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Nocturne Bay
I Should've Stayed Home: Irwin
Hedgehog shifter, Irwin Chance was not the type to go out to parties, of any kind. A self-confessed introvert with anxiety disorders, he was happy to stay at home, work on his Youtube channel and counsel people from the safety of his home. But Irwin had friends, three of them to be exact, and one of them had gotten him a ticket to the biggest party of the year. Irwin told himself it would be okay - he could livestream the event for his viewers and give them tips along the way. But then Sammy said he'd arrange Irwin's costume... things went downhill from there.
Kolton with a K, was a tiger shifter who totally understood the only way to get anyone to respect him was to show he was powerful at all times. Going to the biggest party of the year was expected of him, although it would've helped if he could remember the name of his date. But when he catches a hint of the most amazing scent in the entire world, his tiger sprung to life and Kolton knew his mate was near. Or so he thought.
Too bad, Kolton got the wrong guy.
Insults fly, some introspection is required, and when a tiger mom gets in on the act, Kolton's the one wishing he'd stayed home. But the Fates don't like being ignored, and now all Kolton has to do is work out how to make things right with a certain hedgehog shifter... it would help if he'd stop putting his foot in his mouth.
Kolton with a K, was a tiger shifter who totally understood the only way to get anyone to respect him was to show he was powerful at all times. Going to the biggest party of the year was expected of him, although it would've helped if he could remember the name of his date. But when he catches a hint of the most amazing scent in the entire world, his tiger sprung to life and Kolton knew his mate was near. Or so he thought.
Too bad, Kolton got the wrong guy.
Insults fly, some introspection is required, and when a tiger mom gets in on the act, Kolton's the one wishing he'd stayed home. But the Fates don't like being ignored, and now all Kolton has to do is work out how to make things right with a certain hedgehog shifter... it would help if he'd stop putting his foot in his mouth.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2021
23 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Oliver
206 books945 followersLisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 1, 2021
Klayton is an irredeemable jackhole. This story was too short to actually give his character the time to change and make amends to Irwin. One therapy "breakthrough", a quick apology and voila! makeup bang. What makes it even worse is the only reason Klayton decides to speak to Irwin with even the tiniest amount of respect and vulnerability is because he learns if he keeps rejecting Irwin he will literally die. Klayton is gross and ending up with him was not my idea of an HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2023
I really loved Irwin, but Kolton was irredeemable for me. He was still talking bad about Irwin at 50% through the book. When he said he didn’t think his dick would work for Irwin, I wanted to punch him. Irwin was WAY more forgiving than I would have been. I don’t think Kolton groveled enough or deserved Irwin in any way.
November 21, 2021
Have to agree with other saying Kolton had no redeeming qualities. Irwin was better off with Damon.
March 19, 2022
This book is my first five star of the near year. I really enjoyed reading this book. I feel as if it has a message to people. The message for me is that you should be more open and not so quick to judge. Irwin is a hedge hog shifter who gets invited to a club opening. Normally that is not a big thing but he is not a very outgoing person. He actually hosts a web show for introverts. Kolton is a powerful tiger shifter who requires his dates to meet a strict set of physical requirements. Irwin and Kolton meet and Kolton insults Irwin very harshly on live stream even though it is revealed they are fated mates. Will the mate bond be strong to soothe misconceptions and hurt feelings.
January 4, 2022
It is impressive how well this story manages to turn what seems like an impossible relationship into one that works so well. It manages to keep from having it be to easy to change while still learning what makes each character tick and bring them together in a way that makes them both stronger.
Irwin is a well respected therapist and Youtuber with a small following that blows up when a bar incident goes viral. Said bar incident is actually Irwin meeting his mate, Kolton. Now that is an irredeemable asshole if there ever was one. There was actually a moment that I thought this would be a DNF because there was no way that Kolton could turn it around. Their meeting goes poorly, them Kolton is unrepentant about it, then he tries to get around the whole mating thing and keep his carefree dating life. It was pretty wild and it seemed impossible. But when Kolton starts wanting to know more about Irwin and stalks him on a date (not cool, but makes sense with the story) there is possibility there. When it comes down to the two finally having a real conversation things break open in a pretty spectacular way and it is possible to see what there is in Kolton. It is also time for Irwin to shine, showing that strength doesn't have to be in size but comes in many ways, and that he too can protect his mate and brings equality to their partnership.
The only thing that was a bit much was the actual breakthrough itself in timing. The saving grace is that Kolton admits changing will be an ongoing process and each of their issues is something they will always have. It was good to see such an imperfect relationship working itself out.
Irwin is a well respected therapist and Youtuber with a small following that blows up when a bar incident goes viral. Said bar incident is actually Irwin meeting his mate, Kolton. Now that is an irredeemable asshole if there ever was one. There was actually a moment that I thought this would be a DNF because there was no way that Kolton could turn it around. Their meeting goes poorly, them Kolton is unrepentant about it, then he tries to get around the whole mating thing and keep his carefree dating life. It was pretty wild and it seemed impossible. But when Kolton starts wanting to know more about Irwin and stalks him on a date (not cool, but makes sense with the story) there is possibility there. When it comes down to the two finally having a real conversation things break open in a pretty spectacular way and it is possible to see what there is in Kolton. It is also time for Irwin to shine, showing that strength doesn't have to be in size but comes in many ways, and that he too can protect his mate and brings equality to their partnership.
The only thing that was a bit much was the actual breakthrough itself in timing. The saving grace is that Kolton admits changing will be an ongoing process and each of their issues is something they will always have. It was good to see such an imperfect relationship working itself out.
December 1, 2021
A hedgehog and a tiger meet at a party
Awww! I really liked this story about Irwin and Kolton. Despite having social anxiety and being an introvert, Irwin has made quite a name for himself as a YouTube psychologist. When he runs into his fated mate at a costume party, he is insulted and rejected based on his smaller statue and softer body type. Kolton is inexcusably rude and offensive when he first meets his mate - mistakenly thinking that the scent he has been chasing is someone else. When the live video of his callous behavior goes viral, Kolton is left scrambling to do damage control to his reputation and business interests, and only one person can help. Irwin, the twice rejected mate! I loved how calm and rational Irwin was throughout everything. He never sunk to bad mouthing his mate in return and genuinely wanted to help Kolton see that how he'd been living before wasn't really living. There was a lot of truly good and valid advice for people that suffer from social anxiety and introvertism, but it didn't come off as stuffy or overly clinical. I can't wait to read the other books in this series to see how the other friends in this little group find their mates. Absolutely enjoyed this!
Awww! I really liked this story about Irwin and Kolton. Despite having social anxiety and being an introvert, Irwin has made quite a name for himself as a YouTube psychologist. When he runs into his fated mate at a costume party, he is insulted and rejected based on his smaller statue and softer body type. Kolton is inexcusably rude and offensive when he first meets his mate - mistakenly thinking that the scent he has been chasing is someone else. When the live video of his callous behavior goes viral, Kolton is left scrambling to do damage control to his reputation and business interests, and only one person can help. Irwin, the twice rejected mate! I loved how calm and rational Irwin was throughout everything. He never sunk to bad mouthing his mate in return and genuinely wanted to help Kolton see that how he'd been living before wasn't really living. There was a lot of truly good and valid advice for people that suffer from social anxiety and introvertism, but it didn't come off as stuffy or overly clinical. I can't wait to read the other books in this series to see how the other friends in this little group find their mates. Absolutely enjoyed this!
February 18, 2023
3.25 stars
Cute and a tiny bit preachy. Yes, Kolton is a major ass to Irwin. No, he doesn't apologize for his behavior until their third meeting, after being whacked upside the head by his mother with the fear of . (Way to go, Mom -- more than just mildly scary there...) Irwin was adorable and hella smart and lovely to his patients/watchers, and the different parts of him weren't very will integrated. The whole story probably could've stood to have been a little more developed, but honestly, Kolton kinda wasn't worth more of my time than this took to read. I'm still interested in seeing how the other three fare with their mates and will probably read them eventually. I'm also not going to go out of my way to shove them into my reading schedule. (I sorta dislike Sammy, the pushy little shit, so I'm putting his book off until last for sure.)
Cute and a tiny bit preachy. Yes, Kolton is a major ass to Irwin. No, he doesn't apologize for his behavior until their third meeting, after being whacked upside the head by his mother with the fear of . (Way to go, Mom -- more than just mildly scary there...) Irwin was adorable and hella smart and lovely to his patients/watchers, and the different parts of him weren't very will integrated. The whole story probably could've stood to have been a little more developed, but honestly, Kolton kinda wasn't worth more of my time than this took to read. I'm still interested in seeing how the other three fare with their mates and will probably read them eventually. I'm also not going to go out of my way to shove them into my reading schedule. (I sorta dislike Sammy, the pushy little shit, so I'm putting his book off until last for sure.)
December 3, 2021
Great end to the series*
Couldn't put this one down despite promising myself to only read the preview and then go to bed.
This author writes good main and side characters that leave you feeling you were just with a dear friend. The cute hedgehog shifter was so composed in the face of triggers that I can't help but Stan.
Yes, there are a couple of errors in the book, but when reading this authors characters I find myself way more forgiving. Awesome plot, what a catastrophic meeting! Yes other commenters have said the turn around moment was pretty quick, but this wasn't a long book so I didn't notice.
* although I wish I had a chapter or two on the meet up the friends are all going to where they introduce their mates.
Couldn't put this one down despite promising myself to only read the preview and then go to bed.
This author writes good main and side characters that leave you feeling you were just with a dear friend. The cute hedgehog shifter was so composed in the face of triggers that I can't help but Stan.
Yes, there are a couple of errors in the book, but when reading this authors characters I find myself way more forgiving. Awesome plot, what a catastrophic meeting! Yes other commenters have said the turn around moment was pretty quick, but this wasn't a long book so I didn't notice.
* although I wish I had a chapter or two on the meet up the friends are all going to where they introduce their mates.
November 14, 2021
A great fun read with a moral to the tale.
Kolton is an a$$hat without any apparent redeeming qualities until he realised he needed a therapist and found the perfect one in his mate. The first scene with his mother is hilarious!
Irwin may have social anxiety but he's very intelligent and has developed many strategies/coping mechanisms for dealing with this in any situation. He's definitely a sweetheart and non judgemental enough to help his idiot mate understand his issues, which allows him to overcome his issues and see value and worth to be able to respect others.
A short read that packs in so much and entertains to no end!
Kolton is an a$$hat without any apparent redeeming qualities until he realised he needed a therapist and found the perfect one in his mate. The first scene with his mother is hilarious!
Irwin may have social anxiety but he's very intelligent and has developed many strategies/coping mechanisms for dealing with this in any situation. He's definitely a sweetheart and non judgemental enough to help his idiot mate understand his issues, which allows him to overcome his issues and see value and worth to be able to respect others.
A short read that packs in so much and entertains to no end!
December 9, 2021
Rating: 3 stars
I wanted to like this more than I did. The major problem was Kolton (with a K). He was so unlikable. I know Ms. Oliver likes to write characters like this but in this case, I don't think she did a good job of turning his character around so that the romance between Kolton and Irwin was believable. She also used the plot device (another one prevalent throughout her books) that as fated mates, if they don’t get together, they will die. I usually don’t mind this but, in this case, I just felt like Irwin was forced into the mating and he could have done better. Overall, not one of her best.
I wanted to like this more than I did. The major problem was Kolton (with a K). He was so unlikable. I know Ms. Oliver likes to write characters like this but in this case, I don't think she did a good job of turning his character around so that the romance between Kolton and Irwin was believable. She also used the plot device (another one prevalent throughout her books) that as fated mates, if they don’t get together, they will die. I usually don’t mind this but, in this case, I just felt like Irwin was forced into the mating and he could have done better. Overall, not one of her best.
October 13, 2022
not your average meet-cute
I loved this book! Irwin may be an introvert, but his online channel nowhere he gives advice for people with mental health issues is very popular. Kolton, with a K, is a very successful CEO who has never had anyone call him on his arrogance. Until the night they meet at a Halloween party. And then chaos ensues. This story was so cute and I loved every word. I have actually enjoyed all of these stories and would read them all again. The characters are what make it all worthwhile.
I loved this book! Irwin may be an introvert, but his online channel nowhere he gives advice for people with mental health issues is very popular. Kolton, with a K, is a very successful CEO who has never had anyone call him on his arrogance. Until the night they meet at a Halloween party. And then chaos ensues. This story was so cute and I loved every word. I have actually enjoyed all of these stories and would read them all again. The characters are what make it all worthwhile.
November 14, 2021
Awwww
I loved this book. There were definitely some moments where you wanted to hit Kolton upside the head, just to knock some sense into him. Also many more where you laughed or even cried. I absolutely adore Irwin and loved his ability to see things from many points of view. Many people wouldn’t have been able to overlook the things that were said but he was able to see beyond them and find happiness.
I loved this book. There were definitely some moments where you wanted to hit Kolton upside the head, just to knock some sense into him. Also many more where you laughed or even cried. I absolutely adore Irwin and loved his ability to see things from many points of view. Many people wouldn’t have been able to overlook the things that were said but he was able to see beyond them and find happiness.
November 18, 2021
WOW!!!
I don’t know how Lisa Oliver did it. I know I’m not the only one who couldn’t stand Kolton for a good bit of this book. But by the end I genuinely liked him. And that transition was natural. I have so much respect for Irwin. He definitely was the bigger man. While in my opinion Kolton was kind of clueless. Now his mom is awesome. I also am curious about Damon. I want his story.
I don’t know how Lisa Oliver did it. I know I’m not the only one who couldn’t stand Kolton for a good bit of this book. But by the end I genuinely liked him. And that transition was natural. I have so much respect for Irwin. He definitely was the bigger man. While in my opinion Kolton was kind of clueless. Now his mom is awesome. I also am curious about Damon. I want his story.
January 2, 2024
Cute story of missed mating signals
Irwin, a hedgehog shifter is a therapist who specializes in helping those with social anxiety. He goes to a party wearing a body camera to show his patients how to deal with new situations. He meets his mate, Kolton, a tiger shifter who is arrogant, insulting and rejects him. The video goes viral and so do problems. A great story following our couple to a HEA.
Irwin, a hedgehog shifter is a therapist who specializes in helping those with social anxiety. He goes to a party wearing a body camera to show his patients how to deal with new situations. He meets his mate, Kolton, a tiger shifter who is arrogant, insulting and rejects him. The video goes viral and so do problems. A great story following our couple to a HEA.
December 3, 2021
Awesome.
There aren’t enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. After what Kolton with a K pulled, I actually CRIED, that’s how real that moment felt to me. Who Does that, but I did; it made you Feel. But Irwin’s character, his intelligence and overall Fabulousness is what I would want in a partner. Read the series. You. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed.
There aren’t enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. After what Kolton with a K pulled, I actually CRIED, that’s how real that moment felt to me. Who Does that, but I did; it made you Feel. But Irwin’s character, his intelligence and overall Fabulousness is what I would want in a partner. Read the series. You. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed.
December 11, 2021
Quirky
Quirky yet sweet little story. The characters were entertaining. The story made me smile. I love shifters and appreciate when an author brings in an unusual animal shifter. I was close to giving 5 stars but the editing errors stopped that. They were not many but the errors stopped my reading flow. Will read others in this as Dane by this author.
Quirky yet sweet little story. The characters were entertaining. The story made me smile. I love shifters and appreciate when an author brings in an unusual animal shifter. I was close to giving 5 stars but the editing errors stopped that. They were not many but the errors stopped my reading flow. Will read others in this as Dane by this author.
February 8, 2022
Redemption
I always love Lisas books and I loved Irwin and Kolton too.
Kolton really put his foot in it when meeting his fated mate and he had to make up for it. But we all know that fate is never wrong and a introvert hedgehog shifter can be just perfect for an arrogant tiger shifter.
I always love Lisas books and I loved Irwin and Kolton too.
Kolton really put his foot in it when meeting his fated mate and he had to make up for it. But we all know that fate is never wrong and a introvert hedgehog shifter can be just perfect for an arrogant tiger shifter.
December 6, 2021
I always love Ms. Oliver's books...that said, it did take me awhile to real warm up to this story. I have to say I hated Kolton with a K with a passion. I did warm up to him but have to say that I loved his mom the best.
December 22, 2021
Another hit for Lisa Oliver
Couldn't put this down! Now I have to read all the other books about Nocturne Bay. Thank you so much for taking a break from your other series to write this story.
Couldn't put this down! Now I have to read all the other books about Nocturne Bay. Thank you so much for taking a break from your other series to write this story.
February 23, 2022
Nocturne bay
This was such a fun shorter story that I devoured in one reading that is apparently part of a multi author series that features the other three friends meeting their fated mate the same night this pair started their incredible journey
This was such a fun shorter story that I devoured in one reading that is apparently part of a multi author series that features the other three friends meeting their fated mate the same night this pair started their incredible journey
August 1, 2022
Best of set
Set of 4 books about 4 shifters who meet their larger shifter mates at costume party all ok m\m romances but this one I prefer
because better character development and less sex scenes.
Set of 4 books about 4 shifters who meet their larger shifter mates at costume party all ok m\m romances but this one I prefer
because better character development and less sex scenes.
November 15, 2021
Really enjoyed this story
Really enjoyed this story! A different tale but fun all the same! Loved the new aspects of characters and as always love Lisa's writing!
Really enjoyed this story! A different tale but fun all the same! Loved the new aspects of characters and as always love Lisa's writing!
November 19, 2021
Loved it
Loved every one of the books of course I love reading books from all of these authors so I knew I would love them
Loved every one of the books of course I love reading books from all of these authors so I knew I would love them
November 27, 2021
As usual she never fails
Loved this story. The charters were cute and got a message that anxiety is real..And you can come across your love in strange places
Loved this story. The charters were cute and got a message that anxiety is real..And you can come across your love in strange places
November 29, 2021
Great series
Enjoyed all the ups and downs. Hope to see more from Nocturne Bay and this group of Authors. Always HEA
Enjoyed all the ups and downs. Hope to see more from Nocturne Bay and this group of Authors. Always HEA
March 8, 2022
Enjoyed this but not as much as her other work.
October 27, 2023
It was mostly about Irwin being a social media influencer. The romance part of the book was so low angst and the problems were resolved so quickly, it wasn't the main focus of the story.
November 15, 2023
Good until I reached the middle of the story and everything got ridiculous real fast.
July 5, 2025
The beginning is shared with other books in this series and was not really indicative of the rest of the book. The middle was good after which the ending was somewhat disappointing. It should be noted (spoiler alert) that the tiger only accepted the hedgehog as his mate once he discovered that he would die otherwise, which makes his professions of true love questionable at best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews