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Wolves of Stone Ridge #30
Pint-Sized Protector
Out of the Learning from your past makes for a better future.
Cayden Rochette works as a negotiator for the Stone Ridge wolf pack. For decades he has worked behind the scenes with his alpha to secure peace for the pack’s future, which often leads to long stretches away from home. After one such assignment, he discovers a cat shifter staying in his house as his brothers’ guest. One sniff is all it takes to realize the small feline is his mate. Still, the Andean mountain cat is a shy shifter recently rescued from years of torture at the hands of scientists. The cat hasn’t even shifted, yet, even after staying with the wolves for weeks. With a little help from the mate-pull, Cayden earns the cat’s curiosity—if not his trust—enough for him to shift, anyway. That opens up a whole new world of questions. Ajax grew up away from shifters and knows little of their ways. Can Cayden convince the solitary shifter of the benefits of staying with him?
Cayden Rochette works as a negotiator for the Stone Ridge wolf pack. For decades he has worked behind the scenes with his alpha to secure peace for the pack’s future, which often leads to long stretches away from home. After one such assignment, he discovers a cat shifter staying in his house as his brothers’ guest. One sniff is all it takes to realize the small feline is his mate. Still, the Andean mountain cat is a shy shifter recently rescued from years of torture at the hands of scientists. The cat hasn’t even shifted, yet, even after staying with the wolves for weeks. With a little help from the mate-pull, Cayden earns the cat’s curiosity—if not his trust—enough for him to shift, anyway. That opens up a whole new world of questions. Ajax grew up away from shifters and knows little of their ways. Can Cayden convince the solitary shifter of the benefits of staying with him?
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
11 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 14, 2015
Richards is just phoning these in now, but they're still like crack to me. Damn you, Charlie Richards.
March 17, 2016
While this is the thirtieth book in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series, you don’t necessarily need to have read the twenty-nine before this one to enjoy the story.
Ajax is one of the recent rescued shifters, and he’s staying with Teague and Cecil and Cayden, three wolf shifter brothers. Ajax has spent most of his life in a cage. His mother had to leave her pride with him when he was small, and she died when he was young also, so he really knows nothing of shifters. He also knows nothing about mates or even sex. Cayden recognizes that his mate has a LOT of catching up to do.
As usual, there are threats from outside and confusion about how Ajax came to be trapped by the scientists and caged in their facility for experimentation. And we get JARED! Jared Templeton is still my favorite badass character in this series, and any story that has Jared involved is a winner for me. With Jared and the rest of the pack around, needless to say the bad guys don’t get very far. :)
Yes, this is another very smexy “happy mates find each other and bond” story. If you’re a fan of this series and this trope, then this is another fast paced and fun read that will give another pair of shifters their HEA, and move the series along in getting to the bottom of who is selling out shifters to the scientists.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Ajax is one of the recent rescued shifters, and he’s staying with Teague and Cecil and Cayden, three wolf shifter brothers. Ajax has spent most of his life in a cage. His mother had to leave her pride with him when he was small, and she died when he was young also, so he really knows nothing of shifters. He also knows nothing about mates or even sex. Cayden recognizes that his mate has a LOT of catching up to do.
As usual, there are threats from outside and confusion about how Ajax came to be trapped by the scientists and caged in their facility for experimentation. And we get JARED! Jared Templeton is still my favorite badass character in this series, and any story that has Jared involved is a winner for me. With Jared and the rest of the pack around, needless to say the bad guys don’t get very far. :)
Yes, this is another very smexy “happy mates find each other and bond” story. If you’re a fan of this series and this trope, then this is another fast paced and fun read that will give another pair of shifters their HEA, and move the series along in getting to the bottom of who is selling out shifters to the scientists.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
August 4, 2015
I absolutely loved this story! Every book in this series has been amazing. Ajax is so scared, and who can blame him but when he smells Cayden in the house he is comforted without knowing why. Cayden knows why, Ajax and he are mates. Slowly Cayden lures Ajax to shift and gets him to trust and eventually love. Their mating is a beautiful thing to watch. Ajax may be small in stature, but he knows how to take care of his mate, in bed and out.As usual I love seeing previous characters as they are woven into each new story to help both in explaining things, connections and in helping to protecting their "brothers" mates. Whether they are actual blood family or formed through circumstances. I highly recommend this book. Well worth the time and money.
December 14, 2015
This was actually pretty good. I was confused about the Title, seeing as our little kitty isn't of the dominant nature but that is explained at the end with the big fight scene.
Another group of scientists/bad guys to go after...
Disappointing to miss out on the kitty stalk mate fun...
Another group of scientists/bad guys to go after...
Disappointing to miss out on the kitty stalk mate fun...
March 17, 2016
Full review at The Novel Approach
May 24, 2017
Cayden Rochette’s job as a negotiator for the Stone Ridge wolf pack often takes him out of town for long periods of time. When he returns home from a particularly difficult negotiation, he finds an Andean mountain cat shifter living with his brothers. He is delighted to discover that Ajax is his mate, but there are many problems. Ajax was rescued with a group of shifters. He is very shy and has not even shifted yet. He grew up knowing only torture and is unfamiliar with the ways of a normal life. The mate pull is strong and soon Cayden has earned his trust and he shifts. Now to convince him there is more to life.
The way these captive shifters had been treated was terrible. Ajax had very little trust in anyone and hid most of the time. He was not sure who he could trust. Cayden was delighted to find that Ajax was his mate and knew patience was the key to winning him over. And once he did, Ajax become his pint-sized protector. Charlie Richards knows how to write stories of love and lust, healing and trust. As they find more shifters held captive for long periods of time, their problems are deep and painful, but Stone Ridge is there to help them. Excitement, danger, love and beautiful relationships are the hall mark of this series. Don’t miss Pint-sized Protector, it is amazing.
The way these captive shifters had been treated was terrible. Ajax had very little trust in anyone and hid most of the time. He was not sure who he could trust. Cayden was delighted to find that Ajax was his mate and knew patience was the key to winning him over. And once he did, Ajax become his pint-sized protector. Charlie Richards knows how to write stories of love and lust, healing and trust. As they find more shifters held captive for long periods of time, their problems are deep and painful, but Stone Ridge is there to help them. Excitement, danger, love and beautiful relationships are the hall mark of this series. Don’t miss Pint-sized Protector, it is amazing.
June 25, 2024
On a major re-re-read of the Stone Ridge world. I usually enjoy Charlies' short stories and novellas (the occasional one is a clunkier) but I have found that the best way to read them is to series binge and read them in the recommended reading order for the 'world' instead of by series. This gives a much more satisfying read with a more consistent plot line and world. Even the clunkers become acceptable as a small part of the whole. The characters are still good, and as usual Charlie uses stereo types with skill and develops characters indirectly. The only characters that develop depth are those who appear and then reappear frequently.
May 7, 2020
The Wolves have taken in some of the abducted shifters, Ajax is a smaller cat shifter who was found and has been to frightened to shift back into human form. He has been living with Cayden's brothers where he feels more comfortable. Cayden arrives home and realises that Ajax is his mate. Their relationship is the background to the next issue the wolves have.
Another shifter pack with leadership issues.
Another shifter pack with leadership issues.
June 26, 2019
Ajax was held captive for a majority of his life. When he's saved by the shifters he soon realizes that Cayden is his mate (once he learns what being a mate even means). There is danger on the way which threatens Cayden and his two brothers, plus Ajax, but wow, Ajax came through in the end. The writing was excellent, of course, and the plot was interesting. It was an enjoyable and sexy read. =)
February 9, 2018
Kitty
Ajax was one of the shifters rescued in Russia. He was a cat shifter and he found his mate with a wolf. Toss in some shifter politics and the bad guys coming to town. A very good story
Ajax was one of the shifters rescued in Russia. He was a cat shifter and he found his mate with a wolf. Toss in some shifter politics and the bad guys coming to town. A very good story
October 20, 2019
Andean Mountain Cat Ajax and Diplomat Cayden
September 18, 2015
Charlie Richards' Pint-Sized Protector is the 30th episode in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series. The story focuses on the beginnings of a relationship between Cayden Rochette, a wolf shifter and Ajax, an Andean mountain cat shifter. The backdrop to the romance is the territorial workings of the wolf shifters of Stone Ridge and the neighboring fox shifters. Richards has a good style and a clear voice. I liked the characters, although I did find some of the sex scenes more clinical than passion-filled. Pint-Sized Protector needs a little more smoke n' smolder and not so much wham, bam, thank you.
This being book 30 of a serial, it's a good idea to read the earlier books, since some of the relationship byplay between the secondary characters in Pint-Sized Protector is puzzling. Several times, it felt like the characters had knowledge of which I was unaware.
Cayden and Ajax are a different kind of couple, since one is a wolf and the other a mountain cat. Cayden is older, while Ajax may be wilder due to his upbringing. The mate bond, a plot device in many shifter romances, is what brings them together. So the relationship seems awkward and rushed at times.
The main focus of Pint-Sized Protector is Cayden's efforts to gain Ajax's trust in order to convince him to shift into his human form. Ajax is so frightened and traumatized by his former captivity that he refuses to shift. Cayden and Ajax share a house with Cayden's brothers Teague and Cecil, both wolf shifters. Other members of the wolf pack come and go from their house in the woods. Richards imparts a sense of community and family among the pack members. Alpha Declan and Lark make an appearance, as well as Carson and Jared.
Pint-Sized Protector clearly is not the final chapter in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series, since several story threads are left hanging. For example, who's the real enemy of the pack? What was the real motive behind Beta Arden's actions? At the end of the novel I didn't feel I really knew what was going to happen. Some of that feeling is attributable to coming into the series on the latest episode, but some things just need more explanation.
I'm giving Pint-Sized Protector 3 stars. It's a good read, but needs more plot development. I liked Cayden and Ajax and would love to see more interplay between those two characters outside of the bedroom. In several instances I saw hints of what a fully developed relationship could be between Cayden and Ajax, I'd like to see more. I may try several of the stories in this series to learn if my initial judgement holds.
Originally reviewed for BlackRaven's Reviews. You can view my other reviews at Creative Ink Romance Reviews
This being book 30 of a serial, it's a good idea to read the earlier books, since some of the relationship byplay between the secondary characters in Pint-Sized Protector is puzzling. Several times, it felt like the characters had knowledge of which I was unaware.
Cayden and Ajax are a different kind of couple, since one is a wolf and the other a mountain cat. Cayden is older, while Ajax may be wilder due to his upbringing. The mate bond, a plot device in many shifter romances, is what brings them together. So the relationship seems awkward and rushed at times.
The main focus of Pint-Sized Protector is Cayden's efforts to gain Ajax's trust in order to convince him to shift into his human form. Ajax is so frightened and traumatized by his former captivity that he refuses to shift. Cayden and Ajax share a house with Cayden's brothers Teague and Cecil, both wolf shifters. Other members of the wolf pack come and go from their house in the woods. Richards imparts a sense of community and family among the pack members. Alpha Declan and Lark make an appearance, as well as Carson and Jared.
Pint-Sized Protector clearly is not the final chapter in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series, since several story threads are left hanging. For example, who's the real enemy of the pack? What was the real motive behind Beta Arden's actions? At the end of the novel I didn't feel I really knew what was going to happen. Some of that feeling is attributable to coming into the series on the latest episode, but some things just need more explanation.
I'm giving Pint-Sized Protector 3 stars. It's a good read, but needs more plot development. I liked Cayden and Ajax and would love to see more interplay between those two characters outside of the bedroom. In several instances I saw hints of what a fully developed relationship could be between Cayden and Ajax, I'd like to see more. I may try several of the stories in this series to learn if my initial judgement holds.
Originally reviewed for BlackRaven's Reviews. You can view my other reviews at Creative Ink Romance Reviews
February 21, 2017
Meh, this book was boring. The plot wasn't entertaining and the interaction between the maincharacters was the typical , Oh I'll love you forever on first sight. Doesn't matter that they've only known each other for about 24 hours and in case of Ajax, been traumatized, scared and shy. But hey, no problem, now that Cayden is there everything seems to be forgotten.
Wasn't believable. Expected more coaxing and gentle approaching by Cayden over a reasonable timeframe. And the other plot was so random. I didn't get it.
I wouldn't recommend this unfortunately.
Wasn't believable. Expected more coaxing and gentle approaching by Cayden over a reasonable timeframe. And the other plot was so random. I didn't get it.
I wouldn't recommend this unfortunately.
December 28, 2015
Barb Manning's Review:
Charlie Richards' Pint-Sized Protector is the 30th episode in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series. The story focuses on the beginnings of a relationship between Cayden Rochette, a wolf shifter, and Ajax, an Andean mountain cat shifter. The backdrop to the romance is the territorial workings of the wolf shifters of Stone Ridge and the neighboring fox shifters. Ms. Richards has a good style and a clear voice. I liked the characters, although I did find some of the sex scenes more clinical than passion-filled. Pint-Sized Protector needs a little more smoke n' smolder and not so much wham, bam, thank you. Read More. . . http://www.blackravensreviews.com/aut...
January 12, 2016
Evelise's Review:
Pint-Sized Protector, Wolves of Stone Ridge #30 by Charlie Richards was a wonderful book with a lovely story line. Cayden was a negotiator for Alpha Declan and the Stone Ridge pack. Returning home to the house he shared with his brothers, Cecil and Teague, brings forth the most alluring scent—that of his mate, Andean cat shifter, Ajax. Read More. . . http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/pint-...
Pint-Sized Protector, Wolves of Stone Ridge #30 by Charlie Richards was a wonderful book with a lovely story line. Cayden was a negotiator for Alpha Declan and the Stone Ridge pack. Returning home to the house he shared with his brothers, Cecil and Teague, brings forth the most alluring scent—that of his mate, Andean cat shifter, Ajax. Read More. . . http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/pint-...
August 1, 2016
Another short instalment of this multi-series story.
As usual, the details of what Ajax knows and does not know, particularly regarding language, don’t seem particularly convincing to me. That tends to happen in most stories involving someone who just picked up a language while in captivity. Eh. Could be worse.
Much more confusing is how they call Ajax by name before even learning his name? I would not even mention this since stuff like this tends to happen in these books, but they do make a point of it here. Very odd.
As usual, the details of what Ajax knows and does not know, particularly regarding language, don’t seem particularly convincing to me. That tends to happen in most stories involving someone who just picked up a language while in captivity. Eh. Could be worse.
Much more confusing is how they call Ajax by name before even learning his name? I would not even mention this since stuff like this tends to happen in these books, but they do make a point of it here. Very odd.
October 27, 2015
This probably would have been a 4 from me, since it was a favorite of mine in this series. However, Declan called the cat "Ajax" before he should have known his name. It's little things like that that pull me out of the story. I liked the Rochette brothers and I hope to see more of them. I know I should probably stop reading this series, but I can't seem to stop.
August 12, 2015
This was a good! It also added proof of what I have long suspected - Jared and Carson must be Ms. Richards' favorites. :) They appear in so many of the other books in the series and always have a steamy exchange.
September 7, 2015
Review of wolves of stone ridge
I've been so busy reading this series which I love, I haven't had time to review them so they are GREAT. I went broke reading them all. Addiction, yep that's what I have. I love them all. Charlie, get busy and write more.
I've been so busy reading this series which I love, I haven't had time to review them so they are GREAT. I went broke reading them all. Addiction, yep that's what I have. I love them all. Charlie, get busy and write more.
August 5, 2015
I enjoyed the story. There is an issue with the cat's name at the beginning where someone uses his actual name and the aren't supposed to k ow it yet. It was a little hard to get passed.
August 9, 2015
Pint-Sized Protector (Wolves of Stone Ridge Book 30)
This was great absolutely great I Loved it I can't wait for more ..I will be watching for more to come ...
This was great absolutely great I Loved it I can't wait for more ..I will be watching for more to come ...
November 8, 2021
I love this series. I have read all of them several times.
September 11, 2015
I really liked this story. It is another great installment from Charlie Richards. This series just keeps getting better and better!
August 18, 2016
3.5 stars
September 11, 2015
Not bad. It was kind of a typical innocent inexperienced shifter meets alpha male mate. But i think the other 2 brothers in the series will be interesting additions. It was pretty cute.
September 14, 2015
Time to give up on this series Charlie.
October 5, 2020
Love me a cat shifter
Thoroughly enjoyed this quick read about an Andean cat shifter and his fated mate. Lots of feels, lots of heat.
Thoroughly enjoyed this quick read about an Andean cat shifter and his fated mate. Lots of feels, lots of heat.
July 19, 2022
Dieser Band der Stone Ridge Wölfe hat mir gut gefallen. Ein bisschen Drama, viel Liebe und explizite Szenen. ❤️ 🔥
Liest sich recht flüssig und in einem Rutsch durch.
Lesenswert ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Liest sich recht flüssig und in einem Rutsch durch.
Lesenswert ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 5, 2021
👍👬😍💖🐺🐈
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews