I have loved the world building from A.M Rose for this series and the characters we have met. This book has the tough scenario of a one sided mating, where one feels like they have met their mate but the other doesn't and considering how strong the mating pull is, it's an awful thing to experience. Along with being the one who didn't feel connected to Helen, his daughter's mother, Mateo literally runs into his mate who just happens to be human. This has recently happened to the Council Leader and is less frowned upon but the elitist Kriila community will not be changed in a day. Vid works with the racers, ensuring they are fit, healthy and safe but it was not something a human would have been allowed to do, hence the illegal tattoos to make himself appear to be Kriila.
The couple have a lot to work through, with Mateo's troubles with Helen, Vid's big secret from the world, and Vid not feeling the intense and instant bond to Mateo. The light of the story is Piper, Mateo's daughter, who Vid is helping with flying lessons at the local rec centre. I really enjoyed the development of the relationship, how Mateo takes the time to let Vid make his own mind up about them, regardless of possible future pain for himself. He's going through so much at the moment, feeling guilt about both Helen and Piper, out of his depth with work and parenting, and then meeting his mate who doesn't feel the strong connection he does. He has lighter moments, the man is extremely inept when it comes to DIY with entertaining results (see epilogue) but Vid finds it totally endearing so all is not lost. It's an interesting read with the two different sides of mating when one is Kriila and one human. Vid takes everything in stride, knowing he feels something for Mateo but definitely nowhere near the scale that Mateo is on. He also has his secret to consider, with Kriila/human matings so rare, people are bound to talk and he can't afford for that to be revealed considering the possible ramifications still set as law.
It's an emotional read for these characters, with a lot of happy sweet and hot times but there are some tough moments too, and not just for the MC's. Piper and Fire are the light relief throughout and bring entertainment to the story. I hope this isn't the last we hear from this world that the authors have created, it's been such an enjoyable world to fall into with a different species and social standings than you may expect.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.