Let me start by saying – YAY a new shifter series by a new (to me) author!

Tanner is the alpha-to-be for his pack, 23 when he meets Finley, a 16 year-old, new member of his pack. They know instantly that they are mates, and the chemistry between them is explosive.

In the shifter world, Tanner and the young Finely could be expected to immediately mate one another (finding one’s mate is an amazing gift after all) Tanner feels that Finely is too young and wants to wait til he’s at least “legal” in the eyes of human law.

Though he hates the wait, Finely agrees and the two “date” for two years. When his 18th birthday comes and goes without moving forward in the mating process, Finely gets mad and tries to get even. He goes out to clubs, tries to seduce Tanner, does everything he can to convince him that he’s old enough to know his own heart.

Tanner has had a bad experience with young mates later regretting their decision, and has some hang-ups about the way he’s meant to claim Finely as alpha-heir. So he resists. And resists. And resists. Until Finely can’t take it any more and throws out an ultimatum: I’m going away and finding someone else to mate if you don’t come after me and claim me.

Well… Tanner doesn’t take that news very well, but still doesn’t claim him. It takes an emergency with Finely for him to come to his senses and go after his mate.

When they finally do come together it’s magical –literally! – and well worth the wait!

**

I really, really loved this book. It was awesome! I had some gripes – sure – but mostly I devoured this from start to finish.

The hot times were super hot. Finely was a hoot! I loved that they spent time in their wolf forms (so many shifter stories only play lip service to their other sides) and I loved that they were shifters first and humans second.

Both families and the grandparents (grandpaw!) were hysterical and I really enjoyed their interactions and input.

What I didn’t love was the amount of time spent waffling. Why can’t I claim him later? But I want him now… but he’s too young… but I want him now… but he’ll be disappointed later… but he wants it now… There was a LOT of this and too much in my opinion.

I also didn’t love the time spent with Jamie. (Jamie is a shifter out in Oregon who agrees to date Finely for a bit, and who ultimately forces Tanner to see the light of day). It felt very close to cheating – and that is not my thing at all. But… everyone was appropriately contrite afterwards and it did kick Tanner in the butt – finally!

I thought the ending was amazing! I loved that take on the bonding process – it’s a surprise – but it was awesome!

All I can say is that I’ve found a new shifter series and a new author to follow! I can’t wait for Jamie’s story next!

4.5 of 5 stars

Audio

This showing up on audible absolutely made my day! I LOVE this series and having Joel do the narration was the icing on the cake!

Joel is gifted at understanding the nuances of emotion and really getting into a scene. He gives each of the many people a unique voice and character. He absolutely nailed the “mine” sentiment and anguish that we see when Finn and Tanner are together or when they’re apart.

This is absolutely the best way to enjoy this story (even the parts in the middle which dragged a bit 😉 ! (The hot times – whooooeee – those were outstanding in audio!)

Highly recommended!

5 of 5 stars