Fangs with a Heart

I loved reading this book so much. I have experienced domestic abuse myself but this is so much more than that. Poor Trace, the things he went through and still needs to work through. Sasha loves him so much that he sacrifices much to patiently bond and bring Trace around in a safe way.
There are twists, turns, and so much between Sasha and Trace it makes a wonderful story.

Reviewed by Meredith for Diverse Reader

Fangs with a Heart is book two in Tempeste O’Riley’s Chain of Fate Series. Whiskers of a Chance came out in 2015 and was one of my favorite books of that year. So naturally, I was excited to read this one. I adored Sasha in Whiskers of a Chance and pretty much begged the author to make another book. I am so glad she did.



Now, I’m going to say I didn’t love this story like I did book one. I had massively high hopes for this one. I hoped to see more of the fun loving Sasha. The one that rocked every scene he was in. This book took on a much more serious feel.



Trace actually made me laugh when he was in his lynx form. He was so endearing and the clearer thinker in Trace’s head. Suffering from an abusive relationship is a struggle and a half. Even after the abuser can no longer physically hurt you, it still eats at your mind and makes loving another near impossible.



This story was slow moving at first. I will go so far as to say it dragged in some places and sort of became repetitive in the back and forth. I got the state of mind Trace was in and was sympathetic. I think I felt that when the declaration came it would be like breathing fresh air. It was sort of just an “okay yeah now let’s go do this.” SO much was happening in this story that parts stumbled. Sasha and Trace made plans for dates that never happened but the absence of them wasn't discussed so the reader has to assume.



I adored the suspense with who was trying to kill Trace but again we got the ruling on the “whodunit” but then it died away. The ending threw me for a loop. It was very much way out of nowhere in the hope of tying up a loose end and it left me with more questions than answers.



All in all, it was okay for me. I was happy that Sasha and Trace got their HEA (maybe HFN?) And that I got to see Jason again (he’s my favorite) The cover is stunning! It is an entertaining series and the dialog is thoroughly enjoyable so I do recommend you given this series a go. You should read them in order though.

I had not read book one in this series when I volunteered to read this one, and I don’t feel that I missed out on anything in doing so, though there is background that will certainly enhance the reading of this book. However, I must admit that I immediately went and grabbed book one, Whiskers of a Chance, as soon as I was done because I was hooked!

Trace is a lynx who has suffered severe physical and mental trauma in his past, and is uncomfortable with most everyone around him because of it. For all that he’s a powerful shifter, he’s also as submissive as they come. Sasha is the most powerful vampire in the Konstantin coven, but meeting his fated heart five years ago and discovered that Trace doesn’t want to mate him has left Sasha in a sour state of depression.

In his position as council representative, Trace must frequently interact with Sasha on a formal basis as liaison between the shifter tribe and the coven, leading to all sorts of inner angst.

The world-building is extensive, allowing for a rich visual in the brain. The characters are plenty and varied, with some standout peripheral characters, such as Sasha’s valet, Jalin, who can be as demure as possible one moment, then in a pique the next, yet always amusing to the reader. I loved this character! From close-minded relatives to plotting villains, there is plenty to keep you interested and the story moving forward.

I really disliked how Jalin and Dr. Niko manipulated Trace (and I can’t say more than that without giving too much away). It came across to me as mental assault, though I understood that it was part of the conflict resolution in Trace’s healing. It seemed dangerous to me to force such a thing, though this is just my opinion, and there is all sorts of creative license at play here, so your mileage may vary. Once you get beyond this ick factor, however, the chemistry is super strong and the sexy times are hot hot hot!

I loved the genuine concern on the parts of so many for Trace’s protection, healing, and success. None of it seemed contrived or ‘forced’ by the author, but rather it felt organic and grew at its own pace. Also, the dialogue does get flowery, but I’m all for that – I’m a sucker for a sweet talker, and Sasha is certainly that.

I am rating this at 3.5 stars, and I’m rounding up for sites that don’t accept halves. This is my first Tempest O’Riley book, and I definitely recommend it! I am looking forward to the next installment.


**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**