Red River by Cardeno C. was just as fantastic as I thought it would be. It’s the second in her Pack series, and you can also see what I thought of the first book, Blue Mountain.
I loved, loved, loved how I got to learn more about the mythos of shifters in this book. The Red River pack is so connected to Mother Nature and their pack origins. You can see the disconnect other packs have experienced over time when you compare what Wesley knows to Jobe’s knowledge.
There were times I felt like Wesley could have picked up on things a bit quicker, but hey, I probably would have been overwhelmed and less observant too. He’s learning all about his new pack, the land, and Jobe, so missing the flashing neon sign is understandable. Sort of. 😉
Jobe was a really cool character. He reminded me a little bit of a religious leader with how calm and spiritual he was with everything he did. It’s so unlike most alphas in shifter stories. They are almost always more aggressive or physically intimidating.
I dug it.
There was some wonderful sexual tension built up in this one too. Similar to Simon in Blue Mountain, when Wesley arrives in Red River he doesn’t immediately fall into bed with Jobe.
The fact that CC can write a series about fated mates while also making it abundantly clear each time that the characters are willingly choosing each other is probably my favorite thing about this whole series. Consent is sexy.
There was a couple of times where there was a time jump after a page break or the beginning of a new chapter and it wasn’t always immediately clear. That was a bit confusing for me. I wish there had been indicators like “ten years later” or “three weeks later” to let me know so it wouldn’t have been so jolting when I figured out that a chunk of time had been skipped and it wasn’t just the next day.
Red River is a great follow-up to Blue Mountain. Wesley and Jobe were so perfect for each other and their pack. The depth that these two cared was heartwarming. I can’t wait for the next installment! You better get on that, CC! 😉
Copy provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Rating: ★★★★
Blurb:
Two Alpha shifters join together to lead their pack and build a family.
Commitment, loyalty, and strength aren’t enough to make Wesley Stone’s birth pack accept an Alpha with a physical imperfection, even if it’s a meaningless mark. Putting the safety of his pack above his own wellbeing, Wesley trades himself for another Alpha and agrees to mate with a stranger in a mysterious, insular pack.
Alphas from Jobe Root’s family have led the Red River pack from the first day shifters walked the earth. Now the time has come for Jobe to fulfill his destiny, but to do that, he needs his mate by his side. Spiritual, easygoing Jobe reveres Mother Nature and trusts in fate, yet he can’t help being nervous about how his mate will react to his new life in Red River, his new life with Jobe.
Two Alphas with contrasting personalities, different upbringings, and divergent beliefs come together for the good of their packs. But to stay together, Wesley and Jobe must see beyond the surface and embrace every facet of themselves and their union.
Publisher: The Romance Authors
Release Date: January 16, 2016
Length: 122 pages
Purchase: Amazon, ARe
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