Axl Pantera has been chasing Hattie Yates for a while, but she has excelled at putting him off. But it is not because she is not interested, but more that she has a lot going on in her life. Hattie tends to keep her issues hidden and pushes those that care about her away. But she is a talented dancer and artist. But now she seems to have someone else after her as well. She is not sure if she burned some bridges with her friends and the commandos, so takes help from an unlikely source. 

Axl is a commando alpha with a heart of gold.  Their friend Lottie had set up Axl and Hattie a while ago, but Hattie was holding back.  He chased her, but was finally pissed enough to push a bit far and think it was done.  But did not like anyone else being the knight to step in and save Hattie either. But once she gets a clue and he gets her, he really starts to show how protective, caring, sweet, and thoughtful he is. 

They both have family histories that have affected how they see themselves so they can appreciate how to help the other deal with it. Their family issues take up a lot of the conflict in this story. Axl brings Hattie back out of her shell and gives her the support and care that she needs. And Hattie gives the same back to Axl. They've got great chemistry and a good rapport. They are really a sweet, hot, and compatible pairing. Of course, like most of these books, things move fast, and claiming happens as soon as possible. 

This brings back the new commandos and their girls, and some old friends. My forever favorite, Hawk Delgado is a stand-out. I loved Hawk's mentoring relationship with Axl. And Cisco's return is also fun. He did not realize what he was getting into when he previously kidnapped this girl group, but now he feels responsible for making sure they are safe. 

I cannot lie and say that all the details and repetition in these books do not get to me. It makes the book drag a bit and sometimes I get sick of hearing what they are wearing and what they are eating, And the alpha-speak/dirty-talk and lovey-dovey/honey-talk can get annoying after a while. But I continue on because these have the badass brigade and rock chick vibe and I like the characters. The women find ways to empower themselves through friendship, love, and accomplishments. And the men will do anything they need to to make their women happy and safe.

There is an ongoing mystery and suspense story arc that has been layered into the series that they keep working on and we do not get many answers. But this one was a bit quieter book without the over-the-top kidnappings, murders, and shenanigans. Some of the situations just seemed unfinished and some of it seemed unnecessary.

I enjoyed the miscellaneous points of view in the epilogues and teasing more for the next book where hopefully there is more resolution. Up next is Auggie and Pepper. She might be the most protective and stubborn of the women yet. 

Hattie Yates wanted to be a professional ballerina, but didn’t quite make it. She still carries around the emotional scars inflicted by her father following her failure. Now that she has met the man of her dreams, her fear of failure and not meeting expectations holds her back and keeps her apart from those around her.

Axl Pantera sees Hattie and feels the attraction simmering between them. He is willing to give her the time she needs to get comfortable with the idea of him and isn’t afraid to wait for what he wants. But his patience is tried when a stalker begins leaving notes for Hattie, and as the danger to her increases, he isn’t afraid to step in and protect her.

They both have family issues to overcome, but their personalities (though opposite) mesh so well that there was little drama once they pushed past Hattie’s initial reluctance. Axl’s alpha nature has him going into protective mode any time her stalker makes a move, but he also lets her have the space she needs to take care of her business, unless he feels her business is something she shouldn’t have to face alone. Hattie has a backbone and uses it to step up into her own protector role when needed. I just loved how they came to each other’s rescue - it wasn’t like Axl was the only one who had a moment to save Hattie. She gave back just as much.

This felt like a classic KA novel. The writing style, descriptions, and characterizations felt like everything I expect from Kristen Ashley (and I love that she named her hero after her very beloved feline). Yes, I skimmed through a few of the descriptions of interior decor (they are vivid), and fashion (not quite as lengthy as the rooms, but very specific). But I also loved that it was that voice that screams Rock Chick.

As far as entertaining reads, I know KA can deliver as long as I have time in my schedule for her stories. I really liked how Hattie and Axl’s story ended. They were quieter coming together and figuring things out together than previous books in the series. Her stalker moved things forward, but the relationship between them had few bumps once Hattie started opening up. It was the series events that had me scratching my head trying to figure out what was resolved. I felt like the end happened a little faster than I was ready for, especially the way things were left with her stalker and the series arc.

I am looking forward to Pepper and Auggie’s book - he’s got his work cut out for him getting this single mom to let down her walls.