REVIEW: White Tiger by Jennifer Ashley

In White Tiger (Shifters Unbound #8) by Jennifer Ashley, White tiger Shifter Kendrick and his three cubs have been on the run for about six months, since his group of un-Collared Shifters were forced out of their hideout. As Guardian, it’s his job to protect them and it is a vow he’ll keep until his dying breath. But Kendrick never meant to involve the lovely and caring waitress at the local diner in his battle to remain free. Addison Price showed him and his cubs kindness, looking after his family when they literally came under fire. He knows it’s best for all involved to let Addison go, but Kendrick’s need for her is so great that he simply has to keep her close.

“I need you.” Kendrick moved swiftly to her. “Get that through your head, Addison. Grab your things out of Charlie’s truck and put them back in our room.”
Addison didn’t move, except to lower her hand. “And if I choose not to?” she asked.
“You. Can’t. Choose. Not to.” The words jerked out of Kendrick, his desperation growing. He couldn’t let her out of his sight, and he couldn’t safely be around her either. This was going to kill him.
“Way to woo a girl, Kendrick,” Addison said, sparks in her eyes.

Addie knew from day one that Kendrick and his three cute children were different than the other diner customers. Respectful and drop-dead gorgeous, he drew her in like no other man ever had before. Then she found herself protecting his kids and fearing for Kendrick’s life the night the diner erupted into violence. Going on the run with him was a choice Addie gladly made, knowing she didn’t want to be without him one more moment. But the world he brings her into is filled with danger. She knows she’s pretty strong after everything she’s been through in life, but is she ready to deal with the battle facing Kendrick and his Shifters?

White Tiger is proof that Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series is still going strong after eight full-length installments and several novellas. I don’t know about other readers out there, but I just can’t get enough of these fierce yet enigmatic characters.

There are some really terrific, and some not so great, Shifter series in the book world today. Shifters Unbound, to me, is one of the most solid and unique paranormal worlds we get to explore. I love the mix of characters, where the Collared and un-Collared Shifters have to mix and mingle with humans. And there was a lot of paths crossing in White Tiger as Kendrick fell for human Addie while hunting for his former clan of Shifters. Tons of trouble and conflict ensued.

I think Kendrick made a great leader and Guardian where he took those roles so seriously. Jennifer Ashley did a nice job conveying how much it hurt him to have to end a fellow Shifter’s life when it was their time, which I thought said a lot about his character. I liked that Kendrick was equally protective of his cubs and then of Addie. It was interesting to see how he was drawn to her, like they were meant to be together. Plus, the cubs loved her to pieces. And I loved them! They were so stinking cute. Just the way they were described it was easy to visualize them frolicking and roughhousing with each other. (Although if you Google ‘white tiger cubs’ you can see just how adorable they truly are!)

Addie was a positive addition to the story. I liked her immensely and thought she was the perfect match for stoic Kendrick. I think some readers might at first think she backs off too easily in some situations. However, I thought Addie was quite smart about it, knowing when to back off and when to press her luck. Having been a waitress for so long and learning to read people, she could tell a lot by studying a person. That came in handy when dealing with the new world of Shifters. I loved Addie’s connection with Kendrick, the way they couldn’t part ways and the sparks between them. They were a great team, supporting each other as need be.

Fans of the series will be pleased with the reappearance of many previous characters, but newcomers to Shifters Unbound should be able to read this as a standalone as well. Filled with action, touching moments, declarations of love–and darling little cubs!!–White Tiger was an incredibly satisfying paranormal romance.

Book Info:

Published April 5th 2016 | by Berkley | Shifters Unbound #8

Wanted and on the run…

For twenty years, Kendrick, a white tiger Shifter, has been the Guardian of un-Collared Shifters who spend their lives living in secret—and in fear of being shunted into Shiftertowns. When Kendrick’s group is discovered and forced to flee, Kendrick is more desperate than ever to protect them

His only salvation was in a beautiful stranger.

In a diner in the middle of nowhere, lonely waitress Addison Price has seen a lot of unusual drifters come and go, but none has ever captivated—and intimidated—her like the imposing fugitive who wields a broadsword with incredible skill. But when he risks all to protect her, Addison’s fear turns to empathy—and empathy to desire as she learns more about her savior. Soon she’s more than willing to help the crushingly sensual white tiger and his cubs in a passionate bid for freedom. Whatever the cost.