~ Nicolai ~ There was a war coming to the paranormal world and people were taking sides. Most of the time I was positive that I was working for the side of good, but there were times when I wondered if I was wrong. When I was given orders to capture a man named ____ at all costs, I wanted to disobey my superiors for the very first time, especially when I discovered that he was my mate. Protecting him from those that wanted to abuse his powers seemed so much more important.
~ Mishka ~ I was on the run from people that wanted to capture me. It felt as if I’d been on the run for most of my life, trying to hide what I was from those that wanted to abuse my innate abilities. When mob boss Nicolai Aleksandrovich offered me safety, I wasn’t sure I could trust him, but I also wasn’t sure I had a choice. Something I couldn’t understand was drawing me toward the dangerous man. I had secrets and Nicolai had secrets. It was a toss-up whose secrets would be discovered first.
I like this author's writing, but a few of the books I've had some issues with including this one. There are some continuity issues that should have been caught by an editor or beta reader. I like the concept of this book and I think it could have been cleaned up and been better executed.
Some examples of things that bothered me which could be considered spoilers so be aware.
Nikolai calls Mishka by his name before he even asks him what it is in the next paragraph. How did he use his name if he didn't know his name?
When they first go up to the penthouse taking the private elevator Nikolai says he had clothing and stuff dropped off. Same scene a little bit later but they haven't left each other's company yet now Mishka is supposedly wearing borrowed clothing. And then the next morning Nikolai has to leave so if his clothing for Mishka to wear even though supposedly clothing was left for him.
The timeline has some issues too, we're on the next morning after they meet and Nikolai is on a phone call with someone which is never really explained. And suddenly I can't tell if it's the same day or it's supposed to be 2 weeks later even though Mishka is just fixing the problems from the first night. But he says that they've been together for 2 weeks so that doesn't make any sense. This lack of clarity with timelines and knowing how much time has passed happens a few times in the book.
Finally, the description doesn't make much sense is it says that Nikolai was ordered by his boss to bring him in but that doesn't happen or if it does it wasn't explained in the book. It was a rival cartel or gang boss that is hunting Mishka and Nikolai protects him. Mishkas name is also missing in the description and it is just an underline.
In a paranormal world on the brink of war, Nicolai begins to question whether he’s truly on the right side. Ordered to capture a mysterious man at any cost, everything changes when he discovers that the target — Mishka — is actually his fated mate. Protecting him suddenly matters more than any command. Mishka has spent most of his life running from people who want to exploit his rare abilities. When Nicolai, a powerful mob boss, offers him safety, he’s torn between fear and an inexplicable pull toward the dangerous man. Both are hiding secrets, both are drawn to each other, and both must decide whether trust — and fate — can outweigh the danger closing in around them.
This story delivers a delicious mix of danger, destiny, and attitude. Nicolai and Mishka’s mate bond crackles from the moment they collide, adding an irresistible layer of tension to a plot already thick with shifting loyalties, and the looming threat of paranormal war. Nicolai’s struggle between duty and instinct keeps the stakes high, while Mishka’s sharp tongue and wary sass bring a spark to every interaction. Their connection feels fated yet volatile — two men drawn together even as secrets, enemies, and their own mistrust threaten to pull them apart. If you enjoy high‑risk paranormal romance with a fierce mate bond and a sassy, defiant love interest who refuses to go quietly, this one hits all the right notes. This was an MM story with mature content.
While I enjoyed this very much... the editing issues were undeniable. I think this is my first book by this author, but I plan to use January to explore a few of their past books by reading the Marriage Mayhem series, and we will see how that goes! 🤞🤞🤞
Absolutely 💯 loved 🥰 this new series. The author writes amazing stories. Their chemistry and humor had my laughing so much. I especially loved his nickname for the first in command. Highly recommend this book.
Excellent story, good action. Continuity continues to be an issue, blond hair changes to auburn and back again. Still a great story looking forward to next installment.