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The Devil's Claw #3
Into the Dawn
Determined to find out what happened to the man who raised him as his own, Ben is a man obsessed.
Using his adventure travel business as a cover for continuing his search long after everyone else has given up, he's not going to rest until he brings John home.
Except when distraction comes in the form of an irresistible tour guest, ready to call him out for pushing them too far and taking unnecessary risks, he's forced to decide what he really wants.
Does he want to ruin his life over ghosts from the past, or grab the future he never knew he wanted with both hands?
Dual POV, dark shifter romance. MF. Forced proximity, one bed, he falls first, and lots of steam!
Using his adventure travel business as a cover for continuing his search long after everyone else has given up, he's not going to rest until he brings John home.
Except when distraction comes in the form of an irresistible tour guest, ready to call him out for pushing them too far and taking unnecessary risks, he's forced to decide what he really wants.
Does he want to ruin his life over ghosts from the past, or grab the future he never knew he wanted with both hands?
Dual POV, dark shifter romance. MF. Forced proximity, one bed, he falls first, and lots of steam!
244 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2025
About the author
Reece Barden
34 books641 followersReece is a steamy paranormal romance author writing wickedly wild romance. She is currently working on the shifter romance series, The Shifters of Grey Ridge and the Steel Pack Alphas.
She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.
She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.
She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.
She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 11, 2025
Trunk, Trust, and Trouble: A Second-Chance Romance with Bite
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: ☺️🙁😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Duet Narration
🎧 Audiobook Review: Vanessa & Ben’s Story
A tense second-chance romance wrapped in family betrayal, forest secrets, and a mate bond that refuses to die.
---
🧍🏻♀️ The Heroine: Vanessa
Vanessa’s reintroduction is anything but gentle—she’s locked in the trunk of Ben’s car, kidnapped by the man who once dreamed of a future with her. Their bond as mates is frayed, tangled in years of estrangement and family enmity. Vanessa lives in a compound ruled by her ruthless father Rusty and violent brother Jed—both sworn enemies of Ben’s family. Though she’s not privy to all their secrets, Vanessa suspects they’re behind the disappearance of John, Ben’s father figure. Her loyalty is torn, her courage tested.
---
🧍🏽 The Hero: Ben
Ben works at Devil’s Claw, the bar run by his brother Evan. Abandoned as children, Ben and Evan were raised by John, a forest ranger who vanished while investigating the disappearances of three women. Ben’s mission is clear: uncover the truth and find John—dead or alive. His desperation leads him to Vanessa, the mate he never stopped loving, and the only person who might have access to the answers he needs.
---
📖 Plot Snapshot
Vanessa, caught between blood ties and a bond she can’t sever, agrees to a risky plan: she’ll return to her compound with Ben as her “captive,” hoping her family will lead them to John. Once inside, Ben uses his sharp instincts to assess the compound’s weaknesses, setting the stage for a daring escape. The stakes are high—not just for John’s survival, but for Vanessa and Ben’s fractured relationship.
---
👍 What Worked
• Emotional Complexity: Ben believes Vanessa chose her family over him, but her silence was rooted in fear—she knew they’d kill him if she defied them. This revelation adds emotional weight and nuance to their dynamic.
• Villain Shift: Jed, previously painted as the villain, is revealed to be a pawn under Rusty’s brutal rule. The shift in power dynamics adds depth to the clan’s internal tension.
• Ben’s Tactical Mind: Ben’s intelligence shines as he quickly evaluates the compound’s geography and security flaws. His strategic thinking adds realism and tension to the escape plot.
---
👎 What Fell Short
• Delayed Backstory: The slow reveal of Ben and Vanessa’s past makes it hard to emotionally invest early on. Their mate bond lacks context until midway through.
• Second-Chance Romance Fatigue: For readers who prefer a fully fleshed-out relationship from the start, the second-chance trope may feel frustrating—especially when emotional clarity is delayed.
---
🎙️ Narration Highlights
The duet narration format enhances the emotional resonance and tension:
• Michael Rutland (Ben): His deep, velvety tone captures Ben’s intelligence and vulnerability. Rutland’s delivery adds gravitas to Ben’s internal struggle and determination.
• Macie Miller (Vanessa): Miller’s voice balances softness with steel, embodying Vanessa’s fragility and quiet strength. Her performance deepens the listener’s empathy for Vanessa’s impossible choices.
• Duet Synergy: The alternating perspectives create a layered listening experience, amplifying the story’s themes of duality, betrayal, and transformation.
💬 Quotes
“The compound is like some post-apocalyptic hillbilly nightmare.”
“Maybe I should feel guilty for doing that to another male of our species, but I don’t.”
“Easy Nessy, you’re safe now.”
“I’ll be damned if Rusty or anyone else here lays a finger on her ever again.”
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: ☺️🙁😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Duet Narration
🎧 Audiobook Review: Vanessa & Ben’s Story
A tense second-chance romance wrapped in family betrayal, forest secrets, and a mate bond that refuses to die.
---
🧍🏻♀️ The Heroine: Vanessa
Vanessa’s reintroduction is anything but gentle—she’s locked in the trunk of Ben’s car, kidnapped by the man who once dreamed of a future with her. Their bond as mates is frayed, tangled in years of estrangement and family enmity. Vanessa lives in a compound ruled by her ruthless father Rusty and violent brother Jed—both sworn enemies of Ben’s family. Though she’s not privy to all their secrets, Vanessa suspects they’re behind the disappearance of John, Ben’s father figure. Her loyalty is torn, her courage tested.
---
🧍🏽 The Hero: Ben
Ben works at Devil’s Claw, the bar run by his brother Evan. Abandoned as children, Ben and Evan were raised by John, a forest ranger who vanished while investigating the disappearances of three women. Ben’s mission is clear: uncover the truth and find John—dead or alive. His desperation leads him to Vanessa, the mate he never stopped loving, and the only person who might have access to the answers he needs.
---
📖 Plot Snapshot
Vanessa, caught between blood ties and a bond she can’t sever, agrees to a risky plan: she’ll return to her compound with Ben as her “captive,” hoping her family will lead them to John. Once inside, Ben uses his sharp instincts to assess the compound’s weaknesses, setting the stage for a daring escape. The stakes are high—not just for John’s survival, but for Vanessa and Ben’s fractured relationship.
---
👍 What Worked
• Emotional Complexity: Ben believes Vanessa chose her family over him, but her silence was rooted in fear—she knew they’d kill him if she defied them. This revelation adds emotional weight and nuance to their dynamic.
• Villain Shift: Jed, previously painted as the villain, is revealed to be a pawn under Rusty’s brutal rule. The shift in power dynamics adds depth to the clan’s internal tension.
• Ben’s Tactical Mind: Ben’s intelligence shines as he quickly evaluates the compound’s geography and security flaws. His strategic thinking adds realism and tension to the escape plot.
---
👎 What Fell Short
• Delayed Backstory: The slow reveal of Ben and Vanessa’s past makes it hard to emotionally invest early on. Their mate bond lacks context until midway through.
• Second-Chance Romance Fatigue: For readers who prefer a fully fleshed-out relationship from the start, the second-chance trope may feel frustrating—especially when emotional clarity is delayed.
---
🎙️ Narration Highlights
The duet narration format enhances the emotional resonance and tension:
• Michael Rutland (Ben): His deep, velvety tone captures Ben’s intelligence and vulnerability. Rutland’s delivery adds gravitas to Ben’s internal struggle and determination.
• Macie Miller (Vanessa): Miller’s voice balances softness with steel, embodying Vanessa’s fragility and quiet strength. Her performance deepens the listener’s empathy for Vanessa’s impossible choices.
• Duet Synergy: The alternating perspectives create a layered listening experience, amplifying the story’s themes of duality, betrayal, and transformation.
💬 Quotes
“The compound is like some post-apocalyptic hillbilly nightmare.”
“Maybe I should feel guilty for doing that to another male of our species, but I don’t.”
“Easy Nessy, you’re safe now.”
“I’ll be damned if Rusty or anyone else here lays a finger on her ever again.”
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March 20, 2025
I was really excited for this book to release as I had read the previous two books. While this book tied up a lot of loose ends nicely, I did have some problems.
To start, if there was an editor, they should be fired. The book, especially the beginning, was filled with spelling and grammatical mistakes that made it hard to get into. Sentences like "'I might now know where John is now,'" made zero sense.
Honestly, a good chunk of the book could've been cut out. The book really wrapped up somewheres between 2/3 and 3/4 of the way through. The last chunk really seemed like fluff to pad the book and reach a word/page count.
I did try to like Vanessa. I felt for her. Her entire family dynamic was so screwy and I really did feel for her. That being said, I just didn't enjoy her the way I enjoyed Holly and Kali.
And while I really enjoyed Ben in previous books, this book I just couldn't really get into him. I did feel for him. I felt bad for this poor dude who felt that he'd been abandoned. But honestly, I just couldn't really get into him.
The two of them together just didn't fully feel right to me.
To start, if there was an editor, they should be fired. The book, especially the beginning, was filled with spelling and grammatical mistakes that made it hard to get into. Sentences like "'I might now know where John is now,'" made zero sense.
Honestly, a good chunk of the book could've been cut out. The book really wrapped up somewheres between 2/3 and 3/4 of the way through. The last chunk really seemed like fluff to pad the book and reach a word/page count.
I did try to like Vanessa. I felt for her. Her entire family dynamic was so screwy and I really did feel for her. That being said, I just didn't enjoy her the way I enjoyed Holly and Kali.
And while I really enjoyed Ben in previous books, this book I just couldn't really get into him. I did feel for him. I felt bad for this poor dude who felt that he'd been abandoned. But honestly, I just couldn't really get into him.
The two of them together just didn't fully feel right to me.
March 24, 2025
What happened!? I devoured the first book and enjoyed the second, but this one was such a mess I gave up halfway through.
I genuinely do not understand the positive reviews here. The editing was absolutely awful, with major issues popping up everywhere.
The main characters were fine but not very likable or flushed out. Just so meh :(
I genuinely do not understand the positive reviews here. The editing was absolutely awful, with major issues popping up everywhere.
The main characters were fine but not very likable or flushed out. Just so meh :(
April 29, 2026
This book confused me even more about the timeline.
It picked up right after Kali & Griffin's story when Ben kidnaps Vanessa but throughout the book Holly was really far along in the pregnancy.
The way the end summed up events it made sense that Holly & Evan had a toddler and she was pregnant again and that Vanessa & Ben had a baby but the other timelines didn't make sense.
I really disliked the nickname Nessie. And then toward the last few pages of the book Ben was suddenly calling Vanessa his "little mate." I don't know it didn't flow.
Definitely a different beginning with not only Ben kidnapping Vanessa but their history that no one really knew about.
Vanessa's family is disgusting. Everything surrounding her dad, the fight/picking a mate tradition and Jed insinuating he'd breed/rape his own sister... blech. Horrible. No surprise that Jed was a little bitch injecting Ben with something and stabbing John.
The part where Vanessa sliced her dad. Wowza. Bad ass.
I loved that within minutes of Ben being locked up next to John, John's response was wondering if Ben ever listened to him. lol.
I'm not really into violence but I had no problem with Ben mutilating that pack member that was telling Vanessa she needed to give him a blow job
I thought it was a good blend of Vanessa & Ben feeling the bond but also not sure about one another. Ben not trusting Vanessa and her knowing she deserved it. Of course Ben's realization of what happened and why, but even before that declaring his devotion to her no matter what she did.
I was annoyed that the very pregnant Holly (again, how was she so far along) told Ben to give Vanessa space but then to Vanessa commented how Ben was being way too cautious and Vanessa was stronger than Ben gave her credit for. I swear it was within the same night.
Lastly I got confused with the new owner of the Cafe - Rachel. I thought she said if one more person asked her, she'd shift to show them but the next page there was a comment that Rachel didn't realize what the town was all about.
I liked all three books but inconsistencies were frustrating.
It picked up right after Kali & Griffin's story when Ben kidnaps Vanessa but throughout the book Holly was really far along in the pregnancy.
The way the end summed up events it made sense that Holly & Evan had a toddler and she was pregnant again and that Vanessa & Ben had a baby but the other timelines didn't make sense.
I really disliked the nickname Nessie. And then toward the last few pages of the book Ben was suddenly calling Vanessa his "little mate." I don't know it didn't flow.
Definitely a different beginning with not only Ben kidnapping Vanessa but their history that no one really knew about.
Vanessa's family is disgusting. Everything surrounding her dad, the fight/picking a mate tradition and Jed insinuating he'd breed/rape his own sister... blech. Horrible. No surprise that Jed was a little bitch injecting Ben with something and stabbing John.
The part where Vanessa sliced her dad. Wowza. Bad ass.
I loved that within minutes of Ben being locked up next to John, John's response was wondering if Ben ever listened to him. lol.
I'm not really into violence but I had no problem with Ben mutilating that pack member that was telling Vanessa she needed to give him a blow job
I thought it was a good blend of Vanessa & Ben feeling the bond but also not sure about one another. Ben not trusting Vanessa and her knowing she deserved it. Of course Ben's realization of what happened and why, but even before that declaring his devotion to her no matter what she did.
I was annoyed that the very pregnant Holly (again, how was she so far along) told Ben to give Vanessa space but then to Vanessa commented how Ben was being way too cautious and Vanessa was stronger than Ben gave her credit for. I swear it was within the same night.
Lastly I got confused with the new owner of the Cafe - Rachel. I thought she said if one more person asked her, she'd shift to show them but the next page there was a comment that Rachel didn't realize what the town was all about.
I liked all three books but inconsistencies were frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2026
loved this one
I loved this one, but I think I liked the one before this one better.
There were some annoying typos, or at least I think they were. “Naomi” is mentioned twice, and I think it’s supposed to be Vanessa, or Nessie. The story makes sense that way, otherwise, if there is some other woman, it doesn’t.
Also, on one page, 97/98, it starts off “it’s still early, and the sky is pale, washed-out blue with streaks of yellow and a haze still hanging over the mountain.” I took that to mean dawn, or shortly after, maybe 10 am at the latest. But just a couple paragraphs later “apparently, it’s unusual to have any activity this early in the morning around here. Except, it’s not really that early, it’s almost noon.” Idk why that bothered me, but it did. lol
There also a couple times that it seems like Nessie knows too much about what is happening between Ben and her brother, almost like she is there, and knows what’s happening. (Indicated by Ben saying she is pleased about some things.)
And also they kept it a secret from everyone, but somehow, it still seems like everyone knows. (Trying not to give anything away. You will see it, I think.)
But I loved the storyline and characters. The ending was fantastic too.
I loved this one, but I think I liked the one before this one better.
There were some annoying typos, or at least I think they were. “Naomi” is mentioned twice, and I think it’s supposed to be Vanessa, or Nessie. The story makes sense that way, otherwise, if there is some other woman, it doesn’t.
Also, on one page, 97/98, it starts off “it’s still early, and the sky is pale, washed-out blue with streaks of yellow and a haze still hanging over the mountain.” I took that to mean dawn, or shortly after, maybe 10 am at the latest. But just a couple paragraphs later “apparently, it’s unusual to have any activity this early in the morning around here. Except, it’s not really that early, it’s almost noon.” Idk why that bothered me, but it did. lol
There also a couple times that it seems like Nessie knows too much about what is happening between Ben and her brother, almost like she is there, and knows what’s happening. (Indicated by Ben saying she is pleased about some things.)
And also they kept it a secret from everyone, but somehow, it still seems like everyone knows. (Trying not to give anything away. You will see it, I think.)
But I loved the storyline and characters. The ending was fantastic too.
March 19, 2025
A bumpy road
This was another great addition to the series, but feels a little more intense than the previous two books. That could be to do with the history between Vanessa and Ben. The story starts with a kidnapping and it doesn’t slow down. I loved the chemistry and banter between the both of them. Vanessa seems to shrivel up and hide who she truly is, except with Ben, whilst he is permanently grumpy without her around.
This book answers all of the questions posed in the series and rounds off the main story arc nicely.
This is a very well-written and fun read. 5 stars!
This was another great addition to the series, but feels a little more intense than the previous two books. That could be to do with the history between Vanessa and Ben. The story starts with a kidnapping and it doesn’t slow down. I loved the chemistry and banter between the both of them. Vanessa seems to shrivel up and hide who she truly is, except with Ben, whilst he is permanently grumpy without her around.
This book answers all of the questions posed in the series and rounds off the main story arc nicely.
This is a very well-written and fun read. 5 stars!
April 5, 2025
Good series
This was a good series. It kept me engaged for all three stories. And I liked the ending. She writes a good book. I love the Irish Nuance to her writing style. It gave it a sense of being in a different world. I thought there was enough of a difference between the characters and all three stories. that is a pet peeve when the stories and characters stay the same between books and the series. This felt like three different couples. And I liked that piece of it. Well worth the read.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
This was a good series. It kept me engaged for all three stories. And I liked the ending. She writes a good book. I love the Irish Nuance to her writing style. It gave it a sense of being in a different world. I thought there was enough of a difference between the characters and all three stories. that is a pet peeve when the stories and characters stay the same between books and the series. This felt like three different couples. And I liked that piece of it. Well worth the read.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
May 12, 2025
I was looking forward to this book so I could finally learn what happened to John. That was the base reason for the series, John went missing. Well John was found and it was very anticlimactic. John gave no reaction to having a daughter. I really like Ben as a character in the previous books but it seemed like this was rushed to wrap up the series. Glad Ben got his HEA but I just wish we got more involving John.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
Wonderful Conclusion!!!
Going into this third book I was expecting a lot and this did not disappoint!! The final book tells who makes it out and who doesn’t. I stayed with it until the end because you won’t be able to put it down until you find out. Vanessa and Ben , the town , their enemies yep it all comes down now . This has been a really good series, enjoyed it a lot
Going into this third book I was expecting a lot and this did not disappoint!! The final book tells who makes it out and who doesn’t. I stayed with it until the end because you won’t be able to put it down until you find out. Vanessa and Ben , the town , their enemies yep it all comes down now . This has been a really good series, enjoyed it a lot
November 18, 2025
Great entertaining book.
Taken on an adventure into a seamer side of werewolves lives. A dysfunctional pack causes mayhem with cruelty and uncivilised, even for shifters. Worthwhile read, a few steamy parts, to stress your heartstrings.
Taken on an adventure into a seamer side of werewolves lives. A dysfunctional pack causes mayhem with cruelty and uncivilised, even for shifters. Worthwhile read, a few steamy parts, to stress your heartstrings.
April 26, 2026
Into the Dawn
Another great read from Reece Barden, and another round is coming with the Alpha games series!! I still have Bear Protector series to read through. Hopefully, the author keeps the saga ongoing
Another great read from Reece Barden, and another round is coming with the Alpha games series!! I still have Bear Protector series to read through. Hopefully, the author keeps the saga ongoing
July 15, 2026
This wasn't bad but also wasn't my favorite in the series. There seemed to be too much packed into too few pages so I think it would have been better as a longer book, especially since their earlier break up was such a big deal but didn't really get enough air time.
May 10, 2025
AWESOME
So happy for Ben, Evan, and John. Got the happy ending that I’m sure we all wished for. Amazing book. Thank you.
So happy for Ben, Evan, and John. Got the happy ending that I’m sure we all wished for. Amazing book. Thank you.
April 6, 2026
This story flowed well and stayed on point. Finally getting answers to the John mystery was good. I loved seeing more of Ben and what was behind his character.
May 15, 2026
Mates
I loved how Ben never gave up on Vanessa. They fought so hard to reunite and it was great! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves shifters.
I loved how Ben never gave up on Vanessa. They fought so hard to reunite and it was great! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves shifters.
June 2, 2025
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: this is going to sound like a diss but isn’t whatsoever, this might be the tamest Reece Barden books I’ve read. Vanessa and Ben have a shared past of rejection that they must overcome to save a friend/father. Their story is such a contrast from the first and second books in this series. This felt fast paced, the second felt slow and the first felt just perfect. That doesn’t mean I like Into the Night or Into the Dawn any less than Into the Dark. I feel the anguish both Ben and Vanessa have for their desire to be with each other but unable to. Because they have a past, the second chance is that much sweeter when it comes around. Once again another hit by Reece. ❤️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: this is going to sound like a diss but isn’t whatsoever, this might be the tamest Reece Barden books I’ve read. Vanessa and Ben have a shared past of rejection that they must overcome to save a friend/father. Their story is such a contrast from the first and second books in this series. This felt fast paced, the second felt slow and the first felt just perfect. That doesn’t mean I like Into the Night or Into the Dawn any less than Into the Dark. I feel the anguish both Ben and Vanessa have for their desire to be with each other but unable to. Because they have a past, the second chance is that much sweeter when it comes around. Once again another hit by Reece. ❤️
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews