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Familiar Mates #6
The Siren's Familiar
Risking death is part of the job…finding his mate isn’t.
Hippo shifter Chase Allard is sent to infiltrate a shifter gang that is rumored to be catching and binding witches—a disgusting practice that makes a mockery of the familiar bond. A bound witch dies within a few years.
Rhys Howland’s magic is in his voice. After being captured and forced to use his magic to benefit the shifters imprisoning him, he is desperate to escape, but he is always guarded. But when the hippo arrives, Rhys hears a different song in the air: Chase is his familiar. And a familiar is the last thing Rhys wants or needs.
For Chase, finding his familiar bound and trapped pushes him to the edge of control. He’ll have to choose between blowing his cover and saving his mate.
For readers who like size difference, fated mates and gay romantic suspense.
Hippo shifter Chase Allard is sent to infiltrate a shifter gang that is rumored to be catching and binding witches—a disgusting practice that makes a mockery of the familiar bond. A bound witch dies within a few years.
Rhys Howland’s magic is in his voice. After being captured and forced to use his magic to benefit the shifters imprisoning him, he is desperate to escape, but he is always guarded. But when the hippo arrives, Rhys hears a different song in the air: Chase is his familiar. And a familiar is the last thing Rhys wants or needs.
For Chase, finding his familiar bound and trapped pushes him to the edge of control. He’ll have to choose between blowing his cover and saving his mate.
For readers who like size difference, fated mates and gay romantic suspense.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2021
63 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Nichols
89 books343 followersTJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 10, 2021
Look, I realize these are romance primarily, but if you're going to have an overarching plot between books, you actually need to develop it beyond the "bad guy shows up and gets knocked out" and that's all we hear about him (he showed up in an earlier book - The Witch's Familiar as part of the council overseeing Jude Sullivan's test).
If you want to see how this is done right, read some Suzanne Brockmann or Elizabeth Peters ...
If you want to see how this is done right, read some Suzanne Brockmann or Elizabeth Peters ...
August 22, 2021
The Siren's Familiar
By T.J. Nichols
This is the 5th book I've read out of the 7 in this series and so far the one I liked the least. The story wasn't nearly as engaging as all of the others and there was something missing between Chase and Rhys. They were a bit standoff-ish with each other and it didn't help that Sam was spewing his anti-familiar bitterness around Chase so much either. It was sadly disappointing.
PS
The book is in both Chase and Rhys's POV. The angst level is medium.
I went back and forth between rating it two stars or three. I finally settled on three because I did enjoy it as a one time read.
By T.J. Nichols
This is the 5th book I've read out of the 7 in this series and so far the one I liked the least. The story wasn't nearly as engaging as all of the others and there was something missing between Chase and Rhys. They were a bit standoff-ish with each other and it didn't help that Sam was spewing his anti-familiar bitterness around Chase so much either. It was sadly disappointing.
PS
The book is in both Chase and Rhys's POV. The angst level is medium.
I went back and forth between rating it two stars or three. I finally settled on three because I did enjoy it as a one time read.
June 23, 2025
I didn't read the blurb and didn't expect a hippo but it was an interesting change from the regular shifter species. I liked the story and I really like Rhys
January 19, 2023
The Siren’s Familiar
Desperate, dangerous, and deadly. An action-packed story full of suspense. I really enjoyed this one and loved the characters. I liked the way the characters grew throughout the story as well. I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here.
Desperate, dangerous, and deadly. An action-packed story full of suspense. I really enjoyed this one and loved the characters. I liked the way the characters grew throughout the story as well. I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here.
August 5, 2021
3.5 ⭐
Hippo shifter , Trans male Siren witch, and the fact the it actually continues the story/plot from the previous book in the series. We learn more about whose kidnapping and draining witches and how many people are really involved. Satisfying addition to the series.
Hippo shifter , Trans male Siren witch, and the fact the it actually continues the story/plot from the previous book in the series. We learn more about whose kidnapping and draining witches and how many people are really involved. Satisfying addition to the series.
Read
May 2, 2021This book is closely linked to The Detective's Familiar (book 5) and is best read in order.
April 26, 2021
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
The Siren's Familiar (Familiar Mates, 6) by T.J. Nichols
★★★★☆
188 Pages
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: shifter, fated mates, magic, family, siren, inter-racial romance
Triggers: mild violence, kidnap, imprisonment, mild torture
Genre: MM, Shifter, Romance, LGBT, PNR
World-Building: ★★★★★
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★☆
Romance: ★★★★★
The Siren's Familiar continues the story that began in Book 1, though the links and continuing storyline were unclear until Book 4, where this storyline took shape. The story begins with hippo shifter Chase – introduced in the previous book – beginning his undercover work in amongst the shifters looking to eradicate witch rule. Following the dual POV of the series, it introduces Rhys, who is a siren witch, kidnapped by the shifters within the first pages.
Rhys is an interesting character. Feisty, full of fire and bite, but weakened by prolonged captivity and neglect, having his magic used by a shifter like a battery. Rhys is trans FTM, and I love how the author didn't over-emphasise it. It read like Nichols wanted it to be an entirely natural part of the story, of who Rhys is, and only mentioned explicitly when Rhys felt he had to share with his familiar. I really appreciated and supported that decision, because it felt transparent enough without having it on page.
Chase is my first hippo shifter ever! And it was actually really fun and interesting to see how he was written. I've never thought about hippos in this context before, and it was a nice deviation to try a shifter that was outside of the expected. Not just in theory, but physically shifted on page. Chase is your no-nonsense kind of guy, all bulk and brains, who isn't afraid to play the dumb ox when he has to. He's wily and thinks before acting, but isn't afraid to kick ass and takes names later. I appreciated the subtle hints of a past, his family drama, and Chase noting that racism wasn't just a human concept, and being POC was just one more way that a gay hippo shifter might feel singled out.
Together, Chase and Rhys were great. They had just the right amount of chemistry for strangers brought together in a tough situation. There are hints of previous themes – forced proximity, strangers-to-mates, reluctant partners – but they're all handled individually within stories, with enough deviation that it always feels fresh and specific to the story.
When it comes to the plot, I felt a little...disappointed? I'm not sure that's the right word, but I feel the storyline wasn't as well wrapped-up as some of the others. It also feels like I've thought that for the last few books. I let it slide for the last two books, because they were linked by plot and the whole shifter-gang concept. But, considering all that happened in this book, I'd really hoped for a clearer resolution. Instead, I feel like it got cut off too early, resolved too quickly and neatly, and that there are still a million unanswered questions left over. Yes, I did figure out who the buyer was really early on, so it wasn't really a surprise or exciting to find out I was right. I have a feeling Gwen might reappear, and is more than anyone realises.
I also have to talk about the editing. Books 5 and 6 were given to me, in advance, as ARC's, and I always know they're most likely pre-final-edits. So, by comparing the instances I've noticed here and the instances in previous books, I think it should come out pretty clean, with an editing consistent with Books 1-3. However, I do feel that maybe the high turn-around of books, as they're publishing pretty quickly, means the standards of editing I expect from Nichols has fallen to meet the deadlines. I would be more than happy for a longer wait, if that meant a better end result, but I wouldn't say the problem was bad enough that it needed a revisit or taking a star off my review.
Overall, I think Siren's Familiar was a little more action-based than the previous book, which is no bad thing. It picked up the pace a bit, gave us a little more of Sam, on page, which is also great, and explored another aspect of this inter-linked world. I will say that only the first 3 books are legitimately standalone, in this series, while the others are all connected. But, it's definitely nice to see the hints and links that pop up, every now and then. Like the witch shopping list that gave me flashbacks to the previous characters in the series, and made whispered promises about potential events in the future.
It's currently unclear if there are more books in the series. But, I'd definitely read more.
~
Favourite Quotes
“He drew a little of Chase’s strength and energy to him. It felt like standing in the sun—he hadn’t seen the sun in weeks—and the warmth reached every part of him. It left a taste like cherries on his tongue.”
The Siren's Familiar (Familiar Mates, 6) by T.J. Nichols
★★★★☆
188 Pages
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: shifter, fated mates, magic, family, siren, inter-racial romance
Triggers: mild violence, kidnap, imprisonment, mild torture
Genre: MM, Shifter, Romance, LGBT, PNR
World-Building: ★★★★★
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★☆
Romance: ★★★★★
The Siren's Familiar continues the story that began in Book 1, though the links and continuing storyline were unclear until Book 4, where this storyline took shape. The story begins with hippo shifter Chase – introduced in the previous book – beginning his undercover work in amongst the shifters looking to eradicate witch rule. Following the dual POV of the series, it introduces Rhys, who is a siren witch, kidnapped by the shifters within the first pages.
Rhys is an interesting character. Feisty, full of fire and bite, but weakened by prolonged captivity and neglect, having his magic used by a shifter like a battery. Rhys is trans FTM, and I love how the author didn't over-emphasise it. It read like Nichols wanted it to be an entirely natural part of the story, of who Rhys is, and only mentioned explicitly when Rhys felt he had to share with his familiar. I really appreciated and supported that decision, because it felt transparent enough without having it on page.
Chase is my first hippo shifter ever! And it was actually really fun and interesting to see how he was written. I've never thought about hippos in this context before, and it was a nice deviation to try a shifter that was outside of the expected. Not just in theory, but physically shifted on page. Chase is your no-nonsense kind of guy, all bulk and brains, who isn't afraid to play the dumb ox when he has to. He's wily and thinks before acting, but isn't afraid to kick ass and takes names later. I appreciated the subtle hints of a past, his family drama, and Chase noting that racism wasn't just a human concept, and being POC was just one more way that a gay hippo shifter might feel singled out.
Together, Chase and Rhys were great. They had just the right amount of chemistry for strangers brought together in a tough situation. There are hints of previous themes – forced proximity, strangers-to-mates, reluctant partners – but they're all handled individually within stories, with enough deviation that it always feels fresh and specific to the story.
When it comes to the plot, I felt a little...disappointed? I'm not sure that's the right word, but I feel the storyline wasn't as well wrapped-up as some of the others. It also feels like I've thought that for the last few books. I let it slide for the last two books, because they were linked by plot and the whole shifter-gang concept. But, considering all that happened in this book, I'd really hoped for a clearer resolution. Instead, I feel like it got cut off too early, resolved too quickly and neatly, and that there are still a million unanswered questions left over. Yes, I did figure out who the buyer was really early on, so it wasn't really a surprise or exciting to find out I was right. I have a feeling Gwen might reappear, and is more than anyone realises.
I also have to talk about the editing. Books 5 and 6 were given to me, in advance, as ARC's, and I always know they're most likely pre-final-edits. So, by comparing the instances I've noticed here and the instances in previous books, I think it should come out pretty clean, with an editing consistent with Books 1-3. However, I do feel that maybe the high turn-around of books, as they're publishing pretty quickly, means the standards of editing I expect from Nichols has fallen to meet the deadlines. I would be more than happy for a longer wait, if that meant a better end result, but I wouldn't say the problem was bad enough that it needed a revisit or taking a star off my review.
Overall, I think Siren's Familiar was a little more action-based than the previous book, which is no bad thing. It picked up the pace a bit, gave us a little more of Sam, on page, which is also great, and explored another aspect of this inter-linked world. I will say that only the first 3 books are legitimately standalone, in this series, while the others are all connected. But, it's definitely nice to see the hints and links that pop up, every now and then. Like the witch shopping list that gave me flashbacks to the previous characters in the series, and made whispered promises about potential events in the future.
It's currently unclear if there are more books in the series. But, I'd definitely read more.
~
Favourite Quotes
“He drew a little of Chase’s strength and energy to him. It felt like standing in the sun—he hadn’t seen the sun in weeks—and the warmth reached every part of him. It left a taste like cherries on his tongue.”
March 6, 2023
Siren’s Familiar (Familiar Mates Book 6) by T. J. Nichols: Adult Paranormal Urban Fantasy. M/M fated mate romance. Captivity. Incognito. Duel Third Person POV. Witches. Familiars. Shapeshifters. Investigation/crime. Kidnapping. Fight Scenes. Suspense. #HEA
Siren’s Familair is a fast-paced paranormal urban fantasy following a kidnapped siren witch, and an undercover Coven agent and Hippo shapeshifter.
When Chase goes undercover in a criminal organisation illegally binding witches so shifters and the highest bidders can use their magic for themselves, he didn’t expect to find his mate, and now with the bond in place, it's only a matter of time before the other shifters start to suspect. If he’s caught then every other witch who’s been kidnapped and bound will die, and he’ll have to watch his mate die.
It’s gritty and realistic with elements of crime, investigation, and Stockholm syndrome. The plot is suspenseful, and the main characters are likeable and engaging, and you want them to succeed and survive. There is some violence, but nothing I would consider dark or graphic. There are high-stake scenes, unexpected twists and turns, satisfying injury tropes, and learning and discovery tropes.
It has a relatable and empathetic relationship arc about trust and two strangers learning and caring about each other in a hostile environment. As an adult romance, there are some explicit sex and spicy scenes. These are well-written and satisfying, and progress the plot and/or character arcs.
Out of all these aspects, though, the action scenes towards the end of the novel would have to be my favourite. Chase uses both his human and hippo forms during the fight scenes.
The magic is unique and original. I really liked how Rhys learned to use his magic throughout the novel. As a siren, a witch with the ability to persuade people, he wasn't allowed to talk so he learned how to influence his captors using sound (groans, grunts, and whispers) rather than words. I also liked how the characters shared their magic and strength with each other. It made the plot dynamic and interesting.
As for the series, Familiar Mates is a series of standalones following different witch/familiar couples in the same world. Some characters appear in one or two books after or before theirs, and there might be some overarching plot, but I haven't gotten to it yet. Generally speaking, each book is about the two main characters and their unique struggles that lean toward the investigation/crime genre.
Overall, I enjoyed it, and the series is addictive. I highly recommend to people who like urban fantasy, shapeshifter romances, witches, familiars, unique magic, m/m romance, and spice.
How much I liked it? 4 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 4 Stars
Character Depth: 4 - 4.5 Stars
Character interaction: Above Average
Animal Characterisation: Limited
Warnings: Moderate Violence. Explicit sex scenes. Capitivity.
Execution (editing): 4.8 Stars
Siren’s Familair is a fast-paced paranormal urban fantasy following a kidnapped siren witch, and an undercover Coven agent and Hippo shapeshifter.
When Chase goes undercover in a criminal organisation illegally binding witches so shifters and the highest bidders can use their magic for themselves, he didn’t expect to find his mate, and now with the bond in place, it's only a matter of time before the other shifters start to suspect. If he’s caught then every other witch who’s been kidnapped and bound will die, and he’ll have to watch his mate die.
It’s gritty and realistic with elements of crime, investigation, and Stockholm syndrome. The plot is suspenseful, and the main characters are likeable and engaging, and you want them to succeed and survive. There is some violence, but nothing I would consider dark or graphic. There are high-stake scenes, unexpected twists and turns, satisfying injury tropes, and learning and discovery tropes.
It has a relatable and empathetic relationship arc about trust and two strangers learning and caring about each other in a hostile environment. As an adult romance, there are some explicit sex and spicy scenes. These are well-written and satisfying, and progress the plot and/or character arcs.
Out of all these aspects, though, the action scenes towards the end of the novel would have to be my favourite. Chase uses both his human and hippo forms during the fight scenes.
The magic is unique and original. I really liked how Rhys learned to use his magic throughout the novel. As a siren, a witch with the ability to persuade people, he wasn't allowed to talk so he learned how to influence his captors using sound (groans, grunts, and whispers) rather than words. I also liked how the characters shared their magic and strength with each other. It made the plot dynamic and interesting.
As for the series, Familiar Mates is a series of standalones following different witch/familiar couples in the same world. Some characters appear in one or two books after or before theirs, and there might be some overarching plot, but I haven't gotten to it yet. Generally speaking, each book is about the two main characters and their unique struggles that lean toward the investigation/crime genre.
Overall, I enjoyed it, and the series is addictive. I highly recommend to people who like urban fantasy, shapeshifter romances, witches, familiars, unique magic, m/m romance, and spice.
How much I liked it? 4 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 4 Stars
Character Depth: 4 - 4.5 Stars
Character interaction: Above Average
Animal Characterisation: Limited
Warnings: Moderate Violence. Explicit sex scenes. Capitivity.
Execution (editing): 4.8 Stars
May 22, 2021
I really loved what the author did with this series, the idea of fated mates is nothing new, but having those mates being pairs of shifters and witches was something I have not read about before. I also enjoyed the variety of shifters as it is always interesting when the authors expand the shifter verse beyond the usual choices, like it was done here with snake, eagle and a hippo shifters. Not only that, but this author also made witches non human beings with various magical abilities and even found a way to incorporate vampires and sirens into their world by making them witches with particular set of abilities.
So yeah, those were the positives. On the other hand, I was not able to enjoy Rhys and Chase's story as much as previous ones considering the majority of the story Rhys was held in captivity by "people" looking to take away his magical ability for themselves. While the plot never got too harsh and gruesome to become unbearable it still was not the one conductive to happy feelings and romance. Little moments that Rhys and Chase did manage to steal for themselves in the middle of all the chaos still did not seem like the ones where you could just relax and enjoy the ride with everything else hanging over their heads.
I might be wrong but this reads like the last book in the series and unfortunately that fact only serves to magnify the issues that have become somewhat of a theme. The main villain turns out to be a character only briefly mentioned in the previous book(s ?). Like another reviewer mentioned they are dealt with too easily in the end. There was also no explanation nor more thought given to their motivations. This was just not good or satisfying enough considering that the abduction and murder of witches for their magic was a major plot point connecting the last three books in the series.
This was the big mystery of the whole series, the initial seeds of plot planted at the very beginning of the series. To end it in the way that feels like more or less like a cop-out is just very anti climactic and makes the reader ask themselves what was even the point of it in the end? All the suspense and built up for nothing. Except maybe to serve as colorful background for the romance between the characters in each of the books. It makes one feel a bit cheated in the end and makes this particular story weakest in the series for me. Which I find really sad as I was so excited for the siren character. There were glimpses of Rhys' potential of being an intriguing character, but his characterization was left only briefly explored same as his relationship with Chase, which after only beginning was quickly wrapped up with a happy unsatisfying epilogue.
All that said, Familiar Mates was overall enjoyable and captivating series and if there will be more books in the series or another series in the same verse I will be sure to read it.
Themes: fated mates, shifters, witches, transsexual character, captivity
So yeah, those were the positives. On the other hand, I was not able to enjoy Rhys and Chase's story as much as previous ones considering the majority of the story Rhys was held in captivity by "people" looking to take away his magical ability for themselves. While the plot never got too harsh and gruesome to become unbearable it still was not the one conductive to happy feelings and romance. Little moments that Rhys and Chase did manage to steal for themselves in the middle of all the chaos still did not seem like the ones where you could just relax and enjoy the ride with everything else hanging over their heads.
I might be wrong but this reads like the last book in the series and unfortunately that fact only serves to magnify the issues that have become somewhat of a theme. The main villain turns out to be a character only briefly mentioned in the previous book(s ?). Like another reviewer mentioned they are dealt with too easily in the end. There was also no explanation nor more thought given to their motivations. This was just not good or satisfying enough considering that the abduction and murder of witches for their magic was a major plot point connecting the last three books in the series.
This was the big mystery of the whole series, the initial seeds of plot planted at the very beginning of the series. To end it in the way that feels like more or less like a cop-out is just very anti climactic and makes the reader ask themselves what was even the point of it in the end? All the suspense and built up for nothing. Except maybe to serve as colorful background for the romance between the characters in each of the books. It makes one feel a bit cheated in the end and makes this particular story weakest in the series for me. Which I find really sad as I was so excited for the siren character. There were glimpses of Rhys' potential of being an intriguing character, but his characterization was left only briefly explored same as his relationship with Chase, which after only beginning was quickly wrapped up with a happy unsatisfying epilogue.
All that said, Familiar Mates was overall enjoyable and captivating series and if there will be more books in the series or another series in the same verse I will be sure to read it.
Themes: fated mates, shifters, witches, transsexual character, captivity
April 28, 2021
This series has a fair number of dark edges, and I’ve noticed them more with each book. This one, which tells captured siren Rhys and his mate, hippo shifter and Coven agent Chase’s story, cuts deeply on a number of levels.
This is a world full of magic, but it’s not the solution to everything. As the book says, “magic wasn’t all rainbows; there was rain and mud,” and there is a lot of that rain and mud to be found. There really are no good guys in this universe. The Coven is the ostensible supernatural authority, but it’s riddled with factions, and prejudices, and those who work for it are always varying degrees of compromised— even Sam, Chase’s handler, who comes off as little more than an amoral lackey in this book, something I found a bit jarring, since I’d liked him as a protagonist in a previous novel. Mate bonds, too are fraught with complications: they bind the lives of those who share them and can be initiated without consent.
In spite of all that, Chase and Rhys manage to build something, or at least the possibility of something, in the worst possible circumstances and against all odds, and it feels like an utter triumph that they do so. Overall, I found this book to be, like the series itself, intense, dark, and well worth a read.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair & honest review.*
This is a world full of magic, but it’s not the solution to everything. As the book says, “magic wasn’t all rainbows; there was rain and mud,” and there is a lot of that rain and mud to be found. There really are no good guys in this universe. The Coven is the ostensible supernatural authority, but it’s riddled with factions, and prejudices, and those who work for it are always varying degrees of compromised— even Sam, Chase’s handler, who comes off as little more than an amoral lackey in this book, something I found a bit jarring, since I’d liked him as a protagonist in a previous novel. Mate bonds, too are fraught with complications: they bind the lives of those who share them and can be initiated without consent.
In spite of all that, Chase and Rhys manage to build something, or at least the possibility of something, in the worst possible circumstances and against all odds, and it feels like an utter triumph that they do so. Overall, I found this book to be, like the series itself, intense, dark, and well worth a read.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair & honest review.*
April 4, 2021
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chase is stunned to find that another witch has gone missing - been too many of those of late. But this one looks like a punk - colored hair and very young. He's a siren, so a witch to be very wary of. They can bewitch a person just by speaking, but Chase's colleague Sam, tells Chase to think the alphabet, sing to himself - anything to keep his mind off what the siren says. But this siren may not be saying anything for much longer if the current trend of witches turning up dead continues. Chase is suddenly stunned to find himself in the company of the supposed kidnapped siren - so realistic is this encounter that when the siren kisses him, he feels everything. And he can sense where the siren is. Damn - he's been bound to this witch. Chase is a hippo shifter - but is he going to be able to literally find the siren and then is he capable of saving the witch's life because if he doesn't and the witch dies, then so does he.
T. J. Nichols has once again produced an amazing story in the world of shifters and familiars and as usual this story is one you just can't put down.
Very highly recommended read.
Chase is stunned to find that another witch has gone missing - been too many of those of late. But this one looks like a punk - colored hair and very young. He's a siren, so a witch to be very wary of. They can bewitch a person just by speaking, but Chase's colleague Sam, tells Chase to think the alphabet, sing to himself - anything to keep his mind off what the siren says. But this siren may not be saying anything for much longer if the current trend of witches turning up dead continues. Chase is suddenly stunned to find himself in the company of the supposed kidnapped siren - so realistic is this encounter that when the siren kisses him, he feels everything. And he can sense where the siren is. Damn - he's been bound to this witch. Chase is a hippo shifter - but is he going to be able to literally find the siren and then is he capable of saving the witch's life because if he doesn't and the witch dies, then so does he.
T. J. Nichols has once again produced an amazing story in the world of shifters and familiars and as usual this story is one you just can't put down.
Very highly recommended read.
October 1, 2024
I'm starting to regret this entire stupid series... possible spoilers ahead, don't continue if you don't want to know!
I continue to stand by my opinion that Sam is the absolute worst person in this series. His whole attitude of I'm willing to sacrifice someone's magic for the sake of a case is appalling. There is no empathy there and he is beyond redemption. Nevermind that this is an immediate continuation of the last clusterf@$&, so no of course no therapy or growth is ever expected... just the same old tired I don't like witches and bonds so everyone else should feel like me BS.
Don't get me started on the whole stupid big bad case thing. It's like the author put in minimal effort to tie any of these books together in a cohesive plot line. The b@$tard from the first book makes a sudden appearance, but it's like one line and poof, whisked away.
The coven seems pretty useless... in its entirety. At this point in the series I'm not sure why I am wasting time continuing to read these. They're not getting any better.
I continue to stand by my opinion that Sam is the absolute worst person in this series. His whole attitude of I'm willing to sacrifice someone's magic for the sake of a case is appalling. There is no empathy there and he is beyond redemption. Nevermind that this is an immediate continuation of the last clusterf@$&, so no of course no therapy or growth is ever expected... just the same old tired I don't like witches and bonds so everyone else should feel like me BS.
Don't get me started on the whole stupid big bad case thing. It's like the author put in minimal effort to tie any of these books together in a cohesive plot line. The b@$tard from the first book makes a sudden appearance, but it's like one line and poof, whisked away.
The coven seems pretty useless... in its entirety. At this point in the series I'm not sure why I am wasting time continuing to read these. They're not getting any better.
February 22, 2023
I love a book about rescuing your lover from captivity, and yesterday on a delayed plane I read two in a row (this one right after Shards of Ice). This one's about a witch who has been kidnapped and had his magic bound by some scheming shifters, and an undercover hippo shifter agent who wants to rescue him and other victims of the ring... and ends up getting bound as his familiar when the witch strikes back. I liked both leads, enjoyed the undercover-as-your-jailer plotline (always a favorite trope of mine) and was surprised by some good trans representation as well. Overall, would recommend. I realized while reading it that this is actually part of a series, and not nearly the first book... I will have to take a look at the rest of the series!
June 20, 2021
Perfect example of how this series tends to have a bucket of cold water thrown on a building story arch… we spend most of the viewpoint at the start in Chase’s point of view. Will he find Rhys in time? The tension builds. Then, suddenly, we’re in Rhys’ point of view and a chase it there. What?? Chase hasn’t had enough time to really infiltrate yet. A bit of a let down, that was. It’s like the story is forced to stay within confines… some excitement, but not too much. Some action, but not too much. Had so much potential to have higher highs and lower lows, but we just never get there. I did finish reading all of these without DNFing them, so I guess there’s that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Rhys is taken for his powers on the edge of death hos magic looks for help never thinking the coven was already on the case of missing witches. Chase is about to have his world flipped after the young siren calls to him and forced a bond/mate, only the cover demands the op go through to get the top person involved. Just loved even hurt and damaged Rhys is still a sassy little flirt even when it's out of his norm. Chase is a hippo which makes it hilarious to be a witches familiar/ mate.
August 28, 2021
Lot to unpack
Good world building and different perspectives on mates and mating. Each new book in this series builds on the people who populate it, some embrace mates, some fight it, some find themselves disillusioned.
This one has a badass zen hippo who’s competent AF and his badass mate who can compel any action with his magic, but just wants to be left alone. Explores the price of power, dangers of making assumptions based on outward appearance, and the loneliness of being different.
Good world building and different perspectives on mates and mating. Each new book in this series builds on the people who populate it, some embrace mates, some fight it, some find themselves disillusioned.
This one has a badass zen hippo who’s competent AF and his badass mate who can compel any action with his magic, but just wants to be left alone. Explores the price of power, dangers of making assumptions based on outward appearance, and the loneliness of being different.
January 15, 2023
THE SIREN’S FAMILIAR by @tjnichols.author
Wow. This one was the best yet, and I’ve loved each one for different reasons. I hope this isn’t too spoilery but I have to list all the reasons this book was a dream. Person of color, interracial couple, trans representation, kidnapping, human trafficking, siren magic, undercover “cop”, kidnapper/kidnapped lust, fated mates, action… the list goes on and on. Rhys and Chase just worked so well and thus this book worked for me.
9/250
#mmromance #mmromancebooks #mmromancenovel #onederreadsfivestars
Wow. This one was the best yet, and I’ve loved each one for different reasons. I hope this isn’t too spoilery but I have to list all the reasons this book was a dream. Person of color, interracial couple, trans representation, kidnapping, human trafficking, siren magic, undercover “cop”, kidnapper/kidnapped lust, fated mates, action… the list goes on and on. Rhys and Chase just worked so well and thus this book worked for me.
9/250
#mmromance #mmromancebooks #mmromancenovel #onederreadsfivestars
January 22, 2023
A siren has a hippo for his familiar? Fate knows best!
I love this series! This book did not disappoint. I was captivated from the first pages. Although this has triggers for some, they are necessary for the storyline. The descriptions are so vivid I could easily visualize them. Having a hippo as a siren's familiar is quite unique and wonderful. Kidnapping, a rescue, bonds, and evil shifters & witches... who do get their just ends... what a remarkable story! You need to get this now. You will love this book!
I love this series! This book did not disappoint. I was captivated from the first pages. Although this has triggers for some, they are necessary for the storyline. The descriptions are so vivid I could easily visualize them. Having a hippo as a siren's familiar is quite unique and wonderful. Kidnapping, a rescue, bonds, and evil shifters & witches... who do get their just ends... what a remarkable story! You need to get this now. You will love this book!
February 27, 2024
Another great shifter paranormal mm romance
Book two of the Familiar Mates series, and they continue to captivate me. This time, Kirk, a 'vampire,' returns to his home to exact revenge from the couger who killed his sister. Nothing or no one will stand in his way. However, he has not factored in meeting his mate, his Familiar, who is also a cougar. The story is great. I love the characters, hot mm love scenes, the chemistry is great. A must if like me you love mm, shifter, paranormal, fated mates stories. Read it and enjoy.
Book two of the Familiar Mates series, and they continue to captivate me. This time, Kirk, a 'vampire,' returns to his home to exact revenge from the couger who killed his sister. Nothing or no one will stand in his way. However, he has not factored in meeting his mate, his Familiar, who is also a cougar. The story is great. I love the characters, hot mm love scenes, the chemistry is great. A must if like me you love mm, shifter, paranormal, fated mates stories. Read it and enjoy.
November 8, 2024
Excellent.
Each time I think this series can’t get better, I read the next book and change my mind. The story line in this one carried on from where it left off in the Detectives Familiar. Tense undercover special agent work was mixed with the familiar mate bond. Two lives were on the line not just one. It twisted and turned right up to the end. Riveting stuff. This is one for the Adrenalin junkies as well as the romantics. And yes, that’s me because I enjoyed every minute of the ride.
Each time I think this series can’t get better, I read the next book and change my mind. The story line in this one carried on from where it left off in the Detectives Familiar. Tense undercover special agent work was mixed with the familiar mate bond. Two lives were on the line not just one. It twisted and turned right up to the end. Riveting stuff. This is one for the Adrenalin junkies as well as the romantics. And yes, that’s me because I enjoyed every minute of the ride.
April 22, 2021
Chase is a hippo shifter and working with Sam to find out who is kidnapping witches and killing them. He goes undercover and finds Rhys, the siren/witch that was kidnapped a month ago. Rhys has been locked up and kept bound so that he cannot work his magic. Rhys binds Chase to him hoping he’ll save his life but ends up with a mate. This was fantastic!! Loved the world building that the author has created! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
July 4, 2022
When Chase, undercover hippo, finds one of the missing witch's, he doesn't suspect he's found his mate. When Rhys kisses him, sealing their fate as mates, he knows .How will the Coven handle this pair ? Will they be able to still get the job done ? As a continuation of the last couple of books in the series, very well put together with a storyline that follows up on the last book. This is turning out to be a great series so continue reading !
July 15, 2022
Okay, I loved this one for so many reasons. Rhys is amazing and I love that he and Chase could be both pragmatic and instinct-driven at the same time. The end felt rushed, though. Like.. all the conflict resolution happened off-page and I'd have liked to see how it was handled. I know it's all part of the Big Plot that threads all the books together, I just wish we got to see more of the details, I guess.
July 28, 2023
Well at least these two embrace their bond
I really really do not like Sam. He sounds and acts just as the bad guys do. Hate the bond, leave your mate to die and strip them of magic, just like he did to his husband. That's why I really like Chase, because he has honor and he knows what the bond means and accepting Rhys. He is understanding and kind hearted just as Rhys is. Rhys does not hurt others and even his captors were spared.
They are a good match!
I really really do not like Sam. He sounds and acts just as the bad guys do. Hate the bond, leave your mate to die and strip them of magic, just like he did to his husband. That's why I really like Chase, because he has honor and he knows what the bond means and accepting Rhys. He is understanding and kind hearted just as Rhys is. Rhys does not hurt others and even his captors were spared.
They are a good match!
November 1, 2024
Things are hotting up in the back plot underlying these stories and I'm really hoping we get to find out more about the bad guys and their goals in the next book. That aside, this is the story of Chase, a hippo shifter and Rhys, a siren who is kidnapped for his voice. I didn't really feel like they had a great deal of chemistry to be honest and a little more of Rhys's back story would be nice, but it was an ok read for a couple of hours
November 3, 2024
This book puts a sort of end to the trilogy of mystery that was introduced in Book 4, Vet's Christmas Familiar. What a wild twist that was, and a nod to the first book as well! Didn't see it coming in the slightest, so hooray for the author for pulling that off! The pairing in this book is so cute, I can't take it. I only wish we had a bit more of them together and not in the horrible circumstances they were in, but such a good end to that three book mystery, I'll forgive it.
March 5, 2025
Another page turner
I wizzed through this one, not able to put it down. Just like the vet's familiar, I liked how this had a unique shifter. I've never read about a hippo shifter before. Not only was it a brilliant story with so many plot twists, but it was unique as well. I'm loving this series and it's definitely helping inspire me with my own writing. I'm itching to start more of my own soon.
I wizzed through this one, not able to put it down. Just like the vet's familiar, I liked how this had a unique shifter. I've never read about a hippo shifter before. Not only was it a brilliant story with so many plot twists, but it was unique as well. I'm loving this series and it's definitely helping inspire me with my own writing. I'm itching to start more of my own soon.
April 29, 2021
love this book ,Rhys is minding his business when he is kidnapped by bad shifters because of his magic,,,Chase is sent to find him but what he doesn't know is that Rhys is his soulmate and a siren,,,Chase doesn't know what to do but he knows he has to save his mate,i read this book for my honest review
May 26, 2022
I find this author’s books to have rushed and unsatisfactory endings. There has been an overarching storyline so the author may be trying to lead into the next book, if so it isn’t effective. The characters did discover a major bad guy in this book, but then nothing more happens with that critical piece of the story. I don’t care enough to try and read further books to discover what happens.
October 31, 2022
I thought ths was a pretty good story as it builds on previous books leading to finding who may be responsible for the stealing of witch's power. My one complaint is Sam--I find I really don't like him and wish he weren't in charge of anything in the coven. Think if he were real, he would need counseling.
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