Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Charlie and the Panther
SERIES: Land and Sea #4
AUTHOR: Vinni George
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 242 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 7, 2024
BLURB:
Matteo Garras wants to be left alone. Most people take the hint. Apparently, Charlie Marsh isn’t most people. From the moment the alpha—who smells like sunshine—sits down next to Matteo at the local shifter bar, Matteo’s world tilts on its axis, making him want a future he didn’t think he could have, one he doesn’t think he deserves.
Charlie has always had a thing for grumpy cats, so his instant attraction to Matteo isn’t a surprise, but the intensity of his feelings and his possessive desire to protect the brooding omega are. The more Charlie gets to know Matteo, the more he realizes they have in common, including scars that are more than skin deep.
When pain from Matteo’s past tries to make him push Charlie away, fate pulls them back to each other, binding them together forever and giving Charlie the chance to show Matteo he deserves everything he’s ever dreamed of having.
REVIEW:
Matteo despite everything that happened in his past, has returned to the one place he never thought he’d come back to. He hides away and keeps to himself, his face settled into a permanent scowl which helps to keep everyone at bay. The trauma from his childhood has shaped his life and he has resigned himself to the idea, that this is the only way his life will be. All childhood dreams of a mate and family are buried deep within as he is firmly convinced those things will never happen. It’s supposed to be a fresh start but feels like he is still mired in his past, never being allowed to forget and still having things held over him by his family. I really felt for Matteo he has this tough exterior but inside he is still hurting by the actions of people who should have loved him unconditionally.
Charlie enjoys his life, after the horrific accident that nearly claimed his life, he is happily building up his tour boat business, meeting with friends and enjoying a good social life. He has watched his friends settle down and he’s happy for them and secretly wishes he could meet someone special as well. He is the epitome of an Alpha, strong, dependable, and sure about who he is and what he wants.
When Matteo and Charlie meet, Matteo despite his don’t speak to me, keep away demeanor is intrigued by Charlie. Charlie is instantly smitten and recognises a kindred spirit, he understands trauma and the scars that can be left, both visible and hidden.
They are a great couple, whilst Matteo is hesitant because of his past, Charlie is prepared to play the long game and gradually win Matteo over. He realises that his hesitancy isn’t because he doesn’t want Charlie but helping Matteo to overcome his past is the real battle, patience and understanding can win the day.
The description of Matteo’s mega heat and Charlie racing to the rescue was heartwarming, an awwwww moment, tinged with a slight stab to the heart of what could have happened to Matteo, if he had been left alone. It was great that Matteo’s cousin, who he keeps in contact with, works for Dante, who is Charlie’s best friend, Dominic’s husband. There were all these little hints about the extended friend group and I loved it when they all met up, fantastic to see how well they all got on. Not only did they help Matteo and Charlie but welcomed them both into the close-knit group with open arms.
A lovely series, with great characters and an heartwarming storyline.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS: