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Sometimes you need to unleash the beast inside...

Cate's solitary life as a goddess is turned upside down when she agrees to attend a speed dating event with her mortal friend. When she's paired with Gunner—a shifter with an attitude—sparks fly, and she soon finds herself entangled in a fate she cannot fight. The night will not last forever, and she must find a way to set Gunner’s caged spirit free.

Can Cate fulfill her duty and link her destiny with his—before time runs out?

Hecate is book six in the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld shared world, filled with badass witchy goddesses, broody shifters, and more.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2022

6 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Ariel Dawn

69 books281 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Ariel Dawn is a real life mermaid and self-professed geek with a penchant for a good book and a strong cup of coffee (or tea!).

Ariel writes plot driven paranormal romance, monster romance, reverse harem, and urban fantasy featuring feisty heroines, sinfully delicious heroes, and neurodivergent besties.

As a fellow neurodivergent, when she isn't writing, she can be found cosplaying, attending conventions, or creating all sorts of artwork in her studio. She loves hanging out with family and friends as well as playing video games and board games with her retro gamer husband.

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5 stars
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21 (28%)
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5 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy Sickle.
1,468 reviews152 followers
March 9, 2023
Cate's been hurt before and sworn off on finding love she's very happy running her animal rescue and living alone in the woods. When her friend ropes her into attending speed dating she has no intention of finding Gunner a grumpy werewolf who has yet to shift and his time is running out. It's almost as if there meeting was fate because they are just what the other needed.

First off look at the stunning cover it's what first captured my attention plus it's in the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld which I have been devouring. I love Cate (Hecate) she's the sweet caring animal loving girl who enjoys her quiet life in the mortal world. I think Gunner is a perfect counter part to her. I'm a sucker for a happy ever after and this one checked that box. A captivating whirlwind story that I didn't want to end. I would love another book of Cate and hope to see her in other books of the series.

This is my first book by the author but I have several of her books on my TBR list that I hope to get to in the near future. Her storytelling is beautiful it flows from start to finish. I actually had a hard time putting it down and had to finish it in one reading session. I had to get that happy ever after from Cate and Gunner.
Profile Image for StormEnchantra.
137 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2022
Hecate is a fast paced thrill of a romance. It's based on mythologogical characters set in today's society. It offers lots of laughs, crazy friends, stubbornness between Cate & Gunner, friendship, love, & tackles everyday questions we all have. It definitely gives you the feels at times, yet remains relatable. Prepare yourself for a crazy good time. I love how stubborn and sassy Cate is. This book is the perfect way to finish your day curled up with laughs, romance, & paranormal problems. I definitely recommend this book. It brings the heat too.
1,774 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2022
I love the way this series brings mythological into a modern day setting, romance never comes easy or without a price. Hecate has become asocial and Gunner is not a cute guy who wears his heart on his sleeves. Two stubborn adults, with a limited time to fix Gunner's problems. Light hearted, hot fun.
6,480 reviews22 followers
June 29, 2022
This is a fast paced addition to the multi author series Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld. Both Cate and Gunner are two stubborn characters. They mesh really well together. The story is lighhearted and humorous with a fantastic cast of characters.
3 reviews
June 13, 2022
This is a good read. And it's different than the normal shifter books and I really enjoyed it and I will gladly recommend it to anyone that is interested in shifter books.

I received a free copy of this book via Goodreads and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda.
374 reviews
June 21, 2022
A great addition with unique characters, fast paced, you'll laugh to out loud.
Hecate now known as Cate is talked into going to speed and by her human friend Darcy.
Nothing goes right and she has to load a unconscious wolf shifter into her animal rescue van after she unknowingly causes him to collapse.
Not only does Darcy go with he but they pick up Lucifer and his date along the way.
Darcy and Lucifer flirt during the trip.
Gunner is supposed to be taking over as Alpha but he has one pro, he can't shift.
They wolf shifters hasn't needs Hecate forever but shelling to help Gunner then shut him out.
Too bad he doesn't agree!
I received this book from Booksprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
1,897 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2022
Cate is persuaded to attend the speed dating event at DeLux cafe. She is a goddess and has isolated herself and isn’t looking for love. Gunner is a wolf shifter who can’t shift. He is forced to the speed dating event by a friend trying to cheer him up. When they meet there is an instant connection but both are stubborn and try to ignore the pull. Cate helps Gunner with his shifting issues but doesn’t allow him emotionally close. Gunner isn’t giving up his mate now his wolf is awake. Hot, steamy, slow burn , paranormal romance. Fun, exciting read and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cynthia Khan.
2,727 reviews9 followers
June 22, 2022
This is Book 6 of Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld. This is a story for Hecate and Gunner. This is one complicated relationship you have the Goodness of the Moon and a shifter with a secret. When Hecate meets Gunner she helps him after she finds out his secret. But then they both go separate ways because Hecate pushes Gunner away but she doesn’t know she is his mate. What will happen now that he finds his mate but she is immortal and he is not.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,876 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2022
Cate ( Hecate) is a goddess. She was soured on love through out time. Gunner is a wolf shifter that has never shifted. They meet at a speed dating get-to-gether. Cate helps Gunner release his wolf in a ritual, that's when the wolf makes it know that Cate was his and Gunner's fated mate.
This book kept me reading with the drama between Hecate and Gunner. Sometimes I chuckled with Gunner's teasing Cate and cried when Cate heart broke from her thoughts of Gunner leaving her like others in the past.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,168 reviews58 followers
July 2, 2022
This was such a great story that I had to finish it in one sitting. Cate, a Goddess, agrees to go to a speed dating event with her mortal friend. She gets paired with a shifter, Gunner, who has a bad attitude. An enjoyable, fantastic, fun, entertaining storyline. Cate ends up helping Gunner with his stasis and freeing his wolf. Gunner and Cate are great characters and take us on a wonderful adventure. This has been a really great series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,651 reviews34 followers
June 26, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Cate is convinced to go to the speed dating event and meets Gunner. Sparks fly between them and the confrontation leaves Gunner in stasis. Cate takes him home and helps him both with the stasis release and uncaging his wolf. It was very interesting how she did this. Cate not expecting more from Gunner is surprises when he returns for her as her mate.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
July 3, 2022
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW of Hecate by Ariel Dawn, the sixth book in the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld. This is a fast paced sexy read, I absolutely loved Hecate and Gunnar's story. A sweet story that shows that no one is immune to the insecurities and drama that love can bring or cure. My only issue with this read... I want more!


This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
708 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2022
This is Goddess Cate and Werewolf Gunner’s story. Gunner is an alpha who’s never fully come into his power. Cate hides away from the humans because it’s easier. Both meet at the speed dating event, this time time is truly of the essence. Can this witty, yet very stubborn couple defy the odds and fix what needs to be fixed while maybe finding some happiness along the way? Their friends sure hope so!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra.
379 reviews
July 23, 2022
ok book

I liked the plot for the most part but found the numerous introspective moments from Hecate and short poetics ramblings distracting as they slowed the plot down for me, like mini speed bumps. Another issue I had is that Gunner seemed more of a side character in his own book than the main male character. I also found the ending somewhat disappointing. Overall good and worth reading as it introduces Hades and Darcy who are in an upcoming book in the series.
2,173 reviews28 followers
June 18, 2022
I love the way this is set like urban fantasy as in they are living along beside us. Cate and Gunnar are great. witchy Goddess and a shifter make for in interesting match and some fun reading. I read this straight through and Loved It!!! No Spoilers! Read It!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12k reviews75 followers
June 24, 2022
The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Hecate, Goddess, and Gunner, Wolf Shifter, and does not let go. The story keeps us turning the pages with Gods, Goddesses, Demons and Shifters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,456 reviews49 followers
June 28, 2022
Another fantastic addition to this series with Hecate aka Cate and Gunner two very stubborn paranormals Cate who helps Gunner when she finds out his secret then she pushes him away but Gunner is not going to give up so easily without his mate. Fantastic chuckle worthy story I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend this book it’s well worth the read.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,295 reviews51 followers
June 29, 2022
I enjoyed this book. Great world building- as are all the books in this series. The story was fast-paced and interesting. I liked that one of the two is a shifter, and the other a goddess. (A shifter who couldn't shift is even more intriguing!) Both Cate and Gunner are stubborn and set in their ways. But this was a fun, slow burn with some funny moments. I enjoyed it. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2022
Hecate, Goddess of the Moon and witches, is talked into going to a speed dating event where she meets a shifter. Gunner is a wolf-shifter who is supposed to be the next Alpha but has so far never shifted. This story is full of romance and steam, ending with a promise. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wendy Ihnat.
311 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2022
Snarky Goddess....

This whole series is amazing. This one was beautiful! Snarky Goddess of the Moon, gets her heart handed to her by sarcastic Gunner, a wolf who hadn't shifted. Throw in Hades, Lucifer, and her friend Darcy, and you have an awesome outcome. I highly recommend this series be read in order, so you can follow the order of the *dating* outcomes. Great story!
640 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2022
This is the sixth book in the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld series. It's a fast-paced and standalone book that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
This is a story about a goddess (h) and a wolf shifter (H) who has never shifted. They meet at the speed dating get together at the cafe.
Read to find out what happens.
623 reviews12 followers
April 16, 2023
I thoroughly enjoy this series and loved that Hecate has now been used as she is very rarely used as a character.
I really liked Gunner as well, the two main characters suited each other. The story flowed well.
I would continue reading this series and more from this author. I now need to know about Darcy and Hades!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
277 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2025
The goddess of the moon finds her mate

Another great story about speed dating. Cate finds her mate is a shifter. But can she free his caged wolf and set herself free too? So interesting ritual sex but nothing super hot and heavy. I can't wait to find out what happens with Hades too.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
521 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2022
A slow burn romance that sizzles along until it explodes! A spirit in need of help, a goddess in need of renewal also. Hot, fast n sweet!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,486 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2022
Who says goddesses especially like cate can’t have love. All it took was a speed date to set things into motion. Pretty sweet how she helped gunner . This book was fun and the steamy scene was sweet. This was a fun read!.

1,904 reviews8 followers
June 28, 2022
A very enjoyable and entertaining story! Fantastic characters and a wonderful storyline! Gets you hooked from the beginning!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,450 reviews32 followers
July 1, 2022
Ariel Dawn has done a great job with her addition to this multi-author series. She has provided us with a well written and entertaining story line.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pat .
4,151 reviews20 followers
June 27, 2022
She is a goddess on the speed dating scene only to be paired with a shifter with an attitude. But all not as it seems. She snneds to set free his wolf. Can they make it i time and get an HEA
1,119 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2022
These books are just worth all the stars, this one had the amazing blend of humour and heat and just so well written. Coming back to earth was a shock to the system after getting so invested.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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