Savage Penance

Strange Penance by Liza Street is part of the Fierce Mates: Corona Pride and Bad Alpha Dads series. In this book, Doug a cougar shifter returns to his home town to find the woman that was pregnant with his child. When Doug arrives home he receives a series of surprises that will change his life forever. Not the least of which is that the woman he ran away from Gwyn is a witch and that she and his son Caleb are in trouble. This is a fast paced read that I loved and couldn't put down. Strange Penance is an exciting and sexy second chance paranormal romance.

Gwyneth knew better but he too hot to let go and one night of fun never hurt anybody, right? Doug did what any irredeemable shifter would do when he found out his one night stand was pregnant – he ran. When his inner mountain lion drives him back into Gwyn’s arms, he discovers that learning how to be a father is the least of his problems. This 'Corona Pride' story is an emotionally gripping and suspenseful romance that keeps readers holding their breath in anticipation throughout. The characters are strong, compelling and easily pull readers into their story and the chemistry between Gwyn and Doug sizzles with lots of heat but chemistry isn’t everything and being a typical guy, Doug, let his fear of commitment get in the way of his mating, but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t have valid reasons, so their lots of turbulent emotions flowing from the pages as well. The story is fast paced and while on the short side, the story is packed full of suspense and excitement, not only in the relationship area but Doug’s son has caught the attention of some witches that are determined to use his power as their own, adding lots of danger to the story. This ‘Fierce Mate’ romance is one that readers will get a chuckle out of as well some edge of the seat thrills with a bad boy and a ‘doesn’t have to have a male around’ heroine.

I couldn't put it down! I literally read the whole thing in one sitting, which is unusual for me. The story just pulled me in and held on tight, and I was powerless against it! Though this is book 7 in the series, I don't think you need to read the previous books to enjoy this one. But you should. Because this series is awesome! Doug was a bad guy in previous books. Like, a real jerk. But this story painted him in a different light. I enjoyed reading how he continued to evolve throughout the story, and I loved how he was with Caleb and Gwyn. Gwyn was really cool. She's a witch, but she is endearing because she has doubts and shortcomings like we all do. She's very independent and can totally take care of herself and her son, but she was also strong enough to ask for help when she needed it. These two knew each other from years ago (I won't tell you how!) and they have a certain...something...in common. Though they were hesitant to reconnect in any way, they soon found the pull towards each other impossible to resist. And when they collided, HOLY SMOKES! Liza is just such a master of imagery. I always feel like I'm right there in the action-packed stories she writes, and I can't wait for the next book!!! (I was given this book in consideration of my honest thoughts)