Hair stylist Xena Lewis has waited her whole life for the perfect mate. As she gets older she’s begun to run out of eligible men in Deal’s Gap, so she moves closer to the tourists in Nantahala State park in hopes of finding the man of her dreams. When her busybody mother books her to cut Luke Robichaux’s hair, Xena and her cat purr with pleasure. She’s so taken with him she doesn’t notice he’s not a werecougar, and when she does, more than fur flies.
Luke Robichaux moved to North Carolina to find himself, and what he discovers is so much better - his mate in cougar form. Rawrr. The moment he scented Xena Lewis he knew the cat was his, and when she presented him with her finest assets he thought she was on board with the plan. While Xena struggles to get over Luke being a werebear, other members of her clan make their union impossible if they plan to stick around. Xena and Luke have to decide if their mate attraction is strong enough for them to leave the prejudice behind.
V. Vaughn is also known as Violet Vaughn and is a USA Today Bestselling author. Violet lives on an island in Maine and spends almost every day walking through the woods. She may have seen a bear once or twice....
I absolutely loved this stand alone story with it's bad guy action, hot steamy bits, laugh out loud humour and the HEA.
'Finding Luke' is a terrific stand alone paranormal romance by one of my favourite authors and is V. Vaughn's first entry in Eliza Gayle's multi-author Southern Shifters collection for Amazon's Kindle Worlds. Anyone who has read her 'Tempted by the Bear' serial will know exactly who Luke is and why he's taking time out to 'find himself'. I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review and I absolutely loved reading his continuing story, but don't worry if you haven't read about him before, it won't make any difference because this book begins with a completely clean slate.
Werebear Luke Robichaux is working in the Nantahala State Park as a river guide for Jim's Raft Tours while he tries to find himself, but he's having a problem with his hair getting in his eyes. What he needs is a haircut but what he finds is that the werecougar doing the cutting is his true mate and he's over the moon.
Werecougar and hair stylist Xena Lewis and her best friend Gigi moved to Nantahala from Deal's Gap for a number of reasons; it no longer felt like home, to get away from Zander, Xena's ex-boyfriend and to fullfil their long-held dream of opening their own salon 'Turning Heads'. So far they're doing well, except for Xena's mother continually going on about her mateless status and setting her up with customers, but she actually got it right this time. Luke Robichaux is her true mate and she's a happy cougar, until she finds out he's a bear.
Well written in first person narrative style and entirely from Xena's point of view, something that always makes me feel like I'm reading someone's diary, something I don't really like but didn't actually notice after the first page and I got so engrossed in the story I really couldn't put it down. I don't want to give spoilers here, but after a wonderful first date and some serious hotness, things take an abrupt turn for the worse, but although he's confused about what's going on beneath the surface, Luke is determined to keep his mate now that he's found her, and despite all the violent and murderous opposition Xena has a choice to make. Thankfully, she makes the right one and there is a happily ever after for them, but what they have to go through to get it is the real substance of this terrific story. It has some really great characters and I loved the girls' bowling team, lots of bad guy action, some really hot steamy bits with the hunkalicious hero and the feisty heroine, it made me angry, sad, happy, laugh out loud and not a cliff-hanger in sight. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next one.
I have had this on my want to read list for a long time and finally got to read it when I bought the Happy Howlidays collection. I love this authors work !!!
"Finding Luke" By V. Vaughn is astounding. Her writing is consistent; her story-lines are uniquely individual as are her characters. I wish that I had had the opportunity to read Violet's other amazing series before I got to review this one. As the Robichaux's from "Called by the Bear" are the same families as Luke Robichaux of this series. However, it is still a stand alone. Violet has such an astounding vision for her series and characters. I love the way I get pulled into her world, her mind. Violet's creativities and abilities as a writer are matched by few. I especially like the visionaries that Violets sets up for her characters. It brings them to reality. Also the way Violet builds the Setting off the background keeps the story-line visually real. It's a great Author who can bring me into her world and keep me there as if I am a part of the story. Xena and Gigi are best friends, they are both were-cougars and living the dream of owning their own hair salon. Xena's mom, Opal also works there as the receptionist. Xena moved from her home town, Deals Gap a were-town, because she has not found her mate with in her clan, so she moved to a more tourist type town. Opal came over to tell Xena to pull her breasts up and get them perky as she had a client coming in soon. Opal was always pushing Xena to flaunt her body to get a man, a mate. But Xena wanted to find her true mate, though at almost 35 she didn't think it would happen. Xena heard the bell from the front door being opened. She turned around and her jaw hit the floor. A drop dead gorgeous blond beefcake walked in and HE was her appointment. Gigi leaned over as Xena walked forward and said, "Oh my god, I wonder if he has a brother?" Luke sat right down in her chair as she prepared him for a shampoo. He wanted all of his lovely shoulder length blond locks cut off. Xena was sickened. She could see herself running her fingers through all that hair while calling out his name. Xena and Luke had been flirting and passing innuendos back and forth the entire time. There was an instant connection, an instant heat. When Xena was done Luke asked her out on a date. She was so excited. But she couldn't figure out what type of cat he was but it didn't matter because he made her body hum. The next morning Xena couldn't believe that she was waking up to her own Adonis. Luke had asked Xena if she could feel it. He was talking about their connection; she assured him that she could. As they both headed off to work Xena thought about seeing Zander last night at the Diner. She wondered what he was doing in town. She also thought it strange with the glares he and his friends had given her; they had been split up for almost 2 years now. That night Luke and Xena were playing around and Luke made an off handed joke about never being with a were-bear before. Xena went ballistic and began telling him they could never be together or see each other again. Luke didn't understand? She tried to tell him that in her clan they didn't allow interspecies mating and that he would get hurt and so would she if anyone found out. Xena kicked Luke out of her house. Later that evening Xena heard all kinds of sirens headed towards her shop so she took off. Her shop was only three blocks from where she lived but the sirens went past. Fear filled her, Luke lived about three blocks past her shop and there was tons of smoke billowing out of the top of the building where he lived. There had been an explosion, all Xena could do was cry and yell for Luke' This is an amazing story and I left quite a bit of exciting things out. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next book to come. I was given a copy for an honest exchange.
I received this for a honest review. I love V. Vaughn’s books. There is actually a funny story behind this. Normally I read synopsis and can usually put two and two together if it is concerning another character from another series from the author. In this case I did neither. I did not even bother with the synopsis because truthfully I have read so many of her books and never have come across one I did not like. That does not mean I have not ran across some characters I did not care for. You would of thought the name Luke Robichaux would have been a dead giveaway. Nope, did not even click with me. Which I guess is a good thing since I did not like Luke in the series Called by the bear or Tempted by the Bear (yes they are a great series and worth reading). So this gave him a fair shot in my eyes. I actually did not put the pieces together until the last chapter. Yeah took me a while..LOL If you are wondering, yes I love Luke in this book. He is well redeemed.
Xena Lewis was a hair stylist. Her and her best friend Gigi owned a hair salon. Xena had to always put up with her mother meddling. Her mother wanted her to find a mate. I truly do not think her mother cared if it was her true mate or not just as long as she got some grandkids out of it. Xena was a werecougar. Her clan did not believe in interspecies breeding. If it happened it could endanger all parties involved.
It is funny that Xena’s mother did not even realize she was setting her daughter up with a werebear. Luke Robichaux knew he had found his mate when he smelled her. He wanted Xena, not only wanted but needed her. Xena felt the same attraction and even though she was fighting it she found it hard.
Xena and Luke find themselves in danger by Xena’s clan. The clan wants to do more then run Luke out of town. Xena will have some important decisions to make. Will Xena leave her family and friends behind to be with her fated mate?
This story focuses on; LUKE, a strapping, heart-stirring powerful werebear; Xena, a sassy, sexy, beautiful werecougar, and hair stylist.
What you'll find in this story; remarkably impressive and engaging characters, fantastic story-line, powerful vivid scene descriptions, superb banter, Luke is full of unexpected surprises, heart-rending moments, emotions spiral, camaraderie, family issues, spine-chilling suspense, pent-up rage, life-threatening incidents, earth shattering toe-curling sensual romance, and a heart-warming ending that is sure to make you smile and wanting more...
At the age of thirty-five Xena believes she will never find her destined mate, but when she meets Luke she feels an instant pull towards him. Luke moved to North Carolina taking a job as a rafting guide, hoping that a change in atmosphere might set him on the right track of life. When he meets Xena at her salon he knows immediately that she is his mate, but her clan will never allow them to be together as only full-bloods will be accepted into the clan. Prejudice and danger lurks in the shadows, and is after Luke with a vengeance.
WOW/FANTASTIC-fast paced well written creative read by a truly gifted author. The characters are convincing and spring to life with vivid scene descriptions, intriguing plot, and fantastic dialogue. The romance sizzles and is filled with undying devotion. I loved this story as it was a most exhilarating read. If you treasure shifter romance this is certainly a terrific book for your library. {I was gifted this book, and this is my completely honest review}. In the world of shifter romance the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservations I recommend this book.
ANOTHER WONDERFUL STORY TO ADD TO THIS SERIES I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.....OVER 18 READING Luke Robichaux (bear shifter) leaves town after hearing the polar bear shifter he was going to marry died and ends up in Nantahala State park in South Carolina where Xena Lewis had moved in hopes of finding a mate. Xena and her friend Gigi had opened a business , Turning Heads Salon, her mother Opal is the receptionist, while Xena and Gigi cut hair. All three women or cougar shifters as is most of the town shifters and they have rules against different species mixing, It is not done. But from their first meeting they are attracted to each other, his family back home doesn't care if they find a mate of a different species, but here in cougar town your life could be in dangerous. She is so liking Luke she doesn't realize he is not a cat and thing go real far before she finds out he is a bear and does that lead to her having a fit. But when he's nearly killed she can't help how she feels, which will lead to choices meaning made, friends choosing sides. Her fears of his family? Finding out how well off he is? Will his family except her, she is afraid not. Oh yea, after they complete the bound and head to his family , stop at a hotel seeing the kind of places he choses to stay, type of credit cards he uses leads to her biggest surprise when they finally discover the BIG age difference , he don't care she gets upset, again/ But a HEA ending, but I hope there will be more to their story because he didn't leave on the best of terms with some.
what a read! passion, heartache, drama,... it's all there. xena is 35 and still a single cougar, she dated almost all of the elibable man in the pack but not a single one made her cat purr. that is until luke enters her hair salon. that's when her cat decides to start acting like a hussy in front of the tower of a man with his rugged looks and sweet sent. she senses he's a shifter too and with the way he moves she's almost sure he's some type of cat. luke doesn't leave untill he made sure they were having a date. entering the salon had sealed the deal for him, xena was his, styled hair, curves and magical hands to boot. what turns out to be the best night of her life turns into a nightmare when luke casually mentions her he's a werebear. you can do a lot in her pack but what is a big no no is mixing species . but fate has other ideas and xena can't stay away from luke but the consequences aren't nice as she find the front of her hairsalon vandalized. they get even worse when not even a day later luke is almost killed! what will these two shifters do? family means everything to them. one has left one behind, the other knows hers won't accept her mating for what it is.
loved reading lukes story and the little surprise near the end had me giggling a bit, it was a nice pun to the story and certainly gave it a fun ending for the couple! loved how it tied in with both the kindle world series and violets own world. nice cross over! i wouldn't mind reading about gigi hint hint
Finding Luke was unbelievably unexpected! Ok maybe Luke was a power hungry wanker back home, but he was not really a bad guy! When Luke heads South to rethink his life, the last thing he expects to find when he goes for a hair-cut is his mate, but despite off the wall chemistry she throws him out after finding out he is a were-bear not a were-cougar like those of her clan. Moreover, these were-cougars make some of the bear families back in Maine look like teddy bears in comparison. Luke has never had to deal with such prejudice and blind hatred based solely on his bear. Good thing Xena more than makes up for it, even if she balked at first, when his apartment is set on fire, the possibility of losing him brought her around pretty quick. Although I have not read any of the other Southern Shifters world books I will definitely have to peek after reading this! I am a big fan of the V. Vaughn’s Called by the Bear (and Tempted by the Bear) series of which Luke is a major character and I was really happy to see a different side of him (not to mention find his mate!). Great story and characters, I hope to see more on Luke and Xena’s friends! **this book received in exchange for an honest review**
Xena is going to need the strength of her name sake if she and Luke are to have a chance Thank you Violet Vaughn for this story. Even with Luke's evil plans, I always felt sorry for his loss of “his temporary” mate. I worried about where he would end up. If this teases you and want to know more read Tempted By the Bear series. Now—about where Luke ended up. Right where he was supposed to be to find his true mate. Who would have thought he'd end up with, okay just a little sneaky info—she is a were cougar. Not one who lives in an open society. What will happen when the other weres learn about Luke? Xena, and she's going to need the strength of her name sake, is strong, and lonely. She's afraid she will end up like her mother, lonely and alone. Until Luke walks into her salon for a hair cut. He makes her cat purr, and her human pant. What will they do about their relationship? This town is more than bigoted. Will it be a danger to them? If so how will they handle it? I'll only say Ms. Vaughn makes us wonder but never disappoints. She just doesn't let her reader get comfortable with the process. Once again, thank you for giving us Luke's story.
Luke has changed and matured from his last appearance in the Tempted by the Bear series. He has wondered into a town with primarily cougar and wolf shifters and found his fated mate. Unfortunately for both of them, it is a cougar and he is a bear shifter. Her town doesn't like the species to mix and reproduce. Xena can't deny her mate but it will mean hard choices.
Luke does not even seem like the same power hungry guy from the other series. He has learned from his mistakes and is ready to really commit. Xena is a lot older than him and worries about the age difference and there are some jokes about her really being a cougar. She has some good friends who come to her aid and I enjoyed the supporting characters. Her ex is hard to figure out. He has a lot of good qualities but he also is willing to push the limits to get what he wants.
It is a pretty quick read with an interesting mix of characters and situations. I have always enjoyed her books. You don't have to read the other series to enjoy the book but I do recommend them too if you like shifter romances.
5 Stars ☆☆☆☆☆ Title: FINDING LUKE KINDLE WORLDS SOUTHERN SHIFTERS Author: V. Vaughn Reviewer: Stephanie Jordan #Paranormal #CougarShifter #WereBear ●○•°●○•°●○•°●○•°●○•°●○•°●○•°●○•°●○•°●○•° I'm really never disappointed when I pick up a book from Ms.Vaughn, this lady always gets you right away on the 1st chapter, gosh sometime the 1st page and there's nothing short of an earth quake to put it down. Xena Lewis is werecougar and a hair stylist who is also co-owner of a Hair Salon called Turning Heads. She's always dreamed of having a salon, her dream came true if only Xena could find a Mate everything would be beautiful and her mom would get off her back. Luke Robichaux is a WereBear who moved to North Carolina from Maine he needed to make better decisions with his life instead what he's been doing so here he was working in the rafting business. Life was going good, getting a perspective of life and staying out of trouble. Then he went and got a haircut then Fate and Trouble hit the fan.. I was gifted this ARC for an honest and truthful review.
This review is from: Southern Shifters: Finding Luke (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Kindle Edition) I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review from Author V. Vaughn’ and I have to say that I love all her books. This is a Southern Shifter Romance story about a hair stylist Xena Lewis, a werecougar waiting to find her perfect mate and Luke Robichaux a werebear, we know him from the series "Tempted by the Bear" and " Called by the bear". Luke moves to N. Carolina from Maine and then he met his true mate when he goes to get a haircut at a salon owned by Gigi and Xena. Xena wants him and Luke want her. But the plot thicken with town drama and bigotry, there is danger, powerful and charming characters, unexpected surprises, family issues, heart-warming moments and so much more.What will happen when her clan knows who Luke is? Can they make the relationship work? You most definitely have to buy and read this fantastic romance story.
Omg I'm so freaking happy luke got his happy ending. If you read tempted by the bear all parts and called by the bear all parts then you know Luke's past. This guy has been through the ringer but finally finally he got his happy ending. This guy can't do things easy but Mayes are wroth it. Even though you don't have to read the other books to love this one, I do recommend it if you want to know about luke. I loved this book and can't wait for more. I received this book as a arc for my honest opinion. A must buy, for shifter lover's everywhere. For those you know no matter what race you are the heart doesn't look at that nor does it care, your heart loves it's mate no matter what they look like no matter where they are from doesn't care if you have past. THE HEART WANTS WHAT THE HEART WANTS! !!!
Finding Luke is a story about Luke Robichaux and Xena Lewis.
Xena Lewis hairstylist at thirty-five is looking for her true mate. As she got older she begans to run out of eligible men. When her mom books Luke Robichaux for a hair cut, Xena so excited with him she doesn't realize he isn't a wearcougar.
Luke Robichaux is a hot twenty-two shifter with blond hair and blue eyes that moves to North Carolina to find himself. What he never expects is to find his true mate in the form of a cougar.
Will Xena be able to accept Luke as his true mate? If so will she be able to leave her family and friends behind?
What another great book by Violet Vaughn. If you haven't read one of her books yet, then this would be a good one to read. It has suspense, romance, chemistry, and family issues.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for a honest review. Review by Melissa K.
Luke Robichaux's character started I the called by the bear series (it's awesome by the way) and ends with luke running of to find himself. Looks like he ended up in north Carolina and wham just by getting a haircut he found his mate, a werecougar by the Name of Xena Lewis BUT. Yea I know, there is always a but. You see this area is full of werecats. And the rule is they don't mix. Luke just happens to be a bear so no one but luke is happy he found his mate. Ok I can't tell ya any more. It's a great story, great characters, great action lots of spice. I just loved it Shifter fans this book works as a stand alone or if you read the series You just know who he is. It's a fantastic add to your shifter library too! Book gifted for an honest review and I honestly loved it.
Xena Lewis is a were-cougar and hair stylist, who is looking for her mate. None of the male cougars in her clan are it. Then her mate walks in the door of her salon, Turning Heads Salon. Her cougar is all on board and so is she until she finds out he isn't a cat.
Luke Robichaux has just moved to North Carolina. Things at home weren't going well, so here he is. Working as a rafting guide with some were-cougars works for him. He was hoping but, hadn't really expected to find his mate so soon, but he has no complaints. Well, not until his mates clan decides he isn't welcome and wants him gone, alive or dead, which ever comes first.
Wow! V. Vaughn does it again. I didn't even realize this was the same Luke from her Tempted by the Bear series until 1/2 way through. I didn't like him too much in that series but he is definitely a better person in this book. Xena is a hairdresser and a were-cougar. Her mom keeps trying to set her up and get her to take a mate. She meets Luke and that all she wrote. Unfortunately she had an ex-boyfriend who just won't take no for an answer and a town that doesn't accept mixed mating. This is a hot, sexy, and slightly suspenseful story that will have you hooked.
I was given this e-book by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. My conclusions are my own. I was not compensated in any way
Received the book for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading Luke and Xena's story. Xena Lewis is a werecougar hair stylist who desperately wants to meet her mate. Luke Robichaux is a werebear shifter that left his home and past to rediscover himself. While getting a hair cut at the local salon he might just have met his mate and she's a werecougar. The attraction is instantaneous and both Luke and Xena can't get enough of each other. When Xena discovers that Luke isn't a werecougar she quickly pushes him away as he'll never be accepted by her clan. But the mate attraction is too strong and they both risk it all to be together. Once again Ms, Vaughn weaves a tale of love, romance, action and of course a happy ending.
I was given an ARC of 'Finding Luke' from the V. Vaughn, in exchange for an honest review.
You would think the title 'Finding Luke' would have hinted just who this book was about, especially having read V. Vaughn's "Called by the Bear" & "Tempted by the Bear" series, but nope it didn't. I just jump into V's books now, no hesitation in wanting to read them from me. So when a certian surname is mentioned it all clicks for me. Luke Robichaux has moved away from his family after events occur in "Tempted by the Bear".... he ends up in a werecougar community, where he meets his fated mate Xena. But things aren't as nice as they first appear. LOVED this, I couldn't put this down.
First I must give my grateful thanks to V Vaughn for the opportunity to read this story despite my living in Scotland. I have read some of V Vaughn’s stories before both as V Vaughn and Vi Vaughn. I can’t say that I have found any of her works to be less than an enjoyable read and this story does not disappoint. In fact I loved it. The storyline, characters – everything. I must admit that despite him not showing to his best ability (about the only named baddy) I hope that at some time in the future there will be a mate found for Zander. This story merits 5 stars and if it was possible to give it more stars I would do so.
What am amazing story that really pulls at the heart. Xena is a Werecougar who runs her own salon, when new comer Luke shows up the two hit it off, Xena can sense that he's a shifter but gets the shock of her life when she finds out he's a werebear. The chemistry between Luke and Xena is extreme and they know they are true mates, but when Xena's ex and the pack start to cause trouble for Xena and Luke will they be able to make it? Love the character and such a great story line! Cannot wait for more from this amazing author!
Xena is a hair stylist she and her best friend Gigi own a hair salon near Nantahala State park in North Carolina, Xena has waited her whole life for her perfect mate. Xena’s mother has booked Luke Robichaux a hair cut, Xena believes he is her mate but she is a were cougar and he is a were bear. Her clan will not accept their mating, what happens? I was gifted a copy for an honest review barwatts@telus.net
WOW I loved this story. I feel everyone deserves love even if they are different shifter types. Love comes in many forms and trying to keep mates apart for the purity of the species is so wrong. I love how they fight for what they believe and don't let anything stop them. Her best friend helps her like she should and her mother came around. She made the right decision to follow her mate. I cant wait to see what happens next and if we see them again.
Review for FINDING LUKE I received this as a gift for an honest review. I am so glad to have Luke find his true mate and real happiness. Of course, it comes with a steep price tag, but it is well worth it for both Luke and his mate, Xena. She is a cougar and her clan is none too happy about her choice. Only after an attempt on Luke’s life, that almost kills him, do they make the real hard choices. Now she has to face his family and the dangers that entails.
I got this in exchange for an honest review, I am a fan of this author and I love her work this one like the others was amazing well written everything about it was perfect I love shifters and this one had some really hot sexy ones that captivate you and make you desire more of them it has a lot of in my opinion suspense thrill mystery romance desire lust emotions that like sparks fly everywhere I was surprised and sad that I reached the end still wonderful work I recommend to everyone
Xena is a hair stylist in a tiny town. Her mother isn't helping any by pestering her into finding someone to settle with. She wants her forever mate, not a lover. So when a very hot man whose new in town walks in through the door to her salon. Her cougar side starts to go wild.... Is he her mate or is her cat just interested in just a fling.
You have done it, oh yes , Thank you you found Luke . I was so sure he was gone for good. If you like V Vaughn's book and now I am speaking of her bears you are going to love this one. Now just tell me there will be more, you see I can't wait and you other readers let me know what you think.
This is another great book by V. Vaughn, she never disappoints! I really enjoyed this story and the characters. I thought the book was a refreshing read and one I couldn't put down. I always look forward to reading a book by Ms. Vaughn and can't wait to read what she has coming next.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Loved how Luke is remade into a caring, solid individual in this book. He's found himself and thought he found his mate in Xena; she's a business owner in town. But she's a werecougar and her clan doesn't agree with mixing the gene pool! Slow start, but the book quickly picks up and is a sizzling page turner! Received book free for an honest review.