Scan barcode
lisa_me's review
4.0
Bowman and Kenzie mated to stabilize their shiftertown pack. 15 years later they have a son (Ryan) and love each other. But they've never felt the mate bond that would tie them together as a mated pair should be. This breaks their hearts and causes trouble because if one of them finds their true mate, their mating would be dissolved. You really feel for Bowman and Kenzie, because it's obvious that they love each other deeply.
An monster was let loose on shifters and humans at the roadhouse where shifters gather. Bowman injures it and runs it off but barely survives the attack. But what was the monster, where did it come from, and who was behind it? Will there be more? Who can they trust as they investigate? The answers--especially the one regarding trust--will surprise you.
I enjoyed the characters. Kenzie is a strong alpha in her own right, yet she's vulnerable. Bowman is dead sexy, a kick-butt alpha, but also vulnerable about Kenzie and Ryan. Ryan is a precocious hoot. Graham and Reid are brought in at one point and provide as much comic relief as help, I think.
All in all, a very enjoyable and satisfying read.
An monster was let loose on shifters and humans at the roadhouse where shifters gather. Bowman injures it and runs it off but barely survives the attack. But what was the monster, where did it come from, and who was behind it? Will there be more? Who can they trust as they investigate? The answers--especially the one regarding trust--will surprise you.
I enjoyed the characters. Kenzie is a strong alpha in her own right, yet she's vulnerable. Bowman is dead sexy, a kick-butt alpha, but also vulnerable about Kenzie and Ryan. Ryan is a precocious hoot. Graham and Reid are brought in at one point and provide as much comic relief as help, I think.
All in all, a very enjoyable and satisfying read.
gfs0619's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars! This is the first book I've read in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashley but based on this story, they are interconnected but stand alone novels that do not need to be read in order. This basic plot of this book is that Kenzie and Bowman have a mating of convenience (loved that phrase!) But have not developed a mate bond despite the fact that they are very obviously in love. This causes tension in their relationship and in the pack as they battle a mythical beast, meddling family, lonely gnomes and a mad killer.
The story drew me in right away and was a fun, fast read. The characters were likable and I was pulling for their HEA pretty much from page 1.
I won this book as a First Reads giveaway.
The story drew me in right away and was a fun, fast read. The characters were likable and I was pulling for their HEA pretty much from page 1.
I won this book as a First Reads giveaway.
lectorliber04's review against another edition
4.0
SPOLERS
The plot really grabbed me. Crazy human using all he knows about Shifters to create monsters and not only that he can go back and forth between Faerie and this world. Scary! The three worlds: Human, Shifters and Faerie are coming together very slowly. Sometimes it is a good thing, sometimes is not. Ben, the gnome continues to appear here and there with a different name and appearance.
As for the romance I liked the fact that Kenzie and Bowman mated for convenience and it took 15 years for them to figure out that the mate bond isn't about sparks or fireworks but about the real stuff: friendship, loyalty, hard work and yes sexual attraction. They had it, they just didn't know it. For once I didn't have to endure the lust-love-mate claimed-mate bond that happens in most of these books in a matter of minutes.
The plot really grabbed me. Crazy human using all he knows about Shifters to create monsters and not only that he can go back and forth between Faerie and this world. Scary! The three worlds: Human, Shifters and Faerie are coming together very slowly. Sometimes it is a good thing, sometimes is not. Ben, the gnome continues to appear here and there with a different name and appearance.
As for the romance I liked the fact that Kenzie and Bowman mated for convenience and it took 15 years for them to figure out that the mate bond isn't about sparks or fireworks but about the real stuff: friendship, loyalty, hard work and yes sexual attraction. They had it, they just didn't know it. For once I didn't have to endure the lust-love-mate claimed-mate bond that happens in most of these books in a matter of minutes.
romancejunkie1025's review against another edition
4.0
as always a masterpiece. love this entire series and even when you're sure shit is going to go totally wrong, everything comes together in the end.
angels_gp17's review against another edition
4.0
~ 4.5 Mate Bond Stars ~
Mate Bond is book seven in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashely. It can be read as a standalone. We are brought to a new Shiftertown (North Caroline) and the troubles they face.
Another amazing read. The plot, action, and secondary characters are all fabulous.
I love the Shifter Unbound series. Each book brings us new and exciting couples and adventures. The world-building is remarkable. We get an assortment of shifters to fall in love with and great dynamics between the shifters, packs, and couples. The plot was interesting and kept me engrossed. All the secondary characters are captivating. They leave you wanting to read their stories and to see what will happen next.
This novel brings in a whole new mate concept that has not shown up yet in this series. I am not sure how to put this relationship into words. Bowman & Kenzie got married to unite Shiftertown, but they never formed that special Mate Bond that can happen when they find their one and only mate. After fifteen years they still have not formed this bond and each still holds a little back from the other, but it is clear that they love each other deeply. I felt sorry for this couple throughout the novel. It was so hard to read about them. It’s complicated and that is what made it so gut-wrenchingly emotional.
Mate Bond was an wondrous read. I highly recommend picking up this series. I am looking forward to more.
Mate Bond is book seven in the Shifters Unbound series by Jennifer Ashely. It can be read as a standalone. We are brought to a new Shiftertown (North Caroline) and the troubles they face.
Another amazing read. The plot, action, and secondary characters are all fabulous.
I love the Shifter Unbound series. Each book brings us new and exciting couples and adventures. The world-building is remarkable. We get an assortment of shifters to fall in love with and great dynamics between the shifters, packs, and couples. The plot was interesting and kept me engrossed. All the secondary characters are captivating. They leave you wanting to read their stories and to see what will happen next.
This novel brings in a whole new mate concept that has not shown up yet in this series. I am not sure how to put this relationship into words. Bowman & Kenzie got married to unite Shiftertown, but they never formed that special Mate Bond that can happen when they find their one and only mate. After fifteen years they still have not formed this bond and each still holds a little back from the other, but it is clear that they love each other deeply. I felt sorry for this couple throughout the novel. It was so hard to read about them. It’s complicated and that is what made it so gut-wrenchingly emotional.
Mate Bond was an wondrous read. I highly recommend picking up this series. I am looking forward to more.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
3.0
The tension really picked up in the last third of this one.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Mate Bond
3 Stars
While the book is enjoyable overall, it seems that Jennifer Ashley has lost the focus of her series. Too many shifts in location and inclusion of new and unrelated characters, which appears to be the direction of the future installments as well, have made it difficult to retain interest.
In terms of this specific installment, Bowman and Kenzie's romance is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. On the one hand, they have incredible chemistry and their obvious love for one another and for their cub is palpable. On the other hand, the lack of the mate-bond has resulted in an inability to communicate with one another. It is difficult to accept that a couple that has been together for 15 years and shares a child has never had a proper conversation about their future or love for each other.
The suspense plot involving the beast attacking the Shiftertown and the machinations of the individual responsible is convoluted and disjointed. There are simply too many unconnected threads and points at play to form a cohesive picture of events.
In sum, despite the promising romance and interesting world, the loss of focus has me seriously considering discontinuing this series.
3 Stars
While the book is enjoyable overall, it seems that Jennifer Ashley has lost the focus of her series. Too many shifts in location and inclusion of new and unrelated characters, which appears to be the direction of the future installments as well, have made it difficult to retain interest.
In terms of this specific installment, Bowman and Kenzie's romance is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. On the one hand, they have incredible chemistry and their obvious love for one another and for their cub is palpable. On the other hand, the lack of the mate-bond has resulted in an inability to communicate with one another. It is difficult to accept that a couple that has been together for 15 years and shares a child has never had a proper conversation about their future or love for each other.
The suspense plot involving the beast attacking the Shiftertown and the machinations of the individual responsible is convoluted and disjointed. There are simply too many unconnected threads and points at play to form a cohesive picture of events.
In sum, despite the promising romance and interesting world, the loss of focus has me seriously considering discontinuing this series.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
5.0
Listened for Review (Tantor)
Overall Rating: 5.00
Story Rating: 5.00
Character Rating: 5.00
Audio Rating: 4.00
First Thought when Finished: Mate Bond by Jennifer Ashley is now my favorite in the series. Would have never guessed that going in but WOW what a story!
Quick Thoughts: You know that moment when you could just say "NAILED IT" in a review and it would encompass all you feel? That is me with Mate Bond. It is no secret that I pretty much binged this series this year. Mate Bond was the cream of the crop! The fact that Jennifer could take Bowman and make him lovable to me was just amazing. She found the perfect female for him and their story just gelled. PLUS: all the overall storyline push forward! It was shifter heaven for me and I hate that I am caught up. Hold me NOW!
Audio Thoughts:
This is the first one in the series that I have listened too. Chris did a pretty darn good job. I would have liked a little bit more "alpha" male sounding but otherwise pacing/emotions were nailed!
Final Thoughts:Why did I have to catch up!
Overall Rating: 5.00
Story Rating: 5.00
Character Rating: 5.00
Audio Rating: 4.00
First Thought when Finished: Mate Bond by Jennifer Ashley is now my favorite in the series. Would have never guessed that going in but WOW what a story!
Quick Thoughts: You know that moment when you could just say "NAILED IT" in a review and it would encompass all you feel? That is me with Mate Bond. It is no secret that I pretty much binged this series this year. Mate Bond was the cream of the crop! The fact that Jennifer could take Bowman and make him lovable to me was just amazing. She found the perfect female for him and their story just gelled. PLUS: all the overall storyline push forward! It was shifter heaven for me and I hate that I am caught up. Hold me NOW!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Cris Dukehart / Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
This is the first one in the series that I have listened too. Chris did a pretty darn good job. I would have liked a little bit more "alpha" male sounding but otherwise pacing/emotions were nailed!
Final Thoughts:Why did I have to catch up!
bookwife's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
It wasn't terrible. I just wasn't into it. I like romances where I get to see them fall in love. This couple was already in love with a cub. Like all of Jennifer Ashley books the characters were all very well developed and the world was amazing. This book just wasn't what I enjoy reading most. So it didn't really hold my attention BUT it was still a great book. It was entertaining and with lots of drama.
It wasn't terrible. I just wasn't into it. I like romances where I get to see them fall in love. This couple was already in love with a cub. Like all of Jennifer Ashley books the characters were all very well developed and the world was amazing. This book just wasn't what I enjoy reading most. So it didn't really hold my attention BUT it was still a great book. It was entertaining and with lots of drama.
katleap's review against another edition
3.0
Bowman was such a jerk to Tiger. But he was better in this book. I think I'd actually like to go back to this shiftertown again.