In the Pride's Best Interest

Title: In the Pride's Best Interest

Author: Jessica Lee

Publisher: Resplendence Publishing

Publisher URL: www.resplendencepublishing.com/

ISBN: 978-1-60735-641-7

Genre: {M/M} Shape shifter Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Attempting to come to terms with the death of his mother, Shayne Matthews seeks the solace he has always found in the Smoky Mountains. Only this time Shayne becomes lost. Shayne’s rescuer is lion shifter Eli Novak. However, it is not long before Eli discovers that Shayne is the liberator Eli desperately needed.

In the Pride's Best Interest is the second book in the Ariel Estates series. The estate is in a secluded mountain area of North Carolina and since lions are not native to America, the pride lives in fear of discovery by humans. Background information is sparse. With the mention of an expected visit from the elders, I assumed there are more than one pride as well as that elders are the lawmakers. But the details of the pride’s origins are not explained. The main focus of the plot is discrimination. The consensus among some of pride is that gay men should not be tolerated, especially in a leader’s position. This narrow minded attitude is the main source of conflict within the pride since Silas, the pride leader, has a male mate. Eli’s internal conflict is a double edged sword because he considers himself to be straight and Eli considers humans to be inferior to shifters.

Overall, Jessica Lee has created an impressive as well as enjoyable saga blending emotional turmoil, denial, jealousy and a hint of intimacy.