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Review

Man, I love me some shifter smut! 4.5 stars!

I love Suzanne Wright, and the Phoenix Pack books are among my favourites of hers. This is book #6 in the series, and if you’ve read any of the others then you will know what to expect – a strong female character, an even stronger alpha male, wisecracks, banter, epic insults and put-downs, strong paranormal themes, a bit of intrigue and excitement, lots of laughs and of course a wickedly sexy romance that is hot, lots of fun and gorgeously romantic. Yes, it’s formulaic, but it’s fun and it works, and I loved this one!

This book is about the Phoenix Pack head enforcer, Tao. In previous books Tao has been the quiet, stoic man in the background. He is strong, serious and completely dedicated to his job protecting his packmates. And that’s why, when the pack took in raven shifter, Riley, he was instantly cagey about the new, unknown, secretive and highly defensive presence in his life. But there’s also an attraction that he cannot deny, and this book begins with a bang – or post bang as it were – with Tao and Riley waking up after a drunken night together. And we’re right into the action as Tao decides that one night isn’t going to be enough.

“If you expect me to walk away and forget what it’s like to be in you, tasting you, exploding deep in you, you’re out of your mind.”

And though she puts up a fight, Riley is more than happy to go along with that… in her own unique way…

“It does help your case that you’ve got as much dick in your jeans as you have in your personality.”

Neither of them are interested in anything permanent, but their connection is undeniable and they’re happy to enjoy each other – and OMG, do they enjoy each other! Like the other couples in the series, there’s a strong sense of antagonism to their romance (it’s the shifter way), and that translates into steamy hot, almost combative sexy time that is passionate, intense, and so, so hot! But along with all of that intensity, comes a sensational sense of fun, and I just loved the dynamic between them. The girls in this series are smart, sassy, and not afraid to give just as much as they get, and I loved the playful, smutty banter that is a huge part of Tao and Riley’s relationship.

“I’m thinking about fucking your mouth, to be exact.”
“Of course you are,” she said drily. “You’re a boy. Boys are delusional.”
He smiled. “You’re not going to let me feel what it’s like to slide my cock in your mouth? That doesn’t seem fair. I go down on you all the time.”
“Oh, I won’t deny you eat pussy like a champ.”
He laughed. “Like a champ?”
“Totally. But you know, over seventy percent of erectile dysfunction cases are caused by having too many blow jobs.”
“They are not.”
“They could be.”

Riley is a lone shifter who left her flock four years ago, but she receives a call inviting her back for a special occasion and it’s one that she can’t refuse. Being the protective alpha male that he is, Tao goes along for the trip. But returning to her home uncovers tragic secrets from the past, and a new danger emerges, threatening Riley and her family, and brining the Phoenix Pack to her defence as they fight to protect their own and uncover the threat.

It’s exciting and intriguing, and I was fully invested in the mystery/suspense part of the storyline, which is blended wonderfully in with Tao and Riley’s story – because let’s face it, it’s all about the romance, and I thought the development of the love story between Tao and Riley was really nicely done. Every single moment is dripping with chemistry, but the growing emotion is a gradual, natural thing, and I could feel the shift between them as their feelings for each other grew deeper. It’s beautifully explored, and there are some gorgeously swoony moments as they fall for each other easily and without angst and drama, and I loved the way their story played out.

“It doesn’t matter to me if you’re the other half of my soul or not. You’re in my soul. I don’t know how you got there, I really don’t but you are.”

The rest of the Phoenix Pack are a big part of the story, and I loved seeing all of the other couples. And I enjoyed the introduction of new characters – both the beloved and the evil – in fact, probably more of the evil, because the smart-mouthing is hilarious and had me laughing out loud as always.

“You know, Cynthia, there are no guys standing around with their pants down, so I can’t help but ask myself why the fuck you keep opening your mouth.”

As always, I loved the paranormal parts of the story. The shifter dynamics and politics keep the story engaging, and really drag you into another world. And for the first time, I loved exploring the avian world with Riley as a raven shifter. And I thought the combination of the wolf and the raven together was beautifully done.

I really enjoyed this read. It was everything I was hoping for, and I’m looking forward to more from this fun, sexy and exciting series.

4.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

The Phoenix Pack series

 

See our Phoenix Pack / Mercury Pack series page for more information
and to see how these two series fit together (including suggested reading order).