5 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“How To Love Thine Enemy" by Eli Easton

I LOVE LOVE this series and was so excited to see that Easton wrote a 6th story in it!

This story weaves a captivating tale of forbidden love set against the backdrop of the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Drawing on legend and lore, Easton creates a unique world where sled dogs and humans, known as the Qimmig and the People, were once deeply bonded, until betrayal severed their ties.

The story follows Taq, a young Inuit, who witnesses a remarkable event - two men surviving a polar bear attack by shifting into dogs. This encounter challenges Taq's beliefs and forces him to question everything he thought he knew about the Qimmig, a mythical group of dog-men. When Taq is reunited with Cupun, a golden-eyed boy from his childhood, he realizes that their bond runs deeper than he ever imagined. However, their love is forbidden, as the Qimmig and the Inuit are not allowed to have any contact.

The setting becomes a character in its own right, adding depth and complexity to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of heart-pounding action and tender intimacy.

The romance between Taq and Cupun is the heart of the story, and Easton deftly portrays their journey from friends to lovers.

The themes of acceptance, loyalty, and the power of love are woven throughout the story, adding emotional depth and resonance. The Romeo and Juliet trope adds an element of forbidden love and tension, heightening the stakes for Taq and Cupun. The inclusion of doggie shifters adds a unique and enchanting element to the story, blending fantasy and romance seamlessly.

PUB Date: 4/17/23

This ARC was provided by @gayromancereviews for free in exchange for an honest review. ( )