Scan barcode
suzysuzy34's review against another edition
4.0
An okay read, first time reading this author, I’ve wanted to try her for a while. This was a very short story 2052 on locations, so for what we got it was a decent read.
buttonsandbooks's review
Chirp audiobook deals for $1 for the WIN! Bless you @readbelievelove for bringing me on this cougar and bear shifting journey with you. ❤️ Who else is going to discuss the probability of a 6'6" man shifting into a cougar with me?!
Grumpy (almost used the word grizzly there and caught myself... He's a cougar, not a bear 🤣) loner Rath lives in the woods and is in a blind rage when he scents (gosh I love shifter books 🤣) a human female close by. Photographer Ivy is in the woods, flying solo nonetheless, capturing photos of bears. Bears. In the woods. And she's alone. Yep. Ivy = maker of all the smart choices. In this case, it may actually be a good call because girlfriend finds her rough AF fated mate in Rath. He is such a raging a- hole that it's shocking Ivy wants to get with him, yet here we are. Chaos happens and the two have to decide in a pinch... Do they fully mate and make this thing official or do they wait a few weeks to do the damn thing.
I think it's the absurdity of the whole shifter thing that I find so appealing. It's such an escape from reality that I'm like... I'VE GOT TO HAVE IT. They're never quality literature, don't get me wrong. But they are like my own version of trashy reality TV. We all have our vices!
⭐⭐
Grumpy (almost used the word grizzly there and caught myself... He's a cougar, not a bear 🤣) loner Rath lives in the woods and is in a blind rage when he scents (gosh I love shifter books 🤣) a human female close by. Photographer Ivy is in the woods, flying solo nonetheless, capturing photos of bears. Bears. In the woods. And she's alone. Yep. Ivy = maker of all the smart choices. In this case, it may actually be a good call because girlfriend finds her rough AF fated mate in Rath. He is such a raging a- hole that it's shocking Ivy wants to get with him, yet here we are. Chaos happens and the two have to decide in a pinch... Do they fully mate and make this thing official or do they wait a few weeks to do the damn thing.
I think it's the absurdity of the whole shifter thing that I find so appealing. It's such an escape from reality that I'm like... I'VE GOT TO HAVE IT. They're never quality literature, don't get me wrong. But they are like my own version of trashy reality TV. We all have our vices!
⭐⭐
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
4.0
A Fantastic Start To A New Paranormal Romance Series.
I am already a big fan of [a:Felicity Heaton|1228468|Felicity Heaton|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1366369715p2/1228468.jpg]'s writing style; it's the way she creates a believable paranormal world and then fills it with complex, multifaceted characters and then weaves their stories with such depth that it just draws me in. Although [b:Claimed by her Cougar|40254079|Claimed by her Cougar (Cougar Creek Mates, #1)|Felicity Heaton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531560448s/40254079.jpg|62536910] is a novella, it is no exception!
So, what did I like about it?
I enjoyed the dilemma aspect of this tale - following your heart, submitting to your instincts or carrying out your duty - which Ms Heaton gives us here; Rath tries to fight the Fated Mate urge for various personal reasons and it made compelling reading.
I definitely enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and has plenty of gumption and I wasn’t disappointed here. Ivy was all of these and more.
As I’ve said before, one of the reasons why I love Ms Heaton’s books is how she makes the most explicit sex scenes very romantic (I think that it takes a very talented writer to accomplish this), the erotic liaisons are balanced with beautifully written imagery and poignant internal dialogue from Rath and Ivy; the tender insights into their inner fears and emotional confusion throughout this book was heart-warming to read.
I liked [b:Claimed by her Cougar|40254079|Claimed by her Cougar (Cougar Creek Mates, #1)|Felicity Heaton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531560448s/40254079.jpg|62536910] because it is a heart-warming story with titillating passion, that also managed to surprised me with unexpected twists, had me holding my breath during some amazing fight scenes and had me sniffing away a few tears.
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
OK, so here’s when I have to be completely honest and tell you why my rating was 4 stars rather than 5.
I did really enjoy reading Claimed by her Cougar and having read many shifter romances before, I revelled in Rath’s inner battle to contain his animal instincts but what niggled was how quickly Ivy seemed to buy into her feelings. I just felt it was all a tad rushed and would have enjoyed a few more pages or another chapter of seeing her feeling for Rath grow or perhaps how the fated mate instincts work in inter species situations like this; Ivy is human after all and although we may enjoy the titillation of insta-lust, usually propriety, life experience and self-preservation cause a more reticent approach to acting on our attractions.
So, basically what I’m saying is...
The story has got everything that I look for in a great story; action, drama, passion and plenty of well written steamy sex scenes. Couldn't stop reading this book!
As with all of Ms Heaton's books, due to the graphic violence and sexual content, I'd recommend this novella to adults who are not offended by content of this nature who are fans of relationship and romance stories with a bit of fire and passion.
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
I am already a big fan of [a:Felicity Heaton|1228468|Felicity Heaton|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1366369715p2/1228468.jpg]'s writing style; it's the way she creates a believable paranormal world and then fills it with complex, multifaceted characters and then weaves their stories with such depth that it just draws me in. Although [b:Claimed by her Cougar|40254079|Claimed by her Cougar (Cougar Creek Mates, #1)|Felicity Heaton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531560448s/40254079.jpg|62536910] is a novella, it is no exception!
So, what did I like about it?
I enjoyed the dilemma aspect of this tale - following your heart, submitting to your instincts or carrying out your duty - which Ms Heaton gives us here; Rath tries to fight the Fated Mate urge for various personal reasons and it made compelling reading.
I definitely enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and has plenty of gumption and I wasn’t disappointed here. Ivy was all of these and more.
As I’ve said before, one of the reasons why I love Ms Heaton’s books is how she makes the most explicit sex scenes very romantic (I think that it takes a very talented writer to accomplish this), the erotic liaisons are balanced with beautifully written imagery and poignant internal dialogue from Rath and Ivy; the tender insights into their inner fears and emotional confusion throughout this book was heart-warming to read.
I liked [b:Claimed by her Cougar|40254079|Claimed by her Cougar (Cougar Creek Mates, #1)|Felicity Heaton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531560448s/40254079.jpg|62536910] because it is a heart-warming story with titillating passion, that also managed to surprised me with unexpected twists, had me holding my breath during some amazing fight scenes and had me sniffing away a few tears.
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
OK, so here’s when I have to be completely honest and tell you why my rating was 4 stars rather than 5.
I did really enjoy reading Claimed by her Cougar and having read many shifter romances before, I revelled in Rath’s inner battle to contain his animal instincts but what niggled was how quickly Ivy seemed to buy into her feelings. I just felt it was all a tad rushed and would have enjoyed a few more pages or another chapter of seeing her feeling for Rath grow or perhaps how the fated mate instincts work in inter species situations like this; Ivy is human after all and although we may enjoy the titillation of insta-lust, usually propriety, life experience and self-preservation cause a more reticent approach to acting on our attractions.
So, basically what I’m saying is...
The story has got everything that I look for in a great story; action, drama, passion and plenty of well written steamy sex scenes. Couldn't stop reading this book!
As with all of Ms Heaton's books, due to the graphic violence and sexual content, I'd recommend this novella to adults who are not offended by content of this nature who are fans of relationship and romance stories with a bit of fire and passion.
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
eagriffi's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
jje121579's review against another edition
4.0
I good short read
This character driven paranormal tale has a little different mythology. I liked that it had very little fighting and was mostly about two wounded souls finding “home” together. I liked Ivy immediately, it took a while for Rath. I will definitely look for more by this author.
This character driven paranormal tale has a little different mythology. I liked that it had very little fighting and was mostly about two wounded souls finding “home” together. I liked Ivy immediately, it took a while for Rath. I will definitely look for more by this author.
duncana's review
Slow and lost interest. Nothing really happened and their feelings weren't realistic.
angels_gp17's review against another edition
3.0
Claimed by her Cougar is the fist book in Cougar Creek Mates series by Felicity Heaton. We get to return to one of my favorite universes the Eternal Mates. This story stands on it’s own, so if you have’t read the Eternal Mates series, you are ok to pick this up. It’s a chance to visit a different kind of shifter and see how they deal with the Archangel organization and other things.
Heaton takes us into the lovely Canadian woods with a bunch of cougar shifters who will soon be getting together for the pride gathering.
Rath is battling his cougar nature. It’s that time of year and many of the cougars in his pride will be returning home for the gathering. Rath was a nice character to get to know and we got to see him battling a lot of conflicting feels in this story.
Ivy is a human and stumbles onto Rath’s home while looking for black bears to photograph. She’s hesitant at first; because she’s had her issues with difficult men and doesn’t want to get hurt again. I liked her passion and pride in her photograph work.
Claimed by her Cougar is a quick read. It’s insta-attraction leading into them being mates. The sexual scenes are steamy and we get only one scene with a little conflict. What I loved the most about this story is the detailed description of the scenery in the Canadian woods. It brought nature to life.
I enjoyed Claimed by her Cougar and am looking forward to the others in the series.
Rated: 3 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Felicity Heaton with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Heaton takes us into the lovely Canadian woods with a bunch of cougar shifters who will soon be getting together for the pride gathering.
Rath is battling his cougar nature. It’s that time of year and many of the cougars in his pride will be returning home for the gathering. Rath was a nice character to get to know and we got to see him battling a lot of conflicting feels in this story.
Ivy is a human and stumbles onto Rath’s home while looking for black bears to photograph. She’s hesitant at first; because she’s had her issues with difficult men and doesn’t want to get hurt again. I liked her passion and pride in her photograph work.
Claimed by her Cougar is a quick read. It’s insta-attraction leading into them being mates. The sexual scenes are steamy and we get only one scene with a little conflict. What I loved the most about this story is the detailed description of the scenery in the Canadian woods. It brought nature to life.
I enjoyed Claimed by her Cougar and am looking forward to the others in the series.
Rated: 3 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Felicity Heaton with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
klindtvedt's review against another edition
5.0
A Refreshingly Complex & More Realistic Shifter Romance...
Before this book I had never read anything by Felicity Heaton, but after reading an email sent to me by a social media follower I was intrigued, so I gave it a go. And am I so ever glad I did as "Claimed by Her Cougar" is a refreshingly sophisticated, emotionally complex story. It is a more serious take on shifters and the concept of fated mates, and is far beyond the realm of many other paranormal romance books I've read, which often focus purely on over-the-top sex scenes and are short on plot.
The story of Rath, a cougar shifter tasked with protecting the remaining members of his pride after a viscous assault by a human group intent on experimenting upon and extermination shifter kind. And Ivy, a human wildlife photographer, emotionally lost after suffering betrayal, and struggling to regain her professional passion. It is a tale of two worlds pre-ordained by destiny to collide despite one being intentionally hidden from view for its own safety.
Here, Heaton's shifter world is stunningly intense and emotional. You see in your mind's eye, the beauty of Cougar Creek as Ivy sees it before her. You're almost able to feel the mist from the mountain on your skin as she lays waiting to capture her beloved wildlife on film. Your senses are set on fire as you feel Rath's fear and turmoil over protecting his home in your own gut; its breath stealing power ratcheting deeper and deeper with every page turned.
It is a story brought alive before you by Heaton's elegant prose. And one that honestly for me, read more like a classic novel than a shifter romance. So alluring is this book, so suspenseful and sharp in its detail, you will gasp with its brutality, hurt in kind over its many heartbreaks, and allow it to touch your very soul with its fierce refusal to give in to fear.
Unlike others in this genre, the world of Cougar Creek skips the purely fanciful and paints a more relatable and realistic picture of what shifters like Rath and his brothers would face if they truly existed. I found it to be a startlingly accurate portrayal of how hateful humans can be when fearful and/or obsessed with something unique and unfamiliar. And although a work of fiction, it is not so far removed from how humanity throughout history have treated those unknown to them or viewed those deemed as being beneath them. And the fictional Archangel can easily be interchanged with groups who've conducted similar atrocities throughout our own human history, such as trials performed on living beings by both cosmetic and pharmaceutical corporations even to this day.
Yes it is still a sexy story, with a gloriously sexy alpha. Yes the driving focus of this story is the mate bond between Rath and Ivy. But unlike others within the shifter realm, this one actually relates to real life issues such as hate, fear, human experimentation, scientific greed, and the potential horrors of demented group-think. It is a gloriously intelligent paranormal romance, and both this book and the author are deserving of your full attention!
Before this book I had never read anything by Felicity Heaton, but after reading an email sent to me by a social media follower I was intrigued, so I gave it a go. And am I so ever glad I did as "Claimed by Her Cougar" is a refreshingly sophisticated, emotionally complex story. It is a more serious take on shifters and the concept of fated mates, and is far beyond the realm of many other paranormal romance books I've read, which often focus purely on over-the-top sex scenes and are short on plot.
The story of Rath, a cougar shifter tasked with protecting the remaining members of his pride after a viscous assault by a human group intent on experimenting upon and extermination shifter kind. And Ivy, a human wildlife photographer, emotionally lost after suffering betrayal, and struggling to regain her professional passion. It is a tale of two worlds pre-ordained by destiny to collide despite one being intentionally hidden from view for its own safety.
Here, Heaton's shifter world is stunningly intense and emotional. You see in your mind's eye, the beauty of Cougar Creek as Ivy sees it before her. You're almost able to feel the mist from the mountain on your skin as she lays waiting to capture her beloved wildlife on film. Your senses are set on fire as you feel Rath's fear and turmoil over protecting his home in your own gut; its breath stealing power ratcheting deeper and deeper with every page turned.
It is a story brought alive before you by Heaton's elegant prose. And one that honestly for me, read more like a classic novel than a shifter romance. So alluring is this book, so suspenseful and sharp in its detail, you will gasp with its brutality, hurt in kind over its many heartbreaks, and allow it to touch your very soul with its fierce refusal to give in to fear.
Unlike others in this genre, the world of Cougar Creek skips the purely fanciful and paints a more relatable and realistic picture of what shifters like Rath and his brothers would face if they truly existed. I found it to be a startlingly accurate portrayal of how hateful humans can be when fearful and/or obsessed with something unique and unfamiliar. And although a work of fiction, it is not so far removed from how humanity throughout history have treated those unknown to them or viewed those deemed as being beneath them. And the fictional Archangel can easily be interchanged with groups who've conducted similar atrocities throughout our own human history, such as trials performed on living beings by both cosmetic and pharmaceutical corporations even to this day.
Yes it is still a sexy story, with a gloriously sexy alpha. Yes the driving focus of this story is the mate bond between Rath and Ivy. But unlike others within the shifter realm, this one actually relates to real life issues such as hate, fear, human experimentation, scientific greed, and the potential horrors of demented group-think. It is a gloriously intelligent paranormal romance, and both this book and the author are deserving of your full attention!
geo_ix's review
2.0
2.5 stars.
I love FH’s Eternal Mates series, so I thought I’d really love this but there was honestly just nothing to this to like. There’s not really any story, they meet & have sex, the bad guy shows up and they have sex again and that’s legit the story. It wasn’t really long enough to connect to anyone/anything but was an OK in between book to just read something light that you don’t really have to pay that much attention to.
I love FH’s Eternal Mates series, so I thought I’d really love this but there was honestly just nothing to this to like. There’s not really any story, they meet & have sex, the bad guy shows up and they have sex again and that’s legit the story. It wasn’t really long enough to connect to anyone/anything but was an OK in between book to just read something light that you don’t really have to pay that much attention to.
noroomforghosts's review
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0