York, England, 1912
Kent was a pack outcast. His shifter instincts cruelly muted, he was collared and kept as a stray. Until he was offered his freedom—for something in return. He must rescue Hadrian, an alpha held hostage in the wolf highlands. It's a pleasure for Kent to follow the captive's scent, one so wild and virile it gives him a rush. Though he despises being treated like a mutt called to heel, he'll gladly fall to his knees for an alpha like Hadrian.
Hadrian has never met anyone like this damaged wolf warrior. His savior who licks the blood from his wounds and who arouses in him feelings he doesn't understand or want to control. But Hadrian suspects that more than desire binds them. It's betrayal. Pawns in an elaborate and feral deceit, they're now caught in the deepening maze of a vengeful shifter world, where navigating the mysteries of the heart could prove just as unpredictable and dangerous as the enemies they face.
The setup in Victorian era England and the worldbuilding had many original points and thus I liked this book better than I thought. Kent was not your usual shifter and I liked that. Neither was Hardian your usual alpha.
The relationship that evolved between these two men was realistic and relatable. Writing was clumsy at times, especially when reading Kent's POV. I think author meant to separate the POV's by using very simple writing when writing Ken't part, but result was a bit disorganized. POV changed without warning so it was hard to follow at times. It was not too long though.
As this book represents a small scene (gay paranormal romance) it is a solid book but as and paranormal romance, I know lots of better books.