This is the first book I've read by this author and I must say, I liked it!

World building is good, while in the beginning, it wasn't quite clear where the story situated itself, we got more bits and pieces to complete the picture. The scenes and environments that were described were clear and detailed.

Character development is truly the strong point of this installment. We get to know Pru and Dom on a very deep and intimate level, knowing their history, insecurities, hopes and fears. They work well together and I found it heartening to read how they would fall and eventually stand up stronger, together. Some parts were a tad too mushy for me, but all in all the romance level was top notch.

Pacing and flow were good, a nice balance between action and conversation. You pretty much got swept away by everything that happened and putting the book down was a big no-no.

The book itself was well written with near to no (noticeable) errors. And yes, there is sex described in this book (if that is important to you).

All in all, a series that I will surely continue reading! If you're in the mood for some shifter romance with a cast that's flawed, insecure and a tad broken? Then this is the book for you! ( )

Strong entry in the paranormal field. I liked the marriage of convenience start that this book had. There is good world building. It is set in some nebulous place. Maybe Earth but the paranormals are totally separate and humans play no role in the story at all. One love story set in an overarching intrigue and war plot. ( )

Definitely enjoyable. It felt a little crowded, like a lot of the social and political structure had to be glossed over because there wasn't room for a full background. Or I could just be used to too many 800-1000 page epics that have room to get you more heavily invested in all that. :) Regardless, she convinced me the background is there somewhere, even if we got a more shallow look at it than I'm used to, and that's something I'm OK with for the first book.

I really liked the relationship between Pru and Dom, and that they had relationships with other people and a friendship history with each other long before the romance started. I also like seeing a book couple *work* at their relationship like a real life couple, actively listening, trying to be respectful to each other, learning the places to compromise, instead of the drama'd up crazy you get sometimes. Also, Pru is clearly an introvert, who is allowed to stay that way instead of getting "fixed", and gets people related strengths in small group situations to balance the discomfort and dislike of attention from large crowds. Those strengths weren't always noticed or appreciated before, but she gets more chances to shine as the book goes on, and it's good to see done without some of the usual cliches.

Oh, and the people around them would notice them disappearing or being late for things when they stopped what they were supposed to be doing for private time which amused and pleased me. :) ( )

3.5 stars ( )

Interesting story.

Well written.

The Hero's previous mate was murdered and the heroine had been rejected for mating due to lack of ability to shift.

It is a realistic (allowing for the shifter storyline but within that world) look at being widowed, feelings of guilt but joy at finding someone new.

The heroine was in love with one of her perspective suitors particularly, he is devastated when she returns to their village mated to the Hero.

The reader sort of feels it serves him right as it felt like he was stringing her along but didn't feel she was good enough but we learn there was more to it than that so the author makes his situation, although of his own doing, sad for him.

The couple also really talked about things with each other which was refreshing.

Although they both have past relationship history they get together quite quickly then deal with residual feelings as the story progresses along with the enemy plot.

No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
There are brief references to their previous loves but not much detail.

Lots of potential for future books in series, lots of secondary characters and history of the village and other groups who are either at peace with this group or not.

HEA. ( )