The Falcon Finds His Mate: A Nocturne Falls Universe story

Nocturne Falls Universe

by Candace Colt, Kristen Painter (Foreword)

After her dream job shatters like Humpty's shell, psychic Jess Callahan returns home to Nocturne Falls to put her life back together and get her career back on track. Left heartbroken years ago by a shifter, Jess keeps anything or anyone supernatural at arm's distance; even turning her back on her gift.

His career skyrocketing, falcon shifter Ryan Ford's life is just where he wants it. When the darkly handsome Ryan realizes that the one thing missing from his quiet, stay-to-himself world is the feisty red-haired Jess, he decides she'd be his perfect mate.

When Jess finally opens her heart to Ryan, she also opens her clairvoyant channel. But will their love survive her catastrophic vision?

Genres: Romance, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Chick Lit, Fantasy, Magic, Vampires

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2017

About the author

“Sweet paranormal and sci-fi romances filled with magic, heart, and small-town charm — from seaside spells to starlit skies.”

Welcome to the worlds of Candace Colt, where small-town charm, magical characters, and heartwarming happily-ever-afters come together.

Whether it’s a cozy coastal romance or an intergalactic adventure, every story blends gentle humor, family, and just enough enchantment to keep you turning the pages.

Start your journey in Baga Shores:

• Bewitching Andie – A reluctant witch returns home to raise her 7-year-old emerging wizard, but everyone’s idea of “help” is different… and often magical.

• Charming Sabrina – A prescient Draio wizard guards her heart until a buttoned-down Ordinary challenges her rules — and her trust.

• Enchanting Robbi – A fish whisperer and an aquarium director must work together when the fish warn of danger lurking in the depths.

Venture Beyond Baga Shores:

• Rhea’s Conundrum – One minute, Rhea’s in Florida. The next, she’s in a junk-picker spaceship bound for a distant galaxy — with her mind-reading, snarky cat in tow.

• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? – Rhea meets her alien’s family, and nothing goes according to plan (as usual).

✨ Bonus for readers:

Sign up for my newsletter at CandaceColt.com and get Convincing Emily — a Baga Shores prequel — FREE!

Reviews

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Rating: 2 stars - It was ok

Jess Callahan has returned to Nocturne Falls to put her life back together and hopefully get her career back on track. She is determined to keep her distance from one family though, the Fords. But she quickly realizes it isn’t the boy she had a crush on she needs to worry about, its his older brother.

This was an ok Nocturne Falls romance. Jess was very aloof with Ryan in the beginning but quickly switched gears to attraction. I was hoping for more development with their relationship but it was a very fast insta-love one with little build up between them.

Jess was interesting though because she had the ability of precog but refused to use it. I wish it had expanded on why she didn’t use her gifts. Ryan is a falcon shifter with an overbearing mother. Ryan and Conner both needed to get away from their mother. She was insufferable with her determination to keep her family pure. I hated her instantly and it made me not really like Ryan because he never stopped his mother from saying hurtful things in front of Jess.

Overall, this was just ok. I will probably avoid the rest of her books in this series because I can’t stand the mother, or Conner really since he was just a playboy.

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Tomika Campisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great NFU story! A good romance with a little adventure thrown in but in the end a good love story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Falcon Finds His Mate by Candace Colt

I really enjoyed this book. The author is great at writing. I wish there had been more about Jess's ring and how it masked her ability. I can't remember that detail. Of course, that doesn't mean it's not there. I may have just not remembered. I also wish there would've been more detail about the sanctuary. It took me a minute to understand what it was. I would love for this author to write another book about the different creatures in the sanctuary. I didn't mean for any of this review to be negative. It's a five star read. The things I pointed out are minor in regards to the story. My favorite is the "cat" Crealde. I would love to hear more about him. I'm not really sure what he is or how I picture him. He's adorable though. You will love Jess's grandmother. She is so full of life and doesn't care to express herself in front of anyone. I was laughing out loud. The hero is a really nice guy. He wasn't your typical character you see in the every day book. This author can really make characters come alive and I could just picture everyone like someone I already know. She really captures each individual personality. I'll be looking up her other books for sure!

[Ann Brookens · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was a good story, I liked it less than most of the rest of the Nocturne Falls Universe books. I didn't find Jess or Ryan very interesting although I wanted to know more about them and their abilities. I LOVED Echo and her cat and would love to read their backstory! I want to know more about the magical creatures in the Sanctuary...and what did Jess' college friends think about their visit to the nightclub? The author touched on a lot of interesting points but didn't develop the ones I want to know!

[SuperMommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. The story is about Ryan, a falcon shifter, and Jess, a girl from a family of clairvoyants. As with many of the NFU books, we get treated to new characters from new species, which provides for a very entertaining read. the author did a great job of weaving the details of the paranormal traits of these two characters in the story. I especially liked the way that Connor's character revels itself the further along that the story goes. Solange, Ryan's mother, is quite the....well mother. The author leads the reader down a path of discovery with her characters that I really enjoyed. I also thought that she developed the growing relationship between Jess and Ryan really well. The connection between the two drew the reader deeper into the story.

I am looking forward to the next book, especially hoping to learn more about Echo Stargazer's adventures!

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an ebook from the author, but that in no way affects my review or opinions. *

This was one of my favorite shorts about Nocturne Falls so far! I love Nocturne Falls, the characters, the celebration of Halloween, and most importantly the excitement that is always in play here! This was my first book by author Candace Colt, but it won't be my last! I loved her writing style, her seamless flow from chapter to chapter and her descriptions of the swoon worthy men...I mean falcons.

Jess is a typical woman trying to balance her life, career, and grandmother while helping out on projects in Nocturne Falls when her grandmother decides to enlist the help of Connor and Ryan Ford....little does anyone know that Jess has always pined after the wrong brother....BUT Mamma Ford wants no parts of Jess and her boys....

This was a quick, fun read that leaves the reader wanting more! I love the plot, the characters and the self-less-ness that Jess has. She is someone that I wouldn't mind being friends with in real life....as long as she leaves her ring on! If you haven't ventured into this world, or if you are looking for a quick fix then look no further, this is the book for you! Grab this one today and get started!!

[David Vise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book - possibly my favourite of the half dozen or so Nocturne Falls Universe Books I have read so far! 😀

I thought both the central characters, psychic Jess Callahan and falcon shifter Ryan Ford, and the supporting cast were great and I liked the storyline and Candace Colt's writing style.

Half a star docked though for what felt like a rushed conclusion and the improbable way Solange Ford went from being the nasty mean bad mother who wanted to get her own way to all sweetness and light in the space of a few pages....

4 1/2 stars

[Denise Snider · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked this book, I didn't love it as much as the other Nocturne Falls Universe books. I found this one slow and hard to get into. I wish I had seen more of Jess's ability and the story seemed to end unfinished.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Falcon Finds His Mate by Candice Colt

A Nocturne Falls Universe kindle world novella where Halloween is celebrated year round so paranormal activity is the tourist draw.
A shifter and clairvoyant are drawn to each other in this story.

“Gypsum jacked up mercy.” A favorite saying of the heroine whom I found to be indecisive. She hasn't used her gifts in years because they made her sick in the past. She wants out of Nocturne Falls.
I actually like the hero but also felt bad for him. His mother is super controlling and his shifting to his Falcon side is painful.

[AletheaO · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength of this story is on the interesting spins the author puts on the main characters. It’s nice to see a desirable male lead that doesn’t shift into the usual large beasts (wolf, bear, panther, etc.) and doesn’t follow the typical alpha male formula. Likewise the female lead is fantastic addition to the exploration of paranormals in the NF Universe in that she is at odds were her unique qualities to the point of repressing them. Lastly, Jess’ eccentric, free spirited grandmother is a fabulous and endearing character that I wish was a permanent member of the NF cannon so we could not only see her again, but see how her story line plays out. I hope to see a sequel to this charming tale.

[JB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about a falcon shifter in my favorite setting, Nocturne Falls. 365 24/7 Halloween and those aren't just costumes, real supernaturals hide in plain sight. Pretty good story, dragged a little bit, but overall still a recommended read. Enjoy!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great fit in the Nocturne Falls Universe!

I really liked the story, and how relatable the characters are. It kinda had a Sabrina vibe to me, which isn't a bad thing because I loved that movie! I love how when Jess takes her ring off she thinks her clairvoyance has deserted her only to have such a clear vision of the horror that could've happened.

The only thing that bugged me was her goofy catch phrase 'gypsum jacked up mercy'... who says that? (This character, repeatedly.)

[Dana Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Nocturne Falls Universe. I love meeting all the quirky residents that live in Nocturne Falls. I liked the story but found it a little hard to follow, and it seemed to jump around. I liked the main characters Ryan a Falcon shifter and Jess a psychic. I would be interested in reading more about them.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off a little slow but loved how everything took shape and finished. I wouldn't change anything about it especially since it made "human" problems "shifter" problems.

[Niken Widyastuti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Now… This is the best Nocturne Falls Universe book yet. Well, the first one I gave 5-star review that is.

The story fit right in the Nocturne Falls universe. The characters were beautifully built. We got to know the main characters, the supporting ones, and all in between. Of course, some of the original casts were there as well.

I love how the story was about two people, who knows each other yet have no history between them. Well, the heroine was having a crush with the hero’s brother. They developed the attraction from the ‘now’ and grow from there. The meddling from supporting characters were thrown in as obstacles, but I love that the ‘villain’ was not really a villain. She’s just… well, just read it yourself and you’ll understand what I meant. I also love that the obstacles were solved in reasonable way, thoughtful, and believable. I simply LOVE it!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Falcon Finds His Mate by Candace Colt is a story in the Nocturne Falls Universe written by Kristen Painter.

Colt's Falcon is a lot of fun. Falcon shifters!!

Solange Ford, Momma Falcon, is afraid the unsuitable non-shifter, Jess who was in love with her younger son, Connor in high school will renew her affections, and sends her elder son, Ryan to intercept. Except, Ryan falls in love with the oh-so-innapropriate Jessica. Add some drama to her life, and this is a ride you won't soon forget.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author in return for my honest review.

The Falcon Finds His Mate, by Candace Colt, is another entry into the Nocturne Falls Universe series. Ms. Colt does a fine job of matching the 'tone' of the universe created by Kristen Painter, and the characters she's created are multidimensional and well fleshed out. I don't include spoilers in my reviews but I will say there are a few unexpected turns in the plot that I enjoyed. The plot flows well and the characters' actions and reactions are believable and in-character. While I will always love Kristen Painter's stories best, this was another entertaining romp in the universe she created and I enjoyed it very much.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace's addition to the Nocturne Falls Universe is a wonderful story that fits right into Kristen's universe. I loved how well flushed out her characters were, and that she didn't take the easy way out of any of the situations her characters got into. You have to wait until the very end to find out what our characters decide. Great writing and fun characters. I didn't feel that this book was out of place in the Nocturne Falls Universe. I enjoyed this book completely. This is probably one of my favorite NFU books as of yet.

[Jennifer Lowrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this short story, it fit in so well with everything Kristen Painter has written. I liked Candace Colt's writing style and I'll be checking out more of her books! I really liked this story, her characters are believable and interesting. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Myriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice story but it left me wondering. It did not feel finished. In general, first half is beautifully written and consistent, and second seems a bit like the writer lost herself. Main characters are very lovable and their interactions are mostly. Jess is a sort of psychic and Ryan is a falcon shifter. New breed in Nocturne Falls, which is always welcome. There are some side characters which could have been more developed, in my opinion, Echo, the grandmother and Crealde, the weird cat, because they are very lovable, as well. Then there is Connor, Ryan's brother and Solange, their very unpleasant mother.
As I mentioned previously, the first half is brilliant, but then at some point after I passed a half, suddenly the story became rushed, and some non-existent issues emerged. For example, we are in Nocturne Falls, why would anyone care or discriminate against shifters?
I appreciate that the author kept any explicit content to bare minimum and subtle enough, but I am not happy about the shifter issue.
Nocturne Falls is a safe happy place of fairy tales and there is no need for any inappropriate activity, such as discrimination, from the main characters. We have villains for that. I think this is the main problem with some of the Nocturne Falls Universe authors, It is not the writing style or wording or the characters, it is the safe atmosphere and magical ambiance created by Kristen Painter that makes Nocturne Falls so beautiful that all of us fans want to move there.
The Nocturne Falls reading order is: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls #1), The Werewolf Meets His Match (Nocturne Falls #2), The Gargoyle Gets His Girl (Nocturne Falls, #3), The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls, #4), and The Witch’s Halloween Hero (Nocturne Falls #4.5) in Spell of the Ball Anthology, The Werewolf's Christmas Wish (Nocturne Falls #4.6) in Hex the Halls Anthology, The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls #5), A Vampire's Valentine Surprise (Nocturne Falls #5.5), Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #1), The Shifter Romances The Writer (Nocturne Falls #6), Miss Frost Ices The Imp : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #2), The Vampire’s True Love Trials (Nocturne Falls #6.5) in Taming the Vampire collection, Miss Frost Saves The Sandman : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #3), The Dragon Finds Forever (Nocturne Falls #7), The Vamoire's Accidental Wife (Nocturne Falls #8), and ever growing series of Nocturne Universe Novels, which surpassed fifteen by now. Great world to get yourself immersed in.

[Miranda Beazley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jess is home until she can find another job and is helping her grandmother, Echo. Whilst she is home she is doing repairs to the house and has been preparing the stage for the upcoming showcase. Ryan is a falcon, from a rich family. He's also an artist and his mother has volunteered him to help on the preparations for the stage.

Jess struggles with her gifts, she chooses to block her powers rather than use them. Ryan is expected to settle down with a nice falcon female and produce pure blooded falcon babies. This story is full of misunderstandings, some them and us prejudice. I loved this story, it kept me entertained. Echo is such a character, you cant help but love her. Jess's perseverance under Ryan's mums negativity and Ryan sticking up for her had me loving them more and more. These two amazing, creative people are a welcome addition to the Nocturne Falls Universe. And they show you that you can stand up to the naysayers in this world.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far my favorite of the nocturnal falls books by the new author. It is so true to the originals and so captivating that it leaves you wanting more. I am now going to look into her other ones.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. It was a fun read with some great characters.

[Hsu Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts of opinions
Ryan is trying to woo Jess
His mother, on the other hand, does not approve of the match + tries to sabotage the relationship.
I am glad that love wins in the end.
They are good together.
Great ending!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book; this book is part of the Nocturne Falls Universe and is written by Candace Colt. The Nocturne Falls series is written by Kristen Painter and I was so happy that these new books by new authors were asked to write a story in the town. Nocturne Falls is a town that celebrates Halloween every day of the year and also a place that paranormal’s can live and not have to hide what they really are. After her dream job shatters like Humpty's shell, psychic Jess Callahan returns home to Nocturne Falls to put her life back together and get her career back on track. Left heartbroken years ago by a shifter, Jess keeps anything or anyone supernatural at arm's distance; even turning her back on her gift. His career skyrocketing, falcon shifter Ryan Ford's life is just where he wants it. When the darkly handsome Ryan realizes that the one thing missing from his quiet, stay-to-himself world is the feisty red-haired Jess, he decides she'd be his perfect mate. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.

[Carissa Crabb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just no.

This is absolutely the worst, most whisy-washy "heroine" I have every seen. She wants a job in Boston, she wants to stay in Nocturn Falls, she wants a job in Boston, she wants to live in Nocturn Falls (but only if she gets the guy). She wants the younger brother, she wants the older brother.... She doesn't feel as if the magical community accepts her, she refuses to use her magical abilities. . Please, lady, grow some ovaries and make a commitment to something. Anything. By the time the HEA happens, the reader is so weathered by her indecision that you just don't trust it.

[Gwessie Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic read, definitely like the others in that it totally keeps to the Nocturne Falls spirit pardon the pun, but I honestly loved this book very much.

Adore our heroine and hero very much though could cheerfully slap a certain amount n character (love never runs smooth at first with outside influences butting in) but seriously I adored this story it's fantastic and very much worth reading.

Thank you Candace for writing it xxx

[Pilar Seacord · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jess lives with her grandmother who is called Echo Stargazer who is psychic and reads cards. In high school Jess dated Connor Ford but his mother broke them up. She is worried about seeing him because of her crush but ends up liking his brother Ryan. This was not one of my favorites of the Nocturne Universe.

[Lisa Guertin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Jess and Ryan's story, but I did struggle with the reason for her fear of his shifted form. The bachelor auction was quite fun to read about and made the perfect way for Jess and Ryan to re-connect.

[L. PenDragyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. It felt like a rough draft and not a finished book. The story wasn't cohesive and I found it hard to keep track of who was saying what. It had a lot of potential that never came to fruition.