Steamy jungle

Waking the Beast by Lacey Thorn

The legend of the Paka Watu...

Ever since she was a young girl, Abby Lane can’t resist the allure of a catshifter tribe forced to repress their beasts. On a trip to Africa, she discovers a coveted piece of information—the name the pride leader assumed when he left his home—and she traces his lineage to his descendent.

The sleeping lion...

Utah Pearce can’t keep his gaze off the woman who slips into the bar every night. Though not his usual type, she brings out the possessive instinct in him, making him battle with himself as he tries to stay away.

Mine...

Abby’s research never prepared her for the reality in front of her. The beast is waking, and Utah is changing in ways both exciting and terrifying. He is possessive and dominant, and when he finally claims her, neither of them will ever be the same.

Rate & take

This book came across on one of discount ebook emails that I get daily, and I'll admit the cover and title may have had a teeny bit of sway over my purchase decision. 

The book moved along at a nice pace, no real surprises in the plot, but the writing worked well enough that it wasn't an issue. My only negative to say is that plot changes happened rather easily without much build up or depth. Maybe that will come later in the series, or maybe this was just meant to be enjoyed for what it is, an interesting take on new shifters with a larger emphasis on the steamy side of the plot. Either way, If you are looking for a quick, steamy fix, this book will fit the bill. It also has the benefit of being book one in the Awakening Pride series that is now five books deep and going. It seems that each book will be about a different member of the growing shifter pride. In this book we also briefly meet an alpha pack of wolves that live together in an interesting and unconventional way. The author has promised to work on a book or series for them as well. I do plan to continue on with this series in between other books. I'm interested to see the evolution of the larger story.