Kristen Strassel

Daphne is 18 years old and she just shifted into a deer for the first time in her life. Now she’s stuck in this form until she finds her soul mate. This means she must take place in a time-honored ritual, The Mate, on Halloween night. She’s scared but her family doesn’t give her much advice on what to expect. There are hunters prowling through the woods and she has an equal chance of getting killed instead of finding a buck to fall in love with. When she meets Leo, Daphne shifts back show more to human. He takes her to his cabin and, thinking he’s her mate, she willingly goes with him.
Then the mind games begin.
Leo refuses to answer her questions (about what kind of shifter he is) and he demands she answer all of his questions. He refuses to let her touch him when he seduces her (he physically pins her down) and he allows his friends to berate and threaten her. Daphne can’t go home to her family without having a mate and preferably being pregnant, so she stays with him and becomes depressed.
Daphne is a weak person and Leo is manipulative. She’s toy to him (he even admitted he messed with her head because that’s what cats do to their prey) but they’re both obsessed with the other.
The book is written in first POV from only Daphne’s perspective. I liked the author’s voice and writing style. I really felt bad for Daphne and wished she would've wised up. I enjoyed the premise for this book but I just couldn’t connect with the H/h.
3 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book free on Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion. show less

This book almost got 2.5 stars because for quite a while the two main characters were so self-centered and selfish that it really made me mad. However, there was some major character growth and I was pleased with where they ended up (as individual people as well as a couple). Another thing that bugs me about this book is the cliff hanger (a pet peeve of mine). Yet I will still be continuing with the story because I am enjoying the series plot.

2.5 stars
I am interested in the overarching series plot, but this book didn't work for me. Laura was a lovely character to follow, but the fact that she didn't involve her 10 year old daughter from the beginning (since this would impact her life every bit as much as Laura's) upset my mama's heart. Furthermore, Mason is such a wishy washy character. He is supposedly Saint's "best friend" but I have seen nothing to show me that is true. He is doing harm to everybody and never takes a stand show more publicly to make things clear. I certainly hope he doesn't have any kids that become alpha somewhere in the future. show less

I liked the starting premise and that both protagonists had their problems. The characters were quite well developed and some of the scenes were quite steamy. The writing was good, as was the pace.