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Motley Crewd Shifters #1

Cowboy Devil's Embrace

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He’s been looking for someone to hold on to. She’s been waiting for the right guy.

This Jersey Devil has a jaded past. Too many loveless affairs, sleazy backroom deals, and an overall loss of his love for life has led Maximillian Leeds to one conclusion.

He needs a change.

What could be more different for a city slicker than buying a ranch in Northern New Jersey?

There’s just one problem. He has no idea how to run a farm/ranch/thing.

What’s he even supposed to do on a horse?

An announcement in a supernatural newsletter gets him a misfit group of lone Shifters that all have one thing in common. They each need an anchor to settle their beasts.

Good thing the Motley Crewd Ranch is fully insured.

Thinking he’s made a big mistake, Max changes his tune when he meets his fated mate at the Devil’s Food Bakery.

The pouty-lipped maker of decadent delights makes his mouth water.

Can this Jersey Devil convince the curvy baker to be his?

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

15 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

C.D. Gorri

407 books1,919 followers
C.D. Gorri is a USA Today Bestselling author of steamy contemporary & paranormal romance & urban fantasy.

She is the creator of the Grazi Kelly Universe.

Join her mailing list here: https://www.cdgorri.com/newsletter

An avid reader with a profound love for books and literature, when she is not writing or taking care of her family, she can usually be found with a book or tablet in hand. C.D. lives in her home state of New Jersey where many of her characters or stories are based. Her tales are fast paced yet detailed with satisfying conclusions.

If you enjoy powerful heroines and loyal heroes who face relatable problems in both contemporary and supernatural settings, journey into C.D. Gorri's Universe today.

You will find sassy, curvy heroines and sexy, love-driven heroes who find their HEAs between the pages. Werewolves, Bears, Dragons, Tigers, Witches, Romani, Lynxes, Foxes, Thunderbirds, Vampires, and many more Shifters and supernatural creatures dwell within her worlds. The most important thing is every mate in this universe is fated, loyal, and true lovers always get their happily-ever-afters.

Want to know how it all began? Enter the Grazi Kelly Universe with Wolf Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel or pick up Charley's Christmas Wolf and dive into the Macconwood Pack Novel Series today.

For a complete list of C.D. Gorri's books visit her website here:

https://www.cdgorri.com/complete-book...

Thank you and happy reading!

del mare alla stella,
C.D. Gorri

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5 stars
56 (82%)
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10 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Kirsten_BookRants.
295 reviews18 followers
September 26, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️ (Slowish burn)

Received an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first supernatural/shifters book (unless Twilight counts lol). I was really intrigued by the concept and the cover definitely helped a little too.

Max's ranch hands were a great combination. Just the right amount of humor I needed and I definitely looking forward to reading more about them. Plus the groups budding brotherhood (Emmett is my favorite ✌🏾).

I enjoyed the premise of this story Max having to function on his own, and Penelope coming into her own, plus getting some much needed loving.

Save a horse ride a cowboy, as a whole new meaning with this book. Because meow 🥵. Max made Penelope feel good. But boy I was happy to be a fly on the wall through being a reader. The spice was spicy!

Avery was the star of the show for me, she was so funny. I loved every chapter she was in. And I look forward to hopefully reading about her happy ending.

This book was short, spicy and to the point. I read it in a couple of sitting and I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
4,678 reviews9 followers
September 13, 2024
This was a wonderful start to a new Series. This story has a Jersey Devil that has to prove himself to his Grandmother to keep his inheritance. It seems it has been set in motion before he even agrees to the proposition his Cousin Avail Leeds ("Marked By The Devil") and his Grandmother Leeds has set forth. He actually has to do work, with his own hands for him to succeed. When he starts to make the ranch his own with his new shifter crew, It is like his Devil is making this "his home" and "his new, extended family" and the "new him".
Stephanie has been used by her Ex-husband and now he wants to take half her bakery business. He has constantly used her, berated her and now harassing her for more, even though he is re-married. She thinks she has wasted her chance for a husband, children and even love. Then he walks into her bakery, she feels something she has never felt before and it is strong with a feeling that he saw her and liked it.
There is a small problem, maybe a "few" small problems. He is a Jersey Devil and with no mate yet, he will loose control, she is a human with no knowledge of the supernatural......And all the complications that go with all this.
This was an amazing story, a well-crafted world and a variety of intriguing characters that I cannot wait to read thir stories in this series. The characters have uniquely wonderful personalities, have intriguing histories, and great interactions. A Must read Story!!
2,023 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2024
What a great start to a new book series. This story got my appetite wet for more of this Montley Crewd pack. A mixture of Jersey Devil, wolf , bear, bull, dragon shifters needing to find their fated mates to tame their wild beasts. I loved how the shifters rallied around their alpha unexpectedly and helped explain and calm his mate after she learns of shifters. Even though they squabbled, they had eachothers back. I can't wait for more.
Penny is recently divorced from a total dung heep. She worked multiple jobs to put him through school, he cheated on her throughout their marriage, and he made her feel bad about her weight. She's a baker with her own bakery, she's stronger than she gives herself credit for, and is sassy as any Jersey girl.
Max is a Jersey Devil shifter. He's a playboy and a city slicker, but he needs to find his One to tame his inner beast. He's not happy that his family is forcing him to run a ranch , in New Jersey to boot, and do a lot of the work too. He knows nothing of ranching or working on one. He lucked out finding a crew that has experience and looks up to him being their alpha, something else that new to him. When he meets Penny at her bakery, he know she the One and he must make her his.
Profile Image for Jourdan Pettit.
24 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2024
Grab your favorite warm fall drink, light a cinnamon scented candle, and get cozy with this book!

Forced to purchase and relocate to a ranch in Jersey, Max has no idea what to do with a farm. Lucky for him, his new found family can show him the ropes! And that they do! This crew learns and grows together.

Penelope is getting back on her feet after a very bad divorce, feeling down on herself, and in need of a change. Her bakery is a labor of love, and she won't let her ex take it from her.

Together, Max and Penelope are steamy and red-hot. They bring out each others inner Devils in so many ways!

I loved this steamy romance and couldn't put it down. Not only were the characters hot and spicy, but they were funny and relatable, too. I'm so excited to learn more about the whole crew as this series continues!
803 reviews6 followers
September 24, 2024
How do you start a series with a bang, with a Jersey Devil named Max. Add in a crew of cowboy shifters and Ms. Gorri nailed it. Max has been given an ultimatum by his grandmother to get a rundown ranch up and running, or lose his inheritance. Things don't start off well but meeting his mate changes everything. Penelope is divorced and her ex is still causing her problems. When Max walks through her bakery doors, he's almost enough to make her forget all her problems. Trust is an issue for her and Max will have to be patient with her if he wants to hold on to her. This was absolutely an amazing read. I can't wait for the rest of the men to meet their other halves. This is my honest opinion of an advanced copy I received.
1,897 reviews6 followers
September 22, 2024
This was amazing!! I absolutely love fated mates romances and this is one of the best, it’s a must read! Maximilian is a jersey devil shifter who lives an entitled lifestyle. Grandma Leeds decides this comes to an end now and sends him to run a ranch on their family land. He has no idea what he’s doing and forms a ‘Motley Crew’ of other shifters in their own pack to get the ranch running. A visit to the local bakery puts him face to face with baker Penelope, she is his mate and now he needs to explain that to her while running his ranch and protecting her from her ex. Hot, steamy, fun story with amazing chemistry, found family, a little danger, suspense and a wonderful HEA
1,491 reviews11 followers
September 15, 2024
Super funny, super sexy, super steamy!

The entertainment level is off the charts with this amazing story from Ms Gorri’s new series.

You won’t be disappointed, everything about this story screams, fun, sexy moments and great characters with personalities that jump out at you leaving you wanting more!

You can feel that this ‘Motley Crew’ are going to be pure sin as each find their fated mates and HEA.

Lovers of PNR are going to love this series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books93 followers
September 17, 2024
Book: Cowboy Devil's Embrace: A Fated Mates Paranormal Shifter Romance
Author: C.D. Gorri
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
Maximillian Leeds time as a self-entitled devil is coming to an end.
Grandma Leeds has had enough so if he doesn't do as requested he will lose it all.
Well, this city slicker won't know what hits him till it does.

Stephanie is being hounded for more money, half her business too by her deadbeat ex-husband. What to do...

Get yourself a Cowboy Devil.

This story is funny, and HOT! Great start to a new series.
Profile Image for Kimberly Walters.
722 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2024
I love everything C.D. Gorri, so of course I had to read this book!
My younger self would've absolutely devoured this book back then, and as I've grown, I've drifted away from paranormal, but when it comes to C.D. Gorri, I can't turn away from a book.
And I'm glad I didn't because I literally devoured this book!
Grab your favorite warm fall drink, your lap blanket, and get cozy with this book because this is the perfect fall read.
Our characters are not only hot and spicy, but funny and relatable as well.
I'm so excited to learn more about the whole crew as this series continues!
399 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2025
This is a well written, fast paced story. There is never a dull moment. Poor Penny didn't know what she was getting into when she kissed Max. He didn't know what he was getting into when he to the ranch. The other men add some humor to this story. I got the audio for this book and the voice inflections were perfect for this fantastic book! It leads into the next shifter, but is not a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Teri Ruscak.
2,134 reviews19 followers
September 12, 2024
C.D. Gorri
Cowboy Devil's Embrace: A Fated Mates Paranormal Shifter Romance (Motley Crewd Shifters Book 1)
Max and Penelope
A Jersey Devil story! I loved the first one, and am SO happy Ms Gorri wrote another! This one is awesome, and I definitely recommend it to all PRN lovers out there.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
47 reviews
September 24, 2024
Hot for the Devil

Loved this group of misfit paranormals . It was nice to see Max get a reality check and learn more about himself and to help others. The dynamic between Max and Penelope was funny and endearing. Especially also how her best friend stood up for her. Looking forward to the next cowboy!
Profile Image for April Berry.
Author 28 books179 followers
September 27, 2024
This book had me giggling and grinning all the way through! I’m a sucker for fated mates and insta love! I loved how the rich playboy (who is also a shifter) had to learn to do some manual labor to keep his inheritance and learn to work with others! The MFC, Pen, is lovable curvy girl with a hint of sass! This was so cute, fun, and spicy! Can’t wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Stephanie  Hale.
265 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2024
Wonderful Beginning

Great start to a wonderful series. I love the way Avail was a small part of the story, and the Grandmother of Devils. I love the fact that all these outcasts need each other and they are becoming a family. Great storyline. Can't wait for the series to continue.
Profile Image for Diana Page.
1,153 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2025
Jersey Devil gets his Mate !

Loved Max and Penelope’s story ! If anyone deserved a second chance at love it was her ! Grandmother Leeds is my favorite scary head of household , she’s fierce and not to be trifled with ! Excellent storyline and I can’t wait to read more on the Crew and see them get their mates ! 5✨’s
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
5,048 reviews64 followers
September 27, 2024
Max is a bad, bad devil at the start. He’s a lazy playboy just living off his inheritance until his grandmother threatens to cut him off. Max moves to the middle of nowhere New Jersey to own a ranch on his grandmother’s urging. Henry has a motley crew of shifters to help him run the ranch. Then Max meets Penelope, a curvy baker and his fated mate. Penelope has her own set of insecurities because of her past. Will Max be able to win Penelope over before it is too late?
193 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2024
It was so cute!!! I fell in love with the MMC so hard when he got the ranch and just couldn't figure his way around it. I fell EVEN HARDER when he didn't give up, and he fell in love with it. And then also, my dude is a CRYPTID?!!? Yep! New book bf! 10/10 recommend!
Profile Image for Lori Hammons.
2,947 reviews30 followers
September 13, 2024
I love Max and Penelope's story. The drama gets amusing, and Penelope adjusts well to her state of being. I need more Motley Crewd!
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,337 reviews89 followers
September 13, 2024
Super spicy and passionate.. Surprises and lots of laughs.. I love how the crew supports Max!
409 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2024
Wow! Cd Gorri has yet again written a steamy fated mate tale. This woman’s imagination seems to be endless.
Profile Image for Melvena Asa.
1,789 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2024
WOW, what a great start to a new series. If you like your books hot put on oven mitts because this one will warm up your hands and let off a little bit of steam.
7 reviews
October 10, 2024
Fun reading

I enjoyed reading the book and learning new characters as well as the new Jersey devils story. The authors imagination created believable characters.
Profile Image for Kimberly Prytherch.
510 reviews17 followers
November 9, 2025
All the very best things! Shifters, fated mates, empowered women, and sexy cowboys. Loved every page!
Profile Image for Vanessa Hilario  Mata.
817 reviews19 followers
September 24, 2024
First and foremost I don’t really read paranormal books. But let me tell you that I love Cowboy Devil’s Embrace and it was a great start to a new series! Maximillian the new ranch owner and Penelope the curvy bakery owner have a fantastic relationship that is well crafted it this book. Highly Recommend!
Profile Image for Fran.
2,584 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2025
This is the first in the Motley Crewd series and it is awesome. Max is a true Jersey Devil shifter and when he is forced by his grandmother to become responsible by running a ranch he's not sure he can do it, considering he's never really worked a day in his life. Max is truly up the creek until he gets a crew together to help him. But meeting his true mate Penelope, Max realizes there isn't anything he can't do as long as she is by his side. Convincing her of that is another thing he has to do. This is just an awesome read, well written and fast paced, steamy and hilarious. I was laughing out loud at times. Once I started this I could not put it down. It is a feel good story throughout and I loved it. I can't wait for the rest of his crew to get their mates.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews