Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Tate: I’ve spent most of my life waiting for my fated mate. The one person in this world made just for me. The one Fate had determined was perfect for me in every way. And now that he’s here, he isn’t anything like I expected.

Hollis: No ties, no clans, no mate; that’s the way I choose to live my life. I don’t want anyone having power over me in any way, and if anyone thinks that just because Tate is my mate, I have no choice but to stay with him, they’re mistaken.

When lynx shifter Hollis Roby is sent to Copper Creek to assist with a murder investigation, the last thing he expects to find is his fated mate; especially since he doesn’t even believe fated mates exist. However, that’s the only explanation for the irresistible pull he feels toward clan Beta Tate Decker.

The deeper they go into the investigation, the more obvious it becomes that there’s more going on in Copper Creek than a simple homicide. Trapped in the middle between a corrupt Council and a human supremacist group, the clan is counting on Hollis and Tate to figure out who’s responsible. Not only for the murders, but for the other odd happenings in the area, as well.

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2019

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Jacki James

93 books695 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
239 (48%)
4 stars
161 (32%)
3 stars
79 (16%)
2 stars
14 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Diane.
4,127 reviews84 followers
September 23, 2019
4.5 stars. I love this series. Okay so when Hollis first enters the scene, I did not like him. He was way to arrogant for Tate who is such a sweetheart!! Tate has a knack for puzzles, he can run things through him mind and they form a pattern that he needs to solve whatever it is he is trying to solve. Hollis is the shifter that the council calls on to take down rogue shifters who have given over to their animal side and basically lost their humanity. He is sent to Copper Creek to investigation allegations that Chase is abusing his powers as an Alpha and head of his clan. He is given all kinds of false information that he can't really wrap his head around as he had previously worked with Chase before he became head of the clan and thought he was a nice guy. On top of this, there is a murder of a professor who is doing research on Native Americans for his next book. It did take a while to find out what he was really doing research on and the implications of that are kind of scary. On top of all that, Tate & Hollis are fated mates and Hollis wants absolutely nothing to do with that and pretty much tells Tate that once the investigation is completed, he is gone. That just broke my heart. But then again fate has other ideas. Hollis had a really crappy childhood, all due to his father, and hasn't seen his mother and siblings in a very long time. One of the siblings is missing and he has been searching for him but has not heard any word on his whereabouts. Tate & Hollis make a cute couple and work very well together. Oh and Dakota finds his mate in an unsuspecting person. My only issue with this book is that it just ends. I know that the overall arc is ongoing & the threat from a couple of fronts still wait for them but we are just left hanging. Maybe an epilogue showing Tate & Hollis settling in as mates or just something. Anyway, I can't wait for the next book in this series.

ARC provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
1,628 reviews13 followers
September 19, 2019
Back to the Copper Creeks Clan where we find Tate, the clan’s second Beta and Sheriff Deputy, who’s all set to wait for his Fated Mate, and won’t settle for less than his ideal Mate.
Hollis is a loner, doesn’t believe in clans, clowders, and even less in Fated Mates.
So imagine the surprise of them both when, upon meeting to investigate a murder in the Copper Creek area, when they feel the unmistakeable mating bond. Tate thinks Hollis is all wrong for him; Hollis doesn’t want anything to do with a mate or his clan.
They both fight the pull toward each other, but of course, it’s no use.
When they finally decide to succumb to Fate, they’ll have to fight together to solve the inexplicable and horrible events happening around them.

The setting is lovely, the Clan has an assortment of wonderful characters, and though the threats to the Clan come from more sides, the angst is very low!
I loved this book and I can't wait for more in this series.
Jacki James is rapidly becoming a favourite author for me!
Profile Image for Monika .
2,372 reviews41 followers
March 13, 2021

This was a bit different than the first book in this series. There is definitely a romance with fated mates but there is also a mystery to be solved. The book focused a lot on that.

The book ends with the mystery unresolved so, I guess I have to wait for the next instalment to see how it turns out.

The beginning of this book kind of helps me understand Foxy Mates better, so I really liked that. None of the books in this series so far can be read as a stand alone and in my opinion the story works better having read them one after the other.

Now to do a re-read of Copper Creek. From what I remember it felt more a part of this series than it did of the series Beyond the Realm: Remember and I think that's why I had a problem with it, it was like reading something with missing parts, but we'll see.

TAGS
--Shifter/assorted -- mystery -- drama -- fated mates -- some sweet moments -- made me smile -- family/real & made -- loved the MCs... Tate & Hollis -- not a stand alone -- unresolved ending -- can't wait for the next instalment
Profile Image for Lois.
1,447 reviews3 followers
May 23, 2026
Well that was an annoyingly vague ending and since this was published in 2019, I guess I'm just. going to be left hanging ...... I really hate when authors abandon a series before the end

Gripe aside, Tate and Hollis were fun. I liked that they started off not liking each other, and I've been enjoying the overall story arc. The proofreading in this story was lacking, apart from the spelling mistakes, it's really annoying when an author mixes up her own characters, it's jarring and pulls you out of the story.

So.... 4* for the story, but points deducted for bad editing and leaving me hanging. 3.5* maybe ?
Profile Image for Donna.
3,472 reviews40 followers
September 24, 2020
Let me be clear... I am NOT going to mention the "quotation" issue in this review... just wanted to let you know that! *snort* LOL!!!

I am liking where the author is going with this series and I love the "family" feel that we are got from both books. The mystery is moving right along and the clan is growing by leaps and bounds. Now, I am wondering just how long we have to wait until book 3 comes out. Of course, if the author needs a bit more time to work on the "quotation" issue that I am not mentioning... that would be fine with me! hehehe
Profile Image for  ☔️ Stormy Day Reader .
1,223 reviews41 followers
April 28, 2021
I think I liked this one the most because it didn’t have that whole insta-love let’s mate within 5 seconds thing. I mean, you know they will but having a conflict makes it more satisfying when they do. That said, I’m so freaking disappointed that the book ended when it did. I suppose I should be happy knowing there’ll be at least one more book in the series since it was kind’ve a cliffhanger as far as the overall story goes.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,407 reviews
May 13, 2026
Audiobook narrated by Kenneth Obi.
This second book does a great job showing the close bond between the clan, while adding more twists and secrets to the story. Tate is sweet and clever, while Hollis starts off cold and arrogant, making their fated mate story emotional and frustrating at times.
The romance and suspense were enjoyable, but the ending felt rushed, and I wish there had been a little more closure for Tate and Hollis.
Profile Image for Alexis Woods.
Author 58 books84 followers
May 19, 2020
Book two

Continues with the fast paced story and instalust of fated mates. Of course, Tate and Hollis just can't be together right away. Working to solve murder pushes them closer together until both see the truth. Slight cliffhanger at the end.

KU, paranormal, feline shifter, fated mate, mystery, death of a side character, book in a series
Profile Image for Cheryl.
567 reviews
May 31, 2020
The story focuses on the MC's brought together by the discovery of a mutilated body on Copper Creek lands.
Another bad alpha is defeated, a mystery solved and a teaser for the next story.
Tate and Hollis may have sorted out their issues but there is a bigger mystery still to be solved.
I have to join many others waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Alexis.
603 reviews
May 8, 2022
I loved the murder mystery aspect of this book, but halfway through the book I had to remind myself why the two of them couldn't be together. I feel like it was super flimsy and then the book just ended without any closure. We don't even know who the big bad is. Super disappointing after the first book honestly
1,555 reviews
October 25, 2022
Tempting Tate

This was a sweet fated mates book with a bit of mystery. I loved that even though their animals were on board, Hollis and Tate took a bit longer to accept that they were mates. I also love the whole clan as family feel that runs throughout the stories. So far, I haven’t read a book by Jacki James that I didn’t love!
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,115 reviews15 followers
December 4, 2023
A series so you think you know the ending but this one does have some twist.

Deputy Tate and Beta shifter clan has big shoes & responsibility to fill. He meets council rep and investigation if a murder. Tate knows there a hidden agenda. To see the two question and prevent fate is dangerous and leads to big disvoveries. M M romance
Profile Image for Ken Cook.
1,638 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2025
What's the plural of lynx?

Second in a series, and second that I've read, James enriches the story of the Copper Creek clan 8n this novel. A new fated mating that has some resistance; several crimes that need solutions; and more of the life of the clan keep the action flowing with chuckles of humor.
Profile Image for Hc.
2,372 reviews36 followers
July 26, 2025
Another same shifter situation. We have a world of known shifters and a clan of mixed breeds but two instances of same shifter coming together ... I just think if gonna make both cats why not different breed of cats? Plus it looks like this series was abandoned.. there is a 'spin off' book with Dimas and Hazzard story but I don't think I want to waste my time on it
Profile Image for Dana.
Author 6 books23 followers
March 16, 2021
Listened to the audio version narrated by Kenneth Obi. It was so nice to hear his voice again. I like this series so far and the world building is very interesting. The romances are good, but I would love to see them be just a little longer.
Profile Image for Teresa.
4,166 reviews44 followers
May 13, 2021
3.5 stars.

There’s a mystery only partially dealt with but I’m sure it’ll be resolved in the next book(s). Other than that, I liked seeing Tate and Hollis navigate their relationship. This felt a little rushed but I still enjoyed it enough to continue with the series.
Profile Image for Mstay.
859 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2021
Excellent follow up

This was a great follow up to the first book in the series. I actually found this series from the beyond the realm book written in this same world and am very happy I decided to check the series out.
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,601 reviews16 followers
March 22, 2022
WOW!! So So Very Good!!

Well written story and well developed characters! I can't wait for Jackie James to go back to Copper Creek and help these shifter people! Love this whole series!
Profile Image for Abril.
1,048 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2025
Here’s my thing I loved this so much it’s so good with the mystery aspect and I loved the characters but why in all that is holy did it just end like that I would have loved to see more. And of course the third book I can’t find it online so it’s gonna be a bit before I can read it
187 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2020
Still Fate

Tate and Hollis make a great team - even when they tried to distance themselves. Enjoyed reading this story and loved the ending.
1,159 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2020
Brilliant

I love the twists and turns in this book i cannot wait to see how this series continues i just wished it was longer.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,682 reviews
November 12, 2020
I am really enjoying this series. I can't wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Judy Ferrell.
Author 20 books86 followers
November 3, 2022
Fate did it again!

Tate is looking for his mate when a big case comes up. Hollis never wanted to join a clan. He's been burnt enough. How can this end without tragedy?
Profile Image for els✨.
1,113 reviews42 followers
March 1, 2025
this was so good and i LOVED them but the story isn’t over and this book came out in 2019 😭😭 I WANT THE REST
Profile Image for Laks.
933 reviews
June 20, 2025
Shifter romance with true mates and a murder mystery to solve. Okay for a one time read
Profile Image for Becca.
3,344 reviews47 followers
January 2, 2020
I’m going to have to go get Ms. Jacki…..just when everything is getting good, it’s the end. I hope there’s a book 3 coming pretty quickly, because I NEED it! I need to know where this is going. I have a feeling where and who’s behind it, but I also want to see a few of those guys get their fated. I have a feeling about one or two of those too, so we will see. Pretty please hurry lol.
The one thing Tate wanted for himself was a mate who wanted him for him and loved him for who he was. Quirks and all. He is a bit OCD about some things, but it’s just makes him even better at what he does. But everything right now is going to hell in a handbasket with these murders popping up and the kidnapping a few months ago. And now, he’s just met his mate, Hollis, and the dude is a rude prick. Go figure Fate wouldn’t give him what he desired and needed. Fate had to stick him with an ass and someone who wasn’t even going to attempt to stick around. But while Hollis is there as an enforcer to find out the truth to what the council is saying, he’s finding things aren’t quite adding up and too many things are a bit too much of a coincidence. All while trying to fight the pull to his mate. He didn’t even believe in mates before, but there’s no denying the pull from Tate and their lynxes. But Hollis has no intention of staying and he feels he should have the right to choose to accept his mate or not. So not only are the murders up in the air, along with more kidnapping, he doesn’t know what to do about his mate. Because his shifter is pissed at the thought of him leaving.
You know, fated mates has always had me tied up. I am almost like Hollis, to a point. I love the thought of fated mates. I really do. But what if your fated mate is really a bad person or an absolute asshole wanting power. You should have the right to choose to accept and not feel forced to claim the other person. But I also want Tate to have someone who loves him the way he needs so I agree with Hollis as well in that he doesn’t know if he can be who Tate needs to be because of his own past. So, it’s kind of a catch 22. But I know they work well together. And I liked these guys. Genuinely loved them. Hollis comes across as a bit of a dick, but there’s also a purpose behind what he does and why. Because things he does, gets to the root of a problem, usually pretty quickly. But what I hate about both of these guys, is they don’t have enough confidence in themselves to feel they are worthy enough or enough for their mate. They need confidence in themselves and in each other to do the right things. And learn that they are different from everyone else.
I realllllllly need book 3. I hope to all there is in the world there is a book 3 coming soon or I may cry. There’s just too much left that needs answers and too many people that need help. I’m really loving this series and how it’s going. So I’m ready for more.

http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,660 reviews55 followers
September 17, 2019
I love this follow up to book one in the Copper Creek series. We focus this time on Tate, Beta in the Copper Creek clan, and Hollis, unattached Alpha.
There is an overall story arc to the series so I would recommend reading them in order because of the information that carries over.
Tate loves his job at the Sheriff's office, getting to investigate mysteries but a murder is not want anyone wants to see, especially with the weird circumstances of this one. Hollis is asked to come and help out with the investigation by the council but also look into the Copper Creek clan itself as they aren't trusted by the council.
The two men have an unexpected instant connection but circumstances prevent Hollis from going after his mate and Tate doesn't want someone who doesn't want him.
There's a great mystery to history that we learn about right along with the characters. I like that we get interaction with all members of the clan and see how much they mean to each other. Hollis has some bad history with his family making him entrusting of others but Tate is such a sweetheart that you can't help but fall for him. Jacki has balanced everything out really well even though it's not the longest story. There's enough time spent on the investigation but also on the budding relationship between the MC's, giving them time to learn about each other before anything permanently happens.
Loving this series so far and look forward to book 3. Definitely a recommended read for me.
I received an arc and am happily giving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews