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Zane by R.E. Butler completely surprised me in the best way. This normally would not be the type of book I pick up, but I grabbed it during a Stuff Your Kindle day and figured why not. I am so glad I did because I ended up enjoying it way more than I expected.
It is a short story, but it never felt rushed or lacking. The author packed in just the right amount of romance, spice, and heart to make it feel full and satisfying. Zane is exactly the kind of protective MMC that is impossible not to love. He is strong, loyal, and completely devoted once he realizes Adriana is his mate. There is something so swoony about a hero who knows what he wants and is ready to claim and protect it with everything he has.
I really enjoyed the unique setting of the safari park where shifters live hidden away from humans. It added such a fun twist to the story and made Zane’s character even more interesting. When Adriana finds herself in danger and is rescued by the very gorilla she had been admiring from afar, the story takes off in the best way. Their connection felt instant but still meaningful, and I loved watching Adriana process this new world she is suddenly thrown into.
For a shorter read, it delivered on emotion, tension, and chemistry. The spice was there without overpowering the romance, and the soulmate element gave it that sweet, fated feeling that works so well in shifter stories.
If you are looking for a quick, fun paranormal romance with a protective hero and a satisfying happily ever after, this one is definitely worth grabbing. It may not have been my usual genre, but it was absolutely a pleasant surprise.