Another piece of the veil around the scientists’ experiments is lifted, and we end up with not only an explanation for the kidnappings, but a new type of shifter. One who has no idea how to control his animal. The focus of the story is on two men, both of whom have been kidnapped and tortured and/or experimented on. Learning to trust and knowing how their relationship will work isn’t easy for them – hence the title.

Todd is a pretty well adjusted wolf shifter. Well, he is now, we find out later on that this hasn’t always been the case. It partly explains why he is so able and willing to help Lyle through his problems. Of course, the other part is that he’s drawn toward his mate. His ability to hold back his need to be claimed because Lyle isn’t ready yet was amazing, and showed great control of his animal.

Lyle has a lot to deal with, and in typical macho fashion attempts to power through it. Increasing aggression and an inability to control his animal make him clamp down harder. Listening to the advice of the other shifters isn’t easy, because it contradicts what he has learned as a human. It isn’t easy, but thank God for Todd who can bring some semblance of rationality back to him!

This fifth book is really beginning to let the ongoing story unfold well. The conspiracy is more obvious, the villains are getting more slippery, and the recurring characters from previous books are great fun to watch. If you like shifter stories where a guy is learning about being a shifter, if mates who know they belong together but can’t quite figure out how to make it work interest you and if you enjoy hot shifter-on-shifter action, you may like this book.



NOTE: It makes sense to read the other books first; you may miss a lot of the enjoyment otherwise. ( )