Not many people looked my way normally, but when you’re running down the street in a sky-blue ball gown with tears running down your face at the crack of dawn, they’re going to notice.
I’m Topaz, a tiger shifter, now chosen partner of our leader’s son. A complete and utter jerk of a shifter.
I didn’t get a say in it, clearly.
I’m not about to write my life off to be the mate to some egotistical, self-centered asshat.
But when my best friend tries to help and cheer me up, things go from shit to complete crazy when we hit a shifter on the road.
Things keep spiraling out of control, and I find myself crazily attracted to three unexpected men. I’d never have thought I’d feel this way for any of them, but here we are.
J.E. Cluney is a full-time author who lives on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. She spends her days writing, binging on TV shows, and reading. With a slight addiction to chocolate to fuel her midnight writing.
J.E. Cluney has many projects lined up in the reverse harem genre, and her best-selling series, 'Corviticus University' is only one of many.
This was a great shifter romance that I want more of! On Topaz’s twenty-first birthday, she receives unsettling news that the Pride leader’s son Tyler will be her mate. She flees her party in her blue princess gown and calls her best friend Darcy. As if the night couldn’t get any worse, they hit a panther shifter, Jackson, on their way to breakfast. Turns out, he’s been hexed and has amnesia- all he remembers is his name. This story picks up and hits the ground running with attraction, magic, steam, and mystery as Topaz, Darcy, Jackson, and Tyler try to figure out what’s going on. Surprisingly, I found all of the characters very likable. Topaz was realistic- she’s just a girl who was to explore, find her true mate, and loves her phone. I think Tyler was my favorite character and he definitely had the most growth- he went from an arrogant, privileged player to a humble, caring, hardworking guy. Darcy is a veterinarian who is super sweet, but I honestly thought deep down he was gay or bisexual for the longest time (which he isn’t). Jackson is an artist who is mysterious and like a cute, curious puppy. Jackson’s sister, Delilah, is feisty, has a good sense of humor, and is protective of her older brother given the circumstance. I liked the chemistry between the characters and the various gripes that are used- enemies to lovers, best friends to lovers, etc. I loved how all of the guys got along so well and wanted to learn more about each other and not just Topaz. This story ends with an HEA, but I do hope that their story is continued later on because I would love to see them go on adventures, figuring out how their RH will work, how the Pride will take it, and eventually Tyler and Topaz taking over the Pride. This was my first book in the Jewels Cafe series and even though they’re all written by different authors, I want to go back and start at the beginning. I love this quirky little town and Silver Springs and want to meet more of its residents! *I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I'm loving the world of Silver Springs and Topaz is no exception. Those pesky little PSLs sure knpw how to cause delicious trouble! Topaz and her guys were cute and endearing and totally worth reading.
This is a really short story, which means whatever little development there is has to be extremely rushed. I find it odd that the head of the Pride is called "chief" and not alpha, as is customary; not only that, it should be a streak or an ambush of tigers -- pride is only for lions. That took only 0.05 seconds to look up on Google.
Anyway, if I try not to be pedantic and close one eye to that, then I have to deal with Topaz hating Tyler's guts all the way through primary and secondary school because he was a bully. So I can understand why she would be livid that the Pride chief had announced that she would mate with Tyler, but I don't understand Tyler's appalled reaction and his hostility and disdain towards her, especially if he had changed as the author wanted us to believe.
Major plot hole:
Everyone is a bit too blasé about the prospect of her ending up with three mates, especially when one of them is a guy she barely knows and didn't even remember at first, having met him only briefly many years ago in primary school. They agree to take her out on individual dates to woo her, even though they've already mated, and then the story just ends there! They haven't even discussed living arrangements! I've never heard of mates who live apart. This is the biggest reason why the book gets two stars from me. It was just utterly dissatisfying and I was disappointed, because I chose this book having enjoyed the author's Corviticus University series. If the author had given the story more time and space to develop instead of making it so short, it would have stood up better to Corviticus University.
Yesterday I went to bed with a huge headache and this morning I actually felt like crap when waking up. Luckily I started to feel better during the day, but I just couldn't concentrate on the book I was reading. So, I scrolled through my kindle and searched for an easy and quick read that I could enjoy even when not feeling a full 100%.
And I got exactly what I wanted and needed. Let me start with telling you what this story is not: This story is not layered. It's not deep (well, not in the literary sense of the word, at least). It's not complicated. It's not filled with personal growth and overcoming obstacles. It's not sophisticated. It's not a story that will make you cry. It's not the best story I've ever read.
However, this book is a lot of really amazing things: It might be one of the cutest stories I've read lately. It had not one, not two, but three amazingly sweet dates. It had not one, not two, but three hot guys who were also very caring and endearing. It had a lovely heroine. It had a panter shapeshifter and three tiger shapeshifters. It had a really hot foursome and quite a few other smut scenes. It was heartwarming and like a sweet caress in times of great pain and need.
If you're in need of a story that won't hurt you, won't cause you pain, won't break your heart and won't make things more complicated than they need to be, then this is the perfect story to read. I at least had a huge smile on my face when I finished and I'm pretty sure that for about 1,5 hours I felt a lot better than I had done in quite a few days.
Firstly this book is released on the 11th, I was lucky to get an arc copy. Secondly this book is actually number 5 out of 12 each book but is written by a different author but it's all centered around the jewels cafe and the area in which the cafe is situated. I haven't read the other 4 but it really didn't matter as each book is a standalone. Every now and again you get a name crossover but that's it.
As for the book it was brilliant, I read a chapter and then had to go out and all I could think was, where is the situation topaz is in going. It was a fun, lighthearted, easy to read book. I read it in a few hours and that was partly because it flowed so nicely and for a new release there was only one mis-spelling. I also liked that the book wasn't over complicated with unnecessary characters. It is a fun, steamy, lighthearted book so there isn't loads of depth to it. It's mostly about the 4 main characters and then finding their feet in their new forced relationship. It's not the type of book you can't put down because you desperately need to know what happens, you just get sucked into this happy to lucky, sexy, hot and steamy world. It's a book that you desperately want to read because you enjoy the characters.
I freaking loved this book! Oh it has mystery, sexy times, intense emotions, it was awesome.
So per the blurb Topaz gets some bad news. Which I don't blame her for what she did. I would totally do the same. So her best friend Darcy comes to her rescue. They decide to head to Silver Springs. Bam!! She meets Jackson and decided to help him out with his predicament. She so too sweet. So they head to Jewels cafe! While she is waiting on Darcy, she tries to get information about Jackson. Unfortunately, he doesn't remember much. Then Tyler shows up, this is not good for her. He is the reason she left her party. But once Darcy comes back with drinks and food they all decide to help Jackson. Meanwhile, they are drinking some PSL. Oh boy does it get crazy. Feelings start to manifest and they each actually sees who they really are.
So does Jackson ever find out what happened to him? Does Tyler secretly like Topaz? Does Darcy finally realize what he feels for Topaz. So much happens and we get answers with a happily ever after!
Oh what a GREAT little stand-alone and WONDERFUL addition to the Jewels Cafe series. Ms. Cluney has, once again, outdone herself with Topaz. 1st off, The whole Speed Bump nickname has me in tears every time it’s mentioned. But on a more series note, I love how Ms. Cluney took the time to give Topaz a special one-on-one date with each mate instead of just being all well, they are all mates now so they’ll be doing EVERYTHING as a foursome. And Jackson.. woo wee that man is so hot with his in-touch-with-his-animalside self. That whole woods scene was HOT. So yeah, another perk of this book is you get hot group sexy time as well as one-on-one sexy time and it’s ALL HOT.
Side note: I love how Sapphire keeps popping up throughout this series haha!!
Oh and DEFINITELY sign up to get the bonus epilogue. YOU WON’T REGRET IT!! I woke up the hubby due to all the laughing!
Another PSL victim. I’m looking forward to seeing if Julian gets caught out. Nice to see some of the other jewel names. The trio this time I liked. A little relationship drama, a really small mystery and plenty of sex within 126 pages. Next up is Ruby, the one I’ve been looking forward to since the beginning.
Topaz (FMC) is a tiger shifter and the mate of the chief's son Tyler. Much to her hate and annoyance because she had no idea. Hes her high school bully thats why. Things go bad when Topaz, Tyler, Darcy (her friend) and Jackson (a panther shifter and a guy her and Darcy knocked down) get hit by some stray magic. A great short story. Loved it
I love the Jewels Cafe series and the variety in all of the characters that inhabit the town and the surrounding areas. With the help of the magical pumpkin spice coffee drink that is popular in these books, Topaz, a tiger shifter, finds love in the most unlikely people: a best friend, a high school enemy, and a complete stranger. The drink certainly kicks things off but it doesn't force feelings that aren't present; it simply unveils the truth. Turns out, people change and sometimes you need a little kick in the right direction to fully discover the real version of someone you've despised almost your entire life or to be able to recognize feelings that have been ignored in a safe, platonic friendship. This was a quick and fun read that gives you good feels at the new budding romance and leaves you wanting to read more! Good thing there's a sequel. I'm ready for more Topaz!
Fun series of stand alone books in a shared universe with a little bit of character cross over.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
I loved how this reverse harem came together. First Topaz, who is a tiger shifter and a healer is on the run with her best friend Darcy who is also a tiger shifter. They both were part of a pride known as Scarborough Tiger Pride. But the chief wanted her to mate with his son Tyler Harrison. Her and Tyler have hated each other since Kindergarten. While her and Darcy were getting away a panther ran in front of them. That happened to be Jackson who was hexed by a witch and he has memory loss. Now read how these four characters become mates. Very intense filled sexually exciting read.
Anyone who likes the supernatural will enjoy this. It's jam-packed with shifters galore! The fm mc is a tiger shifter, but their pride is more of a pack and includes all large cat shifters. She just turned 21 and it's her birthday, in which every one who turns 21 gets to pvk a theme and is thrown a party for it. Turns out, the night didn't go as planned and she wound up walking away drunk, taking a trip down the road going to a coffee shop as the sun rose, and that led to her 3 mates. Is funny and cute and steamy!
Topaz is a tiger shifter & at her 21st birthday party she finds put that the Chief of her pride has decided on her mate. His son, Tyler! Topaz has hated him & he has hated her since preschool.
The Cbief can't be serious right? Next thing she know, Topaz is running off though the woods & only stops to answer a call from her best friend. He picks her up, they are going for breakfast, & he hits a panther! Can a girl's birthday get any worse?
One pumpkin spiced latte & a muffin to the rescue!
Really??? ***spoiler alert**** the guy has been making her life hell for at least 16 years and bam they are fated mates??? No fated mate, slow to bond, or not would treat a mate that way. And 16 years (ish) they those three, that spent every day in class together, one bullying and terrorizing the other two, ever ever had a inkling of a bond? Your story isn't following its own rules.
Wow! There is a lot of sex in this story, so not for the faint of heart. Topaz is at her 21st birthday celebration when the Chief of the Pride announces her mating to his son,Tyler, someone she hated. Her best friend, Darcy, aids her in an escape from the party. While out, they run into Jackson, a panther shifter, literally. Topaz helps to heal him. Darcy takes them into Silver Springs and purchases coffee (pumpkin spice latte for Topaz). As they say, the rest is fate...
DNF at 60% this reads very YA but more like a teenager wrote it. There really is no character development for any of them. Instant mate bonds but not in a way that makes sense. A spell that isn’t explained. This is like some teenage fantasy drama. The supernatural aspect isn’t well explained either. Calling tigers a pride is a big clue that this was just a quick write attempt.
Also, somehow even with it all going so fast it seemed to drag on as well. Neat trick but not an enjoyable read.
Really enjoying this series and Topaz is a great spicy read! A little of everything with her 3 mates. Enemy to lover, best friend to lover, and love at first mate. Cute story. I enjoyed even after they mated they wanted and took the time to get to date her and learn more about her. Topaz embracing her mates and enjoying the ride in more ways than one. Full of yummy steamy scenes. Ready for book 2 with Topaz and her mates!
Topaz turned 21. At her party it was announced she was to mate with her enemy. After literally running into a panther shifter, and a cup of pumpkin latte; things changed.She found her soulmates. If you love all things paranormal and hot sexy men like me then you won't want to miss this book.
I love these characters. The lovable best friend that you don’t realize you’re in love with until something happens. Your arch nemesis school bully all around pain in the ... hottie and speed bump a new hottie you meet on your 21st birthday. Want to know what happens next ? Read and find out for yourself you won’t be disappointed 😉
Topaz has the trifecta for mates! This book spends lots of time with the getting to know you parts of the relationships. Multiple POV and sensual encounters are the focus. Great stand alone for when you’re overwhelmed with a lengthy series with lots of drama!
Well this one definitely hit the hot meters whew! I loved it. Interesting g characters and an excellent installment in the world building universe of Silver Springs. I liked the independent nature of our heroine as would be expected of a big cat shifter. I look forward to further adventures.
This one is my favorite so far in the series. I have enjoyed the other and really like them! I really like that they are cat shifters and I hope we get to read about the babies and what they look like! I would especially want to read about the Panthers' and Topaz's baby!!! This book was great through out the whole story.
The intro to this book makes you believe that this will be a drama in which Topaz will fervently resist a forced mating. However, it is not that at all. Everything goes smoothly and you will actually only read some smutty situations with the trio and with each guy separately. If that's enough for you, go for it. I missed a more interesting story surrounding it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Steamy, sexy and absolutely funny. Just loved this story it was great. Storyline was very nice enemies to lovers, best friends and strangers in the night couldn't put it down.
This book is number 5 in the set, there are some twists in here compared to other books. I do like how they combined the mates, one best friend, one newbie and one enemy. The scenes were also super hot and fun to read!
These books just keep getting better and better! I loved "T"'s story, it was so sweet how the guys worked together and became friends. And just loved how we got a quick read for Wim and Sapphire, love that vamp!!!
Topaz gets her guys and they are not who she expected. Friends to lovers, enemies to mates, and strangers to OMW hot! Topaz shows us just how fine a line is between love and hate.
Quit the ride. Yes I enjoyed this fast burn story of accidental mating. Ah, if it could only happen in real life. Great character development for such a short, too short story.
I had a blast reading this 5th book in Jewels Cafe series. Topaz is feisty, smart and funny. The guys bound to her comes from very different sides of town and it was nice and funny to experience their journey towards a working relationship.