Review: The Mating by Nicky Charles

The Mating
(Law of the Lycans, #1)
By: Nicky Charles
Publisher: Self-published
Published: Feb. 23, 2010
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating:

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Elise had no idea when she came home that day that she’d end up mated to a complete stranger. A new Alpha and the need for an alliance between packs have made her a pawn.

Elise suddenly finds herself mated to a new Alpha whom she doesn’t know. One minute she is running and playing with her long time friend and hopefully soon mate, Bryan and the next minute she is mated off to Kane and moving into her new territory with a new pack. The story that follows is one that not only focuses on them getting to know each other but also Elise finding her way in the new pack.

Kane may be the eastern territories Alpha but he only recently obtained the role after having to fight his half brother for the position. He is still young and still has a lot to learn. Elise is even younger and is the daughter of the western territory Alpha. At first the relationship seems a little awkward while they try to get acquainted with each other but throughout the book you notice the progression of the relationship. Even though they were thrown into the mating bond, they don’t instantly fall in love and that was something that I appreciated. Far too often in romance novels, the main characters instantly fall in love but with this case, they start off unsure and build a relationship from nothing. I also liked the story behind Elise getting her bearings in the new pack. She makes new alliances and a jealous enemy who had her sights on Kane.

I will be honest that I was a bit nervous when I downloaded this book since it was free. We’ve all done it, bought at book for .99 cents or downloaded a book for free and was sourly disappointed but I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Not only did the author do a great job creating the world and building her characters but she has a great way of telling a story.

“I’m your Alpha now. It’s my job to watch out for everyone in the pack, but especially you. As my mate, you’re the most important member to me.”