GUARDIAN'S MATE is Book 9 in Jennifer Ashley's "Shifters
Unbound" series. It's a good idea to read WILD THINGS and
then WHITE TIGER before reading GUARDIAN'S MATE, since
those two books introduce polar bear Shifter Zander
Moncrieff. GUARDIAN'S MATE is a story about a young
woman's struggle to be at peace with her destiny - with a
unique love story, and a seafaring tale of danger thrown
in. The depth in Jennifer Ashley's storytelling in her
"Shifters Unbound" world seems to increase with each
book. This is a book for paranormal romance fans, as well
as any reader who appreciates a well-crafted story with
multifaceted characters.
In GUARDIAN'S MATE, just as in previous "Shifters
Unbound" stories, the characters encounter prejudice
against Shifters. For Lupine Shifter Rae Lyall, she comes
up against sexism as well as the usual prejudice against
Shifters. In Shifter societies, female Shifters are not
usually underestimated, because those that do can find
themselves dead. However, in GUARDIAN'S MATE, the rarity
of a female chosen to be a Guardian makes things
difficult for Rae. The irony of Rae having to prove
herself for a gig she didn't even want to begin with,
makes for an interesting story. Jennifer Ashley puts a
great twist on the classic "hero's quest" story.
This is not a story of love at first sight. Rae and
Zander are both thrown into a situation they'd rather not
be in, which makes them a little prickly at the outset.
The teasing never gets mean-spirited, but the sexual
tension steadily increases as Zander acts as Rae's Yoda
and mentor for all things Shifter and mystical. I like
that their very different perspectives on belonging and
family get them to look at things from a different angle.
The boat chase in the middle of the story adds excitement
and strengthens the bond between Rae and Zander.
GUARDIAN'S MATE is a gripping tale of love and adventure
with a strong heroine. There are so many things to love
about GUARDIAN'S MATE. It's good to see familiar
characters like Broderick and Mason, and have them be
relevant to the story and add something new. I'm
intrigued by the casual reference to vampires, because
I'd to love to read about them -- either in Jennifer
Ashley's "Shifters Unbound" series, or a new series. I'd
love to read more about the new characters introduced in
GUARDIAN'S MATE and eagerly await the next book by
Jennifer Ashley.
The New York Times bestselling author of White
Tiger returns as primal desire draws two lone shifters
into each other’s arms... She
wasn’t ready to lead...
Chosen as the
Guardian of her Montana Shiftertown, wolf Shifter Rae Lyall
is facing opposition—for no woman has ever been selected for
this powerful position. Still adjusting to the new authority
thrust upon her, Rae travels to train with Zander Moncrieff,
a Shifter healer, tasked with teaching her about her new
role and its responsibilities.
He wasn’t
ready to love... A polar bear
Shifter, Zander wears no Collar and follows no rules but his
own. Rae finds him arrogant and demanding, yet compelling
and intriguing. Zander has no wish to mate but the sassy
Guardian is drawing him out of his shell, stirring feelings
long suppressed. And when a new threat looms over Rae’s
home, she and Zander must race to the rescue, forced closer
to danger...and to each other.