PARANORMAL
ROMANCE
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Debbie
Wiley
Book Reviews |
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The Caress by
Fernand Khnopff, 1887
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African (above)
and Asiatic (below) lions, as illustrated in Johnsons Book of Nature
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BOOK
ILLUMINATIONS
From Debbie Wiley Book Reviews
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Pride Mates
by Jennifer Ashley
Defense
attorney Kim Fraser is determined to prove the innocence of her client.
Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against him as he is a Shifter, a
class of people so feared they have been collared and segregated into
their own communities. Kim ventures into Shiftertown to meet with Liam
Morrissey in hopes of getting cooperation. Instead, she finds herself
embroiled in Shifter politics while falling in love with Liam. Does
romance stand a chance between a human and a Shifter?
Jennifer Ashley sets up a world in which it’s hard not to feel for the
plight of the Shifters. The Collars they wear set them apart, as they
are feared and hated despite little real understanding of who they are
as a culture or race. Kim’s assimilation into Liam’s world is
particularly well done as Jennifer Ashley doesn’t force her to
sacrifice who she is in order to be accepted. Instead, a true sense of
mutual respect begins to emerge, even in a world where being Alpha and
dominating are important.
The Shifter world can be a brutal one. Jennifer Ashley does an
excellent job at evoking emotions, even in some of the most intense
scenes. Fergus is a despicable creature and his treatment of others is
the perfect example of how not to be a leader. One can’t help but
loathe him for the way he preys on those he allegedly leads and
protects.
Jennifer Ashley puts her own spin on the Shifter mythology in the world
building but it is her characters who provide the true heart of the
story. From the side story involving Dylan and Glory to the sweetness
and youth of Connor, PRIDE MATES contains memorable characters that the
reader wants to see again. Bravo!
Publisher: Leisure (February 2010)
Series:
Shifters Unbound
Author website
Reviewed
by Debbie, Debbie Wiley Book Reviews
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