I began reading this series with Desert Wolf that is a few books into the series. I already knew I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the world she has built. This story is the prequel to The Wolves of Twin Moon Ranch series. Desert Hunt introduces us to Zack, the best friend of Ty from Desert Wolf and Desert Moon who is the heir apparent to the Twin Moon’s Pack. This story is about Zack and his fated mate. The problem?… Ty’s dad, the current alpha has decided the new wolf, Rae is to be Ty’s mate. Too bad someone forgot to ask Rae because this is one she wolf that isn’t going to be bullied into mating the wrong wolf. Not that Ty is jumping at the opportunity either. He’s too busy pining after some other she wolf.

Rae has been on the go, bustled from one pack to another over the years. She has been pursued by all too many self-important wolves intent on mating her. Rae is also keeping secrets. She isn’t like all the other wolves. She thinks no one knows her secret. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case. Rae’s secret could make her the prized possession of the right pack and the Twin Moon’s alpha is thinking he’s going to cash in. Fate has other ideas when Rae is put in the cross-hairs of her fated mate, Zack. Their mating may be destined but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a few rocky patches to get over on the road to happiness. A pursuing bad news alpha with grandiose plans from her past, the current alpha and his machinations along with a few misconceptions about Zack’s motives may set Rae to running. But will love bring her back?

Zack is a coyote/wolf hybrid and the best tracker in the pack. He’s Ty’s best friend and the proverbial loner. Being a hybrid has ostracized him somewhat. There is no love lost between him and his alpha. At the same time, Zack is one of the most powerful wolves in the pack. He might bow his head in submission but appearances and true submission are two different things. He may have any number of she wolves to share his bed but a mate for him is another matter altogether. That is until he meets Rae. He may have been set to guard her, but who is going to guard her from him? This is one she wolf, he is powerless to deny and he’ll find he’ll do anything for the mate of his heart, fight, protect, even set her free.

I found Desert Hunt to be a compelling romance. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It’s a fairly short read that I was able to finish in one sitting. Thank goodness because I really didn’t want to put it down. I like utilizing the read aloud/text to speech functionality in some readers. I listened to this one while on a longer drive recently. When an author’s writing is exemplary, it really stands out in audio. Desert Hunt was excellent. The story flowed perfectly. If you are looking for a paranormal shifter series to get into then check out The Twin Moon Ranch series. Desert Hunt is a great place to start.

I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.