What do you think?
Rate this book
Fierce Mates: Rock Creek Clan #0.5
The Rose King
He will have to fight for the woman he loved and lost.
Rex has known since he was a teenager that his neighbor, Gemma, is the one for him. But as a wolf shifter, he’s been told that his life is too violent to bind himself to a fragile human. For the past eight years, he’s been fighting in cage matches and trying to forget the woman who holds his heart.
Now that Gemma has found her long-lost best friend, she can’t believe he’s the Rose King, a violent fighter. When cruel men want to control Rex, Gemma must confront the reason he left her, all those years ago. If she knows the truth about him, can their love endure?
Content Warning: This shapeshifter novella stands alone and has a happily-ever-after. It contains liberal usage of naughty language and sexytimes and is intended for adults.
Rex has known since he was a teenager that his neighbor, Gemma, is the one for him. But as a wolf shifter, he’s been told that his life is too violent to bind himself to a fragile human. For the past eight years, he’s been fighting in cage matches and trying to forget the woman who holds his heart.
Now that Gemma has found her long-lost best friend, she can’t believe he’s the Rose King, a violent fighter. When cruel men want to control Rex, Gemma must confront the reason he left her, all those years ago. If she knows the truth about him, can their love endure?
Content Warning: This shapeshifter novella stands alone and has a happily-ever-after. It contains liberal usage of naughty language and sexytimes and is intended for adults.
69 pages, ebook
First published September 4, 2017
40 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Liza Street
111 books505 followersLiza got her start in romance by sneak-reading her grandma’s paperbacks. Now she divides her time between freelance editing and writing books about shifters with fierce and savage hearts.
FREE BOOKS--Book 1 in Liza's Sierra Pride series is free to anyone! Join Liza's mailing list and get Book 2, Fierce Heartbreaker, FREE, as well as an exclusive Sierra Pride prequel story! Start by clicking here to sign up and receive Fierce Heartbreaker and the prequel story.
FREE BOOKS--Book 1 in Liza's Sierra Pride series is free to anyone! Join Liza's mailing list and get Book 2, Fierce Heartbreaker, FREE, as well as an exclusive Sierra Pride prequel story! Start by clicking here to sign up and receive Fierce Heartbreaker and the prequel story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Want to read
May 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/14/2020)! 🎁
April 28, 2022
The couple: Rex and Gemma
Romance genre: shifter
Series: Fierce Mates: Rock Creek Clan
Length: 81 pages
Plot: Rex, a shifter, knew that Gemma (human) was meant to be his. They were high school best friends, but he always wanted more. However, his parents convinced him that his life as a shifter was violent and had no room for a human like Gemma, so he left right after high school. Years later, while investigating an underground fighting ring, Gemma comes across Rex, but a Rex who is all grown up. He's finally ready to make Gemma his, but he has to get her to agree.
Commentary: I really wish there had been more consequences for Rex's parents, even if it was someone telling them off (either Rex or Gemma would have been fine). They were probably trying to keep Rex from getting hurt, but they weren't successful at all. Even worse, they lied to Gemma on a weekly basis for years! I feel like that would make for awkward family holidays.
Next book in the series: Ruthless Misfit
Romance genre: shifter
Series: Fierce Mates: Rock Creek Clan
Length: 81 pages
Plot: Rex, a shifter, knew that Gemma (human) was meant to be his. They were high school best friends, but he always wanted more. However, his parents convinced him that his life as a shifter was violent and had no room for a human like Gemma, so he left right after high school. Years later, while investigating an underground fighting ring, Gemma comes across Rex, but a Rex who is all grown up. He's finally ready to make Gemma his, but he has to get her to agree.
Commentary: I really wish there had been more consequences for Rex's parents, even if it was someone telling them off (either Rex or Gemma would have been fine). They were probably trying to keep Rex from getting hurt, but they weren't successful at all. Even worse, they lied to Gemma on a weekly basis for years! I feel like that would make for awkward family holidays.
Next book in the series: Ruthless Misfit
May 26, 2020
A great hook-you-in prequel story to the Rock Creek Clan series.
Rex (H) knew from childhood that Gemma (h) was the one for him. Unfortunately, as a shifter, his lifestyle is too dangerous for a small and fragile human. So upon their high school graduation, he leaves and cuts contact. Eight years of trying to forget each other hasn't worked, however, and when they cross paths again as adults, the connection is still there. He's now a celebrated underground fighter, and she is a reporter looking into the fighting ring. If he finally comes clean with her, will they stand a chance?
I really enjoyed this one. While it suffers from a few of my usual peeves with novellas (a bit rushed at the end, mostly), it's a solid story wrapped in a tiny package. Characters that you can actually relate to, even though we don't get to spend as much time with them. It's not insta-love, more of a second chance story. And it's not ridiculously OTT - yay! Plus some action and fight sequences. Well done.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no love triangles, no OW/OM drama. Just two people who have found each other again, plus some action and supernatural story threads. Solid story and good characters in a quicker read. HEA and no cliffhanger, though Nolan and the Rock Creek Clan are introduced for future stories.
Would I read more? Definitely yes. I'm certainly interested in Nolan's story.
Rex (H) knew from childhood that Gemma (h) was the one for him. Unfortunately, as a shifter, his lifestyle is too dangerous for a small and fragile human. So upon their high school graduation, he leaves and cuts contact. Eight years of trying to forget each other hasn't worked, however, and when they cross paths again as adults, the connection is still there. He's now a celebrated underground fighter, and she is a reporter looking into the fighting ring. If he finally comes clean with her, will they stand a chance?
I really enjoyed this one. While it suffers from a few of my usual peeves with novellas (a bit rushed at the end, mostly), it's a solid story wrapped in a tiny package. Characters that you can actually relate to, even though we don't get to spend as much time with them. It's not insta-love, more of a second chance story. And it's not ridiculously OTT - yay! Plus some action and fight sequences. Well done.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no love triangles, no OW/OM drama. Just two people who have found each other again, plus some action and supernatural story threads. Solid story and good characters in a quicker read. HEA and no cliffhanger, though Nolan and the Rock Creek Clan are introduced for future stories.
Would I read more? Definitely yes. I'm certainly interested in Nolan's story.
September 8, 2017
This is a short little nugget to introduce that Rock Creek Clan series. Yes, they made an appearance in Savage Heartache from the Corona Pride series. But this is a look back at how Rex and Gemma became Rex and Gemma and how they met up with the Rock Creek Clan. The story starts with them as teenagers, and follows their struggle to finally become mates. Rex is a rough and tumble shifter with a great heart and a deep love for his Gemma. He abandons her at seventeen for her own good. Too bad Gemma doesn't see it that way. She commits to searching for him. If not to finally show him her love but to at least get answers as to why he left. This is a quick read that will totally whet the appetite for more. I requested an ARC so that I could provide an honest review.
November 27, 2018
Liza Street is fast becoming a go to author for me and this is in her usual style been quick paced with plenty of character development you will feel the emotions in this wonderful second chance romance just allow yourself time because I guarantee once you start this book you won't want to put it down.
This is the story of Rex and Gemma and how they became members of the Rock Creek Clan. The story starts when they are teenagers and Rex leaves Gemma as he feels that is what is best for her only problem is Gemma doesn't agree and goes on a quest to find him and answers. He has never been able to forget him will she ever forgive him and will they finally get the HEA that all true mates deserve.
This is the story of Rex and Gemma and how they became members of the Rock Creek Clan. The story starts when they are teenagers and Rex leaves Gemma as he feels that is what is best for her only problem is Gemma doesn't agree and goes on a quest to find him and answers. He has never been able to forget him will she ever forgive him and will they finally get the HEA that all true mates deserve.
July 14, 2020
Over 8 years they haven’t forgot the other. Every punch Rex receives in the cage, Gemma is in his mind. Every day Gemma searches Rex online just to find him. His wolf is violent thirty since he is grieving his mate, but he had to left her be normal and human and live happily in a less violent and dark life that he lives. But fate is a fickle lady and what these two don’t know is that Gemma is sent to write an article about underground fights, gets invited by a fighter that happens to be the opponent to The Rose King. Will see Believe what she’s seeing... her tattoo on the Rose King’s back, will that one of a kind design give away to the location of the man she loves that she’s been hunting for.....
September 1, 2017
I am a TOTAL sucker for "long lost loves"
I am a total sucker for "long lost loves," "the one that got away," "you are my mate and I'll never let you go," etc.
I was completely sucked in by this story, and at 25%-ish in, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how Rex and Gemma reconnected.
Liza, as usual, did an EXCELLENT job of writing the emotions these two felt for each other. I actually met this couple in a subsequent standalone book, but it was SO nice to learn their history.
I LOVE Liza's books!!!
(I received a copy of this book in consideration of an honest review)
I am a total sucker for "long lost loves," "the one that got away," "you are my mate and I'll never let you go," etc.
I was completely sucked in by this story, and at 25%-ish in, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how Rex and Gemma reconnected.
Liza, as usual, did an EXCELLENT job of writing the emotions these two felt for each other. I actually met this couple in a subsequent standalone book, but it was SO nice to learn their history.
I LOVE Liza's books!!!
(I received a copy of this book in consideration of an honest review)
July 19, 2019
Rex and Gemma grew up together and when they were seniors in high school Rex let Spencer take Gemma to the prom and become her boyfriend when all he wanted was to have her for himself and tell her his secret but he let his parents talk him out of it and left town. But years pass and his parents have been letting him know that Gemma called them every week to let them know she was trying to find him even though they told her to stop looking he would be alright. But when he saw her at his fight he knew that they were meant to be and that trouble would probably on his trail. Great story line and enjoyed the characters. I puchased this book and I am providing an honest review.
April 9, 2019
Not my usual kind of fantasy, but this was a pleasant short story, a prequel to future books. Can a wolf shapeshifter hybrid find happiness with a full human? This is the story of one attempt. Trying to deny the overwhelming attraction between themselves caused pain and unhappiness, and protracted loneliness, perhaps much more traumatic than dealing with the issues involved in an interspecies romance. Lots of sexual tension, loneliness and alienation; finally overcome with a happy prelude to future stories of the Rock Creek Clan.
July 19, 2019
We start out meeting Rex and learning about his neighbor Gemma. What is the deal with each of them? Who are they? What do they each do? Who has what secrets? Who is Spencer? Why do I find myself strongly disliking him? WHo is Karin? What task does she give Gemma? What happens? I hate Corbett and Masters. I LOVE Nolan. You have to read and see why.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
September 5, 2017
This is a short story as it is the Prequel for Rock Creek -
An engaging and entertaining second chance romance
He made the choice for them years ago - he decided he would spare her the pain of his world-
She has never forgotten him and now she may never forgive him-
I love Gemma she does what she has to - but she has that fire that burns constantly - excellent leading lady
I forgive Rex - but he better make this right
I received advanced readers copy for review consideration.
An engaging and entertaining second chance romance
He made the choice for them years ago - he decided he would spare her the pain of his world-
She has never forgotten him and now she may never forgive him-
I love Gemma she does what she has to - but she has that fire that burns constantly - excellent leading lady
I forgive Rex - but he better make this right
I received advanced readers copy for review consideration.
April 28, 2018
Great second chance romance. Well written storyline with great, realistic characters. Rex made the choice to leave Gemma for her own good. Gemma didn’t look at it that way. Will she forgive him? Can he still protect her? I would definitely recommend this book to shifter romance lovers.
I received this story as a serial but had to purchase my own copy as I loved it so much.
I received this story as a serial but had to purchase my own copy as I loved it so much.
April 2, 2022
This was a good prequel novella. Rex and Gemma grew up together. Rex is a wolf shifter and left town and disappeared when he was 18. He knew Gemma was his mate but felt he was too violent to be with a human. After 8 years have passed, Gemma stumbles upon Rex again. While short, the writing was good, the characters were fairly well developed, and the storyline was engaging.
May 14, 2018
3 & 1/2 stars rounded up.
Well, this was definitely a novella, took me 1 & 1/2 hours to read. A decent read for a novella, but typical of novellas, missing story depth & character development as well as more thorough explanations for things.
Well, this was definitely a novella, took me 1 & 1/2 hours to read. A decent read for a novella, but typical of novellas, missing story depth & character development as well as more thorough explanations for things.
February 3, 2019
3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is my first book from this author. . It was good for a prequel. I believe it gives you enough information to hook you and make you want to continue reading the next book in the series . I look forward to reading more .
This is my first book from this author. . It was good for a prequel. I believe it gives you enough information to hook you and make you want to continue reading the next book in the series . I look forward to reading more .
February 7, 2019
A good intro to the series, it has its own full story with Gemma and Rex. Totally loved those two! Definitely had some action and some fun scenes as well. It whet my appetite to read more in this series.
July 20, 2020
The rose king
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone can't wait to read more in this series
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone can't wait to read more in this series
September 4, 2017
A beautiful well written story of a lost love and the second chance they get. I will be rereading this one! I was gifted a copy and because I liked it so much I also bought.
September 7, 2017
Great
I love this read characters were so compatible and it just worked loving and unselfish great great read loved it
I love this read characters were so compatible and it just worked loving and unselfish great great read loved it
April 25, 2019
Rushed ending dropped my rating on this.
May 23, 2020
Loved it!
This is a well written love story with a bit of spice. Rex and Gemma were meant for each other.
This is a well written love story with a bit of spice. Rex and Gemma were meant for each other.
June 1, 2020
Nice story, wish It was longer
Nice lil read. Wish it had more substance. Felt very rushed. Would have liked to have more of a build up. Over all nicely written.
Nice lil read. Wish it had more substance. Felt very rushed. Would have liked to have more of a build up. Over all nicely written.
June 30, 2020
Great start
Really enjoyed this friends to lovers and second chance shifter romance all rolled into one. Intriguing storyline and can't wait to read more in the series
Really enjoyed this friends to lovers and second chance shifter romance all rolled into one. Intriguing storyline and can't wait to read more in the series
November 11, 2020
Quick paced
I really enjoyed this book. The characters had spunk & the female lead was feisty. It made for a nice rainy day read.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters had spunk & the female lead was feisty. It made for a nice rainy day read.
December 21, 2020
great prequal too the series
April 22, 2025
I read this as a serial on the author's website. It was OK.
June 24, 2020
I received this book free for an honest review. I liked this book. It's a story of lost love that reconnects and secrets. I'm not a fan of MMA fighting, so I didn't love that part, but the rest of the story was very good. Rex had left Gemma (even though he loved her) as his parents told him they couldn't be together because he was a shifter and she didn't know it. She accidently see him in a fight ring and they get together again. People threaten both of them and they realize they both mean too much to stay apart. I do like Liza Street's book and am anxious for her next one.
September 4, 2017
Don't you just hate it when someone walks away to spare their loved one the pain they think they will cause. Of course when Rex left his absence caused Gemma more pain than his staying ever could. Shifters are often so noble. But this story is also rooted in today's real world of MMA fighting and illegal betting. For a short tale it feels longer and more. Pain, guilt, and the realization that a mate will only improve any situation with unconditional love make this a book not to be missed.
July 31, 2020
Great short read
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews