Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Grayscale

SERIES:  ORCA

AUTHOR:  Vinni George

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  215 pages

RELEASE DATE:  October 3, 2024

BLURB:

Cal Hunter didn’t hate Jack Grayson the moment he met him. He actually kind of liked the arrogant great white shark shifter… until Jack left Cal zip-tied to a bed and stole Cal’s job. Now, every time their paths cross, things get heated, and they both have the scars to prove it.

Jack has always worked better alone, but there is something about Cal he can’t get out of his system. So it shouldn’t be a problem when they are forced to work together to figure out who is after one of the most famous pieces of stolen art in the world.

But both men are keeping secrets that compromise their mission, and when Jack’s life is threatened, Cal has to decide if holding on to his own secrets is worth it. Turns out fate has one hell of a sense of humor.

Grayscale is book two in the Organization for the Return of Criminals and Assets (ORCA) series, featuring an orca shifter former mercenary who hates taking orders, a great white shark shifter who’d rather work solo, and a worldwide chase to track down a missing painting that ultimately forces them to cooperate in more ways than one!

REVIEW:

Note:  This is the second book in this series and therefore has spoilers for the previous book.  Also, the first book really sets the overall worldbuilding as well as provides a lot of background on Cal and his brothers which are helpful in this story.  I recommend reading in order as there is an overarching mystery here that builds through the books.

In the last book, Cal’s orca shifter brother Nero met his fated mate, Felix, a sea otter shifter and computer hacker genius.  At the end of that book, it seems that there is a lot more going on than meets the eye in Felix’s old job and the subsequent attempts to kidnap him.  When Jack shows up at Cal’s family home, they are paired up to try to find out more about what is happening.

Jack and Cal have a history.  Jack and Cal are both talented – although Cal has a tendency to leap before he looks 😉 They have been competitors.  Rivals.  Lovers.  And unbeknownst to Jack, the pull he feels towards Cal and the protective instincts that he cannot fight mean something completely different.

Then they are on a mission – globetrotting to try to find a painting that was stolen and has been underground for years.  But both men are keeping secrets from the other.  They are not honest about their feelings or what they know about this job.  Those secrets could cost them though.

When push comes to shove though, they figure out that they better work together if they want to survive this op.

Man, this book was a whirlwind!  Lots of flying around, shifting, remembering past trysts.  These guys have super hot chemistry, but their relationship is not based on honesty and trust.  Just lust.  Until it isn’t.  I felt bad for Cal not being able to share with Jack the truth.  Then again, Jack isn’t totally honest either.  I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship as they careened around the globe chasing intel and the mysterious painting.  Word to the wise – this case is NOT over, so don’t look for a resolution at the end of this story.  It’s a roller coaster for sure, but pulling into the station for Cal and Jack doesn’t mean this ride is over.  Quin is next up and I’m here for it.  Like honestly I’m a little mad I have to wait because of the ending 😉

Anyone who loves a fast-paced push/pull romance between two alphas will really enjoy this story.  Recommended!

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon