Mate Bond (Shifters Unbound, #7) by Jennifer Ashley

Mate Bond (Jennifer Ashley)

SUMMARY

To cement the leadership of his North Carolina Shiftertown, Bowman O’Donnell agreed to a “mating of convenience.” Two powerful wolf shifters, he and Kenzie keep the pack in order and are adored by all. Bowman would do anything to protect Kenzie, for in each other’s arms they’ve found far more than friendship. But as strong as their attachment is, they still haven’t formed the elusive mate bond—the almost magical joining of true mates.

Now with a monster ravaging the countryside and threatening the Shiftertown community, some in the pack fear that a pair without a true mate bond isn’t strong enough to lead. Bowman and Kenzie will have to rely on their instinctive trust in one another to save their Shifters—and the ensuing battle will either destroy them or give them the chance to seize the love they’ve always craved.

MY REVIEW

The book where the shifters from North Caroline are introduced. Different surroundings this time in comparison to Austin and Las Vegas. More trees, forests and wild nature for the wolves especially to run free.
There is also the story of Bowman (the shifter town leader) and his mate Kenzie. A bittersweet love story, I have to say, but very passionate!
So we are visiting another shifter town. The shifters and their groupies are having fun at the local bar and a suddenly a weird violent mythical creature with mismatched features attacks them. The story is full of mysteries from the start:
-What is this thing that is attacking shifters. Has somebody created it or was it born.
-Who is this pseudo groupie appearing at the bar behaving strangely and who is the veterinarian real groupie who helps.
-Who is the cop that Kenzie trusts straight away for no particular reason and makes Bowman crazy with jealousy. And more importantly
-Why two people who are mated, obviously in love, feel content and are perfect for each other, do NOT SHARE a mating bond.
Bowman and Kenzie are both scared that any time, one of them will form a bond with a different shifter and they will have to be separated. Bowman admits that this fear tears him upside down, messes with him until he can't sleep or think or feel.
I loved this addition to the series. Though there is this love story that dominates the book, the book has also adventures and mysteries. A few additional very interesting characters are playing a vital role and are helping to save the shifters. We also learn that besides the Faery and the Summerland, our world has also misty pockets which held a piece of the world beyond.