★★★ @CarrieAnnRyan #HuntedinDarkness
Aspen is a broken pack trying its best to recover. From a tortured Beta to an abused and nearly killed several times Alpha, Aspen is not looking like a good bet. This could be why the vampires are after Chase, the Alpha. Chase is a man who pays for the sins of his father. It is a doozy too. This is book two in the series and a spin-off of another series. It can be read as a standalone. I recommend reading at least the first book in this series for a better frame of reference.
This is a dark and broody paranormal romance with danger around every corner. Chase does not feel comfortable in his own skin yet. When Skye comes from the Redwood pack to help out, sparks fly. The interaction between Skye and Chase is a bit frustrating because of the half-truths and lies they tell each other. Apparently, in the shifter world here, it is okay to find comfort in others' arms whilst waiting to find a mate. There are no issues as long as the couple involved is clear about their intentions and communicate upfront. Yet Skye and Chase awkwardly hook up. Each of their actions makes me cringe. Because from the outside looking in, it does not look good. It looks like they are ashamed of their liaison.
Whilst this dysfunctional mating dance is going on, the vampires are on the offense. Bad things are happening - supposed allies are ghosting, some of the witches are bitches, and betrayals come out of the left field. This is crushing for Chase to handle by himself. Luckily for him, Skye is a helper. Their courtship seems to be smooth when they focus on their packs and defending them. The plot moves a bit further in this book yet still leaves several motives hidden from the reader (and the packs). This story ends in a bit of a celebration with a major battle win for the shifters. I am not sure they will succeed in winning the war. They lack intel, numbers, offensive strategy, and spies. This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who like fated mate themes fraught with peril.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
