Markus Reussmin is a wolf shifter who’s worked as a Stone Ridge deputy for over a decade. Over the last couple of years, he’s had a few people comment on how he doesn’t look as if he’s aged a day, but he’s always laughed it off as good genes. After all, he isn’t ready to go into hiding so he can reappear after a decade with a new reinvention of himself.
When the sheriff’s department receives a report of smoke in a remote part of the forest, Markus is dispatched to check it out. He hikes into the area and discovers a rudimentary campsite. That’s not all. The site is occupied by none other than his mate…judging by the delicious scent pervading the area.
With the help of his shifter nose, Markus locates the hiding human—Ronan Dyer—who turns out to be wary and untrusting of law enforcement. That makes sense, since he’s hiding from the government. Can Markus convince the skittish human he’s not the bad guy so he can help him, even as he explains the complexities of shifters and matings before his pack’s mountains are invaded by government stooges?
So -- my epic re-read journey is continuing. I am reading the 4 series that make up the Stone Ridge World in order of creation. I really love Charlie's writing and the stories, but they drifted down to short stories and novellas early in the series. Shorter and shorter, for the same amount of $$$. Most hit the 3/5 level while others edge to the 2/5 because they have holes or little plot. I am finding that more and more, these books as individuals leave a lot to be desired. Fortunately - since I have bought all of these (yes -all 190 some - sigh - do not do the math) I can binge read and it becomes much more. So on the last 25% of them.
Markus and Ronan were both beautiful and big, strong men, although, Markus was a wolf shifter and Ronan was his mate. Their story was very riveting and totally had me pulled in. It ended a bit abruptly, but I still loved this intriguing addition to the series, however, I didn't really like Ronan's mother, but the other secondary characters were quite fascinating. It's always fun to hear about Jared and his mate again. Excellent read.
A very good story but it got four stars because it was incomplete more of the first part of the story than the full book it seems the scientist are teamed up with the military do experiments and the possibility that another human could be turned into a shifter but we have to wait till next time
It ended abruptly and didn’t actually have a storyline more like a “to be continued”. Lacked an actual climax, literally just drops off after the battle with the soldiers.
Four stars the whole way until the end. My only thought at turning the page and seeing it was over was what the hell kinda ending is that? Grr! And there’s only one more written book for this series? Dang.