Touch of Temptation (Hqn)
In this densely layered sixth Primal Instinct urban fantasy romance installment (after May 2010's Touch of Surrender), an abundance of intricate backstory threatens to submerge the action-packed main arc. Werewolf Kellan Scott, the emotionally scarred youngest of his pack, is determined to protect his heart, which means he has to keep it casual with attractive witch Chloe Harcourt. But he quickly realizes Chloe represents the fulfillment of his deepest hidden longings, leaving him both fascinated and terrified. Meanwhile, Chloe thinks their passion is just a symptom of her sex-seeking Merrick heritage and the Mallory witch curse, which amplifies the emotions of people who come near her. Raw, passionate sex will thrill the reader as much as the protagonists, and Byrd's world-building is stellar, but the story frequently has to claw its way out from under a confusing heap of plot points and excessively detailed life histories. (Nov.)  (c)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.