Panther in the Shadows

Tides of Fate #2

by Delta James

I’ve lived my whole life hiding what I am.

Stormhaven hides its secrets in the mist, and I’ve learned not to go looking for them.
But when people start disappearing and every whisper leads back to Rafael Vega, I can’t look away.

He’s the man who rules the docks with quiet ruthlessness; a panther shifter whose very name keeps the peace through fear. Everyone says he’s dangerous. I believe them.
What scares me more is how drawn I am to him.

I tell myself I’m just searching for the truth, but every step pulls me deeper into his shadows. Beneath the danger, I see something else, a wounded protector, hunted by enemies who want him dead.

Now the storm is rising, and I’m caught between the world I know and the man I can’t resist.
If I stay, I risk my life.
If I leave, I lose the only man who ever made me feel truly seen.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

About the author

Delta James is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Known for her fast-paced, heart-racing, panty-melting stories, Delta writes fierce heroines, dominant heroes, dangerous secrets, and irresistible fated mates. From alpha shifters prowling the wild to powerful billionaires ruling the boardroom, her books deliver heat, suspense, and unforgettable chemistry.

Delta never planned to write romance. In fact, she launched her author career in 2018 after deciding her second act in life needed a little more passion… and possibly a little more bite. Since then, she’s published dozens of addictive romances for readers who love their happily-ever-afters with plenty of steam and danger.

She lives in Florida with her pack of loyal basset hounds (who firmly believe they run the household), and when she’s not writing steamy scenes or plotting revenge for her latest heroine, she can usually be found riding horses, walking the beach, or chasing her next adventure on the river.

Reviews

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my heart! Get ready for an incredible book that will have you literally crying your eyes out. Such an amazing story with superb characters, gut wrenching plot twists and turns, and an HEA that will totally blow you away. Don’t let this one get by you…❤️❤️❤️

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS AUTHOR ALWAYS GIVES YOU A READ THAT PULLS YOU INTO THE STORY

Rafe and Moira. He lives in the shadows. Keeps the peace with fear. Shes drawn to him. As she searches for the truth she becomes entangeled in his shadows. In his world. Stay or leave. Either way she loses. Their love is full of heart breaking emotions full of betrayal, loss and family and both are chaotic and guilt ridden and strong even though they dont think so and their pasts bring them together to fight a common enemy. And in doing so they come to know that together they are stronger. Shifters, magic, action, suspense and a thrilling romance that will dig deep into your heart. Cant wait for more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good story; the plot was good and there was lots of action and suspense to really hold my attention. I thought Rafe and Moira were well matched and made a good team to defeat the evil. The negative for me was that the writing felt rather choppy and didn’t flow smoothly. The writer used too many incomplete sentence fragments. To me it felt like I was reading a rough draft rather than the finished book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melanie]

Another wonderful 5 star. We have Rafe , the yummy bad boy, who was unjustly accused and banished by his family. Rafe takes sail to an island off the coast of Scotland and proceeds to take over all criminal activity on the docks. Then we have Moira, she has lived on the island all her life and in her bloodline runs the power of a sea witch.
Their pasts creep up to haunt not only them but also target the island. Through all of the tension, fear and danger they manage to find themselves, each other and a love as true as the ages. Characters and world are so real they draw you in and at the end you want more.

[Nadia Sangalli · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.75⭐️
Got this book for free from Booksirens and this is my honest review:

I made notes whilst reading the book of my thoughts and reactions so here they are:
- The passing of sea magic is sad but also really interesting and cool
- Fuck Catalina
- The build up within the first chapter is soo good
- “And now someone's trying to take it from me by painting me as a murderer.” Hate to break it to you Rafe but you have killed people to get where you are at. You are a murderer 🤣
- I don’t understand why Moira doesn’t accept Declan’s help and protection
- This unknown witch using Moira’s dead sister is wild. Like how can you trust she will keep her end of the bargain anyway?
- I’m noticing a lot of reused descriptions…
- Woah Elspeth being resurrected so soon was not expected
- I wonder if panther shifters have mates?
- Rafes tough exterior slowly crumbling
- Ouhhh gotta find out who’s been hiding in plain sight this whole time
- Soooo are we just gunna ignore the shadowy figure that was on the hill?
- We loveeeee a man who instantly respects no
- I LOVE that he reminds her that she said no and that he’s trying to respect that and make sure she’s comfortable with her choices
- Ughhh yes describe what you want. or not?…
- Woahhh necromancer making bold moves
- Sooo theyre doing the same plan as last time?
- How is there going to be a choice between Moira and pack safety? Does Declan not realize if the necromancer completes the summoning and kills Moira the island is going to get demolished by undead beings
- Words taste like ash a lot in this book
- “And anyone who threatens you is going to learn exactly what I'm capable of." YOU FUCKIN TELL EM RAFE
- Who tf is in danger
- Of course it’s rafe’s ex
- Girl he literally told you to stay there until the meeting is done 🫩🙄
- Oh so that’s interesting panthers choose?…
- We loveeeee a consent needing king
- Sooo does this mean she can get pregnant now?
- “Though you're underselling yourself on the romantic front. That was actually pretty good." "Don't tell anyone. It'll ruin my reputation." Her laugh is quiet but genuine. "Your secret is safe with me." -This made me laugh so hard lol
- I think the reveal of her sister would’ve been far more impactful and better in the heat of the battle
- I have a choice to make. Keep fighting the bound souls. Free them one by one. Or help Moira against the one fight she can't face alone. -How is this even a choice 😂
- Of course she fades out in exchange for saving rafe
- I thought Moira’s eyes were blue?
- The ending for Moira and Rafe left a lot to be desired.

I was so close to 4 staring this book too. My main issues were there was alot of repetitive parts (descriptions mainly but also similar plot ideas as the first book) I also found the ending and the mate bond leaving much to be desired especially after reading the first book. Like the mate bond didn’t feel like a mate bond especially compared to the first book, it felt forgotten, but also we still have yet to get a shift from a turned mate like ugh give it to me😩😂
Just imagine how impactful and mind blowing it would’ve been had the reveal of Moira’s 8 year old sister being resurrected happened only at the battle scene and not several times throughout the book. Would’ve been a huge gut punch to both the readers and characters. That plot twist would’ve shooketh me for sure. Especially if Moira had just mentioned having a younger sister who passed years ago due to a freak accident that she felt guilty about even tho she shouldn’t have.

I really liked watching both Moira and Rafe develop as a character and come out of the trauma shells they lived in.
It’s a great book tho I thoroughly was hooked and excited to read it by the first chapter.
I’m excited to read the other books!

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

After the work that James put into establishing the world of Stormhaven in A Gathering Storm and Wolf of the Storm, this second instalment of the Tides of Fate series shifts its focus (no pun intended!) to panther shifter Rafael Vega, his fight against demons internal and external, and his journey to his own fated mate.

By his own admission, Rafe isn’t someone who desires deep connections. After being exiled from Spain by his family, he has two priorities: his criminal empire, and himself. He’s an outsider even within the shifter brotherhood, stating that they “tolerate me because I’m useful”, as he does with them. But staying in the shadows leads to him becoming the prime suspect in a series of disappearances in Stormhaven – and to him crossing paths with innkeeper and reluctant sea witch, Moira Flynn.

Their relationship starts as one of pure convenience. A blood message has been left on Moira’s doorstep, and Rafe is convinced that whoever is behind that must be the culprit.

Moira sees their partnership in much the same way. After enduring a lifetime of personal grief, and a power she’s never fully accepted, she copes by maintaining control of everything – heeding her Gran’s words to “Trust the ocean first. Trust your power second. Trust others only when you have no other choice.” That means keeping Rafe at arms length, a man who she describes as “dangerous the way a blade is dangerous—elegant lines hiding lethal intent.” But as they find themselves getting deeper into the mystery of the disappearances, they find that they have more in common than they first realise.

Both are still reeling from the events that caused the loss of those closest to them – and what they perceive as their roles in those losses. Both have taken the path leading them away from others – as Rafe says, “Protection through isolation.” But it’s through their time together that the pair truly begin to heal from their wounds. To Rafe, Moira “makes me want to be better than the exile I’ve been pretending to be.” Moira, in turn, feels “something besides grief for the first time in ten years” when Rafe kisses her.

They may meet as uneasy allies, but a beautiful and tender journey sees them come to complement each other in just the way they needed. As Rafe puts it, “our magic should repel. Should fight. But love doesn’t care about should.”

By this point in the series, Rafe is the second shifter to find his mate. Declan’s mate Eliza has some more welcome appearances in this novel, and I personally loved the friendship between her and Moira. She’s a kindred spirit: not just a shifter’s mate, but another woman who’s no stranger to coming to terms with legacy. The advice she imparts – “Don’t let fear make your decisions” – complements the intensity of Moira’s relationship with Rafe and is vital as she and the brotherhood finally face off with the real criminal.

As before, there’s no shortage of stunning prose and description in this novel. It was a treat to journey back to Stormhaven again, as well as further out into the world of European shifters. There is still some writer-typical repetition of ideas, and I would’ve liked to see the women kick butt in shifter forms – but this was a slower, more complex entry in the Tides of Fate series.

Next up is Bear of the Deep – Grayson’s story! From the short teaser we get at the end of this book, I think seeing the seafaring bear shifter defend his waters – and his heart – will make for an enthralling late holiday gift.

[Jaime Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one has that slow, creeping kind of intensity that builds under your skin the longer you sit with it. It’s not loud about it either… it’s quiet, shadowy, and heavy in a way that makes everything feel just a little more dangerous. The kind of story where you can feel the tension before anything even happens.

Rafe is exactly what you’d expect in the best way… controlled, lethal, and completely unreadable at times. There’s this constant sense that he’s always holding something back, always calculating, and it makes every interaction with him feel loaded. But underneath all of that? There’s something a little more raw, a little more worn down than he lets anyone see. And that contrast is what makes him so hard to look away from.

Moira balances him out in a way that surprised me. She’s quieter, more contained, but there’s a strength there that doesn’t need to be loud to be felt. You can tell she’s spent a long time holding herself together, keeping parts of herself buried, and watching those layers start to shift around Rafe adds so much depth to their dynamic.

And their dynamic… it’s tense in that restrained, almost reluctant way. There’s attraction, but it’s tangled up with distrust, secrets, and that constant awareness that getting too close could cost them everything. It never feels easy or safe, and that’s what makes it work. Every moment between them feels like a choice, like they’re stepping closer to something they might not be able to walk away from.

The atmosphere leans heavily into that dark, coastal energy. Everything feels damp, misty, and just slightly off. Like the kind of place where secrets don’t stay buried for long, and the past has a way of resurfacing whether you’re ready for it or not. It adds this haunting edge to the story that lingers even in the quieter scenes.

There’s also this steady sense of pressure building in the background. Not rushed, but always there. You can feel that something bigger is moving beneath the surface, and it keeps the story grounded in that darker tone even when the focus shifts to the characters.

This book was just as action packed as the first one. Rafe, Moira, and the Brotherhood come together once again to fight forces that threaten what they have built. A life of found family and love.

Overall, this leans more into that moody, atmospheric side of paranormal romance with a strong focus on tension, guarded characters, and a connection that feels just as dangerous as the world around them. If you like quieter intensity, shadowy protectors, and relationships that build through friction and trust rather than ease, this one is definitely worth picking up.

As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

PANTHER IN THE SHADOWS is the second instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult TIDES OF FATE paranormal, romance series. This is panther shifter Rafael Vega, and sea witch / inn owner Moira Flynn’s story line. PANTHER IN THE SHADOWS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Moira and Rafael) PANTHER IN THE SHADOWS follows in the wake of a series of missing and murdered people from the Stormhaven. Banished years earlier by his father and his pride, Rafael would eventually find an unwelcome home in the port city of Stormhaven, where in our hero would run a successful criminal enterprise but when a number of locals go missing, and their bodies show signs of dark magic, Rafael demands Moira Flynn take action when the dark magic takes aim at our story line heroine. As the locals go missing, the pass returns for both Moira and Rafael, a past they cannot fight without the help of magic, and our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the search for a killer, someone who possess dark magic but Rafael never expected face the demons from his past.

The relationship between Moira and Rafael begins acrimoniously as both Rafael and Moria’s reputations precede their introduction to one another. Moira inherited her grandmother’s talents and power but hides her abilities in the face of abuse. Rumors of Rafael’s banishment comes with more questions than answers, and his criminal enterprises include many of the underworld elements. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters include the return of the previous story line supernatural characters, the brotherhood of shifters who protect Stormhaven including wolf shifter Declan, and Declan’s second in command Jax: dragon shifter Finn; bear shifter Greyson, and tiger shifter Kian. The requisite evil has many faces.

PANTHER IN THE SHADOWS is a story of power and control, betrayal and redemption, obsession and madness, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise edgy and intriguing; the romance fated; the characters are energetic and determined.


Copy supplied for review

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book of the series. It is a standalone and can be read without having read Wolf Of The Storm (book #1). Rafe was an aura of mystery about him. He's a shadow walker, which definateky contributes to that aura) but he also has built an empire running the docks of Iscara, not all of it legal. We get to know some of his background early on in the book, like what lead him to the island in the first place. It is not a happy history. Moira is a sea Witch, something she has gone to great pains to hide from everyone on the island (except a very select few). Healing Declan's Mate blew her cover with the Island's shifters, and Rafe in specific. There's chemistry between them, but more importantly, there are people dying mysteriously. Rafe needs to get to the bottom of it - to clear his name and to stop the deaths. Moira is being drug into it by an unnamed entity using tainted magic... Magic only she can counter. The mystery is set, and sounds simple enough. Nothing is simple in Stormhaven on Iscara. There are enemies from the past that make a startling return, deadly occurances and near death experiences. The tension between our MC ratchets up as feelings enter the picture and are acknowledged. Declan (the unofficial Alpha and Guardian of the island) becomes involved along with his band of highly trained shifter associates (not all from his Stormhaven clan). There's an evil trying to make its way to the surface and Rafe and Moira are the team leading the charge to ensure that doesn't happen. This is a high energy, fast paced storyline where you won't want to miss a moment. Delta is in prime form as this story reaches its peak. There's even a glimpse into Greyson's mysterious encounter coming up next!

I'm greatful for the advanced gift copy I received and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Sora · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a person who read two books in the same series… I don’t know whether I like it or don't like it. It’s like a really thin border line. Up until more than half of the book I swear I’m not going to pick up another one but reading the 3rd book of the series’ excerpt It sounds pretty interesting, again. I like the idea of the story, the action, necromantic and sea witches fighting. But some parts of the writing just made me cringe and confused.

The pattern of the story (book 2 and book 5) is kind of familiar but not totally the same which I assume will probably be the same as other books as well. Also having Mine-Yours conversation doesn’t sound original anymore. There’s a lot of copy and paste sentences either in monologues or dialogues. At least, paraphrase it or change some words because it sounds way robotic and text book answers.

Another thing that does not sit well to me is the logic of the whole world building is supposed to be. Why are there so many people dying because of necromancer dark magic? But it was a different villain each time. The way it sounds like it was a small island but damn way too many deaths involved in each book in what amount of timeline? It’s too concerning if I was one of the islander. It wasn’t exactly the same but the same pattern nevertheless. Someone went missing and was found dead another day. Maybe there's a need for more gaps in the timeline between books so it doesn’t feel rushed or chaotic. And maybe more time for the chemistry build up between the characters because of the whole going on at the island their relationship was way too fast of a progress.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment in the Tides of Fate series.
Delta James keeps you vested in this fast paced PN mystery as both Moira and Rafe fight their own demons to help Ridgehaven and the threat to their Island.
An evil force is ritual killing the islanders and everyone is looking towards Rafe, but Rafe is not to blame.
He has been keeping his eyes on the local water witch Moira, whom he feels that tug towards. When he sees the whomever is doing the killing start to target Moira, he takes control.
Ensuring Moira is safe and working together, they try to get ahead of the threat, only finding that the threat is larger than they both realised.
Romance should be the last thing on their minds, but after a harrowing night trying to stop the next ritual killing both Moira and Rafe let themselves feel anything other than the defeat the night had brought them.
With some hot spice thrown in this makes for a great story as all the PN's on the island band together to fight this dark evil together.
Who is it that is trying to use Moira to get to Rafe? Do Rafe and Moira prevail?
Rafe who never loses and Moira, the sea witch who has hidden her magic for the last 10 years?
It's a bottle of the fittest and they both give it their all.......
A great read all through and difficult to put this book down as I needed to know who, and why!

[Marlene Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten years ago, Moira Flynn became the Sea Witch of the town of Stormhaven, when her grandmother died… she can control storms, the tides and sea life, but many people afraid of her and her power. After her ascension to the position, leader of wolf pack offers same deal as had with grandmother, he will keep her safe on land if she keeps his pack safe from the sea… she accepts… Rafael Vega was Spaniard, a panther shifter who had to kill his own brother when he was attacked, his brother Diego wanted Rafael's betrothed, Catalina… but Rafe faster even though Diego had a silver blade… he was banished as Catalina said wasn't true, with even his own father believing her… so went to underground and as was shadow walker, was comfortable in the world of illicit dealings and settles in Scotland, creating a smuggling business unsurpassed by anyone else in area. Lately though people at docks have gone missing and he goes to Moira to see if she knows anything… but sees mark of another sea witch in blood at her doorstep… but who would possibly challenge a sea witch in her own territory?? You will need to read this intense story to see what happens… I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I enjoy best about reading books by this author is that her stories are always evolving. Some authors pick a genre but each book is very similar. I get it. They write what sells, but I get tired of reading the same thing over and over. While Ms James writes paranormal shifter books each series is very different from others. This series/book is no exception. I enjoyed reading about a shifter and sea witch.

Rafe and Moira are those two people. Rafe is a shadow panther and Moira a sea witch. Both are running away from their past but the past is never hidden for long. Stormhaven, the island they both reside on is in danger from a evil force and it will take both of them, with the help of the other shifters on the island working together to save Stormhaven. As their pasts collide with the danger they find themselves in, their attraction grows and can no longer be ignored. Soon it becomes a battle to not only save their island but live long enough for their love for each other to grow. A very fast paced unique story line that keeps you reading on the edge of your seat. I loved this book.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Restless deeps.

Moira Flynn is descended from a long line of sea witches who have made Stormhaven island their home. For centuries they have protected the island and its residents from danger. But Moira hasn't embraced her powers, and when people begin to disappear, she is afraid that she won't be able to protect the island or its people from the danger hiding in the deepest parts of the ocean. Rafael Vega is a panther shifter wo walks through the darkest shadows and the man who rules the underground on Stormhaven. An evil is hunting them both and it will take them both to destroy it and make sure that the dead don't rise again.
Steamy and action-packed paranormal romance with magic, shifters, and a plot twist that kept me engaged from the first page. Wonderful characters with well written and compelling personalities who fall in love and put their lives on the line to protect others and their home. A must-read!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.

[Roxie's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Stunning Shifter and Paranormal Romance series"

Each of Delta James books are so exciting, and so much fun to read! You will love each and every series.
Moria's grandmother is a sea witch. When she passes away her powers transfers to Moria. Moria is afraid the powers passed to her to soon. With the power comes great responsibility. She must now protect the island she lives on,and the people who also live there. While also keeping what she is a secret.
Rafe is a sexy panther shadow walker shifter. Rafe is exiled from his clan and home. Due to him killing his brother. Even though it was in self defence. Rafe ends up in Moria's village of Storm heaven. He is there for several years staying in the shadows. One day he informs Moria he has been watching her for years. This makes Moria very nervous. Rafe had sensed Moria is in grave danger. Does fate have plans for these two?
You will love this exciting, funny, and steamy hot five star plus story!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read that held me captivated throughout
Rafe was accused and banished by his family even though the charges were unjust and it is essential that Rafe decides that he is going to take a trip and he decides that he is going to sail to an island off the coast of Scotland and he decides that he is going to take over the docks.
Moira has lived on the island all her life and in her family and in her body, she has the power of the sea witch and as their past creep up to haunt not only them as well as the target on the island. Then through all of the tension they are feeling the fear and the danger they manage and find themselves in a love as strong as the ages and they will last the trials of time.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. The mystery of the murders and missing people had suspicions pointing directly at Rafe. What initially seemed so straightforward to some turned out to be so much more complex.

The whole concept of the shadow walker panther shifter and the sea witch was so intriguing. Even more was how both their pasts ended up being entangled in the present and future.

I enjoyed the descriptions of how water reacted to Moira, how she was able to manipulate it, and how she was connected to the ocean. It was also interesting how Rafe's shadow gift interacted with Moira's water gift.

The paranormal, supernatural, magical, mystery, suspense, romance, and heat was more than enough to keep this reader fully engaged. 4.5 stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Shifter Read

WOW! What an adventure this storyline is! It will take you on an emotional high and low as Rafe and Moira face their demons and accept who they are as the past comes back to haunt them and they need trust, connections, determination and passion to move forward to take down the evil that is coming.

The brotherhood come together in this next amazing story of the series, where death is rising, evil is hidden and love can beat anything trying to tear them apart.

From the depths of the ocean to the heights of love, this storyline will grip your heartstrings and bring a tear to your eye when evil is taken down and the light of love burns free.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Claire RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that l found quite intense. Both main characters have had heartbreak in their lives and find common ground when there are unexplained murders. Moira has witch powers and is full of guilt after her young sister drowned years ago and is suddenly visited by the ghost of her sister. However, things are not what they seem and there is a lot of manipulation going on. Something is happening within the very water that surrounds the island and Rafe and Moira need to find out what it is before more people disappear. The revealing of the entity that is responsible was surprising to me, but, in away, expected. A story that kept my interest all the way through.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heart pounding , adrenaline rush story. I loved both Moira and Rafe. She is hiding secrets, as well as he is. They should be opposing forces , but as they say opposites attract and in this case compliment each other. And they will need their true forces to stop the the evil invading the island.

POV of each, giving you their version of the events that happen to them. Loved the twists, secrets revealed. and confessions spoken. Rafe's protectiveness was everything that was needed to keep Moira safe. Both of them have guilt that was not theirs to have.

Loved Eliza's sage advice to Moira. Just when she needed it.

Can't wait to read Grayson's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksiren and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think this author has lost her magic, this beautiful, wrenching, heartbreaking story of love lost, love found, community, friends, being true to yourself, and magic suddenly appears. For those who LOVED the older shifter stories of Delta James - run with lightning speed for this one and hide away. The author immerses the reader into the island and the characters. Each couple have a backstory that is woven into the arc but both Moira and Rafe's were heart wrenching, a story of love, family, betrayal and loss. The characters are multi-facetted and grow individually and together through the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the fact that I can pick up any book from this author and know that I will be in for a good reading treat and this was yet another winner for me to add to my favourite book list.

Love the idea of one day being able to revisit all my favourites!

It maybe the same winning formula that she uses to create her books but that for me is a winning strategy because I know that the plots are well devised and researched to give a complete and unique experience.

Her characters are so deliciously enticing and I love the whole concept of the alpha male taking complete control but secretly the lead female has this unknown sense of strength and resiliency that simply warms the love interest's heart.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moira had spent a decade hiding from her power. Her guilt, though undeserved, had kept her isolated despite being an innkeeper in the midst of a village. She has kept her light, her magic, hidden. Rafe had lived for years in the shadows, being one with them, never really connecting, seeing only the dark. Each was the opposite of the other, but they needed the balance. They needed to be seen and valued for their strengths and supported in their weaknesses. Good suspense. Lots of action and atmosphere. Very well written and enjoyable!

I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Mandy Grepares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets have a way of coming to light. Moira hid her true sea witch powers to protect herself for years. A threat to Stormhaven brings about an unlikely partnership between her and a panther and shadow shifter. Rafe keeps to himself and protects his own territory. Rafe, Moira, and the brotherhood have to work quickly to prevent more deaths.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. There's romance, action, and magic. I love that Rafe and Moira found each other, and their relationship just shows that light and darkness can be so beautiful together.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moira Flynn is a sea witch who has lived in the Isle of Skara her whole life and inherited Flynn’s Inn from her grandmother, also a sea witch. Rafael Vega is a panther shifter who was exiled from his family in Spain and ended up living in the Isle. He protected the docks and was thought to be a member of the criminal world.

An evil, necromancer sea witch appears and brings its evil to the isle, with a desire to resurrect the dead. Moira and Rafael join forces to destroy it and keep everyone safe. It’s a thrilling story filled with danger, murder, secrets, and a good dose of romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about opposites attract! Rafe and Moira strike sparks off each other at first. She thinks he's just a criminal and wonders why he's trying to warn and protect her. The more they're together, the more she feels the connection growing between them and that he's not just the criminal, there's more to him. They're thrown together fighting an evil that's threatening Stormhaven. I love that it's fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. Love the characters and the world building. I found it highly enjoyable. Bravo!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Guylande Jeudy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a strong premise and an intriguing panther shifter lead. Rafael was compelling, and the dark, misty setting added to the atmosphere. The story definitely had potential, but the execution felt uneven. Both the heroine’s sister and father died, yet the plot and emotional focus centered almost entirely on the sister, making the father’s death feel glossed over. That imbalance affected the overall flow and emotional impact of the story. While enjoyable in parts, the pacing and missed opportunities for deeper development kept it from fully delivering.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moira is a sea witch living secretly among the shifters. Her family have supported the shifters for generations. No one knows what she is.

Rage is a lone panther shifter living separately among the wolf shifters. He is a smuggler and a supplier for the island. He has his own secrets. He figures out what Moira is and watches her.

This story is about wolf shifters, a lone panther shifter, and a sea witch living on an island all protecting the inhabitants. How they end up working together to find peace.

I recommend this book and all others by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great magical adventure, absolutely thrilling. Bad boy Rafe found his match with the sea witch Moira of Flynn's Inn. For years she was guilt ridden after her 8yr old sister drowned and hid her true powers, but now there is a dark force threatening Stormhaven. Multiple killings and necromancing of the drowned victims. The true identity of the necromancer with tainted sea witch powers was quite the twist. A slow burn that turned out hot with a HEA. Don't miss out on this mesmerising edition.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Panther in the Shadows” by Delta James

-A gripping paranormal romance where shifter Rafe and sea witch Moira confront dark magic threatening their island. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Their tangled pasts and explosive chemistry pull the story into high-stakes danger and heartfelt redemption. Fast-paced, emotional, and atmospheric, this installment delivers suspense, magic, and a hard-won love worth rooting for. Another winning read from one of my favorite authors.