This one comes with a little author note saying it’s different from her usual style, and yep—she’s not wrong. But honestly? It works. You can see the raw talent, the bones of what makes Renee Rose so good now, already present in this earlier book. It’s a little darker, a little kinkier, and definitely bolder.
This is a full-on shifter romance with actual plot, not just “he’s your mate, now strip.” There’s business power plays, shady corporate enemies, dead brothers, a pack to lead, betrayal, and yes—a kidnapping AND a bomb. The twists come fast, and some of them actually got me, which is rare.
Now let’s talk about that early jump in the plot. Here’s the thing: the book is only around 200 pages, and because of that, we don’t get a slow warm-up. You get one good flirt scene, maybe a shared laugh… and then BAM—her sister’s kidnapped, she’s blackmailed, he kidnaps her in return, and we’re suddenly in Dom-mode spank city. No buildup. No soft transition. I needed lube for that scene. 🧴💀
I’m not saying it was bad—it was hot—but I wish we’d had a few extra chapters to build some emotional tension first. That way, the jump into kink would’ve landed smoother and felt more earned. Once you move past that initial "wait, what?" moment, though? Everything clicks. The dynamic deepens, the romance gets really good, and the action never lets up.
Also, if you’re a fan of dominant shifters, spanking-as-punishment, and those darker alpha/submissive power plays that Renee doesn’t really write anymore—this is 100% for you. Her modern books lean more contemporary, but this one is here to scratch that primal itch. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than half the “mate books” out there that have no plot and all vibes. This one brings heat and substance.
Recommended for: readers who want growly alphas, dangerous stakes, steamy discipline, and don’t mind a fast entry into the action. Just know—there’s no warm-up lap. 🐺🔥