Review: Intriguing Premise With a Compelling Hero
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 14, 2014
As a person with a disability who loves less than perfect characters, I was drawn to this story from the moment I read the synopsis.  Ms. Simons perfectly blended the usual paranormal mythos but added the twist of its hero being seen as disabled and genetically imperfect after a vicious attack by humans left his vocal cords permanently damaged and him having to use sign language and writing notes to express himself.  Though this is a short story it's long on entertainment and is surprisingly fully fleshed-out in depicting its main characters as well as future ramifications for current problems befalling the tiger shifters.Unlike other female tiger shifters, Alexis has been allowed to help her species by becoming a Tracker and capturing those shifters who've put their secret in jeopardy, as opposed to being forced into mating to keep them from becoming extinct.  She's an expert in her field where she's stronger than most men which is why she's so angry that her circumstances have suddenly changed.  She wants nothing to do with the Mating Run as she knows she has more worth than just for breeding and especially with the knowledge that the only man she wants is unable to fight for her.  With her entire future hanging in the balance though she decides to make a bold claim that will change the future for all tiger shifters in this emotionally intense and sensual story.Victor is an immensely appealing hero who has been on the fringe of their species since an attack took away his ability to speak.  He's seen as weak and damaged and is forbidden from mating for fear his weakness will be perpetuated.  Victor has been accepting of his fate, thinking that the only woman he wants will never be forced into mating, until the day everything changes.  Victor has always been supportive of Alexis, always there to comfort her and care about her.  He's been willing to hold back his true feelings about her so that she can decide who she wants and this compassion makes him even more endearing.  His mutism is dealt with believably yet subtly to enhance the storytelling and bind him and Alexis together in their own little world.These two likable characters bring out the best in each other.  They're never judgmental and always supportive of the other's capabilities.  The attraction between them has always been there and the ultimatum Alexis is given allows her the freedom to admit her true feelings and throw caution to the wind to change the Elder's, and other's, beliefs.  From start to finish this was a wonderfully entertaining beginning to what promises to be a sexy and compelling series.  With the introduction of intriguing secondary characters and a game-changing addition to the storyline I'm looking forward to the next installment in Ms. Simon's Tiger Shifter series and highly recommend this to fans of the paranormal.