Alice doesn’t even like gin, but her therapist’s advice to tackle her social anxiety leads her to step into the Gin Room. For thirty minutes, she resolves to sit alone and prove she can handle it. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Axel, a man whose intensity is as alluring as it is terrifying.
At forty years old, lion shifter Axel never thought he’d find his mate. But there she is, his baby girl. Alice awakens every primal instinct he has, but her fear of the unknown world he belongs to forces him to tread carefully. For him, the stakes couldn’t be higher: he’s not just fighting for her love, but also her trust.
As the pull between them grows undeniable, Alice finds herself torn. Can she overcome her doubts and embrace the passion Axel offers, or will the secrets of his world drive her away forever?
MONSTERS OF NEW YORK: SHARED WORLD
Monsters of New York is a sizzling paranormal romance series where passion collides with danger in the heart of the city that never sleeps. Each book introduces a new, irresistible shifter—each with its own dark secrets and primal desires. From wolves and bears to elusive creatures lurking in the shadows, these powerful beings navigate love, loyalty, and mystery in a world filled with human and supernatural monsters.
Set against the backdrop of New York's vibrant streets and hidden corners, every romance is an unforgettable journey where forbidden love and heated encounters could be the death of them—or the one thing that saves them. With danger always just around the corner, the shifters must face not only the threats of their own kind but the intense pull of a love that could change everything.
Uncover the secrets, feel the heat, and discover if love can tame the wildest beasts in Monsters of New York.
Excerpt:
Axel watched her from the back, trying to ignore the dumb bimbos he’d brought with him for entertainment. Granted, they hadn’t been annoying when he’d picked them up, but now that she was here, everything else had lost its luster. It was interesting because at his age he’d never imagined he’d meet her, and yet there was no doubt. The animal within him was as clear as daylight. It was her. His mate.
He snorted. What was he going to do with a mate? Especially one who seemed to be afraid of her own shadow, if the way her heartbeat was any indication. His proclivities were gray at best, and she seemed, well, innocent, naive, like a recently picked puppy from a litter. Curious, but terribly afraid. He would have to show her there was nothing to be afraid of. Not him. Not the world. He would have to teach her what he liked. What if she didn’t like it? The unwelcome thought entered his mind, and he snarled. That was not an option. He was too old for change.
Axel took her in. At another time in his life, he wouldn’t have given her a second glance. She was pretty but she wasn’t exuberant. Sweet. The look of a good girl. His heart skipped a beat. His cock throbbed. Fuck. He was just looking at her and already diving into the fantasy. When was the last time that had happened?
How would she feel about being his good girl? Would she let him strip not only her clothes but also her layers of pent-up emotions, digging deep until he reached the bone? He could fully make her his, and free her from the constraints that held her back. He clenched his fists. His heart beat in his chest like never before. Excitement coursed through him. The idea of making her his thrilled him as much as if he were about to go hunting. He smiled. Then again, wasn’t that what he was going to do? Hunt her. Catch her and eat her up.
Love the series and this book didn't disappoint!
Written by Diana A on 20th Jan 2026
I love everything about this book
It has a fast pace and enough action and romance. Love how he make her feel confident and he'll her with her anxiety and stress. Love it!
4/5
Great read
Written by Laura Ann on 20th Jan 2026
Alice’s friend Hannah told her about The Gin Room and so as she was trying to do the things that her therapist told her to, she went. There she worked on her feelings and took notes, trying to do as her therapist said. She sees the very hot part owner that night, by the name of Axel Sala. Upon gaining his office he realized that he was very interested in the woman who seemed so shy in the bar. Since he considered it a challenge, which he never said no to, he went out and tried to talk with her. Semifreaking out, Alice fled, leaving her notebook behind. Axel followed as it had her address in it. After they talk, they realize that they are extremely attracted to each other even tho Alice is in her 20s and he in his 40s. Alice’s roomie Nessa is very unfriendly with Axel and not nice with Alice. We learn more about both of their pasts and find out what his day job is. lol. I loved the book as it was fun, funny, scary, freaky, steamy, romantic, and had some very good points to it. I liked that it showed a woman who was anxious all the time and how her path thru love changed and challenged her. I can’t wait to see what happens in the series next.
5/5
<3
Written by JustMe83 on 20th Jan 2026
OK, I need to go find the other books in this series because I really liked this one. I loved how instant it was for him and he was oh so yummy.
5/5
The Lion's Reluctant Mate
Written by DebG on 20th Jan 2026
This is Alice and Axel, a lion shifter's story. Alice first meets Axel at a gin bar which he owns. She is extremely anxious and timid and is attempting to overcome her anxiety by going there. Though personality wise they are pretty much opposites Axel realizes she is his mate. Can he convince her of this? He has his work cut out for him that's for sure. And can he keep her safe in the mean time? Check it out to see. I quite enjoyed this short story.
5/5
Axel and Alice
Written by BeckyS68 on 20th Jan 2026
I love Alice and Axel. Alice is so sweet, and her anxiety really touches my heart. Following her therapist's advice, she visits a bar, where she meets Axel, one of the bar owners. Alice quickly discovers there's more to Axel than she initially thought because he is a lion shifter. The story is full of action, steam, and a compelling plot. Most importantly, it has an excellent happy ending.
5/5
Axel's Mate
Written by Maleficent on 20th Jan 2026
Alice has anxiety and her therapist recommends her take thirty to sit alone in public. She picks the Gin Room, when an intense man walks in with two women. Axel, a lion shifter, never thought he would find his mate but there she is in his bar. It will take him much effort to win over Alice but there is no way he will give up.
There is a lot of drama with other shifters and his own pride.
5/5
OH THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!
Written by Andrea R on 20th Jan 2026
Wow this was great. The fact that the lion shifter found his mate was nothing but wonderful but his mate being scared of all the things just makes the road to their getting together even better--recommend this read very much.
5/5
So good
Written by Mistie B on 20th Jan 2026
This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed the story. Alice has anxiety and decides to sit in a bar for 30 minutes on the advice of her therapist. Axel meets her and can't let her go. I loved the dynamic between these two and how steadfast Axel was, despite Alice's trepidation. So good!
5/5
Wow!
Written by mima48 on 20th Jan 2026
Part of the Monsters of New York series. Alex and Axel are the characters who carry the book. This is the first book I've read by the author. Can't wait for the next book.
5/5
awesome
Written by laura.lovesreading on 20th Jan 2026
I freaking loved it!
A unique pair, an extremely shy FMC, who struggles with anxiety and a lion shifter - polar opposites, but despite that they are fated mates.
I especially loved Axel, he understood her immediately and adapts his way of dealing with her. He is gentle, caring and taking it slow.
But it’s not all sunshine in this book, we experience danger, drama and fears, but all that combined is making this book such an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
4/5
Steamy Sweet Fated Love
Written by A.K. Shaw on 20th Jan 2026
The Lion's Reluctant Mate is the seventh book in the Monsters of New York series. The book is an age-gap romance story that hits you in the feels with the intensity of vulnerability that Alice shows and the strength that Axel provides. Though they are mates, he wants to see her overcome. It will make you go awww, when like any good mate, he says that he will even protect her from herself. He won't let her hurt herself, let alone any one else harm her.
With action, a betrayal, drama, romance that starts steamy and then becomes sweet, this book is another page-turner in the series. I read it in one sitting.
5/5
A Shifter's Mate's tale
Written by Cindy50 on 20th Jan 2026
Axel and Alice are quite the set. She's scared of her own shadow and he's larger than life and a lion shifter. I was captivated from the first page and my attention was kept through the rest of the book. I wish that I had read the 6 previous books to get an understanding of the world that the author created. This is my first time reading one of her books but now that I have I will go back and read the others. She's my new favorite shifter author.
5/5
Cute and steamy
Written by LBing on 20th Jan 2026
This was another great read for the series and a fun reading ride by a new-to-me author. Alice is in the Gin Room bar, at the direction of her therapist, to help with her anxiety issues. Axel, a lion shifter, didn't figure he'd find his mate, but yeah, guess who's sitting in his bar ;) I love that he could tell she was going to need a gentle wooing. Of course, things don't go his way with shifter drama, jealousy and her fears. I really enjoyed how this one unfolded and that they got their HEA together. Good fun!
5/5
Lion’s Reluctant Mate
Written by Angi5252 on 20th Jan 2026
Axel was a lion shifter who hadn’t given a lot of thought to his mate but then he found her. Alice is full of anxiety and following her therapists orders when she meets Axel. This adorable paranormal romance is full of shifter drama and Alice finding inner strength. Don’t miss out on this cute short read.
4/5
The Lion’s Reluctant Mate.
Written by Caroline D on 20th Jan 2026
Alice suffers from bad anxiety her therapist told her to go to a bar order a drink and sit there for at least half an hour so she did and while there she met Axel and he couldn’t take his eyes off his mate but he sensed her anxiety so he knew that he would have to take it easy with her. Fantastic story I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend reading this book.
5/5
Age Gap Fated mates
Written by Joreads on 20th Jan 2026
Alice is a young woman with a lot of anxiety. In an effort to get out there she walks into a Gin bar. Alex a powerful lion shifter walks into the same bar and he see Alice and recognises her as his mate. He is instantly aware that he needs to take his time with her. This is a short read but a great one.
5/5
Lion
Written by Michele77 on 20th Jan 2026
A powerful lion shifter finds his mate in a young woman with lots of insecurity issues, add in rival shifter groups and pack business and it just makes a great read.
5/5
The Lion's Reluctant Mate
Written by Chris S on 20th Jan 2026
I'm new to this author, but not the series. This is a good age-gap, shifter story with a few twists and turns. Axel and Alice make an interesting couple but I'm not a fan of the Daddy" thing. Good addition to the series.
5/5
So good
Written by Kim R on 20th Jan 2026
I loved this book! I loved that Axel took his time with Alice even if it went against everything he usually did. Definitely a must read.
5/5
Enticing
Written by Laura on 1st Oct 2025
An enticing and excellent story in the shared world. Loved how patient Axel was with Alice, yet wasn't about to stop his conquest of her. Elyzabeth's writing is both sweet and sensual.
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Can she overcome her doubts and embrace the passion Axel offers, or will the secrets of his world drive her away forever?\u003c\u002fspan\u003e\u003c\u002fstrong\u003e\u003c\u002fp\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr \u002f\u003e\u003cbr \u002f\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"\u003eMONSTERS OF NEW YORK: SHARED WORLD\u003c\u002fspan\u003e\u003c\u002fstrong\u003e\u003cbr \u002f\u003e\u003cbr \u002f\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"\u003e\u003c\u002fspan\u003e\u003c\u002fp\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"\u003eMonsters of New York is a sizzling paranormal romance series where passion collides with danger in the heart of the city that never sleeps. Each book introduces a new, irresistible shifter—each with its own dark secrets and primal desires. From wolves and bears to elusive creatures lurking in the shadows, these powerful beings navigate love, loyalty, and mystery in a world filled with human and supernatural monsters.\u003c\u002fspan\u003e\u003c\u002fstrong\u003e\u003cbr \u002f\u003e\u003cbr \u002f\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"\u003eSet against the backdrop of New York's vibrant streets and hidden corners, every romance is an unforgettable journey where forbidden love and heated encounters could be the death of them—or the one thing that saves them. With danger always just around the corner, the shifters must face not only the threats of their own kind but the intense pull of a love that could change everything.\u003c\u002fspan\u003e\u003c\u002fstrong\u003e\u003cbr \u002f\u003e\u003cbr \u002f\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"\u003eUncover the secrets, feel the heat, and discover if love can tame the wildest beasts in Monsters of New York.\u003c\u002fspan\u003e\u003c\u002fstrong\u003e\u003c\u002fp\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\u002fp\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"\u003eExcerpt:\u003c\u002fspan\u003e\u003c\u002fstrong\u003e\u003c\u002fp\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"\u003eAxel watched her from the back, trying to ignore the dumb bimbos he’d brought with him for entertainment. Granted, they hadn’t been annoying when he’d picked them up, but now that \u003cem\u003eshe\u003c\u002fem\u003e was here, everything else had lost its luster. It was interesting because at his age he’d never imagined he’d meet her, and yet there was no doubt. The animal within him was as clear as daylight. It was her. His mate. \u003c\u002fspan\u003e\u003c\u002fp\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;\"\u003eHe snorted. What was he going to do with a mate? Especially one who seemed to be afraid of her own shadow, if the way her heartbeat was any indication. His proclivities were gray at best, and she seemed, well, innocent, naive, like a recently picked puppy from a litter. Curious, but terribly afraid. He would have to show her there was nothing to be afraid of. Not him. Not the world. He would have to teach her what he liked. What if she didn’t like it? The unwelcome thought entered his mind, and he snarled. 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And when she catches a glimpse...","image":{"data":"https:\u002f\u002fcdn11.bigcommerce.com\u002fs-21532\u002fimages\u002fstencil\u002f{:size}\u002fproducts\u002f2722\u002f2993\u002fentwined-free1l__30663.1598573316.jpg?c=2","alt":"Genre: Erotic BDSM Romance\n\nHeat Level: 4\n\nWord Count: 12, 790\n\nISBN: 978-0-3695-0218-6\n\nEditor: Audrey Bobak\n\nCover Artist: Jay Aheer"},"images":[{"data":"https:\u002f\u002fcdn11.bigcommerce.com\u002fs-21532\u002fimages\u002fstencil\u002f{:size}\u002fproducts\u002f2722\u002f2993\u002fentwined-free1l__30663.1598573316.jpg?c=2","alt":"Genre: Erotic BDSM Romance\n\nHeat Level: 4\n\nWord Count: 12, 790\n\nISBN: 978-0-3695-0218-6\n\nEditor: Audrey Bobak\n\nCover Artist: Jay Aheer"}],"date_added":"27th Aug 2020","pre_order":false,"show_cart_action":false,"has_options":false,"stock_level":null,"low_stock_level":null,"qty_in_cart":0,"custom_fields":null,"num_reviews":0,"weight":{"formatted":"0.00 LBS","value":0},"demo":false,"add_to_wishlist_url":"https:\u002f\u002fwww.evernightpublishing.com\u002fwishlist.php?action=add&product_id=2722","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$0.00","value":0,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax"}},{"id":2717,"sku":"978-0-3695-0213-1","name":"Kneel by Elyzabeth M. 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Love how he make her feel confident and he'll her with her anxiety and stress. Love it!","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Laura Ann","rating":"4","title":"Great read","text":"Alice’s friend Hannah told her about The Gin Room and so as she was trying to do the things that her therapist told her to, she went. There she worked on her feelings and took notes, trying to do as her therapist said. She sees the very hot part owner that night, by the name of Axel Sala. Upon gaining his office he realized that he was very interested in the woman who seemed so shy in the bar. Since he considered it a challenge, which he never said no to, he went out and tried to talk with her. Semifreaking out, Alice fled, leaving her notebook behind. Axel followed as it had her address in it. After they talk, they realize that they are extremely attracted to each other even tho Alice is in her 20s and he in his 40s. Alice’s roomie Nessa is very unfriendly with Axel and not nice with Alice. We learn more about both of their pasts and find out what his day job is. lol. I loved the book as it was fun, funny, scary, freaky, steamy, romantic, and had some very good points to it. I liked that it showed a woman who was anxious all the time and how her path thru love changed and challenged her. I can’t wait to see what happens in the series next.","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"JustMe83","rating":"5","title":"<3","text":"OK, I need to go find the other books in this series because I really liked this one. I loved how instant it was for him and he was oh so yummy. ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"DebG","rating":"5","title":"The Lion's Reluctant Mate","text":"This is Alice and Axel, a lion shifter's story. Alice first meets Axel at a gin bar which he owns. She is extremely anxious and timid and is attempting to overcome her anxiety by going there. Though personality wise they are pretty much opposites Axel realizes she is his mate. Can he convince her of this? He has his work cut out for him that's for sure. And can he keep her safe in the mean time? Check it out to see. I quite enjoyed this short story.","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"BeckyS68","rating":"5","title":"Axel and Alice","text":"I love Alice and Axel. Alice is so sweet, and her anxiety really touches my heart. Following her therapist's advice, she visits a bar, where she meets Axel, one of the bar owners. Alice quickly discovers there's more to Axel than she initially thought because he is a lion shifter. The story is full of action, steam, and a compelling plot. Most importantly, it has an excellent happy ending. ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Maleficent","rating":"5","title":"Axel's Mate","text":"Alice has anxiety and her therapist recommends her take thirty to sit alone in public. She picks the Gin Room, when an intense man walks in with two women. Axel, a lion shifter, never thought he would find his mate but there she is in his bar. It will take him much effort to win over Alice but there is no way he will give up.\r\n\r\nThere is a lot of drama with other shifters and his own pride.","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Andrea R","rating":"5","title":"OH THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!","text":"Wow this was great. The fact that the lion shifter found his mate was nothing but wonderful but his mate being scared of all the things just makes the road to their getting together even better--recommend this read very much.","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Mistie B","rating":"5","title":"So good","text":"This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed the story. Alice has anxiety and decides to sit in a bar for 30 minutes on the advice of her therapist. Axel meets her and can't let her go. I loved the dynamic between these two and how steadfast Axel was, despite Alice's trepidation. So good!","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"mima48","rating":"5","title":"Wow!","text":"Part of the Monsters of New York series. Alex and Axel are the characters who carry the book. This is the first book I've read by the author. Can't wait for the next book.","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"laura.lovesreading","rating":"5","title":"awesome","text":"I freaking loved it!\r\n\r\nA unique pair, an extremely shy FMC, who struggles with anxiety and a lion shifter - polar opposites, but despite that they are fated mates. \r\nI especially loved Axel, he understood her immediately and adapts his way of dealing with her. He is gentle, caring and taking it slow. \r\nBut it’s not all sunshine in this book, we experience danger, drama and fears, but all that combined is making this book such an enjoyable and entertaining experience. ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"A.K. Shaw","rating":"4","title":"Steamy Sweet Fated Love","text":"The Lion's Reluctant Mate is the seventh book in the Monsters of New York series. The book is an age-gap romance story that hits you in the feels with the intensity of vulnerability that Alice shows and the strength that Axel provides. Though they are mates, he wants to see her overcome. It will make you go awww, when like any good mate, he says that he will even protect her from herself. He won't let her hurt herself, let alone any one else harm her. \r\n\r\nWith action, a betrayal, drama, romance that starts steamy and then becomes sweet, this book is another page-turner in the series. I read it in one sitting. ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Cindy50","rating":"5","title":"A Shifter's Mate's tale","text":"Axel and Alice are quite the set. She's scared of her own shadow and he's larger than life and a lion shifter. I was captivated from the first page and my attention was kept through the rest of the book. I wish that I had read the 6 previous books to get an understanding of the world that the author created. This is my first time reading one of her books but now that I have I will go back and read the others. She's my new favorite shifter author. ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"LBing","rating":"5","title":"Cute and steamy","text":"This was another great read for the series and a fun reading ride by a new-to-me author. Alice is in the Gin Room bar, at the direction of her therapist, to help with her anxiety issues. Axel, a lion shifter, didn't figure he'd find his mate, but yeah, guess who's sitting in his bar ;) I love that he could tell she was going to need a gentle wooing. Of course, things don't go his way with shifter drama, jealousy and her fears. I really enjoyed how this one unfolded and that they got their HEA together. Good fun! ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Angi5252","rating":"5","title":"Lion’s Reluctant Mate","text":"Axel was a lion shifter who hadn’t given a lot of thought to his mate but then he found her. Alice is full of anxiety and following her therapists orders when she meets Axel. This adorable paranormal romance is full of shifter drama and Alice finding inner strength. Don’t miss out on this cute short read. ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Caroline D","rating":"4","title":"The Lion’s Reluctant Mate.","text":"Alice suffers from bad anxiety her therapist told her to go to a bar order a drink and sit there for at least half an hour so she did and while there she met Axel and he couldn’t take his eyes off his mate but he sensed her anxiety so he knew that he would have to take it easy with her. Fantastic story I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend reading this book.","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Joreads","rating":"5","title":"Age Gap Fated mates","text":"Alice is a young woman with a lot of anxiety. In an effort to get out there she walks into a Gin bar. Alex a powerful lion shifter walks into the same bar and he see Alice and recognises her as his mate. He is instantly aware that he needs to take his time with her. This is a short read but a great one.","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Michele77","rating":"5","title":"Lion","text":"A powerful lion shifter finds his mate in a young woman with lots of insecurity issues, add in rival shifter groups and pack business and it just makes a great read. ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Chris S","rating":"5","title":"The Lion's Reluctant Mate","text":"I'm new to this author, but not the series. This is a good age-gap, shifter story with a few twists and turns. Axel and Alice make an interesting couple but I'm not a fan of the Daddy" thing. Good addition to the series. ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Kim R ","rating":"5","title":"So good","text":"I loved this book! I loved that Axel took his time with Alice even if it went against everything he usually did. Definitely a must read. ","date":"20th Jan 2026"},{"name":"Laura","rating":"5","title":"Enticing","text":"An enticing and excellent story in the shared world. Loved how patient Axel was with Alice, yet wasn't about to stop his conquest of her. Elyzabeth's writing is both sweet and sensual.","date":"1st Oct 2025"}]},"bulk_discount_rates":[],"meta_keywords":"","show_quantity_input":0,"title":"The Lion's Reluctant Mate by Elyzabeth M. VaLey","gift_wrapping_available":false,"min_purchase_quantity":0,"customizations":[],"images":[{"data":"https:\u002f\u002fcdn11.bigcommerce.com\u002fs-21532\u002fimages\u002fstencil\u002f{:size}\u002fproducts\u002f3446\u002f3729\u002flionsreluctantmate1l__93278.1752800533.JPG?c=2","alt":"Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance\n\nHeat Level: 3\n\nWord Count: 23, 500\n\nISBN: 978-0-3695-1232-1\n\nEditor: Lisa Petrocelli\n\nCover Artist: Jay Aheer"}]}
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