Arctic Bite

3.5 stars — This book was definitely entertaining, but it was missing just…something to make it a true hit for me. I’m still having problems concentrating, so maybe I *gasp* need to take a break from reading. *sigh* Honestly? I actually really loved Alexei. I don’t know if he’ll be many people’s favourites, but he was this beautiful sensitive soul dealing with some HUGE internal struggles, and he just melted my heart. I loved how humbled he was by Cassie’s attention, how he would blush over his feelings. I ached for what he went through in his past, and how everyone had basically betrayed him. He was just completely NOT what I was expecting from this book, and for me that was a huge PLUS. He alone is why I will be rounding up. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t perfect. And sometimes he felt a bit too good to be true…but in general it was all love. I especially loved how he loved being playful because of his bear side…that was adorable as heck. Cassie was pretty easy to like in general, though because she was holding on to so many secrets about who she was, it was a bit harder to connect with her. I thought her whole story was seriously fascinating, though I think I would have preferred to know some things earlier on, and leave just the big reveal towards the end. I still don’t think I fully understand what she was feeling that made her quit and run…because she spends so much time talking about how reapers don’t have feelings, I wanted a bit more…depth about what drove her to the edge. I get the sickle story…that was…just sad. I wish I knew more about that, but I wonder if that’ll become clear in future books. As for the two of them together? I enjoyed their banter and their genuine caring for one another…but their feelings felt a wee bit fast for me. I will accept that if there’s some supernatural reason, but it was mostly just good ole instalove. There were a LOT more steamy scenes than I was expecting. Which was okay, but I wasn’t super invested in them…I was missing some spark there I think. The world seems intriguing. I will admit that it doesn’t feel super standalone, because I know I missed a lot of hints and things for the overarching plot from the first book, and I know some of the answers I want will come in later books. And unfortunately I’m not sure it grabbed me enough to keep me reading more books. But if I was invested in the series, I would appreciate all those little subtleties that tie together, if that makes sense. All in all it wasn’t the miracle non-contemp I was looking for to pull me out of the slump, but it was fun and different.

I'm hooked! Like I normally seem to do I dropped into this series a touch late. It is okay though as this was a standalone. It does however interconnect with characters from the previous book - it is also only the 2nd in the series. Where to start? The world-building I believe would be a good place. This was an enticing mix of lore and myth and a touch of magic There was a bit of shifter magic, some vampy visitors, some deities and a visit from a possible omniscient presence of powerful but unknown origin (so not giving this away) I possibly quite literally wanted a bit more of this side of the story but alas I will have to temper my greed for now This story spotlighted our two main characters but it also gave us small tastes of some of the 'other kind' that were creeping in the shadows as well as a bit of the running backstory of which there were a couple of different story lines. I definitely will be adding this series to my must-read list. It was fun and engaging with a bit of suspense and a whole lot of heat. Alexei is investigating the culpability of a contract. He may be an assassin for hire but as a Forgotten he doesn't kill the innocent. Make no mistake he is a monster but he also knows that there are worse monsters out there than him. Better to give your darkness a direction. As soon as he scents his target everything gets flipped upside down. But he knows enough not to get personal with his kills. Or maybe not? Something is different with her. Is she hiding her darkness? Is this a trick? Cassie was a refreshing mix of vibes from the bad-arse heroine to the sweet as pie girl next door - both worked well for her character. Just wait till her secrets are spilled - Her skeletons are plenty - Some even she wasn't aware of. Alexei- what a snuggle bear - He has secrets too and a back story that leaked a few tears from me. As for our couple - insta-lust followed by a solid build to their relationship. Again, I have to say I do wish I had more time with this couple. I was a bit surprised to hear the truth behind the contract and even more shocked at the turn of events. I'm hoping as this series continues we will get some of the mysteries left unsolved ... well solved. Until then? Watch your back

So, what is your favourite type of shifter, and what breed of bear is it? For me, it’s Polar Bears, and Alexei was perfect, and different. He thought he was less because he was different, but in the end, that is what made all the more special. Cassandra thought she was doomed, because of what she was, and what she’d done, run from her responsibilities. She couldn’t be more wrong, but it takes a lot of heartbreak to get to that realization. What isn’t in doubt, the attraction and the steaminess between these two. Age, reasons, meaning, and time, all cease to exist when these two are together. Their bond is deep, their love is great, their moments are all special. I felt all their pain, all their joy, all their doubt and worries. I felt with them, and for them, and I loved every second of it!