I’ve been reading Delta James’ stories for several years now. I read them because they are entertaining. They are steamy with a guaranteed HEA… after appropriate challenges so that the couples come to value what they’ve found, to not take it for granted. Also, many/most of them are rooted in DF’s imagination, not reality. Leave the ‘real world’ behind. They are set in places I likely will never travel to, except via books. I still learn something about the setting, a culture, a custom. It can be a real temptation to search the internet for more info about places & customs. There may be some hints at more real world issues, but not always, and never overshadowing the story. As I said, they are entertaining and leave the real world behind…
Till now.
Shadow Mate, Mystic Rivers book 10, is STILL all of the above. I loved the story for all the reasons I always love Delta James stories.
But for me, for this time, for some reason, Shadow Mate struck another deeper chord.
We’ve seen Colby & Brie in earlier stories. And, there are plenty of updates with earlier couples as the story arc races to its climax.
Colby & Brie are fated mates (NOT a spoiler 🤪🤣😉).
This time around, we get a much deeper sense of WHY Brie has resisted the bond so fiercely, so relentlessly. Sometimes we take up the burden of our parents, not their legacy. We focus on one goal, one path, without taking into account that we can make room, make peace with letting someone in, letting love in, to enrich the journey. Can you see beyond the traditional role to accommodate the adjustments that can lead to real happiness, not just fulfillment? It can be a struggle in itself. And Brie is struggling, fighting herself just as hard as she fights Colby. And Colby… what a guy! He aches after every bitter encounter, yet, loves Brie enough to still support & encourage her as she figures things out.
Loved these two!
So… if you want a story that’s exciting, steamy, amazing, grab & enjoy Shadow Mate. If you want a story with a deeper meaning to think about… grab & enjoy Shadow Mate. And don’t forget the Bonus!
The overall story & world will continue. I can hardly wait! Thank you Delta James!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.