Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Mace

Rate this book
Mace
She makes me question core things about myself
The mountain and cabin are my sanctuaries.
My bear prefers a life of solitude, and I’m content being alone.
Then she barges into my life, changing everything.
Nikola. Markus’s fierce vampire sister.
Off. Limits.
But the need to be near her is testing my sanity.
She draws out a passion in me, a fire I’ve never known.
Man and bear agree that we need to have her.
Chemistry like ours won’t burn itself out.
It explodes into an inferno.
As a US Marshall, her case takes us to the Bayou. Nikola is dedicated to protecting the innocent and the weak. She’s never had the luxury of a protector. I intend to change that.
Danger forces us to depend on each other, and our trust is tested.
When a sinister plot threatens the future of all vampires in Louisiana,
I vow to unconditionally protect Nikola;
Because now, the one thing I’m sure of,
She’s mine.
And I’m never letting her go.

Nikola
Something in me changes the second I lay eyes on Mace.
The world sees an arrogant-kickass US Marshall and vampire.
But I’m not as confident as I seem.
Betrayal by those who should have loved me the most has left me cynical.
Mace’s quiet steadfastness calms me.
The connection is undeniable.
A triple murder case in Louisiana forces me to take Mace as a partner.
Everything about this case seems wrong, and I need a shifter at my back.
I don’t tolerate injustice or prejudice, and I’ve found too many people look the other way.
But I learn to trust Mace at his word. He will look death in the face and not blink.
I’ve never needed to be protected, but Mace melts me in ways that tear down my guard.
I don’t know if that will save me, kill me, or break my heart.
The clock is ticking on this case.
I will do anything to save the innocent.
I only hope that Mace is still willing to stay by my side when this is all over.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2021

5 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Gonzales

9 books79 followers
I love writing books full of erotic heat with fierce, independent, passionate women and the hot alpha males who love them. I get excited about action packed stories full of excitement that shows a couple’s journey, whether it be a personal journey and moving on from the past or falling in love surrounded by danger and adventure. Writing about people overcoming impossible odds and fulfilling themselves and their goals is so important to me, it calls to me. It’s the same thing I love to see in real life and deeply believe in my heart that we can all accomplish.

Most of the time I focus on stories that have a dangerous sometimes dark theme. Most are a mixture of action & adventure, and steamy, hot romance. Overcoming deep seated issues personally and showing how it effects their relationship is what falling in love is all about. The constant theme in all of my books is sexy, scorching hot romance. I guarantee that my stories will leave you hot and bothered, panting for more.

A loud, tattooed workaholic, I love reading and the ocean speaks to my soul. I’m a wine and chocolate lover, who stares dreamily into sunsets and vows to one day live by the ocean surrounded by animals, the countryside and a big family.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
29 (69%)
4 stars
12 (28%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,306 reviews221 followers
April 24, 2021
"I'd set the whole world on fire. Burn it down to fucking ash. There isn't anything I wouldn't be capable of doing if it meant saving you. That makes me a villain. Not the hero. But I don't give a shit. I'm more than willing to be a villain if it means keeping you safe, keeping you alive."

5 stars!

What an epic and fucking sexy story this book turned out to be! I really had no expectations going into this novel as it was my first book by this author, but this book blew my fucking mind! I don't think I've ever read a shifter romance about a vampire/shifter couple, but M.A. Gonzales executed it so wonderfully, blending in the perfect amount of tension, sexiness, alpha dominance, and danger to keep me interested and unable to stop reading.

Nikola is a vampire US Marshall who is assigned to investigate a potential serial killer who's going after both supernatural and human women. Her work is complicated by the fact that vampires are being targeted in hate crimes by both shifters and humans and it appears that the serial killer is in fact a vampire, which further incites the intolerance. And while she isn't immune to the prejudice against her species, Mace--a bear shifter with a possessive streak--promises her brother to watch her back while she wades through the politics to find the truth and achieve justice.

I loved how kickass Nikola was, especially how she totally kicks Mace's ass when they first meet. Mace was such a dominant alpha male who also admired that about Nikola, and I loved his protective and domineering side. She wasn't weak by any means, but Mace and Nikola were able to find their balance of love, dominance, and trust in a way that seriously made my toes curl and my kindle sweat. The steam level of this book is 10/10, so if you're looking for a shifter romance with a slight BDSM undertone and a romantic suspense sideplot, then I would highly recommend this book! I also look forward to reading more by this author ♡

*ARC provided by Grey's Promo, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
Profile Image for Kodie Mackay.
1,142 reviews65 followers
May 3, 2021
Ooooooh. I do love when authors get creative and mix up the norm by pairing two different species together.

Nikola, a badass Marshal and older vampire is a fierce heroine. She's strong independent and doesn't allow any man to have a say in her life. I loved her character. She's all hard and snarky on the outside with a sweet middle for those she cares for. She has an honourable sense of duty and the will to do what's right even in the scariest of circumstances.

Mace, a dominant bear shifter with a side of bossy and a whole lot of sweet. Ahh I love him and his lack of care when it came to showing Nikola how much he wanted her. He was sweet and kind and honest but he was also fiercely protective and if need be overbearing to protect her. I loved that.

These two are a whole vibe. I loved the instant chemistry and then the budding connection that builds through the pages. Both characters have obstacles to overcome whilst facing all kind of crazy but it made for an interesting journey to say the least. That need between them is palpable and I loved that they didn't fight it. It wasn't easy but it was definitely worth. Oh and that chemistry... FIRE.

Their journey has a little of everything. A little action and suspense, a smidge of mystery, a whole lot of bickering, banter and teasing and a heavy dose of tension for good measure. I enjoyed the pace of the journey and as far as characters go I loved both Mace and Nikola. I also enjoyed Caleb and his light teasing and his sister Rayne too. I'm interested to see if they get their own story!.

Great world building, wonderful characters and a story that kept me hooked. What's not to love.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
409 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2021
This book, this book!!! This is how you can make a PNR book not only hot but a great story. This book had all that alpha male animalistic hotness that we all need. It had a strong heroine who needs no one. Also takes not sh&t. You feel that connection. Between the H/H from the first time they meet. They are explosive in bed.

When they finally combust they are truly explosive. Also so very lava lava panties. There is a true alpha scene that he makes her submit to him. Holy holy holy flames burn my bits. Plus how many books dedicate 3 chapters to one epic sexy times scene.

It is so hard to do these books right. We want a shifter book to be hot. But to do that and give me a world that not only intrigues me but also makes me want to know more. I am going to go back and read book one and get ready for more. I love finding a new to me author that I really loved. Can’t wait to see what else she does.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews87 followers
Want to read
March 19, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/19/2022)! 🎁
2,322 reviews19 followers
May 3, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "MACE". My first book by M.A. Gonzales I was thoroughly impressed with the writing it's a great paranormal thrilling exciting story that hero's you on edge from the beginning, action, suspense, intrigue, steamy scenes, tension, danger, so addicting you can't put down until finished.
Nikola is a US Marshal & a Vampire assigned to a case investigating a US Senator of a possible serial killer going after both Human & Supernatural woman in the Bayou & it appears its a Vampire which creates complications because Vampires are being targeted in hate crimes.
Mace is a Kodiac Bear Shifter, dominant, sexy as sin, doing a favor for his Brother-in-law Marcus to help his sister Nikola & protect her while tracking down the serial killer there first meeting, sizzling hot attraction explodes like an inferno their chemistry to one another is one that will never burn out.
The triple homicide in Louisiana forces Mace & Nikola to work together on this case very thing about the case seems wrong so having a shifter have her back make her feel safe.
I definitely recommend to get this amazing interesting, engaging, entertaining book it won't disappoint so well worth the read I would for sure read more by this author extremely well written held my interest to the end.

924 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2021
Mace by M. A. Gonzales is the second book in the Nightshade Falls series and it had me HOOKED! Mace and Nikola are FIRE!

For starters, I just want to state for the record that the world building continues to blow. My. Mind! It is rife with detail, rich in drama and intrigue, and this beautifully weaves in the story that we follow as we get to witness one HECK of an emotional rollercoaster ride of a journey that Mace and Nikola go on!

Nikola is feisty and fiery and I loved her attitude and also her vulnerability, which she hid, but her love for those that she cares about? Beautiful.

Mace is grumpy, growly, hard, confident and her also a curmudgeon, and a brilliant example of still waters run deep, because the man has layers for days, and I loved watching them be revealed and unravel!

The CHEMISTRY sparks and sizzles and draws you into every encounter, every moment. The heat level between these two is seriously off the charts, and intermingled with everything they're trying to discover, trying to understand, trying to fight for and against, it is utterly DELICIOUS!

The will they won't they, the push and pull, the friction, the passion, all of it adds up to an addictive story I couldn't put down, and I know it'll be the same for you! So, dive in and get immersed in this decadent paranormal romance!

P. S. Those SHMEKSHAY times? HAWT!
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,321 reviews60 followers
Read
May 4, 2021
This was Mace and Nikola's story. There is a series theme that takes place alongside it.
Nikola is a vamp and a Marshall but her species faces some seriously heavy-duty prejudice not only from the humans but other species as well - That was a new twist for me - Not that vamps and shifters were enemies more the level and reasons for the hatred.
She is on assignment to find and stop a possible serial killer rogue or expose what may be a radical anti-vamp terrorist group
And lucky Mace is her "partner"

This is my first time with this author and/or this series. It was easy to understand the series storyline that was running in the background as well as connect to all the characters. I am curious now though about the previous siblings so I will be going back to their story. Anywho enough rambling

This is packed with mystery and suspense- some intense "Holy Smokes" moments - I would lean toward a suspect then end up in an entirely different direction
The chemistry between Mace and Nikola was explosive - pretty much from when they first "encountered" (yeah there is a whole story there) each other
Loved the way Mace's bear was so protective and the back and forth battle between him and Mace
Nikola was a solid heroine with a brain to boot!
Profile Image for Mrs. Clare.
117 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2021
Mace is book #2 in the Nightshade Falls series by M. A. Gonzalez. I was given this as an advanced reader copy and not having read the first book, Markus, I decided to go back before starting Mace. I'm very glad I did, because while the books stand alone in terms of the romance, it was nice to have an idea of the characters, and Markus gave us quite a bit of backstory on Mace and his family, as well as Nikola and her family, that I would have been missing out on, had I not started from the beginning.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit longer than the first, which was my main disappointment with Markus. There was a lot more to the story outside the romance in Mace, and I enjoyed that. And don't worry, it did not detract from the smoking hot chemistry and totally steamy intimate scenes between Mace and Nikola.

However, as with my reading of Markus, I wanted more. Ms. Gonzales has crafted a world where supernaturals of all varieties are known to humans and I felt that she really could have expanded on that and given an incredible amount of depth to the stories. Even still, I did enjoy this book as a light, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Autum (Escape between the Covers).
205 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2021
Nikola is a US Marshal and a vampire, who is given a case by her boss. So she goes to visit her brother and his mate a tiger shifter who's become her best friend. Except when she shows up, she encounters her brother's best friend Mace. Who is actually her sister-in-law's brother. Even during that brief encounter, the attraction is there. When Nikola asks for her brother's help with the case. Mace ends up volunteering to go with Nik and keep her safe.

The two head into a different territory to investigate, we meet a Sobeck clan. Mace gets a first-hand look at how vamps are treated at times. I love how protective he becomes on her behalf. Together they work to uncover the secrets around the case. While giving in to their attraction to each other. It was a great story and I can't wait to read more from the author and of this series.
Profile Image for Genie Dawkins.
12 reviews
May 6, 2021
Let me just start off by saying I've been waiting for Nikola and Mace's story since I met the characters in the book Markus. The author did not disappoint. Nikola and Mace light up the pages from the moment they met in person. Let's just say they take each other by surprise since Mace assumes Nikola is sneaking into both of their sibling's homes. He jumps the gun and she promptly pulls the trigger. From this moment the story takes form when Nikola, as US Marshal is given the assignment in New Orleans to find a killer. She needs backup and since her brother can't go Mace volunteers. As they are working on finding the killer their mate bond becomes stronger even when they are in denial. If you love shifter romance novels this is a must-read similar to T.S. Joyce, Rebecca Zanetti, Sherilyn Kenyon, and Nalani Singh. But this book is in a world of its own that leaves you wanting more.
1,111 reviews5 followers
May 5, 2021
Ok let me start with a little confession here, i love love love bear shifters, like put a bear on the cover and I’m wanting to read it. So you can see why this book captured my attention. I was expecting and looking forward to the normal bear shifter romance formula (which as I have admitted I love), Grr growly bear, hot mate, happy bear. However What I got was so much more. This had so much depth. I felt like i was actually meeting the characters rather than just reading about them.

Then there was the fact that the mystery and suspense of what was occurring in the story outside the relationship was just intense and fantastic.

This is a book where my only complaint was that it ended. Absolutely fantastic and I both want and need more.
8 reviews
May 5, 2021
Steamy paranormal romance with a bit of mystery and intrigue to keep things interesting. Would definitely recommend.

Nikola is a vampire US Marshall who is assigned to investigate a serial killer, and Mace is a Kodiak bear shifter who ends up being her partner in the investigation. There is an instant attraction between them and while trying to navigate the various twists and turns of the case this attraction just continues to grow. The romance is steamy, the story keeps you guessing and the banter between the main characters is engaging. There is a lot of suspense throughout this book and the storyline keeps you guessing. I loved the both Mace and Nikola's characters and hope there is a next book in this series
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
May 4, 2021
Gave Nikola the perfect match in Mace

Nikola, a vampire member of the Marshals, is surprised by Mace, a Kodiak bear shifter, when she goes to visit her brother and his mate. As the story progresses a reluctant alliance is formed, trust is questioned at the wrong time, and placing all the pieces of the puzzle together may not come in time to save them. M. A. Gonzales gave Nikola the perfect match in Mace and created a number of directions for the series to grow. I really love this series and her Dark Tide Chronicles series which is a darker series and can’t wait for more books to come from this author.
Profile Image for Jessica.
655 reviews49 followers
May 9, 2021
I love a good shifter romance! I haven't read one of these in a while and this book did not disappoint. I loved how it involved characters from book 1, getting to see more of Markus and Zoey was great. I loved both Mace and Nikola in this story. Mace was just plain alpha male hotness and Nikola was such a badass.

I also really liked how this was a romance but also had an overarching kind of mystery plot which really kept my interest! I can't wait for the next book in this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Brenda.
684 reviews22 followers
May 3, 2021
WOW. Just WOW.

I think Mace is by far my favorite M.A Gonzales novel.
True to M.A Gonzales fashion, you get super hot sex scenes that'll definitely ignite your kindle, but the suspense and mystery element will leave you guessing.
The characters are incredible, strong and their chemistry is off the charts.

Mace is an interspecies paranormal romance, that'll have you on the edge of you seat fanning yourself.

I've kept this review vague for a reason,  I went in blind, and don't want to ruin it of anyone.
Profile Image for Fallen Star Book Reviews.
579 reviews39 followers
May 5, 2021
If you enjoy shifter romance or paranormal romance then this is the book for you. Nikola is Makus’s sister who comes by for a visit before heading out on a case. She meets Mace while there and you can feel the chemistry between the pair. Unfortunately neither wants anything to do with that they have more important things but fate will have the last day. Overall it was a good read and the author provides a wonderful paranormal story for the readers.
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,544 reviews61 followers
May 5, 2021
Hello? How come no one told me about this author? When I first read the blurb for this book, something was telling I should give a chance. Well, I can report that I'm glad I did. Mace has paranormal romance, romantic suspense, a bad a$$ vampire U.S.Marshall and of course, the bear who loves her. I loved all these elements mixed together and I can't wait to see what's next from this amazing author.
565 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2021
This book was so freaking HOT! Mace and Nikola were so good. I love how the book started with them fighting. I loved when his bear went “crazy” and burst from him. The story line was so original. M.A. has created a paranormal world that I want to be a part of. I loved how Mace was in awe of the kindred mates and wanted what his sister had with Nikolas brother. I will be re-reading this book again and again.
Profile Image for Jackie.
918 reviews32 followers
May 7, 2021
I enjoyed Nikola and Mace’s story. Mace and Nikola are attracted to each other from the very beginning. Even when they first meet and there’s a misunderstanding the attraction is instant.
I like how Mace is a shapeshifter. His bear likes solitude and Nikola is a vampire. They’re love scenes are hot. They are investigating murders and end up going together.
There’s suspense and edge of your seat moments. I recommend this series. Each book can be read as a standalone.
650 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2021
I won't deny that I have been waiting for this book since reading the first book in the series and also because I'm getting addicted to M.A.G's writing. But when Mace and Nikola meet is the best meeting ever!!! It just set the whole tone of the book and you just knew there was going to be tension, arguments and passion while solving a case (; I highly recommend this book and book 1 if you haven't read it! *ARC provided by Grey's Promo, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
2,507 reviews11 followers
May 11, 2021
If you are shifter or vampire book fan, then you are in for a treat with this one. You get both for the price of one. This is book 2 in this series and just as good as the first book. In the first one we had Markus and Zoey and in this one we have Nikola who is Markus’ sister and Mace who is one of Zoey’s brothers. Talk about steamy.... brings a whole new meaning to “we’re meant to be together”...
84 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2021
I love paranormal romance and I love it even more when they are two different species getting together! Nikola is a vampire while Mace is a bear shifter and the chemistry between the two is off the charts steamy! The story is so good, it's filled with tension and suspense. I could not put this book down! ❤❤❤❤❤
Profile Image for Megan Klose.
567 reviews3 followers
May 8, 2021
Great next book

Nikola is a us Marshall sent on a case and when her brother can’t help her out his friend Mace volunteers for the job. The two have plenty of chemistry and the story is great. Love this authors writing and the shifter/vampire characters. Great paranormal romance. Cant wait for more in the series.
Profile Image for Krystin Rowley.
443 reviews6 followers
May 12, 2021
This is book 2 in an interconnected series, I didn’t read book one, and I was not lost.

This book is almost a fated mate book, however it has a twist.. they aren’t the same type of supernatural!
There is a LOT of spice & the plot is one that kept the pages turning! Overall, I had a great time with this book!
Profile Image for Jacinta.
205 reviews
May 6, 2021
Who doesn't love a bear shifter story? Or a lovely romance story with a HEA. This book has both with a vampire and a great story line thrown in for good measure. I enjoyed this installment in the series very much and I hope that it continues.
606 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2021
Mace and Nikola have chemistry that’s off the charts!! This book has suspense, a group who’s put to frame vampires as vicious murderers, injustice, the building of attraction and steam!! Let’s not forget that Mace’s sister’s mate sister should be off limits. Was an fantastic read!!
1,641 reviews6 followers
May 11, 2021
Mace is the second book in the Nightshade Falls series and it's so, so good. I enjoyed this one as much as the first book. Mace and Nikola are amazing together and really good characters. Just like the storyline a lot.
Profile Image for Chasidy Martin.
43 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2021
This book is one of the best shifter books I have read! It is smokin hot and action packed. There is so much more to the story than their attraction for each other! It is a must read!!
Profile Image for Shirin Rasheed.
2,593 reviews40 followers
May 12, 2021
Mace by M.A. Gonzales is a page turning read. I Really Loved and Enjoyed reading it.

The Story keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I Highly Recommend all Readers to one Click and read it now.
Profile Image for Kelly Simpson.
615 reviews15 followers
May 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me hooked from start to finish with a lot of steam!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.