Shifters and Spice Box Set

by Desiree Holt

If you dream of shifters, this set of 20 brand new shifter stories featuring USA Today and New York Times best-selling authors has you covered. Whether you like them large and in charge or sleek and sexy, you'll find the right story to spice up your night in these pages.

Featuring:
A.J. Bennett — Masquerade
Becca Vincenza — Contracted
Blaire Edens — Frenzied
Carolyn Spear — Taming the Puma
Dara Fraser — Lion's Pretend Girlfriend
Desiree Holt — Shadow of the Wolf
Dominique Eastwick — Bearing the Hunger
Erin Hayes — I Found My Rhino
Ever Coming — The Mismatchmaker
H.D. Gordon — Blood Sport
Hazel Boyer — Accidentally Mated
Kate Richards — An Evening in the Superstitions
Lila Felix — Wolf Protector
Lisbeth Frost — Encounter on a Mountain
Louisa Bacio — The Luna Twins
Margo Bond Collins — Laugh Out Love
Marissa Farrar — Wolf Torn
Merryn Dexter — Bear Faced Lies
M.J. Haag — Escaping the Lutha
Rachael Slate — Untamed Lord of Thessaly

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Anthologies

830 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2016

About the author

A multi-published, award winning, Amazon and USA Today best-selling author, Desiree Holt has produced more than 200 titles and won many awards. She has received an EPIC E-Book Award, the Holt Medallion and many others including Author After Dark’s Author of the Year. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The London Daily Mail. She lives in Florida with her cats who insist they help her write her books, and is addicted to football.

“Get out the ice water and fan…Desiree Holt delivers smoking hot alpha heroes and red hot romances.” Lea Franczak, USA Today Happy Ever After blog


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Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book boxed set for an honest review. Over all this was an excellent box set, definitely worth buying. The stories were great, I would definitely recommend this set to others. I feel 5 stars is too many, but 4 stars is not enough for a rating on this set. Each author deserved there own little review from this set:

*Shadows of the Wolf by Desiree Holt -was a good read. I really liked the characters, Jordan & Stone, they felt so right together right from the moment they met. I would have liked a tiny bit more info in a few places where I was left wondering about certain things. But otherwise the story flowed smoothly & was a very enjoyable read.

*Masquerade by A.J. Bennett -was a pretty good story that I was really enjoying -until I got to the ending- unfortunately it's a big cliff-hanger ending with no HEA for the main characters, Sara & Adam, at least not in this book. I flipped back & forth thinking it had to be a glitch of sorts, maybe missing pages or something! But no, there weren't anymore pages to this story. Endings like that leave me frustrated. I'd say this is my least favorite -but only due to the cliff-hanger ending, the writing & story were actually good.

*Blood Sport by H.D. Gordon -this story has kind of a dark feel to me, but it really pulled me in. I hated it that in the story, Rook & Branson are trapped in their situation, & I kept hoping they can find a way to escape. A smallish cliff hanger ending, but it only left me wanting to find out what happens to them next! Definitely a different take on werewolves than I've read about before. Good story!

*The Mismatchmaker: Ruby by Ever Coming -what a sweet shifter story, Ruby & James, just awe -how cute together! Ruby -so deserved a wonderful mate & a HEA. I enjoyed this very much, it held my interest, flowed well & best of all, it has a HEA. I have enjoyed the books I've read from Ever Coming.

*The Untamed Lord of Thessaly A Halcyon Romance: Lords of Thessaly #5 by Rachael Slate -this is an awesome story, following along the others in the Halcyon Romance series by the author. The story kept my attention, had enough details for any reader that's not familiar with the series to not be lost, but if you've read any of the series, will feel right at home (I've read the first 2 in this series). I really liked the characters, Petraeus & Ekho.

*Wolf Protector by Lila Felix -what a fantastic story, pulls at my emotions, even though they are werewolves, Lilith's situation is so realistic to real life situations (excluding being werewolf). I especially liked the main characters, Lilith, Casten, & baby Eli. I really liked Eli's "baby speak", it reminded me of my own children
at that age! I couldn't help but root for Casten & Lilith to end up together in the end!

*Bearing the Hunger Shifters of Yellowstone Book 2 by Dominique Eastwick -a sweet story about Grant the bear shifter & him finding his human mate, Morgan. This story can be a stand alone, even though it's book 2, you don't feel lost for not reading book 1 (I didn't read book 1). This story was a very fast read, it flowed well, and made me feel good in the end.

*Accidentally Mated by Hazel Boyer - warning - this is a M/M pairing story. I've never read this type of story before, it's not my thing. But I wanted to be able to honestly review all the stories in this book set for the ARC. The writing was excellent, the story flowed well, the character, Evan, is sweet & lovable, but Dare was not so likable, until I read what Dare's brother, Cole, told Evan about werewolves & mates to help Evan understand Dare better- "When we first meet our mates we kind of lose access to some of our higher functions like the ability to make real conversation. More instinct, less reason. I mean, that’s no excuse, but it is a bit of reality.”, that helped pull it together a little better to make Dare more relatable in his behavior to Evan for me. Over all a very good story if your ok with the M/M pairing scene.

*Bear Faced Lies by Merryn Dexter - a Western mystery combined with a shifter romance, what a cool combination! this story pulled me in fast & kept me riveted. Tobias & Harriet are so right together. I love those sincere quiet shifters! Definitely worth a read. The plot was smooth, kept you guessing & hoping Harriet finds happiness after the dramatic events that happened in her life.

*An Evening in the Superstitions by Kate Richards - this story was a little choppy, I felt it jumped around, almost like it was skipping parts. It has a good base plot (bones) though. Delia & Glen were likable & felt right together, but I was a bit confused with parts of the story.

*The Lion’s Pretend Girlfriend by Dara Fraser - what a different angle this shifter story took. Nice to see a new take on the shifter world. I liked the characters, Crina & Mateo, they felt right together. The story was good, a few places left questions & weren't so smooth in transition in my opinion.

*Encounter on a Mountain by Lisbeth Frost - a "shifter survivor show" what a humorous concept! Story was good, & flowed well. Sam & Cara are great, some parts of the story had me laughing out loud. Poor Cheetah getting stuck in a winter environment for the show, I shivered a long with him! Very enjoyable.

*Laugh Out Love A Shifter Shield Erotic Romance by Margo Bond Collins - wow, shifter hyenas! I never would have thought of that. Shadow & Jeremiah are definitely an odd match, but somehow seem to work. Good story, does have a slight bit of a cliff-hanger. The writing flowed smoothly, kept me reading.

*The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf: Luna Twins by Louisa Bacio - I did not see this story going the direction it did. Zada, Charlie & Alex, just wow. Over all, good story. The beginning was a bit confusing to me, I kind of felt like I missed the first book in a series sort of thing, the back info. And a few spots could have been improved, to make the flow less chaotic.

*Wolf Torn The Dark Ridge Wolves by Marissa Farrar - werewolves, packs, mates, love, pack politics, betrayal -what an action packed little story. This had so much in it, you don't realize it until it's over that it wasn't a 100 page book. Holton kept his secret from Ruby very well, she never saw him coming! Fantastic story, kept me glued to my iPad.

*Taming the Puma by Carolyn Spear - oh my my, what a story, Max & Rico are awesome together. Very well written, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what's going to happen next & I loved the humor at the end. This story was very fast paced & packed full of action.

*Contracted A Mercenary Novella by Becca Vincenzo - this was a good story. I felt it could use some more editing though. I think there might be another book or 2 before this story (not sure -didn't find it on Amazon/Kindle), though you do not need to read them to enjoy this one. There was enough info/detail so I wasn't lost. Mazy & Lucas were an interesting shifter couple & their story was fast paced & intense.

*Frenzied A Great White Story by Blaire Edens - this story was kind of cool, with a good plot. It did leave a few unanswered questions in my mind & I would have liked a little more detail in order to answer those questions. Eva & Tiburon were very likable.

*I Found My Rhino by Erin Hayes - Leslie & Ryan are the perfect match. Love the idea of "Shifters Unlimited" as a series. Very fresh & new idea for a shifter story. This was an excellent story, with the HEA readers love, glad Erin Hayes listens to readers on HEA's! I would definitely be interested in more from this author.

*Escaping the Lutha by M.J. Haag -was definitely a great story (my favorite in this box set). It was so well written & over way too quickly -I just couldn't put it down, the mystery surrounding Tink sure kept me guessing (and all the bleach & plastic mattress cover really kept me confused!) The main characters, Tink & Rogan were great & I loved their quirkiness. I also Loved that Tink is a kick a$$ female! This story pulled me in so much, surprisingly just as a short story! Was definitely a typically awesome M.J. Haag story -she never disappoints me with her writing!

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only have read one book so far.
My take on WOLF PROTECTOR by Lila Felix…

Lilith and her son Eli are on the run from some people that want to do her harm. Now she must go crawling back to the one place that banished her a few years before. Home. Going back won't be easy, but her son's safety depends on it.

Such a cute and wonderful book! I was amazed at the amount of story and the quality I got from such a short read. Am I surprised? Absolutely not. Felix has a knack for giving her all whether it is a full length novel or a novella, like this one. I was pulled in by the plot, hooked by the romance and smitten with the characters. Would love to hear from them again, and possibly a few others from the story.
Wolf Protector gets 5 Deserved Stars!

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book*

SHIFTERS AND SPICE by Various Authors

This is a very interesting and intriguing collection of paranormal short stories written by a diverse group of authors.
These books were really interesting and very enjoyable assortment. They are made up of various paranormal characters, that are both different and intriguing. Some were more lighthearted than others, but no less enjoyable. A fantastic boxset of captivating stories.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shifters & Spice A Shifter Romance Box Set is a compilation of 20 novellas. I found several new authors through this box set and I canot wait to read something else from them.

Shadow of the Wolf by Desiree Holt was a sexy wolf shifter book. Two lost souls were hiding out in the backwoods of Maine and somehow find each other. This author writes some steamy scenes, so if you like hot romance, this book is for you. The characters are well developed and the storyline was done well. Jordon and Stone were both strong characters overcoming traumas. I would like to read more about these characters.

Masquerade by A.J. Bennett is another sexy romance with hot shifters and lots of mystery. It reveals some secrets and leaves readers wanting so much more. This story had some twists I didn’t expect and I loved how things unraveled. It ended at a cliffhanger so the story is not finished. I am looking forward to more of this story. I need the next installment in this series!

Blood Sport by H.D. Gordon was not a story I would have picked up to read, because of I’m not a huge fan of fighting, but I am really glad I did. I really liked Rook & Branson and how they interacted. I was even routing for them during their fights and wishing they would escape their horrible situation. It ended at a cliffhanger and this story left me wanting more. I am looking forward to the next installment.

Wolf Protector by Lila Felix is an awesome wolf shifter book and a coming home story. The main characters showed strength and courage and I loved their romance. Very good character development with a couple of awesome alpha males. Loved Lilith and Casten. This is an author that I have read in the past and loved and this story fits right in with the others.

Bear Faced Lies by Merryn Dexter is a bear shifter book with a little bit of mystery and a lot of romance. Tobias & Harriet are awesome characters. She is feisty and he is a hottie. This was a stand-alone book but I would have loved much more about these characters. Tobias has some hot brothers that I hope have their own stories.

An Evening in the Superstitions by Kate Richards has a multitude of paranormal creatures mentioned but is mainly a bear shifter book. There were a lot of good supporting characters. Delia & Glen are great and were good together. I would have liked a little bit more information and details in this story but it had a good storyline.

The Lion’s Pretend Girlfriend by Dara Fraser is a lion shifter book. This was a new author to me and I really liked her style. The characters were well developed and I liked how the romance unfolded. Crina & Mateo are great characters and I liked their romance. I would have liked more of this story as well.

Wolf Torn The Dark Ridge Wolves by Marissa Farrar is a wolf shifter romance with mystery and intrigue mixed in. This is another new author to me and I’m looking forward to other stories from her. Ruby and Houlton are great characters and I love their romance. Ruby is strong female lead.. This was fast paced and a good read.

Taming the Puma by Carolyn Spear is a fast-paced shifter romance with a little danger and suspense. Max & Rico are awesome together and I like she could hold her own. He is very alpha and set in his ways and she upsets his normal life. It was a good story and another new author for me. I will read other things by this author.

Escaping the Lutha by M.J. Haag is a different take on the wolf shifter stories I’ve read. It started out with a very quirky character, Tink, who I was a little cautious about liking immediately because of her oddity but she sucked me in quickly. I love that she is tough and strong and took care of the neighborhood. I wanted to know why she was acting a little differently and what her story was. I needed to know more. Rogan is a great male lead and a hottie. I enjoyed how Tink and Rogan were together and the twist at the end that I didn’t expect. I love this author and have read all of her other books. This book was really good and I didn’t want it to end.

This box set had a lot of stories that I really enjoyed and I got to explore new authors. Not every story in this will be for everyone, but there are so many great stories to select from. I am really looking forward to more from these authors.

Five Stars * * * * *

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shifters and Spice: A Shifter Romance Box Set - A nice collection of 20 stories by various authors. I really liked the variety. Some stories are clearly part of a series or have cliff hangers, but it provides a great way to experience the writing styles of many different authors. Nice job.
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Laugh Out Love (A Shifter Shield Romance) by Margo Bond Collins

Shadow is a Scyld, a person who shields humans from the monsters around them. After disposing of a bad werewolf, she heads off to a bar for a bit of fun, and meets Jeremiah. He is a hyena shifter in town with his clan to attend a shifter council meeting. They are both captured by werewolves and work together to escape. Shadow realizes that not all shifters are bad and she must reevaluate her thoughts of what it means to be a monster. I expect there will be a follow-up story since there is a bit of a cliffhanger.
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I Found My Rhino by Erin Hayes

I loved this story. It is an interesting and very different concept of shifters than I have ever read before. I like the story concept and the romance was great too. Leslie recruits shifters to get paid very well to work in zoos and other locations where animals are needed. Ryan is a white rhino that she recruits after having a drunken night of sex with him. The story covers the serious topic of safety to animals and their care, but has plenty of humor and sex to make for a good romance. All in all, the story is a unique and well worth reading.
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The Vampire, The Witch, and The Werewolf: Luna Twins by Louisa Bacio

Charlie, Zada, and Alex make a great team. They meet under difficult circumstances with the two men fighting oover Zada. During their trials to remove a curse, they come to respect and love each other. The story has a little bit of everything; silly, sad, and also some very hot scenes.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fast paced, steamy set of shifter romance books. You can't go wrong with this set from some of the best names in paranormal romance. It's a must have!

Here are a few of my favs:

Frenzied - Blaire Edens
Overall, not a bad story. It moved really quick. It could have included a few more plot details, but for the most part it gave all the necessary details and tied things up nicely. Tiburon wast certainty swoon worthy!

Laugh Out Love - Margo Bond Collins
I've never read a Hyena shifter story before and never thought of hyenas in Georgia before, but it worked and was exciting! I liked the whole hunter vs shifter format. It was a good original story, with some serious heat and likeable characters. I really enjoyed the twist at the end that made Shadow reconsider everything she thought to be real and everything she felt. Well played!

Wolf Torn - Marissa Farrar
Holton is a strong leader and even though he went a little backhandedly at getting Ruby to be his mate, he was loving to her at the same time. Ruby was a little immature, but was feisty. This was a great read.

[Sharon Hatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this looks to have a great selection of stories so far I have only read Untamed Lord of Thessaly by Rachael Slate. This is the newest in the Halcyon Romance series by Ms. Slate and is a true treat, set in a world where Greek mythology comes to life, and mystical creatures must take sides in an impending war of the Gods. This is a well written and highly creative tale full of unforgettable characters you won’t be able to get enough of, with lots of action, intrigue, and of course spicy centaur lovin. Centaur Petraeus, the last of Chiron’s sons, has been begrudgingly following the sultry voice in his head, even though he is sure a noose is in his near future for it. The nymph Ekho, uses her gifts to influence Petraeus to do her bidding, promising it will help his family and the impending war. When Ekho accidentally calls Petraeus to where she is held captive, a love/hate starts as his horse screams MINE! Only Ekho does not want to be rescued, she has a larger agenda she must oversee from within the enemy’s keep.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only read one book that's part of this anthology so far as I got a review copy of that short story, so I wanted to share the summary of my review for that here as well.

- I Found my Rhino by Erin Hayes
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review

This was such a fun read! Short, steamy and with an unique and fun concept of shifters being hired for zoos. I keep being impressed at how well this author writes short stories and manages to give us a feel for the characters, their romance and the world in so little time and makes sure no part of it feels rushed. I wasn't quite sure about the start of the book, but after that it got only better and better and by the end I just wanted more. All in al a great read and I hope the author decides to write more about Shifters Unlimited.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a goodly number of well-known authors in the set of 20 shifter novels so I figured I had pretty good odds for some great entertainment. I was not disappointed. For example:

Erin Hayes - "I Found My Rhino" - Zoos are running out of endangered species to share with the public. What if they started hiring shifters to fill the exhibits? A lot of action and spice is packed into this delightful novella.

Lisbeth Frost -" Encounter on a Mountain" - Are you fond of reality shows? I'm not, but I loved this tale anyway, in which we follow a pair of shifters, a wolf and a cheetah, in the latest TV episode of Shifter Survival. The wolf, of course, is appropriately furred for the snowy mountain on which she is dumped; but the cheetah's natural habitat is hot. Will his human survival skills aid this freezing feline?

Oh, did I mention ROMANCE?

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked some of them and loved others. This read took several days, and most of the time, I was enthralled. I was drawn into most of the stories, and I have found some new favorite authors and fallen in love again with other authors I have always enjoyed. I definitely recommend this book. Here's my breakdown...

Shadows of the Wolf - This story captured me from the very beginning. It was not only well written but full of danger and energy...not to mention, the sexual tension was insane. Jordan and Stone were made for each other, and watching that relationship grow was exciting. It was very well written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Masquerade - This was a okay story if a little contrived. There were quite a few places that left me confused, and I really expected a happy ending, or at least, something that approached a happier ending to this novella, especially since it was part of an anthology. I wanted an ending that could help me walk away from the story until I had time to read more from the author. But there was no such completion for me. I also did not find the writing as refined as some of the other stories. For me, it was just okay.

Blood Sport - This one was quite dark compared to some of the others, but I was pulled into the story from the first moment. I loved the relationship between Rook and Branson and how they were drawn to each other even though they fought their attraction for obvious reasons. Rook was such a tough personality in the very beginning that I had no idea she was a female until they discussed their first fight. I was bummed that there wasn't more of a conclusion to the story, but I wasn't put off by it. In fact, I'm more interested in discovering what happens next for this pair.

The Mismatchmaker: Ruby - This was a sweet story, maybe a little too sweet for me. I liked the way the tables turned, and things weren't as predictable as one might expect. In fact, the tables turned in unexpected ways, giving this sweet story a happy ending I could live with. I liked that everything wasn't obvious.

The Untamed Lord of Thessaly - Even being unfamiliar with the series, this was as close to a stand alone in the middle of a series that any novella can get. It was exciting and unexpected, not just a shifter story but a fantasy in its true form. There was humor and danger, along with a love story that knows no bounds. Petraeus & Ekho are both strong and likable characters that you want to see reach their HEA. I loved the entire tale and hope to find the time to read some of the others from this series.

Wolf Protector - This is one of those stories that held a surprising premise, something that we are taught about wolf shifters from the moment we pick up our first shifter book. Lilith, Casten and her son, Eli, were wonderful characters, and they pulled together a story that tugged at my heart strings. There were lessons learned about truth, love and forgiveness that added strength and depth to the story and made it extremely enjoyable.

Bearing the Hunger - This was a sweet story about a bear shifter, Grant, who finds his mate in a human scientist, Morgan. It was romantic and clumsy, just the way you expect love to be between two people who never believed they would find their true love, much less discover it in a place neither of them thought to look. I assume it can be read as part of the series, which I have not read, but it is a delightful stand-alone.

Accidentally Mated - This type of story, M/M, is not really my cup of tea. But I feel the need to give it an honest review. It was a well written story of a male shifter, Dare, who meets his mate, Evan, when he shows up for a wedding. The way the two are attracted to each other is understandable from the very beginning, and the story has a wonderful flow. The author has great insights into the male POV, and makes this an easy read, even for those of us who don't find it as attractive as a conventional as the conventional stories.

Bear Faced Lies - I love the idea of the setting being on a ranch and the way Harriet and Tobias fight so hard against the attraction they feel for each other. Not only is Tobias a loner, who never expects to mate, but Harriet is his boss on the ranch, and is not really in the market for a fling with an employee either. There are several plot twists and a crescendo at the end that was definitely not on anyone's radar. I absolutely loved it and found it more realistic than some of the shifter romances I've read.

An Evening in the Superstitions - Delia & Glen are great for each other, and I loved the premise of the story. The horrifying ex was an added bonus. However, as good as the writing was, I didn't feel like the story was as well developed as I would have liked. It was missing some of the clarity I prefer. And the ending was a bit to easy. I expected the resolution of the conflict (to put it in terms that will not give away the plot) to be more extreme and terrifying. I liked the story, but I just think it could have been developed a little bit better.

The Lion’s Pretend Girlfriend - This is a bi-level story, involving not only a shifter but a billionaire. And I am all for both. I found it to be romantic and captivating. A down-on-her-luck woman, Crina, meets a wealthy shifter, Mateo, and the sparks fly from the very first moment. I'm not sure I understand some of the thought processes of the woman, and there were moments around the other characters that made cringe, but I really liked the story and how it ended. I wanted to follow them a little further and find out what happened with them next.

Encounter on a Mountain - This was completely different than anything I might have expected in a shifter romance. I loved the mix of the shifter species, the way the lines were crossed and the realizations the two made throughout the story. There were moments that were truly funny, especially knowing how reality television works. And the ending was fantastic! Cara and Sam were polar opposites and would never have found each other if it weren't for the situation into which they were thrown. Loved it!

Laugh Out Love - Shadow and Jeremiah were an impossible pairing that I could never have foreseen. In fact, I'd never heard of sifter hyenas before this. Of course, the imagination is wide open when it comes to this particular genre. I loved the flow of the story, the danger and intrigue and the way that these two come from opposite sides of the spectrum. It's only when they find out how much their lives have been filled with lies that they learn to respect and understand each other. I was not ready for the story to end and will definitely have to pick it up again. These are characters whose stories I want to know.

The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf: Luna Twins - Though I felt like the story picked up somewhere in the middle, and I was missing pieces, I never would have seen this one coming. The relationship between Zada, Charlie and Alex is unique and spell binding. It held my attention throughout. And even though I wanted to choose for Zada, I couldn't make a choice. The story was a bit confusing, and I felt like I was missing some inside information that I needed, but I really liked the premise.

Wolf Torn - Between poor Ruby being told to mate with the older brother, Holton, of her best friend and the wolf she assumed would be her mate, Joel, and the back-biting and conspiracies going on within the pack, there was almost constant action. This was an exciting and exhilarating story, filled with action and unexpected twists. The ending was unpredictable, and I found myself cheering for each of the characters and finally for the mated pair until the very last second. This was one of my favorites in this box set.

Taming the Puma - Federico was as alpha as they come, and Max's appearance turns his world upside down. This one was another of my favorites. This one was a true testament to what happens when a male loses control when a female enters the picture. Max is a strong character, and Rico finds a heart he didn't realize he had. There were humorous moments, and the ending was perfect.

Contracted - Mazy and Lucas danced around each other while other, trying to figure out what they meant to each other, and both knowing the truth of the matter. Secrets kept them apart, and it would take something huge to bring them together the way they needed to be. Some of the other characters were rather comical even though the situation wasn't. I liked the story. It was exciting and fraught with peril. I found myself pulled into the blooming story at the end that gave us a peek into the next segment.

Frenzied - This was one I never would have thought of. We hear stories of warm blooded shifters, but a shark shifter never occurred to me. the love story that occurs between Eva and Tiburon is intense and romantic. The back stories are frightening and thoughtful. I really liked the story but would have preferred it is this was a full length story so some of my other questions could have been answered. It was definitely new and different, and I appreciate how the author's mind works.

I Found My Rhino - Once again, we have a shifters I hadn't thought of. And the story line is unusual and unique. Leslie never meant to fall for the Rhino shifter, Ryan, when she hired him. But this story is hot from the moment they meet. The story flows well, and the way it all comes together is fabulous. I truly enjoyed this one.

Escaping the Lutha - I could not put this one down from the moment I started reading it. This one was, by far, my favorite of all. It suspenseful and and full of secrets and magic. Tink and Rogan are the quintessential rebels, and the fact that they were able to find each other in a world that should have never brought them together is pure genius. Their fateful meeting changes not only their futures but the futures of those around them. I love all of the characters that surrounded Tink and even those that were associated with Rogan, and insane and demented as they seemed to be. The story ended too soon, and I wanted another chapter.

[Dayzee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice treat!. I read several of these books in this bundle. “Escaping the Lutha” by MJ Hagg I loved that MJ Hagg used a woman who plays the hero. And this story had a lot of humor! I was laughing so much. Great action and great chemistry and sexy little scenes between our main characters Tink and Rogan. “Shadows of the Wolf” by Desiree Holt had so many hot sexy dreams and then became real I wanted to start dreaming my self thank you. Great story between Jordan & Stone. I was pulled in from the beginning. “Masquerade” by AJ Bennett started slow and then picked up but left in a cliffhanger that left me sad. I hate when they do that especially when is a short story. “ Blood Sport” by HD Gordon was fun to read. Some action and good story but the ending left me wanting more and some questions and also a semi cliffhanger I was bump. “The Mismatchmaker : Ruby” by Ever Coming was such a cute story. Had me cheering for our girl Ruby. It had a few LOL scenes plus such a girly book.”The untamed lord of Thessaly” by Rachael Slate it was slow. It was boring for me so skipped it. “Wolf Protector” by Lila Felix was a cute friendship turned to love story between Lilith and Casten. Best friend always been in loved with the girl but nice guys finish last. And years later he gets a second shot. “Bearing the Hunger” by Dominique Eastwick is a cute bear shifter Grant and he is annoyed with humans. And then he meets Morgan. Had some cute lines and scenes. “Accidentally Mated” by Hazel Boyer is a M/M pairing and not for me so i skipped it. “Bear Faced Lies” By Merryn Dexter was very hot and sexy bear shifter romance! Tobias and Harriet had a lot of action and hot sexy scenes. It had me blushing I had to drink some cold water after lol. .“An Evening in the Superstitions” by Kate Richards was a sweet story. It had a sad background for our leading lady bear Delia and what she endured but glad she found her man. Sweet dialoged and nice chemistry with our main bear shifters plus other side characters were fun to read. “ The Lion’s pretend Girlfriend” by Dara Fraser was ok. I was hoping for more love scenes and less talk but they just talked a lot so it was meh for me. “Encounter on a Mountain” by Lisbeth Frost was like the show Survival except there were only two people both shifters and some hot steamy night. It was good. “Laugh out love” by Margo Bond Collins had action and sex scenes but I just didn’t felt the chemistry between our leads… and on top of that it ended on cliffhanger. “ The Vampire , the Witch and the Werewolf: LUNA twins” by Louisa Bacio was…it was confusing and then it just got weird and i skipped it. And yes it’s a “3 way” if you know what I mean. “Wolf Torn” by Marissa Farrar was so good. Very steamy hot sexy scenes and good story. It’s a Wolf Shifter romance between Ruby and Holton and his brother Joel. It was interesting to see who she was going to choose between the brothers and I’m glad she made her choice. Very hot. “Taming the Puma” by Carolyn Spear was sexy hot and lots of action! The hot sexy scenes were awesome. I really liked it. “Contracted” by Becca Vincenzo was meh…a little boring and ended on a potential sequel. “Frenzied” by Blaire Edens was like Wow. Shark Shifter. I mean I didn’t know what to expect because I kept thinking omg it’s a freaking shark. but I fell in loved with him! Tiburon!!! So hot sexy story!. “I found my Rhino” by Erin Hayes was a cute story. It had me worried where our hero Ryan was in trouble. It had some sexy scenes except I didn’t like how our girl Leslie kept denying the attraction. Overall this bundle was fun to read and I will keep re-reading some of these short stories!

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Desiree, 2 stars. Nothing new, but of course, the female was over heated. Just like any other of her stories.
A. J. 1 star. I quit at chapter 10. The setup of story irritated me. Male hides truth by disappearing. She tries to cheat with, get this, a shifter. Of course, she has inner battle, but she felt comfortable enough, to almost go through with it. The story goes on, she gets some, not all info from her husband. By then, I had enough, I quit.
H. D. 1 star. Too much world building, felt uninterested. I quit reading.
Ever 3 stars. I didn't finish. This just didn't interest me.
Rachel ? Stars. Passed on this one.
Lila ? Stars. Passed on this one.
Dominique 3 stars. Okay read.
I skipped reading the rest.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

Shifters and Spice is smooth and captivating. From page one I was hooked and didn't want to put it down. If you like werewolves, this is the collection for you. It's got content for everyone. I would like to say I know what kind of romance I like, but picking this book up forced me to reconsider this opinion. Hot and spicy to smooth romantic, these shifters are worth the read from page one all the way to the end. Even cooler is the stories are so involved and different. It kept me on my toes to see what kind of shifter set up we were going to have next. Or rather what kind of trouble they would get into. As I have a toddler this was also nice because I could down one short story, put it down (if I had to) to fix her lunch and pick up and be in a brand new story that was just as captivating without fear that I would have to reread a page or remind myself where I picked up (which has happened before).

The purpose of a collection is to get authors together so that more people will pick up things they might not otherwise pick up. This happened to me. Normally I would only read one or two of these authors, but after reading this book in its entirety I feel the need to go build my Amazon Kindle collection. This collection is convenient and links the author's right from the last page of every story which is nice. I can set authors I like to my wish list without forgetting to do it later. I felt some of the short stories were actually too short and left it open so that you HAD to read the follow up. There's nothing wrong with that. It's a good way to help people extend their library and a good sign that you will enjoy more by that author if you want to read more of their characters. I recommend this book.

[Tera Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Box set with a compilation of 20 novellas, a few new authors for me so yippee for me, boo for my TBR list growing even larger. Someone needs to create a way we can "plug into audio" while we are sleeping and it become a dream of us actually reading the books! Totally enjoyed every last story.

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoop! I found some new authors!

I'm so very happy that I bought this set not only are the stories top notch but I even found a few new authors to look up. I call that a win!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your normal compilation, wide variety of Shifter stories.

While I read this book because one of my favorite storytellers, Lila Felix, had an all new story in it, I, of course, read most of the other stories, too. There seemed to be every genre of shifter story in here, so if you're looking for variety in storyline all in one easy-to-access place check it out! Everything from damsel in distress to fight club to m/m stuff (didn't read that one, sorry) you'll likely find several stories that you like.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, great bundle of sexy stories if you like shifters! I definitely recommend it! The only problem is that sometimes, the stories are so short that it can be a bit frustrating; you are definitely left wanting more. I’ll review a few stories to give you a taste.
*Shadows of the Wolf by Desiree Holt – The chemistry between the main characters was so right! It was a great story that flowed really well and left me wanting more.
*Masquerade by A.J. Bennett – this story was great, but ended with a huge cliff-hanger that made me so angry that I almost threw my kindle. There was no resolution, no relief, just—nothing. I don’t understand why an author wouldn’t provide at least some type of resolution to a short story.
*Blood Sport by H.D. Gordon – this story is a littledarker than some of the other ones in here. The main characters are trapped in a terrible situation and the author does a great job at drawing you in and making you feel for them and their situation. A mild cliffhanger.
*The Matchmaker: Ruby by Ever Coming – here we get a “sugar” in the sugar and spice variety. It was such a sweet story that flowed very well. James was a great mate to Ruby and they had a wonderful love story.
*The Untamed Lord of Thessaly by Rachael Slate –Okay, at first I wanted to skip this story because of it being a fifth story in a series. I figured I wouldn’t be able to follow along, so why bother? I’m glad I read it anyways. It had enough world building and details that I wasn’t confused, the characters were likeable, and the story was riveting.
*Wolf Protector by Lila Felix – This was such a great story. I loved the family dynamics and baby Eli was just so cute! I won’t say anything more because you should read it yourself, but it draws you in and has you rooting for the main characters right away.
*Bearing the Hunger by Dominique Eastwick – Again, this is a second book (novella? Short story?) in a series. But this is easily read as a standalone. It was a fast read and I was rooting for Grant to find his mate. I had a smile on my face by the end of the story.
*Accidentally Mated by Hazel Boyer – This is a M/M story, and my first one of that genre. To be completely honest, I skipped over the “sexy” parts, so I can’t tell you how sexy they were. The plot, however, was very, very good. At first, Dare was a jerk, but then you understand why and Dare and Evan’s love story becomes really solid. Also, the prose on this story was fantastic.
*Bear Faced Lies by Merryn Dexter – this was an exciting story that kept me on my toes! Set as a Western mystery (and a shifter romance – how cool is that?), the couple was a great fit together and the heroine was strong and I found myself cheering her on.
*An Evening in the Superstitions by Kate Richards – While the main couple of the story was likeable and compatible, the storyline itself felt choppy and confusing. I would skip this one if you don’t have much time.
*The Lion’s Pretend Girlfriend by Dara Fraser – This story surprised me. Normally shifter stories are somewhat formulaic, but this one had a different twist. I liked the main characters, but the story had a few places where I was left with questions.
*Escaping the Lutha by M.J. Haag – I know I’m skipping reviewing about 8 stories here, but I think you get the drift. This story was hands-down my favorite in the bundle. I don’t know how she did it in only 51 pages, but Haag packed a lot of mystery and intrigue into a tiny story! It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and when it ended I was really sad and immediately did a re-read. Tink is such a strong female character, and Rogan is definitely a match for her! I love their quirks and I want more more more of them!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing two of the representative stories in this box set -- they are all awesome!!!

>>> Reviewing “Laugh Out Love” by Margo Bond Collins >>>
Noises were bouncing off the tombstones as Shadow hunted the monster in the night. She looked for it with each of her senses until at last she smelled the feral scent and honed in on the beast’s location. She beheaded it and phoned Erik to dispose of the body.

Jeremiah, a hyena shifter guard, didn’t want to be at a college bar tonight, but he felt it was his job to watch over the clan members who had decided to come here. He watched the blond woman enter and moved to get nearer and identify her. He thought she was human. They hooked up for the night, neither knowing they would soon be seeing each other again.

Jeremiah did not trust the wolves he was meeting with that evening. And aside from the shapeshifter danger, there were rumors of The Huntsman, an axe-weilding predator who stalked shifters using magical skills and killed them. But as he walked the path to the meeting site, he deemed it safe since he felt that a huge huntsman would be unable to hide in the sparse vegetation.

Shadow also was checking out the meeting place when she saw a dog-like form run from the underbrush. It was too small to be a wolf, but not quite a dog either? The scent was somewhat similar to what she smelled on the werewolf the night before, wild and somewhat familiar. She heard voices and saw humans and animals milling around. Far too many for her to battle alone. So she continued to watch and listen.

While the meeting went on, Jeremiah caught a light familiar scent also – Shadow? But the scent faded in and out so he couldn’t pinpoint it. What would she be doing here? And what will happen when he finds out!

This was a great story by an awesome author that I highly recommend.

>>> Reviewing “Wolf Torn” by Marissa Farrar >>>
Ruby ran through the forest of the Dark Ridge Hills, fully alive and happy on the hunt. She scented prey, and became aware of another wolf running nearby. It leaped in front of the rabbit and sent it scurrying back toward Ruby. She made the kill and looked around for the other wolf to share the meal. Suddenly she was bowled over and the male jumped around her playfully. They ate together and shifted back to human form. Joel Golding and she were getting to know each other better with the idea that he might be her true mate. But she was still not ready to be bound together for life. Joel had just about convinced her that this was the right time for them to mate when they heard the urgent howl of their alpha. What was happening?

The alpha, Ruby’s Uncle Gregory, had an announcement to make. To solidify the pack, especially with the looming threat of other wolves moving into the area, he was joining two strong families. He was giving his niece Ruby to his Beta, Joel’s older brother Holton. This had been Holton’s plan to put himself in line for the alpha position if anything happened to Gregory. With Ruby as his mate, no one could contest Holton’s right to take over that role. He knew Joel’s feelings for her, but felt this was more important to the pack’s well-being. Would Joel accept the alpha’s ruling? Would Ruby become Holton’s mate? And would the pack be ready if the intruding wolves attacked?

This was a really good suspenseful read. The characters were strong, well developed, and there was a good storyline that kept the reader involved. I highly recommend this box set with these excellent stories as examples of the contents. Needless to say, I bought this box set as soon as it went on sale! Very glad I did!

[Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this collection of shifter stories. I liked all the pieces I read, and absolutely loved several of them, though I did not read all of them.

Shadows of the Wolf - a really good story to start the collection with. It kind of got me in the mood for the book, lol. Lots of tension, danger, and mystery between Stone and Jordan.

Blood Sport grabbed my attention. It was a darker read with little hope for an HEA for Branson and Rook. Despite this fact, Blood Sport was one of my favorites.

The Mismatchmaker: Ruby - a sweet story I enjoyed with an HEA for James and Ruby.

The Untamed Lord of Thessaly I enjoyed and was set in a different world altogether-I would categorize this as fantasy. Even though this is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone novella. Loved the characters Petraeus and Ekho.

Wolf Protector - ahhhhh, by master story teller, Lila Felix. Beautiful story of second chances and one of my favorites.

Bearing the Hunger was my first read with bear shifters and again, this is one of my favorites in this collection. I loved my first experience with bear shifters and loved the characters Grant and Morgan. I especially like Grant's character development and his growing appreciation for his "human" mate.

Bear Faced Lies - I am a Texan and was delighted to find a story set at a ranch with a shifter/cowboy. I loved Tobias' and Harriet's relationship and the intrigue with what is going on at the ranch. I never did like Harriet's "best friend" Shane.

An Evening in the Superstitions is another pretty good bear shifter. Glenn is sweet and protective of Delia, who has been abused by her mate.

The Lion's Pretend Girlfriend really grabbed my attention and is another one of my favorites. I love the way Mateo woos Crina and the way he took care of her. This read made my heart melt.

Wolf Torn is a good one and full of action. This read includes pack politics and two brothers wanting the same woman.

Taming the Puma - lots of action in this one with humor, sarcasm and sexual tension between Rico and Max. She was not at all what he was expecting.

Contracted sucked me in and wouldn't let go. This is an awesome read, and I immediately looked for more stories in this world. I want to know more about Lucas and Mazy, and I want to know the stories of the secondary characters as well. I love how protective Lucas is of Mazy, even though she has no idea who she is to him.

Escaping the Lutha is a mysterious and quirky story by my very favorite author, Melissa Haag. It is amazing to me the unique stories that she comes up with. She does though, and her books and novellas are always brilliantly written and captivating. Tink is like no character I have read before (definitely crazy at times, I thought) and Rogan is rebelling against what has been planned for him his whole life. Rogan is drawn to Tink but doesn't know why. This read is mysterious and full of magic. Melissa Haag never disappoints!

I recommend Shifters and Spice wholeheartedly!

[Roxanne Johnson-bisland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachael Slate — Untamed Lord of Thessaly
I don't really know what to say about this book besides that it is just as amazing as the rest of Rachael's books.
Petraeus is pushed to do things the he knows he should not be doing, theses things border Treason and he has back stabbed all but 2 of his brother already. He has a Nymph speaking and commanding him in his head. He is compelled to do her bidding.
Little does she know that she will compel him to come save her when she does not mean to.
Ekho is being held captive in a cell of King Philaeus along with her Nymph sisters.

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

*So far, this review is only for Margo Bond Collins' story, Love Out Loud, in this collection of 20 short shifter romances!*

This was a great start to what seems to be an upcoming series for Margo Bond Collins because this story ends a bit abruptly and definitely let me wanting more, and I was a bit disappointed it ended when it did, but before it ended I was loving it! Shadow is a hunter of shapeshifters, and she is a badass! I love a tough woman lead! But she is also lacking on the full information about shifters. She decides to go to the bar to look for someone to scratch her itch, and ends up meeting Jeremiah. The romance definitely has some heat, and for such a short story, Margo did an excellent job of showing the chemistry between the two. I love that Margo Bond Collins does different kinds of shifters than one would normally read about, and I really enjoy her writing! I'm definitely excited to read more by Margo, and to see where Shadow and Jeremiah's story goes!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC (advance reader copy) of this anthology in exchange for an honest review. While not every story will appeal to every romance reader, this anthology is a great way to check out a variety of authors! Here is information about each story that I think is helpful in deciding whether to purchase this set or not.

Shadows of the Wolf by Holt There is a lot of steam in this one. More sex than story.

Masquerade by Bennett There is a lot of world building and the story continues into another book.

Blood Sport by Gordon This is written in first person from the heroine’s point of view.

Mismatchmaker: Ruby by Coming Written in first person from the heroine’s point of view. The story is pretty interesting and lots of twists and surprises.

The Untamed Lord of Thessaly by Slate This story had a lot going on and was sometimes difficult to keep up with all the characters. If you are a follower of this series, this story would probably really appeal to you.

Wolf Protector by Felix This is written in first person and switches between the two main characters. The story has some surprises, but didn’t have much steam.

Bearing the Hunger by Eastwick This story had some steam, humor, and felt complete.

Accidentally Mated by Boyer This is a M/M romance.

Bear Faced Lies by Dexter This story had a mystery, conflict, steam, and action. It felt complete.

An Evening in the Superstitions by Richards The beginning was a little slow and the end seemed rushed.

The Lion’s Pretend Girlfriend by Fraser This was a pretty exciting story, but the sex was “off camera”.

Encounter on a Mountain by Frost The total focus of this story was the main characters, because they were alone together for most of it. There wasn’t any real conflict, but there was plenty of steam.

Laugh Out Love by Collins I thought this story would be a lot more funny than it was, but it did have some amusing moments. There was plenty of steam.

The Vampire, The Witch & the Werewolf: Luna Twins by Bacio This is a ménage story and part of a series that features all three characters.

Wolf Torn by Farrar This story had steam, some twists and surprises, action, and an awesome conflict. The story felt complete.

Taming the Puma by C. Spear This story had some surprises, some steam, and some action.

Contracted by Vincenzo Written in first person and switches between the two main characters.

Frenzied by Edens The start was bogged down by unnecessary details and the ending was abrupt.

I Found My Rhino by Hayes Written in first person and switches between the two main characters.

Escaping the Lutha by Haag Written in first person and switches between the two main characters.

[My Bookbag by Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great collection, mostly extremely well written. This is a very condensed review of stories 1-8, 9-12, and 20. I derived the overall rating by adding the rating from each story together, then dividing the total by the number of stories reviewed.

(#1) Shadows of the Wolf, by Desiree Holt, is a great take on the typical wolf, shifter story. Very engaging. 4 stars

(#2) Masquerade, by A.J. Bennett, starts very slowly. Gets interesting 2/3 of the way through. It is an incomplete read. 2.75 stars

(#3) Blood Sport, by H.D. Gordon, is interesting. It draws on my emotions, and has likable main characters. Unfinished story 3.5 stars

(#4) The Mismatchmaker: Ruby, by Ever Coming, is quirky and fun. It deals well with self-image and destiny. The characters are unique and interesting, and the story is really good. 4.75 stars

(#5) The Untamed Lord of Thessaly, by Rachael Slate, feels disjointed. It starts slow, is sometimes confusing, and connection to story and characters is difficult. 2 1/4 stars

(#6) Wolf Protector, by Lila Felix, is truly enjoyable. Within family struggles, there is unconditional love. With the love of a son, and a soulmate, it is possible to find a HEA. 4 stars

(#7) Bearing the Hunger, by Dominique Eastwick, has likeable characters, and world-building that is well done. The underlying message of National Park preservation is inventive. 4 1/2 stars

(#9) Bear Faced Lies, by Merryn Dexter, is an enjoyable story that places a high value on loyalty, family and trust. The characters are well-written, the world-building nicely done, and the plot inventive. 4 1/2 stars

(#10) An Evening in The Superstitions, by Kate Richards, the pace of this story is very fast and feels too short, given the subject matter. The world-building suffers slightly from the story's length. The overall plot, and all of the characters are well-written. 3.75 stars

(#11) The Lion's Pretend Girlfriend, by Dara Fraser, is so inventive. The characters are written well, the plot is imaginative and the pace is perfect. 4 3/4 stars

(#12) Encounter on a Mountain, by Lisbeth Frost, is an inventive story idea, Survivor meets Shifters. The characters are great, the story unique, and the ending very happily ever after. 4 stars

(#20) Escaping the Lutha, by M. J. Haag, builds a very different pack-world. What an amazing imagination! This has loveable characters (especially Tink), a fascinating world, and a wonderful backstory. It is an excellent read. 5 stars

OVERALL RATING: 4 stars

[Rebecca Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight off the bat the book was WOWZA and HUBBA HUBBA! This anthology is a must read, I did not read all the stories, however the ones I did were amazing!! Huge shout out to all these amazing authors for their time an effort into some amazing stories that grabbed me and would not let go!

SHADOWS OF THE WOLF BY DESIREE HOLT - This story is sizzling and Jordan and Stone were both hot beyond belief. This story left me wanting more as every good story should.

BLOOD SPORT BY H.D.GORDON- This story fed my DARKER side, Branson and Rook were great well developed characters, and this was one of my favorites in the set.

MASQUERADE BY A.J. BENNETT - What an ending, talk about leaving me wanting more, A.J. Bennett is a MASTER at Cliffies!! What will happen to Sara and Adam?

THE MISMATCHMAKER: RUBY BY EVER COMING - This story was on the sweeter side, the characters were well throughout and believable. It was a nice light story with and HEA.

WOLF PROTECTOR BY LILA FELIX - This author always connects with my emotions. I loved how I connected with Lilith, Casten and Baby Eli. This book is a must read.

BEARING THE HUNGER BY DOMINIQUE EASTWICK - This was my first intro to bear shifters. I loved how the story flowed and Grant and Morgan's characters developed throughout their story.

BEAR FACED LIES BY MERRYEN DEXTER - As a Texas I love all things cowboys. I was drawn to Harriet and Tobias and what was happening at the ranch. This is also a must read and one that I truly enjoyed.

THE LION'S PRETEND GIRLFRIEND BY DARA FRASER - This was my first intro to a lion shifier story. It was well throughout and flowed, the characters were well developed. Crina and Mateo are some of my favorite characters and I really enjoyed this story.

ENCOUNTER ON A MOUNTAIN BY LISBETH FROST - Humor in a book is always a plus and throw in this is a survivor style story it definitely a must read and another one that I truly loved!!

ESCAPING THE LUTHA BY M.J. HAAG - I go gaga for M.J. and she did not disappoint with this story!! Tink is my new hero, is is a strong a** kickin female who does not take crap!! This story sucked me in and left me wanting more!!! M.J. Haag is a master story teller, and this story is a must read!! I could not get enough of Rogan and Tink!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've decided to leave reviews as I read the stories in here, so I will be updating. Here's the first one I've read:

Frenzied by Blaire Edens 5 Stars
This is the second book I've read by Blaire Edens and I have to say, I'm blown away by her work. She is so very gifted at drawing you right into the story from the first paragraph. That's hard to do with me because my mind is always wandering. I LOVE the concepts Ms Eden has. I hope this continues so Tiburon finds more shark shifters and they get the bad guys. I'm dying to talk about the ending of this book but I don't want to spoil it. But the whole concept of the story in incredible. She is a genius. Words aren't enough for how great and smart the idea is. It would make a wonderful movie. And it's also scary at the same time because there are evil people out there who would totally try this. I could go on and on about this wonderful book. Oh, did I mention shark shifters? This shark shifter is a lifeguard! How cool is that?! Would you be afraid?

Escaping the Letha by M.J. Haag 5 Stars
Wow, this was such a great book. This is the first book I've read by this author but won't be the last. It was so different than any other book. The heroine was such a strong character. Especially physically. One would think her mad but she's not all she appears to be. I'm dying to tell. I even had to cheat a little because I couldn't figure her out. She is terrifying and tiny, yet at the same time, she has great respect and is very accepting and nonjudgmental of others. She will make you laugh at talking to herself. And the hero is out of this world. Such a brace soul. I just LOVED the little girl Kye. This was just a fascinating world.

Masquerade by A.J. Bennett 5 Stars
This book was so intense from the very beginning. It sucked me right in. The characters were strong and there was such a mystery. It did end on a cliffhanger sort of. While the heroine got her answer to if her hubby was cheating or not, it led to a whole new set of questions. Her eyes have now been opened to a whole new complex world that is bigger than anything you could imagine. I so want to know more and have questions of my own.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible author list here – sure to find many amazing shifter stories!!!

^^^^ Shadows of the Wolf – Desiree Holt – 5 stars
Jordan was adopted by a pack as a young pup. When the kind alpha was replaced by a cruel alpha who wanted to claim her she ran. Hiding in a rural location cleaning cabins and doing paperwork for the owners of a sporting camp, her white wolf runs at night. Stone is returning after three tours in Afghanistan and looking for solitude while he works through his PTSD. Renting a cabin for a while he does not even want someone cleaning for him.

^^^^ Masquerade – AJ Bennett – 4 stars
Sweet Sara is the neglected wife of an NFL quarterback. They met in college and have been married 7 years – but she hardly sees him anymore and everyone knows he is cheating on her. When her friend drags her out to a party Sara realizes that her marriage – and the whole world are not as she believed. Minus one point for a few implausible items – for me 7 years with them both being miserable before the big reveal.

^^^^The Untamed Lord of Thessaly – Rachael Slate - 5 stars
Ekho is a breeze nymph who can utter compulsive suggestions to other. Lord Petraeus tries to resist the sultry, seductive voice in his head, as it gets him into trouble, but for a year now the voice has been his companion. Ekho has spent the last month in a dungeon, but a bigger danger looms. Lord Petraeus feels her absence and rescues her – only to discover she allowed herself to be caught for a purpose, but now she is poisoned and has lost her powers. Can he save his mate? Sweet, tension-filled magickal story.

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**

[Cynthia Gutzwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful set of interesting and entertaining stories. There is something for everyone, whether you like bears or lions, wolves or dragons. Some stories might bring a tear to your eye, while others will make you laugh out loud.

Bearing the Hunger by Dominique Eastwick
Quinn and his bear knew when he saw Morgan, she was theirs. Quinn and Morgan had a picnic date that evening where he made remarks that had her running away. This is a heartwarming, funny story of two souls coming together. But, there somewhat tries to come between them.

The Lion's Pretend Girlfriend by Dana Frost
Carina meets Mateo when he asks her to bail him out of an awkward situation. He needs her so Janis will leave Jim alone. Janis deserves what she gets in the end. Carina and Mateo and his lion find an attraction.

Wolf Protector. By Lila Felix
Lilith and Elijah, 4 yrs, were being followed and needed protection. Lilith had been banished from her pack. She was allowed to come back by Alpha Davis, her brother. Jonah's father from a different pack wanted him. What would Alpha Davis, Casten, Lilith and Elijah do?

The Mismatchmaker: Ruby by Ever Coming
Camille, Ruby's best friend, got a matchmaker survey for her to fill out. Ruby, wolf, went to meet Ms Maggie to find out about a match. Ms Maggie sent her to dinner the next evening. She makes it to the restaurant to meet Christopher. Did Ms. Maggie's prediction come through for the evening? Then things go a little wanky.
I received this set for an honest review.

[Heather De Los Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good things come for being able to read an anthology of books like this. You get to feel out each authors different way of writing but also begin a new series several times to see if you would like it enough to read further. I am familiar with a few of these authors which is what got me to first take a look at this anthology but after reading the first book in it I know I would have liked it regardless of who was in it. The only bad thing I can say about this, is my reading list multiplied after finishing it. There were so many in this anthology to leave a review for each but I picked a few of my favorites to post about.

Shadows of the Wolf by Desiree Holt- Jordan and Stone were awesome characters. The story was an easy read, it flowed together well and was very entertaining.

The Mismatch maker Ruby by Ever Coming- Ruby and James were enjoyable characters that made and amazing couple coming together and a happy ending is always something I like to read about.

Wolf Protecter by Lila Felix- All of the main characters in this book became some of my favorites. Casten and Lilith seem like they are destined to be together and who wouldn't love Eli. Entertaining and one of the best stories yet.

Escaping the Lutha by M.J. Haag- Pretty much anything by Haag is destined to be something worth reading from start to finish. This story was just as well written if not better than some of her others. Her characters drew me in and even though it was a short story it kept me captivated.

[Cherri-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSO-SHIFTING-LUTELY PAWESOME!!!! 20 GOLD STARS

Shifters and Spice and everything nice, that’s what this SHIFTACULAR BOX SET IS MADE OF! How can you EVER go wrong with a box set, but with THIS box set – WHEW! Talk about ANYTHING & EVERYTHING you could EVER want all in one handy – excuse me, PAWY place!  While I haven’t had the chance to read more than one story in this set, I can assure you that it is sitting on my little desktop, just waiting for the chance, BEGGING to be read! Who am I to disappoint? wink So please enjoy my thoughts on Rachael Slate’s contribution to this zestful collection…

The Untamed Lord of Thessaly --- NYMPHS, CENTAURS and... MATES? What a TREMYTHDOUS story!! I ABSO-BONDING-LUTELY love, Love, LOVE this story right down to its very essence! No vialing! wink Both his sultry nymph Ekho & her untamed centaur lord Petraeus are intriguing characters who held me captivated from the start, trying to figure out their secrets and understand their actions! Once again Rachael has used her formidable power to create another MAGNYMPHIFICENT story in her MYTHTACULAR Halcyon Romance World! It behooves me to say this, but I'm almost happy that this is not a full length book!! I don't think my heart (and my nerves) could have taken much more of this WINDSOME rollercoaster ride of family, love and heartbreak! I don't know what it is, but something in the wind spoke to me, it reached out and grabbed me and never let me go!

[Mary Holbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these stories were great, some very much not great.
The good ones:
Blood Sport by H.D. Gordon. The subject matter is grim but it's very good. 4 stars.
Wolf Protector by Lila Felix. Well written and with a plot!
Bearing the Hunger by Dominique Eastwick. Very sweet.
Accidentally Mated by Hazel Boyer. Very funny in places.
Bear faced lies by Merryn Dexter.
Escaping the Lutha by M.J. Haag. This was great! One of the few shifter stories with an original plot.

The bad:
Shadow of the wolf by Desiree Holt. Expect to roll your eyes a lot.
Masquerade by AJ Bennett. Ditto. Plus it's a shameless bid to buy more books.
Lion's Pretend Girlfriend by Dara Fraser. Oh dear. How to say this? Ridiculous.
Luna Twins by Louisa Bacio. So not interesting. I hate female characters that are bitchy just to prove something.
Taming the Puma by Carolyn Spear. And males that talk to themselves about their penis. Seriously.
Frenzied by Blaine Edens. Thinks about his penis a lot, the woman is just as bad.

The Meh:
The Mismatchmaker Ruby by Ever Coming.
Lords of Thessaly by Rachel Slate.
An evening in the Superstitions by Kate Richards.
Encounter on a mountain by Lisabeth Frost.l
Laugh out Love by Margo Bond Collins. I generally like this author and do in this story but it lacks background.
Wolf Torn by Marissa Farrah.
Contracted by Becca Vincenzo. Part of a series but a good short story.
I found my rhino by Erin Hayes. A good story.