High Risk

I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes when I saw *another* shifter-military romance. But *High Risk* disarmed me (pun intended) within the first chapter. Trettel’s worldbuilding is refreshingly lean—no endless lore dumps, just a lived-in pack hierarchy where politics and bullets fly in equal measure. The plot hinges on a threat to the Pack Mother, but the real tension comes from the slow-burn dynamic between the Delta unit’s second-in-command and a civilian with secrets. Their chemistry isn’t insta-lust; it’s a simmering distrust that ignites into something raw and real. I loved how Trettel subverts the ‘fated mates’ trope by making their bond feel earned, not inevitable. Now, the narration: Carly Robins *is* the standout. Her performance as the heroine, Mara, is all clipped syllables and restrained fury—you can hear the wolf lurking beneath her human skin. Joe Hempel’s gruff delivery as the hero, Callan, occasionally veers into *too* much growl (seriously, guy, ease up on the bass in the love scenes), but it suits the character’s hardened exterior. My only critique? The middle act sags slightly under a subplot involving a rogue ally that feels undercooked compared to the main conflict. And while the action scenes are visceral, the sound design occasionally overpowers the dialogue—turn down your volume if you’re listening in a quiet room. But these are quibbles. *High Risk* is a rare beast: a paranormal romance that’s as satisfying for its tactical precision as it is for its emotional payoff. If you’ve ever wanted *Black Hawk Down* meets *Bitten*, this is your audiobook.