Redemption by Bonnie Vanak [Review]

Redemption (Werewolves of Montana Mating Mini #1) by Bonnie Vanak
Format: ebook
Source: purchased as part of the Dark and Damaged bundle
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 20, 2015

Werewolves of Montana
0.5. The Mating Heat
1. The Mating Chase
2. The Mating Hunt
3. The Mating Seduction
4. The Mating Rite
4.5. The Mating Intent
5. The Mating Challenge
6. The Mating Season

Werewolves of Montana Mating Mini
1. Seduction
2. Obsession
3. Passion
4. Redemption - Kindle

Bonnie Vanak
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Synopsis (Goodreads):

Robert Keynes has known more tragedy than any soul should have to bear. Years ago, a Mage—Robert’s ex-lover—cursed the alpha Lupine and his pack, resulting in the deaths of many, including Robert’s parents. Only a great sacrifice on his part stemmed the curse. But the magick that protects the pack is now waning, putting Robert’s people in peril once more.

Aurora Seville is little more than a captive; a beautiful slave given to Robert so he might produce an heir. A gifted Mage, Aurora has little chance of gaining his trust—until he discovers she bears the mark of the dragon. Mating with her could be the key to breaking the curse over his pack forever. In exchange, Robert promises Aurora her freedom…unaware the very woman capable of saving his pack could also destroy the dark secret keeping them alive.

Aurora has her own reasons to get close to the sexy Lupine. The secret Robert hides could free her beloved sister. So she’ll agree to become his mate—but at what cost to both their hearts?

Thoughts on Redemption: Having read a previous book (yes, A book) in this series, I can say I really like this world. Werewolves do it for me, man. They do it. BUT... I'm very conflicted about this book.

Character-wise, I liked how Aurora's loneliness came across but I COULD NOT get behind the reason why she was imprisoned and abused for half her life. What the wizards subjected her to (and I'm going to be purposefully vague here to avoid spoilers) made me ragey and pretty much made them (the wizards) seem cruel and petty.

Did not like.

But... I did like so much else about this book. I really liked the aforementioned portrayal of Aurora's loneliness. I wasn't keen on Robert's hot and cold emotions, but I understood where he was coming from.

It was just that one thing that threw me out of the story. I have no sympathetic feelings for the wizards after what they did. None. Regardless of why they did it, the whole thing just pushed all my buttons and gave me a sad face.