Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
L’Ange’s head of security Arman de Soto is a shifter, a secret he has kept well, even from his employers who are shifters themselves. Also a closely guarded fact is the type of Arman’s shifter. Only a few know what Arman is hiding, but one of those is the château’s overseer, Linus Hobbes. Linus has long been the object of Arman’s interest and the subject of Arman’s intense pursuit over the years they have known each other. Despite Arman’s reputation as a loner, the only thing he needs to complete his life is Linus. But Linus is a mass of secrets and pain himself.
Linus has lived alone for more than seven years, sheltered at L’Ange under an assumed name and hiding a past of pain and abuse. Linus is also dealing with his terrifying attraction to the most dangerous man he’s ever met. Arman knows Linus should be afraid of the predator stalking him, but Linus is still drawn to him like a moth to a flame, no matter how much he tries to deny his instincts. I
Once of Arman’ passions is hunting down and killing every member of a pack of werewolves. His staff is aware of Arman’s pastime but no one other than Arman knows the reason why. Then the remaining wolves arrive at L’Ange looking for vengeance and all the long held secrets are revealed. The pain of Linus’ past arrives with the wolves. Danger and the threat of death is everywhere and only the strong or the loved will survive.
Fighting Instinct is the second in Mary Calmes’ L’Ange series and its just as terrific as the first installment, Old Loyalty, New Love (L’Ange #1). The first story sets out the location, the Chateau L’Ange, a refuge and home to an assortment of shifters, especially the jackal shifters and pack that own the estate. I loved that group of characters and believe me, that was quite a group to meet all at once. Now with Fighting Instinct, Mary Calmes is narrowing down her focus to the enigmatic head of security Arman de Soto and L’Ange’s overseer, Linus Hobbes. Although secondary characters, both made quite an impact in the first story because their personas were so strongly etched into the readers minds. So I was thrilled to see the second story center on them.
One of the mysteries that has floated about Arman is who and what he is. That he is a shifter is not even a given until later, and some of the first paragraphs seem to help camouflage the true nature of his existence. But as the story evolves, all the clues start adding up and if you are a fan of the wildlife specials or National Geographic, then you might figure it out for yourself. I loved this element and thought Mary Calmes did a wonderful job of folding in the natural history for her shifters. Arman is dangerous, certainly lethal and steadfast in his love of Linus.
Oh, Linus. Linus is going to surprise everyone, including Arman. With Linus, the author combines natural history, and celtic lore to arrive at an astonishing and unforgettable character. Calmes’ twist with Linus was something I never expected and I just loved it! Linus is one of those heartworthy and angst driven characters this author does so well that he is certain to be a reader’s favorite. Plus his is a character that evolves and strengthens throughout the story, especially given his traumatic past.
Arman and Linus certainly form a strong heart at the core of Fighting Instinct with their love and relationship. But there are other shifters to meet with their own stories to follow. Remember, Chateau L’Ange is a shifter refuge, so don’t be surprised to meet a lion (although his identity is hidden at first as well), more wolves, a bear or two and much more. And I adored them all.
Mary Calmes is writing the final story in her cat shifter series, Change of Heart, something I hated to hear as I love Jin and Logan and all the rest. But now I have a new series to love, new characters to take to heart, and new stories to eagerly await.
If you haven’t read this series yet, go to the first story, Old Loyalty, New Love. It lays down the author’s universe and main cast of characters and then rush onto this one. If you love shifters and romance, this is certainly the series for you. I can’t wait to see what Calmes has in store for all of us next. I highly recommend both stories and all the characters. I think you will too.
Cover Artist: Anne Cain. Not quite a fan of this cover but I suppose that adding in factors from the story might qualify as spoilers so I think the artist was tied as to what elements to incorporate. Still, it could be the cover of any book not this one.
Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press eBook & Paperback All Romance (ARe) Amazon 
Book Details:
ebook, 224 pages
Published December 8th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632165916
edition languageEnglish
urlhttp://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5769
seriesL’Ange #2
Books In the L’Ange series:
- Old Loyalty, New Love (L’Ange #1)
- Fighting Instinct (L’Ange #2)
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 