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Society of Shifters
Strong as a Horse
Nothing says fated mates quite like being left at the altar.
Nyla Stone is finally picking the pieces of her life back up after one of the most humiliating experiences of her life. After a year she’s managed to start over in a new town and open her own bar, a dream everyone said was beneath her.
When a local bartending competition invites her to participate, she knows the exposure could mean everything to the business she’s strived to build.
The catch?
It’s in her hometown, the one she left behind after being ghosted by her mate. And to top it off, the bar she’s had a six month rivalry with is also competing. That should be enough to throw in the towel, but Nyla is far too stubborn to give up that easily.
Can Nyla be as strong as a horse and face the mate that rejected her and the rivals who torment her, to gain the recognition she deserves? Or will everything she’s built come crumbling down around her?
Strong is a Horse is the second book in the Society of Shifters Shared World. If you love mmfm romance, strong willed main characters who refuse to let the past keep them down, steamy mates, rivals, friends to lovers, and a group of mates who will have to fight hard to make it work, then check out Strong as a Horse.
This book contains violence, rejection, and some language readers may find triggering. It is intended for readers 18 and up.
Nyla Stone is finally picking the pieces of her life back up after one of the most humiliating experiences of her life. After a year she’s managed to start over in a new town and open her own bar, a dream everyone said was beneath her.
When a local bartending competition invites her to participate, she knows the exposure could mean everything to the business she’s strived to build.
The catch?
It’s in her hometown, the one she left behind after being ghosted by her mate. And to top it off, the bar she’s had a six month rivalry with is also competing. That should be enough to throw in the towel, but Nyla is far too stubborn to give up that easily.
Can Nyla be as strong as a horse and face the mate that rejected her and the rivals who torment her, to gain the recognition she deserves? Or will everything she’s built come crumbling down around her?
Strong is a Horse is the second book in the Society of Shifters Shared World. If you love mmfm romance, strong willed main characters who refuse to let the past keep them down, steamy mates, rivals, friends to lovers, and a group of mates who will have to fight hard to make it work, then check out Strong as a Horse.
This book contains violence, rejection, and some language readers may find triggering. It is intended for readers 18 and up.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2022
124 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Jarica James
133 books689 followersJarica is an American author. She prefers writing paranormal and fantasy books. When she isn't writing she is playing her xbox with her husband and fellow nerd. She has two crazy boys who make writing a challenge, but one she gladly accepts.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 24, 2023
3.5 stars.
Meh.
This was just ok..?
There just wasn’t anything that stood out about it.
The characters were just ok.
The animals they shifted into were kind of cool. But…
The plot was a little convoluted and anticlimactic, honestly.
The sex was hot but mediocre. Not anything especially passionate or special about it.
I liked the little bits of humor and playfulness, but it didn’t stand out enough to make the book any better.
🤷🏻♀️ It wasn’t bad.
There just wasn’t any part of it that I really loved.
Meh.
This was just ok..?
There just wasn’t anything that stood out about it.
The characters were just ok.
The animals they shifted into were kind of cool. But…
The plot was a little convoluted and anticlimactic, honestly.
The sex was hot but mediocre. Not anything especially passionate or special about it.
I liked the little bits of humor and playfulness, but it didn’t stand out enough to make the book any better.
🤷🏻♀️ It wasn’t bad.
There just wasn’t any part of it that I really loved.
April 30, 2025
I loved this one. It was amazing. I love the idea of soul bond animals. I can't wait to read what comes next.
July 4, 2023
wonderful!
This story was so unexpected! And incredible! From the very first chapter the story had surprise after surprise in store for the readers, and each was played out so well within the story that it made it easy to devour this book! I love Nyla’s story and how her connection to her soul bound creature was written!
This story was so unexpected! And incredible! From the very first chapter the story had surprise after surprise in store for the readers, and each was played out so well within the story that it made it easy to devour this book! I love Nyla’s story and how her connection to her soul bound creature was written!
August 30, 2024
Different shifter read.
What I love about the society of shifter reads is that it's a mix of shifters in their groups and they aren't always mates to each other.
I loved Strong as a Horse, I liked the pace it set and the time Jumps didn't effect the story either. The only gripe (small one) was I would have liked to have hear El and Lance's POV a bit even the smidge of Zaths was a nice glimpse, but other than that. I liked the storyline the plot and Ohhhhh the twists I knew there was a reason I didn't like Lacey from the moment she showed up at Riven and Els door. Despite all of their pasts, they were all strong and had different dynamics they balanced each other out seamlessly. Some spice, Lovely HEA, would recommend
What I love about the society of shifter reads is that it's a mix of shifters in their groups and they aren't always mates to each other.
I loved Strong as a Horse, I liked the pace it set and the time Jumps didn't effect the story either. The only gripe (small one) was I would have liked to have hear El and Lance's POV a bit even the smidge of Zaths was a nice glimpse, but other than that. I liked the storyline the plot and Ohhhhh the twists I knew there was a reason I didn't like Lacey from the moment she showed up at Riven and Els door. Despite all of their pasts, they were all strong and had different dynamics they balanced each other out seamlessly. Some spice, Lovely HEA, would recommend
December 14, 2022
Nyla and her men made me smile and laugh, made me swoon, and even made me want to cry. This group has been through the wringer, forced to endure heartache, physical pain, and more for love in their individual past relationships. They’ve come to this point broken, but not beaten, and no less strong.
This is a shorter length story, and its length is perfectly suited to its ‘soft touch’ approach to some usually tougher topics. It dealt with rejected mates (and the reasoning behind it) very impressively given the extenuating circumstances. The way everything comes together so beautifully is enough to make even the most jaded heart believe again.
This is a shorter length story, and its length is perfectly suited to its ‘soft touch’ approach to some usually tougher topics. It dealt with rejected mates (and the reasoning behind it) very impressively given the extenuating circumstances. The way everything comes together so beautifully is enough to make even the most jaded heart believe again.
December 15, 2022
Another Jarica PNR masterpiece. In this one we meet Nyla, a horse shifter. She’s a bar owner along with her mate Zath, a raven. Together they own a bar, competing primarily with another local bar. They finally come to clash when both bars are invited to a bartender competition. And there’s so much more in store. In true Jare fashion, we get steamy moments, action and intrigue.
This PNR shifter romance has that second chance angst. The insta-connection you get with fated mates. And features some scenes which will try your reactions. It’s a book that will make you laugh, possibly cry. Definitely make you smile!
This PNR shifter romance has that second chance angst. The insta-connection you get with fated mates. And features some scenes which will try your reactions. It’s a book that will make you laugh, possibly cry. Definitely make you smile!
May 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nyla is such a relatable underdog, and her strength in the face of rejection makes this a compelling read. The bartending competition sets up a perfect second-chance scenario with her estranged mate and introduces a spicy mmfm dynamic that slowly but satisfyingly unfolds. The emotional beats hit—especially around Nyla's determination and the vulnerability hiding under her fierce exterior. It's not as wild as some of the others in the series, but it's heartfelt and sexy with a solid plot that centers on healing, self-worth, and found family.
Nyla is such a relatable underdog, and her strength in the face of rejection makes this a compelling read. The bartending competition sets up a perfect second-chance scenario with her estranged mate and introduces a spicy mmfm dynamic that slowly but satisfyingly unfolds. The emotional beats hit—especially around Nyla's determination and the vulnerability hiding under her fierce exterior. It's not as wild as some of the others in the series, but it's heartfelt and sexy with a solid plot that centers on healing, self-worth, and found family.
December 19, 2022
Strong as a Horse is a wonderfully fluffy standalone that ended up being the perfect afternoon read. There were so many moments throughout this book that left me feeling all kinds of ways from laughing to heartfelt and even a little sad. Nyla and her mates have gone through so much but they're perfect for each other! The steam, the bit of drama, and the funny moments in between made for an easy and enjoyable read. Strong as a Horse was a fantastic addition to this shared world!
March 6, 2023
Great Read
This is the second book in a shared world series of standalone stories that can be read in any order. I was hooked right from the start and found it hard to put the story down. I loved the unique shifters the author chose. I loved Kyle and her men and the growth of their relationships throughout the book. There is spice and few twist before everything is wrapped up nicely at the end.
This is the second book in a shared world series of standalone stories that can be read in any order. I was hooked right from the start and found it hard to put the story down. I loved the unique shifters the author chose. I loved Kyle and her men and the growth of their relationships throughout the book. There is spice and few twist before everything is wrapped up nicely at the end.
December 12, 2022
Sweet little shifter romance, with a touch of angsty heartbreak, a dash of humor, and a side of smexy times. Kind of an unusual take on the shifter/fated mates trope. Usually I don’t care for the rejected mates trope, but this one has an excellent/terrible explanation. Definitely plan to read more in this shared world. 💜
December 16, 2022
A fantastic addition to this shared universe. I loved every second.
Nyla and her guys were just everything I wanted.
Each guy was so different, but they all loved Nyla equally.
I couldn't put this book down , i read it all in on go.
Five star read that I would definitely recommend.
I can't wait to read more in this universe it's amazing.
Nyla and her guys were just everything I wanted.
Each guy was so different, but they all loved Nyla equally.
I couldn't put this book down , i read it all in on go.
Five star read that I would definitely recommend.
I can't wait to read more in this universe it's amazing.
December 17, 2022
I really enjoyed Nyla’s story and her men, but I’m also a sucker for a mates love story. I thought I knew where it was heading but Ms James threw me for a loop I did not see coming. I thought the storyline was fun with some very unexpected twists and turns. So many tropes thrown in but it worked beautifully. Once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down.
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶
December 17, 2022
What have I been missing?
This is my 2nd book/series by Jarica James and its left me wondering what I've been missing. I seriously need to read more of her books! All that to say I loved this book. It was sweet with just enough drama. I loved the ending and how she wrapped everything up.
This is my 2nd book/series by Jarica James and its left me wondering what I've been missing. I seriously need to read more of her books! All that to say I loved this book. It was sweet with just enough drama. I loved the ending and how she wrapped everything up.
December 18, 2022
After being jilted by her mate, Nyla decided to move to a new town and start over. She opens up a bar with her newly found mate, Zath, keeping a mate-with-benefits situation, as they are both scarred with past relationships. After being invited to a bartending competition alongside their main rivals, what follows is new-found mates, the return of past hurt and some sexy times.
January 2, 2023
Sweet
Nyla is a horse shifter that was left at the alter. She moves to a new town and ipens her bar that has always been her dream. When she is invited to a bartending competition she is faced with her rivals. Old mates come in the picture and there is a whole lot more going on than meets the eye. Another great addition.
Nyla is a horse shifter that was left at the alter. She moves to a new town and ipens her bar that has always been her dream. When she is invited to a bartending competition she is faced with her rivals. Old mates come in the picture and there is a whole lot more going on than meets the eye. Another great addition.
January 24, 2023
Strong as a Horse, a stand alone book of the Society of Shifters series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Books in this series can be read in any order. Not a lot of substance to this series, but I keep hoping because books are written by different writers. Not a series for me, although quite a few amusing moments.
April 21, 2023
heartbreak to total love
Spice: 3/5
The FMC grew so much learning to love and forgive after having her life totally destroyed. This was such a cute story with all of the harem having to grow and they fit together so well.
Things I didn’t like, why’d she just drop her friends? Felt like the competition was a little rushed and the plot was wrapped up too quickly.
Spice: 3/5
The FMC grew so much learning to love and forgive after having her life totally destroyed. This was such a cute story with all of the harem having to grow and they fit together so well.
Things I didn’t like, why’d she just drop her friends? Felt like the competition was a little rushed and the plot was wrapped up too quickly.
December 30, 2022
Nyla is great - it was heartbreaking seeing her be left at the alter, but I loved her growth and relationship with Zath and the others. This story focuses mostly on Nyla’s relationships, but does have background mystery. This was a great stand-alone!
January 4, 2023
DNF
Didn’t get very far. Characters felt flat, emotions felt rushed and shallow. Sex was rushed into without any real warm up or reason for the instant heat. It was kinda “this was my day, oh your day was fine, and now we’re screwing”.
Didn’t get very far. Characters felt flat, emotions felt rushed and shallow. Sex was rushed into without any real warm up or reason for the instant heat. It was kinda “this was my day, oh your day was fine, and now we’re screwing”.
March 5, 2023
It was fine. A bit too much insta-love due to the fated mate thing and everything always works itself out perfectly, but I finished the book. I'd like to give it 2.5 stars, but it wasn't bad, it just didn't reach the threshold of good for me.
December 17, 2022
great
Loved this. The twist finding out what happened to her mate made me gasp for real. Such a unique reason and the only excuse that is accept really
Loved this. The twist finding out what happened to her mate made me gasp for real. Such a unique reason and the only excuse that is accept really
December 17, 2022
I actually really loved this storyline and the characters. The premise was different and met some new to me shifters! Fun, exciting and a few unexpected twists!
December 27, 2022
This is a book was amazing. This is about second chances. This book shows how you can be broken but able to heal. This is one of Jarica soft emotions book.
February 19, 2023
It was ok
February 27, 2023
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
November 8, 2024
Sweet little story
Lance and lacey... quite the little match. Feel like zath did kinda get pushed to the side. They all got their hea so I guess...
Lance and lacey... quite the little match. Feel like zath did kinda get pushed to the side. They all got their hea so I guess...
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 18, 2022
An enjoyable read, with an exciting mystery and a hint of danger.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews