An ARC was provided for an honest review. The 12 Olympians series is a spin-off of the wonderful Assassins/Shifters series. The shifters have been brought in to guard the 12 demi-gods, who have been threatened. In Strange Addiction, we see the pairing of the son of Aphrodite with a wolverine shifter. Both are instantly attracted to one another, but the son of Love's active social life creates friction. Brock is searching for the love he was denied at his human parent's home, while Zack is searching for a sense of who he is. When they let their shields down, they find what they need in one another's arms.This was a different type of novel than I was expecting as it centered more around the internal conflict than the external battles the assassins/shifters are usually engaged in. The Titan threat and fight scene were muted compared to the war of words between Zack and Brock, proving words can be weapons that hurt. But words also have the power to heal as Zack sets out to show Brock how he feels about him. The tenderness shown is incredible, especially having been exposed to Zack's gruffer side for most of the book. The book opens with a litany of names and who they are coupled with, so the book can be read as stand-alone. But the cast can be overwhelming. As much as I liked seeing some old favorites. I wish she would have streamlined it a bit. We did get a few first glimpses at some budding romances for future novels, which was fun to watch unfold. And some questions from the past were answered, allowing the story arch of the series to unfold, too. Four StarsBrock and Zack are two in a large family of Olympians and Shifters. Their relationship starts out quite rocky, as they are learning about themselves and each other. Zack is attracted to Brock, but due to jealousy, an emotion that is unfamiliar to Zack, he belittles Brock on a regular basis. Brock believes that Zack is the epitome of rude and annoying.While Zack has come from a past that he cannot remember, he knows that he is dangerous and tries to come to terms with the fact that he has no past - or at least one that his mind has blocked due to the trauma he suffered. Brock is the son of Aphrodite and has always wanted someone to see him for what he has to offer, not his looks. Brock has lived his life with almost no physical or emotional love. He had unfeeling parents, was bullied for being gay and went through life looking for close physical contact by sleeping his way through people. Zack must learn to control his inner beasts in order to ensure that he will never hurt Brock. Brock, for the first time in his life, has someone that wants to be with him for who he is, not because he has power over them, as the son of Aphrodite. Together, they learn that love is worth fighting for.While a war is swirling around them, Brock and Zack must figure out if they can let the feelings they have for each other come to the surface, or if it is safer to keep those feelings hidden. This book had more of a sci-fy feeling than the other stories. Zack is essentially raised in a laboratory. He is tortured by scientists to see if they can bring out Zach's hidden shifter forms.I enjoyed this story and really enjoyed how protective Brock became over Zack, despite Zack being the protector. I thought that the author did a good job at incorporating the other characters from the previous books in to the story as well. All of the characters are supportive and want the best for each other.This series is pretty great too. I would recommend this series if you enjoy shifter stories and paranormal activity.I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.~AvidReader
