Review: Her Perfect Mate by Paige Tyler

Her Perfect Mate
Author: Paige Tyler
Reviewer: Gikany & Una
Rating: A-

What We’re Talking About:

Her Perfect Mate is the fascinating debut novel in the new X-Ops series.  We enjoyed this wonderful mix of military and paranormal romance with just the right amount of humor thrown in.

We have to say that we were delightfully surprised by Her Perfect Mate.  Many of the citizens in this world have animal DNA in their genes, however, it is not active in all – almost like a recessive trait.  Those that have it active are recruited by the DCO – Department of Cover Operations.  The DCO is a hush-hush organization within the U.S. government, handling those situations where absolute discretion is a must for national security.  Those with active animal DNA are considered EVAs – Extremely Valuable Assets.  It seems that these EVAs are new enough that they do not know everything about them.  We have a feeling as the series progresses we will learn more about them, as they learn about themselves.  It was a refreshing difference in this mythology.  We look forward to learning more.  The EVAs are always partnered with a human counterpart so that if the situation goes FUBAR, the human counterpart can ensure that the EVA does not get captured… alive.

Her Perfect Mate centers on Ivy, a feline EVA and her new partner Landon, a Special Forces Captain.  Their attraction from the moment they meet is electric.  We absolutely loved both of them.  Ivy is a strong woman, even without her active feline DNA.  She is intelligent and courageous and is fully capable of watching out for herself.  Landon is a just as strong and capable.  He is a natural leader, loyal, and smart.  He doesn’t immediately discredit Ivy.  We really loved how he was patient, waiting to gather the facts and before forming his opinions.  He was really just a perfect balance to Ivy.  Watching them dance around their attraction (and attempt to abide by DCO guidelines by not having a relationship) was almost comical as it was a great source of sexual tension.

The characters are all varied and just as interesting.  We loved Ivy’s best friend, Kendra and the love triangle that seems to exist.  We can’t wait to see how that pans out, but we hope she finds romance with Declan.  Although we hated Clayne when we met him, we know there is more to him and his story.  We hope to learn he is so angry and maybe find a cure for his pain.  Our favorite so far, however, is Declan.  There is just something so attractive about a large man with the heart of a teddy bear.

Although Ivy and Landon’s relationship is resolved by the end, there are questions left at the conclusion of Her Perfect Mate.  We eagerly look forward to the next novel to find out more about this world and the characters we have come to love.  Although we are not sure who the next story will focus on, we have our bets.  If you want a fun and adventurous mix of military and paranormal romance, please pick up Her Perfect Mate, we think you may just enjoy it!

Our Rating:  A- Enjoyed A Lot

About the Book:

When Special Forces Captain Landon Donovan is picked for an assignment with the Department of Covert Affairs, he’s stunned to find his new partner is a beautiful woman who looks like she couldn’t hurt a fly, much less take down a terrorist.

Ivy Halliwell isn’t your average covert op. Her feline DNA means she can literally bring out the claws when things get dicey. She isn’t thrilled to be paired with yet another military grunt, but Landon is different. He doesn’t think she’s a freak and he’s smokin’ hot.

Soon they find themselves facing a threat even greater than anyone imagines…and an animal magnetism impossible to ignore.

Release Date: May 6, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Series: X-Ops #1
ISBN: #978-1402292095
Genre: Paranormal/Military Romance
Format(s): Paperback (352 pages), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley

Purchase Info:
Her Perfect Mate (X-Ops #1)