A BBW in search of love + a sexy tiger shifter ready to claim her as his mate = Sizzling Alpha Romance Personal trainer Diesel Reed desires a mate who can meet the insatiable demands of his inner tiger. Unfortunately, none of the women he trains spark a challenge. Until Carina Parker, his curvaceous new client, walks into his gym. Carina has given up on conventional love, thanks to her lousy luck with dating apps. Her sexy new trainer flutters her heart, but he's way out of her league. Diesel thinks Carina might finally be the woman he is looking for, but Carina seems to be training hard to impress someone else, not him. Frustrated, Diesel seeks the advice of famed matchmaker Gerri Wilder. But instead of answers, Diesel's visit to the Paranormal Dating Agency leaves him reeling in shock. A threat from Diesel's past traps Carina in the middle of a deadly family feud. With love and honor hanging in the balance, Diesel is faced with a bitter choice: duty or happiness?
Marie Long is a novelist who enjoys the snowy weather, the mountains, and a cup of hot white chocolate. She’s an avid supporter of literacy movements like We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) and National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).
Marie has shared a fondness and interest in the New Adult genre since its popularity boom in 2009. And now, as both a reader, and debut RWA author of New Adult fiction, Marie dreams to keep this fascinating genre going strong.
Cute, short and a tad ott. Carina was too insecure for me but she was sweet. Diesel was a bit one note but I liked how devoted he was to her. Gauge seems like a piece of work but he has a book so I will give it a try.
ETA: I skimmed book 2 and it was... not good. 😂 After finding out Axel had 5 mates before his book (yes book 3 is about the "bad" brother), I am just going to leave this series alone.
Pinstriped is the opening story in the series Whitetide Streak within the Paranormal Dating Agency Kindle World. It’s hot, sexy, engaging, just about everything I love about the Paranormal Dating Agency universe… but. Yeah, there is a small “but”. I expect insta-love, even insta-mating in the Shifter world, so that part’s not the question. The part that raised my eyebrows a bit was that Carina, a human, didn’t really get what she was agreeing to when she said she’d be Diesel’s mate. That is almost immediately clear to the reader when she does something the very next day that no mate, a true mate with the understanding of a mate’s bond would do. I can’t say more than that because it would involve spoilers, yet it made me question their relationship right away. Carina’s insecurities about her body and her relationships with men is a large part of this story. So, even given the short length of this novella, I felt a little more of a connection between them, a bit more understanding of Shifters would have taken away that “but” reaction of mine. Hey, it’s not my story to tell, and I can only react to what I read. I do know that the “but” feeling is what kept this a 4 star rating for me instead of a 5 star. I’m not being mean-spirited, a paranormal world already has me suspending belief to a point… I’m saying that made a difference in my believing that Carina really knew what she was signing on for at first.
There is light world building in Pinstriped, enough to give the reader an idea of Diesel’s past and perhaps a look into the future of this series. My interest has been firmly grabbed by Diesel and Carina’s story so I will definitely be following this series. And, my goodness, how I love and adore Gerri’s sassy-ness. So, yeah, I’d recommend this one to Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance readers – and I’ll pick up the next story to see where this goes.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
This is book one of a three book series. Diesel is a tiger shifter dealing with disagreements between him and his brothers. Carina is one of his students in his gym. Diesel wants Carina but she has him in the friend zone. Carina has some confidence challenges and I did not view her character as strong as her counterpart. One aspect of this book that I REALLY enjoyed was the supporting character - Geri Wilder - and her business. It was interesting seeing the romance develop between the two main characters. It was more hilarious witnessing Geri's interactions with them.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this title**
Carina Parker is a woman who has had much luck in the dating game. She’s determined to lose the curves and belly that seem to turn men off from her. Enter Diesel Reed.
Diesel has been run out of the Whitetide Clan. Now that he’s on his own, the loneliness has been making him think about a mate.
With the help of Gerri and her PDA services these two may finally admit to feelings they have for each other…if Diesel’s past stays in the past and doesn’t come back to ruin his future happiness. I’m very excited to get a chance to read more about Diesel and his brother Gauge.
A well-written story that kept my interest until the end, I hope the next book in the series is just as good as this one. Personal trainer Diesel Reed has a client Carina Parker that he would like to date but he thinks she is not interested in him. Both of them decide to try the Paranormal Dating Agency and advice of famed matchmaker Gerri Wilder.What a surprise for them when they are matched.I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.I would recommend this book for reading.
A tale of your love is right in front of your eyes. Sometimes you just have to open them wider, or call Gerri and she will open your eyes for you. An awesome love story with a few twists and turns
Another great addition to the PDA series, Carina and Diesel's love story was sweet, both carried a ton of baggage into the relationship, but got their HEA. Looking forward to Gauge's story.
An interesting and enjoyable little paranormal romance. Gerri Wilder and the Paranormal Dating Agency are on the case again helping shifters find their fated mates.
I knew his brother was up to no good when he pretended not to know him. Diesel should have given him a scar or three for his interference with his mate.
This was a well written quick to read story. It is the first by this author that I have read, I look forward to more, in fact the characters introduced in this book are ones that I would like more of. The storyline flowed nicely and was a good fit for this Kindle World.
This book was so good. I truly enjoy how the love story developed. As a plus size woman, I appreciate the description of Carine's body. Representation matters and many book about plus size women don't get into jiggly bellies and hot steamy sex. Thank you Marie!
Amazing storytelling with lots of loving and protective alpha males. If you're looking for something that will get your blood pumping, look no further. The different authors who have contributed to this series really make some seriously phenomenal reads!!!
I enjoyed this read but then I do love PDA books, I have read a good few. Diesel sounds like the perfect gentleman or tiger I like the names of his brothers and the hint of what s to come
A little different from the rest of the PDA book seeies but it had a good mix of getting mad, getting happy and cheering dueing the fight. Im veey surprised Im actually gonna read the 2nd book. Good job!
I really enjoyed this it's believable and heartwarming. The relationship between the couple is passionate with sizzling hot romance and even though the heroine is a BBW and unsure of herself it made me relate to her even more. I always enjoy PDA stories and this one is a magnificent addition so if you are looking for a entertaining and absolutely marvelous story then look no further.
Tiger shifter and personal trainer Diesel Reed needs a mate who can meet the needs of his inner tiger, but none of the women he meets nor trains sparks a challenge to him until Carina Parker walks into his gym desperate to lose her large figure in the hopes she will start to the lucky in love. Her sexy new trainer makes her heart flutter but he is way out of her league. Diesel thinks Carina is the woman he has been looking for but she seems to be training hard to impress someone else who doesn't appreciate her curves. In frustration, Diesel approaches matchmaker Gerri Wilder at the PDA for advice, but all his visit does is leave him in shock. Then a threat from Diesel's past traps Carina in the middle of a family feud. With love and honour hanging in the balance, Diesel will have to choose between duty or happiness?
This was a very enjoyable story which was definitely a slight twist on a PDA story with Gerri Wilder plus politics around brother shifters and various shifter packs in the area. Full of drama and intrigue, I enjoyed this story and how the relationship between Diesel and Carina started and developed into something much more what they had both been waiting for (even if they had not imagined it being that way). I also loved how Carina was sassy and determined not to be the little woman hiding in the background - a true tigress! Contains explicit sexual content.
Honestly I can not get to excited about this story because I found it rather boring. It didn't seem to catch my eye as I read it. It didn't seem like the characters had much of a personality. You can't be human one minute and then the next agree to bond with a shifter you just met. Mortals are always a little hesitant.
Then they throw in a side story that seems to shift things a little. It just seemed like it bounced all over and to me there were things that happened that a truly mated couple would not do.
Of course everyone has their own opinion so go ahead and try it out, because it might be along your tastes.
I loved the concept... curvy girl ends. Up with hot trainer thats super into her, her curves and her personality enough to get help from Geri Wilder Matchmaker extraordinaire. I didn't like that after a steamy date where she gets mated she goes on a date with her mates brother and just believes lies. She has such a strong kick butt personality but then doesn't even consider confronting her mate. Then its oh ok i believe you. I also didnt think it needed to be mentioned that the client that had the shower was kind of obsessed with him. Just weakened the male guy character. I went from having high hopes to lukewarm feelings for both characters.
I was hoping for more so was somewhat disappointed in this potentially promising read that really fizzled out. I wanted more from the protagonists. A threat of a Villain which could give the heroine opportunity to use her finely honed skills. However no such thing. The enemy comes in the form of a long lost brother, Diesel's brother. No real threat so somewhat bland. Oh and some persistent women at a baby shower!! I probably wanted more conflict and action apart from that in the bedroom. Well what do you expect with Tiger shifters!! An okay read. Will probably the rest of the trilogy!!
Really liked Diesel Reed. Carina was a bit slow about his attraction to her. I found the story to be all over the place and it felt like something was missing. Carina was a bit unfair. She went on a date but got upset when she saw him out somewhere with a bunch of women and it was just him being naive. Was disappointed did not feel like a Gerri Wilder story.
This PDA author offers a less refined and hard-edged Gerri Wilder in this book. Gerri never needs to advertise for customers. Definitely not my favorite characterization. The other characters seem a little crass also. An okay story, but just not my cup of tea.
This was about a big girl who didn't think she could find love because of her size. But you will find out that there is love out there for every one. I can't wait to read the next one
I fell into this book and did not want to leave. I was on the edge of my seat throughout waiting to see what was going to try to keep them apart next. I loved and giggled at the mishaps that caused misunderstandings. I cannot wait to see if I can find the next book to see what will happen with the next brother.
Gerri Wilder is at her prime 100% perfection with this pair. Meet Deisel Reed a Tiger shifter owner and trainer of a gym! His heart is fallen for the one! Carina Parker a BBW. 100% his! Gerri has agreed to help him.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Carina & Diesel's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes my day. Thank you for writing this story.
Author tries to make a "salad of a story" and hopes everyone likes kale! You have the BBW heroine, her trainer crush, his brother that hits on her alluding to bros unsavory past, a roomful of women who are invited to a bridal shower where they seem to make him (the potential bf) the entertainment... And Gerri's trying to work her magic on both of them... I dare any reader to get through this story without yelling at their Kindle - internally or externally - at least once!!