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Familiar Mates #7
The Soldier's Familiar
Stealing the wrong wallet, puts Bailey’s heart in the witch’s grasp.
Sergeant Kassidy Robinson craves a final night of fun before deploying. But one kiss changes his fate. The man in his arms is his familiar. The snow leopard shifter then steals his wallet and vanishes. Kass ships out, but he can’t escape the longing for the light-fingered thief.
Bailey Fisher is terrified of the power Kass holds over him. When the connection doesn’t fade, Bailey realizes he’s already in Kass’s thrall and he’s forced to confront old fears and ancient prejudices or risk being under the soldier’s spell forever.
For readers who like military heroes, opposites attract and fated mates.
Previously published in the Warlords, Witches & Wolves: A Fantasy Realms Anthology
Sergeant Kassidy Robinson craves a final night of fun before deploying. But one kiss changes his fate. The man in his arms is his familiar. The snow leopard shifter then steals his wallet and vanishes. Kass ships out, but he can’t escape the longing for the light-fingered thief.
Bailey Fisher is terrified of the power Kass holds over him. When the connection doesn’t fade, Bailey realizes he’s already in Kass’s thrall and he’s forced to confront old fears and ancient prejudices or risk being under the soldier’s spell forever.
For readers who like military heroes, opposites attract and fated mates.
Previously published in the Warlords, Witches & Wolves: A Fantasy Realms Anthology
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2021
About the author
T.J. Nichols
99 books356 followersTJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/
You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 13, 2021
The Soldier's Familiar
By T.J. Nichols
Bailey is a leopard shifter and 18 years old. He's also finishing up his last year of high school. While at a club doing a 'job' for the men who make his and his Gran's life hell he runs into his fated mate, a witch named Kassidy. Because Kass has his powers ramped down neither have any clue until they kiss that they are each other's familiar/mate and Kass is shipping out on another Army tour the next day. The best hope for them is that the bond weakens and disappears while Kass is gone, but both he and Bailey are already too attached and instead the bond keeps growing.
I really liked both Bailey and Kass and they were great together. In all I very much enjoyed this story, but I was unhappy about the last chapter and the epilogue. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5.
The end seemed like it was haphazardly thrown together without much thought by the author. Or maybe I was just really unhappy because
At any rate considering this is a multi-book series I am curious enough and like it enough to read the rest of the series and hope the other endings are better.
By T.J. Nichols
Bailey is a leopard shifter and 18 years old. He's also finishing up his last year of high school. While at a club doing a 'job' for the men who make his and his Gran's life hell he runs into his fated mate, a witch named Kassidy. Because Kass has his powers ramped down neither have any clue until they kiss that they are each other's familiar/mate and Kass is shipping out on another Army tour the next day. The best hope for them is that the bond weakens and disappears while Kass is gone, but both he and Bailey are already too attached and instead the bond keeps growing.
I really liked both Bailey and Kass and they were great together. In all I very much enjoyed this story, but I was unhappy about the last chapter and the epilogue. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5.
The end seemed like it was haphazardly thrown together without much thought by the author. Or maybe I was just really unhappy because
At any rate considering this is a multi-book series I am curious enough and like it enough to read the rest of the series and hope the other endings are better.
October 2, 2024
They're getting worse again...
How is it that we have this big tension for like 80% of the stupid book and the author writes it away in a sentence or two? Ffs... Im still waiting for the explanation and conclusion of the last clusterf**k and this one isn't even connected to the last couple of books except for in the same universe... and then the two of them aren't within touching distance for 85% of this sucker.
I swear, this author has concepts of ideas but won't do the actual research needed to make a coherent storyline. It's just disappointing.
How is it that we have this big tension for like 80% of the stupid book and the author writes it away in a sentence or two? Ffs... Im still waiting for the explanation and conclusion of the last clusterf**k and this one isn't even connected to the last couple of books except for in the same universe... and then the two of them aren't within touching distance for 85% of this sucker.
I swear, this author has concepts of ideas but won't do the actual research needed to make a coherent storyline. It's just disappointing.
August 5, 2021
what the hell. After being happy I enjoyed the last book and the progressive series story line, there this book from out in left field. We've seemed to have lost the larger plot again with no familiar faces no connection to the series besides being in the same book universe. Besides that, judging it as a standalone it was still disappointing, the couple spends 80 % of the book with literally no contact and had zero connection.
December 21, 2022
This book was a bit of a let down. I have enjoyed many books in this series but this one is beyond forgettable. There really is no world building, character development, or plot. It was a short book and I wonder if the author was pressured to get it written without being able to flesh out the storyline and characters. I didn’t hate it but wouldn’t recommend it. There are much better books in this series.
July 15, 2022
Enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. Love that we finally meet some snow leopards. Wish the plot had been more obviously linked to the main plot of the last several books. Again, the end felt rushed. I lost time somewhere. Not sure if I read too fast or if there was a jump. Either way, still had a great time reading this one.
August 14, 2022
It’s an OK Short Story
The storyline is minimally defined and while there were multiple scenes started, each is resolved within a single sentence or two. The story could have been better, the framework is there for a more complete romance but as delivered we have mostly an outline or simplified storyline. It ends on a promise.
The storyline is minimally defined and while there were multiple scenes started, each is resolved within a single sentence or two. The story could have been better, the framework is there for a more complete romance but as delivered we have mostly an outline or simplified storyline. It ends on a promise.
July 11, 2022
Managed to finish in one evening. Not the best book but certainly not the worst either.. will look at others in this series. Once again read a book that is halfway through a series but looks like they can be read as stand-alones.
April 15, 2022
Okay read, but I felt the pacing was off, the beginning was slow and the ending was rushed.
June 17, 2023
3.5 stars
This was interesting and kept my attention. However I didn’t totally buy the ending and it felt rushed.
I liked their bond and how things developed between them.
This was interesting and kept my attention. However I didn’t totally buy the ending and it felt rushed.
I liked their bond and how things developed between them.
July 20, 2026
I’m not going to lie, I liked the break from the overarching plot of this series, though it still felt connected with the Russian Mafia being involved. The MC’s were hardly ever in physical contact with each other through this book, but the way they utilised the bond between them helped to bridge that gap.
Bailey Fisher is a Snow Leopard Shifter who was raised by his grandmother in a bad situation. Taught to believe he was in debt to the people who ‘kept him safe’, he was tasked to do small jobs at a young age. But around the time he learnt about his abilities, he also learnt not to trust the men around him. He made a plan to try and get out, and has been working towards his goal ever since. The only problem? Getting Gran to see that there is more to life than petty crime and living in fear. As he’s doing what he needs to, to survive, he meets a handsome stranger in a club. Determined to do something for himself and maybe experience more carnal pleasures, he steals a kiss and ends up bound to a Witch.
Bailey is a determined character who wants a better life. He is goal-oriented and focused. He is also mature for his age, having been forced to grow up sooner than he should have.
Kassidy Robinson is ready to ship out for another tour for the Army in the morning, so he’s out to have a bit of fun. Across the dance floor, he sees a handsome young man, and everyone else in the room seems to fade to the background. They dance, then kiss, and before he knows it, the man is gone along with his wallet. It takes a while before he realises what’s happened and that he is now bound to a man he’s met for about 3 minutes total. What he senses through the bond, though, is someone who is troubled and is in need of support. Kass is not an idiot, though; he reports what has happened to the Coven and is told to just let the bond fade, but he's intrigued by what he senses through it.
Kass is kind, caring, and has a very big protective streak, all things that Bailey needs in someone to help him through the toughest part of his life.
I enjoyed this story and how the bond between Bailey and Kassidy formed and then developed over time. The bond helped them both through some pretty horrible situations and, through it, established them as a couple who have each other's backs no matter what. I loved how TJ Nichols used the bond to develop their relationship, sharing emotions and sensations rather than being in close physical contact with each other. Who would have thought two people could fall so deeply in love after seeing each other as little as these two did?
I really disliked the antagonists, as well as the Grandma, who tried their best to lead Bailey into a life of crime and get rid of the nuisance that was Kassidy. I just wish something more had happened to them when Bailey finally got away.
Bailey Fisher is a Snow Leopard Shifter who was raised by his grandmother in a bad situation. Taught to believe he was in debt to the people who ‘kept him safe’, he was tasked to do small jobs at a young age. But around the time he learnt about his abilities, he also learnt not to trust the men around him. He made a plan to try and get out, and has been working towards his goal ever since. The only problem? Getting Gran to see that there is more to life than petty crime and living in fear. As he’s doing what he needs to, to survive, he meets a handsome stranger in a club. Determined to do something for himself and maybe experience more carnal pleasures, he steals a kiss and ends up bound to a Witch.
Bailey is a determined character who wants a better life. He is goal-oriented and focused. He is also mature for his age, having been forced to grow up sooner than he should have.
Kassidy Robinson is ready to ship out for another tour for the Army in the morning, so he’s out to have a bit of fun. Across the dance floor, he sees a handsome young man, and everyone else in the room seems to fade to the background. They dance, then kiss, and before he knows it, the man is gone along with his wallet. It takes a while before he realises what’s happened and that he is now bound to a man he’s met for about 3 minutes total. What he senses through the bond, though, is someone who is troubled and is in need of support. Kass is not an idiot, though; he reports what has happened to the Coven and is told to just let the bond fade, but he's intrigued by what he senses through it.
Kass is kind, caring, and has a very big protective streak, all things that Bailey needs in someone to help him through the toughest part of his life.
I enjoyed this story and how the bond between Bailey and Kassidy formed and then developed over time. The bond helped them both through some pretty horrible situations and, through it, established them as a couple who have each other's backs no matter what. I loved how TJ Nichols used the bond to develop their relationship, sharing emotions and sensations rather than being in close physical contact with each other. Who would have thought two people could fall so deeply in love after seeing each other as little as these two did?
I really disliked the antagonists, as well as the Grandma, who tried their best to lead Bailey into a life of crime and get rid of the nuisance that was Kassidy. I just wish something more had happened to them when Bailey finally got away.
March 7, 2023
The Soldier's Familiar by T.J. Nichols: Adult Paranormal urban romance fantasy. MM fated mates. Witches. Familiars. Shapeshifters. Duel Third Person POV. Long-Distance Relationships. Satisfying Injury Tropes. Magic. Army. Russian Mafia. Prison. Defiance.
My favourite aspect of this book was the long-distance relationship and how it affected the bond and how they could communicate with each other from the other side of the world. I also really enjoyed the external plot. While Kassidy Robinson, a soldier and the telekinetic witch, is deployed overseas; Bailey Fisher, a snow leopard shifter, is trying to escape life under the Russian Mafia. In rebelling against them, they hand evidence to the police and he's sent to prison. The plot is full of suspense and unexpected twists and turns. I liked that while Kass and Bailey had only spoken once in person they reached out to help one another across distances when they were injured or in danger. For that matter, I also like Bailey's conversations with the other prisoners.
Overall, it's fast-paced with an evocative character arc, satisfying character interactions, intrigue, and satisfying injury trope scenes.
How much did I like it? 4.5 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 4 Stars
Character Depth: 5 Stars
Character interaction: Above Average
Animal Characterisation: Limited
Warnings: Moderate Violence. Explicit Sex Scenes. Course Language.
Execution (editing): 4.8 Stars
My favourite aspect of this book was the long-distance relationship and how it affected the bond and how they could communicate with each other from the other side of the world. I also really enjoyed the external plot. While Kassidy Robinson, a soldier and the telekinetic witch, is deployed overseas; Bailey Fisher, a snow leopard shifter, is trying to escape life under the Russian Mafia. In rebelling against them, they hand evidence to the police and he's sent to prison. The plot is full of suspense and unexpected twists and turns. I liked that while Kass and Bailey had only spoken once in person they reached out to help one another across distances when they were injured or in danger. For that matter, I also like Bailey's conversations with the other prisoners.
Overall, it's fast-paced with an evocative character arc, satisfying character interactions, intrigue, and satisfying injury trope scenes.
How much did I like it? 4.5 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 4 Stars
Character Depth: 5 Stars
Character interaction: Above Average
Animal Characterisation: Limited
Warnings: Moderate Violence. Explicit Sex Scenes. Course Language.
Execution (editing): 4.8 Stars
July 5, 2026
Bailey, a snow leopard shifter, steals the wrong wallet and ends up tied to Kassidy Robinson, the witch whose kiss revealed their familiar bond. Kass deploys but can’t shake the pull between them, while Bailey battles fear and old prejudices as their connection refuses to fade.
This story handled Bailey’s troubled upbringing with real care, and it made him incredibly sympathetic — every fear, every hesitation, every instinct to run felt understandable because of what he’d lived through. The familiar bond between Bailey and Kassidy might have been an accident, but it was clearly fated, and the way it kept them both alive and connected even while apart added a strong emotional thread. The organisation's ruthlessness and the danger surrounding them gave the plot tension, but the writing stayed clear, easy to feel, and easy to understand, making Bailey’s journey, and their bond, was the heart of the story. This was an MM story with mature content.
This story handled Bailey’s troubled upbringing with real care, and it made him incredibly sympathetic — every fear, every hesitation, every instinct to run felt understandable because of what he’d lived through. The familiar bond between Bailey and Kassidy might have been an accident, but it was clearly fated, and the way it kept them both alive and connected even while apart added a strong emotional thread. The organisation's ruthlessness and the danger surrounding them gave the plot tension, but the writing stayed clear, easy to feel, and easy to understand, making Bailey’s journey, and their bond, was the heart of the story. This was an MM story with mature content.
January 16, 2023
THE SOLDIER’S FAMILIAR by @tjnichols.author
What an incredible book! This was another one that really slayed a few different tropes. Bailey’s home life was so interesting and heartbreaking to read about. The fear his grandmother instilled was so hard and probably not that uncommon (when the only family you have manipulates you). Kass was so strong and confident and that was what Bailey needed. I enjoyed the little taboo of them connecting when Bailey was a few months shy of 18 (only one kiss at a club)! That accompanied by them both having pretty dangerous lives was a great way for their bond to grow even if they were apart. Overall awesome!
10/250
#mmromance #mmromancebooks #mmromancenovel #onederreadsfourstars
What an incredible book! This was another one that really slayed a few different tropes. Bailey’s home life was so interesting and heartbreaking to read about. The fear his grandmother instilled was so hard and probably not that uncommon (when the only family you have manipulates you). Kass was so strong and confident and that was what Bailey needed. I enjoyed the little taboo of them connecting when Bailey was a few months shy of 18 (only one kiss at a club)! That accompanied by them both having pretty dangerous lives was a great way for their bond to grow even if they were apart. Overall awesome!
10/250
#mmromance #mmromancebooks #mmromancenovel #onederreadsfourstars
March 6, 2025
Sydney, my home!
I didn't realise how awesome it would be to have a book based in my own town. This author has done great through her whole series with descriptions to immerse me fully into the book, but for some reason, when it's a place I've lived in my whole life just one word "Circular Quay," and I see it like a movie in my head. I'm now gonna be walking the city wondering which bakery store is actually secretly a coven agency. 😉
I didn't realise how awesome it would be to have a book based in my own town. This author has done great through her whole series with descriptions to immerse me fully into the book, but for some reason, when it's a place I've lived in my whole life just one word "Circular Quay," and I see it like a movie in my head. I'm now gonna be walking the city wondering which bakery store is actually secretly a coven agency. 😉
November 3, 2024
Can't stop, won't stop reading this series. I loved this pairing! This book was very different from the others, mainly because the characters are apart almost the entire book, but it was an interesting reset after how connected the previous three book were. I think it worked really well, and it was very cute to read!
December 11, 2024
Whilst set in the same universe, this book does not follow on from the previous ones. A reluctant thief and a Sniper share a kiss in a nightclub only to find out they are fated mates. Fate spends most of the book trying to keep them apart. I enjoyed the story, the characters were likeable. I just felt there could have been so much more. 3.5 *
October 22, 2024
Ok book, but the ending was really rushed, the story should have been double the size. We didn’t get answers to a lot of questions either - like who were the bad guys, was shifterMC actually related to Gran, and was his mother dead or not…
November 12, 2024
Love this series.
Another great book in a great series. One of the great things about them is they all have excellent storyline’s. This one’s was certainly enthralling and very different. No I’m not going to give any of the twists and turns away. That would spoil your read.
Another great book in a great series. One of the great things about them is they all have excellent storyline’s. This one’s was certainly enthralling and very different. No I’m not going to give any of the twists and turns away. That would spoil your read.
January 22, 2023
The Soldier’s Familiar
Another great fast-paced and suspenseful addition to the series. I loved the characters and enjoyed seeing them grow over the pages of the story.
Another great fast-paced and suspenseful addition to the series. I loved the characters and enjoyed seeing them grow over the pages of the story.
March 2, 2024
Fated mates
This was a nice read, low angst, and told with dual POV. I wish there was more of the Shifter parts, and more of the witch parts, but it is a nice e story.
This was a nice read, low angst, and told with dual POV. I wish there was more of the Shifter parts, and more of the witch parts, but it is a nice e story.
June 26, 2024
M/M romance, sexually explicit!
He has found his familiar ! Oh! a witch! Will he drain me? These two have found each other! Will it work? Read and find out!
He has found his familiar ! Oh! a witch! Will he drain me? These two have found each other! Will it work? Read and find out!
May 25, 2025
I liked the themes explored but there wasn’t really any connection/feeling.
June 21, 2025
I loved Bailey and Kass. The ending was perfect.
July 2, 2025
I thought this would be terrible, free and all, but it was ….good? Not amazing but completely readable and kind of sweet, actually.
July 14, 2025
Opposites attract, fate and romance.
July 16, 2025
Soldier
I will give this one a 4/5. It is good. The rest of the books I have read in this series are good as well.
I will give this one a 4/5. It is good. The rest of the books I have read in this series are good as well.
August 23, 2024
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Familiar Mates Series. I really enjoyed Bailey and Kass’ story but I do wish that they actually spent more physical time together, as they basically got to know each other by feeling each other’s presence across their bond as their I love you’s would’ve felt a lot more believable. I suppose they’d felt the terror of nearly losing the other when they each at seperate times were fighting for their lives, and had to send magic the other’s way using their bond so they can aid in healing which probably bonded them closer together. Man, the way Bailey grew up isn’t great but he was trying to make a better life for himself. His Gran was involved in some extremely shady guys. Bailey was kept isolated and that he’d never met another shifter, he’d seen them around but never actually met one in person. He doesn’t even know about the governing body that protects the paranormal world, the Coven.
Bailey’s always been told that witches will drain a shifter dry so when he meets Kass in a club and they share a kiss and then their mate/familiar bond kicks in Bailey completely freaks out, steals Kass’ wallet and leaves. Kass is shocked himself and knows that he can’t really do much since Bailey disappeared after stealing his wallet. He cancels his cards and decides to ring the Coven about their bond and how to break it, as Kass is about to go overseas into a war zone and doesn’t want Bailey hurt since their lives are now linked, no matter what Bailey did. The Coven tells him that they both need to be present to break a bond, and the price is that the witch loses their magic which completely sucks as why should the witch be the only one having to lose something fundamental to them to sever the bond? I can understand if a witch forces a shifter to bond then that makes sense but otherwise it’s a really sh*tty and uneven. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I’d recommend this books, series, universe and author to others.
I enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Familiar Mates Series. I really enjoyed Bailey and Kass’ story but I do wish that they actually spent more physical time together, as they basically got to know each other by feeling each other’s presence across their bond as their I love you’s would’ve felt a lot more believable. I suppose they’d felt the terror of nearly losing the other when they each at seperate times were fighting for their lives, and had to send magic the other’s way using their bond so they can aid in healing which probably bonded them closer together. Man, the way Bailey grew up isn’t great but he was trying to make a better life for himself. His Gran was involved in some extremely shady guys. Bailey was kept isolated and that he’d never met another shifter, he’d seen them around but never actually met one in person. He doesn’t even know about the governing body that protects the paranormal world, the Coven.
Bailey’s always been told that witches will drain a shifter dry so when he meets Kass in a club and they share a kiss and then their mate/familiar bond kicks in Bailey completely freaks out, steals Kass’ wallet and leaves. Kass is shocked himself and knows that he can’t really do much since Bailey disappeared after stealing his wallet. He cancels his cards and decides to ring the Coven about their bond and how to break it, as Kass is about to go overseas into a war zone and doesn’t want Bailey hurt since their lives are now linked, no matter what Bailey did. The Coven tells him that they both need to be present to break a bond, and the price is that the witch loses their magic which completely sucks as why should the witch be the only one having to lose something fundamental to them to sever the bond? I can understand if a witch forces a shifter to bond then that makes sense but otherwise it’s a really sh*tty and uneven. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I’d recommend this books, series, universe and author to others.
July 22, 2021
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
The Soldier's Familiar (Familiar Mates, 7) by T.J. Nichols
★★★★☆
157 Pages
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: shifter, fated mates, magic, witch, leopard
Genre: MM, Shifter, Romance, LGBT, PNR
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★☆
Plot: ★★★★☆
Romance: ★★★★☆
I'll admit, I was nervous starting this one. I've often found with other series that once they pass the book 5 mark, they tend to filter off or lack the same great elements from the beginning of the series. Chemistry. Plotting. Pacing. I usually find they start lacking, the longer the series goes on, so I was nervous about this being Book 7.
I had nothing to worry about.
The Soldier's Familiar added something refreshing and new to the series that I hadn't been expecting. All throughout, there's been a lot of morally ambiguous characters, which I've loved seeing. This was the first time we dealt with the underage shifter aspect (even if only a few months), and how they translated through the mate bond.
Nothing about Bailey and Kass's relationship was easy, simple or logical. They were swimming against the tide, the entire book, and that added an element of excitement and the unknown that I hadn't thought would work so well. They met for barely a few minutes at the beginning of the book, but the chemistry was sizzling and intense, right from the start. Then, they don't meet in person again until well into the second half of the book, but I didn't feel like the chemistry, or their relationship, felt any less real for it.
As characters, I loved how Bailey was flighty and carefree in image, but actually strong, resilient and a little desperate in reality. Kass was the strong, dependable solider, with a softer side and an untapped well of need and protective instincts ignited by his bond with Bailey.
Overall, I loved the whole thing. It took time to introduce Bailey's family situation, and the backstory surrounding it. It took time to introduce him to the world of shifters, familiars and mates, which he'd been kept ignorant of. But, as with the other morally ambiguous characters, his path wasn't easy or quickly resolved by the mate bond. I loved the time the relationship was given, how they used the bond and the mental connection to strengthen their relationship, but still had doubts and worries, still put space between them and wanted to force a relationship as humans to reinforce what had started by magic.
A solid addition to the series, which has reignited my excitement for future installments.
The Soldier's Familiar (Familiar Mates, 7) by T.J. Nichols
★★★★☆
157 Pages
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: shifter, fated mates, magic, witch, leopard
Genre: MM, Shifter, Romance, LGBT, PNR
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★☆
Plot: ★★★★☆
Romance: ★★★★☆
I'll admit, I was nervous starting this one. I've often found with other series that once they pass the book 5 mark, they tend to filter off or lack the same great elements from the beginning of the series. Chemistry. Plotting. Pacing. I usually find they start lacking, the longer the series goes on, so I was nervous about this being Book 7.
I had nothing to worry about.
The Soldier's Familiar added something refreshing and new to the series that I hadn't been expecting. All throughout, there's been a lot of morally ambiguous characters, which I've loved seeing. This was the first time we dealt with the underage shifter aspect (even if only a few months), and how they translated through the mate bond.
Nothing about Bailey and Kass's relationship was easy, simple or logical. They were swimming against the tide, the entire book, and that added an element of excitement and the unknown that I hadn't thought would work so well. They met for barely a few minutes at the beginning of the book, but the chemistry was sizzling and intense, right from the start. Then, they don't meet in person again until well into the second half of the book, but I didn't feel like the chemistry, or their relationship, felt any less real for it.
As characters, I loved how Bailey was flighty and carefree in image, but actually strong, resilient and a little desperate in reality. Kass was the strong, dependable solider, with a softer side and an untapped well of need and protective instincts ignited by his bond with Bailey.
Overall, I loved the whole thing. It took time to introduce Bailey's family situation, and the backstory surrounding it. It took time to introduce him to the world of shifters, familiars and mates, which he'd been kept ignorant of. But, as with the other morally ambiguous characters, his path wasn't easy or quickly resolved by the mate bond. I loved the time the relationship was given, how they used the bond and the mental connection to strengthen their relationship, but still had doubts and worries, still put space between them and wanted to force a relationship as humans to reinforce what had started by magic.
A solid addition to the series, which has reignited my excitement for future installments.
May 28, 2021
I have just become one of T J Nichols’ ARC readers so I got a free advance copy of ‘A Soldier’s Familiar’ to read with a view to reviewing if I choose to write one. I’ve read all of the earlier stories in the ‘Fated Mates’ series by purchasing them. They have all been exceptionally good. So, with that out of the way, what’s this one like? Dangerous and quite thrilling is what it is. It does not need you to have read the previous books in the series as it introduces new characters and tells you all you need to know. It only needs you to accept that witches and shifters exist and there is a secret organisation called the Coven looking after the welfare of both witches and shifters as well as protecting humans.
‘A Soldier’s Familiar’ follows the growing relationship between Bailey and Kass from a fateful kiss in a nightclub to their declaration of love after a number of dangerous interludes. Bailey Fisher is a teenager and a shifter, a snow leopard shifter, under the thumb of some rather unpleasant criminals and his grandmother. His grandmother is not the sort of granny you could go to for cuddles. He has been forced into being a pickpocket or face a beating.
Kassidy Robinson is a witch, a telekinetic witch, and a soldier by profession, a sniper who can use his ability to ensure he hits his targets. That is where his magical power comes in handy. He is a real good guy who does not shirk his responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is Bailey, even though he stole Kass’ wallet.
This is an excellent addition to the ‘Fated Mates’ series. In this one, both mates access each other’s powers when in danger and there are no issues relating to the sharing. Throughout the series this sharing and the problems associated with it are developed. There are moments of high suspense and quite a few surprises along the way. I will be reading this again in the near future, it’s that good.
‘A Soldier’s Familiar’ follows the growing relationship between Bailey and Kass from a fateful kiss in a nightclub to their declaration of love after a number of dangerous interludes. Bailey Fisher is a teenager and a shifter, a snow leopard shifter, under the thumb of some rather unpleasant criminals and his grandmother. His grandmother is not the sort of granny you could go to for cuddles. He has been forced into being a pickpocket or face a beating.
Kassidy Robinson is a witch, a telekinetic witch, and a soldier by profession, a sniper who can use his ability to ensure he hits his targets. That is where his magical power comes in handy. He is a real good guy who does not shirk his responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is Bailey, even though he stole Kass’ wallet.
This is an excellent addition to the ‘Fated Mates’ series. In this one, both mates access each other’s powers when in danger and there are no issues relating to the sharing. Throughout the series this sharing and the problems associated with it are developed. There are moments of high suspense and quite a few surprises along the way. I will be reading this again in the near future, it’s that good.
May 27, 2021
4.5 stars
Kass and Bailey’s bond takes shape under less-than-ideal circumstances, and the sheer amount of turmoil, trauma, and peril they have to endure after that connection, forged in a single instant, is epic. It’s not easy by any means, but I really liked the way they both persevered, and that their bond was a connection that brought them closer together not just magically (although that was definitely helpful) but emotionally as well-- in spite of their physical distance, they get to know each other in deeply unconventional, but permanent and meaningful ways. It’s not an easy ride for either of them, but the bond saves them both, in numerous different ways, and it’s rewarding and invigorating to watch them come through their challenges and come together as a couple. I’m impressed by the worldbuilding in this universe-- the shadowy power that is the Coven which, in all it’s quasi-official glory, is still somewhat suspect but infinitely better than the alternative “family” that works so hard to control and exploit Bailey. Kass’s family, while not organized crime, are judgmental, cold, and uncaring, which just makes the relationship Kass and Bailey build for themselves that much more powerful and necessary. They’re an easy couple to root for, and I really enjoyed their story.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kass and Bailey’s bond takes shape under less-than-ideal circumstances, and the sheer amount of turmoil, trauma, and peril they have to endure after that connection, forged in a single instant, is epic. It’s not easy by any means, but I really liked the way they both persevered, and that their bond was a connection that brought them closer together not just magically (although that was definitely helpful) but emotionally as well-- in spite of their physical distance, they get to know each other in deeply unconventional, but permanent and meaningful ways. It’s not an easy ride for either of them, but the bond saves them both, in numerous different ways, and it’s rewarding and invigorating to watch them come through their challenges and come together as a couple. I’m impressed by the worldbuilding in this universe-- the shadowy power that is the Coven which, in all it’s quasi-official glory, is still somewhat suspect but infinitely better than the alternative “family” that works so hard to control and exploit Bailey. Kass’s family, while not organized crime, are judgmental, cold, and uncaring, which just makes the relationship Kass and Bailey build for themselves that much more powerful and necessary. They’re an easy couple to root for, and I really enjoyed their story.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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