A Shifter's Choice

Wolves of Hawthorne Cove #5

by Debbie Cassidy

They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I’m hoping that isn’t the case for me

I’m the spawn of darkness, and the news has spread, making me a target for forces designed to protect this world.

I can’t be a danger to the people I love.

I need to fight.

I need to master the power inside me and prove I’m not the monster they believe me to be.

But when the tiniest slip can unleash the darkness, every choice matters.

I just hope I make the right ones.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Fae

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2021

About the author

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...

Reviews

[MandyViolete · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, how can an author make a reader care so deeply for a character??!! I am not a crier - seriously, but the author drug them out over and over and I’m not mad at it either! What a work of art this book is! You will feel all the feelings, you get a ton of surprises, and the ending is the best one!! We get to reconnect with a lot of the characters we’ve loved all series long, and I can’t wait to see who all gets their own spin-offs! The author really knows how to pull things to an end. I’m still blown away. I kind of want to reread everything to see if I missed any puzzle pieces. Absolutely phenomenal read!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Debbie’s stories. She has a great knack for pulling you in and making you feel as if you are the characters you are reading about. This story was no different.

Quinn still has so much to go through and a world to save from the taint. The things she has to deal with for being the taint’s progeny: rejection, conquest, wanted for execution. She must find a way to rid the taint forever and keep her and her guys safe and alive. Secrets are uncovered along the way and they all realize some things aren’t as they seem. The ending may catch at your heartstrings so prepare for the unexpected.

I can’t wait to find out who’s stories we will see come to fruition.

[Vallene Boddington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final book in series...

A gripping tale continues. The world's greatest evil has a plan, and it's coming to fruition.
Quinn, this poor FMC has nothing but tests, battles, surviving on instincts and luck, is put through her paces. Only to face more, betrayal, and inevitable end.
Her harem of shifters, dark mage, and sea deity are fighting a battle that they know will be dark and deadly.
The loss of a side character was heart shattering, but the banding together facing the dark had me cheering!
A Shifter's Choice was packed with action, suspense, betrayal, tradegy, twists, and love. I am sad to see these characters go, but I am off to read Nyx and her adventures. If it's anything like Quinn, I am in for a roller-coaster ride of a read.

Trope:
Friends to lovers. Enemies to lovers. Why choose. He falls first. HEA. Found family. Close proximity. Werewolves. Mages. Sirens. Deities. Fae. Betrayal. Side Character de●th. Fantasy. Romance.

Quote:
"...We aren’t defined by those who raise us. We’re defined by our actions. We’re defined by what we choose to do with our lives.”

“Oh…Oh, my child. What a wonderful contradiction you are.” I covered her hand with my palm. “What is it? What do you see?”“Strength, honor, and purity, despite the dark stain on your soul.” Her gaze was scrutinizing. “Your darkness does not define you. Remember that when you doubt.”

“It means I would burn down the world for you and damn the consequences, because a world without you in it doesn’t deserve to be protected.”

[Gail Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series and the type of shifters this revolved around. Those shifters were an ancient shapeshifter line that migrated from a dying planet and brought an ancient darkness and enemy with them. The female MC, Quinn, is half shifter and half fae hybrid. I loved watching her grow into herself and finally put her needs first. On par for a Cassidy series, this quickly became a favorite series. I am obsessed with this world and the political aspects between humans and supernatural enforcement. The cast of characters was unforgettable. The plot and pace had me reading these late into the night. The next series in this world is centered around Nyx, a demon friend of Quinn. I don’t wait well for books between series so I will likely wait until December for book 6 of the Demon throne series to be published. (4/5 rating)

[Adricrisuruta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this series.

In this last book, we see the final battle between good, represented by Quinn, and evil, represented by her mother, La Mancha.

I loved that Quinn always stayed true to her principles, even though anger, revenge, and pain got in her way many times, pushing her to attack. A beautiful ending for her, but too many things were left to the imagination, and I don't like that. The reunion? The ceremony? Ugh, I want to know.

I enjoyed the entire series and had no problem keeping up with it. I love the POVs of all the characters, knowing what they think and why they react the way they do, and this author allowed me to do that.

[Ashley Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Quinn is trying to go back to normal after what happened. She is trying her
best to keep the taint at bay. Bad things just keep happening to her one after the other. Quinn and friends have one last battle against the taint. Will they win or will the taint win? This is the ending of Quinn’s story. Everything ties together for a great ending. I will miss Quinn and friends.

[Alex(Books-In-A-Storm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I really like this one. It was fun and I need more so I'm going to read the next series. But I so need more so much more.

[Neris G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4
One of the most chaotic paranormal reverse harem romance series I’ve read LOL

[Angela Denny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still not a big fan of Quinn. This was probably the best book in the series to me. I liked how everything was wrapped up in the end. It was great to see Nix and Orina in this book.

[Brittany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible ending to an equally incredible series! I found myself pulled into this book and I was not wanting to get free of it. The characters are so well written and the story weaves seamlessly, you will find yourself lost in another world!

We definitely get the ending we want- ends are tied up and we get a little happy moment for one of my favourite people. Many questions are answered and all the feels are had. This also leads to a great segue for a spin-off series for Nix!

Debbie Cassidy is a brilliant author that is able to make up a complete world, yet make it so real. The characters have really grown over the series and this book will leave you breathless. There are so many highs and lows and twists and turns that you will not know where you are going to end up.

A fantastic read that will stay with you for a while. (I can't say anything else for fear of spoilers!!)

[Dori Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Cassidy wraps up another enthralling tale!
Sometimes, only the longest odds pay out. Quinn was willing to risk her own life to protect her friends, her mates, her home from the Taint. Turns out, that wasn't quite enough...

[Jacqueline Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous finale to a wonderful series. Full of action and drama leading up to a stunning conclusion. Quinn sure turned out to be a full fledged heroine. The love story is epic and I love that there’s a spin-off with her friend Nyx. I can’t wait to read it. This world has far too much flavor to be finished so soon. Definitely recommend.

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Debbie but that she knows how to write one hell of a story. She knows how to create these worlds, these characters and damn can she story build.

Quinn and her men finally get what they deserve and I was so happy to be able to read it. I was so happy with her story and how it ended.

As always it is a five star for Debbie. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Tanya Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final installment in the series

Quinn's story has finally come to a close, there was a bit of heartache in this one but what would a story be without a happy ending and thankfully we got one of those.

There was plenty of action, plenty of heat but it definitely left me wanting more for Quinn and just to see her living her best life without all the mortal peril.

This book tied up the story nicely and gave us glimpses of future books or possibilities of books I love the threads out there in the universe and am looking forward to Nyx's story

[Jacquelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading from this author. This is a review for the 5 book series as a whole. I would rate overall as 3.5.

A reverse Harem where the leading lady has 5 men who are fated to her. The series says it’s shifter book and with the first book it seemed that was the path it would take but it’s so much more. This is a fantasy where our leading lady is a mixed breed of Lycan and what she thought… human. She’s so much more than that. She is rejected by her lycan mate so he can be the alpha of a pack and with her mix breed she might not be able to bare alpha shifting lycan. She’s unable to shift. But don’t worry about this rough gal… this sets her on a path for so much better where she has to face that truth that she deserves so much more. Quinn grew up with her Human friend Tate who she only saw as a friend until they are on a mission together to get a relic for her pack.

In Hawthorne she meets the Alpha she finds out isn’t lycan and is in fact an alien race on earth to ward off a parasite called the “taint”. The alpha Bryce, and 2 others from his pack, Jax and Emmitt. Shortly they find out that they are mated and that Quinn isn’t human after all. She faces trials in the first book, finds out part of her true nature where she is part Siren, learns her mother is the Taint and she is also descendant of a god. In later books she finds another soul bonded mate either a sea god from Atlantis, Dillon.

I enjoyed the relationship interactions with Bryce who is you possessive don’t feel emotions alpha male but falls hard when he connects with human emotions. Jax was super likable in the first 2 books and after it felt like he took a back seat. Emmitt had a berserker so he pushed Quinn away afraid of his beast coming out. He was a sweet heart in a dumb cute way. Her best friend Tate finds out his father his mage and being human if he’s killed before 30 he will turn into a forbidden onyx mage and he is gone for most of the 2nd book trying to control his powers but he was a book scholar that had all heart for Quinn and I felt he was done an injustice. Dillion was probably my favorite and I wished they had more time together and I felt cheated from his lack of time with Quinn and I would have like for her to do the trials in Atlantis but could tell the book took a last minute change in order for the ending to work out.

In most of the books Quinn is trying to fight off the control her mom (the taint) is having over her and she fears she will turn. She is trying to prove to herself and others she won’t turn. The ending felt abrupt and I felt cheated out of a better wrap up with Quinn and the guys post Taint. I’m not sure I’ll read more but I’m kind of curious about Nyx who is Quinn’s friend and her story but I don’t want to invest time in a series if I feel cheated out of a good ending. I shall see.

[booklover4life · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the most convoluted storylines I have ever read. I started the first book because I wanted to read a shifter book. Based on the description that is what I was going to get. Then the storyline just kept getting weirder and weirder. It’s as if the author decided to take 12 different books and throw them all into one series. Aliens? Sirens? Demons? Vampires? Sea gods? Beastly creatures? Faeries? And there are about just as many POV’s to boot. Not only that but there is no mention this was going to be a Reverse Harem book (which I would not have read. I simply thought there was going to be a love triangle. Then the heroine seems to be related to everyone powerful, and she ends up having more mates who are different species than makes sense. I honestly felt like I needed to keep taking notes because I had no idea what was going on, and it started to become hard to follow who and what each character was. I’ll give it to the author for being creative, but this series does not make any sense, and is just utter nonsense to be honest. I have to say that but it’s the truth. The heroine also has sex with so many people I don’t know how you can keep up. The world is ending? My life is over? Let’s throw in a random sex scene and add a new mate with mystical powers of their own. I read through to the end because it was in KU and I wanted to know how ridiculous the story would get by the end. In that sense, it did not disappoint. I also couldn’t get over the repetition of certain words. Unfortunately, this is an author I do not recommend nor will I ever read again.

[AMG · Rating 3 out of 5]

RH - MMMMM/Supernaturals/Enemies to Lovers

SYNOPSIS (of 5 book Series): This story is set in a world where supernaturals and humans coexist. The FC (Quinn) believes she is part human/part Lycan but is unable to shift. As a result she is treated as a bit of an outsider by her pack. She is fated mates with the Alpha’s younger son and her father is Beta. To earn a place for herself in the pack she has become a top enforcer. Quinn’s mother left when she was 3 and her father has always treated her badly and never supported her. Quinn is rejected by her mate and receives an inheritance of a house in Hawthorne Cove. Hawthorne Cove is a place where all supernaturals and humans can live under their own law, protected by an ancient artefact but it does not allow Lycans admittance. Initially Quinn goes to Hawthorne Cove with her best friend Theo to try and steal the artefact as she thinks this will allow her to return to her pack and have a place their which the Alpha has promised but only if she returns with the artefact. The story covers Quinn meeting her other mates, learning that she is not part human but part something else and learning that the artefact is needed to protect not just Hawthorne Cove but the world from an evil called the Taint which wants to destroy the world. There’s plenty of drama and heat with a final battle and HEA in Book 5.

If I could have given this series a 3.5 overall then I would. The writing and editing were good with not too many errors. On the whole this was a decent series but there were some real frustrations that materially detracted from my enjoyment of the story. The world building and back story were solid enough and provided in bits and pieces as the story progressed.

As mentioned by previous reviewers, the author does not so much build Quinn’s character so you can see she is strong and kick ass but just tells you she is both i.e. by telling you how she dresses - yes, leather and a long coat and plenty of weapons - but without any real description of situations where she has shown her strength. I don’t think I ever got a real description of the FC but just had to cobble one together. I prefer to see evidence of a character’s persona and not just be told. The FC irritated me through most of Book 1. She’s supposed to be strong yet she is willing to steal an ancient artefact and leave a town unprotected just so that she can get a position in a pack that have treated her like dirt and where there is no actual certainty she will get what she’s been promised. It took too long for the FC to come to her senses. It took me a while to get over this level of selfishness and weakness and to buy into the apparent selflessness and niceness of the FC which the author then tried to portray.

The story is not unique - FC finds she is more than human and is, in fact an incredibly powerful hybrid; FC is some incredibly kind, generous and selfless individual who is catnip for all her mates; FC is the only one who can save the world. Having said that it is still an enjoyable romp and the story keeps moving. Heat level is above average but not too OTT or plentiful that it overtakes the story.

Unfortunately, by the end of Book 5 I felt there were a number of frustrating holes and unfinished business. The relationship with Dillon was very underdeveloped and having made the whole “immortal” piece a big issue the author just waived it off at the end with a side reference to it being no problem to achieve. It was also hard to correlate the fact that he was a god with the fact that he seemed to be able to do very little to help the FC in any situation.

There were situations that were raised but not resolved - Henrik, for example. Why was this not revisited and why was he not punished or something done about him and what he was doing? With Willow, the climax of this story line was unsatisfying and you never find out what happened afterwards. The situation with the Mageri and their treatment of the Onyx mages was also unresolved. The carnival piece came a bit out of the blue and seemed more of a plot device than organic to the story - it was suddenly introduced as a big reveal and then over with. Finally, what happened to Quinn’s father? Did her mother and grandmother every regret their behaviour? Why was Ward allowed to get away with everything he did? Did Theo resolve his issues about being part of a harem?

I get the author was trying to portray Quinn as perfect and selfless but honestly, ensuring evil is destroyed is also important. It was beyond annoying to have all these evil, nasty individuals just be allowed to get away with what they had done and not be held to account. The climax itself was a “blink and you miss it” finale. After wading through 5 Books the author could not be bothered to provide a decent climax and ending. I mean, the FC is not even the last person you hear from in the book, it’s Nyx. One of my biggest pet peeves is an author who drags you through a long drawn out story and then tries to wrap everything up in a few pages. That’s what this author did and it is beyond annoying and insulting to me as a reader!

So, in summary, a decent enough series if you can overlook the holes and frustrating ending and don’t think too deeply about anything 😬

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story until the end. 3 stars

I really enjoyed this book up until the end. The big battle with the Taint for me was a let down. We go through all of this from books 1-5 and the Taint, this particular part of the Taint just is like yea you’re right you were my kid you were mine to protect and self sacrifices. I’m not a huge fan of that, not at all. It is a let down from all the things because I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what the Taint wanted from Quinn. And then when I found out what she did want from Quinn I was still slightly confused bc it didn’t make sense. Why did she need Quinn when she was out there doing her life thing. And then she claims she wanted to be free and to have love pfffft. Whatever.

And then Bea that was rough but the ending with Dagda however it’s spelled, was a little confusing bc we didn’t see what exactly resulted from that I mean from one of our characters views. I liked the series but this wasn’t my favorite of the universes or series I’ve read of Cassidy’s. Still like her stuff though.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The end

Last book the finale battle ends Quinn's journey.in this she had three best friends one is nate who was in it 90% of the time but orina and Nyks was not in it that much but this series starts at the beginning them making a pack to come if needed when they was younger.but this book ends with a opening to Nyks series we know she is part demon and she had a hellhound chase as a pet but he been missing for a month (is he really a shifter and her mate) and runs her own company (detective work kind of) that's all we learn from this series so don't need to read this one but good for history.
For me I liked the friendships she made Bea Serena( not willow) and her mates but I'm not into more then one mate and five is alot would of been better if it was a pack bond with them all interesting storyline and we might see them in cameos in her friends series.
Question will Quinn and Dillon out live the others?
And what about her mother that is in the cage? It was her body used to make her so she really is her mum?

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set a thrilling pace

Quinn, a shifter of mixed magic, along with Bryce, Jax, and Emmit, her three Faoladh mates, as well as Tate, her best friend and recently triggered onyx mage, and Dillon, an ancient sea god, are trying to navigate the new relationship they find themselves in and the fact that the Taint has gained a small hold on her due to trickery. As the story progresses more losses are felt, trickery abounds, and following her instincts may not be enough to save them from destruction. Debbie Cassidy set a thrilling pace in A Shifter’s Choice. I fell in love with these characters from the start and gained a deeper amount of feels as this series progressed. I have a little bit of hate on for some of the losses they survive, but I know that everything comes from a place of honor in the author’s mind.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series !!

Overall this was an amazing series . It did however move really fast and a lot happened to the MC over just a few weeks . The relationship with her guys was pretty well developed and the relationship with her friends was very well developed . The author made the read unpredictable which was nice . Loved the world building although I would have liked to see some of the supporting characters and places explained a little more . This author also has no issue killing off some of the somewhat main supporting characters . Really the only fault I have with this series is the ending . The short few page epilogue just made it feel less and extremely rushed . The MC gets her HEA but over 5 books the reader expects the ending to be just as fleshed out as the beginning and middle . The battle ending was great but the epilogue was severely lacking unfortunately . Just needed more detail and closure . But still I enjoyed the series overall .

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive and stunning conclusion to Quinn's story, tying all loose ends and answering (most of) the remaining questions. The Taint clearly has a plan and won't refrain from any means to achieve it, corruption and evil being at its core. Quinn is neck deep in trouble, what with her dark powers, her father's predicament and Ward's actions, Willow's interference, and some other surprises. This is again a book the reader cannot put down, devouring it all in one go. It is full of adventure, emotionally charged scenes, deep feelings, and impossible choices. Quinn's character has to withstand many trials proving its strength and purity, and the ultimate sacrifice might be needed to save everyone. There is loss and grief as much as hope and love, and the opening at the end hints at another great series coming soon, set in the same world.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn has been plagued by the fact that she is the daughter of the taint. Now everyone knows this and are gunning for her because they think she is just as dangerous and as much of a threat.
This book is action packed from beginning to end and will keep you on your toes throughout. It follows Quinn and her men Jax, Emmit, Bryce, Dillon and Tate. This is the final book in this amazing series and it does answer some long standing questions and wrap up so much from this series. I’m so sad to see these new favorites go, but happy knowing that Debbie has a spin-off in this world.
This book and this entire series will keep you on your toes constantly guessing and needing to know more. It is an insane thrill ride and mystery rolled into one and the characters are written amazingly.
Give this a chance you won’t be disappointed!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolves of Hawthorne ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🐺 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5 stars is just not enough for this incredible series
I’ve never read anything like it and it’s everything an more
There was so much pact inside a 5 book series
It’s had everything you can imagine you want and need in a series that’s based on the paranormal, shifters, mages, fae and my new favourite sirens hehe as well as other kinds
Some I have never heard before
Debbie Cassidy is a new author for me and it def won’t be the last, I’ve already got my greedy eyes on more of her fantastic books

Like always and I know I’m not the only one, I’m absolutely heartbroken that this is the final book to Quinn and her 5 men
I loved everything about this series, even the bad guys
It’s been a perfect adventure and saying that il be now purchasing the paperback collection

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Cassidy delivers a phenomenal conclusion to the Wolves of Hawthorne Cove series. Quinn and her guys have grown throughout this series. She gives her all and yet things crumble and fall to pieces around them. As mates they have formed and strengthened their bonds throughout, all the trials they have been through together. Secrets are revealed as things are not as they seem. This action packed, drama filled, suspenseful, humorous story concludes with an unexpected ending that will pull at your heart strings. Hope to read more about these characters in spin off series from this author. Can’t recommend this series enough.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC copy for an honest review.

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing end to the series. I've loved getting to know the characters and everything they've gone through.
Quinn has grown and evolved, even though she wasn't at all weak to start with, she's gained so much confidence with everything that has happened. Meeting the guys has changed them too, opening up options they never had before Quinn. I've enjoyed getting to know the guys and seeing the individual relationships.
When I look back at everything that has happened, I can't get my head round just how much has been packed into this series.
This last book of the series is action packed as they have to come together to try and defeat the taint. The ending was perfect for the series and I'll really miss these characters.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

By now, you should pretty much know this story as "A Shifter's Choice" is the 5th and final book in the Wolves of Hawthorne series.
If you wondering if you should just read on or curious before you buy the book if the story stays interesting and worth reading, well - yes, it has only gotten better from the first.
Each new installment raises the bar and adds more depth to the overall story as well as those three dimensional characters with well rounded and believable development and overall growth.
This installment is still filled with the same good stuff from the previous ones and lots more! The ending is an emotional rollercoaster, but worth it.
Chose to read this book! Chose to read this series!

[Noemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm happy that Quinn can finally have her happy ever after, but I'm also sad that I won't be able to read about her and her guys' adventures anymore. I hope they will make a cameo in Nix's story.

This book starts right off where book 4 ended. Tate doesn't want to believe the truth that Lorenzo is telling him about Quinn, and with the help of all Quinn's mate they do whatever they can to protect her from the taint. But when the Mageri council finds out about Quinn, drastic steps need to be taken to protect her and Quinn will have to face the taint one last time to protect the world and the people she love.

I was kindly provided with an ARC by the author, but I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Kimberli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different

I really enjoyed this series. It was different than most RH stories I've read. I liked that Quinn was tough, but not stupid. I liked that her guys made changes to their behaviors to meet Quinn's needs, but that Quinn made changes and tried to meet their needs too. A lot if times series tend to make the guys do all the compromising and the MC doesn't have to do anything to make the relationship work. So I enjoyed seeing compromise. I liked that the guys were protective, but they knew when to let go.

The plot was interesting and the story flowed well. The characters were well developed. I haven't been disappointed in any books I've read by this author, and this one is no exception. Highly recommend if you like RH series.

[Cheryl Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas and a good ending

Overall this is a good story. There are great ideas in it and the characters are generally interesting. However, it feels like there is too much trying to go on at times. It had the feel of a pay per chapter book in places where the story is not evenly developed and we go from one soap opera to another. It also feels like some ideas start to build and then are dumped suddenly. Overall it feels like if the author had edited this story and truly planned out its end at the start then it would have been more concise but would have enhanced her obvious talent in story creation and also her writing style.

Nevertheless it is a great idea and the author developed fantastic characters.