Claw Marks & Card Games

Stallion Ridge #2

by Maz Maddox, Raven Max (Editor)

Cooper Woodlock is a man who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Between his gambling debt and being a widowed father, he can never seem to get Lady Luck back on his side.

Desperate for a winning hand, Cooper starts hitting saloons and tempting fate in order to keep the bloodthirsty Spades at bay.

When a black-clad gunslinger enters the game promising a slice of freedom, Cooper realizes all too late what he is actually playing for.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Westerns, Historical

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2018

About the author

Maz Maddox is the odd lovechild between a unicorn, dinosaur and vampire. The outcome is a human-like figure who inherited aspects of all three. She is a champion of logic and science, adores beauty and whimsy, and has a slight streak of darkness that dances the line of genius and insanity.

Residing in the wild land of cowboy boots and Shiner beer, Maz spends her time with her two dogs and a husband who she adores, and is constantly demanding that science gives her a pocket sized triceratops. The efforts of these demands have yet to be fulfilled.

When she’s not pining over the lack of chihuahua sized ornithischia, she’s a writer who loves crafting adventures tales sprinkled with humor, a hefty helping of romance, and topped with a happy ending.

Reviews

[Rina Pride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estou amando o universo criado em torno dos personagens da cidade faroeste Stallion Ridge!! Quando comecei o segundo livro, eu não esperava gostar tanto como gostei do primeiro, mas Cooper e Gunner me conquistaram 😍 Fiquei apaixonada pela dinâmica dos dois, e ainda tivemos uns plot twist interessantes nesse livro! Adorei o casal do primeiro livro, mas gostei ainda mais do segundo casal ❤💖❤💖❤💖 Vou ler o terceiro tbm, curiosa para saber o que vai acontecer com Cody, tomei um certo choque no final com Cody 😲

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very instalove and I didn't really see where or how they built their relationship from strangers to mates, but it was still an enjoyable story.

I really enjoyed Gunner's mysteriousness and the reveal of who he actually is. I also really liked his possessive side and the way he's such a caretaker for his people.

Cooper I wanted to shake some sense into! Stubbornness and having an addiction to gambling made Cooper a very frustrating character, but I would have liked to see how he overcame his struggles. Instead everything seems to magically resolve itself when Cooper almost dies? Like there's no conversations around how to help Cooper deal with his addiction, it just vanished as soon as it wasn't relevant to the plot anymore.

I did like getting to know the wider cast of characters though, and seeing more about the town.

[F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending!! Thanks to JL and Wende for inviting me to their buddy read - an awesome series!! Marybelle is a precocious 6 year old, love her outlook on live. Bet her Dad, Cooper, and Gunner have grey hair prematurely!!!
Waiting impatiently to Monday(night for me as live on other side of the world from my buddy readers) to read the next in the series.

5 stars

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~]

3.5 stars

Another good story. This series has a lot going on and a continuing storyline. Gunner and Cooper make an odd, but well-balanced couple and Marybelle is one of my favorite book kids that I've read lately.

That ending though? That was way harsh and uncalled for, but it did its job and had me jumping into the next one.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad to be back at Stallion Ridge, honestly I'm in love with most of the side characters and wish each of them will get their own story.
It took a bit longer for me to warm up to Gunner and Cooper's pairing. Cooper is quite a mess, busy with his young daughter and stress about his debt with the Spades. Gunner is a man of few words and tends to keep to himself. He didn't really explain the reason he brought Cooper to Stallion Ridge. Their communication includes exchange of a few terse words and Cooper getting agitated about Gunner.
The threesome scene caught me off guard because I was totally not expecting it, but it happened early in the book that it doesn't really bother me. I thought it was hot and it was the moment that make Cooper feels more sexually attracted to Gunner.
As the story move on with the appearance of another magical creature that wreck havoc in town, Gunner and his team were up in arms trying to keep the town safe. There are a few surprises along the way that keep me engrossed. This is the part that I enjoy most, seeing everyone working together like one big family. I also feel more invested in Cooper and Gunner relationship towards the second half. Cooper's daughter is a total delight. There is a HFN for the couple, but the cliffhanger ending with another side character is brutal. I'm just glad that the next book is ready for me.

[Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Review:
Normally I'm not into the "I own you" sort of romance dynamic, but the way this was written, I didn't really mind. Gunner was kind of a jerk and kind of menacing, but it really wasn't taken to any extreme, and then the "owning" part just kinda faded away completely. Plus, Cooper liked when Gunner was being domineering, and Gunner could tell, so I think he just kinda played into that because it suited him too. And when it came to sex, Gunner never took things too far, never wanted to push anything that Cooper wasn't comfortable with. So in the end, I did enjoy their romance and believed their feelings, even if the feelings were a bit fast.

This one also had some great romantic angst! It never seems to last long in these books, but I appreciate the angsty feels while they're there.

Marybell, Cooper's six-year-old daughter, was so cute! Her presence was a bright spot throughout the book.

I also liked that this was a main character who had some bad habits and made some bad decisions (gambling debt) but was still a character I felt for because he was otherwise a good father and person.

I didn't know much about Gunner from the first book, but he turned out to be good too. A bit gruff, possessive, and domineering, but with a sweetness to it. And he was always good with Marybell.

Much like the first book, still not much explanation about the world, but I enjoyed the Weird West setting and the interesting supernatural stuff. *MILD SPOILER* It turns out Gunner is actually a supernatural---a manticore! *END SPOILER*

Overall this was another fun, sexy, sweet, slightly angsty Weird West romance!

*Even though each book in this series focuses on different characters, I recommend reading them in order, or you might be lost in regards to some plot/world elements and character/relationship backgrounds.*

*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: eBook*

Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Maz Maddox's Stallion Ridge Series. Anyone who likes the Old West but with supernaturals, worlds accepting of LGBT+ people and relationships, mlm romance that's sweet and sexy and a touch angsty, likeable characters, and series with different couples in each book but connected stories.

More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight

[Finnegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Stallion Ridge Series, was very, very good! It is the story of Gunner, the deputy in book 1 with the talent for drawing, and Jesse's brother Cooper. Cooper is a widower, he coped with the loss of his wife by developing a gambling addiction, getting into serious trouble in the process. Gunner brought Cooper and his adorable daughter Marybelle to Stallion Ridge to keep them save, and the sparks fly between them, big time.

Both men are well-developed characters, with flaws and all. I really liked them a lot, their snark and banter was very entertaining, and the twists and turns was very surprising. Furthermore, Gunner and Cooper had major chemistry, and their found family made me weak in the knees.

I read this book in a record time, enjoying every moment, and can recommend this to all readers who like a book with quirky characters (think shifters mixed with Greek mythology), yet with heart and feels too.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn, Cody got the short straw. Poor guy needs a happy ending. It was cute. I liked Gunner and Cooper, when they weren't butting heads or gambling. Marybell pretty much stole the show and I liked how well she got along with Gunner. Felt sorry for the town reaction with Gunner, shame they couldn't just yeet the newcomers out. Curious about Scarlet and the rest of the crew, so onwards to the next one.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

if you liked the first book, you won't be disappointed with this. For me, I wasn't very tempted by the first book and started this because of Cooper. I really wanted to see Cooper and Marybell got their HEA. What surprised me here was Gunner. He didnt catch my eye in the first book but wow, now hes my top fav character in the series.

[Trip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow i feel foolish, i kept pushing this book off because i just didn't think would enjoy it as much as the first... That was a mistake, i loved this book even more! I fell in love with Cooper and Gunner instantly.

Theres an interesting plot with lots of character development and world building throughout, get to see more of Stallion ridge which i adored. I loved learning about and seeing more of the various species in this world, it was interesting.

Gunner and Coopers relationship shined for me from start to finish, they have stunning chemistry and i love their dynamic. How they first met, the banter and the flirting was so much fun. Challenging each other and Gunner taking the lead, which Cooper really needed at times while also allowing him to kickass himself too.

I don't want to reveal too much, so im not mentioning a lot of the subplot as i think worth reading and is so much fun to see revealed. Oh i must mention Scarlet though because damn i fall in love with him more every time, he is so entertaining.

Oh of course Marybell is incredible! She is cheeky, brave and full of mischief i find her so adorable. She steals the show in her scenes and makes me smile every time.

A few fave scenes involve bites, paintings, dancing and of course a game of poker because do love a gamble.

Overall i just loved this story and their romance so much, its a fun journey with amazing characters and so much world buidling. Definitely worth a read!

Although i am dropping the rest of the series, due to a certain peak at the next book from end here which yeah... I am hurt. Maybe i will feel like picking it up again, when it doesn't make me sad. Make me fall in love with a character just to break my heart like that and Cody, hasn't he gone through enough! He is too sweet.. I am weak, so for now its a nope to the next book.

[SophiaH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story about Gunner and Cooper. Marybell is a spitfire! How this small young lady defended Gunner against an angry mob of people #respect. Cooper has a difficult relationship with himself, gambling, self doubt, pride, prone to overreacting but is also fiercly protective of his daughter and would do everything to right his wrongs. Gunner can be a little overbaring and bossy but it all comes from a place of love and the need to protect and safe keep the ones he cares for. What I truely could have done without was the first intimate encounter between the two... plus one... I don't like reading about my two MC's with someone else, even if they hadn't really been a 'thing' yet and it was just the one time. Together they both need to learn to trust, to lean on each other, to know when to push and take the reins and when to stand by only offering a helping hand. And OMG the ending. Maz Maddox you wreck me! Now I HAVE to start reading the next one immediatly instead of getting my beauty sleep *sigh

[Lily Loves 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven’t started this series yet I would highly encourage you to do so. There is nothing else out there like this world that Maz Maddox has created. The way she weaves together fantasy with historical and magic is so amazing.

There is a bit of enemies to lovers here which is my favorite trope! The story flowed beautifully and there are so many interesting characters to learn more about as the series progresses!

[Calila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

It's possible I enjoyed this book even more than book one. Maybe because I already knew the world, and the characters. Maybe because the relationship dynamic between these MCs was so different. Gunner is so very high handed but to me he knew crosses the line. Even when Cooper thought he did, I was on Gunner's side. Cooper had BAD Men after him, who weren't afraid to threaten his child. Gunner got rid of the threat (mostly). Cooper should've been grateful, but instead all he could think about was his pride. That was Cooper's one flaw, well one of two. The other is his gambling addiction that's never addressed and I don't know how it won't be an ongoing problem but apparently he's cured by love? I don't know. Now, don't take this to mean I didn't like Cooper. I did. He's just drowning in issues, most of which are his own making but some aren't. He can't figure out how to get his head above metaphorical water long enough to pause and breathe. Gunner helps with that. He also just shakes up Cooper's world and brings him back to "life". Marybell is the greatest kid character I've read in a long time. Her love of the macabre is hilarious and she never veers into overly precocious. I was ready to jump into the book to beat up a certain character when a certain thing happens. Some new characters introduced and I'm not sure I like or trust them yet, but they were interesting. There's a couple little mysteries, which bring out some secrets about characters we already know. There's a lot of strings still dangling that I want answers to, but not in an unsatisfying way. Then there's the ending...I knew it was coming (because I've read the blurb for the third book) and still i wasn't ready. I'm so sad because I really like that character and I'm so glad and didn't/don't have to wait to dive into book three (no pun intended.)

[Ashe Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

im a little in shock at the ending but will gather my thoughts

I did like this, it was fun but flawed. Usually im the first person to say that books feel bloated but this is one of the few that would've benefited from another 100 pagers to flesh out the relationship the MCs. Cooper and Gunner while sweet and a pretty clear match for each other moved too fast, and Mack acknowledging it was pretty funny and tongue-in-cheek. All that aside, Maz's strength is her ensemble casts, all my favourite moments had to do with the whole crew being together, and with this new instalment we have a slew of new faces as Stallion Ridge grows, from snake oil trader Reggie, to Lucas as well as the enigmatic Gin and his employer Leo. Im very excited to see how this develops. btw i def think its Reggie stealing these *exotic* shifter materials to make his wares.

As for the sex in this it, i found it hot. Their opening interactions triggered my fight or flight thanks to a certain other book i read but this was very enjoyable.
Having Gunner bottom for their first time together definitely help assuage any fears i had about their power imbalance seeing as how one is a shifter and the other human.

[Madison Maler (anxious.librarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*clears throat*
Okay, some thoughts on this wonderful weird-west book I just finished.

✦ Cooper how did you think that would end?
✦ Marybell is the best child ever, Gunner is going to be such a good dad
✦ Well, that was spicy!
✦ OMG all of chapter 10, Cody I'm sorry to laugh at your pain but damn that was hilarious 😆
✦ *swoons* such excitement!
✦ Mack is a horny/thirsty bastard and I love him for it.

And finally
✦ WHAT, THAT ENDING

All in all, 10/10 thank you for breaking me out of my reading slump Maz because there is no way I'm letting that cliffhanger go!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I read the first book in this series but that didn’t stop me from getting right into this one and enjoying being back in Stallion Ridge. I love all the different shifters involved here and this book packed some serious heat

[Altivo Overo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, but...

I could do with less sex and more romance. Or something. The adventure and peril are good but perhaps a bit rushed. It does keep the action rolling, though. No pauses for breath here. This author goes in for exotic shape shifter. Rattlesnakes, centaurs, eagles, and more. Forget about those dull old werewolf guys. Some humor occasionally lightens things, but this is mostly dead serious, comic book style. In fact, I think a comic illustrator could have a great time with it. Definitely read this series in order, though. You have a lot to catch up with if you start here.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I actually liked this better than the first book though I slightly prefer the characters from the first book over these characters. The writing also evened out and improved in this installment, though I still noticed a few typos.

First of all, Maz Maddox's books are longer than most romance novels I've gotten my hands on. This is excellent because it actually gives the novel time to develop characters and relationships in a more natural, believable, and satisfying way. The characters' reactions and motivations feel genuine instead of forced.

I'm not usually into the types of relationships where one person is very pushy or possessive, but this ended up working out because the relationship and the characters actually grew and changed.

This book also did a good job of including interesting side plots that weren't directly connected to or dependent on the main romantic relationship. This is fairly rare in romance novels and adds a whole 'nother dimension to the book, so I'm very pleased about that.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this series and will go read the third one.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

This is the second book in The Stallion Ridge Series and although, it can be read as standalone, I would recommend reading them in order.

Sparks were flying between Cooper and Gunner in book 1 which is why I was looking forward to finally reading their story.

Gunner loved getting under Cooper’s skin; if it wasn’t for cooper’s defiance/sass; then Gunner would have screwed Cooper seven ways till Sunday lol. Gunner’s stare was intense and captured his need and hunger for Cooper perfectly.

Cooper was sweet and it wasn’t hard to see why Gunner was drawn to him. Mary Bell was adorable as usual and I loved how Gunner got her involved with sheriff duties at school.

I really enjoyed the story and was truly gutted with the cliffhanger at the end.

[Wende · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it all. From sweet Marybell that was a sheriff in training to murdering monsters to keep you on your toes. The heart of the book was Cooper and Gunner. Yes I had some problems with Cooper being angry whenever anyone helped him. He had a daughter so it was high time he put her ahead of his pride. Then he discovered he was over his head and let Gunner in. The relationship between these two was tense and very hot. I loved it. It did have a few hiccups that I was not to happy about in this book but you will just have to read it yourself. I am sure that you will agree with me it was one major hiccup! I can't wait till I can read book three and I hope there is a killing in that book. Because someone (I know not who) needs killing.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book, and I LOVE it. The world of Stallion Ridge is rich and growing and the characters really draw you in.

Gunner is my favorite character so far (next to Marybell of course) and his POV did not disappoint. He’s intense and delicious. There is a lot of depth in the characters, and Maddox explores them each with heart and humor. Marybell is a scene stealer and I love her to pieces.

This book is funny, sexy, and intense. I will definitely continue this series to see where it takes this town and the people who live there. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 Stars

This series has been a wonderful surprise. It's different, funny, charming characters and situations out of the ordinary.

Wee meet Gunner and Cooper in book 1 and they are as different as they can be but that's also what makes their chemistry and sexual tension all the more alluring and fun to read. Not to mention the situation they have to deal with at the same time, makes this an engrossing read. And the end was quite surprsing. I really can't wait for book 3!

[DeeNeez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book surpassed the first book! Gunner intrigued me in the first book, yet I wasn’t sure about Cooper. But this book started off making that emotional connection with Cooper, great the chemistry with Gunner (which turn into a blazing fire to burn the pages), and superb action and mystery. Marybell, the 6 year old was a hoot. That gal is going to kick butt when she grows up!

[RestlessPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you win, you get all the money on this table, including what I just tossed down. If you lose, you're mine. You come with me."

Gunner wins Cooper in a card of games, tells him "You're mine" and takes him to Stallion Ridge. There's no slavery anywhere here - if you've read the previous book (and you'd have to, this can't be read as standalone), you already know why he does this. All Gunner wants is to keep Cooper and his daughter Marybell safe, even if Cooper is too stubborn and prideful sometimes.

"Look at me."
Cooper didn't move for a long time before his tired eyes finally made their slow climb to meet his. The exhaustion and fear lacing the pretty blue eyes were like a dagger through Gunner's chest
"Tell me what got you so scared you slept by the door," he demanded gently.

"You keep acting like an ungrateful brat, and I think I'll take up the hobby of making you shake around me," Gunner growled into his ear, pulling him so close Cooper could feel the phantom touch of his lips against his lobe.

I was so, so sad that I finished reading this book. I know that there are more books in the series, but I wanted to see more of Gunner and Cooper together, and their little family in Stallion Ridge. I loved how broody, calm, deadly cowboy Gunner was all protective and possessive of Cooper. I wanted to smack Cooper few times, but this author is so good at writing flawed characters, and Cooper eventually won me over.

There was something exhilarating about being commanded in such a way, almost like Gunner had a dominant hold on him that spoke to Cooper's very dormant sexual desires. Not just that. No. It was also his very real need to feel like he was no longer floating aimlessly, alone, without something to hold onto. Like someone was keeping his feet on solid ground.

Marybell is a little demon and I adore her. Might be my favorite kid character from a book. She's a little maniac and she clicked with Gunner so well. I loved how Gunner indulged her, painting her face the way she wanted and teaching her some "important techniques" (such as how to gauge someone's eyes out with your thumbs, *cough*), giving her tasks of patrolling the house because she wanted to be a Deputy like him, or asking her for "secret intel from school" lmao. Calling her "that little shit" affectionately.

"Breathe, Marybell, I got you," he whispered quickly as he fell to one knee to catch her, wrapping her up into his arms before pulling her back to wipe the tears and hair from her face. The source of the blood on her face was a tender split lip, and an angry bruise was forming from the impact. She was desperately trying to say something, but her sobs were turning her words into nonsense.
Someone had hurt Marybell, his favorite little wild spirit who wanted to be painted like a demon and thought he was married to her daddy. Sweet, badass little warrior girl who would grow up to take over the world one day or at least become notorious enough to make people weak in the knees. Gunner never thought he'd ever like any kid, but this one?
He adored her with all he had.

Then there's the serious Sherrif Cal that we know from previous book and his mischevious boyfriend Jesse. Mack who is hillarious. Sky, Scarlet, Elliot, and Cody, my poor baby, who didn't deserve what happened to him. That thing that happened at the end literally broke my heart (Author, just why? :( )

I truly fell in love with all the characters. The book leaves us with a lot of loose ends, though, which I assume will get tied in future books. But, in all honestly, I rarely care much about plot, but more about characters.

The whole story is laced with heartache from what characters were/are going through, even though it ends happily. Aside the fact that this is fantasy, the characters, their flaws, the consequences of their actions and, sometimes, the unfairness of the reality they live in, felt very realistic and bittersweet to me.

I personally loved this book more than the first one, but again, you gotta read it in order. I highly recommend this series, it's amazing so far!

"That mouth doesn't belong to you tonight, you hear me?" Gunner whispered, his breath brushing over Cooper's lips.

"I want to have that Samura's babies. "Mack sighed dreamily. Cal pinched the bridge of his nose like Mack's words caused him pain.

°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*⁀°•*
*General Notes*
-Anxious MC (not explicitly stated, and maybe it's because of the threat looming over his neck, but Cooper is definitely anxious); Single dad (deceased wife); Glasses rep;
-protective cowboy in black LI
-Shapeshifters (and some surprises!)
-Western

*Intimacy Notes*
-Top/bottom/verse: they switch, one scene for each
-Kinks/sex notes: threesome (the first time, before they get together); BJs, fingering, marking, biting...
-Other:
・nicknames: darlin', sweetheart...
・Big spoiler alert! Gunner has a secret: he's a manticore panther shapeshifter
・possessiveness and protectiveness
・mates; not fated, but Gunner marks Cooper.
・necktimacy

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed this.. it had twists and turns i didnt see coming.. and the ending.. omg.. what will happen next?!? lol the characters are very well written even with their flaws and issues. overall very good story and i cant wait for the next

[Violet Laflamme · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect follow-up to the first book. If you liked reading about the first Woodlock brother, then you'll definitely also enjoy reading about the second one. A return of fan favourites and quite a few surprises. I was definitely sucked in by this one!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in the face of faults

One of my favourite series out there right now!

With this second book and the greater introductions of the town and characters being done previously, this really ticks in to becoming a series. There were small things that hint to changes and concerns in the future. From the expanding town, to moneyed interests, and even mysterious disappearances, things come up that are not immediately solved or even necessarily problems yet. It is a sign of things to come in the continuing series which is very exciting! This time around there is even a bit of a cliffhanger within the last two paragraphs, a major change for the star of the next book (Cody) but at this point I am in for the series so it didn't bother me.

This book focuses on Gunner and Cooper, an odd pair if there ever was one. Gunner is the quiet reserved type, yet deadly and protective. Cooper is proper and a bit aloof to labour, but he is chatty when it comes to the books he loves. Cooper has fallen on hard times with a gambling debt hanging over his head and a hole he keeps digging, but being in Stallion Ridge gives less chances for that to happen. It also brings more danger as it seems that Cooper has run from his sizable debt.

The relationship between the two men is quite rocky. Cooper fears the Spades and the debt he has, but it is still his mess. His self esteem is quite low with what he thinks of himself for the debt so he has a hard time Seeing that someone else could see something in him. Gunner thinks Cooper is a good man in a bad situation, but his impulse is to swoop in and save. Between the animosity at the beginning from their odd meeting to the lingering bad feelings over money, these two have a rough road in this book.

The introduction of the railway magnate and other shifters was intriguing. There seems to be more story there and a chance for further stories down the road from the changes and consequences in this book. Exciting new series!

[Roksy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a widowed father with a crippling gambling debt, Cooper Woodlock can’t seem to get Lady Luck back on his side. Desperate to keep the bloodthirsty Spades at bay, Cooper hits the saloons in the hopes of a winning hand. But when a black-clad gunslinger enters the game, tempting Cooper with a slice of freedom, Cooper realises too late that the stakes are much higher than he’s ever wagered.

Maz Maddox continues to cement her place on my list of all time favourite authors with book two of the Stallion Ridge series, a paranormal take on the wild west. Maddox does well to weave world building into the story without heavy exposition, and I loved learning more about the setting, lore, and the characters. The cast is especially fascinating, being diverse in every way imaginable. Learning more about both MMCs Cooper and Gunner was especially rewarding. They both have their own baggage to work through, and though it made for a few tense moments, their romance was as natural as it was steamy. I didn’t even mind that Cooper was a single parent, a trope I’d normally avoid—I find that the kid(s) and the related tropes that often come with them usually ruin the story for me. In this instance, though, having met his daughter in the previous novel, I knew her presence wouldn’t overwhelm the story. Plus, the little ball of chaos who had some of the best lines.

[Osiel Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The World Building and Overall Story is Awesome.

I really liked the overall story and plot. The action was really good and kept me reading the book from start to beginning. The twist at the end had be gasping and I was like “whyyy?” and “Oh Sh****t”. The other twists I was like yup I saw them coming and it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. The plot builds upon the previous books and serves as a launching point for the book. The introduction of new shifter types keeps it fresh and helps build the works around the characters.
However, I wasn’t as emotionally invested in Coopers and Gunner’s story as I would have liked. There was a lot of chemistry (sexual chemistry), but other then that it felt like lust at first sight. It felt like there was no romance and the building of the relationship between them felt kind of rushed and underdeveloped, but Maybe I’ll re-read the novel again and it’ll change my mind, but for now I preferred Cala and Jesse’s story love story better.
But do read it, cause everybody else is really good and it made me want to stick with this series for how many novels get published.

[Nicolette Tereshko · Rating 3 out of 5]

[“She’s out back throwing rocks at stuff to feel better,”]
*
[The pride he wore like a shield had knives lining the inside, and each push against the world around it drove the blades deeper into him. Gunner knew those scars, had the very same ones, and didn’t want the cruelty of others to bleed the sweet man dry.]
*
[“Just thought I’d come over and see if you’d be interested in playing a couple rounds later.”
“Can’t.” Cooper held up his hand holding his daughter’s. “Busy tonight.”
“Now, ain’t she just darling. She can come sit while we play cards. Isn’t that right, princess?” Fred grinned, his metal tooth shining as he bent at the waist to flash his smile at Marybell.
Cooper’s daughter, true to form, glared at the man openly before snorting and spitting to the side in the most brute, gross way possible.
“Cards is boring. And I ain’t no princess, darlin’.” She sneered, causing Cooper to cough to hide a laugh.]
*