Shards of Sass

Destined Mates #1

by Robbie Cox

A broken heart led to her broken magic. Now, Adira Brennan, just wanting to escape Jensen's betrayal, accepts Barbara Wolfe's request to go to Bull Creek in order to aid shifters in a battle against prejudice.

Dimitri Everest couldn't believe his eyes. Or the timing. She appeared out of nowhere, just when he needed someone by his side to stand up against Bane and his coyotes. His panther, however, needed her for much, much more.

Together, they stand against shifter prejudice in order to protect the humans of Bull Creek. That is, when the two of them can keep their hands off each other. While Adira heard about the mate bond, she never believed she'd be feeling its overwhelming pull. And what about her magic? How would she fix the shards that only sputtered from her fingertips in time to help Dimitri defeat Bane?

Would the mate bond heal her Shards of Sass?

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2017

About the author

I live in sunny Florida where I spend my days taxiing the family to various places while jotting down the many crazy thoughts inside my head. I enjoy a freelance career writing for several magazines sharing some of my interesting viewpoints on life and those around me. I can usually be found on my back porch watching the squirrels chittering at the birds while enjoying a cigar, a scotch, and the many characters that talk to me inside my head.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Robbie Cox and I think it was good. A short, very steamy read. Perfect for reading when you need to read something light and short to relax. I liked the heroine, Adira, and the hero, Dimitri was yummy too. The best part of the book were the sex scenes I think. There were many of them, hot and very descriptive. I wish the rest of the plot was like them too. But for my taste our hero in heroine fell in love (or lust) way too easily and quickly so there was no build up and the conflict with the coyotes was predictable and repetitive and didn't hold my attention as much as I hoped. But overall I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to trying out more books by Mr. Cox.

***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Robbie Cox and I was impressed. The story caught my interest quickly and held me to the end. In fact I read it in one sitting.
I liked the authors writing style, the use of more up-to-date wording always works for me, I prefer that to old fashioned or more stilted language, makes it more relevant and believable to me.
Interesting characters, I liked both of the leads characters Adria and Dimitri instantly. It was great to read a pnr book where the whole mating aspect isn't treated as a huge shock that takes up most of the story.. Instant attraction, understanding of the concept and quick acceptance, kept this story away from alot of relationship issues that so many pnr books have. A refreshing change, I was very happy with.
My only issue was with the wham-bam approach to the steamier scenes, romance books need a build up in these moments, at least sometimes lol. This story is too much straight to the main event everytime, which was disappointing to me.
Dramatic and action packed with good villains to root against, I do like a good guys verses badguys story. And it was easy to dislike Bane, smugness in characters is a surefire way to get my dislike building and always adds to the bookfeels.
I enjoyed this story and I'll be continuing with the series, I want to know what lies ahead for the others, see the characters build and learn their stories. Happy to have found a new author to read. I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance.
#MagicsMate #NetGalley

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I’m going to be buying this when I get paid and probably the rest of the series too!

The cover is magical and mesmerizing with those eyes!

This is the first book in the series, and it is also my first time reading this author! This book was previously published as part of Kindle Worlds Sassy Ever After but since Kindle Worlds is no more authors are republishing their stories. This book is for adults only due to the violence and steamy content.

This book starts with a bang and Adira getting her heart broken, but she does some breaking of her own. Then she is off on a quest to Florida to help the people of Bull Creek and to get away from what happened. I could not put this book down. It had plenty of action (trouble), and it had romance between Dimitri and Adira that is steamy. I really like the community of Bull Creek and the way they come together. I can’t wait for more stories about this town and their people.

I highly recommend to any paranormal fans who love shifters and magic especially if you love sassy women!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I’m going to be buying this when I get paid and probably the rest of the series too!

The cover is magical and mesmerizing with those eyes!

This is the first book in the series, and it is also my first time reading this author! This book was previously published as part of Kindle Worlds Sassy Ever After but since Kindle Worlds is no more authors are republishing their stories. This book is for adults only due to the violence and steamy content.

This book starts with a bang and Adira getting her heart broken, but she does some breaking of her own. Then she is off on a quest to Florida to help the people of Bull Creek and to get away from what happened. I could not put this book down. It had plenty of action (trouble), and it had romance between Dimitri and Adira that is steamy. I really like the community of Bull Creek and the way they come together. I can’t wait for more stories about this town and their people.

I highly recommend to any paranormal fans who love shifters and magic especially if you love sassy women!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book. Once I started it, well lets just say I stayed up way too late reading and now I need major coffee. It had me hooked. Bull Creek is a place where shifters and humans both go to escape something. They go to heal. Adira is sent to Bull Creek after a very nasty breakup with a shifter, a breakup which caused her magic to be sporadic at best, to "help" with a coyote problem. Dimitri knows that the sassy witch is his mate, but she has sworn off men. Do you see the issue here? I enjoyed how Robbie approaches the topic of prejudice and hatret, and how in a way he squashes it and builds a world that is very diverse.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[GeekyBookMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series also the first time reading this author and it was so freaking good. I love the feel of family through out reading.
Dimitri and Adira were awesome. I loved how independent Adira was, it was refreshing!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Entertaining!

This is the first paranormal book that I have read of Robbie’s. I can say that I am pleasantly surprised at how good this book is – not that I doubt Robbie’s writing ability because he is awesome, but because I am learning how diverse his imagination is!

I don’t read many paranormal/shifter books just because at this time my interests are more of the military romantic suspense variety, but I can’t resist a good shifter love story! SHARDS OF SASS is definitely a very good shifter love story!!

Full of drama, suspense, danger and yes, magic! I love how this story evolves and includes people that are different and to me it sends the delicate message of (human) diversity and that there is no viable reason that we can’t all get along, no matter who we are. I also admire the protectiveness of the characters who step up to protect those who are somewhat lost, vulnerable and looking for a new life. Very well written and very entertaining! I love it!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! Matchmaker story heaven for me here. Even without the backstory of Barbara Wolfe, you can sense there is something magical with her. Her idea to send Adira to Bull Creek to help the shifters with a problem is wonderful in my eyes.

Adira needs to escape her broken heart to heal. Her magic just isn't up to par, and this escape is just the thing. Bull Creeks alpha, Dimitri, has no idea what is coming for him. Of course, as an alpha, he's all knowing *wink, wink*. The sass, the snark and the wonderful sexy that is the authors writing is here in full force, and then some.

Recommended for readers of paranormal romance, sassy sexy reads, and strong women with their alpha.

[Tabi Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy As Ever

I have fallen in love with the Sassy Ever After collection and Robbie's addition just added to the wonderful world.

His story brought together to very strong minded characters and you could just feel the chemistry of the two flowing off the pages. Just like strong personalities, they have to fight against each other and you feel the tension.

Will these two quit fighting each other and come together to do what needs to be done. Join the journey with me.

Until Next Time...Tabi

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars isn't enough for this story! I have read most of Robbie's books and this is by far in my top three! I adore these characters. Adira & Dimitri are too hot to handle and the rest of their community is just as intriguing. The idea of "mates" always gets me, Dimitri's protectiveness is endearing but Adira is such a bad ass witch, she doesn't need him! Finally coming to a compromise they work really well as a team. The absolute BEST part about this story is that this is only book 1 in the Sanctuary of Bull Creek series! I am already ready for more!

[Terri Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick fun read with an intense storyline. It had all the elements that I love; great character-driven plot, hot sex, and a beginning that makes me want to read more. The next one is going to be even more awesome.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/23/2020)! 🎁

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series, and it is also my first time reading this author. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from her. I hope to watch her writing expertise grow. Her storyline could use strenghtening. Some of the same details were repeated multiple times; the prejudice and hate do need repeating, reminding everyone if the issue, just don't let it sound preachy or repetitive .  Also, the character development could use some improvement, as sometimes the dialogue didn't flow smoothly, and appeared a little stilted. But this is still an easy to read, enjoyable story addressing today's issues of prejudice.

The story:
Bull Creek is a place welcoming both shifters and humans who want a new start of their lives.  Under the leadership of the alpha, Dimitri Everest, everyone living here follows the rules and lives in peace.  That is until a group of prejudice coyote shifters move in with the intent of driving all humans back to their concrete jungles and breaking up inter-shifter relationships, even if a few have to die.

Adira Brenna used her magic in anger, on her deceitful boyfriend. Now her magic is shattered and undependable, she can't even light a candle.  She expects to be punished by the Paranormal Council for misusing her magic, instead she's asked to go to Florida to help a santuary of shifters and humans being harrased by a group of rogue coyote shifters.

The steamy scenes were not over the top and let the story show through.

I do feel that first meeting between the hero and heroine was a little weird.  The whole description felt like this guy should have been the creepy villion, not the hero.  And agreeing to go out and not even knowing his name? So, only four stars.  I did enjoy the rest of the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bull Creek is a place that was started as safe community for paranormals and humans wanting to start over. Dimitri Everest is their Alpha leader. When a group of coyote shifters led by Bane Kastner move in, intent on getting rid of all humans, the community needs help dealing with them.

Adira Brennna had been dating Jensen who was using her for a good time until his mate returned. In anger, she used her magic to shove him away, which was in violation of the do-no-harm rules of witches. It caused her magic to become unreliable. Rather than punish her, the Paranormal Council instead chooses to send her to Bull Creek to help them get rid of the rogue coyotes and bring peace back to their community. When it turns out that Dimitri and she are mates, will she be able to acknowledge that, despite her desire to avoid further relationships? Will she be able to use her powers to help against the coyotes when she can no longer count on them to work?

I enjoyed this book. The story line was good and it reinforced some of the good things in life, such as not harming others and not trying to use violence to go after those who are different or weaker. But just a light mention of those things through the story description is more than enough to get the point across. The characters were well-portrayed. Grab your copy and see what’s in store for Adira as she is surrounded by good people who need her.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adira is a witch recovering/running from a relationship with no future. Dimitri is a shifter wolf that had run from problems of his own. Both originated in Draven Falls, VA and ended up on the St Johns river in the secluded, peaceful community of Bull Creek. Dimitri and his best friend Josh relocated there a year ago to establish a safe haven for shifters, witches, vampires, and even humans, all beings paranormal or just the odd man out, that needed a safe ,non judgemental, place away from beings that tend to make the world messy and a lot less friendly. As with any place on earth,beings have a habit of throwing a wrench into good intentions. In this case it is a rogue Coyote and his mangy pack of lowlife coyotes. Adiras first day, she meets Dimitri, they have an instant and instinctual connection sparks literally fly. That night,at the community bonfire Bane(rogue Coyote) and his band of mange show up, threats are made and the story gets very interesting, exciting and definitely air conditioner worthy from here. This is a read in one setting book, unless you stop to cool down for a bit. If Paranormal and passion are your thing, this is the book for you, just keep a fire extinguisher near!

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAGIC’S MATE is the first book in the Destined Mates series. While each book will stand on its own, it is better to read them all and in the order of release.

After reading MY LOVER’S MATE, I begged for the rest of the series. So, here I am grinning like the Cheshire Cat as I have all three of the previously published books in this series to begin reading and reviewing. Having just finished the first book, I am an oh-so-satisfied little kitty.

I absolutely adore sassy and strong Adira. She doesn’t put up with any bull from anyone, including her mate!

The best part about the story is the clear lines between the good guys and the bad guys. I don’t like being confused and getting hurt feelings by that confusion. Life is difficult enough without my books doing it to me too.

I absolutely loved the book and will soon be diving into the next one in the series!

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.



Title: MAGIC’S MATE
Series: Destined Mates #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Robbie Cox (as an ARC gifted copy)

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adira is a witch who happens to be in love with a shifter that has failed to tell her that he was mated to someone else, and has been waiting for her to come back from college. When she finds out what he is up to she uses her magic to hurt him which is against the rules. Her punishment was a loss of her powers. Her friend Agatha came and ask her if she would go to Florida and help the pack their because they were having trouble and she could be a big help. So off she goes to Bull Creek, and finds that the shifters and humans alike were basically very nice, the heat and humidity was something else entirely. The only problem seems to be a band or coyotes headed by Bane a bully looking to take over who believed that humans were inferior, and had to leave immediately. But Dimitri was the alpha panther, he realized when he saw Adira that she was the one but she wasn't sure until she realized that he was who she had been wanting all her adult life for. Bane has other ideas. Good storyline, the characters are very entertaining. I was given an ARC as a gift from the author without obligation. I am providing an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a shifter romance story. I normally I like these kinds of stories and consider them a light and fun read. This story was just not for me. The best part was the sex scenes. They were hot, descriptive and fully detailed. I often wished that that much attention had been paid to the dialogue which was often stilted and silly. The characters were not fully developed. The relationships between the characters were not well thought out. The same details were repeated over and over to where I thought to myself, “I get it, Bull Creek is a sanctuary. Bane and his coyotes are hateful and annoying. Adira, the witch, whose magic is broken was sent by Agatha and the council to help out. Adira is not defenseless, her heart was broken by Jenson, another shifter, etc.” These points were inserted so many times I found it repetitive. I wanted to like this story but just couldn’t. The two stars are for the detailed sex scenes. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Pamela Gramlisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adria Brennan is a witch who heart was just broken by Jenson a wolf shifter. He made her believe he loved her when all along he knew he had a mate and that mate just came back to town. Adria zapped him a couple times in anger and told him to get out. Well that messed up her good witch magic. Agatha Rochester is like a witch confidante and she helps her by sending her away from North Carolina to Bull Creek, Florida to help Dimitri Everest with a coyote problem by the name of Bane Kastner. When she gets there to the cabin in the woods Dimitri is waiting there for her. He is a panther shifter and his panther knows Adria is his mate. Now he has to wait for her to figure it out. In the meantime Adria slowly gets her witch powers back and when she finally mates with Dimitri she is at full power. So when Bane kidnaps her it becomes all out war between the assorted shifters and the coyotes. This does have a steamy happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tamika Featherstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adira Brenna had her heart broken by a shifter who strung her along knowing who his mate was and not telling Adira. She lashed out with her magic and now it's on the fritz. She asked to go on an out of town task to Bull Creek, FL literally the edge of no where to assist with a coyote shifter problem. Dimitri Everest believes the council has sent him a lawyer and when he meets the sassy little witch they sent his panther goes insane as soon as he scents her. He has no idea how she is supposed to help, but he's going to enjoy finding out as long as he can keep his foot of his mouth. Dimitri's little sleepy hollow is disrupted by a group of coyotes who think the forest and wood belong to shifters and humans and/ or human loving shifter should leave. Because of Adira's jilted heart she doesn't realize Dimitri is her mate and dosen't recognize his over protectiveness is because of the mating heat. Once the both succumb to their passion now they need to get the coyotes and live happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic’s Mate by Robbie Cox is book One in the Destined Mates Series. This is the story of Adira Brennan and Dimitri Everest.
Adira is a witch who is powerful but her magic doesn't let her know that her current (or not so current) boyfriend (wolf shifter) is using her. Although he never claimed her as a mate she though that was what their relationship was heading...until he told her he knew who his mate was and it wasn't her. This hurt Adira which lead her to go to Florida on assignment to help out a group of shifters and humans who need her help. There she meet Dimitri who is a shiftier but she is not fall for the mating thing again...at least not immediately. Attraction is there for sure for her towards Dimitri but trust is something she once gave to quickly. Dimitri is trying to protect his group of people but meeting Adira has his cougar on high alert to claim Adira. But they have enemies and feelings to work out before they can be as one.

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author but it will not be the last. I love reading about shifters and magic, then add a suspenseful plot and I'm a happy gal. This was right up my alley. I felt Adira was justified in her anger for the shifter she'd been dating. Leaving town to help quell an attack of coyote shifters gives her the focus she needs to refocus her energies. Dimitri is the alpha of the small community that is under attack by the coyotes. She proves from the beginning she is up for the challenge and pretty bad a$$. Dimitri knows instantly she is his mate and just doesn't understand why she can't understand his possessiveness. I loved Alanna and her snarky attitude. Adira and Alanna are kinda like two peas in a pod and their friendship is great. I was really impressed with this first book in the series and look forward to the next books. I requested an advanced reader copy from Booksprout and am under no obligation to leave this review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bull Creek was set up by Dimitri and Josh as a safe haven for all people mystical that needed an escape they even accepted odd men humans Dimitri is a panther shifter that needed to escape himself and that is what lead him to setting up Bull Creek. Adiri is a witch who had a bad break up with a shifter which has led to her magic been a little sporadic and off the page to say the least she has gone to Bull Creek in the hopes of finding peace. What she actually finds is Dimitri and they are mates but when rogue cayotees start to stir up trouble they will have to work together to save the town and in the process they will melt the pages of your kindle with the passion they ignite in one another. This is abeautifull written story that handles the issue of been different but at the same time isn't preachy about it

I was given a copy of this book but this is true and honest review

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Bull Creek,place where mismatch Shifters and human exist. This is the place where everyone has a secret and is recovering from some kinds of injury. Physical or mental
Adria is a Witch who use her power to injure shifter after he admit he was using her just for sexual benefit. She was send to Bull Creek to help Dimitri in keeping peace. At least this was a main idea.
Dimitri,he is Alpha for this mismatch group.
He left his pack because his parents try to force him to “clean” lifestyle. No outside mating to keep pure line.
After he meets Adira,he knows that she is his Mate.
This book introduces us to other characters and I believe all of them will be portrait in separate books.
This book is written in very engaging style,very interesting and enjoyable and sexy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adira is a witch and she;s using her magic to send to a shifter who told her she isn;t his mate but his true mate is back. As she sends wave and wave of magic at him she breaks his arm then tells him to leave. Shortly after the head witch arrives with an an opportunity for her to leave town for a while. She;s headed to Draven Falls Florida to help the shifter pack down there with out of control coyote shifters trying to take over the town. Dimitre is on the porch of the cabin waiting for her. To his surprise he discovers she;s his mate. Oops! Adira is still reeling over the betrayal of Jensen but she understands about how a shifter feels about a mate. Now they need to stand together to handle the coyote situation.
Fantastic story and read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though I like erotica and paranormal romance, this book just wasn’t for me. The herone’s language often seemed more like something a man would say than a woman and I felt I never had much insight into either of the main characters.
The narrative just didn’t ring true and would throw me out of the story. Sentences like:
“You knew all this time you were destined to mate another, and you still played hide the sausage with me?”
Or the fact the male love interest kept calling the heroine “plucky.” Call me that once and it would feel patronizing. Say it twice and I just might deck you.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book for a fair and honest review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story full of prejudice, danger and steamy romance

I really like the town of Bull Creek and think it would be fab to have such a haven available to all of us ;) This story introduces us to the diverse characters of Bull Creek and some that threaten their harmonious community. Adira is off to nurse her crushed pride and heart while helping the folks of Bull Creek. Dimitri is the town 'alpha' and very protective of everyone. Of course, sparks fly when these two meet and it was a fun ride seeing them find their HEA. I'm looking forward to more stories set in this great community.

[Penny Ellgass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bull Creek a small town for misfits not just shifters but anyone looking to start over. But there is always someone who has their own agenda, one usually not good for others.
Adria a witch is asked to go help out for awhile, to support the leaders of the town against the coyotes causing trouble.
She finds a great group of shifters of all types, humans and her a witch, all have the same agenda, a place where friends become family and life is good. Now if the haters would just quit causing mayhem, life would be great.
This is the first book in the series, but they are all great loved the 3 I have read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in the Destined Mates series and I want to read the next book. A well written story with a very good storyline and the story flowed smoothly from page to page. Adira Brennan's magic goes funny after having sex with Jensen when she uses her magic to cause harm she is sent to Bull Creek. Sent to Bull Creek by the Paranormal Council, Dimitri Everest is to watch over the residents there. When they meet Dimitri's Panther knows she is their mate. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, evil, villains, and romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised this is marked as the beginning of a new series, as I already read two stories about Bull Creek and their fight against the Coyotes.
It smoothly connects to the other two stories, and here Dimitri, the alpha of the town finds his mate, sent to him to help him in his fight.
Adira is a witch, who was sent to help Dimitri, but also to regain control over her magic, that she had lost since she attacked someone with malicious intent.
Like the other books, well-written, entertaining and thriling in the bargain.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.