Red Boar's Baby
by Lauren Esker
Cesar Quinn Costa, chief of the Arizona Shifter Crimes Bureau, has never met his match—until now! A surprise baby/fake relationship standalone shifter romance.
Diana Reid, Park Service helicopter pilot and search-and-rescue operator, doesn’t need complications in her life. Such as finding a perfectly healthy baby under mysterious circumstances near a crashed plane in the mountains …. a shifter baby with a very unique shift form.
The only person she can think of to go to is Costa, her childhood neighbor all grown up. The two have an on-again, off-again arrangement to be each other’s plus-ones at shifter social gatherings, but the agreement is: it never goes farther than that. The relationship is fake. It will never be real. And Diana never wanted more—at least not that she’d admit to.
But that was before she got a good look at Costa holding a baby…
As for Costa, the legendary Red Boar of the SCB … he’s known for a long time that Diana didn’t want to make their fake arrangement real. They both have good reasons for keeping it that way. But when the fiery search-and-rescue pilot turns up on his doorstep with a baby in her arms, he begins to realize that he’d do almost anything to make her his own.
And when the crashed plane turns out to be the start of an unfolding conspiracy, two stubborn, independent people must learn to pull together as a team—or lose all they hold dear.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Lauren Esker's Red Boar's Baby is a captivating entry into the world of shifter romance, blending elements of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue. The novel stands out as a compelling narrative that explores the dynamics of a fake relationship turned real, set against the backdrop of a shifter society that is both fascinating and complex.
At the heart of the story is Cesar Quinn Costa, the formidable chief of the Arizona Shifter Crimes Bureau. Costa is a character who exudes strength and authority, yet beneath his tough exterior lies a yearning for connection and love. His character is well-developed, with Esker skillfully peeling back layers to reveal a man who is both vulnerable and fiercely protective. The introduction of a mysterious baby into his life serves as a catalyst for change, challenging his perceptions and desires.
Diana Reid, the novel's female protagonist, is equally compelling. As a Park Service helicopter pilot and search-and-rescue operator, she embodies independence and resilience. Her reluctance to embrace a deeper relationship with Costa is rooted in her past experiences and fears, making her journey towards vulnerability and openness both relatable and engaging. Esker crafts Diana with a deft hand, ensuring that her evolution feels authentic and earned.
The relationship between Costa and Diana is the novel's beating heart. Their on-again, off-again arrangement as each other's plus-ones at shifter social gatherings is a clever narrative device that allows Esker to explore themes of commitment, trust, and the complexities of love. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their interactions are charged with tension and longing. Esker excels in portraying the nuances of their relationship, capturing the push and pull of two individuals who are both drawn to and wary of each other.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of the shifter world. Esker creates a rich and immersive setting, where the supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The concept of a shifter baby with a unique shift form adds an intriguing layer to the story, raising questions about identity and belonging. The shifter society is depicted with depth and detail, providing a fascinating backdrop for the unfolding drama.
The mystery surrounding the crashed plane and the conspiracy it uncovers adds an element of suspense to the narrative. Esker weaves this subplot with skill, ensuring that it complements rather than overshadows the central romance. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as Costa and Diana are drawn into a web of intrigue that threatens all they hold dear. This aspect of the novel is reminiscent of the works of authors like Nalini Singh and Patricia Briggs, who similarly blend romance and suspense in their shifter stories.
In terms of themes, Red Boar's Baby delves into the idea of family and what it means to belong. The unexpected arrival of the baby forces both Costa and Diana to confront their fears and desires, ultimately leading them to redefine their understanding of family. The novel also touches on themes of identity and acceptance, as the characters navigate the challenges of living in a world where they must balance their human and shifter natures.
Overall, Red Boar's Baby is a well-crafted and engaging read that will appeal to fans of shifter romance and those who enjoy stories with a blend of mystery and supernatural elements. Esker's writing is both evocative and accessible, drawing readers into a world that is both familiar and fantastical. The novel's pacing is well-balanced, with moments of introspection and action seamlessly interwoven.
While the novel stands on its own as a standalone story, it also hints at a larger world that Esker may explore in future works. The potential for further exploration of the shifter society and its intricacies is tantalizing, and readers will likely be eager to see where Esker takes this universe next.
In conclusion, Red Boar's Baby is a standout entry in the shifter romance genre, offering a compelling blend of romance, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. With well-drawn characters, a richly imagined world, and a narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish, Lauren Esker has crafted a novel that is sure to resonate with fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
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