4.5 stars, easily. I have an absolute special place in my readers heart for shifter/paranormal romances and this book is right up there with the best of them. I sat down to read for an hour and ended up devouring this. Devouring!
From the very first page, the characters, families, the drama, I was hooked. This wasn't reading a book, this was watching a film. It was easy to insert myself into the story and become completely invested in what was happening. Usually I am pretty good at figuring out the twists ahead, but this one? Nope. The gasps I gusped!! The 'one more chapter' lies I told myself. The depth of the world that the author has built is remarkable and I sincerely hope that this becomes a series. I see characters I want to learn more about, romances to be spun, and families to mingle among. On top of that, I need more backstories of the older characters. The glimpses we got of their past was such a delicious tease, I officially am requesting a prequel.
The only downside I found was I wanted more. More of the relationship building between our MC's, to be specific. Even if it added 100 pages, I would of liked to see more of the MMC's pack, the politics there in and the bonds they nurtured and put at risk. There was a small disconnect on that side of the story, where the coven got a bit more time and attention with their close family. I am a greedy reader, for sure, and this is the only reason this book didn't get that last half of a star. So near perfection and one of my top 10 reads of the year.
Sophie Stevens, your backlist and I have a series of dates ahead because ma'am, you are spectacular.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.