Catarina Benoit is trying to stay under the radar, unable to feel safe and free with anyone she lives a life off the grid far from the danger of her past. Though she knows it cannot last she has established a bit of freedom, with her own CAT'S LAIR, in a small town. She works as a barista at a coffee and book store, and is learning self defense. Even knowing it won't last she is enjoying it while she can and perhaps despite her attempts to do otherwise is enjoying the attention of Ridley Cromer. He is the enigmatic new instructor at the martial arts dojo and though she is fearful it might be nice to be normal for a little while.

Ridley Cromer has a few secrets of his own, he's more than an instructor and he knows when Cat learns the truth she will be furious with him. He knows she's on the run and he knows he can keep her safe as only a cat shifter can. If she can trust him again when the truth comes out then perhaps he will have time to teach her what she needs to know to survive. The bottom line is she belongs to him and nothing in the world will ever harm her again.

CAT'S LAIR will leave you breathless and if you are like me you will have trouble putting this book down because you have to see what comes next. With the energetic and captivating way author Christine Feehan writes the fear and worry that Catarina (Cat) goes through can actually be felt. Cat is a bit backward, but highly intelligent and as you read you will understand why and admire her strength and grit. I did like the way she tries to think everything through, putting it all in perspective and coming up with decision.

I found it a little different from Ms. Feehan's usual style that has Cat as the sexual aggressor a few times, but of course the blame went to the fact that she is close to the Van Hol Dan, or if you are not a reader of this series, she is close to her first shift. Ridley, we learn his true identity a few chapters into the book, has a bit of groveling to do and to my thinking got away with things a bit too easily.

If you are not into dominant, alpha and somewhat spoiled male characters you might be turned off by the hero of CAT'S LAIR as there are a number of sexual dominance scenes that might not be to everyone's taste. I loved that we got to meet up with some "cats" from Ms. Feehan's past books, Jake and Emma and some of his men from "Burning Wild," and it was really great to see what they were doing now. As always Ms. Feehan managed to take me away from my world and toss me into hers and I can't wait for the next exciting trip.