Review: Unique Story in the Shifter sub-genre
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 1, 2013
When I read the blurb on this one, I was struck with the thought that it might be something special and not in the ordinary way when it comes to all the shifter romances out there.  I'm glad I went with my gut feeling because it turned out that I was right.First off, this one is told from mostly Axton's perspective with a very few places that Leander's thoughts were given.  Leander's thoughts were generally only known from his reactions to Axton until the end.Secondly, this is a story told in isolation with only the two characters- Axton and Leander.  This could have ended in disaster if the characters hadn't worked.  Fortunately, not only did they work, they were brilliantly written.Next, I was struck by the voice and tone of the story.  It is almost poetic in ways because Axton's life has been narrowed down to an isolated existence and onto this scene walks larger than life Leander to steal Axton's breath away giving him something more to focus on than the basic thoughts of his wolf's mind.  And speaking of thinking like a wolf, I found this story refreshing because the werewolf character does indeed think like a werewolf.  The story is full of Axton's struggles to hold on to his human side, communicate with Leander and try to see things as Leander sees them.  He struggles because he either prefers his own way of thinking or he just doesn't get Leander.  It all made for an authentic feel in that I really was getting a wolf man's thoughts.And finally, the relationship dynamic which was what was at the center of this story was told in such a way that it slowly and tenderly wove its way from the relationship of gruff, reluctant neighbors, to comfortable companions to something more.  Axton is drawn to Leander all along, but he holds back because Leander is not gay and Leander doesn't know about werewolves.  Axton's anxiety eats away at him and the observant Leander sees the results of it- the jerky actions, nervousness and times with Axton pulls away from him inexplicably.  It was hard to see Axton's heart wounded whenever Leander, unaware the wolf is Axton, freaks out about the wolf and makes Axton realize more than ever that Leander will never accept him.The big scene near the end and what happened when Leander cottoned to the truth was absolutely captivating to read.  The happy for now ending left me wanting more.  I definitely recommend this to those who want a little something more from their m/m shifter romance and have the patience to give a story a chance to unfold.