Character driven with a well written plot. Excellent pacing of tension, both plot and sexual. This shifter story is unusual in that it by passes the standard myths, like mates instantly recognizing each other, or mates die together. The sensational aspects are more subtle, and frankly less purple. A much more adult approach to shifter mythology, IMHO. Obviously by my rating, I loved it. I'll be reading the rest of the stories in this fine series.