cover image Bound by Shadows

Bound by Shadows

Kathy Lyons. Forever, $7.99 mass market (304p) ISBN 978-1-5387-3619-7

Lyons (Were-Geeks Save Wisconsin) introduces the Gladwin Clan of Michigan bear-shifters in the steamy first Grizzlies Gone Wild paranormal romance (previously self-published as The Bear Who Loved Me). Carl Carman, the contentious new Maximus of the Gladwin Clan, could best consolidate his power by taking the strongest she-bear, policewoman Tonya, as his mate, but he’s not interested in her romantically and would much prefer to have her as second-in-command. When the first shift of a cohort of teen werebears goes awry, Carl must work closely with full human Becca Weitz, the adoptive mother of a new shifter who appears to have been kidnapped. As they search for her son, they indulge their mutual attraction in hot scenes that perfectly blend tenderness with superpowered alpha male energy, though readers will need to suspend disbelief around Becca’s willingness to start a new relationship while her child is actively at risk. Lyons keeps the focus narrow, mining Carl’s internal struggle between bear and man for tension and letting the romance take center stage over intra-clan politics. Those who like their heroes buff and gruff—but gentle, not rough—will be swept away. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Assoc. (Aug.)