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Offbeat Shifters #1
Secretly Mine
I’m being paid to spend a month on tour with Jesse Steele, to keep him safe and protect his image. Simple.
The first rule of being a bodyguard, is never get involved with your client. It should have been easy to follow, but Jesse Steele is a beautiful, kind omega, who’s far more down to earth than a pop star has any right to be.
Someone discovering our tryst becomes the least of our worries when it becomes clear Jesse has a stalker.
Can I love Jesse and protect him, or will my emotions cloud my judgement and put him in danger?
Secretly Mine is the first book in Offbeat Shifters, an m/m paranormal romance series with a continuing storyline. This book includes a protective tiger shifter, a sweet monkey shifter, lots of cuddles, secret kisses, piggy back rides, and a HFN ending. Whilst it is set in an alternate universe where omegas give birth, there are no pregnancy or birth scenes in this book.
Trigger warning for mentions of infertility.
The first rule of being a bodyguard, is never get involved with your client. It should have been easy to follow, but Jesse Steele is a beautiful, kind omega, who’s far more down to earth than a pop star has any right to be.
Someone discovering our tryst becomes the least of our worries when it becomes clear Jesse has a stalker.
Can I love Jesse and protect him, or will my emotions cloud my judgement and put him in danger?
Secretly Mine is the first book in Offbeat Shifters, an m/m paranormal romance series with a continuing storyline. This book includes a protective tiger shifter, a sweet monkey shifter, lots of cuddles, secret kisses, piggy back rides, and a HFN ending. Whilst it is set in an alternate universe where omegas give birth, there are no pregnancy or birth scenes in this book.
Trigger warning for mentions of infertility.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2021
47 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Colette Davison
65 books429 followersI'm an indie author from the UK, who writes contemporary and paranormal M/M romance. My books have flawed characters, happy endings, and lots of heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 30, 2021
3.5*
This is a solid opener for Colette Davison's new shifter omegaverse series and I enjoyed it.
There wasn't anything particularly new or novel to it, but I liked both Jessie and Isaac and their relationship development, while it was fairly quick, didn't feel insta-lovey but more an organic growth from a mutual attraction and closed proximity.
I did very much appreciate the difference in shifter types though, Isaac was a tiger and Jessie was a monkey and they were incredibly sweet together, especially in shifted form.
I did guess the villain from the first time they appeared on screen (I read a lot of this type of suspense book and was a mad Agatha Christie fan in my younger days 😁 ) but I still think the stalker plot plays out well throughout.
Book two is also going to be about Jessie and Isaac and I'm interested to see how the author works the tension plot she's hinted at with a sneak peek at the end of this one into the overall narrative. I think it will be an unusual direction to take and I'm looking forward to reading it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
This is a solid opener for Colette Davison's new shifter omegaverse series and I enjoyed it.
There wasn't anything particularly new or novel to it, but I liked both Jessie and Isaac and their relationship development, while it was fairly quick, didn't feel insta-lovey but more an organic growth from a mutual attraction and closed proximity.
I did very much appreciate the difference in shifter types though, Isaac was a tiger and Jessie was a monkey and they were incredibly sweet together, especially in shifted form.
I did guess the villain from the first time they appeared on screen (I read a lot of this type of suspense book and was a mad Agatha Christie fan in my younger days 😁 ) but I still think the stalker plot plays out well throughout.
Book two is also going to be about Jessie and Isaac and I'm interested to see how the author works the tension plot she's hinted at with a sneak peek at the end of this one into the overall narrative. I think it will be an unusual direction to take and I'm looking forward to reading it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
February 27, 2021
While at times I felt this had the potential to be really great, I also felt this book was simply too long.
I do love the bodyguard trope, so I was pretty excited to read this. Add in some shifters, some mate stuff and the promise of mpreg and this should have been a slam dunk. But it was just okay. And long, let's not forget long.
The things I liked:
- Jesse's talk with his asshole father and how they both opened up so they could finally have a better relationship.
- The bodyguard/damsel in distress trope. What can I say, I'm a sucker for this trope.
- The different kind of shifters. I loved that Jesse was a monkey. I don't think I've ever read a book about a monkey shifter before.
What I liked less:
- The romance was kind of missing that spark for me. I felt they went from 'no no, we can't be together, we have to stay professional' to 'you're my mate and I want to be with you forever and ever' way too easily.
- The bad guy. I couldn't even remember who he was. All the side characters got equal page time, so it wasn't that obvious, but it also felt like I didn't know any of them enough to care who the bad guy was.
- It was just too long. It could have been shorter and more to the point.
Overall this was a nice shifter/bodyguard/hurt/comfort/mpreg book (no mpreg in this book), but I still felt it missed its mark for me.
I do love the bodyguard trope, so I was pretty excited to read this. Add in some shifters, some mate stuff and the promise of mpreg and this should have been a slam dunk. But it was just okay. And long, let's not forget long.
The things I liked:
- Jesse's talk with his asshole father and how they both opened up so they could finally have a better relationship.
- The bodyguard/damsel in distress trope. What can I say, I'm a sucker for this trope.
- The different kind of shifters. I loved that Jesse was a monkey. I don't think I've ever read a book about a monkey shifter before.
What I liked less:
- The romance was kind of missing that spark for me. I felt they went from 'no no, we can't be together, we have to stay professional' to 'you're my mate and I want to be with you forever and ever' way too easily.
- The bad guy. I couldn't even remember who he was. All the side characters got equal page time, so it wasn't that obvious, but it also felt like I didn't know any of them enough to care who the bad guy was.
- It was just too long. It could have been shorter and more to the point.
Overall this was a nice shifter/bodyguard/hurt/comfort/mpreg book (no mpreg in this book), but I still felt it missed its mark for me.
February 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this first in a new omegaverse-shifter series. There's a lot that I liked here - an age gap, forced proximity, secret romance, and plenty of tension. Isaac and Jesse are very sweet together and there is plenty of time spent with them in their shifter forms (Isaac a tiger and Jesse a monkey). The romance progresses pretty quickly, but they spend so much time together being on tour that it really didn't bother me.
One thing I wanted to see was a little more world-building, more discussion of how mating works and whether a mating pull played a part in their attraction - it didn't seem to work the way it does in a lot of stories I've read. There is also talk of heats and mpreg, in what appears to be an all male world, although there is no actual mpreg in this story. I'm hoping that in the next book, when they are more out in the world and not stuck on a tour bus, that we'll get a better feel for how everything works.
The mystery stalker angle played out well even though I had a good idea of who they were from pretty early on. It definitely added tension to the story, along with the difficult relationship between Jess and his former pop-star father. There are also some fun secondary characters that make up Jesse's band, and are all different types of shifters. I'll be looking forward to the continuation of Isaac and Jesse's story.
One thing I wanted to see was a little more world-building, more discussion of how mating works and whether a mating pull played a part in their attraction - it didn't seem to work the way it does in a lot of stories I've read. There is also talk of heats and mpreg, in what appears to be an all male world, although there is no actual mpreg in this story. I'm hoping that in the next book, when they are more out in the world and not stuck on a tour bus, that we'll get a better feel for how everything works.
The mystery stalker angle played out well even though I had a good idea of who they were from pretty early on. It definitely added tension to the story, along with the difficult relationship between Jess and his former pop-star father. There are also some fun secondary characters that make up Jesse's band, and are all different types of shifters. I'll be looking forward to the continuation of Isaac and Jesse's story.
Read
August 27, 2020Here's a first draft snippet. It's not edited or proofread, so expect errors.
Chapter One
I hadn’t left a lucrative job on the Stock Exchange to become a glorified babysitter, but from the brief Eric had given me during the drive, that was exactly what I’d be doing. Was it payback for knocking him out in the first round of his final university bout? Probably. I wouldn’t have put it past Eric to offer me a job, only to give me the shittiest assignments. Still, money was money and at least a babysitting job would be an easy one to cut my teeth on and get experience as a bodyguard. Sorry. Close Protection Officer. Apparently, ‘bodyguard’ sounded too thuggish.
“The assignment is practically a done deal,” Eric said, as he pulled into a private car park, attached to Impulse Music’s recording studio.
“Practically?” I arched an eyebrow at my one-time opponent and new boss.
I had been under the impression that Eric would line jobs up for me. If it wasn’t a sure thing, why was I even there?
“Yeah, you just need to impress the dad.”
“Dad?”
“The client is the kid’s manager and his dad,” Eric explained. “And a bit of a control freak if you ask me, but don’t go telling him I said that. Remember, we’ve got to create a good impression. And by ‘we’, I mean ‘you’.”
Chapter One
I hadn’t left a lucrative job on the Stock Exchange to become a glorified babysitter, but from the brief Eric had given me during the drive, that was exactly what I’d be doing. Was it payback for knocking him out in the first round of his final university bout? Probably. I wouldn’t have put it past Eric to offer me a job, only to give me the shittiest assignments. Still, money was money and at least a babysitting job would be an easy one to cut my teeth on and get experience as a bodyguard. Sorry. Close Protection Officer. Apparently, ‘bodyguard’ sounded too thuggish.
“The assignment is practically a done deal,” Eric said, as he pulled into a private car park, attached to Impulse Music’s recording studio.
“Practically?” I arched an eyebrow at my one-time opponent and new boss.
I had been under the impression that Eric would line jobs up for me. If it wasn’t a sure thing, why was I even there?
“Yeah, you just need to impress the dad.”
“Dad?”
“The client is the kid’s manager and his dad,” Eric explained. “And a bit of a control freak if you ask me, but don’t go telling him I said that. Remember, we’ve got to create a good impression. And by ‘we’, I mean ‘you’.”
February 10, 2021
Jesse is a talented young monkey shifter, an omega, plays several instruments, and is a star on stage. Jesse is suffocated by his father, he’s living his father’s dream, who was once a pop-star until he got knocked up by an alpha who left right away, gone was his future. Now he wants Jesse to be that superstar, Austin rules his sons’ life, every second.
A popstar needs a bodyguard and that’s where Isaac, the alpha tiger shifter, steps in.
It should be a simple task, one month as the bodyguard of pop star Jesse. Jesse is nothing Isaac expects he would be. He’s humble, kind, dedicated, and takes time for his fans.
He’s innocent and inexperienced with relationships. Simple, uhuh, until there’s a threat.
Isaac can’t help but dislike Jesse’s father and manager, the man is horrible to Jesse. Even deadly exhausted Jesse has to fulfill tasks for his career.
Austin also deadpanned the threat coming from an admirer slash stalker.
Protecting Jesse means proximity and they both can’t deny their attraction. Shifting together is everything, Jesse as a monkey is so endearing.
Thank goodness Isaac takes the threats seriously because they are. He has to find a balance, protecting and loving Jesse, without losing his judgment
I had trouble with Austin, ugh! Also, the way Jesse listened to his father and asked permission for everything, I wanted to scream, sorry. While Jesse was sweet, he felt a bit weak.
Jesse and Isaac together were a bunch of sweetness, all actions are secret of course.
We meet all the band members and techs. We can join the mc’s and the whole crew on the bus tours, all packed up in a small space where walls were thin, there are the concerts, we can witness the birth of songs and the blooming of a romance, a sweet cute romance.
It’s a widely written narrative with a comfortable easygoing pace. The author took all the time to develop Isaac and Jesse their relationship. The story was captivating and solid. Besides some nasty complications, it was overall quite sweet, with a lot of cuddles and kisses.
The whole story was entertaining and enjoyable!
Reviewed for LoveBytesReviews
A popstar needs a bodyguard and that’s where Isaac, the alpha tiger shifter, steps in.
It should be a simple task, one month as the bodyguard of pop star Jesse. Jesse is nothing Isaac expects he would be. He’s humble, kind, dedicated, and takes time for his fans.
He’s innocent and inexperienced with relationships. Simple, uhuh, until there’s a threat.
Isaac can’t help but dislike Jesse’s father and manager, the man is horrible to Jesse. Even deadly exhausted Jesse has to fulfill tasks for his career.
Austin also deadpanned the threat coming from an admirer slash stalker.
Protecting Jesse means proximity and they both can’t deny their attraction. Shifting together is everything, Jesse as a monkey is so endearing.
Thank goodness Isaac takes the threats seriously because they are. He has to find a balance, protecting and loving Jesse, without losing his judgment
I had trouble with Austin, ugh! Also, the way Jesse listened to his father and asked permission for everything, I wanted to scream, sorry. While Jesse was sweet, he felt a bit weak.
Jesse and Isaac together were a bunch of sweetness, all actions are secret of course.
We meet all the band members and techs. We can join the mc’s and the whole crew on the bus tours, all packed up in a small space where walls were thin, there are the concerts, we can witness the birth of songs and the blooming of a romance, a sweet cute romance.
It’s a widely written narrative with a comfortable easygoing pace. The author took all the time to develop Isaac and Jesse their relationship. The story was captivating and solid. Besides some nasty complications, it was overall quite sweet, with a lot of cuddles and kisses.
The whole story was entertaining and enjoyable!
Reviewed for LoveBytesReviews
February 15, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Secretly Mine is the first in a new series by Davison, and as soon as I read the blurb, I was intrigued. While I loved the characters, I had some bigger questions and problems that brought down my enjoyment. The trilogy of stories appear to be about the same couple, so while this book ends in a very solid HFN, it looks like we’ll be getting more of Isaac and Jesse as they navigate their life together.
I think the author did a great job of creating wonderfully likable characters. And even some not so likeable ones. Isaac and Jesse click well from the start, and it’s easy to see why these two men would fall for each other.
The world building was lackluster, and I had to rely on outside knowledge and my own imagination to fill in the blanks.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Secretly Mine is the first in a new series by Davison, and as soon as I read the blurb, I was intrigued. While I loved the characters, I had some bigger questions and problems that brought down my enjoyment. The trilogy of stories appear to be about the same couple, so while this book ends in a very solid HFN, it looks like we’ll be getting more of Isaac and Jesse as they navigate their life together.
I think the author did a great job of creating wonderfully likable characters. And even some not so likeable ones. Isaac and Jesse click well from the start, and it’s easy to see why these two men would fall for each other.
The world building was lackluster, and I had to rely on outside knowledge and my own imagination to fill in the blanks.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
November 5, 2021
After coming from a book so emotionally charged as code red, secretly mine feels slightly lighthearted in comparison. Jesse and Isaac have to deal with the heavy stuff of stardom like stalker fans and needing bodyguards. The big twist is that they're shifters. It's not lighthearted ny any means. We still have a stalker and talk of infertility (check the trigger warnings!), but it doesn't feel heavy or anxiety inducing. It has the feeling of a cozy mystery, with romance and shifters.
February 17, 2021
amazing... this is so much fun to read.. i cant wait for more.
February 8, 2021
FR- Alors alors.... alors j'avais énormément aimé le précédent roman de l'auteure sur des shifters et si je ne suis pas une experte dans ce domaine, je dois dire que c'est quelque chose que j'aime bien en général. Là j'avoue que le fait qu'un des personnages soit un singe capucin m'a un peu refroidie mais ma lecture m'a vite fait changer d'avis.
Colette Davison a basé son roman dans un univers alternatif où il n'y a que des shifters divisés en deux castes : les alpha et les omega. Chaque caste est composé d'animaux prédateurs et d'animaux de proie. Indépendamment de leur appartenance à la caste des alpha ou des omega (si je ne me suis pas trompée) Ce que j'ai trouvé vraiment original c'est qu'il n'y a pas de femmes. Pas du tout. Il n'y a que des garçons. Ce qui évite je dois l'avouer, les clichés dans les personnages féminins qu'on peut souvent trouver dans le MM.
Pour en revenir au roman à proprement parlé, j'ai encore une fois passé un excellent moment de lecture.
J'ai adoré la relation entre Jesse et Isaac et j'ai aimé la douceur avec laquelle leur relation va se mettre en place. Jesse est un personnage super attachant et sa forme animale (le singe capucin) le rend encore plus attachant. J'ai adoré la différence entre sa forme animale et celle d'Isaac (un tigre) et j'ai adoré les scenes où ils sont tous les deux sous leur formes animales. C'est juste trop mignon et touchant.
La romance entre les deux personnages est vraiment chouette mais j'ai aussi aimé la façon dont l'auteure nous présente son univers à travers la carrière de Jessie et tout ce qu'il a du supporter pour en arriver là où il en est, et ce qu'il supporte encore.
Jolie performance de l'auteure qui a réussit à rendre sympathique un personnage qui semblait vraiment antipathique au départ et dont j'avoue que j'aimerai bien avoir l'histoire. Il s'agit d'Austin, le père et manager de Jesse.
L'intrigue est vraiment prenante et je dois dire que même si j'avais quelques doutes sur l'identité du méchant, je me suis laissée porter par l'histoire.
Ce premier tome est vraiment très bon et j'ai hâte de lire la suite et de retrouver ces personnages.
Au fait, même s'il s'agit d'un omegaverse, il n'y a pas de scene de grossesse ou d'accouchement dans ce tome.
ENG - So well well well... well I really liked the author's previous novel about shifters and if I'm not an expert in this field, I have to say it's something I like in general. Here I admit that the fact that one of the characters is a capuchin monkey cooled me a little, but my reading quickly made me change my mind.
Colette Davison based her novel in an alternate universe where there are only shifters divided into two castes: alpha and omega. Each caste is made up of predatory animals and prey animals. Regardless of whether they belong to the alpha or omega caste (if I am not mistaken) What I found really original is that there are no women. Not at all. There are only boys. Which avoids, I must admit, the clichés in the female characters that one can often find in MM novels.
To come back to the novel itself, I once again had a great time reading.
I loved the relationship between Jesse and Isaac and I loved the sweetness with which their relationship will fall into place. Jesse is a super endearing character and his animal form (the capuchin monkey) makes him even more endearing. I loved the difference between his animal form and Isaac's (a tiger) and I loved the scenes where they are both in their animal forms. It's just too cute and touching.
The romance between the two characters is really sweet but I also liked the way the author presents her world to us through Jessie's career and everything he had to endure to get to where it is, and what he still supports.
Nice performance by the author who managed to make sympathetic a character who seemed really unpleasant at the start and of which I admit that I would like to have the story: Austin, Jesse's father and manager.
The plot is really gripping and I must say that although I had some doubts about the identity of the villain, I let myself be carried by the story.
This first volume is really very good and I can't wait to read the rest and find these characters.
By the way, even if it is an omegaverse, there is no pregnancy or childbirth scene in this volume
Colette Davison a basé son roman dans un univers alternatif où il n'y a que des shifters divisés en deux castes : les alpha et les omega. Chaque caste est composé d'animaux prédateurs et d'animaux de proie. Indépendamment de leur appartenance à la caste des alpha ou des omega (si je ne me suis pas trompée) Ce que j'ai trouvé vraiment original c'est qu'il n'y a pas de femmes. Pas du tout. Il n'y a que des garçons. Ce qui évite je dois l'avouer, les clichés dans les personnages féminins qu'on peut souvent trouver dans le MM.
Pour en revenir au roman à proprement parlé, j'ai encore une fois passé un excellent moment de lecture.
J'ai adoré la relation entre Jesse et Isaac et j'ai aimé la douceur avec laquelle leur relation va se mettre en place. Jesse est un personnage super attachant et sa forme animale (le singe capucin) le rend encore plus attachant. J'ai adoré la différence entre sa forme animale et celle d'Isaac (un tigre) et j'ai adoré les scenes où ils sont tous les deux sous leur formes animales. C'est juste trop mignon et touchant.
La romance entre les deux personnages est vraiment chouette mais j'ai aussi aimé la façon dont l'auteure nous présente son univers à travers la carrière de Jessie et tout ce qu'il a du supporter pour en arriver là où il en est, et ce qu'il supporte encore.
Jolie performance de l'auteure qui a réussit à rendre sympathique un personnage qui semblait vraiment antipathique au départ et dont j'avoue que j'aimerai bien avoir l'histoire. Il s'agit d'Austin, le père et manager de Jesse.
L'intrigue est vraiment prenante et je dois dire que même si j'avais quelques doutes sur l'identité du méchant, je me suis laissée porter par l'histoire.
Ce premier tome est vraiment très bon et j'ai hâte de lire la suite et de retrouver ces personnages.
Au fait, même s'il s'agit d'un omegaverse, il n'y a pas de scene de grossesse ou d'accouchement dans ce tome.
ENG - So well well well... well I really liked the author's previous novel about shifters and if I'm not an expert in this field, I have to say it's something I like in general. Here I admit that the fact that one of the characters is a capuchin monkey cooled me a little, but my reading quickly made me change my mind.
Colette Davison based her novel in an alternate universe where there are only shifters divided into two castes: alpha and omega. Each caste is made up of predatory animals and prey animals. Regardless of whether they belong to the alpha or omega caste (if I am not mistaken) What I found really original is that there are no women. Not at all. There are only boys. Which avoids, I must admit, the clichés in the female characters that one can often find in MM novels.
To come back to the novel itself, I once again had a great time reading.
I loved the relationship between Jesse and Isaac and I loved the sweetness with which their relationship will fall into place. Jesse is a super endearing character and his animal form (the capuchin monkey) makes him even more endearing. I loved the difference between his animal form and Isaac's (a tiger) and I loved the scenes where they are both in their animal forms. It's just too cute and touching.
The romance between the two characters is really sweet but I also liked the way the author presents her world to us through Jessie's career and everything he had to endure to get to where it is, and what he still supports.
Nice performance by the author who managed to make sympathetic a character who seemed really unpleasant at the start and of which I admit that I would like to have the story: Austin, Jesse's father and manager.
The plot is really gripping and I must say that although I had some doubts about the identity of the villain, I let myself be carried by the story.
This first volume is really very good and I can't wait to read the rest and find these characters.
By the way, even if it is an omegaverse, there is no pregnancy or childbirth scene in this volume
January 30, 2021
I really love omegaverse stories. I love that every author can imagine a different omegaverse world and each story feels fresh and new. And I really really loved the universe the author has created in this book. It looks like our world but at the same time it’s different.
I thought that a monkey shifter is such a fun idea and Jesse was the cutest. Both the main characters and the side characters were well developed and interesting. Jeese and Issac were beautiful together. They had a really sweet slow burn romance that warmed my heart. Issac was so kind and caring and Jeese was a genuinely wonderful person with a pure heart. They were great people and I loved reading their story and I can’t wait for the second book. I’m so happy we’ll get more books about those two!
The plot was also very interesting and I didn’t see the ending coming. It was very suspenseful towards the end and I liked the build up.
Lastly I want to mention Austin, Jeese’’s dad. His story really touched me and I’d love to read more about him.
Great book, I couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
I thought that a monkey shifter is such a fun idea and Jesse was the cutest. Both the main characters and the side characters were well developed and interesting. Jeese and Issac were beautiful together. They had a really sweet slow burn romance that warmed my heart. Issac was so kind and caring and Jeese was a genuinely wonderful person with a pure heart. They were great people and I loved reading their story and I can’t wait for the second book. I’m so happy we’ll get more books about those two!
The plot was also very interesting and I didn’t see the ending coming. It was very suspenseful towards the end and I liked the build up.
Lastly I want to mention Austin, Jeese’’s dad. His story really touched me and I’d love to read more about him.
Great book, I couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
February 8, 2021
This is a great start to a new series and I really enjoyed it. Secretly Mine is well written, the world building is excellent, I love that there are so many different shifters represented, the characters are intriguing and the storyline has some interesting twists. Isaac and Jesse have an instant connection when they meet but they are unable to act on their feelings right away as they have to figure out how to be together when Isaac is Jesse's bodyguard. I love how sweet they are together in their shifted forms and how caring and supportive Isaac is. There is some angst as they get to know each other, deal with the threat to Jesse and the issues with Jesse's dad. The secondary characters are great, I love Isaac's family, the ending is perfect and I can't wait to see what happens next for this couple as the series continues.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 26, 2021
I loved it. Who would have thought a tiger and a small monkey would make a good match?
Isaac came from an improbable background for a bodyguard. He is a tiger shifter, though, so why not? Jesse is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He tries so hard to be what everyone needs him to be. He’s so sweet.
I love how Jesse can be himself with Isaac, either in human or monkey form. Isaac is the only one that takes the potential threat to Jesse seriously. It’s rather hot how he looks after him.
Austin is easy to dislike. It takes a crisis to get father and son truly talking. It’s good to see that he does have redeeming qualities!
As ever, it’s a well-written story, with characters that are easy to love. I can’t wait for the next book!
Isaac came from an improbable background for a bodyguard. He is a tiger shifter, though, so why not? Jesse is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He tries so hard to be what everyone needs him to be. He’s so sweet.
I love how Jesse can be himself with Isaac, either in human or monkey form. Isaac is the only one that takes the potential threat to Jesse seriously. It’s rather hot how he looks after him.
Austin is easy to dislike. It takes a crisis to get father and son truly talking. It’s good to see that he does have redeeming qualities!
As ever, it’s a well-written story, with characters that are easy to love. I can’t wait for the next book!
February 6, 2021
I am totally in love with Secretly Mine, Isaac and Jesse's story the first in Colette Davison's well written fast reading Offbeat Shifters series. Omegaverse is one of my favorite genre and I loved reading how love developed between these two over a period of time wrapping you into the lives they lead and how being together and in love was a slow fall into hopefully all their tomorrows. Now if these two mates can just figure out how to come out of the shadows to live their dreams of being together forever.
February 8, 2021
I absolutely love both Jesse and Isaac. Even more when they’re sharing the same space. For an omegaverse shifter story, this is more on the "slow-burn" side, which, for me, was a refreshing change. Being forced into close quarters with a perceived threat of a stalker makes it impossible for the two characters to avoid developing more than professional feelings toward one another but even then it’s more of a caretaker and protective role for Isaac, at least at first. These two are absolutely adorable together, especially when Jesse is in his monkey form. The chemistry built up over time explodes with heat once the flames ignite. I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for them in the next book!
February 16, 2021
I absolutely LOVED this marvelous, sweet, grab-you-by-the-feels, poignant, simmering, delightful, amazing, charming, nail biting, tug-at-your-heartstrings, and totally awesome start to an intriguing new series. The author has taken the usual bodyguard/client, and shifter/omegaverse storyline, and given it a fresh, original, and definitely different twist. I would recommend getting this gem for yourself ASAP.
February 10, 2021
Secretly Mine is the first book in the first book in the Offbeat Shifters serie by Colette Davison. I really liked Jesse and Isaac's story. It was very sweet. Can't wait for the second part of their story
February 11, 2021
*4.5 stars*
Isaac starts working as a bodyguard in his old friend's company, and his first assignment is to protect an increasingly popular pop star during his Europe Tour. It's supposed to be a simple and hassle-free task. Unfortunately, everything starts to get complicated. Not only does Isaac fall in love with the young, innocent and sweet Jesse Steele, whose chastity he should protect, but to make matters worse, one of the boy's fans starts sending him disturbing messages. Unsure of what the mysterious "Your Alpha" might do, Isaac must take on quite a difficult task and stay professional when the boy he loves may be at risk.
"Secretly Mine" is the first volume in Colette Davison's new series, "Offbeat Shifters". Reviewing this book let me start with the fact that the author once again decided to write a novel set in an alternative universe, the heroes of which are shapeshifters. I'm very happy about it because I love these kinds of stories. This is all the more important to me because I really missed shifters, and Colette Davison made me realise that I'm addicted to such novels. Let me also add that "Secretly Mine" is an omegaverse novel, so there is a male pregnancy reference in it. More precisely, mpreg is so far just mentioned, so you can be sure that this volume does not focus on the topic of pregnancy and fatherhood, but on other, often really serious themes. That is why I can recommend it even to people who are not entirely sure if they like omegaverse or not.
If the babies aren't the most important yet, what is in the centre of the story presented in "Secretly Mine"? Well, we can say that it is dominated by three motives that make it develop within them. On the one hand, we have this lovely celebrity-bodyguard love story with an age-gap, on the other, "Secretly Mine" is a slice of life sort of story with elements of drama, focusing on problems in father-son relationship, inability to show feelings, early, unwanted parenthood, communication problems. These two sides of "Secretly Mine" are also enriched with and connected by sort of a thriller-like motif of a creepy superfan, whose intentions with his beloved celebrity and plans concerning him are quite unpredictable for us, and certainly for our characters. All this is combined into one really interesting and neat story, so that every reader can find something for themselves.
Thus, "Secretly Mine" is a rather calm and in every way a slowly unfolding story, which, above all, touches us very deeply and keeps us in suspense. Even twice as much as you think. On the one hand, we have a forbidden relationship that must be hidden, and on the other hand, there's this unpredictable fan. That's one of the reasons the readers are happy for the characters, their successes and love to see Jesse and Isaac spending time together, but at the same time they worry that this secret love affair will be exposed or the superfan's obsession will escalate and pose a threat to our vulnerable, innocent Jesse.
The character of Austin, Jesse's father, is also important as our emotions are concerned. On the one hand, his approach to his son makes us really sad because this boy definitely needs love and care, which he does not receive in this case. On the other hand, however, we see the enormity of Austin's internal problems, as in the past he lost everything and it made him stop believing in himself, in his worth and in the love of his fans. He's a really interesting, deep character that deserves our attention and deserves his own happy ending.
Undoubtedly, I must also write a few words about the main characters. Let's start with Jesse, our pop star, a celebrity in need of a bodyguard. The vast majority of novels using celebrity-bodyguard motif present us with a character who is either a naughty boy or just a confident brat. Colette Davison chose a polite, innocent boy, who is actually just learning to deal with all the negative sides of fame. He is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air among the many other stars we have read about. Moreover, protecting Jesse is his bodyguard's first assignment, so Isaac is also not the character we are used to see in this type of novels. This is a huge advantage, because the theme we already know very well is shown from a different angle, and when we add shifters and omegaverse to it, we get a really interesting mix out of it.
To sum up, "Secretly Mine" is a really interesting and addictive novel, which arouses a lot of emotions in the reader and makes it impossible to stop reading before we find out what the author has prepared for us and our beloved characters. Moreover, in this novel a character that we might consider to, to some extent, be a villain seems to asks for love and a miracle that will make him regain faith in himself and his abilities. "Secretly Mine" is without a doubt the novel you want to read.
_______________________
Isaac rozpoczyna pracę ochroniarza w firmie dawnego znajomego, a jego pierwsze zlecenie dotyczy ochrony coraz popularniejszej gwiazdy muzyki pop w czasie tournée po Europie. Z założenia to miało być proste i bezproblemowe zadanie. Niestety wszystko zaczyna się komplikować. Isaac nie tylko zaczyna tracić głowę dla młodego, niewinnego i słodkiego Jesse’ego, którego czystość również podlega jego ochronie, ale na domiar złego okazuje się, że jeden z fanów chłopaka zaczyna wysyłać mu niepokojące wiadomości. Nie wiedząc do czego może posunąć się tajemniczy „Twój Alfa”, Isaac musi podjąć się niełatwego zadania jakim jest zachowanie profesjonalizmu, gdy w grę wchodzi obiekt jego romantycznych uczuć.
„Secretly Mine” jest pierwszym tomem nowej serii Colette Davison zatytułowanej „Offbeat Shifters”. Zacznijmy od tego, że autorka kolejny raz zdecydowała się napisać powieść osadzoną w alternatywnym uniwersum, której bohaterami są zmiennokształtni. Bardzo się z tego cieszę, ponieważ uwielbiam tego rodzaju historie. Jest to dla mnie tym ważniejsze, że naprawdę stęskniłam się już za zmiennokształtnymi, zaś Colette Davison uświadomiła mi, że jestem uzależniona od takich powieści. Dodajmy jeszcze, że „Secretly Mine” należy do gatunku omegaverse, a więc pojawia się tu motyw męskiej ciąży, a dokładniej mówiąc jest ona jak na razie po prostu tylko wspomniana. Możecie być więc pewni, że ten tom nie skupia się na temacie ciąży i macierzyństwa, ale na innych, nierzadko poważnych, dzięki czemu można go polecić nawet osobom, które do omegaverse nie są do końca przekonane.
Skoro bobasy nie są jak na razie ważne, to co stanowi serce przedstawionej w „Secretly Mine” historii? Otóż możemy powiedzieć, że dominują w niej trzy motywy, które sprawiają, że rozwija się ona w ich obrębie. Z jednej strony mamy historię miłosną celebryta-ochroniarz z różnicą wieku, z drugiej jest to historia obyczajowa z elementami dramatu, skupiająca się na problemach w relacjach ojciec-syn, problemie okazywania uczuć, niechcianego rodzicielstwa, problemach komunikacyjnych w rodzinie. Te dwa oblicza „Secretly Mine” zostają dodatkowo wzbogacone i połączone elementem dreszczyku wynikającym z motywu nadgorliwego superfana, którego intencji oraz kolejnych podjętych przez niego kroków zbliżających go do ukochanego celebryty nie jesteśmy w stanie przewidzieć, a już na pewno nie mogą przewidzieć ich bohaterowie. Wszystko to łączy się w jedną, naprawdę interesującą i zgrabną całość, dzięki czemu każdy czytelnik może znaleźć tu coś dla siebie.
Tym samym, „Secretly Mine” to raczej spokojna, pod każdym względem powoli rozkręcająca się historia, która przede wszystkim wzrusza na każdym kroku oraz trzyma w napięciu. I to podwójnie. Z jednej strony mamy przecież zakazany związek, który należy ukrywać, z drugiej zaś nieobliczalnego fana. To sprawia, że czytelnik bezustannie cieszy się każdym sukcesem bohaterów i ich wspólnie spędzonym czasem, ale jednocześnie niepokoi się, że uch romans wyjdzie na jaw lub obsesja superfana zacznie eskalować i będzie stanowić zagrożenie dla naszego wrażliwego, niewinnego Jesse’ego. Nie bez znaczenia dla naszych emocji jest tu także postać Austina, ojca Jesse’ego. Z jednej strony jego podejście do syna sprawia, że serce nam się łamie, ponieważ ten chłopak zdecydowanie potrzebuje miłości i troski, której w tym wypadku nie otrzymuje. Z drugiej jednak strony dostrzegamy ogrom problemów wewnętrznych samego Austina, który w przeszłości stracił wszystko, co sprawiło, że przestał wierzyć w siebie, w swoją wartość oraz w miłość fanów. To naprawdę interesująca, pełna głębi postać, która zasługuje na naszą uwagę oraz na swoje własne szczęśliwe zakończenie.
Niewątpliwie kilka słów muszę napisać również o bohaterach, a dokładniej mówiąc o Jesse’m, naszej gwieździe muzyki pop, celebrycie potrzebującym ochroniarza. Zdecydowana większość powieści wykorzystujących ten motyw prezentuje nam bohatera będącego niegrzecznym chłopcem lub po prostu pewnym siebie smarkaczem. Colette Davison postawiła na grzecznego, niewinnego chłopca, który tak naprawdę dopiero uczy się radzić sobie z tymi negatywnymi stronami sławy. Jest on niewątpliwie powiewem świeżości pośród wielu innych gwiazd, o których czytaliśmy. Co więcej, ochrona Jesse’ego jest pierwszym zleceniem jego ochroniarza, tak więc także i on nie jest bohaterem na tym stanowisku, do którego przywykliśmy. To ogromna zaleta, ponieważ sprawia, że motyw już doskonale nam znany zostaje ukazany pod innym kątem, a gdy dodamy do tego zmiennokształtnych i omegaverse, otrzymujemy naprawdę interesującą mieszankę.
Podsumowując, „Secretly Mine” to naprawdę interesująca i wciągająca powieść, która budzi w czytelniku wiele emocji i sprawia, że nie może się on oderwać od lektury póki nie dowie się, co takiego autorka przygotowała dla niego oraz dla naszych bohaterów. Co więcej, w tej powieści postać, którą moglibyśmy uznać za w pewnym stopniu negatywną wręcz prosi o miłość i cud, który sprawi, że odzyska wiarę w siebie i swoje możliwości. „Secretly Mine” to bezsprzecznie powieść, którą chcecie przeczytać.
Isaac starts working as a bodyguard in his old friend's company, and his first assignment is to protect an increasingly popular pop star during his Europe Tour. It's supposed to be a simple and hassle-free task. Unfortunately, everything starts to get complicated. Not only does Isaac fall in love with the young, innocent and sweet Jesse Steele, whose chastity he should protect, but to make matters worse, one of the boy's fans starts sending him disturbing messages. Unsure of what the mysterious "Your Alpha" might do, Isaac must take on quite a difficult task and stay professional when the boy he loves may be at risk.
"Secretly Mine" is the first volume in Colette Davison's new series, "Offbeat Shifters". Reviewing this book let me start with the fact that the author once again decided to write a novel set in an alternative universe, the heroes of which are shapeshifters. I'm very happy about it because I love these kinds of stories. This is all the more important to me because I really missed shifters, and Colette Davison made me realise that I'm addicted to such novels. Let me also add that "Secretly Mine" is an omegaverse novel, so there is a male pregnancy reference in it. More precisely, mpreg is so far just mentioned, so you can be sure that this volume does not focus on the topic of pregnancy and fatherhood, but on other, often really serious themes. That is why I can recommend it even to people who are not entirely sure if they like omegaverse or not.
If the babies aren't the most important yet, what is in the centre of the story presented in "Secretly Mine"? Well, we can say that it is dominated by three motives that make it develop within them. On the one hand, we have this lovely celebrity-bodyguard love story with an age-gap, on the other, "Secretly Mine" is a slice of life sort of story with elements of drama, focusing on problems in father-son relationship, inability to show feelings, early, unwanted parenthood, communication problems. These two sides of "Secretly Mine" are also enriched with and connected by sort of a thriller-like motif of a creepy superfan, whose intentions with his beloved celebrity and plans concerning him are quite unpredictable for us, and certainly for our characters. All this is combined into one really interesting and neat story, so that every reader can find something for themselves.
Thus, "Secretly Mine" is a rather calm and in every way a slowly unfolding story, which, above all, touches us very deeply and keeps us in suspense. Even twice as much as you think. On the one hand, we have a forbidden relationship that must be hidden, and on the other hand, there's this unpredictable fan. That's one of the reasons the readers are happy for the characters, their successes and love to see Jesse and Isaac spending time together, but at the same time they worry that this secret love affair will be exposed or the superfan's obsession will escalate and pose a threat to our vulnerable, innocent Jesse.
The character of Austin, Jesse's father, is also important as our emotions are concerned. On the one hand, his approach to his son makes us really sad because this boy definitely needs love and care, which he does not receive in this case. On the other hand, however, we see the enormity of Austin's internal problems, as in the past he lost everything and it made him stop believing in himself, in his worth and in the love of his fans. He's a really interesting, deep character that deserves our attention and deserves his own happy ending.
Undoubtedly, I must also write a few words about the main characters. Let's start with Jesse, our pop star, a celebrity in need of a bodyguard. The vast majority of novels using celebrity-bodyguard motif present us with a character who is either a naughty boy or just a confident brat. Colette Davison chose a polite, innocent boy, who is actually just learning to deal with all the negative sides of fame. He is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air among the many other stars we have read about. Moreover, protecting Jesse is his bodyguard's first assignment, so Isaac is also not the character we are used to see in this type of novels. This is a huge advantage, because the theme we already know very well is shown from a different angle, and when we add shifters and omegaverse to it, we get a really interesting mix out of it.
To sum up, "Secretly Mine" is a really interesting and addictive novel, which arouses a lot of emotions in the reader and makes it impossible to stop reading before we find out what the author has prepared for us and our beloved characters. Moreover, in this novel a character that we might consider to, to some extent, be a villain seems to asks for love and a miracle that will make him regain faith in himself and his abilities. "Secretly Mine" is without a doubt the novel you want to read.
_______________________
Isaac rozpoczyna pracę ochroniarza w firmie dawnego znajomego, a jego pierwsze zlecenie dotyczy ochrony coraz popularniejszej gwiazdy muzyki pop w czasie tournée po Europie. Z założenia to miało być proste i bezproblemowe zadanie. Niestety wszystko zaczyna się komplikować. Isaac nie tylko zaczyna tracić głowę dla młodego, niewinnego i słodkiego Jesse’ego, którego czystość również podlega jego ochronie, ale na domiar złego okazuje się, że jeden z fanów chłopaka zaczyna wysyłać mu niepokojące wiadomości. Nie wiedząc do czego może posunąć się tajemniczy „Twój Alfa”, Isaac musi podjąć się niełatwego zadania jakim jest zachowanie profesjonalizmu, gdy w grę wchodzi obiekt jego romantycznych uczuć.
„Secretly Mine” jest pierwszym tomem nowej serii Colette Davison zatytułowanej „Offbeat Shifters”. Zacznijmy od tego, że autorka kolejny raz zdecydowała się napisać powieść osadzoną w alternatywnym uniwersum, której bohaterami są zmiennokształtni. Bardzo się z tego cieszę, ponieważ uwielbiam tego rodzaju historie. Jest to dla mnie tym ważniejsze, że naprawdę stęskniłam się już za zmiennokształtnymi, zaś Colette Davison uświadomiła mi, że jestem uzależniona od takich powieści. Dodajmy jeszcze, że „Secretly Mine” należy do gatunku omegaverse, a więc pojawia się tu motyw męskiej ciąży, a dokładniej mówiąc jest ona jak na razie po prostu tylko wspomniana. Możecie być więc pewni, że ten tom nie skupia się na temacie ciąży i macierzyństwa, ale na innych, nierzadko poważnych, dzięki czemu można go polecić nawet osobom, które do omegaverse nie są do końca przekonane.
Skoro bobasy nie są jak na razie ważne, to co stanowi serce przedstawionej w „Secretly Mine” historii? Otóż możemy powiedzieć, że dominują w niej trzy motywy, które sprawiają, że rozwija się ona w ich obrębie. Z jednej strony mamy historię miłosną celebryta-ochroniarz z różnicą wieku, z drugiej jest to historia obyczajowa z elementami dramatu, skupiająca się na problemach w relacjach ojciec-syn, problemie okazywania uczuć, niechcianego rodzicielstwa, problemach komunikacyjnych w rodzinie. Te dwa oblicza „Secretly Mine” zostają dodatkowo wzbogacone i połączone elementem dreszczyku wynikającym z motywu nadgorliwego superfana, którego intencji oraz kolejnych podjętych przez niego kroków zbliżających go do ukochanego celebryty nie jesteśmy w stanie przewidzieć, a już na pewno nie mogą przewidzieć ich bohaterowie. Wszystko to łączy się w jedną, naprawdę interesującą i zgrabną całość, dzięki czemu każdy czytelnik może znaleźć tu coś dla siebie.
Tym samym, „Secretly Mine” to raczej spokojna, pod każdym względem powoli rozkręcająca się historia, która przede wszystkim wzrusza na każdym kroku oraz trzyma w napięciu. I to podwójnie. Z jednej strony mamy przecież zakazany związek, który należy ukrywać, z drugiej zaś nieobliczalnego fana. To sprawia, że czytelnik bezustannie cieszy się każdym sukcesem bohaterów i ich wspólnie spędzonym czasem, ale jednocześnie niepokoi się, że uch romans wyjdzie na jaw lub obsesja superfana zacznie eskalować i będzie stanowić zagrożenie dla naszego wrażliwego, niewinnego Jesse’ego. Nie bez znaczenia dla naszych emocji jest tu także postać Austina, ojca Jesse’ego. Z jednej strony jego podejście do syna sprawia, że serce nam się łamie, ponieważ ten chłopak zdecydowanie potrzebuje miłości i troski, której w tym wypadku nie otrzymuje. Z drugiej jednak strony dostrzegamy ogrom problemów wewnętrznych samego Austina, który w przeszłości stracił wszystko, co sprawiło, że przestał wierzyć w siebie, w swoją wartość oraz w miłość fanów. To naprawdę interesująca, pełna głębi postać, która zasługuje na naszą uwagę oraz na swoje własne szczęśliwe zakończenie.
Niewątpliwie kilka słów muszę napisać również o bohaterach, a dokładniej mówiąc o Jesse’m, naszej gwieździe muzyki pop, celebrycie potrzebującym ochroniarza. Zdecydowana większość powieści wykorzystujących ten motyw prezentuje nam bohatera będącego niegrzecznym chłopcem lub po prostu pewnym siebie smarkaczem. Colette Davison postawiła na grzecznego, niewinnego chłopca, który tak naprawdę dopiero uczy się radzić sobie z tymi negatywnymi stronami sławy. Jest on niewątpliwie powiewem świeżości pośród wielu innych gwiazd, o których czytaliśmy. Co więcej, ochrona Jesse’ego jest pierwszym zleceniem jego ochroniarza, tak więc także i on nie jest bohaterem na tym stanowisku, do którego przywykliśmy. To ogromna zaleta, ponieważ sprawia, że motyw już doskonale nam znany zostaje ukazany pod innym kątem, a gdy dodamy do tego zmiennokształtnych i omegaverse, otrzymujemy naprawdę interesującą mieszankę.
Podsumowując, „Secretly Mine” to naprawdę interesująca i wciągająca powieść, która budzi w czytelniku wiele emocji i sprawia, że nie może się on oderwać od lektury póki nie dowie się, co takiego autorka przygotowała dla niego oraz dla naszych bohaterów. Co więcej, w tej powieści postać, którą moglibyśmy uznać za w pewnym stopniu negatywną wręcz prosi o miłość i cud, który sprawi, że odzyska wiarę w siebie i swoje możliwości. „Secretly Mine” to bezsprzecznie powieść, którą chcecie przeczytać.
February 4, 2021
Review by: Jennifer
(3 stars)
Isaac is just starting a new job and his first client is pop star, Jessie Steele. Isaac was hired to pretty much babysit Jessie. Soon Isaac realizes just why he has to babysit Jessie, due to contract stipulations; stipulations that are not really fair to Jessie, but that is the way to keep your star shining bright. The more time Isaac spends with Jessie, the more the attraction grows between the two. The first rule of being a bodyguard, not to get involved with the client, but what happens when they cross that line?
This is the first of the Offbeat Shifter series and it's looking like the next book in the series is going to be about the same couple; which for me is great as I want to know where these two end up. I will say this was just an ok story, not really sure why I didn't really connect with the MC's, could be the fact that at times I felt the story was dragging and was contemplating skimming until the story picked up (I didn't). There was drama, some action, and a few ok naughty bits. I'm hoping that the next story will be a bit better and give this 3 stars.
(3 stars)
Isaac is just starting a new job and his first client is pop star, Jessie Steele. Isaac was hired to pretty much babysit Jessie. Soon Isaac realizes just why he has to babysit Jessie, due to contract stipulations; stipulations that are not really fair to Jessie, but that is the way to keep your star shining bright. The more time Isaac spends with Jessie, the more the attraction grows between the two. The first rule of being a bodyguard, not to get involved with the client, but what happens when they cross that line?
This is the first of the Offbeat Shifter series and it's looking like the next book in the series is going to be about the same couple; which for me is great as I want to know where these two end up. I will say this was just an ok story, not really sure why I didn't really connect with the MC's, could be the fact that at times I felt the story was dragging and was contemplating skimming until the story picked up (I didn't). There was drama, some action, and a few ok naughty bits. I'm hoping that the next story will be a bit better and give this 3 stars.
August 7, 2023
SECRETLY MINE is the first book in the Offbeat Shifters series, and the first thing I want to talk about is how wonderful it is to have two shifters, neither of which are bears or wolves!
Isaac left his job at the London Stock Exchange and is hired by an old college 'friend' as a bodyguard. His first job is to protect up-and-coming pop star, Jesse Steele. He expects a diva, but what he gets is very different.
This is a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments that enhance the overall story. The pacing is smooth, and the world-building and attention to detail are spot-on. I loved the suspense aspect of it, even though I guessed correctly early on who it was.
A great start to a series that I can't wait to continue. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 11, 2021
Isaac left his job at the London Stock Exchange and is hired by an old college 'friend' as a bodyguard. His first job is to protect up-and-coming pop star, Jesse Steele. He expects a diva, but what he gets is very different.
This is a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments that enhance the overall story. The pacing is smooth, and the world-building and attention to detail are spot-on. I loved the suspense aspect of it, even though I guessed correctly early on who it was.
A great start to a series that I can't wait to continue. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 11, 2021
January 26, 2021
This was an amazing start to what promises to be a fantastic series.
I don’t know where to even start – this book ticked all the boxes. Isaac and Jesse were such interesting characters and the story was both gripping and heart-warming. In many ways I’d say this is low angst, at least the relationship itself is. The characters quickly fall in love and know that they want to make things work, they just have to deal with outside influences trying to put stumbling blocks in their path. Those outside influences are a big issue though and certainly put both Isaac and Jesse under a lot of pressure. What’s really lovely though, is that they both trust one another to give each other the support they need (at least in spirit if they can’t do so outwardly all the time).
Isaac isn’t your typical uber-Alpha. Yes, he’s dominant and, yes, his animal has base instincts that tell him to protect and take control, but he really never came across as uber-dominant and he never pushes to be in charge all the time. He wants to keep Jesse safe (for many reasons) but never does so in a way that makes Jesse feel less than. I thought the way he acted, even when he was so worried about Jesse, really showed that he wanted a partner not someone he could boss around. That was really important in showing just how much of a perfect match he was for Jesse. And Jesse, sweet, lovely, sunshiny Jesse was so lovely to read. He really was a genuinely good and kind person. At times my heart absolutely broke for him and, just like Isaac, I wanted to rip apart those who hurt him, but he was also so strong. He never complained, simply moved forward and tried to be as happy as he could. I’m so glad that he found such a supportive partner, so willing to let him be who he is without pressure or judgment. These two, they were just so cute! Also, who doesn’t love a monkey and a tiger (adorable!).
The characters were really well-written. Each one had their own personality and you really got a feel for them as individuals. Even the secondary characters, who didn’t really have a ton of time spent on them, didn’t blend into a general ‘supporting character’ role. The backing band and roadies were still identifiable (sometimes with secondary characters you don’t get much time with it can be very hard to distinguish them, that wasn’t the case here). I did have a problem with Jesse’s dad for… reasons I shall not disclose here but will become evident pretty quickly in the book. I think if I were to pick on one thing that niggled, it was how quickly there was a resolution in relation to Austin. To be fair, I think that might be because there was a lot happening under the surface that we didn’t see through Jesse and Isaac’s eyes. I liked the resolution, don’t get me wrong, I just thought it happened very quickly. That being said, sometime people really do just need to have an aha moment and Jesse is so sunshiny that in many ways it does make sense (maybe it’s just I’m a grudge holder lol).
I really like this as a start to the series. The world is pretty much similar the one we live in, but shifters and Alphas/Omegas are a natural accepted part of the world (oh how I wish it were real haha!). It will be really interesting to see where the series goes!
I don’t know where to even start – this book ticked all the boxes. Isaac and Jesse were such interesting characters and the story was both gripping and heart-warming. In many ways I’d say this is low angst, at least the relationship itself is. The characters quickly fall in love and know that they want to make things work, they just have to deal with outside influences trying to put stumbling blocks in their path. Those outside influences are a big issue though and certainly put both Isaac and Jesse under a lot of pressure. What’s really lovely though, is that they both trust one another to give each other the support they need (at least in spirit if they can’t do so outwardly all the time).
Isaac isn’t your typical uber-Alpha. Yes, he’s dominant and, yes, his animal has base instincts that tell him to protect and take control, but he really never came across as uber-dominant and he never pushes to be in charge all the time. He wants to keep Jesse safe (for many reasons) but never does so in a way that makes Jesse feel less than. I thought the way he acted, even when he was so worried about Jesse, really showed that he wanted a partner not someone he could boss around. That was really important in showing just how much of a perfect match he was for Jesse. And Jesse, sweet, lovely, sunshiny Jesse was so lovely to read. He really was a genuinely good and kind person. At times my heart absolutely broke for him and, just like Isaac, I wanted to rip apart those who hurt him, but he was also so strong. He never complained, simply moved forward and tried to be as happy as he could. I’m so glad that he found such a supportive partner, so willing to let him be who he is without pressure or judgment. These two, they were just so cute! Also, who doesn’t love a monkey and a tiger (adorable!).
The characters were really well-written. Each one had their own personality and you really got a feel for them as individuals. Even the secondary characters, who didn’t really have a ton of time spent on them, didn’t blend into a general ‘supporting character’ role. The backing band and roadies were still identifiable (sometimes with secondary characters you don’t get much time with it can be very hard to distinguish them, that wasn’t the case here). I did have a problem with Jesse’s dad for… reasons I shall not disclose here but will become evident pretty quickly in the book. I think if I were to pick on one thing that niggled, it was how quickly there was a resolution in relation to Austin. To be fair, I think that might be because there was a lot happening under the surface that we didn’t see through Jesse and Isaac’s eyes. I liked the resolution, don’t get me wrong, I just thought it happened very quickly. That being said, sometime people really do just need to have an aha moment and Jesse is so sunshiny that in many ways it does make sense (maybe it’s just I’m a grudge holder lol).
I really like this as a start to the series. The world is pretty much similar the one we live in, but shifters and Alphas/Omegas are a natural accepted part of the world (oh how I wish it were real haha!). It will be really interesting to see where the series goes!
February 9, 2021
Secretly Mine is a fabulous shifter romance. The first book in Collette Davison's Offbeat Shifters series, everything about this story works for me.
If you want a beautiful romance, this is it!
This book is perfectly wonderful. The combination of fame, a controlling manager, shifters, and a forbidden romance is well done. It's the emotion though that has me captivated throughout.
Jesse and his new bodyguard Isaac have an intense attraction from the start. But it's the small moments where they get to know and care about each other that lead them to being more.
The forbidden romance aspect is ever looming. Seriously, a bodyguard falling for his charge? Hell yes. I can never get enough.
Their tale is one with first times and intense chemistry.
Add in the shifter moments. My heart smiles with all of Jesse's monkey moments. I adore that he snuggles up to Isaac and hugs him so often. His silly monkey moments just up the fun, while also bringing the two men closer and giving them time alone.
And, omg, Jesse's father. So effin maddening. He's beyond aggravating with the way he treats Jesse and his career. My heart hurts so bad for the young man.
And then there's Isaac's family. I adore them as they're simply wonderful. I would have loved more of them.
Written in alternating first person pov, these characters fully come to life. Their emotions and perspectives jump off the pages throughout. From Jesse's issues with his father, to each special moment after special moment, this story oozes emotion.
The author's writing style is soothing and the storyline is perfectly charming and sweet. And in the end, I love the twists and turns, as some people are not what you expect.
I can't recommend this book enough. The romance, the danger, the angst. All are great.
Secretly Mine is a delightful surprise. I have long loved Colette Davison's writing, but I wasn't sure what I'd think of a shifter tale. First I couldn't put it down because of their strong connection. And then I couldn't put it down as I needed to know who the stalker was and to see how it played out.
If you want a beautiful romance, this is it!
This book is perfectly wonderful. The combination of fame, a controlling manager, shifters, and a forbidden romance is well done. It's the emotion though that has me captivated throughout.
Jesse and his new bodyguard Isaac have an intense attraction from the start. But it's the small moments where they get to know and care about each other that lead them to being more.
The forbidden romance aspect is ever looming. Seriously, a bodyguard falling for his charge? Hell yes. I can never get enough.
Their tale is one with first times and intense chemistry.
Add in the shifter moments. My heart smiles with all of Jesse's monkey moments. I adore that he snuggles up to Isaac and hugs him so often. His silly monkey moments just up the fun, while also bringing the two men closer and giving them time alone.
And, omg, Jesse's father. So effin maddening. He's beyond aggravating with the way he treats Jesse and his career. My heart hurts so bad for the young man.
And then there's Isaac's family. I adore them as they're simply wonderful. I would have loved more of them.
Written in alternating first person pov, these characters fully come to life. Their emotions and perspectives jump off the pages throughout. From Jesse's issues with his father, to each special moment after special moment, this story oozes emotion.
The author's writing style is soothing and the storyline is perfectly charming and sweet. And in the end, I love the twists and turns, as some people are not what you expect.
I can't recommend this book enough. The romance, the danger, the angst. All are great.
Secretly Mine is a delightful surprise. I have long loved Colette Davison's writing, but I wasn't sure what I'd think of a shifter tale. First I couldn't put it down because of their strong connection. And then I couldn't put it down as I needed to know who the stalker was and to see how it played out.
February 8, 2021
This was a really sweet shifter romance with a dose of drama and angst as singer, Jesse, ends up with a stalker and his new bodyguard (aka close protection officer) , Isaac, who is also new to the job must do his best to keep the younger man safe whilst they both try to deal with the strong attraction that they have.
I loved both men from the start. Jesse is just the most adorable man wanting to always give his best for his fans but also living quite the lonely life as his dad has him constantly focused on his career. Isaac is a great alpha, his protective instincts really kicking in as well as experiencing this strong connection with someone who is under his care which puts him in an awkward position but its something neither can deny for long.
I really enjoyed how Colette has written this story. While it takes place over a shirt period of time, things feel a lot more intense due to nine of them being on the tour bus together and then when it's noted there might be a problem with a fan, that turns that then up another level. You're kept guessing on who the stalker is, especially when things start to increase in intensity.
There are several great characters alongside the MC's tha help with the story. I actually didn't like Jesse's dad, Austin as he seemed to prefer fame over his son but things become a little clearer later on. The men on the tour bus have their own little quirks but have their fun moments, especially when they all head to the park in their shifted forms. Then Isaac's family are a lot of fun, definitely different to what Jesse is used to and so loving and supportive whilst not afraid to poke fun at each other.
A recommended read from this author who has created a shifter world slightly different to one I've read before. I live how out in the open things seem to be with quite a variety as well with Isaac being a tiger and Jesse a monkey.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
I loved both men from the start. Jesse is just the most adorable man wanting to always give his best for his fans but also living quite the lonely life as his dad has him constantly focused on his career. Isaac is a great alpha, his protective instincts really kicking in as well as experiencing this strong connection with someone who is under his care which puts him in an awkward position but its something neither can deny for long.
I really enjoyed how Colette has written this story. While it takes place over a shirt period of time, things feel a lot more intense due to nine of them being on the tour bus together and then when it's noted there might be a problem with a fan, that turns that then up another level. You're kept guessing on who the stalker is, especially when things start to increase in intensity.
There are several great characters alongside the MC's tha help with the story. I actually didn't like Jesse's dad, Austin as he seemed to prefer fame over his son but things become a little clearer later on. The men on the tour bus have their own little quirks but have their fun moments, especially when they all head to the park in their shifted forms. Then Isaac's family are a lot of fun, definitely different to what Jesse is used to and so loving and supportive whilst not afraid to poke fun at each other.
A recommended read from this author who has created a shifter world slightly different to one I've read before. I live how out in the open things seem to be with quite a variety as well with Isaac being a tiger and Jesse a monkey.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
February 11, 2021
A good start to a new series.
Popstar/Rockstar stories are usually just OK for me but I really enjoyed this one. I think it’s because it also combines other elements that I really do like and that’s bodyguard/client/forbidden relationship and shifters.
In this world there are all kinds of shifters and our Popstar MC, Jesse, is a monkey shifter and his bodyguard, Isaac, is a tiger shifter. Secretly Mine can be read as a standalone and it has a satisfying HFN, but the story will continue in book two, Openly Yours. A preview of chapter one was included in my ARC copy of Secretly Mine and I’m looking forward to reading more about Isaac and Jesse.
Jesse’s father was a Popstar until he got pregnant and it derailed his career. He’s managing his son’s career now but with a little too much control. Jesse is the real deal; he has what it takes to become a huge star and his father is going to do everything he can to make sure that happens. He hires Isaac to keep Jesse from having any indiscretions with an Alpha that could lead to an unplanned pregnancy.
It’s a forgone conclusion that Jesse and Isaac will fall for each other. What made this story so compelling for me was the mystery of who is sending Jesse emails that seem a bit stalker like. The author does a great job of throwing out several potential candidates which kept me guessing until she wanted us to know who the culprit was.
The story seemed a bit too long and slow in places which kept me from giving it 5 stars. Aside from that, I really did enjoy everything else about this book. There were some very exciting and tense moments which made up for the slow parts.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Popstar/Rockstar stories are usually just OK for me but I really enjoyed this one. I think it’s because it also combines other elements that I really do like and that’s bodyguard/client/forbidden relationship and shifters.
In this world there are all kinds of shifters and our Popstar MC, Jesse, is a monkey shifter and his bodyguard, Isaac, is a tiger shifter. Secretly Mine can be read as a standalone and it has a satisfying HFN, but the story will continue in book two, Openly Yours. A preview of chapter one was included in my ARC copy of Secretly Mine and I’m looking forward to reading more about Isaac and Jesse.
Jesse’s father was a Popstar until he got pregnant and it derailed his career. He’s managing his son’s career now but with a little too much control. Jesse is the real deal; he has what it takes to become a huge star and his father is going to do everything he can to make sure that happens. He hires Isaac to keep Jesse from having any indiscretions with an Alpha that could lead to an unplanned pregnancy.
It’s a forgone conclusion that Jesse and Isaac will fall for each other. What made this story so compelling for me was the mystery of who is sending Jesse emails that seem a bit stalker like. The author does a great job of throwing out several potential candidates which kept me guessing until she wanted us to know who the culprit was.
The story seemed a bit too long and slow in places which kept me from giving it 5 stars. Aside from that, I really did enjoy everything else about this book. There were some very exciting and tense moments which made up for the slow parts.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
February 9, 2021
Jesse and Isaac's romance was everything I've come to love about bodyguard/pop star stories: a swoony secret relationship, captivating storyline, and dangerous superfan lurking in the background. While I wasn't a huge fan of how insta-love the beginning of Isaac and Jesse's romance was, I quickly caught up to the deep emotional bond forming between these two. What made their romance seem so special was all the little ways they cared for each other, whether it was Isaac making sure Jesse had time to roam around in his monkey form or Jesse soaking up stories of Isaac's home life. The two of them were absolutely precious together, and while the way they had to sneak around made me a little uncomfortable, I was hoping against hope that they'd find a way to be together for real. Despite having read other pop-star-falls-for-bodyguard stories in the past, I was really impressed by how unique and unexpected the plot points ended up being. I certainly didn't anticipate who the real villain of the story was, and the way Jesse resolved things with his dad was another pleasant surprise. While Jesse and Isaac's relationship left off on a satisfying high, I was thrilled to see that we'll be revisiting this couple in another full length novel! Despite how strong Isaac and Jesse's bond seems after reading this story, they've barely scratched the surface of a lifelong relationship, and I'm excited to see what happens after the honeymoon period is over.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 2, 2021
What I loved about this story is that even though this is a shifter romance, you won’t read about the instalove, lust, mating pull you usually find in MPREG stories. The first time the word ”mate” is used is after 50% of the book. Jesse and Isaac are attracted to each other but in a normal way, after talking and spending some time together, not because their hormones went nuts after smelling the other’s scent.
On the other hand, unlike other shifter stories, it was a pretty slow burn romance; due to external forces acting against them (I will not spoil anything), the two MCs could spend very little alone time together, so the story went on and on and I must admit that at some point I wanted to skip a few pages just to speed up the storyline.
So overall I liked the story because shifters were real shifters, but also pretty normal guys (if you consider a mega popstar and his bodyguard as normal everyday guys), but I would have preferred it a little bit shorter; but this of course is a very personal preference.
On the other hand, unlike other shifter stories, it was a pretty slow burn romance; due to external forces acting against them (I will not spoil anything), the two MCs could spend very little alone time together, so the story went on and on and I must admit that at some point I wanted to skip a few pages just to speed up the storyline.
So overall I liked the story because shifters were real shifters, but also pretty normal guys (if you consider a mega popstar and his bodyguard as normal everyday guys), but I would have preferred it a little bit shorter; but this of course is a very personal preference.
February 7, 2021
Jesse is a monkey shifter and a pop star. Isaac is a tiger shifter and a brand new bodyguard. How these two evolve into a couple is a sweet, sexy, and slightly angsty story.
I love Jesse's sunny personality and desire to please everyone, even when he should be thinking of himself. And I appreciate Isaac's frustration at having to follow orders, even when he wants to carry Jesse away from stress and potential danger alike.
The scenes with Isaac and Jesse in shifted form are some of my favorite from the story. It is easy to picture the adorable monkey hanging on as his majestic tiger runs through the woods looking for someplace private for them to relax and enjoy some alone time.
The stalker's identity might not come as a surprise to some, but his actions are creepy and frightening. The climax of that storyline is both scary and satisfying. (I might be a bit bloodthirsty.) The sneak peek of the next book makes me very happy that there is more to come from Jesse and Isaac. I look forward to that one, and I can't wait to see more of this world.
I love Jesse's sunny personality and desire to please everyone, even when he should be thinking of himself. And I appreciate Isaac's frustration at having to follow orders, even when he wants to carry Jesse away from stress and potential danger alike.
The scenes with Isaac and Jesse in shifted form are some of my favorite from the story. It is easy to picture the adorable monkey hanging on as his majestic tiger runs through the woods looking for someplace private for them to relax and enjoy some alone time.
The stalker's identity might not come as a surprise to some, but his actions are creepy and frightening. The climax of that storyline is both scary and satisfying. (I might be a bit bloodthirsty.) The sneak peek of the next book makes me very happy that there is more to come from Jesse and Isaac. I look forward to that one, and I can't wait to see more of this world.
February 11, 2021
This is my first book from this author and I’m officially a fan. Her writing is great and the plot and characters were amazing. I loved that the author chose a monkey shifter, I’ve never read a book with one before, usually is wolves, felines, small animals, but this one was really unexpected and unique.
This story is a slow burn, which I really enjoyed. Jesse and Isaac connected from the moment they met, but the beautiful thing was how that connection grew. From small gestures, sweet conversations and loving looks, seeing their friendship evolve to the love they have today was magical.
I felt so sad for Jesse, his life is controlled by his father, having no privacy or even freedom. It was so damn frustrating to see that beautiful, gentle and sweet boy being taken advantage by someone that should support and protect him. That’s what Isaac did, he dotted on him, protecting and taking care of him, making sure he didn’t over do it, it was so sweet it made my heart melt.
It wasn’t easy for them to get to where they are now, but it was all worth it, and I can’t wait to read more about these amazing characters 💗
This story is a slow burn, which I really enjoyed. Jesse and Isaac connected from the moment they met, but the beautiful thing was how that connection grew. From small gestures, sweet conversations and loving looks, seeing their friendship evolve to the love they have today was magical.
I felt so sad for Jesse, his life is controlled by his father, having no privacy or even freedom. It was so damn frustrating to see that beautiful, gentle and sweet boy being taken advantage by someone that should support and protect him. That’s what Isaac did, he dotted on him, protecting and taking care of him, making sure he didn’t over do it, it was so sweet it made my heart melt.
It wasn’t easy for them to get to where they are now, but it was all worth it, and I can’t wait to read more about these amazing characters 💗
February 1, 2021
❤ 🎤🎶 WOW What a story, I loved this from start to the to finish. As its a big book it kept me glued as characters kept the love and mystery going.
A great start and there's a definite hands off rule issued from Jesse's father for the alphas around Jesse. A secret love kept but they have a way of being exposed. The added superfan mystery and dramas that happen especially at the ending had me full of feels. yah understatement but this has a beautiful ending to the book which continues to the next one. There was so much in the book I loved but they'd be spoilers if I mentioned them here.
Includes an controlling father, forbidden feelings, a beautiful chemistry, secret love mates, danger (hang on to your seats), twists and much more.
Note this includes a death scenes that may upset readers.
Isaac 34 yrs an alpha tiger used work in the stocks exchange but he was bodyguard to Jesse.
Jesse an 23yrs omega rock star and embarking on a months tour.
A great start and there's a definite hands off rule issued from Jesse's father for the alphas around Jesse. A secret love kept but they have a way of being exposed. The added superfan mystery and dramas that happen especially at the ending had me full of feels. yah understatement but this has a beautiful ending to the book which continues to the next one. There was so much in the book I loved but they'd be spoilers if I mentioned them here.
Includes an controlling father, forbidden feelings, a beautiful chemistry, secret love mates, danger (hang on to your seats), twists and much more.
Note this includes a death scenes that may upset readers.
Isaac 34 yrs an alpha tiger used work in the stocks exchange but he was bodyguard to Jesse.
Jesse an 23yrs omega rock star and embarking on a months tour.
February 3, 2021
4.5 stars
This is a good read for anyone who's looking for books involving omegaverse. Jesse and Isaac are very likable characters, and it was easy to sympathize with them. Both men were instantly attracted to the other, but it wasn't just some physical thing, it was an emotional connection too. Jesse needed someone to actually care about him, to ensure he was being taken care of. Isaac fell so naturally into that role, even when he tried to be strictly professional he just couldn't resist wanting to care for Jesse. It's a great thing he did, because Jesse's dad, Austin, was more concerned with money and fame. The other guy's from the band seemed pretty cool. They were all shocked by a big revelation towards the end, but I had already figured it out long before. There's the first chapter of book two at the end of this one, so you get to see some of what's to come next. Overall, I found this to be a really good and interesting book.
This is a good read for anyone who's looking for books involving omegaverse. Jesse and Isaac are very likable characters, and it was easy to sympathize with them. Both men were instantly attracted to the other, but it wasn't just some physical thing, it was an emotional connection too. Jesse needed someone to actually care about him, to ensure he was being taken care of. Isaac fell so naturally into that role, even when he tried to be strictly professional he just couldn't resist wanting to care for Jesse. It's a great thing he did, because Jesse's dad, Austin, was more concerned with money and fame. The other guy's from the band seemed pretty cool. They were all shocked by a big revelation towards the end, but I had already figured it out long before. There's the first chapter of book two at the end of this one, so you get to see some of what's to come next. Overall, I found this to be a really good and interesting book.
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