Review: Quick Yet Compelling Shifter Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 9, 2014
In less than 50 pages Ms. Gray has created a surprisingly fully fleshed-out and compelling story full of angst and interwoven with a few super steamy encounters before its suspenseful ending that leaves the door ajar for more shifter stories.  With its story of reunited lovers, a physically scarred hero, and a nefarious plan from someone close to home, I found myself fully immersed in this story and rooting for the main couple to overcome adversity and reach their HEA.Fletcher's life has always been one of struggle as the scar and damage to his eye was seen as a weakness and had him cast out from his pack.  The only bright spot was the day he met, and was befriended by, Laney.  As she helped him become a part of her pack their relationship evolved from friends to lovers but his low self-esteem kept him from claiming her completely.  Her father fed into Fletcher's feelings of inadequacy forcing him away from her under a veil of threats that drove Fletcher to choices that hardened his heart.  Fletcher never stopped trying to protect her though and when he hears about a plan to kidnap her he makes it his mission to save her.  Their reunion doesn't go smoothly at first but he finally has the chance to redeem himself as he stands up to all those who once saw him as weak and he becomes an unexpectedly integral part of the pack.  Fletcher is ashamed by the violent man he became after being sent away but it's given him the strength to finally claim Laney completely in some very steamy interludes where he's a commanding presence.Laney is a kind-hearted and loyal heroine whose heart was broken when the shy boy she loved went away without a word.  In the intervening years it's hardened her heart and it makes for an emotionally charged reunion.  Just when she grasps some happiness with Fletcher she's thrown into a whirlwind of betrayal by someone close to her that might end her HEA before it begins.  Laney is an admirable heroine who only asks for honesty.  She sticks up for herself but is willing to listen too which made her the perfect match for Fletcher.I enjoyed Fletcher and Laney's relationship as adults but wish we'd gotten a bigger glimpse of their time together as teens.  Seeing their deepening connection through the years would've made their loss even more poignant.  The sexual interludes were nicely spaced throughout the story too and showed Fletcher's evolution into an Alpha which set up the surprising and immensely satisfying ending.  From start to finish this was a compelling and emotional journey that introduced a mysterious and appealing secondary character and a villain whose ending is left undone.  For being a story short on words it's definitely not short on entertainment and I hope Ms. Gray will revisit these shifters soon.