What do you think?
Rate this book
Agents of C.L.A.W. #1
Czech Mate [Agents of C.L.A.W. 1]
Czech Mate [Siren Classic Alternative Contemporary Paranormal Romantic Suspense Romance, MM, shape-shifter, HEA] Set in the Happily Ever After Mating Agency universe, C.L.A.W. is a secret subsection of MI6 dealing with shifter matters that the rest of the world can’t know about. Andrew Brady was proud to work for such an organization, working behind the scenes on his computer to help keep the world safe. When the son of a prominent British politician, and a fellow fox shifter, goes missing in Prague, Andrew is forced to go out into the field for the first time. It wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the fact he was partnered up with Lane Roberts, leopard shifter, secret agent, and all round serial flirt. The two men had been butting heads for two years, dancing around each other in a game of Lane’s making. Putting himself in danger, and having to pretend to be married to Lane Roberts would have been bad enough, but the deeper they go the darker their mission seems to get.
140 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2018
46 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 27, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Czech Mate is a cute, quick, and fun little adventure, and looks to be the first in a series. Because the focus is so tight on Andrew and Lane, we don’t get to see much of the world and I have no idea how humans and shifters relate to one another, if there’s conflict, or even if the general human population knows about them. But that’s not the point of this James Bond-esque spy story.
Andrew is quiet, but he’s not an introvert. He just happens to be a computer analyst and he’s good at it. Rarely do his skills take him away from the office. This is his first field mission and he’s actually kind of excited for it. He’s concerned about the missing boy, he wants to do well, and the fake marriage to Lane is making him think, and feel, all sorts of things he shouldn’t be. It’s not that he dislikes Lane, he’s just wary of being hurt. Andrew’s last boyfriend left him a few months ago, and he knows Lane flirts with anything that moves, like their hotel concierge.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Czech Mate is a cute, quick, and fun little adventure, and looks to be the first in a series. Because the focus is so tight on Andrew and Lane, we don’t get to see much of the world and I have no idea how humans and shifters relate to one another, if there’s conflict, or even if the general human population knows about them. But that’s not the point of this James Bond-esque spy story.
Andrew is quiet, but he’s not an introvert. He just happens to be a computer analyst and he’s good at it. Rarely do his skills take him away from the office. This is his first field mission and he’s actually kind of excited for it. He’s concerned about the missing boy, he wants to do well, and the fake marriage to Lane is making him think, and feel, all sorts of things he shouldn’t be. It’s not that he dislikes Lane, he’s just wary of being hurt. Andrew’s last boyfriend left him a few months ago, and he knows Lane flirts with anything that moves, like their hotel concierge.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
October 19, 2018
A secret subsection within a secret organization is bound to have to deal with some pretty shady stuff, and if this first story in the new ‘Agents of C.L.A.W.’ series is any indication, it’s going to be an exciting and entertaining ride. The agency is based in London and even though it is linked to another series that I have not read, I did not feel lost at all. It looks like the author has taken the time to build this world well enough for new readers not to feel confused. As for the plot: pretend-boyfriend and pretend-marriage tropes have a special attraction for me – because, in fiction, they are designed to lead to actual romances and happy endings. For an incurable romantic like me, this is what great stories are made of. Well, mostly. The kind of suspense and international subterfuge that Jane Wallace-Knight adds in ‘Czech Mate’ certainly don’t hurt, and the stubborn characters who both are very determined not to give an inch made the whole situation, tense as it becomes when they discover who is behind the disappearance, at least a little entertaining as well as nail-bitingly suspenseful.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 28, 2025
A delightful beginning to a new series. The idea of a shifter division of MI6 is definitely sexy and I liked the way the author introduced her world. Lane and Andrew are perfect for each other and I’m certainly looking forward to more stories in this series.
May 9, 2019
Me agradó porque es algo que se venía cocinando desde hace años, el tira y afloja que desemboca cuando son compañeros en una misión, lo que les toca vivir y cómo se rinden a sus sentimientos, en fin, que me ha agradado bastante.
August 13, 2019
Fue entretenido.
La pareja fue demasiado rápido para mí gusto y le faltó un poco de drama a la relación but no fue malo. Me gustó la dosis de acción y el tema de los cambia formas.
La pareja fue demasiado rápido para mí gusto y le faltó un poco de drama a la relación but no fue malo. Me gustó la dosis de acción y el tema de los cambia formas.
October 22, 2018
Well it looks like I have a new series I will be following. This is the first book in the Agents of C.L.A.W.S. series and I have to say I really enjoyed this book. This is one of those books that you have a love/love relationship for each of the two main characters. They are both complete opposites but together they will blow you away. The least likely couple but a would be power couple in the end. Or at least they could be if they quit playing games with one another long enough to see if there is actually something there between the two of them.
Andrew works for Agents of C.L.A.W.S. but he is the one that sits behind the computer in the safety of the building the agency is located in. So when he is called in and told that he is going in the field on the newest assignment, well Andrew is blown away. To make matters even worse, he is going with the one person he would rather not spend time with, Agent Lane.
There is nothing wrong with Lane per say. But Andrew knows the type of person that Lane is and he does not want to take the chance of getting caught up in Lane’s seductions. Lane is a flirt. He has no problem with using sex to get what he wants and everyone knows this. But what Andrew does not know is Lane has has been attracted to Andrew since they first met two years ago. So for Lane to find out that Andrew is going in the field with him on assignment, well Lane is pleased. Or at least he would be if he did not worry about Andrew’s safety.
Lane knows how a mission could go side ways real quick but he knows that he will do whatever is necessary to make sure that Andrew is safe. What concerns Lane the most is why an agent that has no field experience is requested specifically for this particular case.
As Lane and Andrew start their undercover work as husband and husband to find the missing individual they are looking for, they never expected to uncover what they do. Nor did they expect to finally quit denying their attraction to the other. The only thing that they did expect was there to be an element of danger. Just not this much danger.
Can two men that come together during the middle of a mission find some middle ground? This was a great read. I really enjoyed it and look forward to see what Jane Wallace will come up with next.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Andrew works for Agents of C.L.A.W.S. but he is the one that sits behind the computer in the safety of the building the agency is located in. So when he is called in and told that he is going in the field on the newest assignment, well Andrew is blown away. To make matters even worse, he is going with the one person he would rather not spend time with, Agent Lane.
There is nothing wrong with Lane per say. But Andrew knows the type of person that Lane is and he does not want to take the chance of getting caught up in Lane’s seductions. Lane is a flirt. He has no problem with using sex to get what he wants and everyone knows this. But what Andrew does not know is Lane has has been attracted to Andrew since they first met two years ago. So for Lane to find out that Andrew is going in the field with him on assignment, well Lane is pleased. Or at least he would be if he did not worry about Andrew’s safety.
Lane knows how a mission could go side ways real quick but he knows that he will do whatever is necessary to make sure that Andrew is safe. What concerns Lane the most is why an agent that has no field experience is requested specifically for this particular case.
As Lane and Andrew start their undercover work as husband and husband to find the missing individual they are looking for, they never expected to uncover what they do. Nor did they expect to finally quit denying their attraction to the other. The only thing that they did expect was there to be an element of danger. Just not this much danger.
Can two men that come together during the middle of a mission find some middle ground? This was a great read. I really enjoyed it and look forward to see what Jane Wallace will come up with next.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
October 13, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised at how fun and fast paced this book was. Each page was filled with suspense, action and steamy scenes.
It starts out at the covert operations building for Happily Ever After Mating Agency universe, C.L.A.W which is a secret spy MI6 branch that deals with shifters. Andrew is an analyst, mostly spending his time behind the scenes at his desk. Lane is a field spy and the flirt of the office. He's done his share of flirting with Andrew for the last two years, but Andrew doesn't want a one night stand. He's after a mate.
When a prominent politician's son goes missing in Prague, Andrew and Lane are specifically requested to go undercover and find him. The catch is that their cover is a married couple.
There was a lot of humor involved as Lane's character was extremely charming and had a great sense of humor. Andrew was more mild mannered and thoughtful, but they fit together perfectly. The story was well crafted and I loved the slight twist at the end that was completely unexpected.
If you are into fast paced, hot, shifter romance you have to read this!
* A copy of this book was given to me in by the author in exchange for an honest review. Review cross posted on Gay Book Reviews *
It starts out at the covert operations building for Happily Ever After Mating Agency universe, C.L.A.W which is a secret spy MI6 branch that deals with shifters. Andrew is an analyst, mostly spending his time behind the scenes at his desk. Lane is a field spy and the flirt of the office. He's done his share of flirting with Andrew for the last two years, but Andrew doesn't want a one night stand. He's after a mate.
When a prominent politician's son goes missing in Prague, Andrew and Lane are specifically requested to go undercover and find him. The catch is that their cover is a married couple.
There was a lot of humor involved as Lane's character was extremely charming and had a great sense of humor. Andrew was more mild mannered and thoughtful, but they fit together perfectly. The story was well crafted and I loved the slight twist at the end that was completely unexpected.
If you are into fast paced, hot, shifter romance you have to read this!
* A copy of this book was given to me in by the author in exchange for an honest review. Review cross posted on Gay Book Reviews *
November 11, 2018
The blurb was enough to pique my interest. I’ll also admit to getting a kick out of wordplay: Claw for shifters.
While the writing could use some brushing up, my overall impression of the story was that it is interesting. I was invested in characters and enjoyed their banter. It’s a fast paced story and heroes are kept busy. There is enough differences between men, Lane who is field agent, and Andrew who works primarily behind his desk to make mutual attraction believable and intriguing.
Andrew is unwilling to act on his feelings because he doubts Lane’s interest is genuine and Lane has been hurt in the past which is why he is hesitant with Andrew. Circumstances they find themselves in made them reevaluate their actions. It was both amusing and engaging read, despite some quibbles I had about the story.
So, somewhat bumpy ride, but ultimately fun!
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
While the writing could use some brushing up, my overall impression of the story was that it is interesting. I was invested in characters and enjoyed their banter. It’s a fast paced story and heroes are kept busy. There is enough differences between men, Lane who is field agent, and Andrew who works primarily behind his desk to make mutual attraction believable and intriguing.
Andrew is unwilling to act on his feelings because he doubts Lane’s interest is genuine and Lane has been hurt in the past which is why he is hesitant with Andrew. Circumstances they find themselves in made them reevaluate their actions. It was both amusing and engaging read, despite some quibbles I had about the story.
So, somewhat bumpy ride, but ultimately fun!
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
November 25, 2018
Lane und Andrew arbeiten bei C.L.A.W. - einer geheime Abteilung von MI6.
Während Andrew vom Büro aus die Agenten mit allen nötigen Infos versorgt, bestreitet Lane eine Mission nach der anderen. Als der Sohn eines Politikers in Tschechien verschwindet, wird speziell nach Andrew verlangt. Er soll Lane bei der Befreiungsmission begleiten. Für beide ist dies nicht ganz einfach. Seit zwei Jahren tänzeln sie umeinander herum. Lane ist schon lange in Andrew verliebt, aber der sieht Lane nur als jemanden, der nichts ernst nehmen kann. Sie haben jedoch nicht damit gerechnet, was in Tschechien passiert. Sie decken nicht nur ungeheuerliche Machenschaften auf, sie geraten auch mitten ins Visier eines skrupellosen Verbrechers.
Sexy, actionreich, blutig und supersüß!
Während Andrew vom Büro aus die Agenten mit allen nötigen Infos versorgt, bestreitet Lane eine Mission nach der anderen. Als der Sohn eines Politikers in Tschechien verschwindet, wird speziell nach Andrew verlangt. Er soll Lane bei der Befreiungsmission begleiten. Für beide ist dies nicht ganz einfach. Seit zwei Jahren tänzeln sie umeinander herum. Lane ist schon lange in Andrew verliebt, aber der sieht Lane nur als jemanden, der nichts ernst nehmen kann. Sie haben jedoch nicht damit gerechnet, was in Tschechien passiert. Sie decken nicht nur ungeheuerliche Machenschaften auf, sie geraten auch mitten ins Visier eines skrupellosen Verbrechers.
Sexy, actionreich, blutig und supersüß!
tbr-calibre
August 17, 2021***What?***
Sometimes I suspect I buy stuff drunk. Even though I seldom drink and I can count on one hand the times I got drunk.
But nostalgia, access to my phone, impulsivity, and late at night does sound like me.
Sometimes I suspect I buy stuff drunk. Even though I seldom drink and I can count on one hand the times I got drunk.
But nostalgia, access to my phone, impulsivity, and late at night does sound like me.
March 15, 2019
Average.
A bit hard to get into in the beginning.
A bit hard to get into in the beginning.
June 17, 2019
Set in the Happily Ever After Mating Agency universe.
Lane and Andrew.
MM.
Enjoyable, Entertaining Read.
Lane and Andrew.
MM.
Enjoyable, Entertaining Read.
June 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. The suspense was realistic and kept you reading.
February 11, 2022
Lo he leído varias veces y francamente me encanta.
December 5, 2018
I'm sad to say this was pretty unremarkable. :( I'm a fan of the author and this just didn't make me laugh as much as some of her other material.
The shifter stuff was nice, but after having separated from this for a book or two I find myself struggling to remember what even happened.
I like this author’s works but I think I felt the secondary story took more center stage than the romance in this one and I was underwhelmed.
Still worth reading but not my favorite shifter story or my favorite by this author. I remember the first books in the original series quite fondly and was glad to see the MCs from that story make an appearance. https://www.goodreads.com/series/1368...
Recommended for fans of the author.
3 of 5 stars
The shifter stuff was nice, but after having separated from this for a book or two I find myself struggling to remember what even happened.
I like this author’s works but I think I felt the secondary story took more center stage than the romance in this one and I was underwhelmed.
Still worth reading but not my favorite shifter story or my favorite by this author. I remember the first books in the original series quite fondly and was glad to see the MCs from that story make an appearance. https://www.goodreads.com/series/1368...
Recommended for fans of the author.
3 of 5 stars
September 21, 2022
Another forgettable book. Nice distraction for an afternoon, but I probably won't remember any of the content in a few weeks time. This saddens me a bit, since I've read books by this author that I liked so much that I read them several times.
November 22, 2018
Fast paced
Enjoyable
Enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews