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Etherya's Earth #6.5

Garridan's Mate

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General Garridan thrived for centuries without a bonded mate. Born an aristocrat, he relinquished his family’s wealth and privilege to fight in the Vampyre immortal army. Although his father wants him to bond with an aristocrat, Garridan only has eyes for one woman.

Siora is a natural warrior. When the army finally allows women to join, she vows to become the first female battalion leader. Dreams of an amber-eyed Vampyre general have no place in her world, even if he is the only man who’s ever made her long for a bonded mate.

Consumed by her skill and effort, along with her inherent natural beauty, Garridan offers to help Siora secure a leadership position as they near the final battle with Bakari. Although she swears they have no future, he yearns to claim the stubborn woman as his mate. Can two warriors from different paths find love or will fear douse their spark before it’s barely begun to burn?

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2022

40 people are currently reading
334 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Hefner

32 books1,236 followers
USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Hefner grew up in Western NC and now calls the Hudson River of NYC home. A huge Buffy and Star Wars fan, she loves an epic fantasy and a surprise twist (Luke, he IS your father).

Before becoming an author, Rebecca had a successful twelve-year medical device sales career. After launching her own indie publishing company, she is now a full-time author who loves writing strong, complex characters who find their HEAs.

Rebecca can usually be found making dorky and/or embarrassing posts on TikTok and Instagram. Please join her so you can laugh along with her!

You can find all of Rebecca's books here, along with content warnings: https://www.rebeccahefner.com/books

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 14 books609 followers
June 6, 2022
In GARRIDAN’S MATE by Rebecca Hefner, Garridan, who is a commander in the army, has been tasked with training the first class of female warriors. Among them is Siora, a fierce fighter who is loyal to her father and wants to lead her own battalion in the upcoming conflict against the demon Bakari. I’ve followed this series since the beginning and one thing I really love is the way the world of vampires and slayers has evolved over time, with couples from older books getting mated and having children we’ve gotten to watch grow up and pair off, and also watching social progress come to the kingdom, like the kick-butt vampire/slayer women demanding their males allow them to fight alongside them in battle. It’s also fun getting to see characters from previous books pop up, and I really liked seeing Latimus in this one! Siora and Garridan have a fierce chemistry sparking during training, and especially during their special private training sessions where things get heated. 🔥❤🔥 I also really liked that Siora is depicted as muscular and statuesque in build, as a true warrior. There’s some jealousy at first over some of the other women in the book she considers more traditional mates for Garridan, but when these two come together it is scorching.🔥🔥🔥 This is a deliciously steamy PNR that left me eager to read the next book in the series. Side plots involving scheming parents trying a bit of matchmaking introduced some characters I’m hoping we might see in a future novella!
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,213 reviews119 followers
December 16, 2022
GARRIDAN'S MATE is part of the Etherya's Earth series, taking place before the battle between Bakari and Callie.

Garridan was born an aristocrat but prefers being a soldier. Siora is one of the first women allowed into the army. Together, these two are badass... once they can get past the misunderstandings that litter their every confrontation.

This was a great addition to one of my favourite series and I'm hoping to hear more about Sebastian and Celine. I also really want to go back and read Callie's story again, just because I can.

This packs a punch, even though it is a novella. The story flows perfectly and the pacing is spot-on. Everything you could ask for in a novella. A great addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Profile Image for Erin M. Cooper.
482 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2023
As all of the Etherya's Earth novellas go, this one was just as good. Set between book six and seven. Around the time of the final battle with Bakari and his Deamon troops. Tells the story of Siora and Garridan, and how they come together with falling in love with each other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Dasha.
1,588 reviews21 followers
July 24, 2025
Esto es lo que pasa cuando se empieza una serie por el medio 😅
Tengo pendiente la primera novela, ya veremos. Pero es un universo interesante.
3,001 reviews44 followers
February 16, 2024
This book is best read between books six and seven of the Etherya’s Earth series. It tells the story of one of the first female soldiers in the Vampyre Immortal army, Siora, who was brought up on a farm and doesn’t fit the normal mould of many women. She has never thought of having a mate, just in being a warrior and becoming the first ever female battalion leader! General Garridan has been in the army since before the Awakening and has been a bachelor for centuries, never feeling the need for a companion or getting bonded. He has fought beside Latimus since that time long ago and is a good friend, even though he doesn’t take advantage of their friendship. He was brought up as the second son of a high level aristocratic family, thankful he has an older brother, Sebastian, who could take the family lineage onwards and be the aristocratic person his father wants Garridan to act like as well. He gave up his trust fund to the army he lives and breathes for, but found the addition of women in the army hard to handle, forgetting to not call the troops men, which annoys Siora no end. She feels he seems to pick on her all the time and she hates him for it! She is in third place in the running for the battalion leader position and has a tell which Garridan and Latimus pull her up on in her close quarters combat training.

Garridan’s father has wanted him to bond with an aristocratic woman and is pushing him to into a bonding ceremony with Celine, who he has been seeing for some time, but he has no romantic interest in her. He has instead, found himself interested in a certain skilful female in his training group, who he only wants to know better if only she didn’t hate him so! He offers to give her one to one training to help her get rid of her tell, to hopeful give her that push to overcome her opponents in the fight to become one of the new battalion leaders. It takes a few evenings of extra training to finally get rid of her tell, but also getting so much closer to Garridan himself. She dreams of Garridan being her bonded mate and the children they might have together, but she knows the son of an aristocrat would never be with someone like her, especially in public. They don’t exist in anywhere near the same kind of social circles! They can’t deny their chemistry for each other, as she finally accepts he doesn’t hate her, as his body’s reaction to her proves. They have little time until the final battle and training has to intensify. He has to work on making her realise he is serious about being with him, but she denies him the chance to even discuss it, believing hit can never happen. A fundraising event amongst the aristocratic families, brings about a surprising introduction to society for Siora and seeing Garridan there, doesn’t help her feel worthy of him! She will have words about who he was with, but it will only have made her worst fears come to life and she will need to decide if he truly wants her and would give up everything for her, which she still doubts. The final battle may well cement their true feelings for each other, as death could come for any of them, at any minute, against such a dangerous foe. A great ending to this short love story and for female equality in this immortal world. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
August 6, 2023
Military Love Story Between Classes

I'm really enjoying this broad, sweeping series in the well-imagined, detailed world of Etheryea’s Earth created by this talented author. The series has multiple major novels featuring the key characters in the world, with novellas starring secondary characters. The novels show us the lives of the movers and shakers in the immortal world and the seismic shifts that are happening in their world, and the novellas show how life is lived by more ordinary people in the realm and how they are affected by the shifts. This novella focuses on a member of the nobility who has chosen to be in the military. In this world, it is highly irregular for a noble to choose that life, preferring to stay pampered and wedding within certain prescribed societal lines, etc. But the hero wanted, and now has, a very different life. He has risen up the ranks because of his own skills and abilities. Until recently, the immortal realm has not allowed female soldiers. The heroine is one of the first and is attracting the notice of the higher-ups because she is such a confident, competent warrior. She certainly comes to the notice of the hero, her direct command. As this is a romance, both are attracted to each other, but each feels acting on it or hoping for a more permanent relationship is simply not in the cards for them. The hero's parents certainly want him to follow the more traditional noble route when it comes to a mate, choosing pedigree over compatibility, but he is very drawn to the kick-butt female soldier. She, of course, finds him attractive but can see no future for them as a couple because they are of such different classes. He is a noble, while she is the daughter of a poor country man. Despite both their qualms about their relationship, and especially, their future, they become intimate and have quite an enjoyable time together! Some misunderstandings cause hiccups along the way, of course, but this is a romance, so it has to end well for them! Their story is a fun one to watch unfold as they spar physically and mentally before coming to understand their truths … and choosing to live them.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
November 19, 2024
Garridan's Mate delivers a powerful story of passion, ambition, and love in the midst of battle. In this intense and heart-pounding addition to the Etherya’s Earth series, General Garridan, a stoic and fiercely dedicated Vampyre warrior, is torn between duty and the woman he can’t stop thinking about—Siora. A woman determined to forge her own path, Siora is the embodiment of strength and resilience, and though she has no room in her life for a mate, Garridan’s quiet intensity and unwavering support are impossible to ignore.

What makes this story truly special is the way Garridan and Siora’s relationship develops. Garridan, a man used to being in control of the battlefield, is completely undone by Siora’s fierceness and independence, and Siora’s determination to remain free clashes with her growing feelings for him. Their dynamic is electric, full of tension and heart, and as the two warriors work together to face the looming threat of Bakari, their personal battles are just as fierce.

I was completely drawn into their story. The slow burn between Garridan and Siora is a perfect balance of emotional depth and steamy chemistry. The internal struggles of both characters—Garridan’s determination to claim Siora despite her resistance and Siora’s fear of losing her autonomy—are beautifully portrayed.

Rebecca Hefner's world-building continues to captivate, and in this novella, she introduces a gripping narrative about two warriors navigating not only the battle for survival but also the complexities of love. Garridan's Mate is an irresistible blend of romance, fierce independence, and the timeless struggle between duty and desire. A must-read for fans of the series!

This book is a great fit for readers who enjoy strong-willed protagonists, slow-burn romances, and a lot of action in their fantasy reads. If you’ve been invested in the Etherya’s Earth series, this novella will only deepen your connection to the world and its characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BooksBooksandmoreBooks69.
1,999 reviews39 followers
May 7, 2023
I love this series, I love the way the stories have evolved with time.
And when I get the chance to read another book from this series, I snatched it out of the authors hands 😉
It is a short story, but that doesn’t mean anything was missing.

Garridan, friend to Commander Latimus (his book The Elusive Sun) he’s also the General to the king’s army.
He’s an aristocrat that wanted to fight and not Lord it over his lands! (He’s father does enough for both of them!)
Being cajoled into bonding with a high ranking female is not on his list of priorities (and anyway the female in question doesn’t see him that way, she has eyes for another!)
But once a certain female vampire joined the ranks, he’s set his sight on winning the coming battle and then winning the most stubborn female he’s ever come across!

Siora has worked hard to be where she is today.
She might have come from lowly stock (her father is a farmer) but she’s got great ambition, she wants to be the first female to lead a battalion in the King and Queens army. But proving herself has been an uphill battle! But Siora is nothing but determined! And if that means taking lessons on combat from the leader who stirs her blood and anger, then so be it.

It starts with a training session that soon leads to anger then uncontrolled passion! Siora and Garridan know that they need to keep their liaison a secret, but Garridan wants more! Can he convince the spiky female he wants a bonded mate and a soldier to fight by his side?
Siora is well aware their “training sessions” are on a limited time scale, he won’t want a lowly female when he can have a lovely vampire aristocrat. She needs to keep her eye on her goal and not get sidetracked!

Can they overcome the obstacles that life throws at them?
Can they work together and end the threat to Etherya?

And can we have a happy ending for a few more characters that I’ve fallen in love with? Please 🙏

🦋
Profile Image for Vanda O'Neill.
412 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2022
I absolutely love this book.
I was needing a fix from Etherea and this is just the breath of fresh air I needed.
Etherya's Earth book 6.5 is Rebecca Hefner at her best.
This series is totally addictive and this book is no exception. It takes the edge off between books, but leaves you wanting more and more of these characters that have become almost like family.
It was nice hearing from Latimus, Lila, Miranda, and Evie while witnessing the heat rise between aristocrat General Garridan and Siora, a farmer's daughter turned soldier about to become the first ever female battalion leader.
I love Garridan, with all his alphaness, but full of sweet and so sure of who he is and what he wants.
Siora is a kick-a$$ girl, who knows her worth on the battlefield. I want to be just like her.
The chemistry between them is off the charts and it will leave you fanning yourself.
This hands-down hot-as-hell, melt-your-panties page-turner is an amazing read, full of delicious characters who make us swoon, laugh, get angry, and so many more feelings it's like you are inside the book living the story with them.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
178 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2025
In Garridan’s Mate, Rebecca Hefner returns to her Etherya’s Earth series with a novella that blends fiery romance with rich fantasy worldbuilding. Garridan, a noble-born commander, is tasked with training the kingdom’s first class of female warriors—one of whom is the fierce and determined Siora. Sparks fly in and out of the training ring as their private sessions lead to more than just tactical skills. With simmering jealousy, a looming battle against the demon Bakari, and social progress pushing the vampire/slayer world forward, this story is about passion, strength, and choosing love even when the odds are high.

Zachary Zaba's narration breathes life into the characters, bringing a perfect blend of intensity and emotion to the action and romance. Whether it’s a heated sparring match or a vulnerable moment of longing, the voice work makes the characters’ chemistry palpable, and their struggles and triumphs relatable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
461 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2025
This thrilling fantasy romance delivers a gripping tale of love, ambition, and duty. General Garridan has spent centuries devoted to battle, never needing a bonded mate—until he meets Siora, a fierce warrior determined to break barriers in the Vampyre army. While Garridan is drawn to her strength and beauty, Siora remains focused on her goal to become the first female battalion leader, refusing to let love become a distraction.
The chemistry between Garridan and Siora is electric, filled with tension as they navigate their growing feelings while preparing for the final battle against Bakari. Garridan’s unwavering devotion contrasts beautifully with Siora’s fierce independence, making their journey both emotional and compelling. The action scenes are intense, the world-building immersive, and the romance slow-burning yet deeply satisfying.
A must-read for fans of strong heroines, protective warriors, and high-stakes battles.
I listened to the audiobook, and Zachary Zaba did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,409 reviews27 followers
April 19, 2023
Garridan’s Mate, book six and a half in the Etherya’s Earth series follows Vampyre soldiers General Garridan and Siora. When the Vampyre immortal army finally allows women to join, Siora does and vows to become the first ever leader. When Latimus begins to notice a tell in Siora’s attack method, he asks Garridan to work with her one-on-one to figure out how to fix it. Garridan can’t help but be drawn to Siora’s natural beauty and her work as one of the army’s soldiers have pushed her to the front of the line for leadership promotion so when Latimus asks him to work with her he agrees. What starts off as friendly sparring turns into heated nights, and Garridan finds himself thinking of Siora as his mate. Can Garridan convince Siora that he is not the ‘entitled aristocrat’ she thinks he is and give him a chance? Or will the Siora’s fears that she isn’t good enough for him keep them apart?
1,605 reviews12 followers
June 23, 2024
Garridan’s Mate is part of the Etherya’s Eart series. Once I read the overview of Garridan’s Mate, I just knew I had to read it. Once I got started reading the book, I realized that I was completely hooked on the story. Garridan’s Mate follows the story of Garridan and Siora. I found these two characters to be quite enjoyable and interesting. At the end of the book, Garridan is wanting to meet Siora’s father. After meet her father, Garridan tells Siora that he plans on selling his home at Valeria and is going to move to Lynia which is where Siora lives. Now that is all the details I’m going to give because I don’t want to fully spoil the book for future readers. However, I would highly recommend this book to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristin .
553 reviews
October 6, 2022
Audiobook review:

The narrator's voices are very well done and the brief line he does as the demon, had me busting a gut. He sounded so funny.

The story is about Garridan and his stubborn as a mule, "warrior" mate. Finally women are allowed to be soldiers. Better late than never.
It has battle training, some politicking and a battle. Not to mention it's so steamy that just listening to it fogged my glasses up again and again. Oh, during the battle, a prophesy was fulfilled with a possible disconcerting "side effect." I really hope that's what book 7's about because it's a doozie!!!

I whole heartedly recommend this and ALL Etherya's Earth audiobooks/ebooks and paperbacks!!! Buy now with one click
Profile Image for Coastie  Mom.
1,450 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2023
Garridan and Siora are both soldiers in the immortal army. Siora is one of the best women fighters and is working her way up. Latimus has big plans for her once the war with Bakari is over. There is always tension between Garridan and Siora as there seem to be some sparks between the two. When extra training is needed for Siora, things start to heat up between the two. Believing this is only going to last as long as the extra training and once Bakari is defeated, they will both be heading in different directions. But is that what they both really want? Or will Siora decide that since Garridan is set to marry and Aristocrat, she is not worthy of the love from him?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Crissy.
2,813 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2024
Garridan's Mate gives us General Garridan and Siora's story and what a steamy one it is. All Siora ever wanted was to excel as a soldier now that women are allowed to battle. She determined to prove she's just as worthy as the men but there's always room for improvement and General Garridan is willing to help her improve her tactics. Siora has always been attracted to the General, but with him being an aristocrat she knows there's no chance of them being together. The General follows his own rules and refuses to live by the old ways. Garridan wants Siora as much as she wants him, and he will not let his family's standing stand in their way. Their story had action, a touch of jealousy, steamy scenes and a HEA.

1,549 reviews
July 31, 2024
General Garridan thrived for centuries without a bonded mate. Born an aristocrat, he relinquished his family’s wealth and privilege to fight in the Vampyre immortal army. Although his father wants him to bond with an aristocrat, Garridan only has eyes for one woman. Siora is a natural warrior. When the army finally allows women to join, she vows to become the first female battalion leader. Dreams of an amber-eyed Vampyre general have no place in her world, even if he is the only man who’s ever made her long for a bonded mate. As the final battle with Bakari draws near, work together perfectly.
The narration was nicely done by Zachary Zaba. His dynamic voice, perfect pace and intonation gave each character an individual personality and unique attitude.
Profile Image for Kay Stunts.
80 reviews
October 17, 2024
Vampires falling in love while training for the biggest fight of their lives. The Idea of this story sounded interesting, unfortunately it fell a little short of the mark for me.

I listened to this as an audiobook and the narration was really bad. It made the book sound boring. Although in all honesty I’m not sure reading it would have made the book much better.

I enjoyed the characters and the developing relationship between Garridan and Siora, but that was really all there was to the story. There were some training scenes, but when it came time for the actual battle, it was over within a few paragraphs. Everything felt brushed over or rushed. Whether that was because of the narration or the book itself, I couldn’t say.
Profile Image for M.E. Aster.
Author 4 books50 followers
January 24, 2023
After reading the newest Etherya’s Earth book I was desperate for more so dived into the one novella in this series that I haven’t read yet.

Garridan’s Mate was a great addition to this series! I loved both Garridan and Siora. Their relationship was amazing and very steamy.

As always I adore how Hefner writes about each unique character and their struggles with love. It was a lot of fun reading about a kick ass, independent woman finding someone who understood and supported her just the way she was.

I also hear we are getting Sebastian and Celine’s story soon too which I can’t wait for!

*I received a copy of this book from BookSirens and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
Profile Image for Carole.
2,076 reviews16 followers
February 6, 2023
I loved Garridan’s Mate a little side story in the Etherya’s Earth series and just as awesome!
General Garridan is an aristocrat who has given up his family’s wealth and status to fight in the Vampyre army and Siora a female warrior who has finally been allowed to serve in the all male military are the protagonists in a passionate, angst filled, fiery read that sizzles off the pages as these two strong leads clash while navigating their duty, desire for each other and a forthcoming battle with an all powerful enemy. Their story was a very satisfying immersive addition to the series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,934 reviews22 followers
June 2, 2022
This is book 6.5 in the excellent Etherya's Earth series. This is a great addition to the series. Garridan and Siora's story is entertaining, and fast-paced. Garridan, an aristocrat and general in the Vampyre immortal army, is alpha, caring and supportive. Siora, a warrior and a farmer's daughter, is strong, stubborn, feisty, and determined. They are opposites attract and they are perfect together. Their chemistry is sizzling hot! I loved to see again the characters from the first books. Zachary Zaba did a great job with the narration. I love this series.
Profile Image for StormEnchantra.
137 reviews5 followers
February 4, 2023
A Great Enemies To Lovers
This was my first introduction to Etherya's Earth series. I am extremely impressed by the series. Siora is one amazing strong woman and Garridan gave up life as he knew it to fight. Together these two bring laughs, love (of course they fight it), and amazing duo of fighting as well as steam! I was introduced to alot of characters that I am now looking forward to getting to know their stories in previous books. Definitely a great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,316 reviews51 followers
February 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I've been following Etherya's Earth from this beginning and I think this is one of my more favorite books. Great world building and wonderful characters. Garridan and Siora are my current favorite couple. Individually, I liked their resolve and determination. Both were such strong characters and very well suited to each other. I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by Zachary Zaba. I think he did a good job withy the narration, and it was easy to distinguish between the different characters.

Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
31 reviews
March 5, 2023
Tucked between the end of the daemon war and the start of the interactions with humans, this quick novella explores a few characters we got a glimpse of in the last book - the aristocrat turned soldier and the common woman fighting for her spot in the man's world of soldiering. The characters are well developed, not at all "typical" for the storyline as well as getting to see characters from the previous books as their stories move forward.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mariaan Belinfante.
889 reviews6 followers
February 10, 2023
Short but hot and steamy with two strong main characters. I loved how Siora was portrayed as a strong warrior but had to come to terms with her vulnerable female side an a relationship. Garridan's patience while she's coming to the realization that Garridan does not see her as a lowly farmer's daughter and is prepared to court and bond with her. This series rocks.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary
6,148 reviews17 followers
February 12, 2023
This is a novella in the "Etherya’s Earth" series. Although it is not necessary to read these in order I would suggest they be read in order. This one should be read after the sixth story in the series. The stories do have connected characters and theme. This story is about Garridan' and Siora. I love these two characters and how their story develops. This is a good romantic read/listen with a nice blend of sweet and and steamy. I loved this story!!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,938 reviews116 followers
May 8, 2023
I am very much enjoying this series and this is Garridan and Siora‘s turn to travel their fated mates journey. Garridan is the general of the Vampyre immortal army and they have finally let women join their ranks and Siora’s determined to be the best especially as the battle with Bakari grows closer. It’s a great read, well paced and action packed, exciting, intense & passionate as our two warriors from two totally different backgrounds find their way together.
3,238 reviews47 followers
May 22, 2022
I enjoyed the narration of Zachary Zaba

If you want to listen to one hot , short listen book this one is a fine one to pick
General Garridan is one hot bad arse. Siora, was once a farmer's daughter turned soldier about to become the first ever female battalion leader.
The chemistry between them is off the charts.

This book has action, humour and heat .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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