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Lion, the future king of the lion prides in the US, only has thirty days to find his future queen and secure their fate. But Lion has his work cut out for him.

Jules has had it with shifters, and male lions in particular. She doesn’t need a man, even if he is a king, to mess up her life any more than her brother already has. Tired of being used and manipulated by others, she’s not just going to roll over and think of England.

It’s a good thing Lion’s not a slam-bam-thank-you-ma’am, Tennessee man. Our king’s about to show his queen that while life can sometimes be a bit of a rollercoaster ride, the best thing you can do is lock in tight and throw your hands in the air—and live.

Warning: sweet, sexy, novella-length read ahead.

111 pages, ebook

Published May 20, 2019

28 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

About the author

Holly Gunn

11 books107 followers
I'm the proud momma to a golden retriever named Charlie, two tortoises named Jake and John, a frog named Toad, and a gopher snake. The latter is my girl, Holly Jr. There's also the fact that I'm a thunderstorm-loving, front porch-sitting, hot cocoa-drinking, beauty product-hoarding, self-proclaimed environmentalist who just happens to write erotic romance.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Koch.
483 reviews14 followers
May 25, 2019
I read a lot of paranormal romances, with shifters and this one has a different approach to shifters, their hierarchies and how they find mates. It took me a minute to get everything straight in the story, but that was a reaction of my expectations of shifters and their mates. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and will definitely be reading the next book in this series. I want to see what's in store for Lion's circle of friends

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
May 24, 2019
Lion by Holly Gunn is book One in the Shifter Kings Nashville Series. This is the story of Jules and Lion. Lion is to be the next chosen King but he is without his Queen. Jules is a what would be called a half breed because she is half lion but has never been able to shift. Never having much of a good experience with shifters has put her off to them and doesn't plan to be with one anytime soon. But she does now bare the mark of the Queen but can she be made to change her mind?
This author is new to me but I really enjoyed this book, so I hope to read more from this author and this series.
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,603 reviews22 followers
May 23, 2019
He is the lion king and needs a mate. But when he finds who is supposed to be his Queen it is not as easy as hi thought it may be. But he is not going to give up. His after all an alpha male Lion. Then you add in more fun. Excitement, emotional situations, family and friends, suspense, drama, stubborn female and wow what a ride. I recommend it. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews542 followers
January 15, 2020
I liked the different take on shifters, that both Lion and Jules weren't perfect and the whole 30 year rule, but something was off for me too. I really hated how Jules let her brother walk all over her at the start, glad that changed, but it seemed forced too. I may check out others in the series because it seems like there are "oddball" shifters and not the normal ones you read about which intrigues me.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews218 followers
June 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and flowed nicely. The turn of events were done beautifully and the ending was terrific!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for shannon  Stubbs.
1,974 reviews12 followers
April 27, 2021
Different

The story is a little different and I liked it. I liked how Jules is definitely not a damsel in distress and I like Lion even though he's a little clumsy.
Profile Image for Megan.
3,629 reviews46 followers
September 16, 2020
This was sweet and an easy read. I liked Lion and I thought they were a nice match.

It is a short read so it does feel quite quick but it isn't completely terrible, I still enjoyed reading it.
Profile Image for Sandra "Jeanz".
1,262 reviews178 followers
January 10, 2020
As I love the shifter genre as soon as I saw the title of this novella series, I knew I wanted to learn more. I had already decided to try reading the first novella when I noticed that this author states in her author information that she writes erotica, which I won't lie did put me off a little. I prefer certain things to be left to the imagination of the reader. In erotica there are sometimes explicit descriptions that go on and on and I really just don't like them, There is a way at hinting or portraying "things" have happened between characters, as a reader I don't necessarily want these spelled out in excruciating details. I will be totally honest I don’t usually read erotica but as these books are labelled paranormal romance, and I had actually began reading Lion I decided I would stick with reading it.

All the covers feature males to represent each of the individuals that are the main male shifter characters within the novellas. The genres I have seen listed for this novella series are Paranormal, and Paranormal Romance, which I totally agree with, though would add those these books are not erotica in my opinion they are steamy and have some quite explicit, descriptive language within them.

The main male, shifter character in this novella is Lion, who happens to be a Lion shifter. Though his friends sometimes shorten his name and call him Lie. In his human form Lion tends to be awkward, and quiet, not things you would think of when he is a rather large Lion shifter.

The novella begins with Lion and his friends and fellow shifters in the local bar which is called Southern Comfort. It’s whilst drinking there that the female bartender catches Lion’s attention. Lion at first dismisses his attraction to the bartender with the Rockstar look as a passing thing as surely when you meet your mate, and in his case your Queen it will be a strong, knock you to the ground feeling and he will know straight away, won’t he?

There were times when Lion was, shall we say attempting to talk or maybe chat up Jules, the bartender when I felt like I wanted to get hold of him in his human form and shake him to his senses! But his fellow shifters do help him after they have subjected him to his fair share of teasing.

There are some important changes about to happen as things within the Nashville Shifters happen in thirty-year cycles. It is the time for new Shifter Kings to take charge. The first thing those destined to be the new Kings notice are that the birthmarks they have that look like faded tattoo’s are becoming darker, signifying that the time for the leadership change is coming closer. Those destined to be the new Kings have just thirty days to find their destined mate, the one who will become their Queen.

Lion and Jules (the bartender) don’t get off to the best start and certainly have more than their fair share of obstacles to their possible relationship. Jules is working off her brother, Jeffrey’s large debt, and is regularly intimidated and threatened by him. Jules only puts up with it all for the sake of their disabled mother Jeanne.

In this novella we are also introduced to the other male shifters within the group, most of whom are destined to become Kings. Their names give clues to what type of shifter they are and what their parents are with the exception of Poison’s mother who refuses to reveal what species she is. So, there are five novellas in the Shifter Kings of Nashville series and the male characters names are, Lion, Spider, Shark, Wolf and Poison. We do get a good idea who Spider’s mate will be.

You get a good introduction of how the Nashville Shifters exist, their traditions and rules within this novella too. One part Of the novella I found really interesting and somewhat different to other shifter books I have read was the whole “Queen’s Mercy” option for when a shifter has stepped seriously out of line, his or her parents can ask that the Queen pass sentence but that they can offer an alternative punishment, which has to be better than some of the punishments available.

One of the shifter traditions in this series is that the chosen King is named after some version of their own tribe’s animal. Such as in this book the chosen King is Lion and he is a Lion shifter.

A difference I spotted within this set of shifters is that they do not need to undress/redress when shifting as their clothes change with them. So not so many awkward moments when shifting!

I of course loved the character of Jules & enjoyed the geeky, somewhat clumsiness in actions and verbally from Lion, who is the largest of the shifters. Though Lion soon realises his Queen will be a leader strong enough to lead at his side. I liked all the other male shifter characters and am looking forward to all their individual novellas too. The one that has stuck in my mind is Wolf who doesn’t want to find his Queen and doesn’t want to be a King either, so I am sure his novella will be interesting!

There are also plot lines that I think will run through all the novellas such as the problem with something/someone invading and encroaching of the Sharks swimming territory. It is a serious problem as without a safe stretch of water to be able to swim in the Sharks will be unable to shift. Meaning they need to either get rid of the problem or move elsewhere. I’m hoping the different races of shifter band together and sort out the problem.

My initial thoughts upon finishing the book were that I had immediately fallen for the Nashville Shifters and though I enjoyed reading Lion & Jules story I am interested to discover the other shifters & their soon to become mates stories as well as being intrigued as to exactly what species Poison's mum is!

The writing style of the novella, made it a medium, enjoyable pace. There is of course some steamy action, but there is also what I refer to as pack politics and traditions along with some friendly camaraderie going on between the shifter males. I found the book an enjoyable read. The steamy scenes are within a good plot and this novella has left me wanting to read more of the series. I would say due to some of the explicit descriptions that this is aimed at an 18+ age group of readers.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,663 reviews27 followers
May 23, 2019
King of the beasts
This book is a first time experience for me with this author. I truly enjoyed the ride. So many misconceptions were overcome on the journey to the HEA at the same time that some emotions were finally allowed to see the light. I love the comradely relationship between the future kings and the way they naturally flow to the queens. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
234 reviews5 followers
August 13, 2019
This is a fairly new author who shows some promise. The major difference, in this story at least, is the upcoming Alpha, Lion, is kind of your average Joe. He isn't all growl and bossiness. He's got his own insecurities about stepping up to the plate, both as a mate and as an alpha. Unfortunately he only has 30 days to get Jules to agree to mate with him, but Jules can't shift, and as a human, he fears for her safety within the pride as his future queen.

Jules' father was a lion, but her mother is human, so Jules has many of the shifter characteristics but is unable to shift. She's been the breadwinner and caretaker for her disabled mother and her ne'er-do-well, gambling addicted, lion shifter brother. She's got enough on her plate. She doesn't want, or need a mate, especially a king!

The Nashville Kings is interesting and I've just downloaded books 2 and 3, and the ARC for book 4. Each focuses on a different Alpha and his upcoming Kingship.

THINGS I LIKED
The insecurity shown by Lion and his endearing clumsiness and geekiness.

The different approach to the alphas becoming Kings. There is a 30 year reign, so to speak, and it is NOT automatically handed down through the current king's "heir". It is awarded by Fate, through the witches spell to the best possible shifters when they are born. They are born with a grayed out birthmark that darkens to black when the current King's time is up. This birthmark can be on anyone, not only the current King's biological children.

The strength of the heroine to help her family.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
Showing insecurities and weaknesses in the alphas can be a double edged sword. It's refreshing to read about this ordinary Joe, BUT there was a bit too much rumination on his feelings. I really began to feel he was more "girly" than the heroine, at times. I'm hoping the author refines this delicate balance in future books.

The heroine's strength and willingness to help her family. Another line that is typically difficult to get right in the real world and the fictional world. How much help should a strong future queen offer before she turns into a doormat? Fortunately Jules is better at giving her brother the heave ho, than Lion is at working through his many insecurities.

The NAMES! Oh boy!
Lion is named lion. As accurate as it is, it began to annoy me. Especially when it's said repeatedly, as his name, when discussing various types of lion, when discussing the lion's den, the lion prides, lionesses, and the heroine's nickname for him Lion-O.

OVERALL
I enjoyed this first effort and will read the rest of the series. The first book is always the roughest as an author finds their groove and hones their talent.

If you want a quick and fun read, with sexytimes, you'll enjoy this.
895 reviews
March 14, 2021
A New Way for Shifter Kings to Find Their Queens OVER 18 READING

A different way for Kings of shifters to be chosen and of their queens but that just makes it more interesting. In this story Lion's birth mark has just gone dark .meaning his has thirty days to find his mate. He and his other friends who will be Kings too have met at the club to talk because they that all but two of their group will have to find their queens within the thirty days or it will pass to replacement kings and weaken their group because of his failure. Then Lion notices the barmaid but she's human so can't be his queen. He doesn't know right away that she is half lion and born to be a queen but she can't shift. By the next day he discovers why she isn't interested in shifters of any kind but lions she especially doesn't want any thing to do with and he gets upset when he finds her being hurt by one of his own. Discovering that the lion hurting his queen is her brother makes him face that she is his queen but because she can't shift how can he convince her that she is still his queen. She feels everything is happening to fast but he only has thirty days from before he met her but when they touch the feels something in his king birthmark and notices she grabs her side but tries to hide it. Lion knows that the bond has started and that both their marks will have changed to a mate mark. You get to see how they go from not knowing each other to becoming a real King and Queen of the Lions. Great story of finding yourself, your strengths,and learning to trust your mate.I think you'll enjoy the Shifter Kings of Nashville series.
Profile Image for Sharrice.
1,218 reviews64 followers
June 3, 2019
View full post with giveaway and teasers: https://reesesreviews.blogspot.com/20...

Lion is a decent short read about finding love in someone else and yourself.

Lion has been marked to become an Alpha, but first, he needs to find a mate. When going out with his friends he finds her, behind the bar, and she wants nothing to do with him. Jules has been through the since her father died. Now the last four months she's been doing everything she can to pay off her brothers debt and keep everything together for her mother. She never expected to meet her mate, but she's completely over shifters. When they touch and seal the deal however, Lion will do everything he can to convince Jules he's the right choice.

Lion was an interesting read. I got confused a lot about who was who and what shifter was what which kind of took me out of the story at times.

The sexy scenes were very good and I enjoyed Jules and Lion finding themselves stronger both with and without each other.
345 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2019
30 days. That's all the time he has to find his queen. Every 30 years, a new set of kings are selected to take over their shifter kind. Lion & his friends have all been chosen when their mark goes dark. If in 30 days they haven't found their queen, they will lose their mark & it will go to the runner up. Hanging out in a bar, Lion notices a human working behind the counter. Jules comes from a pair of shifter/human parents so she's only half shifter. She refuses to be involved in the lion shifter world, but she really likes what she sees in Lion. She just doesn't want him. It doesn't help that she also has a mark that says she will one day be queen. When they willingly touch, Jules & Lion end up with matching marks--a lion king & his lioness queen.

This is a very fast paced story, but it's a pretty good one. I wish there had been more background on Jules, but she's easy to relate to. Lion is kind of geeky, but I felt like his character wasn't as well-developed as he could have been.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,046 reviews154 followers
July 26, 2019
Lion was not you typical alpha king of lions

Lion/Lie was not your typical soon-to-be king. He was bit clumsy. A little shy. And a bit geeky with his glasses and mind for numbers. It was the time for new kings to reign and Lion and his group of good friends were in line for the leadership of their prospective prides/packs/ pods ect. . .

Jules was strong, independent, determined, and under her brother's debt. She was more than she appeared to be on the outside. She was so much more than you could see just by watching her for a bit. Jules had a hidden strength that came to her aid in time of need. This king and queen have strength that none in the pack can attempt to match.

Come along and meet this group of friends that make a difference in the new regime of shifter leaders all starting in Nashville. The courtships/claiming are quick and time is of the essence. Come see the series that give you several guys and gals to fall for and more.
Profile Image for Bubbles The Book Pimp.
955 reviews
June 30, 2019
So I’ve read ALOT of shifters... and all the gripes that go along with them. I don’t read that many shifters anymore ( mainly because I feel that there are so many books available ) UNLESS they are sci fi type shifters or fantasy related shifters or just ‘more’ but I wanted to read this book as the blurb grabbed me.

First in series by this author.
30 days to for a king to find his queen or you’ve missed your chance.
Original and intriguing concept. Good story and interesting side characters. Lion our hero is nerdy and clutsy and clumsy. I should have loved him but I found his indecisiveness a bit ‘wishy washy’.

There was a lot of explanation about the 30 days to find your queen and 30 year ruling along with some mentions of witches and fate... I’m interested to see where and how this series develops so I will be reading the second in series.
Profile Image for Linda.
655 reviews13 followers
May 23, 2019
This is Book 1 in the Shifter Kings Nashville series. What a great start to a new series! Lion, the future king of the lion prides, has 30 days to find his mate. Jules is a lion shifter half breed who has never been able to shift, and she is done with shifters. Now the fun starts. If you love paranormal and need a quick read, then I highly recommend this one for you. It has hot, steamy monkey (okay, lion) sex and some really good action to keep it flowing. The emotion is intense, and you feel like you just want to jump in and join the guys. I really loved reading it and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the guys stories. It’s just that good! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book that I received from Booksprout.
1,014 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2019
Lion by Holly Gunn is the first book in the Shifter Kings Nashville series it is a sexy story and I love it! All I can say is Wow, read this book, it's wonderful. The storyline was engaging and kept my interest as well as the humor, drama, twists, mistakes and emotional turmoil that created tension for Lion and Jules. They are both strong characters and that made for a well balanced couple. The attraction between the couple simmered along nicely as they engaged in a chemistry that was steamy and hot. I had a Very hard time putting this book down. This is the first book I have read by the author and I will continue to be a fan!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melinda Workman.
235 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2019
Awesome debut book from Author Gunn. This is book 1 in the series and contains lots of background information and character building. Lion is the next in line for the throne and he has a limited time to find his queen before the next candidate gets the chance. The tattoo on his back is the sign that he is the next chosen one. But never having much luck with women didn't give him huge hope of finding his mate. Jules is a half lion/human who has never shifted but she has the tattoo that indicates she is the next queen. Will these two find each other and work it out??? Gonna have to read this fab first book in the series to find out! No spoilers here!
6,577 reviews35 followers
May 23, 2019
A very interesting series starter and a really fun read! It is well written with a well-developed consistent plot that is funny, witty, and emotionally deep. The characters are likeable – fated mates and perfect for each other. The chemistry and sex scenes are intense and steamy. I look forward to the next book. Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,946 reviews30 followers
May 23, 2019
Loved the book it was great the story was well written and the characters were interesting. Lion is the future King Jules is sick males using and abusing. Can Jules push aside how she was treated to become Queen beside Lion. The attraction is off the charts.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book it was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melody Hillier.
1,151 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2019
awesome new shifter story to begin this series! Lion is the new would be king of the lion clan, or so says the tattoo like mark on his back, Jules is a half human, half lion who has never shifted, but caries the mark of the next queen.
this story is full of action, emotion, shifter magic, horrible family members, amazing friends and steam!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stefanie.
695 reviews
May 31, 2019
Lion

Holly Gunn's debut book is a fantastic read!! I loved Lion and his montley crew of king shifters. Lion was so stinking adorable I loved everything about him!! And Jules who was the other side of the coin for him just got together so perfectly. Just one problem Jules has a secret and would Lion be willing to still make her their Queen?
It's a wild, incredibly sexy read!! I absolutely loved every second of Lion and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series!!
977 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2019
This is a cute short story. Jules is half lion, half human and can't shift. She is bullied by her spoiled brother and has taken care of him and her mother since her father died.
Lion is set to be the next King and has 30 days to find his Queen.
This is their story. It is a fun and easy read about 1 1/2 hours.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,125 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2019
I absolutely love this book. The author made sure that this book was written brilliantly to keep you engrossed. I mean who doesnt love shifters and their fated mates, but she totally elevated it. The characters had chemistry off the charts and the steamy action was perfect. I cant wait for book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Galloway.
931 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2019
Super, Entertaining Story

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. This is a very enjoyable book from Holly Gunn. “Lion (Shifter Kings Nashville) has a Great, entertaining storyline and really engaging characters. I was really engrossed in their story and their engaging chemistry and interaction had me hooked from beginning to end. This is a very good, must read book
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
5,011 reviews64 followers
January 19, 2020
I love discovering new PNR authors and this one is outstanding! Even though they were novellas she develops her characters well and has an intriguing storyline. The Shifter Kings have only 30 days to find their queen. Lion is the first to fall quite literally for Jules and she is not having any of it. She is done with male lions after her brother has done her wrong. Lion has his work cut out for him. Can he convince Jules to be his queen before the 30 days expire? I can’t wait for the next installment of this series!
4,643 reviews
May 23, 2019
A lion alpha shifter who's ready to find his mate and strong female whose has had it with male shifters especially lions. Jules and Lion were a good pairing in this sweet and sexy short read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,160 reviews33 followers
May 23, 2019
An entertaining read. The story flowed well, strong and likable characters, great chemistry between the characters. You will no put this book down till the end. I look forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,793 reviews26 followers
August 24, 2019
Great beginning !

Holly Gunn writes the beginning of a series that you will want to read with Lion.

We get the chance to meet a group of future shifter kings are join them on their journey to find their queens.

She is already up to book four!
Profile Image for K.O. Newman.
Author 44 books166 followers
September 14, 2019
Totally worth it

Go ahead and pick up a copy of this book, you're seriously not going to regret it. It's got a little drama, a little action, and a whole lot of romance with just the right amount of feels.
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