Hide is the first book in a new series from Bailey Bradford, however this book is connected to another series -- which I did not read. Had I known this, I would have started with the other series first. Anyhow, Hide is a shifter story that is well-paced, highly erotic, with interesting characters, gut wrenching heartache, very intense situations, and of course some plot twists. It kept me intrigued and engaged. So why only 3 stars? Instalove. I just can't grasp the instalove situation, even with shifters - especially in characters who have not had an easy life. They are going to need more emotional connection in the long run and trust less easily than portrayed here.

Maybe I missed out on stuff in the connecting series.. However, if you don't mind instalove, this is a great book for you!
3 stars

Dorso wakes up with a big bump on his head and Adal next to him, claiming they're mates. Dorso had gotten mixed up in Adal's effort to save his friends, but he doesn't mind because Adal is the man he's always been searching for. Except, defeating Adal's father and overcoming his past might just be too much for them both.

If there is a cliche or stereotype about shapeshifters, it was found in this book. Insta-love, insta-sex, mind reading, sharing feelings, evil father who is also the alpha, etc., it was all in there. Dorso and Adal have sex before they've even asked for each other's names because the mating bond has tied them together. The utter cheesiness of it all cheapened their relationship and made all the other struggles they would have to endure for their relationship to continue feel utterly ridiculous. The author tried to inject some seriousness into the story, but then Dorso started calling Adal honey (who at this point he had known for all of twenty minutes and had sex with twice in that time frame) and I started laughing and ended up putting the book down.

The worst part of the book was the sex because it was used as the only means for character building. If the sex were in conjunction with other means to give the characters depth, I could have accepted it, but every time we learn something about one of the characters it's during a sex scene. Normally if the sex scenes are poorly written I'm happy enough to skip them and get back to the plot, but since the plot was occurring only during the sex I found myself missing large chunks of the book. It wasn't worth struggling on, so I'm sad to say I was not able to finish reading this book.

This book is well written. I love the way Dorso is so protective of Adal. Dorso is understanding, and would do anything to make Adal feel protected. If you like shifters, humans and a fight for love then you will like the book. I just hope there is a second so I can find out what happens to Steven.