4 / 5 Stars Thank you so much for the ARC! This book completely caught me off guard in the best way possible. I’m usually pretty skeptical when it comes to twin MMCs because authors so often fall into the trap of making them feel like the exact same person split in two. That wasn't the case here at all. Lucien and Malachi have distinct, commanding presences one all impulsive heat and sharp edges, the other quiet, lethal restraint. The way they slowly close the distance around the heroine, shifting from absolute menace to a strange, fiercely protective anchor, was addictive to read. The slow burn is truly slow, but it pays off. The author doesn't rush the emotional surrender or the intimacy, which makes every touch, collar adjustment, and loaded look feel earned. The fmc’s evolution throughout the story also felt very natural; she doesn't just instantly submit, but gradually figures out her own power and where she fits between them. The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars for me is the third-act pacing. The book takes its sweet time building this thick, delicious tension, and then the climax and epilogue just sort of wrap up in a blink. I really needed a few more chapters to properly decompress and sit with the aftermath of everything they went through. Still, if you love possessive, morally dark heroes, primal tension, and a genuine dynamic shift where the characters actually earn their connection, this is definitely worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a dark gothic romance with a slow-burn romance and a strong emphasis on atmosphere, the FMC's inner thoughts, and descriptive, poetic writing. There was a constant sense of mystery and unease throughout the story that worked really well with the writing style. The author created some beautiful imagery, and I can definitely see this appealing to readers who enjoy immersive, atmospheric gothic storytelling.
For me, though, I wished there had been more dialogue and interaction between the main characters throughout the story. I think that would have helped me connect with them more, particularly with the romance being such a slow burn. There were also a few secondary female characters introduced along the way that threw me off a little and made it harder for me to connect with the main characters, although this may not be an issue for other readers. I also had hoped there would be more paranormal wolf/werewolf aspects to the story.
Overall, I appreciated the moody setting, beautiful descriptions, and suspenseful tone. The gothic atmosphere was definitely a strength, but the slower-paced romance and limited character interactions made this a more mixed read for me. I think readers who enjoy atmosphere, slow-burn romance, and poetic writing may particularly enjoy this one.
I loved Between Wolves overall. It was a slower-paced read, but the tension and slow burn between the characters made it worth it.
The FMC really grew on me as the story progressed. She started out as someone I wasn’t completely sold on, but her character development and self-discovery made her much more likable by the end. That growth ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book.
I also really enjoyed both MMCs. Even though they’re twins, they never felt interchangeable. They each had their own personality and presence within the story, which made the dynamic between all three characters much more interesting.
The chemistry was easily one of the strongest parts. The tension and slow burn were top tier, and I liked that the connection had time to build rather than feeling rushed.
The one element that didn’t completely land for me was the gothic aspect. I didn’t really see how that description fit the story while reading it.
My biggest issue came toward the end. After such a slow build, the ending itself felt rushed, and the epilogue was a little lackluster. I wanted just a bit more after spending so much time watching these characters and their relationships develop.
Overall, though, the character growth, chemistry, and tension made this a really enjoyable read.
Read if you enjoy: * Dark Romance * Why Choose * Slow Burn * Lots of Tension * FMC Self-Discovery.
I received a free copy of this book via Gothika Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.