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Book Review: Shattered Illusions (Big Paw Mountain: Book 1)

Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆ 3.5/5

Title: Shattered Illusions (Big Paw Mountain: Book 1)

Author: Annie Rae

Publication Date: April 2, 2021

Genre: Science Fiction; Romance; Shifter Thriller & Suspense

Cover:

Rae delivers a provocative cover with just a hint of danger, leaving little doubt about what genre Shattered Illusions falls under.

Premise

When Evelyn Amos finds herself unwittingly connected to a money laundering scheme involving her boss and the mafia, she flees Tennessee for the safety of her childhood home In Talon, North Carolina. Surrounded by her Cherokee family and tribe, she immerses herself back into the life she never wanted to return to. While falling in love is not part of her agenda, Wyatt McAllister, alpha of the Big Paw Shifters, will let nothing stop him from protecting Evie and proving she is destined to be his mate.

Why I chose this book:

Author Annie Rae requested this review, and I was happy to accept, given that it was the first shifter romance submitted to The Redhead Notes.

First Impression:

I felt conflicted after reading the first portion of the book. On the one hand, the story starts with an engaging scene that explains why Evie must suddenly leave her home and job, but I found certain words and phrases to be repetitive. The story was interesting enough that I could set those initial impressions aside to keep reading, and I’m glad I did!

What I loved:

What makes Shattered Illusions unique is that it prominently features a character, Wyatt, who can shift between his human and bear forms. While it may seem as if two separate entities are trapped in the same body, the reader soon discovers they are one with shared thoughts, feelings, and even mannerisms. Rae uses vivid imagery to bring the bear to life as it responds to situations, noting how it growls, snarls, and whimpers in response to others. She describes how it stands up, stomps its paw, and then backs away. I could easily picture these moments as I was reading and enjoyed the internal back-and-forth conversation that Wyatt often had with his bear.

The theme of fate runs deep in Shattered Illusions, and Wyatt is the first to recognize it as his bear immediately identifies Evie as his mate. There is a primal attraction at play with only one outcome: Wyatt mates with Evie for life. She is his destiny, and he is hers. In many ways, it feels as if Evie is even fated to return to Talon to use her skills as a veterinarian to help her community, even though her plan had been to start her own practice elsewhere.

Additional Thoughts:

In my opinion, Shattered Illusions would benefit from a final edit to address the repetitive use of words and phrases, which was especially evident in the first part of the book and was a factor in my initial impression and star rating. Also, there were times when I wanted the initial conflict in the book to have a greater part in the story since it was the catalyst that sent Evie back to Talon. Instead, it was mentioned here and there but was more prominent at the beginning and end.

Readers should be advised that adult themes are used throughout the book, including language, violence, and sexual content.

Quotable Quotes:

• “Your grandfather knew that life has twisted roads, Evie. Every one of us has a different path but we all end up where we’re supposed to be in the end. I promise.”
• By the time I cut my engine, irritation over every imagined argument has coiled around me like a tight ball of barbed wire. My hands cramp from wringing the life from my steering wheel on the drive up here.
• I bend, resting my forehead against hers, just breathing in her air to center myself.
• The memory of Gran’s voice flashes in my head…our family lands are magical, Bug. This mountain itself is alive, protecting us, shining its light on us. Never doubt its power to guide you in the right direction.

Who might enjoy this book:

Shattered Illusions is ideal for readers who enjoy alpha male romances with a paranormal element.

Overall Impression:

Three and a half stars. Shattered Illusions offers readers a unique bear shifter romance experience infused with Cherokee culture. Rae fully embraces the physical connection between Evie and Wyatt through flirtatious banter alongside smoldering sex scenes, resulting in a tasteful and seductive romance. While the plot does not offer any real surprises, a comfortable familiarity comes from knowing how the story will progress and end. Since this is part of a series, I am looking forward to what small-town adventures await in book two!

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