The Mating Call

by Brooke May

In the world of mountain lion shifters, a time comes when each will find their mate, the other half of their soul. The call comes when they least expect it. Cheyenne Mackenzie was determined to forge her own way and find love all on her own, but after ten years of failure, the mating call has finally struck her, drawing her back home to Long Claw. Lane Matthews was cast out of his home and left to wander from one job to another until opportunity struck him and had him heading north to find a family he’s longed for. Lane is willing to give it his all to claim his mate and prove himself to her, but Cheyenne has reservations that might make it impossible to break through. Her past has clouded her path to the future while Lane strives to put distance from his own and start over in a place he can finally see himself settling at. With the encouragement of her family, Cheyenne might be able to let go of the past and embrace the future Lane is all too willing to give her. Nestled in the small mountain town, possibilities bloom as walls begin to crumble. Join the world of mountain lion shifters and become part of this wild and crazy pride.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2021

About the author

Brooke lives in North Central Wyoming with her husband she affectionately refers to as the warden, their two wild and crazy boys, and her yellow lab, Timber.
When she doesn't have her nose in a good story, Brooke enjoys spending as much time as she can outside. Walking around town, fishing, hunting, hiking, and messing around the mountains, Brooke loves the great outdoors which shows up quite a bit in her works.
Brooke has been writing and telling stories since she was old enough to get someone to sit and listen to her, mainly being her best friend. She started off posting fanfictions and then decided to publish when she was on maternity leave with her youngest. A year later My Cowboy came out.
Brooke doesn't just write one type of romances, but loves to explore as many as her mind can come up with.
Her hobbies outside of reading are landscape photography, drawing, and just being outside where she can get dirty.

Reviews

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheyenne is a mountain lion shifter from Long Claw where she is surrounded by her family and beautiful, mountainous scenery, but all she wants to do is live her life on her terms and decide her own fate, so she leaves for the big city to build a career in radio. Lane is a mountain lion shifter from a broken family who has spent more time alone and wandering the countryside with only a horse as a companion and finding work where he can.

One day, ten years after she left Long Claw, Cheyenne is preparing for another radio show when all of a sudden she feels a painful internal tug to which takes her breath away and surprises her with its intensity. Meanwhile, Lane is also struck by a painful pull and he almost falls off of his horse because of it, but when he realises what it is, he reads straight off in the direction it points out.

As Cheyenne and Lane both heed the Mating Call and head towards Long Claw, they are both anxious about what the future holds and whether they will be attracted to the other or clash like two titans. Lane is the first to arrive and is immediately wondering about what he has let himself in for and how comfortable he already feels in this small town, while Cheyenne feels happier than she has in a long time and a sense of belonging she didn't want to admit to. Their first meeting doesn't go quite to plan and over a family meal, Lane begins to wonder why Cheyenne keeps her distance and practically runs as far from him as she can, but Cheyenne is worried that the past could be repeating itself.

Will Lane be able to break down the walls around Cheyenne's heart, it will past experiences stop their future before it can even begin? This is a romance with ups and downs where pasts taint futures and collide with each other to bring secrets into the light, all while exploring the meaning of belonging and connecting with those around you.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good paranormal romance. This takes the story of fated mates to a whole other level in the sense that when it's the right time the couple  physically feels the pull to join with their mate. This book contains things I love such as romance and shifters. You can't help falling for the characters and wanting them to succeed and be happy.

Cheyenne is a strong independent woman, after her father leaves them she decides that she doesn't want to hang around for her fated mate, especially if he turns out to be like her dad. Cheyenne  decides she is going to try and avoid the mating call at all costs but what she doesn't realise is when the mating call happens then she will be powerless to resist.

Lane has not had a settled life. So when he gets the pull of the mating call he packs up his life and moved to find his fated mate.
However things for this couple aren't going to be easy. Even though they are fated mates both have issues from the past they need to deal with before they can be completely happy together.

Can they work out their pasts to create a future? Will they even want their mating call to bring them together or will Cheyenne keep trying to find fate.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

The Mating Call by Brooke May is the first book in the Long Claw Pride series and a paranormal romance. Who doesn’t love a paranormal story set in a small town with mountain lion shifters and soul mates. Throw in some action and drama, hopes and needs, wants and love and mix it up with fate and you have yourself a great read. I enjoyed the characters and the world that Brooke’s narrative has given us which is so easy to imagine and get lost in. They are positively crazy, most definitely fun and a lot wild this pride but you can’t help but fall in love with them good or bad.
Cheyenne had hoped for more but she can’t stop what fate has in store for her and when the Call comes she can’t ignore it. But letting go of her past is not going to be easy.
Lane just wants to finally belong and have something for himself but the road has been long and he isn’t sure he will get what he is seeking.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and engaging paranormal romance featuring mountain lion shifters. The lion shifters each have a fated mate who is the other half of their souls and they find each other when they least expect it. For Cheyenne and Lane it happens when Cheyenne feels the mating call which draws her home to Long Claw. Meanwhile, Lane also feels the call and heads to Long Claw determined to prove himself to his mate. However, Lane finds that Cheyenne has reservations due to her past that may affect their future together. I loved the characters in this story, and felt immersed within the ‘Long Claw Pride’. The small mountain town setting was really brought to life by the descriptive narrative and the storyline flowed well. The chemistry between Cheyenne and Lane came across and I was cheering them on hoping they would get their HEA. I look forward to future books in this new series by Brooke May.

[Betsy Melano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheyenne is a strong willed woman who sets out from her hometown to try finding her own way in San Francisco. Cheyenne is searching for her mate, someone she can wholeheartedly be herself with as a mountain lion shifter. One night after a date that didn’t work out, she finally feels the mating call pulling her in the direction of her home town. Who will be waiting for her when she reaches her childhood home?
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did a great job sharing Cheyenne’s thoughts and feelings. And I loved how independent Cheyenne is going off to the big city and giving her dream career a chance. The characters in the book are a big family and love each other very much. I definitely connected with Cheyenne and the multitude of feelings she dealt with after meeting her mate. I can’t wait to learn more about Cheyenne’s siblings and the changes happening around their town in future books of this series.

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great way to start a series. Shifter romances are not my normal go to for reading. I was not disappointed with this book. The author does an amazing job describing details of the MCs and the settings that you actually feel like you are there as a fly on the wall. All of that being said, this book explores the shifter world of a mountain lion, which I have never heard of before. I probably shouldn't have been surprised as anything can be a shifter. That is was intrigued me with this book. It was my hook into it. Once I started reading, I was not able to put it down. I kept turning page after page to see what was going to happen or how something was going to end up. It was a very fast paced read and kept me entertained the whole time. I highly suggest reading this series. If you aren't into the shifter genre, this book is still worth it. If you haven't dabbled in this genre before, this is a great series to start with.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

The Mating Call is the first book in the Long Claw Pride series by Brooke May. It is the start to a sublime new shifter series- this time we get mountain lion shifters. Ms. May had me at shifters - but making them mountain lions added an extra element of interest for me. It turned out to be a really great paranormal romance, with fated mates, drama, angst, family, community, finding where you belong, letting go of the past, and more.
Cheyenne and Lane were so easy to love- I was completely invested in them and the outcome of their story. Ms. May didn’t make it too easy for them though- and they had to work for their chance at happiness. This is definitely my favourite book of Ms. May’s- so far!
I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series now! Can’t wait!

Thank you, Brooke May!

[Caralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May
4 Stars!!!!

I have to say that my most favorite thing in the world is to find a new author and a new series to sink my teeth into. This book definitely fills both. I like how the author has a unique and fresh take on shifters and has a real good blend of romance and drama. The characters just jump off of the page and I feel as though I am right there in their midst.

I like how she makes the relationship complex yet simple as let's face it you cannot escape your destiny now can you. I like how Cheyenne has some reservations and Lane needs to work for the relationship. I am also quite happy that it was not one of those predictable stories. i found that I just couldn't put this book down and am eager for the next one. I also like the teaser in the epilogue that just really keeps the eagerness and wanting. I cannot wait!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read from start to finish. This book included strong female characters, shape shifting, drama, and great character development. When I first saw this cover and read the synopsis I knew right away that I had to pick up this shape shifting adventure. While all of the characters where fantastic I really loved the drama and intensity that Cheyenne brought to this story and when the author brought Lane in the intensity between the two increased ten fold. While there is intensity, and drama between the two characters there is also romance, and such terrific character development that they really felt like a real life couple. But will Lane and Cheyenne get their happy ending? Will Cheyenne's trama keep her heart sealed off? Can Cheyenne learn to trust and love her mate? You'll have to read this fantastic shape shifter story to find out for yourself.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was had me intrigued from page 1. I love shifter books and this was the first time I have read a mountain lion shifter story. The story of Cheyenne and Lane is full of pain and trouble. They had to overcome a lot. Cheyenne hoped she could find her own man before the "pull" got her. The story flowed perfect. I really didn't want to put it down because I could relate to Cheyenne. She wanted to do her own thing away from her family in the small town. Lane just wanted to get away from his past. Together they worked to over come a lot. The characters are well-written and relatable. The plot feels like it could have come from anybody's life (take away the shifter part, lol). Fantastic book that kept my interest all the way. Give it awhirl. Great read, you won't be sorry. Highly recommend.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I have enjoyed her books from the first one I picked up. They are well written and the author’s attention to details kept her books engaging and hard to put down. This book is no different. I was pulled into the story by the characters from the beginning. They bring the story to life on each page. They are connectable and made the story fun and entertaining to read. This is a paranormal romance story that is fast paced and hard to put down. This is a story about mountain lion shifters. A story of pride and letting go of the past, overcoming it. This is a great story that has great growth of the plot and characters throughout the story. This is a great pick and I highly recommend it.

[Lianne Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mating Call is the first book in the Long Claw Pride series by Brooke May.

Lane and Cheyenne are Lion shifters and destined to be mates. As soon as the couple meets there is no ignoring the chemistry between them. This was my first lion shifter book, I’m more used to hearing about werewolves, there are lots of similarities though and I really enjoyed it. The love story between Lane and Cheyenne is not a smooth one, they both have pasts to contend with but this just adds to the story and makes you root for them even more. The fact that they both have obstacles to overcome makes the couple much more relatable. This was an easy-to-read story, the pages turned so fast I couldn't read it fast enough.
I’m looking forward to book two.

[Tracy Antonelli Manderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1) by Brooke May

5 out of 5 stars

The Mating Call is the first book in the Long Claw Pride written by Ms. May. I have read a few of her books and I have enjoyed them so when I saw The Mating Call, I knew I needed to read it and Ms. May did not disappoint. The characters where amazingly written and I loved the little quirks it helped them feel like a real couple.

Usually when I read Shifter books it’s the males that are the dominate so I was happy when the females in the story where the strong minded and more of the dominant and acted more like the alphas as per the males.

This is a short and great first book in this series and I can’t wait to read book two.

Tracy

@tracym

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of two fated souls drawn to each other. This book pulled me right in from the very first page. Cheyenne feels herself drawn to Lane no matter how hard she tries to fight it. She's a strong independent woman and is terrified to let her walls down, but Lane is so sweet, hardworking and patient that she feels her resolve crumbling by the minute. I laughed, smiled and swooned at their interactions as they began to grow closer. The attraction between them is undeniable but it's so much more than that. They've both spent a lifetime yearning for and searching for something that they can only find in each other's arms. The ending was so sweet and perfect that it made me love this book even more. I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of this series.

[Rebeca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the Long Claw Pride series following mountain lion shifters. I enjoyed the difference to the usual wolf shifters, it was refreshing and written well.
Another unique element was the way that finding your mates works. I thought this was unique and a lovely way of doing it. The author’s writing flowed well, and the descriptions created vivid imagery of both scenery and characters.
The characters are likeable, both with a past which affects their outlook on their mating situation and the character development as the book progresses (and the romance) was great to see. You can’t help but root for the couple every step of the way.
This was an enjoyable book with many unique elements and written well. I look forward to the reading the rest of the series!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the Code of Honor Books by this author I couldn't wait to jump into another series by her 🥰. I just had to read these. I love reading supernatural books, especially shifters' stories. This might be the first time reading one where the main shifter was a mountain lion, and I quite enjoyed it. Just like the other Brooke May wrote, this one kept me engaged til the very end. It was well written with a unique take on the mating bond. I couldn't help loving the mated pair Lane and Cheyenne. Even though they both have personal stuff to get over, I think the fates got it right putting those two together. I can't wait to read the next book of this series to escape to this amazing world again 🥰

[Dahnielle Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. Mating Call is book one in the Long Claw Pride series. The author, Brooke May, really has an amazing talent at creating this new world of shifters. One note I would have appreciated was a little more background on why they are Mountain Lion shifters. What made them that way and what is the deeper story?
That note aside the story line itself is really well developed, with characters that are well fleshed out and make you care about them. I thoroughly enjoyed Cheyanne & Lane’s story and look forward to reading more about the rest of the family.
This wonderful HEA tale will keep you engaged and leave you with a smile.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book 1 to a paranormal series of mountain lion shifters. I loved how the story flowed in this book of Cheyenne and Lane. I could definitely relate to both characters in this story. Cheyenne is strong willed and wants her independence to find love on her own terms. Lane was out on is own, not by his account, wants to find his mate and have a real family he has longed for. When Cheyenne and Lane meet, at first there was hesitation by Cheyenne. As the story unfolds, it is about letting go of the past and finding love. I really enjoyed this book and very much looking forward to more in this series by Author Brooke May!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheyenne Mackenzie was determined to have a different life than her mother. Her mating was nothing more than a mating and Cheyenne wants more than just the animal instinct. Years later Cheyenne feels the call and heads home, Lane Matthews is there and recognizes her as his mate. Cheyenne is weary about the mating though can she and Lane have a mating that is met with compassion and feelings for one another or will they be enemies thrown together by the call?

Entertaining story. I get where Cheyenne was coming from, she had seen her mother break in her mating and wanted more. I really liked Lane and thought the chemistry was fantastic. Looking forward to the next book.

[Kristan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mating Call by Brooke May is book one in her Long Call Pride series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was presently surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I’ve been into the shifters lately but this book stood out as they are mountain lion shifters, which is the first I’ve read about that. Made it that much more original to me. I found myself connecting with Cheyanne and appreciated the attention to detail that the author brought to the story. It made it easier to sense everything. Overall, I enjoyed the story and seeing how Cheyanne and Lane navigated the mating call and the vast emotions and changes it brought. I am excited to read the next book!

[Edie Kelleher · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start to a series! Cheyenne and Lane were such likable, relatable, fun and overall enjoyable characters. Im a big fan of shifter books, and having Mountain lions in this one was something a little different. I found this to be such a easy read, keeping me turning the pages. Brook Mays world building is outstanding, I really felt the story come to life. I cant wait to see what the rest of the series has to offer.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story. I love reading about shifters so this was an easy pick. The is interesting and held my attention up to a point. After that there was some skimming and just a push to finish. I like Cheyenne and her family is a hoot. Each sister completely different personalities. The future stories should be fun The male lead has such a calming attitude. A perfect addition to this wild bunch! Overall it is a cute story

[Jules Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheyenne and Lane were drawn together by the mating call but they definitely go beyond that to form an amazing bond. This is the first book in what I know is going to be a fantastic series. The talented author has created wonderful characters and an intriguing storyline that draws you into their world so effortlessly. I am really looking forward to seeing what's next for everyone not just Cheyenne and Lane but the whole family!

[Megan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mating Call (Long Claw Pride Book 1)
Brooke May
This book is a quick easy read. I'm not going to give spoilers, over all its a starightforward love story that involves shifters ... A couple of scenes I didn't get why they were in there really but overall it was a good book. I can see myself reading the rest series.
Reviewed by Erica B

[Cindy Rushin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books about shifters. Although they are mostly about werewolves, so I found this book The Mating Call a refreshing change as it is about mountain lion shifters. It was a joy to journey along with Cheyenne and Lane as they discovered each other and fell in love. The author has created a nice world and I look forward to reading the next book.

[Jerricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself lost in this book. The characters were easy to visualize. This was well written and very detailed. May made me want to be in this book. I highly recommend it. I am so happy I decided to read this because I am a fan now.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheyenne and Lane I really like both do these characters. I enjoyed how we got to read from both of their POV. I really enjoyed reading this Paranormal romance I really enjoyed the shape shifters as lions, I liked how they have soul bonds.

[Emmye Marihugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I love the original take on shifters and how they find their mates. Wonderful characters and just enough mystery to keep you on your toes. I can’t wait for more on Long Claw!

[Lorrene Huisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus was a enjoyable, no an amazing read. I loved the how the females in the story appeared to be very strong minded and more of the dominant and struck me more as the alphas than the male at certain times which was a main contribute to the book. Fast read for me, and truly loved it! Freaking amazing story!

This story was a shape shifter book, so of course I had to pick this one up, as I love all those type of stories, this one truly delivered and then some! It was more of shifters meeting and drama with their romance. The story had action and the drama, and love that can go deeper than the grass on a night with a moon being your light! I personally loved the drama side with Cheyenne and her siblings, as they are lion shifters and they are selected for mates, they worry as how their father was. I did not expect that part of the story to come into play, it was a good addition that added to the story and developments of the characters, Cheyenne was for sure my favorite, she changed more than her form, was very admirable!

Cheyenne and Lane, were awesome characters, especially when put together on the same page. I loved Lane almost as much as i admired Cheyenne. For me, though they were each other's chosen mate. They struck me as a very realistic couple, I mean life is no fairy tale, and you have to go though a lot to get to that happy ending. Again, this is where the character development of Cheyenne really comes into play, from her development with her heart, her trust, and allowing herself to care and more, especially from the trauma she endured. I was hooked with this book, finished it quickly, and I still long for more!

As I have made clear the writing was amazing, and I really loved how the story went about and how all things came together. I did love truly the female lions and how strong they were, they were no easy prey to say for sure! The ways of pack was an interesting thing to learn about, and I enjoyed seeing how things went about with all things that contributed to the story! Amazing, fun and a good read. A must read!

[Ashley Lape · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mating Call by Brooke May is a paranormal romance of mountain lion shifter
Cheyenne Mackenzie was out to make her own destiny and not let the mating call rule her life. The mating call can come at any point in a mountain lion shifter’s life and when it does happen it is like two magnets pulling towards each other. Cheyenne decides when she hits 18 she is moving away and she ends up in San Francisco working at a radio station. After 10 years of not taking a vacation Cheyenne is forced to take a vacation and it couldn’t be better timing because she was hit with her mating call.
Lane, who was forced to leave home at 15 becomes a drifter working as a ranch hand who is used to being alone with just his horse. He feels the pull to head west and without knowing where he was going to end up he just keeps driving. Ending up in Long Claw, Lane gets hit with his making call.
I love the relationship that is forming between Cheyenne and Lane. It is perfectly imperfect. This is a series I definitely look forward to seeing more books added to. Brooke May did a fantastic job with pulling the reader in and kept them hooked. I can't wait to read more from May.