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Mystic River Shifters #1
Defiant Mate
The sound of a cord snapping abruptly ends her climb, leaving her stranded as an arctic storm bears down. Can Asher find his mate before she freezes to death?
Nicole is done with men. Her husband left her for a thinner and younger model and never looked back. She has worked hard to be an independent, successful woman without a man. Although she is still a curvy woman, she is healthy and loves outdoor activities. Climbing Pyramid Mountain is the next adventure on her list of things she wants to accomplish. So why does she feel drawn to Asher, the know-it-all US Forest Ranger telling her she can’t make her climb?
Asher Wells has found his mate, at last. He should have known that his spirited, fated mate wasn’t going to listen to reason. With an arctic storm bearing down on them, she was hell-bent on Pyramid Mountain for her first solo, technical climb. Luckily he managed to get an emergency beacon into her pack. Unfortunately, something has happened and Nicole has activated it.
Come visit Mystic River, Alaska. A small, remote town that has always been a safe community for different types of shifters. These shifters are gorgeous, possessive, and finding their fated mate is high on their priority list.
Take a walk on the wild side with these curvy heroines, their sexy fated mates, and scenes that sizzle.
Nicole is done with men. Her husband left her for a thinner and younger model and never looked back. She has worked hard to be an independent, successful woman without a man. Although she is still a curvy woman, she is healthy and loves outdoor activities. Climbing Pyramid Mountain is the next adventure on her list of things she wants to accomplish. So why does she feel drawn to Asher, the know-it-all US Forest Ranger telling her she can’t make her climb?
Asher Wells has found his mate, at last. He should have known that his spirited, fated mate wasn’t going to listen to reason. With an arctic storm bearing down on them, she was hell-bent on Pyramid Mountain for her first solo, technical climb. Luckily he managed to get an emergency beacon into her pack. Unfortunately, something has happened and Nicole has activated it.
Come visit Mystic River, Alaska. A small, remote town that has always been a safe community for different types of shifters. These shifters are gorgeous, possessive, and finding their fated mate is high on their priority list.
Take a walk on the wild side with these curvy heroines, their sexy fated mates, and scenes that sizzle.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2023
831 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Delta James
313 books2,299 followersAs a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.
After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.
Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....
After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.
Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
April 2, 2023
Delta James knows how to quickly draw readers into a novel.
Defiant Mate
is the first book in the Mystic River Shifters series. This paranormal romantic suspense novel features Nicole Sullivan and Asher Wells. Since Nicole’s husband left her for a younger woman, she’s worked hard to be an independent, successful woman who isn’t dependent on a man. Climbing Pyramid Mountain on Kodiak Island in Alaska is on her bucket list. Despite Asher, a forest ranger telling her she isn’t ready for the mountain conditions, she feels drawn to him and is still determined to make her climb.
Asher, an alpha wolf-shifter, knows he’s found his fated mate. When Nicole goes ahead with her first solo technical climb, he’s grateful she accepted an emergency beacon. Unfortunately, Nicole activates it. What has gone wrong?
Nicole is strong, hardworking, independent, and loves outdoor activities. She is an event planner. Asher is the head of the U.S. Forest Rangers in Alaska. He’s hardworking, respected by the community, dominant, a loner, with only a few close friends, and he has a complicated and volatile relationship with his father. Both Nicole and Asher are likeable characters who have depth and complexity. While both experience growth during the novel, Nicole exhibits the most change as events unfold.
Delta James knows how to bring suspense, romance, and action to a story. Exciting scenes, a deeply involved plot, an incredible setting, and wonderful characters kept me turning the pages. With twists and turns, as well as some humor, romance, and a lot of suspense, the story builds to an astonishing conclusion. My main quibble is around the length of the book. It is short which means there is instant love versus a slow build-up as the characters get to know each other. Additionally, I wanted another chapter or two that focused on tying up some of the loose ends. Perhaps readers will see some of these threads closed in future books. Themes include infidelity, love, family relationships, friendship, greed, and much more. There are a few steamy scenes.
Overall, this book is entertaining with great characters in an incredible setting. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Delta James provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 13, 2023.
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My 4.02 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Asher, an alpha wolf-shifter, knows he’s found his fated mate. When Nicole goes ahead with her first solo technical climb, he’s grateful she accepted an emergency beacon. Unfortunately, Nicole activates it. What has gone wrong?
Nicole is strong, hardworking, independent, and loves outdoor activities. She is an event planner. Asher is the head of the U.S. Forest Rangers in Alaska. He’s hardworking, respected by the community, dominant, a loner, with only a few close friends, and he has a complicated and volatile relationship with his father. Both Nicole and Asher are likeable characters who have depth and complexity. While both experience growth during the novel, Nicole exhibits the most change as events unfold.
Delta James knows how to bring suspense, romance, and action to a story. Exciting scenes, a deeply involved plot, an incredible setting, and wonderful characters kept me turning the pages. With twists and turns, as well as some humor, romance, and a lot of suspense, the story builds to an astonishing conclusion. My main quibble is around the length of the book. It is short which means there is instant love versus a slow build-up as the characters get to know each other. Additionally, I wanted another chapter or two that focused on tying up some of the loose ends. Perhaps readers will see some of these threads closed in future books. Themes include infidelity, love, family relationships, friendship, greed, and much more. There are a few steamy scenes.
Overall, this book is entertaining with great characters in an incredible setting. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Delta James provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 13, 2023.
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My 4.02 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
April 27, 2023
There is no way people actually enjoyed this. They have to be from an alpha reader group or friends. No one who likes romance enjoys their intelligence being insulted.
Independent and strong woman suddenly in one day folds?
Atrocious writing, where the editors failed the author and didn't point out actions from the page before being done again. It takes me out of the struggle of trying to read the plot as memory is all. "Didn't she just start the washing machine?"
The ...*spoiler* ... first day out of an almost died of hypothermia coma of five days being spanked to apologize? I thought 50 Shades made bad BDSM. The dynamic and trust building is non-existent.
Oh, I almost died? Here, let me work in a clinic the same day I wake up too. Wow... this day must be a 36 hour one.
I used to not ever post negative reviews, but as I have aged; I can't be wasting time reading crap books. Amazon helps put out, and Tik Tok Book Tok makes videos, making it seem cool.
Fake. Fake. Fake.
Quit thinking people that like romance or erotica don't also enjoy a good sentence structure or plot.
*edit*
I was right. I read through reviews, and at least 50 are free copies through a club. I knew there was something fishy. I still feel reading this book as far as I did was more of a time waster than reading through comments.
Independent and strong woman suddenly in one day folds?
Atrocious writing, where the editors failed the author and didn't point out actions from the page before being done again. It takes me out of the struggle of trying to read the plot as memory is all. "Didn't she just start the washing machine?"
The ...*spoiler* ... first day out of an almost died of hypothermia coma of five days being spanked to apologize? I thought 50 Shades made bad BDSM. The dynamic and trust building is non-existent.
Oh, I almost died? Here, let me work in a clinic the same day I wake up too. Wow... this day must be a 36 hour one.
I used to not ever post negative reviews, but as I have aged; I can't be wasting time reading crap books. Amazon helps put out, and Tik Tok Book Tok makes videos, making it seem cool.
Fake. Fake. Fake.
Quit thinking people that like romance or erotica don't also enjoy a good sentence structure or plot.
*edit*
I was right. I read through reviews, and at least 50 are free copies through a club. I knew there was something fishy. I still feel reading this book as far as I did was more of a time waster than reading through comments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2023
Dnf. Just silly. The plot doesn’t make sense in parts.
Oh boy. This was so bad in places and it was just getting worse. I managed three quarters of the book before I gave up.
Nicole is married when she discovers her husband is cheating. It fasts forward two years and she’s changed her life, and is canoeing and climbing. When she decides to climb a mountain for her first solo climb, the ranger Asher tries to convince her it’s not safe. Asher is a wolf shifter and Nicole is his mate. They have a huge amount of sex, on their first date. She sneaks out and goes on the climb, has an accident and he has to rescue her. That’s where it gets really silly!
***************PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD*************
When Asher realises that Nicole is dying, he bites her to change her, to save her life. In wolf form he drags an unconscious Nicole, on a travois, down the mountain to the car. 😂😂😂 In blizzard like conditions. Baring in mind that he struggled to get up to her, as the weather was so bad, and the descent will be worse. She vaguely hears him talking about wolves and changing her, while she’s semi unconscious and hovering between life and death. She was like a yo yo at one point, going towards the light, and she’s pulled back by his voice begging her to live. I’m pretty sure that she wouldn’t have heard that as she’s unconscious! Shaking my head!!! After a week of being unconscious, she gets out of bed and starts working at the clinic!! 😱😱😱 She still hasn’t asked about wolves, and he hasn’t told her. It’s stupid.
Oh boy. This was so bad in places and it was just getting worse. I managed three quarters of the book before I gave up.
Nicole is married when she discovers her husband is cheating. It fasts forward two years and she’s changed her life, and is canoeing and climbing. When she decides to climb a mountain for her first solo climb, the ranger Asher tries to convince her it’s not safe. Asher is a wolf shifter and Nicole is his mate. They have a huge amount of sex, on their first date. She sneaks out and goes on the climb, has an accident and he has to rescue her. That’s where it gets really silly!
***************PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD*************
When Asher realises that Nicole is dying, he bites her to change her, to save her life. In wolf form he drags an unconscious Nicole, on a travois, down the mountain to the car. 😂😂😂 In blizzard like conditions. Baring in mind that he struggled to get up to her, as the weather was so bad, and the descent will be worse. She vaguely hears him talking about wolves and changing her, while she’s semi unconscious and hovering between life and death. She was like a yo yo at one point, going towards the light, and she’s pulled back by his voice begging her to live. I’m pretty sure that she wouldn’t have heard that as she’s unconscious! Shaking my head!!! After a week of being unconscious, she gets out of bed and starts working at the clinic!! 😱😱😱 She still hasn’t asked about wolves, and he hasn’t told her. It’s stupid.
January 10, 2023
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book when Nicole let Poppy loose on Kevin.
Ash and Nicole's book had a bit of a twist to it. Nicole's reaction to finding out Ash was a shifter was more justifiable than some previous human reactions.
One thing I tend to do when reading a book is draw some of my own conclusions and see if the writer's work is predictable. Delta James' books are not predictable. Even when writing about shifters and shifter pairings, there is no guarantee about the journey a reader takes. I never feel like I am reading a cookie cutter version of a previous book.
I know I am a greedy reader. This book could have been so much longer and I would have been happy. More information on how Ash and his father's relationship progressed, how Nicole moved forward with her ideas for Mystic River, or even more closure with the Kevin situation would have been welcomed.
It did seem to me that the spanking and intimate scenes were not quite as intense or frequent as they were in the Wayward Mates or the Masters of the Savoy series . So, if readers were offended by what went on there, Defiant Mate may be more to your liking. The story is entertaining, engaging, and can be read in one sitting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Ash and Nicole's book had a bit of a twist to it. Nicole's reaction to finding out Ash was a shifter was more justifiable than some previous human reactions.
One thing I tend to do when reading a book is draw some of my own conclusions and see if the writer's work is predictable. Delta James' books are not predictable. Even when writing about shifters and shifter pairings, there is no guarantee about the journey a reader takes. I never feel like I am reading a cookie cutter version of a previous book.
I know I am a greedy reader. This book could have been so much longer and I would have been happy. More information on how Ash and his father's relationship progressed, how Nicole moved forward with her ideas for Mystic River, or even more closure with the Kevin situation would have been welcomed.
It did seem to me that the spanking and intimate scenes were not quite as intense or frequent as they were in the Wayward Mates or the Masters of the Savoy series . So, if readers were offended by what went on there, Defiant Mate may be more to your liking. The story is entertaining, engaging, and can be read in one sitting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 27, 2023
Nicole and Asher.
Nicole caught her partner cheating on her. Instead of drowning in sadness, she took charge of her life and did everything she wanted to do in life. She even picked up rock climbing.
She found herself in Mystic River, Alaska. There’s a climb here that has been calling her to accomplish. And she’s determined despite what Asher Wells, the head ranger says. He wants her to rethink climbing when a storm is about to hit.
She also happens to be his fated mate.
As a wolf shifter, he must tread carefully with her, not scare her off, protect her, and get her to stop from doing this climb.
Nicole doesn’t listen. Her rope snaps and she’s now stranded on a mountain in a snow storm.
This isn’t as heavy in spicy smut as some other Delta James books but it’s full of a great plot with light suspense and of course, romance. Not only wolf shifters, this town is heavy in other animal shifters as well.
It was a really fun read and I can’t wait for the next book.
Nicole caught her partner cheating on her. Instead of drowning in sadness, she took charge of her life and did everything she wanted to do in life. She even picked up rock climbing.
She found herself in Mystic River, Alaska. There’s a climb here that has been calling her to accomplish. And she’s determined despite what Asher Wells, the head ranger says. He wants her to rethink climbing when a storm is about to hit.
She also happens to be his fated mate.
As a wolf shifter, he must tread carefully with her, not scare her off, protect her, and get her to stop from doing this climb.
Nicole doesn’t listen. Her rope snaps and she’s now stranded on a mountain in a snow storm.
This isn’t as heavy in spicy smut as some other Delta James books but it’s full of a great plot with light suspense and of course, romance. Not only wolf shifters, this town is heavy in other animal shifters as well.
It was a really fun read and I can’t wait for the next book.
February 26, 2023
Fated mates with a take charge heroine and an alpha male wolf shifter is a recipe for success in this book.
The story starts off with Nicole finding out that her husband has cheated on her. She uses this experience to take charge of her life with a little help from some friends. Fast forward a couple of years and we find Nicole in Mystic River, Alaska for work. She also plans to complete her first solo climb on Pyramid Mountain.
Asher Wells is a lone wolf and the head of the US Forest Rangers in Alaska. He knows how deceiving the mountain can be to inexperienced climbers and goes to meet the newcomer and try to talk her out of climbing alone. The moment Asher sees Nicole, he realizes she is his fated mate. They immediately connect and spend a passionate night together.
Nicole's climb turns out to be much more dangerous than she or Asher could have predicted and he has to go after her. The suspense element of this story was surprising and enjoyable. The HEA was steamy, swoony and heartwarming. I am excited to find out more about the other shifters in Mystic Falls.
This was my first Delta James book and I can tell you right now that it will not be my last.
The story starts off with Nicole finding out that her husband has cheated on her. She uses this experience to take charge of her life with a little help from some friends. Fast forward a couple of years and we find Nicole in Mystic River, Alaska for work. She also plans to complete her first solo climb on Pyramid Mountain.
Asher Wells is a lone wolf and the head of the US Forest Rangers in Alaska. He knows how deceiving the mountain can be to inexperienced climbers and goes to meet the newcomer and try to talk her out of climbing alone. The moment Asher sees Nicole, he realizes she is his fated mate. They immediately connect and spend a passionate night together.
Nicole's climb turns out to be much more dangerous than she or Asher could have predicted and he has to go after her. The suspense element of this story was surprising and enjoyable. The HEA was steamy, swoony and heartwarming. I am excited to find out more about the other shifters in Mystic Falls.
This was my first Delta James book and I can tell you right now that it will not be my last.
January 8, 2023
I love the shifter books that Ms James writes. While they all have a common theme - alpha male shifters finding their fated mate, always in the form of a human, she is able to write unique stories for each. It isn't the same old story re-hashed with new names and a different location. Each of her stories is unique. What I also love about her books is her ability to mention characters from part books so while each book/series is its own, they all seem to be connected.
This was a good story and it was a bit different in that Nicole, finding she has been changed, is not upset like most of the human females Ms James writes into her stories. Nicole, who is a two-years-later-recovered single woman lives her new life on her own terms. She has a bucket list to complete and that is what keeps her busy in her personal life. Professionally, as a junior partner she works hard to build up the Event Planner business she bought into. Both her business and her bucket list takes her from Seattle to Mystic River, Alaska. Here she meets Asher the wolf-shifter Forest Ranger. They are instantly attracted to each other, but as hot and steamy the attraction is between the two of them, she soon leaves his bed to complete her bucket list item. And that is when things begin to go wrong. What was thought to be an accident is soon found to be anything but, and the mystery begins to build. Throw in a a big emergency rescue of tourists stranded near Mystic River plus a bad relationship between Asher and his father and it all comes together to make a very enjoyable read. I am excited to read the next installment in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a good story and it was a bit different in that Nicole, finding she has been changed, is not upset like most of the human females Ms James writes into her stories. Nicole, who is a two-years-later-recovered single woman lives her new life on her own terms. She has a bucket list to complete and that is what keeps her busy in her personal life. Professionally, as a junior partner she works hard to build up the Event Planner business she bought into. Both her business and her bucket list takes her from Seattle to Mystic River, Alaska. Here she meets Asher the wolf-shifter Forest Ranger. They are instantly attracted to each other, but as hot and steamy the attraction is between the two of them, she soon leaves his bed to complete her bucket list item. And that is when things begin to go wrong. What was thought to be an accident is soon found to be anything but, and the mystery begins to build. Throw in a a big emergency rescue of tourists stranded near Mystic River plus a bad relationship between Asher and his father and it all comes together to make a very enjoyable read. I am excited to read the next installment in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2023
While the story seemed original, most of it was very predictable to me. I had trouble feeling much for the main characters because their dialogue seemed to similar. There are some interesting sub stories yet to be fleshed out so I'm hoping to enjoy future books more than I have this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2024
sexist
Overall good story, but what year is it when the FMC is spanked, humiliated and the f*cked for “disobeying”. The female loves it. WTF the male isn’t disciplined?
Shame on you female author. The FMC should have equal power and even the score with the male. Dominant males can be corrected
Overall good story, but what year is it when the FMC is spanked, humiliated and the f*cked for “disobeying”. The female loves it. WTF the male isn’t disciplined?
Shame on you female author. The FMC should have equal power and even the score with the male. Dominant males can be corrected
Want to read
July 26, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/28/2023)! 🎁
January 15, 2023
I had a hard time with the beginning of the book as it seemed slow but as I continued to read I understood the necessity of introducing the character in such detail. It really helped me understand her through the rest of the book. Delta James wrote a great love story between the two characters Nicole and Ash. Some parts were rushed and some parts written in detail but all in all I am looking forward to the second installment of the series
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 3, 2024
Interesting, steamy, strong characters and a good twist in the plot to keep the reader hooked. Having read Otter's Cove series, the cross over characters felt like well known and almost like going back in history. Going to be a great binge forward
January 17, 2023
Nicole heads to Alaska to do some mountain climbing and encounters Asher.
Nicole Sullivan divorced her husband after findfing him with another woman in their home and decided to become more adventurous. Two years later she heads to Kodiak, Alaska with plans to climb Pyramid Mountain. When she goes to the ranger's station to see what permits she needs to fill out she encounters Head Ranger Asher Wells who tries to talk her out of climbing taking her to lunch to explain why the climd os so unsafe for her first solo climb.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nicole Sullivan divorced her husband after findfing him with another woman in their home and decided to become more adventurous. Two years later she heads to Kodiak, Alaska with plans to climb Pyramid Mountain. When she goes to the ranger's station to see what permits she needs to fill out she encounters Head Ranger Asher Wells who tries to talk her out of climbing taking her to lunch to explain why the climd os so unsafe for her first solo climb.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2025
Way too repetitive! Only got to page 35 before I had read enough. Example: mfc described a mountain in chapter 3, then the mmc described the same mountain the same way in chapter 4 twice. I think I got the picture the first time!
February 20, 2023
THE EVENT PLANNER AND THE FOREST RANGER
The story is the first in the new Mystic River Shifters. It will have a great cast of characters, including humans and shifters. The story will involve Nicole Sullivan, a human, and alpha wolf shifter, Asher Wells.
Nicole Sullivan has gone through a divorce, moved to Seattle, Washington, and opened a satellite office for event planning with her boss, Judith in San Francisco. Nicole has taken up many adventurous hobbies including kayaking and training for mountain climbing. She decides to travel to Kodiak Island, Alaska, to look at it as a destination for future events. While there, she plans to do a solo climb up Pyramid Mountain.
Asher Wells and his alpha father do not get along. Asher left his pack in Mystic River and went into the Navy, becoming a SEAL. Now, he is back and head of the U.S. Forest Rangers in Alaska. What a surprise to meet Nicole, and realize she is his fated mate, a human, and stubborn.
The story’s plot will have Asher and Nicole meeting, butting heads, having lunch, and then to his cabin where the night is spent in pleasure. Asher is hoping to convince Nicole to forego a solo climb, wait until he can join her, and keep her in his bed. Nicole needs to do this climb for herself, which she believes she can do. She isn’t figuring out the volatile weather that will strike while she is on the mountain. That will take this story into life-and-death danger. Asher is determined to save his mate, even if it is from herself.
Asher: Do you read a lot of romance novels?
Nicole: There’s nothing wrong with that.
Asher: Not at all. Just trying to learn about you, and what makes you tick; what turns you on.
Nicole: You. You turn me on.
Asher: Ditto. Careful, Nicole. You don’t put yourself down or deflect how I feel.
Nicole: Is that a rule?
Asher: Yes, and there will be more of them. You’d best accept that you’re going to follow them and when you don’t, there’ll be consequences.
Nicole: What kind of consequences?
Asher: I found a bit of discipline can do a lot to keep a relationship on the right track.
Nicole: What kind of discipline?
Asher: A firm male hand applied to a shapely feminine backside can go a long way to curbing bad behavior and not allowing things to build up.
Nicole: Are you threatening to spank me?
Asher: No threat. I don’t make threats Nicole. I make promises and I want you to know up front what the consequences for things are. So yes, if your behavior is bad enough that it warrants you getting your backside blistered, I’m the man to get the job done. Be and good girl, and I won’t have to resort to that.
The story has mystery, suspense, danger, and some surprises. I loved the story of Nicole and Asher. The chemistry between them sizzles off the pages. When they are together, it is as if fate ordained them to be together.
The story is the first in the new Mystic River Shifters. It will have a great cast of characters, including humans and shifters. The story will involve Nicole Sullivan, a human, and alpha wolf shifter, Asher Wells.
Nicole Sullivan has gone through a divorce, moved to Seattle, Washington, and opened a satellite office for event planning with her boss, Judith in San Francisco. Nicole has taken up many adventurous hobbies including kayaking and training for mountain climbing. She decides to travel to Kodiak Island, Alaska, to look at it as a destination for future events. While there, she plans to do a solo climb up Pyramid Mountain.
Asher Wells and his alpha father do not get along. Asher left his pack in Mystic River and went into the Navy, becoming a SEAL. Now, he is back and head of the U.S. Forest Rangers in Alaska. What a surprise to meet Nicole, and realize she is his fated mate, a human, and stubborn.
The story’s plot will have Asher and Nicole meeting, butting heads, having lunch, and then to his cabin where the night is spent in pleasure. Asher is hoping to convince Nicole to forego a solo climb, wait until he can join her, and keep her in his bed. Nicole needs to do this climb for herself, which she believes she can do. She isn’t figuring out the volatile weather that will strike while she is on the mountain. That will take this story into life-and-death danger. Asher is determined to save his mate, even if it is from herself.
Asher: Do you read a lot of romance novels?
Nicole: There’s nothing wrong with that.
Asher: Not at all. Just trying to learn about you, and what makes you tick; what turns you on.
Nicole: You. You turn me on.
Asher: Ditto. Careful, Nicole. You don’t put yourself down or deflect how I feel.
Nicole: Is that a rule?
Asher: Yes, and there will be more of them. You’d best accept that you’re going to follow them and when you don’t, there’ll be consequences.
Nicole: What kind of consequences?
Asher: I found a bit of discipline can do a lot to keep a relationship on the right track.
Nicole: What kind of discipline?
Asher: A firm male hand applied to a shapely feminine backside can go a long way to curbing bad behavior and not allowing things to build up.
Nicole: Are you threatening to spank me?
Asher: No threat. I don’t make threats Nicole. I make promises and I want you to know up front what the consequences for things are. So yes, if your behavior is bad enough that it warrants you getting your backside blistered, I’m the man to get the job done. Be and good girl, and I won’t have to resort to that.
The story has mystery, suspense, danger, and some surprises. I loved the story of Nicole and Asher. The chemistry between them sizzles off the pages. When they are together, it is as if fate ordained them to be together.
December 28, 2023
From the beginning of the book the story felt forced, nothing came naturally.
The first chapter is of the FMC finding out her husband was cheating and divorcing him. There was no emotion in it at all. Also, it seemed from that point on, everything was going right for her. She got spoiled and pampered and her lawyer was available right away and handled everything. I mean, i'm sure its every woman's dream for shit to happen like that but really what woman finds their husband cheating to only say 'we are talking when I get home' like .... what? Where was the heart break and devastation of finding the man you married and loved with another woman?
The book is split POV but also third person. This type of writing style makes it really hard to connect with the characters and takes amazing skill to be done successfully, where we get engrossed in the story and the characters and are able to feel the characters connections as well. I feel this definitely missed the mark written how it is.
Now there was a twist. I thought it was cheesy how it was setup like the ex husband would come after her "there was nothing dangerous about Kevin...was there?" BUT !!! That's not how it played out. Sooo the author did get me there ;)
I tried really hard to like this. Even when I felt this would be a DNF type, I kept reading til the end. I had met the author at a smut convention and the stories she wrote sounded really interesting. Bt the writing style just wasn't for me. I love shifter and paranormal romances ... I just couldn't get into this story. This just wasn't for me.
And it was more than just the 3rd person style. It was how the story was actually being told, the things said and how the events played out just didn't feel real. And I know its NOT real, but it just all felt forced and lacked emotion. While reading I was told the character was sad but other than being told, there was nothing to making me feel that sadness, things just continued on with out me believing the character was actually sad. If that makes sense.
I did have an issue with the spanking thing. It was really weird.
Spanking to discipline her like she's a child and not a grown ass adult is just weird. It was written to try and be spicy but ... its not. That's just weird. There was even a scene of the MMC saying she shouldn't enjoy it. Like ... who the hell wants to be spanked like that when they piss their SO off and not spanking for enjoyment... just spanked because they felt you did something wrong. gross.
Spice .5/5
Humor 0/5
Emotional 0/5
World Building 2/5
Overall 1/5
The first chapter is of the FMC finding out her husband was cheating and divorcing him. There was no emotion in it at all. Also, it seemed from that point on, everything was going right for her. She got spoiled and pampered and her lawyer was available right away and handled everything. I mean, i'm sure its every woman's dream for shit to happen like that but really what woman finds their husband cheating to only say 'we are talking when I get home' like .... what? Where was the heart break and devastation of finding the man you married and loved with another woman?
The book is split POV but also third person. This type of writing style makes it really hard to connect with the characters and takes amazing skill to be done successfully, where we get engrossed in the story and the characters and are able to feel the characters connections as well. I feel this definitely missed the mark written how it is.
Now there was a twist. I thought it was cheesy how it was setup like the ex husband would come after her "there was nothing dangerous about Kevin...was there?" BUT !!! That's not how it played out. Sooo the author did get me there ;)
I tried really hard to like this. Even when I felt this would be a DNF type, I kept reading til the end. I had met the author at a smut convention and the stories she wrote sounded really interesting. Bt the writing style just wasn't for me. I love shifter and paranormal romances ... I just couldn't get into this story. This just wasn't for me.
And it was more than just the 3rd person style. It was how the story was actually being told, the things said and how the events played out just didn't feel real. And I know its NOT real, but it just all felt forced and lacked emotion. While reading I was told the character was sad but other than being told, there was nothing to making me feel that sadness, things just continued on with out me believing the character was actually sad. If that makes sense.
I did have an issue with the spanking thing. It was really weird.
Spanking to discipline her like she's a child and not a grown ass adult is just weird. It was written to try and be spicy but ... its not. That's just weird. There was even a scene of the MMC saying she shouldn't enjoy it. Like ... who the hell wants to be spanked like that when they piss their SO off and not spanking for enjoyment... just spanked because they felt you did something wrong. gross.
Spice .5/5
Humor 0/5
Emotional 0/5
World Building 2/5
Overall 1/5
February 26, 2023
Way faster than insta love and a non ending end 🤬
So everything happens at the speed of light in this book and I’m assuming series. Which seems pretty common in shifter novels in general. I love the fast pace just wish we were able to let things grow more. This book was cute, however, I am so mad because so so many loose ends were not tied up. So many plot twists just left to never be finished or talked about again and we don’t get the big HEA. It’s just ok bye the main characters fell asleep then boom advertising for the next book. Like seriously, it felt so lazy and unfinished I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. Then I was angry, so angry to be left hanging on that way. It’s so disrespectful to readers when authors do this. Like we spend hours delving into these books and then they seem to just give up and not even give a proper close.
And that is why I’m left not wanting to continue the series because I know in my gut that the entire series will be done this way unfortunately. Which sucks. These shifter book are often a lil reprieve and mindless read for me when I’m in a book slump. But being left feeling so unsatisfied with the non ending end is unacceptable.
So everything happens at the speed of light in this book and I’m assuming series. Which seems pretty common in shifter novels in general. I love the fast pace just wish we were able to let things grow more. This book was cute, however, I am so mad because so so many loose ends were not tied up. So many plot twists just left to never be finished or talked about again and we don’t get the big HEA. It’s just ok bye the main characters fell asleep then boom advertising for the next book. Like seriously, it felt so lazy and unfinished I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. Then I was angry, so angry to be left hanging on that way. It’s so disrespectful to readers when authors do this. Like we spend hours delving into these books and then they seem to just give up and not even give a proper close.
And that is why I’m left not wanting to continue the series because I know in my gut that the entire series will be done this way unfortunately. Which sucks. These shifter book are often a lil reprieve and mindless read for me when I’m in a book slump. But being left feeling so unsatisfied with the non ending end is unacceptable.
September 4, 2023
DNF
Dnf at 50%.
There was no chemistry. And it wasn’t showing, it was just telling things. She did that and then she did that, she felt angry but went on to do that. It was so tedious to read.
Also I have to mention the bedroom antics. After knowing each other for less than 24 hours, he has to keep bringing up the love taps? Repeatedly? Unnecessarily? Without any talk about if they both consent to it? Yuck.
Dnf at 50%.
There was no chemistry. And it wasn’t showing, it was just telling things. She did that and then she did that, she felt angry but went on to do that. It was so tedious to read.
Also I have to mention the bedroom antics. After knowing each other for less than 24 hours, he has to keep bringing up the love taps? Repeatedly? Unnecessarily? Without any talk about if they both consent to it? Yuck.
October 11, 2023
Argh, there was so many holes in this story it was really weird. Just jumped from one plot point to another without any build-up. There was often no reason/motivation given for any change in a character actions/demeanour.
The villain, at the end, monologues their entire plan without any promoting! The whole story was very poorly executed. A lot of random ideas shoved together without any thought to cohesion.
The villain, at the end, monologues their entire plan without any promoting! The whole story was very poorly executed. A lot of random ideas shoved together without any thought to cohesion.
February 24, 2023
The novel had a nice storyline but I believe the delivery could have been better. Also, it was too fast paced for my liking, I couldn't even feel the connection between the MC's.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily
October 18, 2025
This was bad. It was sexist, misogynistic, and repetitive. Most things are told instead of shown, and when we’re shown things, we’re told the character feels one way only to see them act completely differently. When Nicole finds her husband cheating on her, she’s just “I have a meeting, we’ll talk when I get home” WTF! This man she’s been with for almost a decade cheats on her, in her own house, even gives the mistress her clothes, and she’s just going for a meeting? Oh, but the author made sure to tell you she’s devastated. We jumped ahead two years, and I was wondering why we had to read all that, which in the end didn’t matter at all and could have been told in about two paragraphs instead of two full (long ass) chapters.
Another thing is that it had many plot holes, and things that didn’t make sense. The “romance” was non-existent, with a woman that was cheated on, we’re told is super independent and doesn’t trust anyone, especially men, completely trusting this guy and having sex with him mere hours after meeting him. Plus all the talking about “physical discipline” which was brought up constantly in a very creepy way. Also, he said “you don’t owe me anything” right before acting all entitled just because she was his fated mate. This guy’s an asshole. And of course, she’s the one to completely upend her whole life, even when it would make way more sense for him to do so (not to mention it would be much easier), because “he doesn’t want to move”. Moreover, everyone expects her to uproot her life to follow him, and not the other way around.
Everyone was very misogynistic, and women were expected to obey any man, no matter if they were complete strangers. Said strangers seemed to have the right to call women “good girl” whenever they wanted, and that was creepy AF, but every woman just accepted it, including our “independent” fMC. But somehow Asher’s father was a bad guy, even though he was doing exactly the same as the others. I have no idea what was different about him to make his actions bad and creepy but not everyone else’s. And still, his wife makes excuses for him. As does every woman for their mates. These men were controlling and possessive, and not in a good way. Asher’s mother was taken straight out of a “monster in law” story, and his father was equally creepy, talking about disciplining an adult woman as if she was five. And our dashing hero talked about women as if we’re too stupid to know better unless a man shows us how to behave by spanking us like toddlers. He was patronizing, and constantly mansplained things to the heroine, because poor stupid women can’t say why they’d like a spanking unless their man tells them they enjoy the pain.
There’s so much filler this thing could have been at least 30% shorter. And the ending was underwhelming and way too convenient. Let’s tell the victim exactly how I tried to kill her and why, even though she didn’t ask, and thank God she forgot she’s a wolf shifter and waits for her man to save the day, because she can’t possibly save herself from the mustache-twirling villain.
This is the last I read from this author. I hate her misogynistic writing.
Another thing is that it had many plot holes, and things that didn’t make sense. The “romance” was non-existent, with a woman that was cheated on, we’re told is super independent and doesn’t trust anyone, especially men, completely trusting this guy and having sex with him mere hours after meeting him. Plus all the talking about “physical discipline” which was brought up constantly in a very creepy way. Also, he said “you don’t owe me anything” right before acting all entitled just because she was his fated mate. This guy’s an asshole. And of course, she’s the one to completely upend her whole life, even when it would make way more sense for him to do so (not to mention it would be much easier), because “he doesn’t want to move”. Moreover, everyone expects her to uproot her life to follow him, and not the other way around.
Everyone was very misogynistic, and women were expected to obey any man, no matter if they were complete strangers. Said strangers seemed to have the right to call women “good girl” whenever they wanted, and that was creepy AF, but every woman just accepted it, including our “independent” fMC. But somehow Asher’s father was a bad guy, even though he was doing exactly the same as the others. I have no idea what was different about him to make his actions bad and creepy but not everyone else’s. And still, his wife makes excuses for him. As does every woman for their mates. These men were controlling and possessive, and not in a good way. Asher’s mother was taken straight out of a “monster in law” story, and his father was equally creepy, talking about disciplining an adult woman as if she was five. And our dashing hero talked about women as if we’re too stupid to know better unless a man shows us how to behave by spanking us like toddlers. He was patronizing, and constantly mansplained things to the heroine, because poor stupid women can’t say why they’d like a spanking unless their man tells them they enjoy the pain.
There’s so much filler this thing could have been at least 30% shorter. And the ending was underwhelming and way too convenient. Let’s tell the victim exactly how I tried to kill her and why, even though she didn’t ask, and thank God she forgot she’s a wolf shifter and waits for her man to save the day, because she can’t possibly save herself from the mustache-twirling villain.
This is the last I read from this author. I hate her misogynistic writing.
January 7, 2023
A wonderful read, great characters and plot I loved every moment of this amazing book
Nicole had discovered after walking in on her husband Kevin and his Bimbo girlfriend making use of her bed, her silk dressing gown and all of this whilst she was supporting him whilst he was taking the bar, she had been working non stop without so much as a thank-you.
Newly divorced she had decided to open a new branch with her boss after inputting a good deal of her divorce settlement and although it had taken hard work the event planning business had been a great success and life had been good.
She had also written a bucket list and had started to do more of the things she loved kayaking, white water rafting and also had been learning how to mountain climb and decided her first solo climb was going to be in Kodiak Alaska and she could not wait.
When she reached Mystic Falls and had visited the Ranger Station to discuss her climbing intentions she had met the chief ranger Asher and something had clicked, they had lunch together and he had shown her around the small town. Then they had spent the night together and it was as though they had always been together, Ashe’s love making had rocked her world and she felt as though they had known each other forever.
The climb is hard but is going well until on the decline the weather changes and taking all the steps taught to her she has one of her ropes bread and barely stops herself with her new ice pick but she had hurt her wrist and knew she had to use the emergency beacon to let the Rangers know she was in trouble.
Asher had known that his wolf was desperate to get to his mate and would do whatever it too to reach her no matter what it takes, the thought of a world without her in it was not worth contemplating.
It was fortunate that her love of shifter titles and the way in which mates were turned were her favourite read. She also loved Asher and even though she was human in her heart knew that there was something very special between them.
I guarantee that when you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down and you will be fascinated by the interactions between Asher and Ellis his Sire and Gemma his mother, they are so alike and both men constantly come to blows but his mother is a diamond.
Then there are the details behind Nicole’s rope that had failed on the climb and now it appears that perhaps someone may have been behind it but you will have to read this for yourself and I assure you that once you begin reading you will not stop until you reach the end.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Nicole had discovered after walking in on her husband Kevin and his Bimbo girlfriend making use of her bed, her silk dressing gown and all of this whilst she was supporting him whilst he was taking the bar, she had been working non stop without so much as a thank-you.
Newly divorced she had decided to open a new branch with her boss after inputting a good deal of her divorce settlement and although it had taken hard work the event planning business had been a great success and life had been good.
She had also written a bucket list and had started to do more of the things she loved kayaking, white water rafting and also had been learning how to mountain climb and decided her first solo climb was going to be in Kodiak Alaska and she could not wait.
When she reached Mystic Falls and had visited the Ranger Station to discuss her climbing intentions she had met the chief ranger Asher and something had clicked, they had lunch together and he had shown her around the small town. Then they had spent the night together and it was as though they had always been together, Ashe’s love making had rocked her world and she felt as though they had known each other forever.
The climb is hard but is going well until on the decline the weather changes and taking all the steps taught to her she has one of her ropes bread and barely stops herself with her new ice pick but she had hurt her wrist and knew she had to use the emergency beacon to let the Rangers know she was in trouble.
Asher had known that his wolf was desperate to get to his mate and would do whatever it too to reach her no matter what it takes, the thought of a world without her in it was not worth contemplating.
It was fortunate that her love of shifter titles and the way in which mates were turned were her favourite read. She also loved Asher and even though she was human in her heart knew that there was something very special between them.
I guarantee that when you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down and you will be fascinated by the interactions between Asher and Ellis his Sire and Gemma his mother, they are so alike and both men constantly come to blows but his mother is a diamond.
Then there are the details behind Nicole’s rope that had failed on the climb and now it appears that perhaps someone may have been behind it but you will have to read this for yourself and I assure you that once you begin reading you will not stop until you reach the end.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
March 4, 2024
THE EVENT PLANNER AND THE FOREST RANGER
The story is the first in the new Mystic River Shifters. It will have a great cast of characters, including humans and shifters. The story will involve Nicole Sullivan, a human, and alpha wolf shifter, Asher Wells.
Nicole Sullivan has gone through a divorce, moved to Seattle, Washington, and opened a satellite office for event planning with her boss, Judith in San Francisco. Nicole has taken up many adventurous hobbies including kayaking and training for mountain climbing. She decides to travel to Kodiak Island, Alaska, to look at it as a destination for future events. While there, she plans to do a solo climb up Pyramid Mountain.
Asher Wells and his alpha father do not get along. Asher left his pack in Mystic River and went into the Navy, becoming a SEAL. Now, he is back and head of the U.S. Forest Rangers in Alaska. What a surprise to meet Nicole, and realize she is his fated mate, a human, and stubborn.
The story’s plot will have Asher and Nicole meeting, butting heads, having lunch, and then to his cabin where the night is spent in pleasure. Asher is hoping to convince Nicole to forego a solo climb, wait until he can join her, and keep her in his bed. Nicole needs to do this climb for herself, which she believes she can do. She isn’t figuring out the volatile weather that will strike while she is on the mountain. That will take this story into life-and-death danger. Asher is determined to save his mate, even if it is from herself.
Asher: Do you read a lot of romance novels?
Nicole: There’s nothing wrong with that.
Asher: Not at all. Just trying to learn about you, and what makes you tick; what turns you on.
Nicole: You. You turn me on.
Asher: Ditto. Careful, Nicole. You don’t put yourself down or deflect how I feel.
Nicole: Is that a rule?
Asher: Yes, and there will be more of them. You’d best accept that you’re going to follow them and when you don’t, there’ll be consequences.
Nicole: What kind of consequences?
Asher: I found a bit of discipline can do a lot to keep a relationship on the right track.
Nicole: What kind of discipline?
Asher: A firm male hand applied to a shapely feminine backside can go a long way to curbing bad behavior and not allowing things to build up.
Nicole: Are you threatening to spank me?
Asher: No threat. I don’t make threats Nicole. I make promises and I want you to know up front what the consequences for things are. So yes, if your behavior is bad enough that it warrants you getting your backside blistered, I’m the man to get the job done. Be and good girl, and I won’t have to resort to that.
The story has mystery, suspense, danger, and some surprises. I loved the story of Nicole and Asher. The chemistry between them sizzles off the pages. When they are together, it is as if fate ordained them to be together.
The story is the first in the new Mystic River Shifters. It will have a great cast of characters, including humans and shifters. The story will involve Nicole Sullivan, a human, and alpha wolf shifter, Asher Wells.
Nicole Sullivan has gone through a divorce, moved to Seattle, Washington, and opened a satellite office for event planning with her boss, Judith in San Francisco. Nicole has taken up many adventurous hobbies including kayaking and training for mountain climbing. She decides to travel to Kodiak Island, Alaska, to look at it as a destination for future events. While there, she plans to do a solo climb up Pyramid Mountain.
Asher Wells and his alpha father do not get along. Asher left his pack in Mystic River and went into the Navy, becoming a SEAL. Now, he is back and head of the U.S. Forest Rangers in Alaska. What a surprise to meet Nicole, and realize she is his fated mate, a human, and stubborn.
The story’s plot will have Asher and Nicole meeting, butting heads, having lunch, and then to his cabin where the night is spent in pleasure. Asher is hoping to convince Nicole to forego a solo climb, wait until he can join her, and keep her in his bed. Nicole needs to do this climb for herself, which she believes she can do. She isn’t figuring out the volatile weather that will strike while she is on the mountain. That will take this story into life-and-death danger. Asher is determined to save his mate, even if it is from herself.
Asher: Do you read a lot of romance novels?
Nicole: There’s nothing wrong with that.
Asher: Not at all. Just trying to learn about you, and what makes you tick; what turns you on.
Nicole: You. You turn me on.
Asher: Ditto. Careful, Nicole. You don’t put yourself down or deflect how I feel.
Nicole: Is that a rule?
Asher: Yes, and there will be more of them. You’d best accept that you’re going to follow them and when you don’t, there’ll be consequences.
Nicole: What kind of consequences?
Asher: I found a bit of discipline can do a lot to keep a relationship on the right track.
Nicole: What kind of discipline?
Asher: A firm male hand applied to a shapely feminine backside can go a long way to curbing bad behavior and not allowing things to build up.
Nicole: Are you threatening to spank me?
Asher: No threat. I don’t make threats Nicole. I make promises and I want you to know up front what the consequences for things are. So yes, if your behavior is bad enough that it warrants you getting your backside blistered, I’m the man to get the job done. Be and good girl, and I won’t have to resort to that.
The story has mystery, suspense, danger, and some surprises. I loved the story of Nicole and Asher. The chemistry between them sizzles off the pages. When they are together, it is as if fate ordained them to be together.
January 23, 2023
Loved this story about a woman determined to have it all who meets her match when she decides to climb a mountain in Alaska. Nicole can't believe it when she finds her husband cheating on her in her own house, in her own bed. A good divorce attorney gets her back on her feet and ready to live her life. An offer of a partnership in the event planning business where she works has her packing up and moving from San Francisco to Washington state where she successfully opens a new office. She has taken up new hobbies as well. Kayaking and mountain climbing are now favorite past-times. Well, she hasn't actually climbed a mountain yet but she plans to do her solo climb while on a business trip to Alaska.
Asher Wells is a wolf shifter who has returned to his hometown of Mystic River, Alaska after serving as a Navy SEAL with his best friends Jax (bear) and Colby (lynx). Though his father wants him to come and take over his old pack, Ash sees a hidden agenda in the offer that he refuses to consider. Instead he takes a job as the head ranger for the U.S. Forest Service in Alaska. He has his own small cabin and plenty of space to let his wolf run. When a wigan shows up at the local station asking for a permit for a solo climb of Pyramid Mountain, he realizes that she is his mate - his human mate. Though he tries to discourage her from making the climb she wants to make, she sneaks out to do it anyway. Then her emergency beacon is activated - right in the middle of a deadly snow storm....Can he get to her in time to save her?
I loved Nicole's can-do spirit, but climbing a mountain alone, in the cold? No thanks. Ash is surprised that soul mates are real, but he is so determined to protect his without breaking her spirit. I loved the way Nicole put Ash's father in his place. Can't wait for Jax's story. And Colby's. I was given a free copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
Asher Wells is a wolf shifter who has returned to his hometown of Mystic River, Alaska after serving as a Navy SEAL with his best friends Jax (bear) and Colby (lynx). Though his father wants him to come and take over his old pack, Ash sees a hidden agenda in the offer that he refuses to consider. Instead he takes a job as the head ranger for the U.S. Forest Service in Alaska. He has his own small cabin and plenty of space to let his wolf run. When a wigan shows up at the local station asking for a permit for a solo climb of Pyramid Mountain, he realizes that she is his mate - his human mate. Though he tries to discourage her from making the climb she wants to make, she sneaks out to do it anyway. Then her emergency beacon is activated - right in the middle of a deadly snow storm....Can he get to her in time to save her?
I loved Nicole's can-do spirit, but climbing a mountain alone, in the cold? No thanks. Ash is surprised that soul mates are real, but he is so determined to protect his without breaking her spirit. I loved the way Nicole put Ash's father in his place. Can't wait for Jax's story. And Colby's. I was given a free copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
January 17, 2023
This was a paranormal shifter romance.
I am not just a fan of the author, I have a real addiction to her books. Whether she is writing alone or collaborating with another author, I have to read the stories they never disappoint.
Nicole Sullivan is an event planner. After a brutal divorce her boss Judith asks her to open a satellite office in Seattle with an option to become a partner. Nicole decided to take better care of herself after the divorce by getting in better shape and trying new things like kayaking, hiking and mountain climbing.
Asher Wells is a former Navy SEAL who lives in Kodiak, Alaska at the base of Pyramid Mountain. He is head of the Forest Rangers in Alaska and an alpha wolf shifter. He and his father, the alpha of his pack, do not get along at all.
They meet when Nicole travels to Alaska to vet locations for clients and for her vacation where she plans to climb Pyramid Mountain as her first solo climb. She goes to the Forest Rangers office to let them know she is making the climb. Asher asks her to lunch to try to talk her out of making the climb alone especially after he realized she is his fated mate. They end up hooking up the night before her climb. She makes the climb but gets caught in a bad snow storm after her rope breaks. Fortunately Asher had given her an emergency beacon and she waits for him to rescue her. She is almost unalive by the time he gets her off the mountain and has to give her the claim bite in order to save her life. He brings her to Mystic River to recover and they end up at his father's home. She finds out about shifters and being turned. The men argue so they leave and are picked up by his friend and stay at his place instead. Meanwhile they find out her accident was not an accident at all and they try to find out who cut her rope. Asher saves her from the person trying to unalive her and they get their HEA.
I am not just a fan of the author, I have a real addiction to her books. Whether she is writing alone or collaborating with another author, I have to read the stories they never disappoint.
Nicole Sullivan is an event planner. After a brutal divorce her boss Judith asks her to open a satellite office in Seattle with an option to become a partner. Nicole decided to take better care of herself after the divorce by getting in better shape and trying new things like kayaking, hiking and mountain climbing.
Asher Wells is a former Navy SEAL who lives in Kodiak, Alaska at the base of Pyramid Mountain. He is head of the Forest Rangers in Alaska and an alpha wolf shifter. He and his father, the alpha of his pack, do not get along at all.
They meet when Nicole travels to Alaska to vet locations for clients and for her vacation where she plans to climb Pyramid Mountain as her first solo climb. She goes to the Forest Rangers office to let them know she is making the climb. Asher asks her to lunch to try to talk her out of making the climb alone especially after he realized she is his fated mate. They end up hooking up the night before her climb. She makes the climb but gets caught in a bad snow storm after her rope breaks. Fortunately Asher had given her an emergency beacon and she waits for him to rescue her. She is almost unalive by the time he gets her off the mountain and has to give her the claim bite in order to save her life. He brings her to Mystic River to recover and they end up at his father's home. She finds out about shifters and being turned. The men argue so they leave and are picked up by his friend and stay at his place instead. Meanwhile they find out her accident was not an accident at all and they try to find out who cut her rope. Asher saves her from the person trying to unalive her and they get their HEA.
January 14, 2023
A wolf-shifter story that has mystery, suspense and some danger in addition to a steamy romance.
The first few chapters focus on Nicole and her discovering her spouse has been cheating and her decision to divorce him with a no holds barred divorce attorney out for blood.
Nicole emerges from this a stronger and more confident woman who isn’t going to let her fear hold her back any longer. On a trip to Alaska to check out some opportunities for an event she is planning she decides to make a solo mountain climb on a ‘baby’ mountain called Pyramid Mountain despite the fierce objection of the sexy Forest Ranger Asher.
Asher is a former Navy SEAL and now a Forest Ranger who when he meets Nicole realizes she is his fated mate. Asher is an alpha wolf-shifter and he immediately starts wooing the visiting Nicole to try to persuade her not to try a solo climb, but to also extend her trip so they can spend more time together.
While this book has some spicy scenes it only has one spanking scene and the sexual relationship between Asher and Nicole is a little bit tamer than mostDelta James books. This book focuses more on their relationship, the suspense surrounding the circumstances of why Nicole’s climbing role snapped and the danger she apparently is in and why.
This is a very intriguing and entertaining read to begin a new series. I enjoyed getting to know knew characters who have connections to shifters from previous series. The suspenseful elements were exciting and provided some surprises.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first few chapters focus on Nicole and her discovering her spouse has been cheating and her decision to divorce him with a no holds barred divorce attorney out for blood.
Nicole emerges from this a stronger and more confident woman who isn’t going to let her fear hold her back any longer. On a trip to Alaska to check out some opportunities for an event she is planning she decides to make a solo mountain climb on a ‘baby’ mountain called Pyramid Mountain despite the fierce objection of the sexy Forest Ranger Asher.
Asher is a former Navy SEAL and now a Forest Ranger who when he meets Nicole realizes she is his fated mate. Asher is an alpha wolf-shifter and he immediately starts wooing the visiting Nicole to try to persuade her not to try a solo climb, but to also extend her trip so they can spend more time together.
While this book has some spicy scenes it only has one spanking scene and the sexual relationship between Asher and Nicole is a little bit tamer than mostDelta James books. This book focuses more on their relationship, the suspense surrounding the circumstances of why Nicole’s climbing role snapped and the danger she apparently is in and why.
This is a very intriguing and entertaining read to begin a new series. I enjoyed getting to know knew characters who have connections to shifters from previous series. The suspenseful elements were exciting and provided some surprises.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
I went into this book not expecting much, but it sounded good, and it was one of the free books handed out during LIT this year. Since I have KU, I always read the KU edition if I have the physical copy, but I ended up picking up the physical copy this time around because, honestly, I just miss it. I hardly read any physical books this year, so it was excellent, and I flew straight through this one. This is a shifter romance where the main character, Nicole, is hunting for her company and ends up in Alaska. Some of her clients wanted to go there for fun or team-building exercises, and she needed to scout some venues. While she’s there, she runs into Will, who is a wolf shifter. The shifter community in this book has different types, such as bear shifters. But anyway, the second these two meet, he knows she’s his fated mate; however, she’s not really there for a hookup. She just had a terrible breakup that forced her to leave her home in San Fran and start over in Washington. Her life is finally how she wants it to be, and she has no plans on ever having to live by someone else’s rules again or depending on them. But there’s just something about Alaska and Will that has her questioning everything. They do end up hooking up, and they do become pretty inseparable really fast. Still, some crazy things are happening around Nicole that they have to get to the bottom of. I do think the issue ends up becoming really interesting. I had no clue who was behind it because my guess was completely wrong. I do kind of wish the ex-drama was a little bit more prominent in here, but other than that, it was a fun surprise.
April 1, 2024
Event planner, Nicole Sullivan was content with her life until the day she returned home during morning rush hour and found her hubby and his latest bimbo fresh out of their bed or a new bimbo-mobile bought with marital assets in the garage! Not tone o wallow, Nicole contacted a divorce attorney on her way to work. Two years later, Nicole invested in a partnership with her boss and relocated to Seattle to open a new office, Nicole quickly discovered she was an outdoor girl!
There aren’t enough words to make forest ranger/alpha heir Asher Wells believe his dad’s stepping aside, there has to be something else. her would come back to the pack since their views are so different. Ash pushes that conversation out of his head the second he saw Nicole talking to a ranger about solo climbing a mountain range, there’s only room in his head to replay ‘mine’ over and over. Nicole could only think she’s gobsmacked when she saw him.
Asher though he’d convinced Nicole to delay her climb but a call from a fellow ranger alerts him Nicole’s stranded on the mountain. The governor ordered Asher to leave the solo climber and retrieve a group of federal employees on a project!
Within minutes of starting this foundation tale from a new to me author, this reader was completely invested, especially with Nicole’s affirming self-esteem/image view; though both Nicole and Asher lost a bit of their luster later in the read and to this reader’s taste, so did the plot with a surprise element forced in hurriedly at the end, leaving an unnecessary thread dangling. to my taste.
Rating: 3.5sttars
There aren’t enough words to make forest ranger/alpha heir Asher Wells believe his dad’s stepping aside, there has to be something else. her would come back to the pack since their views are so different. Ash pushes that conversation out of his head the second he saw Nicole talking to a ranger about solo climbing a mountain range, there’s only room in his head to replay ‘mine’ over and over. Nicole could only think she’s gobsmacked when she saw him.
Asher though he’d convinced Nicole to delay her climb but a call from a fellow ranger alerts him Nicole’s stranded on the mountain. The governor ordered Asher to leave the solo climber and retrieve a group of federal employees on a project!
Within minutes of starting this foundation tale from a new to me author, this reader was completely invested, especially with Nicole’s affirming self-esteem/image view; though both Nicole and Asher lost a bit of their luster later in the read and to this reader’s taste, so did the plot with a surprise element forced in hurriedly at the end, leaving an unnecessary thread dangling. to my taste.
Rating: 3.5sttars
January 27, 2023
'Defiant Mate' is the first book in Delta James' new series, "Mystic River Shifters". What a great paranormal romance/who-done-it mystery this one turned into. Delta James, as usual, has verbally set the beautiful scenes in Alaska, making me feel like I've visited Mystic River in person. The story originally centers around Nicole who caught her husband in a compromising situation, laid down a set of matter-of-fact instructions, and then went to work. We're talking about one strong woman, even with a broken heart. Hard work and perseverance lead her from San Francisco as an employee to Alaska with the promise of a 51/4 9% partnership. While there she intends to climb what she thought was a small safe mountain as her first solo climb. That's when she meets Asher, the head Ranger for all of Alaska. If you've read Delta James' work, then you know to expect a storyline that will grab on and hold your attention until the very end. If you haven't, then hold on for the ride. There are no shrinking violets in her stories. The Heroes are Alphas with large hearts, an overabundance of courage, a possessiveness streak a mile wide, and a loving, compassionate, nature towards their mate that redefines fidelity. The heroines are strong-willed, opinionated, loving, and loyal to a fault but will still give as good as they get. I can't wait to go back to Mystic River to read Jax's story and see what happens. I'm hoping we get the details of what's going on between Asher and his father in the next book.
February 10, 2023
It is a fantastic book. Defiantly a stand-alone. Very sad to see it end. The good news is there is a second book that continues on with his friend. and a third book after that. The main female character is a strong and steady woman. Who is able to stand her ground. I think she handles her husband well enough when she catches the lying, cheating, and spoiled man up to no good. Definitely, a strong woman than I, to not feed him to the wolves. Oh and it features a curvy woman. I absolutely love curvy female leads. The gorgeous Asher recognizes Nicole as his mate, but this headstrong woman pays no attention to warnings and finds herself in a predicament.
There is a reason why Delta James is a best-selling author and this new book series is no exception. The writing style is on point and the plot holds your attention. The flow is smooth and makes this an even read. The character development was good for me as it was a 200-page read. I was able to follow the characters. They were very likable, and I am looking forward to hearing little tidbits in the next book. I would highly rate this book to anyone who loves a small-town shifter book.
Stop By Were Vamps Romance for a showcase on the next book, for its release, on February 24th!
Current Event Month Giveaway is a $50 Blind Date Book Box Giveaway!
There is a reason why Delta James is a best-selling author and this new book series is no exception. The writing style is on point and the plot holds your attention. The flow is smooth and makes this an even read. The character development was good for me as it was a 200-page read. I was able to follow the characters. They were very likable, and I am looking forward to hearing little tidbits in the next book. I would highly rate this book to anyone who loves a small-town shifter book.
Stop By Were Vamps Romance for a showcase on the next book, for its release, on February 24th!
Current Event Month Giveaway is a $50 Blind Date Book Box Giveaway!
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