Let me start by saying this book wrecked me in the best possible way. I went in expecting just another werewolf romance, but what I got was a raw, emotional journey about trauma and healing—with some seriously steamy slow-burn tension.

The moment I met Ava, my heart ached for her. Her trauma isn't glossed over with magical mate bonds fixing everything instantly. No, she actually has to work through her pain, and watching her reclaim her strength had me cheering out loud at 2 AM (sorry, neighbors). Jaxon's golden retriever energy mixed with his own grief made their dynamic so deliciously complex.

What surprised me most was how real the fantasy elements felt. The mind-bond connection? Chef's kiss. It created this intimacy that went beyond physical attraction—like when Jaxon would mentally 'check in' during Ava's panic attacks. As someone who struggles with anxiety, that representation hit hard (in a good way).

Pro tip: Keep tissues handy. There's one scene where Ava finally stands up to her abuser while Jaxon physically holds back but mentally screams support that had me SOBBING into my blanket fort. The way Savanna Rose balances darkness with hope is masterful.

Fair warning though—this isn't your fluffy insta-love shifter romance. The slow burn is SLOW (like 'will-they-won't-they-for-70%-of-the-book' slow), but when they finally... *ahem*... it's explosive payoff after all that emotional buildup.

I've already pre-ordered the sequel because that cliffhanger ending? Criminal. Do yourself a favor and clear your weekend before starting—you won't be able to put it down.