This alpha shifter is ready to stake his claim. Lupine shifter Nikan Lawless has it bad for Esperanze Cordona, the sweet and curvy female who only views him as a friend. Lately, however, he’s started to see sparks of interest. So when he’s assigned to act as her bodyguard during a weekend education conference, he knows it's the perfect opportunity to seduce her out of the friend zone—away from the prying eyes of their pack. To put his plan into motion, Nikan cancels one of their hotel rooms. Is it underhanded? Yes. But he’s playing for keeps with this female. When a dangerous man from Esperanze's past shows up in need of help, Nikan must shield her from a group of rogue shifters and convince her that they're destined to be mates. Since she’s a beta and he’s an alpha she’s afraid things will never work between them. But he knows they’re meant to be together and he’ll do what it takes to make her his forever.

This story may be part of a series but it can absolutely be read as a standalone! And if you haven't read this book (or series), I do recommend it if you love shifters! This one is a quick read in this story, so when you start it-remember that it is a novella! Nikan and Essie are lovable characters from the start. I love how they have a great friendship, even though they both are attracted to each other. Nikan knows what he wants, and is willing to fight for it. Even when it comes to Essie's fears. I always enjoy this author, and this story was no different. My only beef with it? I wish it had been longer!

LOVER'S INSTINCT by Katie Reus. This is a novella in the Moon Shifter series and a lovely addition as well. I enjoyed Nikan and Essie's tale. Nikan has to work a bit for Essie but I loved that he wouldn't give up. Essie, having been through some rough stuff, is pretty closed off but Nikan won't let that push him away. Of course, there is danger and romance and all that makes me happy when I read. This is a novella, and, well, I just wanted more but still really enjoyed this story. (received ARC from Netgalley for honest review)

I'm a fan of Katie Reus's work but I hadn't had a chance to read some her older work until now. Lover's Instinct is a novella in the Moon Shifter series - it's a quick, steamy, action-packed read. Although it can be read as a standalone, it also adds further details to the overarching plot of the series involving the conflict between the shifter clans and those that seek to destroy them.

I'm a fan of Katie Reus's work but I hadn't had a chance to read some her older work until now. Lover's Instinct is a novella in the Moon Shifter series - it's a quick, steamy, action-packed read. Although it can be read as a standalone, it also adds further details to the overarching plot of the series involving the conflict between the shifter clans and those that seek to destroy them.

Enjoyable as always, and a great tempter to make you want to read the rest of the books in the series.

Alpha wolf warrior and quiet Beta teacher, secretly pining for each other, although maybe not so secret to everyone! Good slow burn as they team up to help a vampire in trouble. Yea, mobsters everywhere, even shifters. A short and fun read sorting two more pack members ... genuine fun!

I enjoy a Katie Reus book but was disappointed this wasn’t as long as her others, my bad for not checking , but enjoyed this short read nonetheless, just wanted a bit more

LOVER’S INSTINCT by Katie Reus is a lighthearted fun novella, with a bit of action and danger rolled in for more fun, in the Moon Shifter series.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=85154

3.5 stars of 5
This is not a "full" book in the series. The characters were not a interesting as the other books.
I like Katie Reus and liked the first book in the series and would sell that one easily.
Thanks for the ability to read and reviews

Love these Moon shifter Books and this one is no exception. This author can capture and keep your interest in anything she writes. This is Nikan and Essies story. It’s how they help an old friend of Esperanze, “Essie”., who happens to be a Vampire retrieve a human female that was kidnapped to use as blackmail. For what?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy through Net Galley of Lovers Instinct . This is a fast paced paranormal suspense romance . It's characters are fantastic . I really enjoyed reading this story . Shifter Nikan Lawless has wanted Esperanze Cordona since he first set eyes on her . They have been only friends but he's seeing that she may be interested in more . When she makes plans to attend a conference he attends as her bodyguard and he plans to make his move . His plan gets put on the back burner when Esperanze's friend needs their help . Nikan will do anything and everything for Esperanze . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

For a novella, this was pretty fleshed out. I think I actually like this pair more than Connor and Ana, though I wish I could have seen a "this was what I grew up with and this is why I was hesitant" conversation. I'm a sucker for those heart-to-hearts. Still, I thought they made a great match, and the action with Antoine and his lady friend made for great action on the side. Now, on to the next!

📚Get ready for a wild ride with Katie Reus's novella, "Lover's Instinct." Nikan Lawless, an alpha lupine shifter, is on a mission to move out of the friend zone with Esperanze Cordona, a sweet and curvy female. Assigned as her bodyguard during a weekend conference, Nikan seizes the opportunity to seduce her away from prying pack eyes. The plot thickens when danger from Esperanze's past surfaces, requiring Nikan to shield her from rogue shifters and convince her they're destined mates. Will their love prevail against the odds?

🌟 Nikan and Esperanze come to life in this friends-to-lovers tale, a delightful progression from the first book where their names weren't fully revealed. Nikan, the warrior wolf, patiently awaits the moment Essie realizes he's more than a friend. A private moment becomes the canvas for Nikan's plan, but before he can stake his claim, they're thrust into vampire trouble. Essie's professor-turned-vampire is blackmailed for his blood to save his human love. The stakes are high, both emotionally and supernaturally.

💖 Essie treasures Nikan's friendship, but when he declares his feelings, her fear of mating with a warrior surfaces, influenced by her parents' past. The adventure unfolds, showcasing Nikan's alpha traits tempered with a willingness to listen and consider Essie's perspective. Despite Nikan's sneaky move of "oh no, there's only one bed," it's a testament to his desire to be closer, allowing Essie to see him beyond the friend and bodyguard roles.

🌌 "Lover's Instinct" beautifully navigates the complexities of love, blending romance with suspense. Katie Reus crafts characters with depth and dynamics that leap off the page. The narrative skillfully weaves friendship, romance, and supernatural elements, creating a captivating story that keeps readers hooked until the very end.

A short, well-paced story. The characters are intriguing and the story compelling, this was an engaging read throughout and will leave you wanting to grab the next book in this series.

I read this when it was originally published and forgot how much I enjoyed the story. Nikan and Esperanze's relationship is slowly evolving. Essie has trust issues and doesn't think that as a beta she could be with Nikan who is an alpha. A weekend spent together leads them into a misadventure and brings them together.

Lover's Instinct (Moon Shifter Series) by Katie Reus
Publisher: KR Press, LLC
Genre: Romance
Published: November 16, 2016

Lover's Instinct is a novella in the Moon Shifter series by Katie Reus. It falls between the first two books. This can be read as a standalone romance or enjoyed as part of the series.

I absolutely love Nikan and Esperanze! They are adorable and make such a sweet couple! This book is fast paced and has a great story! That mystery is so good and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things would turn out.

I loved this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Little bit of intrigue with a bit of spice. For all that these wolves are alphas and warriors, they sure don't go after what they want. Nikan could have saved himself some trouble by actually talking to Essie. Spicy story

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this short story

Esperanze Cordona needs time away from the pack and what better way than seeing her old college professor at a weekend educational conference

Nikan Lawless goes with esperanze as her body guard because of the lock down with all the stuff going on in the town its safer

but nikan has a plan to make this weekend more memorable, but he hadnt planned on vampires at the conference

a fun quick story that is in keeping with other storyline and it was nice to meet these two characters away from the group

Lover's Instinct by Katie Reus is book 1.5 in the Moon Shifter Series. This is the story of Esperanze Cordona and Nikan Lawless. This was a great friends to lovers romance.

First I would like to thank Author Collective 20 for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of Nikan, Alpha warrior shifter, who is slightly obsessed with Esperanze Cordona, bookish beta shifter. When Esperanze goes out of town for a weekend conference Nikan volunteers to go with her as protection and to convince her of his true feeling for her away from the pack/family. When at the conference Esparanze's vampire friend gets into a bit of trouble which brings Esperanze and thus Nikan into danger and she finally understands Nikan is not "that" kind of alpha and maybe her feelings are reciprocated.

What I Loved:
- Grumpy alpha protector, Nikan is the epitome of this he will keep Esparanze safe no matter the cost and will only lighten up with her
- The mating bond, I just laugh so hard when Nikan's "wolf" can't handle itself around other males and anything/anyone who even thinks or looks at Esparanze
- Conference, Esparanze doesn't tell anyone the conference is hosted by vampires and was open to all paranormal and humans which makes for a fun interaction when Nikan figures it out
- Support, even though they are an alpha and a beta they spend the entire book protecting and supporting each other knowing each is strong enough on their own but wanting to provide support anyway

This was a great novella that really keeps the over all moon shifter storying moving. It was such a great way to highlight a romance that has been slowing building and finally combusts between these to characters. It was also fun to be outside the small town and see how they adapt to those types of surroundings. I love that you get to meet more of the pack both on the Cordona and alpha warrior sides and I really can't wait to read more of this series so I can keep learning more about the people who make up this pack/family. If you are looking for a short romantic suspense novella with a fun couple, paranormal creatures and just a great story please please please check out this book!