Review: Cat and Vampire Mating. . .
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 23, 2014
It wasn't until someone on the Amazon paranormal forum mentioned a boxed set and that it included 'MANDY'S STORY' that I perked up and checked to see if D'Elen McClain has another book out.  I have no idea how I missed that, and here it is March andFang Chronicles: Dmitri (Fang Chronicles Book Five)been out since December.In previous stories Dmitri was protective of his bears, always there for them, and a comic influence around Honey in Mandy's Story.  In this book we get an in depth look at Dmitri, his lost love, his life story which includes his honesty in admitting his bloodlust and how ashamed he was at killing so many innocents.  He isn't perfect and admits it to Nikki and the Alpha Bear - And as the story unfolds, we learn just how deep those contacts are and how important they are to Dmitri's control.  The bears respect Dmitri for his control and abilities.  In turn, Dmitri honors and dedicates himself to his bears.  They have each other's back, even as they go to war.To add in a little wiggle, cat Tayla is also interested in Dmitri and throws a wrench in between Nikki and Dmitri's 'courtship'.  Tayla was introduced in a previous book and is headstrong, underage, abused and sexually used in the past.  In the process she has some mental gaps between what she feels she's deserved and what she gets.  She wants Dmitri and will do everything she can to get him.  There's angst and conflict but the story is written without a love triangle (I personally hate love triangles) - Tayla is just too young and unstable to be in the running.  Dmitri and Nikki have eyes only for each other and you know this is only about them.So while Dmitri's life and relationship with Nikki is a big part of this book, the plot includes the North American Packs preparing for war.  There is a conclusion and yes the characters from the previous stories are brought back in.  We see more than little cameos from a few of them.  Amy is especially notable -- She is working hand in hand with her husband, now more mature, and stepping in to lead as a vampire.  We also get some conclusion on Ivan, not anything in depth, but enough to know where his life is headed.SPOILER:The tidbit on Ivan and Tayla . . . As I was reading,  I thought once Tayla was out from under pack protection, she'd be planning revenge - That she'd cause destruction and havoc for losing Dmitri.  Despite predictions of Tayla and her ability to destroy. . . We don't hear a thing until she calls and Ivan is with her.  We don't know if her wounds healed properly or if she sought help.  Ivan was off fighting so he doesn't find her until days if not weeks later.  So we hear they're mates but they're verbally fighting.  She's still underage and as honorable as Ivan is, I know he won't act on the attraction until she's old enough.  At least I hope he won't.  OH what a tidbit!It sounds like Tayla isn't enamored of him, even if they are mates.  Maybe his rejection is enraging her or she's now under his thumb and can't get away with anything.  I'd be curious to see how this unfolds -- At this point I can't see Tayla being an alpha mate in supporting Ivan.  I picture her as too immature, still wrapped up in her past, selfish, and unable to think of others before herself.  I can't see her giving her love to Ivan after being so fixed on Dmitri.  I also can't see her staying at home and caring for Ivan's twins, which we now know will eventually go back to him.  At this point in her life Tayla isn't mother material.A great continuation to the series. -- Dan's Wife