Nicole

2019-reads asshole-alpha badass-alpha

OMG. Nicole is absolutely one of the best books I’ve read EVER.
I didn’t think Teresa could top The Protectors series but man she has. And this is only book 1
Nicole loves Damon with everything she has and wants to be a Warrior. However something is missing for her. She decides to go back to her job as a social worker because helping kids is what she does.
And boy is she glad she has. Something is amiss with the children in some foster homes.
New and old enemies surface. Can the Mates band together to help the children?
Well The stubborn ass Warriors May have something to say about that.
Can they get over their own protective urges to support their mates?
Some can. You will have to read this stunning book to find out who I would love to pound some sense into.
I highly recommend this book to all PNR fans

Twinsie Talk Angie J

1,811 reviews

July 7, 2022

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Nicole, The Mates Book #1 by Teresa Gabelman
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
WHAT!!!! OMG THIS BOOK!!! I am so excited for this series. When Teresa told us she was thinking about it, I flipped my SHIT!! I mean we fall in love with these ladies in their stories but then we don’t get to see them as much because the guys get all the action….damn Cock Club right Jill!!?? So, to SEE the ladies all banding together to help in their own way, was amazing!!
Damon and Nicole have been through so much but Nicole always wonders and get stuck in her head….maybe she isn’t enough or the right person for her strong, decapitating heads specialist Alpha warrior, Damon.
I loved seeing her return to her roots and essentially where it all began…….Damon and Nicole both are so confused because they want the best for their mate and their relationship, but the changes are starting to cause some fraying to not only their relationship but also a few others…like say My Alpha Jared. I am about to nut punch him hardcore…what’s up!!????
I love that no matter what series or cross over series you read with the Protectors in it, the story line is FRESH and the villains are super evil. I mean the bad guy from the Mates series is also connected to the bad guy in the main series buuuut slightly different.
If you love Teresa and her books then TRUST ME, you will need this book to add to your collection of the rest of her amazing books.

Theresa Coronado

21 reviews

Read

July 10, 2020

I have read all her books and this spin off is. ( I KNOW WILL BE AWESOME !! ) going to be just as great as her others. If you haven't read Teresa,s books YOU are missing out.. Im not good at expressing my thoughts but you will be very glad you did. Start with the protector series.
.Ive read them all 5times and they never get old.

Kodie Mackay

1,206 reviews68 followers

March 9, 2019

Hell fuck yes. this was needed.

Firstly whilst this 'could' be read as a standalone, Don't do it. You are spitting yourself in doing so. In order to truly grasp this story and the meaning behind what these ladies are doing and to really understand it .. you need to go back to where it all began. Do it, I promise you won't regret it and further more you'll FEEL so much more. Seriously, I was practically beating my chest whilst mind shouting WOMENPOWER through parts of this story like some crazy barbarian because I was feeling the sister hood 100% and the fact I've read The Protectors series helped entice that emotion because you need to know the foundation on which a story is built in order to truly connect to the characters and there journey.

Nicole is back stronger, fiestier and even more protective than ever. I loved her from the minute we got a glimpse of her and Damon and this book did not disappoint. She has evolved as a character growing leaps and bounds into her new found world and adjusting to all the crazy she's dealing with. I feel like she's always been strong but also a little guarded and in this story those walls get broken down and you see a different side again to her personality. She's always been passionate about her job and protecting her kids but even more so now because for awhile she lost a little of herself. There isn't a huge dramatic change but I love that she stood up for what she believed even risking as much as she did to do so and stuck by her choices. She's a well rounded character who constantly gives and I loved getting a peek into her now.

Damon, our cranky decapitating lunatic that we all so fondly love despite his many anger management issues. His biggest fear was loosing Nicole but in protecting her ... only served to push her away. Damon had a lot of his own personal growth in this story because despite his stubborn protective nature he had to let go a little and trust in his women. It wasn't easy for him and he messed up a few times but in the end all made up for it in his own way.

I feel like this series was needed. As much as these larger than life males are wonderful it was a smart move giving their females a chance to have their own individuality and pave a way for themselves that wasn't constantly stopped by overbearing overprotective vamp men. Don't think for a second that this will be the same as the other series. It's not. It's feels so fresh and new! This world and these characters have got so much to give and it's just the beginning here. I loved the story, the pace was set perfectly building up the suspense giving us a little of every emotion. The build up is great!. The characters are one huge crazy dysfunctional bunch that you can't help but love!. Seriously just get reading and you won't regret.

Seriously though I don't care what Jared's excuse is that man just needs a kick up the arse and he better have a damn good apology for the shit he's pulled. Tessa better kick his fucking ass! I need her to be a badass and stand up for herself!. Also I need their story like yesterday.

Erica Tyre

107 reviews

Great, but..

I have read all of the previous series several times each. It’s nice to revisit the characters from a different angle. I loved Nicole’s character development in this book. The only thing missing was Damon’s perspective. I wish it had alternated a bit more between the two, but we only see Damon’s point of view a couple of very brief times, and it tells us almost nothing about what he’s thinking and how he’s working his way through things (especially the heavy bag scene). I finished the book not truly confident that he really understood where she was coming from, or if he was just giving in for the sake of peace like before. That made it feel very one sided and unfinished to me. It would have been 5 stars for me otherwise. I still liked it and am looking forward to the next one (especially if it’s Tessa). I just hope there is more insight into both sides of the mates next time. Especially Jared, who I am starting to dislike.

Shelley C

2,980 reviews64 followers

March 2, 2019

The Warriors’ Mates❣️

I have always loved the VC Warriors and their mates and I was pleasantly surprised when Teresa mentioned she was doing a series that was going to feature the mates of those kickass Warriors! Nicole and Damon are the first to find each other, so it only stands to reason that Nicole is first on this list😀

Nicole was human before Damon turned her and after that happened she left the Agency she worked for and only helped out on occasion. She now feels as though she will not be herself if she doesn’t go back! So of course in typical Nicole fashion, she doesn’t mention anything to Damon....heads are going to roll 😂....and first day back, she needs his help as well as the other Warriors. Suffice to say dangers aplenty in this one and a few familiar issues between couples that have quite worked themselves out yet. A good story and I’m looking forward to learning more about Viktor and also to read Tessa....who I hope will be next up❣️

Cailin

316 reviews2 followers

March 8, 2019

I need more now!!!!!

Ohhhh, it was wonderful to see the mates of the VC Warriors assert themselves! When Nicole decides she needs to start helping foster kids again, she enlists the aid of the other mates. When they uncover a dangerous evil, tensions and tempers flair between the guys and gals and expose what could be life altering issues.

With ups, downs, and emotional roller coastering, this story will pull you in and hold on tightly. Just hold on and ride it 'till the end, you'll be glad you did!

Mari

1,546 reviews10 followers

March 12, 2019

3.75 ⭐

This was a KU. I read

Damon (The Protectors, #1) by Teresa Gabelman

back in 2012 when I was going through my Vamp stage. I skimmed through Damon again so I'd know the characters. I liked catching up with Damon and Nicole but I had no clue who most of the characters were or the series story arc. It wasn't so confusing I couldn't keep up and most of the book was about Damon and Nicole's evolving relationship. The writing was good and I enjoyed reading a book about vamps again.

2019 ku paranormal

Heather andrews

9,520 reviews162 followers

kindle-unlimited romance vampires

Damon's disposition is still quite charming, “ges, they are still working,” Damon growled. “And the next mothereffer who asks me is going to get punched in the mouth. Jesus, Steve is the only one who hasn’t asked.” I liked seeing the women become strong and fighting for what they want and just not taking their men's crap.

lisa jung

5,480 reviews44 followers

March 7, 2019

Nuole

I am glad too see the vamp crew again and the women take on the social welfare system where the stories all begin. Can we find Mitch a hot vampire mate maybe? Love this take on this beloved series.

Gale Albright

2,953 reviews19 followers

August 27, 2019

For the women to get their own books in The Mate Series is amazing. I read every VC Warrior book and loved them all. I am so excited for the next book.

Jaime

108 reviews3 followers

March 26, 2019

I really loved getting to see the mates side of the series! It was different than any other series I've read. So not only is TG still on my auto buy list she is at the top! I cant wait for more on all of the characters. Still one of my favorite series ever!

Kristi Metcalf

285 reviews4 followers

2019-reading-challenge 5-star-review mc-vampires

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book

Look out VC Warriors the Warriorettes are coming!!!! Lol!!!
Nicole is the first book in the VC Warrior Mates series and oh boy these ladies love their alpha mates, but they aren’t taking it anymore!!!
Nicole heads back to work for Mitch are Social Services, without talking to Damon about it; hee, hee, hee, and does she have a doozy of a first day back.
First off I absolutely love that we are going to get more Warriors. Secondly, that we are going to get more from the women’s POV now that they have mated their men it’s going to be great. If you have read the VC Warrior series you know that the Warriors are all alpha males that do not want their mates hurt in any way and they will say and do anything to keep it that way no matter how caveman it may seem.
Also, we know that these women are all very strong women; they also knew how their men were when they mated them, but no couple stays the same you either grow or crumble under the pressure and THAT is what we are going to see in this series.
Who will grow? Who will crumble? Please baby Jesus no one crumble, we will have to just see.
Our favorite Warriors and now Warriorettes have a new enemy too, one that we have never seen from Gabelman before and I think that it’s going be epic.
I can’t wait to see where we go next and fingers crossed none of our favorite couples crumble, don’t worry though if Jill and Slade crumble I’ll be there to console him. LOL

Kim

398 reviews7 followers

February 7, 2023

An Explosive Start To The Mates Series

The first chapter was fantastic; I loved the banter (which happily continues throughout) and although I had moments of reluctance - I find stories about children being abused very, very hard to deal with - I love Nicole Callahan and the way her "unscheduled home visit" to Carly was written and I loved meeting the new characters - Vanessa is amazing and will fit in perfectly with the mates and Pike is obviously warrior material.

Those of you that have read my review before, will know that I enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and has a good sense of humour; I knew that I wouldn’t be disappointed here as she’s one of the first characters that we are introduced to in The Protector series. Nicole is everything that I look for in a lead female character; tough, witty, able to hold her own and a strong moral compass that makes her fight for the underdog even though her own childhood was less than idyllic and she is riddled with insecurities – they don’t hold her back.

I loved that this book had me blubbering like a baby and laughing my socks off, although it horrified and shocked me too and got my blood boiling at the injustice and inequality but rest assured, dear readers, like all of Ms Gabelman’s books, Nicole definitely hits all the right spots passion-wise *blush* and warmed my old romantic heart. I couldn’t put it down!

So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
Nope; I loved this book!

As this is the first book in a new spin-off series, I was prepared for the story to have some cliffhangers, especially regarding the mystery of who was using the children that were under the care of Special Family Services. However, hand on heart, I can say that I am satisfied with how this book ended; the relationship issues between Nicole and Damon and the mystery “Big Bad”. What I would just say is that I feel you need to have read all of The Protectors books to feel at home with Nicole – I don’t think it’s a book you can just jump into.

So, basically what I’m saying is...
Wow! I feel breathless - what an amazing paranormal romance story. It's got everything that I’m looking for in a 5 star read; mystery, action, romance, passion and plenty of well written steamy sex scenes. Couldn't stop reading this book!

Due to the nature of the storyline, the graphic violence and sexual content I’d only recommend this book to adults who are not offended by content of this nature and are fans of relationship and romance stories with gritty story-lines and lots of passion.

Full review posted on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...

Melinda ~ Twinsie Talk

815 reviews

March 11, 2019

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
How can Teresa make the mates of the VC Warriors live up to the men? Well let me tell you she did it. These fierce women are strong willed, bad ass, and do not need a warrior at her back every second of the day to save her. These women can handle their own but it is nice to have a warrior at their side.
Nicole loves Damon but has a feeling she is losing herself. She misses her work and believes she can and must help the children in the foster system. She loved doing her job and feels there is a need not only to help the kids but to satisfy her own calling.
The mates of the warriors realize they are not being treated as equal as the guys because they are females and the warriors have it ingrained in them that they are to protect the women. The women band together and decide to take matters into their own hands. They agree to help Nicole at the agency and also better themselves in becoming fierce warriors they know they can be without the guys help.
These women are AMAZING. They are strong and will not back down or give up no matter what is thrown at them or who throws them. OH and believe me they have their time with one on one combat on the mats and in the field. Nicole and the others can hold their own. Now the only question is will the warriors let them continue their crusade or will the end it? We can already see there are some warriors that over time are going to stand by their women and others that may draw a line that will be too hard to come back from.
I absolutely love these women as much if not a little bit more than the warriors. I mean really who doesn’t love a woman that can kick some butt and take names later. I am so excited for this series and see each Warriorette become stronger and do as good a job or better than the Cock Club.

Julie Tinkler

10 reviews4 followers

Seems like Teresa Gabelman can write anything and I devour every book she releases!
Fantastic read.
Loved all the Protectors series and now we have the Women doing their thing although the Warrior men are Not happy about that.

The first off is Nicole Damon’s mate Absolutely Loved her in Damon’s book but now she is truely showing her fighter and protective side and doing it so I well loved that damon supported her.. eventually ( but I think he secretly supported her anyway) can’t wait to read more of the Mates stories I’m sure they are going to be just as good, great storyline, Jared well he needs to get rid of his macho moody side and support Tessa, Jill as usual cracks me up and Steve. What can I say he is so hilarious
(can’t wait to read Steve’s book he’s writing ha)?
Love that Damon got to do his thing, heads always roll with him around ha ha

All in all it was a Brilliant read and can’t wait for more from this series

Cora Murray

Author 14 books202 followers

February 27, 2019

Teresa has done it again, she’s drawn me head first back into the world of The Protectors, but this time it’s about their mates. The first book in the series is about Nicole. she’s tough as Damon and she has to be to keep him firmly in his place as her partner and mate. I love that you get to see the whole gang together again and now you get to see those badass women taking charge. If you loved the men in The Protectors you’ll love getting to see life through their mates povs. I have to say from the minute I finished I was ready for more and more. I can’t wait to dig into each of the women’s books and see my gang all over again. Of course there’s love, laughter and moments of hold onto your seat and ride alone. There’s new trouble on the horizon or is it the old, but more powerful than you thought possible. Anyway, grab the book it’s definitely worth the read..

LellaBella

22 reviews

TERESA GABELMAN YOU GODDESS!!!!
This was everything I could’ve hoped for in Nicole’s book and so much more!! 💜
I DEVOURED IT!! Started and finished it today and proud of it!! 😏

There aren’t words to describe how much I loved this book, Nicole is the type of character/person I aspire to be like (strong, independent, kind, empathetic, outspoken, loving, etc.) and Damon...*swoons* need I say more? 💜💜

Can’t WAIT for Tessa’s book 🤞🏻 to finally find out what’s going on with Jared and what’s going to happen with the new big baddies coming out of the woodwork!! EXCITING STUFF!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

I read the dedication at the beginning..I’m so so sorry for your loss. I hope you hold your head high and smile to the sky because you have done your friend proud and I’m sure she is cheering you on from above!! 💜

Best Wishes

Nikki

259 reviews4 followers

50 STARS WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH. MUST READ

OMG. Nicole is absolutely one of the best books I’ve read EVER.
I didn’t think Teresa could top The Protectors series but man she has. And this is only book 1
Nicole loves Damon with everything she has and wants to be a Warrior. However something is missing for her. She decides to go back to her job as a social worker because helping kids is what she does.
And boy is she glad she has. Something is amiss with the children in some foster homes.
New and old enemies surface. Can the Mates band together to help the children?
Well The stubborn ass Warriors May have something to say about that.
Can they get over their own protective urges to support their mates?
Some can. You will have to read this stunning book to find out who I would love to pound some sense into.
I highly recommend this book to all PNR fans

Becky Smouse

57 reviews

Cathy Campbell Strickland

Love the Mates

This is definitely one of my absolute favorite series. I love every single book. How every book centers on one couple, but everyone is an important characters in each story. The women are strong, independent and powerful in their own right. With each book, things get wonkier and wonkier. I do not do spoilers, so I will just say that I loved Nicole just as much as I loved the first book Damon. He was and amazing mate in this. Slade and Jill have always been my favorite couple, but Damon and Nicole rocked this book. On the down side, JARED MUST BE HUNG UP BY HIS FANGS AND BEATEN WITHIN AN INCH OF HIS LIFE! I'm hoping the mates series coincide with the warriors, which means Tessa will be next. Can't wait! The new threat is a bit terrifying, but I know the warriors and the mates got this.

24 reviews3 followers

Teresa Gabelman has done it again!! Just when you think she couldn’t possibly top her last book...she not only tops it but goes way over the top!! She has taken the series The Protecters, a series we all love and adore, did a spin-off with The Mates and took it too a whole new level!! The Mates Series centers on the point of view of the Mates of those sexy Warriors!! Only Teresa Gabelman could write a scene in which I want to strangle all of my beloved Warriors and lick them at the same time!! The Protecters NICOLE will have you laughing and crying at the same time...basically it will gut you and put you back together again all the while making you beg for more!! The Protecters Nicole is definitely a 5 + star, MUST READ!!!

Alyce Rogers

18 reviews

OMG!! I loved this book with all my heart

There are literally no words to describe how absolutely incredible this book was. I have read it none stop since it's release 2 days ago not wanting to miss a beat. The girl power, struggles of life, friendships and relationships that radiate from this book are parallel to the world we live in today.
Teresa Gabelmen makes you feel as though you are a part of their world and not just reading a page of her book. Every time I pick up one of her books I get submerged into the storyline and characters that she brings to life.
You don't need to hesitate when buying one of Teresa Gablemans books because I can assure you, you won't regret it.

Kathryn

629 reviews15 followers

August 16, 2019

Okay, so I just finished this book. I truly enjoyed Nicole getting back to her old job. I absolutely loved the way that Damon and Nicole's relationship was shown. Nicole realizing that she was losing herself is a "real" issue and I think it was addressed very well. The sexy times were 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 . The humor was great as well.

The negatives for me were Jared and his NASTY attitude as well as the implied coddling of the ladies. I really never had that impression as far as Slade and Jill were concerned but then it was brought up here. By the end Sloan cleaned that up but I'm still PISSED AT JARED!!!!

That said, if you haven't read Nicole then get to it. The mates series looks like it will be a funny, action packed and very sexy series.

JodyL

1,644 reviews5 followers

September 29, 2019

I admire the strength of the women in this series.

WOW!! Nicole going back to work at Children's Services is causing a considerable amount of trouble. The mates of the VC Warriors have decided to help out where they are needed and wanted. With all of the men not wanting to give their mates any information or help in training to become female warriors, they are doing their own thing. Demons, possessed humans, rabid vampire are all endangering the children that are being placed in foster homes.
I love all of the action that takes place. I also admire the strength of the women in this series. Jared is causing a lot of emotional pain in Tessa as she decides to be herself and help Nicole. I am so ready to see him put in his place in the next book.

Rory Lampley

49 reviews3 followers

February 18, 2023

Another 5 Star Read for Teresa Gabelman

I love love this authors books and this book didn't disappoint!! I missed all of these characters. The banter, the jokes but mostly the love and protection that VC Warrior's share with each other will have you wanting to re-read the series over and over again. Nicole's mate Damon made me fall in love with Teresa's books. To see a different side of both of these characters is every true fans favorite thing. We get to love these characters more and more. So to the next reader who reads this review, I hope it makes you fall deeper in love with these characters and Teresa Gabelmans books. I love that this author gives her readers strong heroines to look up too.

Chrystal Riley

6 reviews7 followers

I had such high hopes for this book. I just felt it was very rushed and some of the jokes are sadly way over used and are no longer funny. It needs fresh material.

I LOVE the protectors series. The series has some of the best one liners I’ve ever read and always makes me laugh. I have however been finding more and more mistakes with the story line as the series goes on.

I really hope she slows down her writing and pays attention to what she has said in the past cos it’s getting to be a very messy series. Which is a shame cos it was once one of my favourite series i could read a few times a year.

2019

Linda

91 reviews

Loved It!

I have read the entire Protector series several times. It never gets old. This new mates series is starting out to be exciting. It digs deeper into the mate’s and the warrior’s hopes and fears. The story shows a different side of them. Don’t get me wrong, the love, fighting, problems, solutions are still there, but it goes the extra mile to show how they love and fight, what the deepest problems are and how they find the solutions. I have several new books waiting to be read, but I think I will go back and re-read the series again! Yea, it’s really that good! Can’t wait for the next book in both the Protector’s and the Mate’s series.

Sandy Bowers

130 reviews