ALPHA INSTINCT by Katie Reus. This is a great read and a great start to the Moon Shifter series. I adored Ana and Connor. Ana is so independent but I love that she isn't so independent, she refuses help (drives me nuts when characters do that!) and Connor - YUM! Of course, there is some danger and mystery and romance and everything that I enjoy in a story. I am excited to read the future tales in this series. (received ARC for honest review from NetGalley)

This was a solid shifter book, with all of the urban fantasy/paranormal romance beats you would expect. It was a nice way to spend a few hours, and I will not be continuing with the series.

Love this start to the Moon Shifter series - Ana is the Alpha of her clan which has been devastated by illness, leaving only female shifters; Connor returns after 10 years away, having established himself in the world, but yearning for a clan, and his mate, Ana.. Together, while learning to trust each other again, they reestablish their relationship while working to discover the causes of the deaths and continued illness in their pack and the culprits of attacks occurring. Alpha Instinct is steamy, emotional and action-packed, While this book can be read as a standalone, it also sets the stage for the underlying plot that runs through the series, involving their challenge in overcoming the organization that was formed to destroy them.

Love this start to the Moon Shifter series - Ana is the Alpha of her clan which has been devastated by illness, leaving only female shifters; Connor returns after 10 years away, having established himself in the world, but yearning for a clan, and his mate, Ana.. Together, while learning to trust each other again, they reestablish their relationship while working to discover the causes of the deaths and continued illness in their pack and the culprits of attacks occurring. Alpha Instinct is steamy, emotional and action-packed, While this book can be read as a standalone, it also sets the stage for the underlying plot that runs through the series, involving their challenge in overcoming the organization that was formed to destroy them.

Thank you NetGalley and author Katie Reus for the copy in exchange of my honest review.

"Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Sean Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it's almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before--and reluctantly accept his offer to mate. The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate--his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again. But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor's future, but the lives of the entire pack."

This is the first book in the Moon Shifter series. I enjoy reading this. I devoured it in one sitting.

Action, suspense, intrigue, murder, rivalry, and obsession among the wolf shifter packs! Their reality so rich, seems like they live in the next town. Wolves and humans living in tense harmony as biases weave disharmony and mistrust, sound familiar? Strong characters, intense storylines, with action and emotion as fated mates struggle to be together. Can't wait for more!

A Dangerously Good Read!

I really enjoyed reading Alpha Instinct. This book is not just about the second chance romance between Ana and Connor, it’s so much more!

In the Moon Shifter series, the secret’s out that shifters and vampires exist. It’s been a grueling process for the otherworldly creatures and humans to find an equilibrium in which to live peacefully. Discrimination against shifters and vampires is rampant, and the hate groups are vicious in their persecution and extermination of them. What people don’t realize is all the shifters/vampires want is to live in peace, raise their families and live happy lives. A few bad apples give otherworldies a bad name. But not all shifters are bad, just like not all humans are good. Sound familiar?

Okay, back to the story: Ana’s pack is left vulnerable because a sickness has spread through her pack months before killing all the males, pregnant females, including Ana’s dad–the alpha–her mom, and other pack members, leaving Ana the default alpha. Poor girl has to pull herself back together to protect the ones that remain and figure out who poisoned her pack. A grueling task, but she’s the alpha’s daughter, her strength and fierce protectiveness is admiral, and much needed.

As the story begins, Ana finds herself in a deadly situation when she hears a voice she hasn’t heard in a long time: Connor Armstrong, her first love and the man who walked out on her without a word. Connor and his brother Liam are back in town with a pack of warrior wolf shifters. Connor has an offer for Ana: Mate me and you’ll have my pack and my protection. Pretty romantic, right? Chaos definitely ensues.

The story is engaging, entertaining, and deadly. Ana and Connor have good chemistry and I love how strong she is and how she stands up to Connor and his pig-headed, overprotective alphaness. I love that there’s a lot of characters with diverse personalities. I really enjoyed reading about the political climate of the story and the diverse judicial systems humans and shifters/vamps/otherworldies have.

I am a sucker for a paranormal romance and to throw in a second chance romance on top of it while sprinkling in some mystery and suspense? Yes, please!

I can’t wait to start the next book!

Highly recommend it!

A fascinating, indulgent read that any steamy paranormal fan will enjoy.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=85155

Ana our female main character has been leading her pack since all the males where murdered. She is a strong leader and is happy to continue leading but her pack was left vulnerable by the murders and she has been doing her best to protect it. Her childhood friend Connor reappears after leaving years before and he now wishes to take Ana as his Mate. Now the must try and make their tentative relationship work whilst dealing with outside threats to the pack.
This is an easy read with an interesting plot. I personally did not particularly like the female main character and therefore did not love the book. However, I found Liam's character interesting and would be interested to read more about his relationship in the next book.

If you are looking for a paranormal shifter romance with a dominant and possessive male love interest and a thriller style plot then you will enjoy this book!

This was really enjoyable! There are times it felt a little slow because Reus is building the world and there are a lot of people to introduce. There is no dearth of possible villains that keep you guessing. I'm planning to continue the series as I am curious about some of the other characters.

Overall Alpha Instinct is a good read. I really it could really use further development in the backstory there are huge lapses in information on the coming out the different pack dynamics and the world building. Despite that it is an an enjoyable be engaging read with endearing characters. I would read further books in the series and hopefully as the series develops sone of the backstory and questions will be answered. Definitely worth reading if you like slow burn shifter romances with a hard to catch enemy that keeps you guessing.

Alpha Instinct was not the strongest beginning for a new series but my love for anything that Katie Reus writes will make me read the next books. I felt as if I was missing some backstory on the paranormal element because the weres, vampires, etc had a big comeout ten years ago, and when reading that it was almost as if it had happened in another book in another series. I wasn't a big fan of the mate thing mainly because Connor knew that Ana was his mate and for 50 years he was away from her. Also, it's weird that males know that a woman is their mate but the female wolves don't seem aware of that.

There was some teasing about the couple of the next book (and the one after that if we want to be honest) which was one of the main reasons I am/was planning to continue with the series. I am writing this review after having read 3 of the books and I can tell you that there are some issues but overall it's an interesting series and I kept reading without a problem.

For a book that kept going, I don't feel like Ana and Connor's relationship was well developed and I wish we had seen more of the two of them as a couple. Individually, there is a clear image of who they are and what they want. However, I feel like their characters weren't properly explored or developed.

I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy through Net Galley of Alpha Instinct . This is an outstanding Paranormal Suspense Romance . I really enjoyed reading this story . Analena Cordona has been leading her lupine pack since half her pack was murdered . The leader of a neighboring pack wants her land and her and will do anything to achieve them . Connor Armstrong is a warrior lupine he left years ago when Ana's father refused him . He's back and will stop at nothing to protect Ana and win her heart which is going to be easier said than done . This story is sensational full of suspense and intrigue and definitely action packed . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

The first book in the Moon Shifters, Alpha Instinct is a promising start to this series, A second chance paranormal romance with strong lead characters and a dynamic storyline. This story will leave you wanting to continue the series to see what comes next.

Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus.
Moon Shifter Series.
Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after half her pack was murdered. As tough as she is, her pack is vulnerable to a devious neighbor who wants their land—and Ana as his own. So when a ghost from her past barrels back into her life promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover. I did like Ana and Connor. 5*.

✨ARC Review✨
📖: Alpha Instinct
🖋️: Katie Reus
⭐️: 5 of 5
🌶️: 5 of 5

After the loss of her parents and 21 members of her pack. Ana has stepped up to be the alpha of her all-female pack. With no men, it puts her pack at risk for another pack to try to take over.

“Soon enough you’ll come crawling on your knees, begging me to be my mate.”

Sean, her neighbor has plans of his own. From terrorizing the members of Ana’s pack to destroying their property. He makes it his mission to try to get Ana to mate with him.

Finding herself trapped. Connor and Liam come to Ana’s rescue sending Sean and his pack away.

Connor and Liam are back when she hasn’t seen them for fifty years they came back when they heard the news

“There is one more thing. If we do this, you’ll be no longer known as the Cordona pack. We will all unite as the Armstrong pack.”

“I also have another stipulation. If and when we combine, I take the mate of my choosing. Immediately.”

“Ana, I don’t think you understand what I’m saying. You are mine. I want you as my bondmate.”

Ana lets Connor's pack merge with hers.

From shifters being attacked, humans going missing, and some town members being turned against them.

The Armstrong-Cordona pack must rush against the clock to protect themselves and the town from a determined threat.

“I can smell your desire, even if I couldn’t, I can see it in your eyes every time you turn that hot gaze on me. You. Want. Me.”

Liam comes across his mate and he’s shocked that she’s human. Now he must do whatever he can to protect her.

I devoured this book and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Thank you, Katie Reus and Netgalley for this EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram @Alexandriavwilliams_ shortly.

🌟 Unleash into the gripping world of "Alpha Instinct" as we follow Ana Cordona, the resilient alpha female leading her lupine shifters after a mysterious poisoning decimated their pack. Vulnerable to cunning shifter Sean Taggart, Ana's fate takes a turn when Connor Armstrong, a figure from her past, reenters her life, offering protection and a complicated second chance at love.

💖 Ana's struggle for her pack's survival sets the stage for a mesmerizing tale of strength and resilience. The dynamics of a predominantly female pack add a unique twist to the shifter romance genre, creating a captivating backdrop for the unfolding drama.

🔥 The chemistry between Ana and Connor is palpable from the start, igniting a raw hunger that transcends both their wolf and human sides. The complexity of their past, with Connor's sudden departure, adds layers to their second chance romance, making it a turbulent yet irresistible journey.

🌌 As the narrative progresses, suspense builds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The revelation of enemies within and a human threat targeting shifters adds a thrilling dimension to the story, creating a sense of urgency that propels the plot forward.

👫 The multiple points of view, including those of the villains, offer a well-rounded perspective, enhancing the depth of the narrative. The seamless integration of Liam's POV, teasing the next installment's romance, adds an enticing element that leaves readers eager for more.

📜 This second chance romance is no walk in the park. Connor's guarded secrets and Ana's determination create a compelling dynamic. Ana's strength, resilience, and refusal to back down, even in the face of a more dominant alpha, make her a standout character in the shifter romance genre.

🔥 The sensual and erotic scenes are crafted with precision, showcasing Katie Reus's skill in capturing the intensity of the bond between Connor and Ana. These moments are not just steamy but also integral to the characters' emotional journey.

📚 In a genre that sometimes lacks depth, "Alpha Instinct" surprises with its emotional complexity, character development, and a plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Katie Reus's storytelling prowess shines through, making this shifter romance a must-read for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus was an exciting read. I am a big fan of this author and I found this one to be a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books from Ms. Reus

Always a pleasure to read books by this author as she never fails to delight. This features Ana and Connor who haven't seen each other in years. Good descriptions of characters. A quick read that isn't too flat.

A big thank you to NetGalley and KR Press LLC and the author for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the beginning of a new series. It is set in Fontana, NC. Connor-lets face it is a dweeb, just pig headed and doesn't listen. I had a hard time liking him. He did eventually get better or maybe I just let it go. Ana was to nice to Connor in my opinion. Overall I liked the book, sort of convoluted but entertaining. 3.5 stars