It's been six months since Henrich and Mason began their relationship. It's been a difficult road as both men are still dealing with their fear of trusting others. It doesn't help that Henrich is the son of the madman who created Mason and the other shifters. Henrich's father was the epitome of the term "mad scientist", a man who didn't hesitate to experiment and torture others, all in the name of science. In his zeal he even chose to experiment on his own flesh and blood, an experiment that produced some rather "shocking" results.

Henrich has created a safe harbor for the shifters and has vowed to protect them and make up for all the harm his father has caused. A vow that may put him and the ones he loves in danger when he learns that his father is free and determined to get Henrich back onto his table.

Understanding the Past has left me torn. I love Mr. Chase as an author, he is an auto buy for me and I eagerly look forward to his new releases, but I found myself frustrated with Understanding the Past for several reasons. First, and this is solely my own fault, I had forgotten that this was actually the continuation of a story begun in the anthology Shifting Perspectives and that anthology has been languishing away in my TBR mountain for quite a bit of time now awaiting the release of this very story. Secondly, I didn't want to leave and I need to know more about the characters and what happens next. Who is the mysterious wolf? What's the deal with Zev and Paul? Come on! It's just cruel to leave your fans hanging like this! You can't just stop the story there and expect us not to be upset. Henrich is...well, electrifying, in the amount he grew over the story and how he in turn helped Mason find it in himself to begin to trust and realize that he is not alone; it made for a great plot arc. I hope that we see a certain raven and bear again as well. There are just so many delectable people for a reader to nibble it is almost overwhelming. My only caveat is that while this story can stand alone it works so much better when read after Understanding Forgiveness, the prequel included in the Shifting Perspectives anthology. Understanding the Past will leave you with a taste for more from this great author!

Reviewed by: Hayley