Betrayals, Lies and Family...

Vince LaRue is a shiftless shifter, a hybrid were-jaguar who has avoided other supernaturals his whole life. His mother, Charlotte, is an Asia-African-American were-jaguar who raised her son to be leering of other supernatural beings, especially shifters. Vince has health problems since puberty, but they are getting worse. Working in the same bookstore where Anthony met Kaia, his boss has been understanding about his health. Anthony recognizes Vince as a shifter and gives him a card with the club address, telling him to go there. Vince is a great character; liked him from the start.

Penny Thomason, a were-coyote, love computers, but doesn't do so well with men, using sarcasm and snarky comments to cover up her uneasiness. She's attracted to Vince when she first sees him, but takes a while to let him get close. It took me a while to warm up to Penny, but do understand why she acts the way she does.

Zach, alpha of the were-jaguars, has returned and we get to see a more serious side to hem. Zach tries to help Vince as much as he can, explaining about the club, the vampires and the various shifter groups, especially the jaguars. I have always liked Zach.

Anthony, the Vampire Master of Atlanta, rules over vampires, shifters and many other supes in his territory. He makes sure Zach knows about Vince and the invitation to the club. He also worries about who's embezzling money from the community, the vampires and shifters. Then there is Kaia, the love of his undead life, who he is certain is keeping something from him.

Kaia, human in love with Anthony, is nervous about going through the change...becoming a vampire.

Charlotte LaRue, Vince's mom, and a full-blooded were-jaguar, has been lying to him his whole life. She was afraid to tell him about his background...who his father was. She works two jobs to get by and with Vine's job they are barely making it. She and Vince have avoided other supernaturals because of something in her past that she never told Vince about...it comes back to haunt both her and Vince. I do understand a mother's love and wanting to protect her children, no matter their age, from all threats.

Ed, a big man, muscled and a shifter is shot by Charlotte when he comes to their apartment. Really like the chemistry here.

The Savannah were-jaguars are introduced. Four brothers and their families, Asian and a tight knit group, ruled with an iron fist by their father, the alpha. Min-Chul is the youngest brother, supposedly quiet, a bit mysterious and rumored to be and enforcer for the pride...interesting character.

Number four in the Forest of Darkness series is a good addition, fitting in with the first three books. Each books adds another dimension/layer to the characters and the world they live in. I like that the characters are not perfect; there are flaws, human emotions and uncertainties, even though they are supernaturals. Although each book is a stand-alone paranormal romance, I recommend reading the series in order as there are characters and a few storylines that will carry over. I plan to continue reading the series with book number five.

Received a copy of Shifting Darkness via Reading Alley for an honest review.
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Oh, wow, NOW we're talking! Though the first three books were equally full of suspense and fast-paced action and romance, I feel like they paled in comparison to this one.

In the new book of the Forest of Darkness series, we learn Vince's secret and watch him fight through numerous obstacles to finally get his own HEA. In case you didn't notice, Vince is the cute half-korean guy that works at the bookstore Kaia likes to visit. He's sort of her friend, too, but, as we found out earlier in the series through Anthony's mind, the guy is a closeted shifter. In this book, though we continue reading about the growing relationship between the Vampire Master of Atlanta and his human bride, we also get to experience the romance in Vince's life with another shifter, Penny.

Admittedly, I loved the family drama that the LaRue family had to offer a bit more than Anthony's. The reason behind Vince's father doing all those things to his mother was much more believable and justified in my eyes than what Isaac had done with his son. Not only that, but the Korean shifter was actually trying hard in his own way without patronizing his child. And while I would have liked some kind of spark between him and Vince's mother, I have to say I wasn't bothered by Ed in the mix - it made things even more interesting.

Vince as a male lead was pretty nice. He had those Alpha tendencies but his health and the multiple blows his self-esteem had gotten over the years slowed him down a lot. So many flaws, and insecurities, and yet so much effort to live life as much as he could, to make sure his loved ones got everything they wanted. He was truly such a sweet, heartbroken guy, even when he snapped at those around him, and watching him struggle really pulled at my heartstrings.

Now, Penny... She was okay, I guess... At some points I got frustrated with her constant attitude and the whole "rebel without a reason" theme she had going on - and she gave Vince the hardest time in the history of snappy female heroines ever! Ready to start shooting her mouth and get insulted at every single breath she thought he took wrong! BUT! I have to admit, though it pains me, that most women her age do that - I certainly did back then. So, thumbs up to Kate Wendley for making a young woman so realistic! That was brilliant and done wonderfully!

As for the pace, it was fast as always and without a moment's rest. The story keeps getting more and more intriguing, and instead of undoing all the knots, each addition to the series only adds more to the mix! I love it! I never know what new things will come this way with each new title!

P.S.: the people need some Zach loving, by the way! God, this man get hotter and hotter, and so funny yet mysterious! He needs a woman who'll appreciate him for more than his sexy ass! Just saying...

***I was given a review copy via Reeading Alley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.*** ( )