Falling Hard

Santa Cruz Shifters #3

by Marie Booth

A M/M shifter romance

Ramon, a lynx shifter with a reputation as a player, is certain Haven is the one, but Haven, a bengal tiger shifter, is determined to go on a trek through the Sierra to meet with various clans and packs and hopefully find his true mate. His home in Half Moon territory doesn't hold the same appeal and the perfect male from his dreams is calling his name. He's out there somewhere...

When Haven leaves, Ramon, a male who's never spent time in the mountains, decides to follow. His sisters try to talk him out of it, but Ramon's mind is made up. How tough can camping in the high country be? He's bringing every piece of equipment he can think of as well as lots of snacks. Haven will probably take one look and see the truth.

But when Haven discovers his stalker, fur flies.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Audiobook, Romance, LGBT, Supernatural

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2021

About the author

A California girl who loves writing, reading, music and theatre

Reviews

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven definitely gave Ramon the run around. There were moments I wanted to throttle Haven - he was harsh and judgemental towards Ramon.

Ramon was sweet and I admired his tenacity when pursuing his mate. He battled the great outdoors which was way outside of his comfort zone, all in the name of love.

Good read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raph · Rating 4 out of 5]

can’t wait for next book

[Gabriela Kozhuharova · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this one the best of the three, but it’s not saying much. The relationship was better developed in comparison to the previous books.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Santa Cruz Shifters Series but the first book that I have read. I was able to enjoy the book without having first read the previous books. This is the story of Haven and Ramon. Haven is a Bengal Tiger Shifter. Haven has had a horrible life and subjected to captivity, abuse and assault. The idea that helped him survive is the idea that there is a perfect mate out there; just made for him. He is about to leave his home and search out his mate. He just knows that when they meet he will know and all the missing pieces of his life will click together. Well we all know that our imagination and our reality don't always mesh. Ramon is a Lynx Shifter and community mechanic. He too has had hardships in his life. But things are looking up. He meets and knows who his mate is. The problem is that his mate doesn't recognize him. Unwilling to let his mate leave for two years, Ramon decides to accompany Haven. He is hoping that their close proximity will finally trigger mate feelings in Haven. This is their story. Both of these men have a lot of ups and downs while they try to sort out their lives. I enjoyed the trip with them. This book is well written and easy to read. I enjoyed the story very much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven and Ramon's Story . . .

Haven, a Bengal tiger shifter, is ready to begin his trek through the Sierra high country. As an unmated male, he will search for territory and his lifemate. He’s glad to be getting away from Ramon as well. Tigers mate for life, and with Ramon rumored to be a player, Haven can’t trust him.

Ramon, a lynx shifter, is not keen on traveling through the wilderness, but he is determined to follow Haven to the high country. A park is the closest experience he has with woods and trees. But being with Haven will make it all worthwhile. Both of them stubborn, Haven attempts to turn Ramon down and they exchange a kiss. Will they realize now that they are mates?

I really liked seeing how Ramon was willing to do what he had to in order to get Haven’s attention and respect. He was persistent and confident that Haven was his. Haven unfortunately listened to rumors and judged Ramon harshly without really knowing if he was a player or not. I hope he learned his lesson. Will they find their HEA?

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I loved Haven and Ramon. They had such an interesting dynamic. I really enjoyed the dance they seemed to work on each other between keeping distanced, flirting, or enjoying each others company. Haven didn't trust Ramon and was very judgmental of him- not approving of the way he apparently lived his life with a revolving door of partners. I didn't like that Haven judged on assumptions so much and wished he would get to know him for himself more first before making his judgments. But then I also know that's stemming from some demons and trauma from his past. I think the two of them suited each other well. And nothing brings people together like sharing a journey and adventure.

Great world building. This is the first book I've read in this series, so I didn't get to read through the pandemic and war, or see how the shifters made their settlements, but it interesting to picture.

Great story. I will read more of this author. 5 stars.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ramon was a lynx and a mechanic was a player and was chasing after Haven, he thought that Ramon was the worst person in the village. Haven was going to publicly humiliate him but Ramon found out but after they kissed Ramon’s lynx knew that Haven was his. Haven was going to travel to the different clans to find his mate. So when he left Ramon followed him to try to show him that they were mates. Haven at first tried to send him home but realized that was a lost cause. They met with the ravens, helped the bears, and the pumas many adventures but Haven realized that they were mates. Through their adventures I laughed and cried the book sucked me right in from the start even worried when Haven got hurt bad. Great book! Will have to look for more of Marie Booth’s books.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ramon has been shadowing Haven in the hope that he will acknowledge him.
Lynx shifter has been shadowing Tiger shifter Haven around for weeks in the hope that he can connect with him as he is unable to get him out of his thoughts. Then one day Haven stops by a river bank and tell Ramon that his sister has sent a picnic basket. While they are eating haven tells him he is too much of a player for him to want but then he kisses Ramon. the kiss makes Ramon realize Haven is his mate and is dismayed when Haven pushes him away. When Ramon hears that Haven is going to be hiking for the next two years he decides to follow him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven is a Bengal tiger shifter. He's made up his mind to search various clans and packs, in search of his true mate.
Ramon has the reputation of a player. A lynx shifter, he's determined to go after Haven.

When Haven attempts to turn Ramon down, they exchange a kiss. At this moment, they discover they're mates. More determined than ever, Ramon follows him around. Haven knows he can't get rid of him. So both end up taking this journey together.

Haven's one annoying quality was his harsh judgement of Ramon. In the early stages, it's understandable, but Ramon went above and beyond to prove himself.

Overall, the hard work and determination was all worth it!


**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never give up, never surrender. Haven is about to complete a right of passage going walk about. He is looking forward to the challenges and hopefully, finding his mate. He is also looking forward to getting away from hot Ramon. Ramon, is a playa and Haven wants his person, his one with whom he can settle down. Ramon, has survived a lot. He intends to follow Haven and prove his value, his worth. He wants to spend his life with Haven. Their trek is an adventure of meeting new people, interacting with different animals and overcoming a few twists, hills and valleys. Can Haven settle and look at Ramon? Can Haven take Ramon at face value? Good flow. You will be team Ramon. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Haven was proud, but opinionated and a bit judgmental. Ramon has been through some rough times and has a bit of a reputation. When Haven sets off on his trek to find territory and his life mate, Ramon determines to follow him, because he knows they are mates. Will rumors, preconceived notions, and stubbornness keep these two apart, or will they realize they belong together as true mates? This was my first read in the series, but I didn't feel lost. I absolutely loved Ramon and his determined pursuit of Haven. Now, I think I will go back and find the first two books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Santa Cruz Shifters series and the first one I've read. Haven is a Bengal Tiger and Ramon is a lynx shifter. Ramon knows that Haven is his mate but Haven doesn't realize it. I really liked their story! Loved Ramon's persistence! This was a really well-written story, highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good mm romance adventure. The storyline was interesting and keepme entertained. Haven and Roman are wondering characters and though they have moments of indecision they are a perfect match. This is a entertaining adventure with wonderful characters.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a beautifully written story and hooked me from the start. This is a quick hot read, with an interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!

[MM Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the Santa Cruz Shifters series. The second book in the series, Falling Hard, is as good as the first book. It was nice to see the reoccurring characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haven was one of the most annoying characters that crossed my path lately. Luckily he knows he's a hug prick. All praise for Ramon for not giving up on his tiger, although the tiger part of Haven, was much quicker to accept his mate in the bobcat.

[Jamie Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling hard by marie Booth. The character development between Ramon and havan is just too cute. The bobcats are what makes this book so much fun

[Lena Nedkvitne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Haven is a stubborn tiger... Storyline was really good.

[Marsilisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not going to be doing that author again.
Narrators where good