4 Wine Glass #Review of Dark Protector by Katie Reus

Title: Dark Protector
Series: Moon Shifter #6
Author: Katie Reus
Format: Kindle, 276 pages
Published: November 15, 2016 (KR Press, LLC)
ISBN: ASIN: B01MAUM930
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Author
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

He walked away once; he won't do it again.

Wolf shifter Aldric Kazan is no stranger to pain. Since the loss of his mate a century ago, he won't allow himself to fall for someone again—not even the feisty female who stirs things in him that he thought were gone long ago. But as a supernatural investigator, he's forced to team up with the same woman he vowed to stay away from.

She let him in once; she refuses to do it again.

Natalia Cordona refuses to back down from any challenge—even if it means joining forces with Aldric, the sexy and brooding man who won't get too close. Locating missing vampires before a volatile war breaks out seems nearly impossible as the duo struggle with their explosive and undeniable attraction. Now it's up to Natalia and Aldric to trust each other to stop an all-out war from breaking out that would destroy the harmony they've all worked so hard for.

Linda's Thoughts:
“When this is over… you’re mine.”

Dark Protector is the sixth installment in Katie Reus’ Moon Shifter paranormal romantic suspense series. Every one of the books in this series can be read and fully enjoyed as standalones, if that is your preference. This book is the second-chance-at-romance story of two wolf shifters, Aldric Kazan and Natalia Cordona, coupled with a gripping mystery. Aldric and Natalia share a history. Their story drew me in from the first and kept me turning the pages through to the end.

Aldric lost his mate a century ago, but he still mourns her and remains guilt-ridden over his failure to protect her way back then. With Natalia, Aldric feels alive and complete – feelings he never expected to experience again after losing his mate. Five months ago, despite their undeniable pull and explosive chemistry, Aldric abruptly walked away from Natalia with no explanation.

Now, the two have been paired in a crucial investigation. As soon as Aldric is in the same room with Natalia, he realizes that he made a terrible mistake when he left her and wants a second chance. However, Natalia’s heart was crushed when he walked away before and she doesn’t trust him to not leave her again. Regardless, she will not accept second-best. It’s all or nothing with her. She doesn’t believe Aldric can give his all to her while he holds onto his ex’s memory so dearly.

I loved Natalia’s spunk and Aldric’s determination and ensuant groveling. Their interactions were hot, hot, hot and, this time, Aldric didn’t run. Besides the seriously sexy romance, there’s plenty of mystery in this tale with fast-paced action, edge-of-your-seat suspense and twists and turns galore.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Dark Protector:

“You’re not going to sleep with that fucking vampire!”…
“I’ll sleep with an entire coven if I want!” She wasn’t whispering now. “You don’t tell me what to do.”…
“I’ll kill any male who touches you.” His voice was a low growl as he leaned down to get right in her face.
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He didn’t utter threats. He delivered promises.
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It’s all or nothing with me. Make sure you know what you want.

Katie Reus writes romantic suspense like no other whether it is in the real or the paranormal world. I NEED to catch up with this series as each story I’ve read in it has been amazing. The next story, A Mate for Christmas, is the series finale. It’s a Christmas novella that incorporates a brief update of each couple from the previous books plus the HEA story of two more wolf shifters, Noel Cordona & Nathan O’Neill. I can’t wait to read it! If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense, I would encourage you to check out Katie Reus’ Moon Shifter series!


Suggested Reading Order: 
1. Alpha Instinct
1.5 Lover’s Instinct
2. Primal Possession
3. Mating Instinct
3.5 His Untamed Desire
4. Avenger’s Heat
5. Hunter Reborn
5.5 .Protective Instinct
6. Dark Protector
7. A Mate for Christmas – the finale!