Brief Synopsis: This story follows bear shifter Deacon, along with his two brothers Nox & Riker. They all have blood thirsty animal halves and kill for the shifter goverment. When they meet with the local head of the cartel Deacon recognizes Rio, the son of the cartel head, as his mate. He proceeds to follow his mate and try to make him his.

I was expecting with the mafia and crime type themes that this book would be mid to high angst. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. It was low angst and the suspense was light. I really was intrigued by the world and loved the found family aspects of this book. The three brothers really intrigued me and had me completely hooked. 

Deacon - an intense bear shifter

Nox - a grumpy tiger shifter

Riker - an excitable fox shifter

Deacon and Rio were sweet together. The instant lust and draw to one another was evident. I felt the way the parents were dealt with felt satisfying in the end. It wrapped things up nicely. 

This book did feel it lacked some depth and was on the fast track due to its length, but it didn't bother me. It still felt complete. I can totally see this series going in my comfort read pile for when I want a cozy reread.

Genres: Novella, LGBTQ+ (MM) Paranormal Romance

Tropes: bear shifter/human, fated mates, crime/mafia, instalove-ish, found family

TW: murder, violence, homophobia, parental neglect

Heat level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 4/5 ( a few hot scenes)

Frequency: smut

Tears: n/a

POV: 1st person; Dual (Deacon & Rio)

OM/W drama? No

Cheating? No

3rd act breakup?

No

HEA? Yes

Cliffhanger?

Yes, but not for main couple. It sets up the story for Nox's book on a cliffhanger.