Alpha Instinct(Moon Shifter #1)
by Katie Reus
Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Published February 7th 2012 by Signet
ISBN 0451236092
Courtesy of Author
Fear has a scent. So does desire…GoodReads
Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.
The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.
But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…
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Crystal’s Thoughts:
Alpha Instinct is a wolfishly sexy read that will leave you howling for more!
Ana Cordona is the Alpha of the Cordona pack after all the males and pregnant females were mysteriously poisoned, and though her pack respects her leadership, Ana knows that she won’t be able to hold it for long. With no Alpha male to lead, her pack is easy pickings for the more aggressive males of the breed and vulnerable to take over. Ana’s neighboring Alpha, Taggart, has already proven what lengths a wolf will go to to claim her, her pack and her lands.
When Connor Armstrong walks back into Ana’s life offering much-need protection Ana would be a fool to turn him away, despite how he walked away from her fifty years ago breaking her heart in the process. But can she accept the terms he has set in exchange? Because Connor wants more from the beautiful she-wolf than just her pack, he wants all of Ana – body, mind and soul.
The stakes are high but they soon turn deadly when more shifters turn up dead and humans are thrown into the mix. Who is trying to destroy Ana’s pack and can Connor protect them? Or will he lose in more than the game of love?
I absolutely loved Alpha Instinct. So much so, my poor book is looking rather abused from carting it everywhere I went while reading. It felt like a crime to put this down for even a minute!
Author Katie Reus is a wickedly talented writer, providing vivid details giving depth to not just the amazing characters but the world that she has created around them as well. Ana was an intriguing leading lady; she is tough but also sensitive, caring and protective towards her family and pack. Her feelings towards Connor are complicated; there is still that spark of attraction between them but she is weary of letting her feelings deepen for him because of their past. The sexual tension between Connor and Ana is palpable from the pages and a rather frustrating journey until they finally give in. But that didn’t mean their problems were solved, Ana and Connor’s ride was full of pot holes and I believe that makes them more relatable to the reader. Connor was a sexy hero with a hint of a Scottish brogue which was super hot. He’s extremely protective and comes off as pushy at first but as you read along you understand his reasoning’s. The story grows right along with the characters.
Mystery and suspense is woven into the romance with three nasty villains, one of whom is an unknown until the very end. The story builds and builds, with plenty of twists and turns, until it reaches a heart pounding climax that will keep you turning the pages. There were also some heart breaking moments that caused my allergies to act up (lol) and the secondary characters were all enamoring. I especially enjoyed the sub plot and romance of Connor’s brother, Liam, whose story will continue into the second novel, Primal Possession (September 2012). My only complaint for the novel would be the repetitiveness when it came to describing a few character traits, a minor issue really in such a great story.
Alpha Instinct is a promising start to the Moon Shifter series and I am eagerly anticipating the next installment!
Rating: 4.5 Wine Glasses - A must read for paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans!
Sexual Content: Recommended for adult readers. Warning, contains a dominatingly sexy alpha wolf determined to claim his feisty mate. Kitchens, bedrooms and woods be warned!
Great review Crystal! Well described, makes me want to check out this book.
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