***4 Stars*** I always look forward to diving in for a quick visit to the Bayou Heat realm. The stories, though novella length are chock full of humor, heart and steam, as well as a good dose of drama thanks to the enemies of the Pantera all the while moving the main story arc forward and Blade definitely had all of that going for it and more. Blade and Valli’s story is much more character driven than some of the others have been, but considering what they went through at the hands of Benson’s minions, I had no issue with that. I I liked seeing how they were dealing with all that had happened to them both as well as working out the whole ‘You’re human, my mate and carrying my child’ issue and how it all worked out in the end. The writing, as always, is engaging and each book flows seamlessly into next one. While these can be read as standalones, I do recommend that you read them in order to fully understand who the Pantera are and their social structure. ...