I really wanted to love this one. There were so many great elements, but they never really came together. Demetria and Everett have a shared grief that has kept them apart - it was quite a sad beginning, which you don't usually see in a Christmas novel, and that was good. It set it apart a little. But, things change very quickly when they find an abandoned cub. Now, this cub is quite a surprise - it's beyond a surprise, but I can't give it away. Let's just say the Jaguar world will never be the same.

It was cure and well done, this introduction to something new. But it sort of took over the story. Instead of watching Demetria and Everett bond over a little cub, it turned into more of a mystery with a dash of sex. I needed more romance and feelings and denied attraction.

It also sort of bounced around a bit. At times it was hard to follow the dialog and keep up with who was doing what.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

After loving a book later in the series, I had to go back and read this one from the beginning.  I will say that Terry Spear has improved over the books.  While book one wasn't quite as good as later books, it was still a really great story.

There were just a couple of things that were a bit off for me.  Connor's sister, Maya, was a bit immature and childish.  This wouldn't have been a problem if she was young or had a minor part in the story, but she played a very major role and a lot of her decision making regarding this role reminded me of a twelve year old's thought process at times.  I understand her motivations and emotions, but the way they were portrayed just wasn't quite right.  Also, Kathleen is a bit too forgiving and trusting - especially after what Maya does to her.  Ya - I would soooo not get over that easily.

What really makes this book work well is how Kathleen and Connor are together.  They just fit in a way that is really hard to understand.  I loved their parts of the book - which is good since they are the main characters.  Their flight from the bad guys got a bit repetitive at times.  I mean, how many times are they going to almost catch them but they shift and save they day.

Overall, this was cute and really fun. I enjoyed this "introduction" to the jaguar world and I see why so many people are in love with this series.

This was such a cute story.  I loved the lore of the jaguar shifters and the way Terry Spears was able to make the cubs such a big part of not only the mission, but the romance between Huntley and Melissa.  As JAG Special Forces operatives, Huntley and Melissa are used to running into complicated and difficult situations, but neither expected to be put on cub duty after their parents are nabbed by poachers.  I fell in love with the two little ones.  They had such personality and even though they are only in a short part of the book - their influence lasted through to the very last page.

These cubs helped draw Huntley and Melissa together, but at the same time they were a wake up call to what life for a family in JAG could be like.  This scares Melissa and she dwells on the topic a bit much for my taste, but looking back it wasn't all they long in "real" time in the book.  Huntley and Melissa make an amazing team - both as agents and a couple.

I also fell in love with the jungle scenery.  It was the perfect setting with an element of creepy with all the fog, snakes, and swamps - while still remaining very beautiful.  There is quite a healthy dose of action that was very thrilling to read as the poachers are tracked down and it added a really great feel of momentum to the story.

While this book is part of a series, I read it as a stand-a-lone and it still worked great!

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*