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Devlin Dynasty #1
Running Mate
The first story in the Devlin Dynasty seriesSenator Jason Devlin is a man with a secret. A big one that could ruin his political career and his family. He guards his secret closely, allowing no outsiders to penetrate his intimate circle.Kelsey Harper is a reporter itching for an interview with the elusive senator. When a case of mistaken identity lands her in his bed, she gets much more than an interview.As their passions rise, Jason must choose between keeping his secret and the woman who speaks to his heart.
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2004
46 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Jaci Burton
157 books8,295 followersJaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 85 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, book information and contests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 9, 2014
Hmm. A steamy quickie read. It was an okay read for me. Had me grippling at first but then I don't know what happened but it just lost its certain spark. I was looking for that strong MATING instinct at first sight. That was why I love wolf shifters in the first place, because of their possessiveness to their mate. In this, I don't know how Jason found out that Kelsey was his mate. I know he find her beautiful, sexy and all but there could have been something about her that he felt, something that makes her different from the rest, like her smell perhaps or his wolf instinct roaring to life. Theirs was a case of lust at first sight. It's not bad actually, but defeats the purpose of being a PNR read. XD
The premise was too predictable I guess. I was expecting some kind of an adventure twist but since it was a very short one, it was not realized. x
I was hoping for more info about their pack but it only focuses on Devlin and Kelsey. What about his plan for the Devlin Dynasty? It was the point of the story right? I mean one of the point, since it's part of the title. It kinda lost its focus. It could have been better if the story revolves around the pack and more info about them and their members and Jason being alpha was told. Hmm.
I guess I should just read th next installment to find out more about Devlin Dynasty.
The premise was too predictable I guess. I was expecting some kind of an adventure twist but since it was a very short one, it was not realized. x
I was hoping for more info about their pack but it only focuses on Devlin and Kelsey. What about his plan for the Devlin Dynasty? It was the point of the story right? I mean one of the point, since it's part of the title. It kinda lost its focus. It could have been better if the story revolves around the pack and more info about them and their members and Jason being alpha was told. Hmm.
I guess I should just read th next installment to find out more about Devlin Dynasty.
March 17, 2014
Estava na minha lista faz um tempo e achei legal a leitura! A história é fraquinha e sem muito enredo, mas as cenas hots são boas.
December 23, 2019
Protagonistas: Jason & Kelsey
Profesiones: Periodista & Senador/Hombre Lobo
Pais: USA
Profesiones: Periodista & Senador/Hombre Lobo
Pais: USA
September 21, 2025
Werewolf politician?! Sounds over the top, and it was, but I enjoyed this. An extremely sexy novella. I've read this author in the past. I need to come back to their catalog.
June 4, 2013
THIS IS NOT WHAT I USUALLY READ WEREWOLVES AND EROTICA COMBO. IT WAS VERY INTERESTING AND REAL DIFFERENT FOR ME. THE BOOK WAS SOOOO SHORT, JUST A FEW PAGES A PRELUDE TO MORE BOOKS. BECAUSE IT WAS SO SHORT EVERYTHING HAPPENED TOO FAST. I KNOW IT IS A FANTASY STORYLINE BUT THINGS MOVED FROM MEETING, STRAIGHT TO SEX, THEN I LOVE YOU, IN A MATTER OF A FEW PAGES. IT WASN'T TO BAD, DON'T KNOW IF I'LL BE READING ANYMORE. VERY KILLER COVER THOUGH!!!
August 15, 2015
*4- Stars*
Short and steamy! I just wish there had been more so things could have been fleshed out more. It was a quickie though, so I knew there wouldn't be. I did like it and plan to continue the series.
Short and steamy! I just wish there had been more so things could have been fleshed out more. It was a quickie though, so I knew there wouldn't be. I did like it and plan to continue the series.
October 14, 2018
Erotica at its worst: when nothing matters but sex and everything gets trashed out of a window: starting with logic, to rules, characters, plot.
Nothing really makes sense, except as an excuse for writing sex. If you don't mind all of the above go for it.
Nothing really makes sense, except as an excuse for writing sex. If you don't mind all of the above go for it.
October 21, 2013
I wish this short story was a little longer. I wanted to learn more about the pack. Maybe there will be a follow up later. Otherwise it was short and sexy.
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June 25, 2024The first story in the Devlin Dynasty series
Senator Jason Devlin is a man with a secret. A big one that could ruin his political career and his family. He guards his secret closely, allowing no outsiders to penetrate his intimate circle.
Kelsey Harper is a reporter itching for an interview with the elusive senator. When a case of mistaken identity lands her in his bed, she gets much more than an interview.
As their passions rise, Jason must choose between keeping his secret and the woman who speaks to his heart.
Heather's Notes
This was a quick steamy read with very little plot. Still not a bad read for what it was.
Senator Jason Devlin is a man with a secret. A big one that could ruin his political career and his family. He guards his secret closely, allowing no outsiders to penetrate his intimate circle.
Kelsey Harper is a reporter itching for an interview with the elusive senator. When a case of mistaken identity lands her in his bed, she gets much more than an interview.
As their passions rise, Jason must choose between keeping his secret and the woman who speaks to his heart.
Heather's Notes
This was a quick steamy read with very little plot. Still not a bad read for what it was.
March 19, 2025
It started off good - but ended up rushing through it all. I don't even think it was 100 pages long. I think this was supposed to be part of short stories about the Delvin Dynasty. I usually love Jaci Burton's books, and was a little disappointed in this.
I'll continue the series - but not sure at this point.
I'll continue the series - but not sure at this point.
June 8, 2018
Well worth it!
‘Running Mate,’ was a very short and sexy read! It merely whets your appetite... It basically sets up the direction the other novels in this series will eventually take, sets the scenes, so to speak. It’s well written and leaves you wanting more!
‘Running Mate,’ was a very short and sexy read! It merely whets your appetite... It basically sets up the direction the other novels in this series will eventually take, sets the scenes, so to speak. It’s well written and leaves you wanting more!
May 21, 2020
This quickie started off intriguing, but then the storyline accelerated and went off the rails. The bright side? It was steamy! I think this could have been a great premise for a novel-length paranormal romance.
March 18, 2021
Blah, love stories that end in "I love you" after 2 hours is... so fake ... I can't stand it.
Forever for them is a week... and the story implies they have eternity? I'd like to know what would happen to them when a month goes by. haha
Forever for them is a week... and the story implies they have eternity? I'd like to know what would happen to them when a month goes by. haha
June 30, 2017
Enjoyed
I love Jaci's writing I am glad these came back out. I wish it had been longer more meat to the story.
I love Jaci's writing I am glad these came back out. I wish it had been longer more meat to the story.
March 16, 2018
interesting
November 12, 2019
Short and to the point. Kinda unrealistic, but I kinda loved it.
August 15, 2021
Worth a second read
This is my second time reading and it still grabs my attention. It's short but sexy and very enjoyable. I want more.
This is my second time reading and it still grabs my attention. It's short but sexy and very enjoyable. I want more.
May 9, 2023
Book 1.
I have re-read this series many times and cannot put them down.
In book 1 we start with Jason’s story with Kelsey.
I have re-read this series many times and cannot put them down.
In book 1 we start with Jason’s story with Kelsey.
December 21, 2024
Politics and reporters
Can mix
Can mix
November 4, 2015
3.5-4 stars
This was a pretty good story. I liked Kelsey and Jason and the story, while short, is enjoyable. The story does have a insta-love setup but since the story is a PNR the mating bond makes the fast fall understandable.
Kelsey is a reporter. She grew up as the only child of a Father that's a journalist that owns a newspaper in Washington DC. Since she didn't have a mother growing up, Kelsey took after her father and lives, eats and breaths for her story. She's intent on getting an interview with a Senator (a young, handsome and single Senator) so she sneaks past security to wait outside his room. When he shows up however, he mistakes her for someone else.
Jason is a Senator in Washington DC and also a shifter. He and his family are out to gain power in Washington to try to get protection for his people for the eventual time that they'll be revealed. When he leaves the latest shindig to get to his hotel room, he's expecting a woman to be waiting for him (a setup by his Beta). When he sees Kelsey he's strongly attracted to her. He realizes she's not another shifter and he shouldn't be with her, but the attraction is too great and he knows she's meant to be his mate, no matter who she is.
Kelsey isn't expecting a seduction and was actually there for a story but when Jason kisses her she's looses her head. She goes with it and gives in to Jason. Sparks fly and they end up spending the night together. When the truth comes out about Kelsey's identity and job, Jason is understandably not thrilled about it. He feels the mating bond forming though and can't give her up. He asks her to spend the weekend with him so they can get to know each other better. Kelsey isn't sure if she should be going away with Jason, especially since she's agreed that everything is "off the record" for the weekend but she likes Jason enough to give it a try.
Jason and Kelsey have a great weekend together but Jason doesn't tell her his secret yet. He is very pleased with her though and wants to tell her and hopes she'll agree to keep the secret and stay with him. Kelsey is falling for Jason and things seem pretty good between them when the full moon arrives. Kelsey, being curious ends up finding out about Jason at the wrong time and in the worse way. She has a drama filled night (FYI, there is a sex scene where Jason takes her in his wolfman form) and afterwards goes home for some time alone to think about things and (Jason fears) possibly write the story that would ruin his and all the other shifters lives. There's some uncertainty as Kelsey struggles with her feeling for Jason and what to do but things work out and Kelsey and Jason get their HEA.
This was a pretty good story. I liked the characters and the story was enjoyable. It was a short story but it didn't feel like it needed to be longer, it worked as is. I'm planning to read more of this series in the future. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up! :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator did a good job.
11/4/15 - Reread of the story...it's still pretty good. :)
This was a pretty good story. I liked Kelsey and Jason and the story, while short, is enjoyable. The story does have a insta-love setup but since the story is a PNR the mating bond makes the fast fall understandable.
Kelsey is a reporter. She grew up as the only child of a Father that's a journalist that owns a newspaper in Washington DC. Since she didn't have a mother growing up, Kelsey took after her father and lives, eats and breaths for her story. She's intent on getting an interview with a Senator (a young, handsome and single Senator) so she sneaks past security to wait outside his room. When he shows up however, he mistakes her for someone else.
Jason is a Senator in Washington DC and also a shifter. He and his family are out to gain power in Washington to try to get protection for his people for the eventual time that they'll be revealed. When he leaves the latest shindig to get to his hotel room, he's expecting a woman to be waiting for him (a setup by his Beta). When he sees Kelsey he's strongly attracted to her. He realizes she's not another shifter and he shouldn't be with her, but the attraction is too great and he knows she's meant to be his mate, no matter who she is.
Kelsey isn't expecting a seduction and was actually there for a story but when Jason kisses her she's looses her head. She goes with it and gives in to Jason. Sparks fly and they end up spending the night together. When the truth comes out about Kelsey's identity and job, Jason is understandably not thrilled about it. He feels the mating bond forming though and can't give her up. He asks her to spend the weekend with him so they can get to know each other better. Kelsey isn't sure if she should be going away with Jason, especially since she's agreed that everything is "off the record" for the weekend but she likes Jason enough to give it a try.
Jason and Kelsey have a great weekend together but Jason doesn't tell her his secret yet. He is very pleased with her though and wants to tell her and hopes she'll agree to keep the secret and stay with him. Kelsey is falling for Jason and things seem pretty good between them when the full moon arrives. Kelsey, being curious ends up finding out about Jason at the wrong time and in the worse way. She has a drama filled night (FYI, there is a sex scene where Jason takes her in his wolfman form) and afterwards goes home for some time alone to think about things and (Jason fears) possibly write the story that would ruin his and all the other shifters lives. There's some uncertainty as Kelsey struggles with her feeling for Jason and what to do but things work out and Kelsey and Jason get their HEA.
This was a pretty good story. I liked the characters and the story was enjoyable. It was a short story but it didn't feel like it needed to be longer, it worked as is. I'm planning to read more of this series in the future. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up! :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator did a good job.
11/4/15 - Reread of the story...it's still pretty good. :)
June 22, 2015
Also im Vergleich zu den ersten beiden Kurzgeschichten in der "Primal Heat" Anthologie merkt man dieser Kurzgeschichte an, dass die Autorin viel geübter ist. Hier wird endlich eine richtige Geschichte erzählt und die erotischen Szenen werden (auch wenn noch recht überstürzt und häufig) gut in die Handlung integriert. Eigentlich wollte Kelsey ein Interview mit dem charismatischem Senator (Jason) führen, als sie sich vor seinem Hotelzimmer postiert. Dummerweise verwechselt Jason sie mit einem kleinen Geschenk seines Bruders. Schwubs landen die beide im Bett, weil Kelsey 'natürlich' so überwältigt von dem Typen ist, dass sie die Verwechslung nicht klarstellt. Das war aber auch der einzige Teil der Story den ich wieder total übertrieben fand. Ansonsten hat die Geschichte wirklich mit ein wenig Handlung (gemessen an anderen Ebooks dieser Länge) aufwarten können. Die beiden verbringen dann nämlich noch ein Wochenende zusammen, was zwar auch sehr heiß hergeht aber trotzdem auch ein wenig drumherum zu bieten hat. Der fantastische Aspekt ist hier nicht allzu groß und andere Charaktere kommen auch so gut wie nie ins Spiel, aber wenigstens werden mehr erwähnt als bei den anderen beiden Stories in der Anthologie. Auch emotional hat es mich deutlich mehr angesprochen. Man merkt, dass aus anfänglicher Anziehungskraft langsam ein klein wenig mehr entsteht und auch der Konflikt Geheimhaltung der Werwölfe versus Journalistin wurde ganz gut verpackt. Die erotischen Szenen waren sehr gut geschrieben und ich würde definitiv mehr von der Autorin lesen. Ob unbedingt diese Reihe, weiß ich allerdings nicht. Dafür kenne ich zu viele gute Reihen aus diesem Genre, die ich bereits lese.
Meine Wertung:
4 von 5 Sternen
Meine Wertung:
4 von 5 Sternen
August 25, 2013
I did not read this book cause of the cover. To be honest, it doesn’t appeal to me at all, but I was curious about this story just because of Max Devlin.
So, “Running Mate” tells the story of Jason Devlin, a very popular Senator, single, and lupine (canine for me); and Kelsey Harper, a young enthusiastic journalist who’s after her big breaking news: whatever skeleton she can uncover from Jason’s closet.
Yet, he being a werewolf is a big fucking secret he’s intending to keep away from the human world. And yes, Kelsey is human…
The fact that both characters fall in love pretty quickly can be noted from a mile away. The book pretty much starts with them in vertical and horizontal, and later a weekend getaway, secrets being revealed… And ends surprisingly faster than it began.
Not complaining in the least guys, I just thought this story was more like a short-story, than what I got used to from A Storm For All Seasons Novel .
Click here for the full review, and a snapshot.
So, “Running Mate” tells the story of Jason Devlin, a very popular Senator, single, and lupine (canine for me); and Kelsey Harper, a young enthusiastic journalist who’s after her big breaking news: whatever skeleton she can uncover from Jason’s closet.
Yet, he being a werewolf is a big fucking secret he’s intending to keep away from the human world. And yes, Kelsey is human…
The fact that both characters fall in love pretty quickly can be noted from a mile away. The book pretty much starts with them in vertical and horizontal, and later a weekend getaway, secrets being revealed… And ends surprisingly faster than it began.
Not complaining in the least guys, I just thought this story was more like a short-story, than what I got used to from A Storm For All Seasons Novel .
Click here for the full review, and a snapshot.
May 22, 2015
My first from this author and I'd be willing to read more from her. But this was still pretty much an average read for me. Very short, very steamy, but I had my issues with it. First is the insta-love - not a mating instinct either - I would understand the Devlin, the werewolf feeling the love before Kasey - but why, after one weekend of rough sex would Kasey fall in love with him? I have no problem really with insta-love in novellas, but I have seen it done without it plenty of times. But in this case, Kasey makes a pretty big decision based on a day or two of "feeling in love" so it sort of ruined that for me. And yes, I was a bit squicked out with the half-transformed sex. I was also a mite confused with the contradiction that the werewolves were not the hunting kind and that they didn't hurt people but that if Kasey ran from the pack they'd hunt her down and rape her. I know this all sounds pretty negative, but like I said, it was a good, sexy read and I'd pick this author up again. Particularly if she writes non-werewolf stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2019
Quick, sexy story! Reporter Kelsey Harper has journalism in her blood. She sees Senator Jason Devlin at a fundraiser and is determined to get an interview with the elusive politician. Sneaking up to meet him when he gets to his hotel suite, she is mistaken for the women his assistant arranged for him. After the first kiss Kelsey can't make herself correct Jason's misunderstanding, and ends up spending a very passionate night with him. They both have secrets - Kesley shares her occupation with him the next morning, but Jason isn't sure how to tell Kelsey he's a werewolf! This is the first book in the Devlin Dynasty series - looking forward to reading more!
June 11, 2013
I love Jaci Burton. Her sports romance novels are some of my favorite. When I noticed this was a free download from Amazon, I snatched it up. I am so glad I did. I really liked it. There was a lot of chemistry between the two. I love the fact that the last two people who should be together, are true mates. I can’t wait to read more from the Devlin Dynasty Series.
June 10, 2013
In the beginning, I thought this was sexy. As it continued it lacked real emotion. The sex was hot and classic Jaci Burton. I must admit I found her lupine anal sex scene to be ridiculously gimicky. She snuck it in by making it the only way to keep Kelsey from turning. (That entire scene was a bit rapey. And I am no prude.)
October 13, 2011
Not sure what to say about this. There was very little plot or character development and the story line was just completely unbelieveable. It was very short so I guess I didn't waste a lot of time on it.
June 2, 2013
A great short story. Kelsey hopes to gain an interview from Gov. Jason Devlin. She is mistaken for another woman when she sneaks up to his suite and waits outside his door. A fun book and great read for those who enjoy hot romance and Shiftchanger Paranormal!
June 5, 2013
Interesting and certainly fits the "Quickie" category. I think I prefer Burton's longer works so I get to see the emotional relationship grow between. I did enjoy the premise and how mistaken identity made things rather complicated.
Freebie from EC.
Freebie from EC.
December 18, 2008
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews