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Claws Clause #0.5
Mates: Maddox and Evangeline
Paranormals exist.
When the community finally came forward, finally announced that they’d been there all along, it wasn’t exactly a surprise. Centuries of stories, rumors, myths… deep down, humans knew they were out there. But, thanks to the modern era and technology’s rule, paranormals had no choice but to reveal themselves to the rest of the world.
After the shock wore off, the humans reacted. While some were afraid, most accepted that witches, shifters, vampires, and ghosts firmly existed now—and the humans did so because of Ordinance 7304, a set of laws hurriedly put in place that the Paras had to follow. When the alternative was being thrown in a magic-free prison, there really was no choice. And, besides, Paras had lived side by side with humans for years. Now the humans just knew what their neighbors got up to at night.
More than fifty years later, Ordinance 7304—also known as the Claws Clause—keeps the Paras in line, and gives the human population an illusion of safety. And why not? With the power of the entire government behind the laws, even an alpha wolf loses some of his strength.
Because one of the biggies? When a shifter finds his fated mate, it doesn’t matter what his nose—or his body—says. His instincts might scream mine, but that doesn’t mean he can run off with his woman and claim her. To the humans, that’s kidnapping, and it’s a big no-no.
Maddox Wolfe understood that… until the day he stumbled upon Evangeline and knew in an instant that this was the woman he’d spent twenty-six years waiting for. And while his wolf says take her, he knows he can’t woo his mate from inside of the Cage. She’s human, so he has to think like a human. Act like a human. Pretend he’s a human.
That is, if he wants to make her his mate.
When the community finally came forward, finally announced that they’d been there all along, it wasn’t exactly a surprise. Centuries of stories, rumors, myths… deep down, humans knew they were out there. But, thanks to the modern era and technology’s rule, paranormals had no choice but to reveal themselves to the rest of the world.
After the shock wore off, the humans reacted. While some were afraid, most accepted that witches, shifters, vampires, and ghosts firmly existed now—and the humans did so because of Ordinance 7304, a set of laws hurriedly put in place that the Paras had to follow. When the alternative was being thrown in a magic-free prison, there really was no choice. And, besides, Paras had lived side by side with humans for years. Now the humans just knew what their neighbors got up to at night.
More than fifty years later, Ordinance 7304—also known as the Claws Clause—keeps the Paras in line, and gives the human population an illusion of safety. And why not? With the power of the entire government behind the laws, even an alpha wolf loses some of his strength.
Because one of the biggies? When a shifter finds his fated mate, it doesn’t matter what his nose—or his body—says. His instincts might scream mine, but that doesn’t mean he can run off with his woman and claim her. To the humans, that’s kidnapping, and it’s a big no-no.
Maddox Wolfe understood that… until the day he stumbled upon Evangeline and knew in an instant that this was the woman he’d spent twenty-six years waiting for. And while his wolf says take her, he knows he can’t woo his mate from inside of the Cage. She’s human, so he has to think like a human. Act like a human. Pretend he’s a human.
That is, if he wants to make her his mate.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2019
631 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Lynch
65 books167 followersJessica Lynch loves to write! She's been writing ever since she was a child, and spent years writing fan fiction before deciding at the end of 2017 to begin focusing on her original works of fiction. A 14-time winner of NaNoWriMo, Jessica has tons of manuscripts waiting to be formed and shaped and introduced to the world -- plus countless more milling around in her brain. She just wishes she could type fast enough to get them all out!
When she's not writing or working, she's either reading, playing with her family of cats in Central New Jersey, rooting for her beloved Mets, or working on her graphic arts skills to bring her characters and cover art to life.
When she's not writing or working, she's either reading, playing with her family of cats in Central New Jersey, rooting for her beloved Mets, or working on her graphic arts skills to bring her characters and cover art to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
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April 9, 2020🎁 FREE on iBooks today (7/24/2019)! 🎁
July 27, 2019
Poor. The story had potential but the author dragged the story out to continue in the next book. Additionally she left out the spirit of the story.
June 8, 2020
Maddox Wolfe is--surprise, a wolf shifter who has just found his mate in unwitting human--surprise, Evangeline Lewis. Maddox is the beta of his pack and next in line for alpha, held currently by his father, Terrence Wolfe. Maddox has a younger brother Colton Wolfe, Colt, for short (could the last name be any more obvious?).
Maddox lives with the humans in Woodbridge, which is far enough away from the pack and his brother, who lives in the local Bumptown in the city. One day while out for a run, Maddox stumbles across Evangeline, aka, Angie, reading a book while alone in the park in a secluded area. Maddox is in his wolf form when he catches her scent, which is so powerful it causes him to lose control and shift to human suddenly. At which time he realizes two things: he's just found his mate, and for the first time in his life, he has an erection. After Maddox rights himself and dons clothes, Maddox sets off to meet his mate. Things don't go as planned, and instead, the first meeting is a bit of a disaster as Maddox startles her and retreats.
Eventually, Maddox and Angie meet and start dating. Maddox confesses to Angie that he's a shifter, which she suspected, and that she is his mate. Angie tells Maddox she won't mate him until they are married (she's old fashioned like that). Maddox grudgingly agrees, and after six months of dating and abstaining, they set off to get married and make it official for the Claws Clause laws for paranormals. Unfortunately, it appears their HEA will be short-lived. This novella is not a dreaded cliffhanger; however, the ending does compel you to read the first book in the series, Hungry Like A Wolf.
Ehh, okay. The editing in this short novella is terrible!
On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2.5 stars.
Maddox lives with the humans in Woodbridge, which is far enough away from the pack and his brother, who lives in the local Bumptown in the city. One day while out for a run, Maddox stumbles across Evangeline, aka, Angie, reading a book while alone in the park in a secluded area. Maddox is in his wolf form when he catches her scent, which is so powerful it causes him to lose control and shift to human suddenly. At which time he realizes two things: he's just found his mate, and for the first time in his life, he has an erection. After Maddox rights himself and dons clothes, Maddox sets off to meet his mate. Things don't go as planned, and instead, the first meeting is a bit of a disaster as Maddox startles her and retreats.
Eventually, Maddox and Angie meet and start dating. Maddox confesses to Angie that he's a shifter, which she suspected, and that she is his mate. Angie tells Maddox she won't mate him until they are married (she's old fashioned like that). Maddox grudgingly agrees, and after six months of dating and abstaining, they set off to get married and make it official for the Claws Clause laws for paranormals. Unfortunately, it appears their HEA will be short-lived. This novella is not a dreaded cliffhanger; however, the ending does compel you to read the first book in the series, Hungry Like A Wolf.
Ehh, okay. The editing in this short novella is terrible!
On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2.5 stars.
May 3, 2020
Fell for the cover again
So I was tricked by a beautiful cover yet again. These books sounded so good I was looking for a new paranormal/ UF romance and fb ads showed me these, kismet right? But I couldn’t even get through the novella for this series. It’s all written in passive voice and none of the action happens ‘on screen’ you’re just kind of told about it after fact... it’s really weird and makes it so very hard to stay engaged. There were so many times I just scrolled through pages because nothing was happening and then we have a ‘three months later’ jump of all the good stuff! Just needs some work
So I was tricked by a beautiful cover yet again. These books sounded so good I was looking for a new paranormal/ UF romance and fb ads showed me these, kismet right? But I couldn’t even get through the novella for this series. It’s all written in passive voice and none of the action happens ‘on screen’ you’re just kind of told about it after fact... it’s really weird and makes it so very hard to stay engaged. There were so many times I just scrolled through pages because nothing was happening and then we have a ‘three months later’ jump of all the good stuff! Just needs some work
January 9, 2020
This story was just okay for me. I was not drawn in by the story. The pacing was okay, but the bookfelt like it was missing something. The story had a light feel to it, i think due to the humor. I didn't relate to the characters much, but they were not unlikeable. Maddox Wolfe had some funny moments, but mostly he over thought things which caused more problems. Evangeline was more aware than Maddox gave humans credit for, but she was just okay. I read the first chapters of the next book, and while it raised questions of interest, I probably will not read it.
March 22, 2020
Ugh
Wanted to like it, writing was not terrible but the pacing and intro of characters was rushed and felt forced. That being said, men who can’t get erections until they meet mate are just silly. Makes them jumping into the bond seem less romantic and more hornet teenager.
Wanted to like it, writing was not terrible but the pacing and intro of characters was rushed and felt forced. That being said, men who can’t get erections until they meet mate are just silly. Makes them jumping into the bond seem less romantic and more hornet teenager.
April 15, 2020
First thoughts: Sloppy writing. There are too many good paranormal stories out these days to waste time with this.
April 24, 2020
Way too wishy washy. No where near enough character building. Too repetitive. I couldn't even finish this.
August 12, 2020
Wolf shifter Maddox finds his human mate Evangeline, but Maddox sort of bumbles his way through making her his. Maddox doesn’t really think things through; he was a bit of a baby at times, but I do think he has a sweet heart. Love that male wolves can’t have sex before meeting their mates; on the fence about the female side of things, I feel it should be equal. I wasn’t a fan of Maddox’s constant going on about his erections either, and I’m not a fan that if a shifter wants they can seek out others to help with their erections besides their mates; good thing Maddox was vehemently against doing that. Like that Evangeline gets him, but I wish humans felt the mate pull more; Evangeline makes Maddox wait too long. She seems like she has a good head on her shoulders, but she does seem like she can easily go into damsel territory. I hope I’m wrong there. This story is mostly in Maddox’s POV, and has a lot of Maddox telling the reader what happened or is happening, so it would’ve been nice to have less of that and more showing. The emotion was missing a bit because of all the telling and not showing. I’m still going with a 4 star because I’m interested to read the next book in the series, and for a short read, the story enticed me. This has a satisfying end, but after reading the synopsis for the next book, these characters are in for some tough times. There’s some interesting ideas going on in this book and the story is entertaining, so I’m looking forward to seeing these characters grow.
December 21, 2021
I like this novella. This is a fantasy romance with a wolf shifter, a human, a ghost, and mention of a witch. I had to read Mates after I started reading Hungry Like a Wolf. There were some things that I thought were awfully suspicious in the first couple of chapters, so I looked up the series and realized there's a prequel. While it does explain some things, especially with Evangeline and Maddox, I still have plenty of questions.
As it says in the blurb, this is a romantic story with a dash of spicy goodness. There's just a summary of the hot loving between this wolf and his human mate in the Epilogue.
Maddox explains to the reader how he’s feeling most of the time. Evangeline narrates some chapters, but it’s mostly narrated by Maddox. I feel like there’s a layer of the story missing, even though I was reading their thoughts.
There's also a goodly amount of foreshadowing while Maddox fumbles with his plan to woo his female. There are a few laugh-out-loud moments, and a lot of fun with Maddox trying to act human and contain... himself. Poor Maddox! He really struggles with learning about his own body, how to romance a human, and becoming a mate.
I’m fascinated by the world-building and the main characters. I can now return to reading Hungry Like a Wolf, the first full-length book in the series.
As it says in the blurb, this is a romantic story with a dash of spicy goodness. There's just a summary of the hot loving between this wolf and his human mate in the Epilogue.
Maddox explains to the reader how he’s feeling most of the time. Evangeline narrates some chapters, but it’s mostly narrated by Maddox. I feel like there’s a layer of the story missing, even though I was reading their thoughts.
There's also a goodly amount of foreshadowing while Maddox fumbles with his plan to woo his female. There are a few laugh-out-loud moments, and a lot of fun with Maddox trying to act human and contain... himself. Poor Maddox! He really struggles with learning about his own body, how to romance a human, and becoming a mate.
I’m fascinated by the world-building and the main characters. I can now return to reading Hungry Like a Wolf, the first full-length book in the series.
May 15, 2020
Jessica took and put a new spin to Shifter Mating which made it for an interesting read; however, I didn't paticularly care for it. I mean male shifters with a permanent limp dick until they meet their mate? How messed up is that? In Maddox and Evangeline's case that didn't seem to be a problem since Evangeline was inexperienced too.
Another thing I really don't care about is the concept behind the book. 'The Claws Clause' as it's known by shifters has Maddox pretending to be 'human'. He's an ALPHA not human. Sure it's eventually come out that he's a shifter and not human, which makes me and Maddox feel better.
In closing it had a great storyline touching points that some authors won't touch which was kinda refreshing. How she had the couple arguing over matters that mattered to one, but seemed like it was stupid to the other. Making up and moving forward. I didn't like that there was such a PG rating to the book. I'm used to hot and steamy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2022
Well done, Jessica Lynch!
I read a lot of shifter romance, and I believe this is the most original world-building I've read in this genre! Maddox and Evangeline irritated me until I recognized how authentic they are under the circumstances. Colton is obnoxious throughout the story, but it seems likely that there will be an upcoming backstory for his behavior. Dodge is a completely original type, and I hope for more from him. This prequel does exactly what it should; it uses imaginative characterizations and world-building to engage the reader's interest in following the series. I already have the next book!
I read a lot of shifter romance, and I believe this is the most original world-building I've read in this genre! Maddox and Evangeline irritated me until I recognized how authentic they are under the circumstances. Colton is obnoxious throughout the story, but it seems likely that there will be an upcoming backstory for his behavior. Dodge is a completely original type, and I hope for more from him. This prequel does exactly what it should; it uses imaginative characterizations and world-building to engage the reader's interest in following the series. I already have the next book!
March 30, 2020
Oh, the honesty!
What most impresses me about this book is the reality of the emotions felt by Maddox and Evangeline. So many times I laughed out loud at something that struck me as sheer stupidity on his part, only to realize that IRL it could have been a true reaction! Sure, somewhat overboard, but still real. Some of the best parts were probably the most embarrassingly honest ones for Maddox, and it made me very happy to be a woman! Sorry, but true. It's my first time reading Lynch, but definitely not the last!
What most impresses me about this book is the reality of the emotions felt by Maddox and Evangeline. So many times I laughed out loud at something that struck me as sheer stupidity on his part, only to realize that IRL it could have been a true reaction! Sure, somewhat overboard, but still real. Some of the best parts were probably the most embarrassingly honest ones for Maddox, and it made me very happy to be a woman! Sorry, but true. It's my first time reading Lynch, but definitely not the last!
June 9, 2021
3.5 stars. Fun, light read! Funny at times, a bit lost in the inner monologue at others. Good with the drama about couples that fight about stuff without understanding the importance of that Thing, whatever it is, to the other person. I want to give it more stars, but I felt like there was some unnecessary telling-not-showing and some skipping in the drama. Like, here we’re having a conversation, two paragraphs later, 6 months have gone by. It made the story feel like something that didn’t have enough action for a full novel, but didn’t have the tight story arc of a short story.
August 31, 2022
Too short and full of Maddox bumbling around in the dark when I comes to Evangeline. It's cute but he's pretty clueless and kind of a hot head. Like some form of a horny teenager. There was too much telling not showing as he tries to explain what he's feeling which makes the story feel extra short. I kind of read this one after Hungry Like A Wolf so I thought the accident would make a better ending and a great cliffhanger. Oh well it was a fun read.
July 16, 2020
They have now shown themselves to the human race but it has come with laws. He knew them but he will be tested when he senses his mate. He needs to think, act as a human. Can he show her she is his? What will.She do when she learns he is a shifter? See if she will accept him
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2021
A wolf shifter meets his human mate, and needs to woo and win her.
This version of paranormal s out to the mortals has some weird rules, these contribute to the story dragging along for me. Then the story new on a happy note with their marriage, but it's just a teaser so you buy the next book to find out the rest of the story. I hate this form of merchandising so it lost a star.
This version of paranormal s out to the mortals has some weird rules, these contribute to the story dragging along for me. Then the story new on a happy note with their marriage, but it's just a teaser so you buy the next book to find out the rest of the story. I hate this form of merchandising so it lost a star.
November 22, 2019
Mates
I read this novella after reading the following story. I enjoyed it but I did kind of feel like the two stories should have been one book. I’m glad I was able to read this one because I felt it was needed in the other story.
I read this novella after reading the following story. I enjoyed it but I did kind of feel like the two stories should have been one book. I’m glad I was able to read this one because I felt it was needed in the other story.
November 27, 2019
The long road to love.
Humans and shifters collided courting begins. Their love grows stronger as the days roll by. She wanted a real marriage, he wanted a bonding. They come together. You’ll need to read it to find out the endings. Loved it.
Humans and shifters collided courting begins. Their love grows stronger as the days roll by. She wanted a real marriage, he wanted a bonding. They come together. You’ll need to read it to find out the endings. Loved it.
Read
December 30, 2019Claws and love
When a wolf finds his other half. . . he's estatic!
When the other half is human . . . She's slow to get the same response.
Trouble in paradise.
Will he convince her to stay or will she be a single human again?
Enjoy!!!
When a wolf finds his other half. . . he's estatic!
When the other half is human . . . She's slow to get the same response.
Trouble in paradise.
Will he convince her to stay or will she be a single human again?
Enjoy!!!
December 31, 2019
Great read
Great read and I can’t wait to read the rest of series. From start to finish this book kept me reading until the end with it’s love story unfolding making any one swoon for Maddox.
Great read and I can’t wait to read the rest of series. From start to finish this book kept me reading until the end with it’s love story unfolding making any one swoon for Maddox.
April 8, 2020
Such an awesome prequel! I definitely want to read the rest of the series now. I thought the spin on sex for shifters was really unique, but I haven't read just tons of shifter romances. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters, and how Maddox was so caring but not totally perfect.
August 19, 2020
I liked the book but HATE cliffhangers!! and if you must know, I hate feeling blackmailed into buying the next book and the next etc just to have a complete story!! I read this one but have put off buying the next because I am irritated about the stupid cliffhanger! and the cliffhanger left the hero in so much pain that I thought it grossly unfair. Don't know if I will move on to the next one or not. Depends on how badly I become irritated leaving a story unfinished.
July 4, 2021
What is worse than a F MC with angst?
You guessed it. After reading 16% of this story I now know that a male alpha with angst is cruel and unusual punishment for this reader. His angst roiled each of those pages. Gag me.
You guessed it. After reading 16% of this story I now know that a male alpha with angst is cruel and unusual punishment for this reader. His angst roiled each of those pages. Gag me.
August 29, 2021
Good opening
Maddox did everything he could to tamp down his wolfen tendencies around his newfound mate Evangeline. Not wanting to scare off his human, he failed to include her in his life fully and almost ruined everyting he ever wanted. Now onward to find out how he did lose her. Hungry Like a Wolf, here I come.
Maddox did everything he could to tamp down his wolfen tendencies around his newfound mate Evangeline. Not wanting to scare off his human, he failed to include her in his life fully and almost ruined everyting he ever wanted. Now onward to find out how he did lose her. Hungry Like a Wolf, here I come.
September 4, 2021
DNF at 40%. There is practically no dialogue, creating very little character development. I couldn’t get invested because the lack of character development made me not care enough about them or the story. Maybe I’ll try again someday.
February 28, 2022
Great Short
Loved the story. What a crazy end. Definitely didn't expect that! A little different spin on shifters that made the story the authors! I look forward to reading more of her work.
Loved the story. What a crazy end. Definitely didn't expect that! A little different spin on shifters that made the story the authors! I look forward to reading more of her work.
February 26, 2024
I could have had another 150-200 pages in this story. It seemed a bit rushed or possibly too easy when it was revealed to the FMC (who is a human) that she was a fated mate. I liked the characters and the plot but it felt just a bit rushed.
March 3, 2020
Super short
This is a really short story about a shifter who finds his mate in a hunan. It's an okay read.
This is a really short story about a shifter who finds his mate in a hunan. It's an okay read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews