Desert Bound by Elizabeth Hunter
Cambio Springs series #2. Paranormal shifter romantic mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone. The town and characters from the first book are included in this story but only as secondary support.
Wolf shifter, Alex McCann and mountain Lion shifter Teodora, “Ted”, Vasquez left Cambio Springs for the outside world for education and adventure. Ted became a doctor and returned to help her hometown shifter residents that can’t go to regular human doctors. Years later, Alex comes back as well, but his goal is to grow the town. A murder in the community has Alex and Ted working together to protect their small community.

Intrigue and mystery along with romance and family. Bears and snakes, coyotes and more. Ted and Alex have a contentious relationship and appear to love to argue and outdo each other. The stories includes the characters from the first book as the town grows and changes as “one bad egg” influences the power structure.
The ending chapter sets up the next book in the series. ( )

Series Info/Source: This is the second book in the Cambio Springs series. This series has two short stories and three full length books in it. I borrowed this on ebook for my Kindle through Kindle Unlimited.

Thoughts: I would recommend reading the short story "Five Mornings" before picking up this book; that short story gives excellent background on Alex and Ted and was a great prequel to their story here.

Alex has come back to Cambio Springs to start a resort in an effort to save the small town from poverty. Ted returned years ago after getting her medical doctor's degree and has been serving as the town doctor. Ted and Alex have had an on and off relationship for years, which is complicated by the fact that they are the respective heirs for their shifter clans. When one of Alex's workers at the resort turns up dead, the two are forced to work together to solve the mystery of his murder.

I enjoyed this quite a bit but not quite as much as the first book in this series. Ted and Alex definitely have some explosive chemistry going on and I really respected their decisions to put their careers first to benefit Cambio Springs. It was wonderful to see them both getting some personal happiness after all their hard work. I also loved meeting the members in their respective shifter clans. The mystery here is very well done too.

Hunter's writing is incredibly readable and flows well. It is always a joy to read her books, they practically read themselves. I am very much looking forward to reading the final book in the series "Waking Hearts" which is supposed to feature Allie and Ollie.

My Summary (4.5/5): Overall I really enjoyed this second installment in the Cambio Springs series. This book is filled with excellent characters, a steamy romance, intriguing shifter politics, and a well done mystery. It is very engaging and well written and I would recommend this series to those who enjoy PNR but with characters that are a bit more mature and seated in their lives. I am excited to read the final book in the series, "Waking Hearts", soon! ( )

Well written story with good character development, storyline, & plot. I enjoyed Alex & Teodora's story. Several of the characters from the first novel plus a few new ones are in this story. Book is a stand alone novel. ( )

Joint review with Victoria

Vika:

Small town romance, passionate couple who can’t help but argue every step of the way, and a murder mystery that once again has shaken up the small, quirky town of Cambio Springs. Elizabeth Hunter does not disappoint, which I should know by now; and this small town with its inhabitants is full of character, charm, and of course a bit of mystery.

I’ve only recently read Shifting Dreams and fell in love with its characters, so having had a chance to read an early copy of Desert Bound was a big treat and I could hardly put it down. Alex McCann and Teodora “Ted” Vasquez made for one really fun, passionate, and entertaining couple. And all in all it was a fast-paced, dynamic and highly enjoyable read. What did you think K.?

Karina:

I thought it was absolutely charming and almost absurdly cozy, Vika! You want to curl up and read this on a rainy day, it's such a lovely mystery with a healthy dose of romance and wonderful, wry and properly fleshed-out characters.

I've been interested in Alex and Ted's romantic relationship since Shifting Dreams and this prickly pair did not disappoint to deliver. Ted was burn out and afraid that Alex, her one and only love, will leave Cambio Springs again, and Alex was desperate to prove to the woman he loved that he had no intention to go anywhere. Of course, a murder investigation threw this local doctor/pathologist and the future alpha of Cambio Springs together and sped up their reconciliation.

Vika:

I also enjoyed this chance to get to know Alex and Ted a bit better; and to understand the changing dynamics among the various shifters of Cambio Springs. I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant diving into a new series about shifters (vampires seem to be more of my thing), but to my surprise I absolutely loved the vibrant community of townsfolk created here.

Elizabeth is truly a master because her books always manage to surprise and pull you in; they might star mythical creatures but the stories and characters feel almost real and relatable to an extent that you want to hop in a car and drive down to Cambio Springs to grab a bite at Jena Crowe’s diner, check out the sight of Alex’s new luxury resort, and of course stop by Ollie’s bar to hear a great new band… just let’s hope you avoid being the center of the next murder mystery! *winks*

Karina:

*laughs* Yes, let's hope! I totally agree with Vika, - Miss Hunter creates unforgettable characters which despite their extraordinary abilities lead ordinary lives, fall in love, have babies and keep their secrets very closely guarded. Cambio Springs is a place where you want to come back over and over again. This was a lovely read, - 4.5/5 stars from me!


Vika:

Indeed. I quite enjoyed reading this story and can't wait for the next adventure - 5 stars from me! ( )