I think this is going to be my snarkiest review ever.

I want to preface this first with the fact that I overall liked this book. When I think about it, it has everything I could want in a shifter romance. It's got angsty desire and doubt, uncontrollable mate urges and bonding, and over the top love sprinkled with some fluff and very hot claiming sex.

But....the main character Vy was ridiculous. He had some valid concerns and complaints and there were several times my heart went out to him. However that really didn't negate his tendency to go drama queen. We get it, you're the freakin kuar!!! Sheesh. It's a wonder his dad ceded power to him at the ripe age of 28 cuz I felt he had the biggest chip on his shoulder and plenty of growing up to do.

The redeeming gem of this story is Robert. He is absolutely one of the best gentle giants ever. A freakin saint is what he was because every crazy quirk and tantrum Vy threw only further endeared him to Robert. Thank fuck for mate connections and pheromones right?? (Sorry - scuse my language). Vy could do no wrong in Robert's eyes. He literally found his vitriol cute!!

So the overall theme of this is control. The need to be in it, to have it, to exert this over every aspect of one's life. This was a constant struggle for both MC's. Of course they ultimately learn from each other when that very control is warranted and when it's ok to let go. Cardeno and Calmes are go-to authors for fluff and there were many, many parts that I enjoyed (please see first paragraph) - just be forewarned of eye roll inducing moments of cray cray.

Robert 4 stars Vy 2 stars = 3 stars ( )

It really hurts me to put 3 stars. Cardeno C and Mary Calmes are two of my favorite authors. I think they did a great job writing together. I just couldn't get into the characters too much and it didn't give me the wow factor like their other books. Chances are it is the fact that I feel overloaded on shifter books lately and not on their inability to produce pure genius (which they do on a regular basis). ( )

Can’t stand this anymore. Robert’s chapters are OK(ish), but Vy is like a bad toothache, driving me insane and tempting me to throw my iPad against the wall. I think I am done with MCs books ( )

That was an emotional roller coaster.

To be honest Vy as a character annoyed the crud out of me most of the book. But I adored Roberts character.

Vy just annoyed me bc he’s supposed to be this hotshot leader but he spends most of the book putting his arrogance first even when his second flat out tells him he needs better communication and interaction w his people. On the surface he cares about his people but not enough to really hear them and make them feel accepted. I get it and I get he doesn’t realise he’s doing it till later in the book and habits don’t change just bc you’ve finally realised they exist. But it made me a bit nuts. We do see a lot of how his mind works and watch him grow though so that countered most of the negs.

Robert had his own issues and grows a lot too. But his is more of a journey to accepting and loving himself so he can give himself fully to his mate.

I think Vy was meant to be the main focus but Robert steals the show big time.

And oh my goodness - ..... he jumped... through a window? - not an exact quote but that scene was gold! ( )

#TeamMaryCalmes

*slurps*