn't like her/want her (more than a good time) when he said he did. She refused to listen which I got was the point since more than one character called her hard headed.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book at this price. $6.99 is steep for this book though it was plenty long. There was a couple of loose ends which I'm guessing will be picked up in the next book but its pretty pointless unless this couple is the couple for the series vs new couple each book.
July 8, 2012
I thought this was very cute. I liked Ashlei. She was strong and determined. And she handled her "defect" with grace although she was a little blind in thinking that no one could see past it.
Sheriff Seth was absolutely the perfect mate for her because he wouldn't let her think too much and he was an "outsider" so he didn't grown thinking something was wrong with Ashlei. He just wanted her for her.
I'm interested in seeing where this case of the serial killer is going. I'm definitely going to continue the series. I wish I had some hint about who the next book will feature. And I wish we had more than that little tease about the missing girls case.
So, I guess I'll have to patiently wait until the next book comes out...
Sheriff Seth was absolutely the perfect mate for her because he wouldn't let her think too much and he was an "outsider" so he didn't grown thinking something was wrong with Ashlei. He just wanted her for her.
I'm interested in seeing where this case of the serial killer is going. I'm definitely going to continue the series. I wish I had some hint about who the next book will feature. And I wish we had more than that little tease about the missing girls case.
So, I guess I'll have to patiently wait until the next book comes out...
August 26, 2015
Ashlei's been eyeing the new sheriff in town Seth, but it seems like whenever they're alone he flees and Ashlei blames it on her being a nonshifting shifter in a town full of shifters. Seth on the other hand is definitely attracted to Ashlei but whenever he's near her he turns into a nervous wreck and flees before he says something stupid. This continues until they end up spending the night together but things don't go smoothly after that. Ashlei has her insecurities and she's also stubborn yet Seth doesn't give up and keeps fighting. They were a nice pair, a sheriff and a doctor. Although I was a little frustrated with Ashlei because she let her fears inhibit any progress with Seth even after they were already mated. Other than that, I enjoyed reading it. >_<
January 16, 2017
I liked this. It was standard plot, with common characters and setting but I enjoyed it. It got a bit corny at times but it wasn't too bad.
Usually, I like my stories longer. I would have liked that here but while the story was short it felt long winded. The reading felt repetitive and dull at times. I found myself skipping through some parts to get to pertinent story. If you don't have a lot of story don't pad it with synthetic cotton, give us substance.
Even though it needed some work I would actually like to see a followup, maybe some babies, meeting the pack, finishing the mystery, MC female learning to shift, etc. It was nice but it felt like an incomplete thought.
Usually, I like my stories longer. I would have liked that here but while the story was short it felt long winded. The reading felt repetitive and dull at times. I found myself skipping through some parts to get to pertinent story. If you don't have a lot of story don't pad it with synthetic cotton, give us substance.
Even though it needed some work I would actually like to see a followup, maybe some babies, meeting the pack, finishing the mystery, MC female learning to shift, etc. It was nice but it felt like an incomplete thought.
August 21, 2012
This book is full of hot as hell sex and one steamy hot Alpha werewolf, my favorite type of hero! Ashlei has had it tough, never feeling like she will fit into her shiftertown. Knowing a shifter would never want to mate with her since she can’t shift. When the new Sheriff (Seth) comes into town she is immediately smitten. After a month of avoidance, they finally get it on. Let me just say, yummy! This book was nonstop action and sex. Ashlei is the heroine everyone loves and Seth is the hero everyone wants. They are the perfect pair.
February 12, 2019
Mad as hell!
I loved this story; however, there’s a mystery that is never solved! I me@n like a serial killer on the lose and nothing. Not even a to be continued. I am just beside myself and I’m mad no one had the decency to warn me. The only reason I gave three stars was because I like the characters and for the most part it was a well written story. One I would not have read had I know about this glaring omission.
I loved this story; however, there’s a mystery that is never solved! I me@n like a serial killer on the lose and nothing. Not even a to be continued. I am just beside myself and I’m mad no one had the decency to warn me. The only reason I gave three stars was because I like the characters and for the most part it was a well written story. One I would not have read had I know about this glaring omission.
May 12, 2012
Very good story, quite a hot one.
Only complaint was Reigna who was a horrible unhelpful sister and none of the insulting things she said seemed to come from a place of love at all. She was also ridiculously childish and immature.
I like Seth and Ashlei together a lot. Will read the next if there is one.
Only complaint was Reigna who was a horrible unhelpful sister and none of the insulting things she said seemed to come from a place of love at all. She was also ridiculously childish and immature.
I like Seth and Ashlei together a lot. Will read the next if there is one.
April 1, 2013
This has 2 b one of the best IRR/PNR novels that I've read in quite a while.... I was pleasantly surprised by the author, because she chose 2 allow the sex 2 accentuate the story, instead of having it saturate it.. I will definitely consider more ebooks from this author.
Giving this one, 4 solid stars....
Giving this one, 4 solid stars....
January 3, 2015
I love this author but this book was a huge let down. Nothing happened. I love her writing and it keeps me interested to were I can stay up all night reading but this just ended with no notion of another book. And again NOTHING at all happened. The writing of course is always perfect but there is nothing to remember about this story.
April 23, 2012
This was one very successful impulse buy! ;D
Fun, sexy, warm and just a damn enjoyable read.
My only quibble, it could've been a bit longer, especially for Loose Id prices.
But I will be leaping over any further Haven books, quicker than I grab hold of a bag of M&Ms.
Fun, sexy, warm and just a damn enjoyable read.
My only quibble, it could've been a bit longer, especially for Loose Id prices.
But I will be leaping over any further Haven books, quicker than I grab hold of a bag of M&Ms.
April 27, 2014
I love this book. Maybe it is because it doen't have lots of conflict or maybe it is because I fell in love with the characters. I love this book! I can't say it enugh. It is a worthy read with amazing characters.
April 27, 2016
I read this book twice I believe. Once last year and then again just yesterday. It's an alright read but nothing happened. It ends on a huge cliffhanger. The writing it good the story flowed extremely well I just wish there was so much more.
April 26, 2012
Really liked this book. Hope is the start of a new series.
September 4, 2012
I enjoyed this story. I liked the characters. Ashlei, her family, Seth, even Thad and Bailey were fun additions. I look forward to see wht will happen in the next installment.
July 18, 2012
I agree with majority readers on what they thought about this read so there not much i can say.
September 4, 2016
This was so hot!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!
March 30, 2015
Re-read 24/3/15
April 2, 2015
Re-read 2/4/15
October 25, 2015
Ending is a bit abrupt, however a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews