Rating: Rating: 8.5 out of 10 - GREAT READ!First line: Alec wrenched himself out of the path of a flying fist and acknowledged, for the first time in his increasingly long life, that he might be getting old.Memorable Scenes: - the love scene at Carmen's place > explosively hot- the challenge fights > Never thought I'd be so bloodthirsty and enjoy reading them as much as I did Alec Jacobson is a born wolf shifter. He’s gruff, a commanding and protective straight-shooter who is alpha to the bone. The subtle humor and especially Alec's dry humor made me smile numerous times throughout the book. But there were also moments I choked up at Alec's loneliness and pain that was always there in the background. Carmen Mendoza is a half-breed wolf and an empath. Apparently I didn’t write much else down about Carmen, which makes me think that I probably was too engrossed by Alec to notice Carmen much. Some heroes do that to me, especially the dirty talking ones.The love scenes were very hot and absolutely spine-tingling without being overly explicit. They were awesome and not in the least because of Alec's dirty mouth. I absolutely loved the slow, simmering chemistry and banter between Carmen and Alec. It built up nicely to the point of no return and it was one of the elements that kept me reading and not wanting to leave the book for long when I really had to stop because of my pesky non-reading life.I love the Southern Arcana series. CRUX hooked me, CROSSROADS reeled me in and DEADLOCK sealed the deal. From the first page I was back in the world of alpha shifters and powerful psychics and enjoying myself reading how uber-alpha Alec was romantically brought to his knees by love and Carmen.As far as the secondary cast is concerned, quite some interesting characters were introduced and took their place next to the familiar ones from CRUX and CROSSROADS. Enough new introductions to assure me this series has the potential of sticking around for awhile. From events and an interaction in DEADLOCK I guessed a future pairing right (as Bree confirmed for me through Twitter) and I can’t wait to read their story. I really like how Moira Rogers incorporates the family and shifter politics into this series. It’s what keeps it very interesting and also forms a great balance for the romance parts. The different subplots in the book came together brilliantly yet still left some wiggle room for stuff to be played out in future installments and I like it when authors do that in the subtle way it was done in this book.DEADLOCK had a feel of rightness and ease to it that made it the best of the series for me to-date. Going back to the Southern Arcana world and its characters was like a comforting trip home. And if you haven’t embarked on this series yet, please do…you will not regret adding another addictive series to your paranormal reading palette.Favorite Quotes:He kissed the way she'd seen him live, reckless arrogance and power and an intensity that bordered on intimidating."Belonging to me means you get what you need, whenever I can give it. Tonight it means me proving that you set off every dominant, animal urge I've got, whether you're stoned on magic or not."
