As I read some of these earlier Cascadia novels, I really struggle with some of the plot devices Dane uses. Specifically the fated mates trope and how that automatically means love. I can deal with the fated mates thing as long as there's sufficient time to develop the relationship outside what's been fated. I think here, though, the feelings come too quickly. I realize they're tied to the mating bond, but when the "I Love You's" are thrown out that early (5 minutes after meeting) it rings false.

Once I move past that, I can't deny these are compelling reads. I especially enjoyed the way the tri-mate worked in this case. Having 3 people join together for a permanent relationship has always been interesting to me. I give it more leeway because in this world it's more accepted, but the internal workings of the relationship were fun to read about. ( )

Tracy Warden meets her mate in Nick Lawrence. She's thrilled, he's... ambivalent. Tracy's sexual anchor in the mate bond ceremony is Gabe Murphy, who wants their bond to be permanent, but honor forbids him from saying anything. Much angst ensues. I'm not generally a fan of large amounts of angst, and there were several times that I wanted to smack Nick upside the head for being a selfish prick, but Gabe and Tracy make the whole thing worthwhile. ( )