Becky Baldridge
Three novellas, three authors, one entertaining anthology. All three stories revolve around shifters finding their fated mates. The beauty of a fated mates story is that instalove works, at least on the shifter side of things. I did like that the humans involved in these stories felt the attraction, but they didn't fall madly in love at first sight. Each story has a good mix of romance, danger, and action, and I also found a bit of wit and humor in Fake Mated to the Wolf. Some things could've used more development, but there is a lot of story packed into these reads. In the end, all three stories are well worth the read, mixing romance, a bit of steamy fun, and plenty of action, and of course, some yummy shifters!
Dar Good
4 stars Bearing his touch - Starvos, sweet bear, big family, helper of those in need, finds his fated mate. Becka has escaped from her evil tormentor, and finds Stavros. She has people after her, two groups it would seem, and a whole bunch of bears want to keep her safe. Lots of mystery, anticipation, and some laughs along the way! 2.5-3 stars Fake Mated to the Wolf - This story had more meat to it than I expected, with some real troubles for the people in it. It still had an overly dramatic heroine, but she seemed softer than she was presented. Our hero, Hawke Hawke, no really, that is his name, also isn't prone to dramatics, but isn't completely upfront with our heroine. Overall, not a too bad of a read 5 stars The Witch, the Werewolf, and the Waitress - I absolutely loved this story! Ellie tugged at my heartstrings and Colin was so protective of her. This story felt like it was being told in a mist, in the woods, surrounded by tall trees, and stars filling the sky above. A story of jealousy, loneliness, heartbreak, and survival. How even finding true love doesn't mean your trials and tribulations are over, it means you have someone there with you now. To help you through it all, and stay by your side even if things go wrong.
Cathy Geha
In The Mood Fur Love BEARING HIS TOUCH: Eve Langlais Becka has been held hostage and abused for a month when one day she manages to get away, run for her life and run into Stavros (bear-shifter) who immediately knows she is his mate and is compelled to do all in his power to keep her safe. This is a fun read that includes humans and paranormal creatures and is quirky and funny and definitely left me with a smile on my face. I am still smiling at the variation in fairytales that were-bears tell their children. FAKE MATED TO THE WOLF: Milly Taiden Shawna has family, work and money problems so when her inept and nasty boss fires her life becomes even more difficult. She does have good friends who stand beside her and a man who knows she is his fated mate BUT getting her to see it is so takes some doing on his part. Enjoyable read with a HEA for Shawna and Hawke. THE WITCH, THE WEREWOLF, AND THE WAITRESS: Kate Baxter This story had the feel of a fairytale with the princess cursed by a wicked witch. Ellie has lived for centuries after Witch Sarah cursed her. Her life has been long and lonely and she has endured but when Colin the werewolf shows up he realizes she is his mate and both their lives soon change bigtime. This story has a quest that if and when completed will impact both Colin and Ellie. Thoroughly enjoyed this story! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4 Stars