What do you think?
Rate this book
Long, Lonely Howl
Although Casey Keller loves his life as a YMCA counselor, making a difference in the lives of inner-city kids, his personal life is a mess. He loves Adam, his live-in boyfriend, but he can't deal with him. He misses Nathan, an old lover and current friend, but there's a distance between them Casey can't overcome. He’s starting to fear that he's the one constantly ruining any chance he has for happiness. But life is about to a trip to the California mountains to escape the pressures of city life will introduce him to a world he never knew existed, where creatures out of mythology and fiction roam and men run in packs.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2011
8 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gala
47 books1,166 followersLynsey "Lyn" Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn’t stopped since. Westerns starring men with shady pasts gave way to science fiction with questionable protagonists which eventually gave in to any story with a morally ambiguous character. Even the purest heroes have pain and loss and darkness in their hearts, and that’s where she likes to find her stories. Her characters seek to better themselves and find the happy ending (or happier anyway), but it’s writing the struggle that inspires her muse. When she isn’t writing, Lyn Gala teaches in New Mexico.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Read
June 13, 2013One long, ridiculous conversation about conversion. Should I, shouldn't I?
I'm too bored to go further, particularly since I glanced at a review that says this is a HFN ending. (After all that not even a full-fledged HEA?!)
I think Gala struck gold with Claimings, Aliens and Artifacts. Her other works are leaving me quite under-whelmed. I'm not in a hurry to try this author again.
I'm too bored to go further, particularly since I glanced at a review that says this is a HFN ending. (After all that not even a full-fledged HEA?!)
I think Gala struck gold with Claimings, Aliens and Artifacts. Her other works are leaving me quite under-whelmed. I'm not in a hurry to try this author again.
February 22, 2013
3.5
An interesting take on wolf shifters. While I did really enjoy the MC's I ended up wanting to know Nathan a bit more than I did. Also, I think Adam got shafted and not in a good way. ;)
An interesting take on wolf shifters. While I did really enjoy the MC's I ended up wanting to know Nathan a bit more than I did. Also, I think Adam got shafted and not in a good way. ;)
dnf
July 25, 2020Rating: DNF
Did not finish at 6%. I know it’s a bit early to DNF, but I could not stand Casey in the short amount of time that I have been reading. The way he treated Adam his boyfriend rubbed me the wrong way and I really did not like him as a character. Add to that I read a review that stated it ended in a HFN and I realized that I didn’t want to put myself through the torture of trying to finish this book.
Did not finish at 6%. I know it’s a bit early to DNF, but I could not stand Casey in the short amount of time that I have been reading. The way he treated Adam his boyfriend rubbed me the wrong way and I really did not like him as a character. Add to that I read a review that stated it ended in a HFN and I realized that I didn’t want to put myself through the torture of trying to finish this book.
perhaps
June 20, 2013Ugly cover. I suppose that means Eebee printed it on poster format.;)
February 17, 2011
I liked Casey and Nathan in this book, as well as the other characters, but to be honest I was a little put off by how Adam was treated. I know he was a bit of a drama queen but I thought he deserved a little more respect. Not exactly sure why that was important to me but it stuck in my head.
The premise of this book was good - different take on the werewolf legend and "changing" process I think, but there were scenes that were just too drawn out for me and I skimmed some of them rather than read. Overall a good book but not one that I would feel compelled to read again.
The premise of this book was good - different take on the werewolf legend and "changing" process I think, but there were scenes that were just too drawn out for me and I skimmed some of them rather than read. Overall a good book but not one that I would feel compelled to read again.
June 6, 2011
Very good paranormal m/m romance about a YMCA youth counselor who inadvertently finds out about werewolves and has to make some life-changing decisions. Be aware that the ending's a bit abrupt and is definitely HFN.
February 6, 2018
Was quite enjoying it when I turned the page and there was no more!?! What a weird ending. Like others, I thought it felt like a set up for a series.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 9, 2011
Casey loves his long hours, under paid job. He gets to work with kids through the YMCA and make a difference in their lives. He doesn’t mind being in the closet but for his flamboyant partner, it isn’t enough. Adam doesn’t like the secrets of Casey’s closet life and when push came to shove, Casey chooses his closet over Adam.
Nathan is the park ranger who volunteers one weekend a month to mentor the kids that Casey brings onto his mountain. He is also Casey’s ex, a one night stand that turned into friendship. Casey has always been drawn to Nathan but Nathan has drawn the line. They can be nothing other than friends.
When Casey and Adam break up, Casey seeks his friend Nathan and sees something so bizarre that Casey tries to make himself discount it but Nathan won’t let him. Now Casey has a choice to make. Move far, far away and leave everything he knows and loves or take a chance and make new future. The question becomes, will Nathan agree and let him or will he force Casey out?
This is such a great story! I loved that it is NOT a typical fluffy, insta-luv, shifter story were being mates equals monogamy and guarantees a happily ever after. Monogamy is a human habit and Weres are NOT humans. They struggle to blend into the Mediocre (aka-meed) society and not out themselves as werewolves. Their society is harsh and brutal; where a misstep will get you killed. Just like regular humans, mates or not, you work for your happiness.
This is more than a 4 star for me but not quite a 5 star. The story left an opening for a possible sequel which I would love to read for either Vince or Amadi.
Nathan is the park ranger who volunteers one weekend a month to mentor the kids that Casey brings onto his mountain. He is also Casey’s ex, a one night stand that turned into friendship. Casey has always been drawn to Nathan but Nathan has drawn the line. They can be nothing other than friends.
When Casey and Adam break up, Casey seeks his friend Nathan and sees something so bizarre that Casey tries to make himself discount it but Nathan won’t let him. Now Casey has a choice to make. Move far, far away and leave everything he knows and loves or take a chance and make new future. The question becomes, will Nathan agree and let him or will he force Casey out?
This is such a great story! I loved that it is NOT a typical fluffy, insta-luv, shifter story were being mates equals monogamy and guarantees a happily ever after. Monogamy is a human habit and Weres are NOT humans. They struggle to blend into the Mediocre (aka-meed) society and not out themselves as werewolves. Their society is harsh and brutal; where a misstep will get you killed. Just like regular humans, mates or not, you work for your happiness.
This is more than a 4 star for me but not quite a 5 star. The story left an opening for a possible sequel which I would love to read for either Vince or Amadi.
May 28, 2011
Long, Lonely Howl is an entertaining werewolf tale about lonely Y counselor, Casey Keller, his erstwhile boyfriend Adam, and Casey's best friend Nathan. Casey Keller is at a turning point in his life. He loves working at the Y making a difference in the lives of young inner-city boys, but his turbulent relationship with his boyfriend Adam is about to crash and burn and he's not even sure he cares. Adam is out and in your face proud and he can't understand why Casey hides their relationship behind the fiction of "the girlfriend Abby".
Feeling at loose ends after a fight with Adam, Casey heads up to the mountains for some down time with his friend. Nathan is gay but he doesn't appear to have a problem with Casey keeping secrets since he has a few of his own. A ranger used to living in the wild, Nathan has a strong, forceful character that's not threatened by his friend's secrets. He respects Casey's choices. There's a strong attraction between these two secretive men.
Gala develops some strong supporting characters in Long, Lonely Howl. Amadi, the African with his wry wit and odd sense of humor, as well as Vince, the young werewolf with a dark history and a musical spirit, both lend color to the story. Long, Lonely Howl is a fun read worthy of 3.5 stars filled with some interesting werewolf lore and the sparking chemistry between Casey and Nathan. It would be nice to hear more about the back-stories of Amadi and Vince, and Nathan's confrontation with the older werewolf, Wright. Perhaps there is a forthcoming sequel?
Feeling at loose ends after a fight with Adam, Casey heads up to the mountains for some down time with his friend. Nathan is gay but he doesn't appear to have a problem with Casey keeping secrets since he has a few of his own. A ranger used to living in the wild, Nathan has a strong, forceful character that's not threatened by his friend's secrets. He respects Casey's choices. There's a strong attraction between these two secretive men.
Gala develops some strong supporting characters in Long, Lonely Howl. Amadi, the African with his wry wit and odd sense of humor, as well as Vince, the young werewolf with a dark history and a musical spirit, both lend color to the story. Long, Lonely Howl is a fun read worthy of 3.5 stars filled with some interesting werewolf lore and the sparking chemistry between Casey and Nathan. It would be nice to hear more about the back-stories of Amadi and Vince, and Nathan's confrontation with the older werewolf, Wright. Perhaps there is a forthcoming sequel?
March 15, 2011
I found Long, Lonely Howl to be an interesting take on werewolves. The story reaches a logical conclusion, but there is definitely room for more if the author decides she wants to tell the rest of the story.
Read
February 3, 2012I really can't finish this one. First half felt like werewolf's intro 101 than a story. Plus I didn't much like Casey.
July 3, 2025
some interesting ideas on werewolves, and i liked several of the secondary characters
November 14, 2019
Lyn Gala is an awesome writer. It just doesn't show in this book. I adore her alien books, but this has no actual story, a lot of problems turn up, but there is no solution for any of them. There is a lot of angst and anxiety and self flagellation and no actual character building, not to mention character developement.
So this is for you if you are only interested in the werewolf group sex thing and even that is more confusing than anything else.
So this is for you if you are only interested in the werewolf group sex thing and even that is more confusing than anything else.
February 13, 2022
A different view on Werewolves, packs, mates and turning.
Casey and Nathan both keep secrets from the world. After one night together they became only friends. When Casey runs to Nathan after his breakup with Adam he sees more than he should.
And so Nathan's secret is slowly revealed along with the consequences for Casey.
A slowly developing story that ended where a second book could begin.
Casey and Nathan both keep secrets from the world. After one night together they became only friends. When Casey runs to Nathan after his breakup with Adam he sees more than he should.
And so Nathan's secret is slowly revealed along with the consequences for Casey.
A slowly developing story that ended where a second book could begin.
June 25, 2022
dnf @31%
ugh. rife with queermisia. pov character is closeted and his bf is flamboyant. he takes his internalised hate out on the bf, he’s passive aggressive and manipulative, yet he’s still framed as a “nice guy” who just wants to avoid “drama” and “games” 🙄🙄🙄 fuck this dismissive queermisic and misogynistic nonsense.
the werewolf stuff might have the potential to be interesting but tbh I just can’t bring myself to gaf with the rest.
ugh. rife with queermisia. pov character is closeted and his bf is flamboyant. he takes his internalised hate out on the bf, he’s passive aggressive and manipulative, yet he’s still framed as a “nice guy” who just wants to avoid “drama” and “games” 🙄🙄🙄 fuck this dismissive queermisic and misogynistic nonsense.
the werewolf stuff might have the potential to be interesting but tbh I just can’t bring myself to gaf with the rest.
January 30, 2023
3.5*
A different spin on the shifter genre but the ending is so open-ended, like author didn't have energy to finish it and dropped in without a clear Epilogue.
Since it was published a long time ago and no sequels, such a strange ending doesn't cut it for me.
I really like something out of the old same when it came to werewolves and I like the writing itself but the ending...is quite frustrating to be honest.
A different spin on the shifter genre but the ending is so open-ended, like author didn't have energy to finish it and dropped in without a clear Epilogue.
Since it was published a long time ago and no sequels, such a strange ending doesn't cut it for me.
I really like something out of the old same when it came to werewolves and I like the writing itself but the ending...is quite frustrating to be honest.
August 2, 2017
3.5 stars - well, I enjoyed all the way until the end. That ending was not satisfactory. I enjoyed the characters and the world. The sex was hot. I didn't feel I knew Nathan well enough though. This feels like it needs a sequel. HFN ending that should have been more firm.
August 21, 2025
DNF’d at 60% and would have stopped sooner if the author hadn’t been L.G. whose works I have previously enjoyed a lot. I can’t articulate where this book went /right/. Limited and stilted world building, lots of faulty logic, irritating and unidimensional characters.
August 14, 2018
Boring, I was struggling to reach the end.
May 23, 2011
Lyn Gala has written a story of love, trust and secrets.
Casey is happy working with the disadvantaged boys at the local YMCA in Los Angeles. He’s proud of the progress some of the boys have made, and delighted when two of ‘his boys’ get college scholarships based on academics. And he’s very comfortable staying safe in his nice snug ‘closet’. He knows he couldn’t do his job, working with boys, if it became known he’s gay.
This causes a lot of friction between Casey, and his current lover, Adam, an over the top art student who pushes the limits at every turn. Casey realizes that Adam is not his type, and that he really doesn’t see a future with Adam. Only one man has ever really rocked his world, and that man has chosen to maintain a strictly platonic relationship with Casey.
Nathan is a forest ranger, and welcomes Casey and the boys for day trips up to the mountain, but keeps Casey at arms length-until one fateful day when Casey shows up on the mountain unannounced, looking for some peace after the nasty breakup with Adam. He gets so much more than he ever bargained for, when he encounters Vince in the woods. Vince believes Casey is like him, and Casey suddenly learns of the existence of werewolves, a reality he was not ready to accept.
When Nathan explains things to Casey, he encourages Casey to move far away, for his own safety as well as for the safety of Nathan’s small pack of three ‘misfit’ wolves. But Casey realizes that Nathan is ‘the one’ and tries to convince Nathan to turn him so they can be together. Can Casey convince Nathan he wants this? Does Nathan even want Casey or is it one-sided attraction? Can Casey pass the control challenge necessary to prove he’s ready?
Ms. Gala has created a world filled with sympathetic characters, each with their own desires and all with secrets and doubts. None of her characters are perfect, but all are extremely likable. Who wouldn’t love a werewolf with a summer cold and insecurities? I liked that she set her story, not in some out of the way municipality, but in and around Los Angeles. I also liked that although she has four hot guys, each has his own insecurities to overcome.
Casey is, if not happy, at least content to be in the closet. He loves working with the boys who need his guidance, and knows it would change if his lifestyle were exposed. He realizes that his choice of Adam as a lover was a rebound from his one night of heaven with Nathan, but just doesn’t have the energy to say the words to make the split. I liked Casey’s dedication to his boys at the YMCA, and his determination to be there to keep them moving forward.
Nathan is alpha of his tiny pack of three, and very lonely. He realized after one night of passion with Casey, that it could be more, but Casey is human and knows nothing of his life. He is determined to protect Casey from the darker side, the part of his life he shares with only two others: Vince, the newly turned wolf, and Amadi, the African wolf with a secret past. Nathan knows Casey is his mate, but hesitates to turn him, fearing Casey may not survive the change. I love his protective nature, willing to sacrifice his happiness to protect the man he is growing to love.
This is a story of finding ‘the one’ regardless of gender or species. It is a love story, sweet and tender at times, with two people learning about each other: what pleases them and what they have endured and survived to become the men they are now. It is also a hot and sexy adventure with an alpha and a stubborn ‘meed’, both wanting the same thing-each other. I enjoyed the passion here, and would love to read the stories of the rest of Nathan’s small but interesting pack in the future. What is a ‘meed’, you ask? You’ll need to read Long Lonely Howl to find out.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Casey is happy working with the disadvantaged boys at the local YMCA in Los Angeles. He’s proud of the progress some of the boys have made, and delighted when two of ‘his boys’ get college scholarships based on academics. And he’s very comfortable staying safe in his nice snug ‘closet’. He knows he couldn’t do his job, working with boys, if it became known he’s gay.
This causes a lot of friction between Casey, and his current lover, Adam, an over the top art student who pushes the limits at every turn. Casey realizes that Adam is not his type, and that he really doesn’t see a future with Adam. Only one man has ever really rocked his world, and that man has chosen to maintain a strictly platonic relationship with Casey.
Nathan is a forest ranger, and welcomes Casey and the boys for day trips up to the mountain, but keeps Casey at arms length-until one fateful day when Casey shows up on the mountain unannounced, looking for some peace after the nasty breakup with Adam. He gets so much more than he ever bargained for, when he encounters Vince in the woods. Vince believes Casey is like him, and Casey suddenly learns of the existence of werewolves, a reality he was not ready to accept.
When Nathan explains things to Casey, he encourages Casey to move far away, for his own safety as well as for the safety of Nathan’s small pack of three ‘misfit’ wolves. But Casey realizes that Nathan is ‘the one’ and tries to convince Nathan to turn him so they can be together. Can Casey convince Nathan he wants this? Does Nathan even want Casey or is it one-sided attraction? Can Casey pass the control challenge necessary to prove he’s ready?
Ms. Gala has created a world filled with sympathetic characters, each with their own desires and all with secrets and doubts. None of her characters are perfect, but all are extremely likable. Who wouldn’t love a werewolf with a summer cold and insecurities? I liked that she set her story, not in some out of the way municipality, but in and around Los Angeles. I also liked that although she has four hot guys, each has his own insecurities to overcome.
Casey is, if not happy, at least content to be in the closet. He loves working with the boys who need his guidance, and knows it would change if his lifestyle were exposed. He realizes that his choice of Adam as a lover was a rebound from his one night of heaven with Nathan, but just doesn’t have the energy to say the words to make the split. I liked Casey’s dedication to his boys at the YMCA, and his determination to be there to keep them moving forward.
Nathan is alpha of his tiny pack of three, and very lonely. He realized after one night of passion with Casey, that it could be more, but Casey is human and knows nothing of his life. He is determined to protect Casey from the darker side, the part of his life he shares with only two others: Vince, the newly turned wolf, and Amadi, the African wolf with a secret past. Nathan knows Casey is his mate, but hesitates to turn him, fearing Casey may not survive the change. I love his protective nature, willing to sacrifice his happiness to protect the man he is growing to love.
This is a story of finding ‘the one’ regardless of gender or species. It is a love story, sweet and tender at times, with two people learning about each other: what pleases them and what they have endured and survived to become the men they are now. It is also a hot and sexy adventure with an alpha and a stubborn ‘meed’, both wanting the same thing-each other. I enjoyed the passion here, and would love to read the stories of the rest of Nathan’s small but interesting pack in the future. What is a ‘meed’, you ask? You’ll need to read Long Lonely Howl to find out.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
January 15, 2017
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews
This was an interesting spin on werewolves and not exactly what I had been expecting when I first sat down to read it. Casey is a man living in the closet, determined to keep his personal and professional lives separate at all costs. His boyfriend, Adam, is the complete opposite and just doesn’t understand why Casey won’t change; this has led to fractious interactions between the two men and has Casey longing for some peace and quiet. When the inevitable break up happens, Casey finds himself going out to see his friend Nathan, a one night stand that became a good friend even though Casey still wishes they could have more. His attempt to relax and unwind leads him to some unexpected discoveries, however…discoveries that will either give Casey what he’s always wanted or will take away everything he loves.
So, like I stated before, this wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Despite what quite a few other people have thought, I didn’t find Casey’s treatment of Adam to be a horrible thing; yes, he should have ended things sooner but I think its only natural that when you’re having issues with a significant other, you may not want to deal with them and would relish having some time alone. I found Adam, on the other hand, to be a bit of a snot and I don’t approve of the game he was playing in an attempt to make Casey fight to get back into his good graces. Seriously, either leave or suck it up and try to work things out. Just saying.
I liked how Casey finds out about Nathan and how the change worked in regards to the ‘challenge’ and control of a new wolf. The concept of mates wasn’t a new one for this genre but, again, the author put a bit of a different spin on it. (Few minor spoilers here so be warned.) I’ll be honest, I found the difference interesting but I’m not sure if I really liked it; I like my men to be together not separated and only coming together on occasion while having the option to sleep with other people when the need to scratch an itch arises, so to speak. The book was also more laid back and had less angst/action in it than I was expecting which made for a fairly interesting and relaxing read but I also felt like something was missing by the time I’d finished the story.
Overall, I liked the story, both for the writing and the twists the author made to an already established genre/lore; I could’ve done with a bit more solidity on the relationship front, especially something that led to more than what felt like a happy for now instead of a happily ever after. I mean, after waiting years for the man he couldn’t forget, I figure Casey needed a more concrete bit of happiness to make up for it. Interesting story with likeable characters that I will probably read again in the future.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/01/1...
This was an interesting spin on werewolves and not exactly what I had been expecting when I first sat down to read it. Casey is a man living in the closet, determined to keep his personal and professional lives separate at all costs. His boyfriend, Adam, is the complete opposite and just doesn’t understand why Casey won’t change; this has led to fractious interactions between the two men and has Casey longing for some peace and quiet. When the inevitable break up happens, Casey finds himself going out to see his friend Nathan, a one night stand that became a good friend even though Casey still wishes they could have more. His attempt to relax and unwind leads him to some unexpected discoveries, however…discoveries that will either give Casey what he’s always wanted or will take away everything he loves.
So, like I stated before, this wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Despite what quite a few other people have thought, I didn’t find Casey’s treatment of Adam to be a horrible thing; yes, he should have ended things sooner but I think its only natural that when you’re having issues with a significant other, you may not want to deal with them and would relish having some time alone. I found Adam, on the other hand, to be a bit of a snot and I don’t approve of the game he was playing in an attempt to make Casey fight to get back into his good graces. Seriously, either leave or suck it up and try to work things out. Just saying.
I liked how Casey finds out about Nathan and how the change worked in regards to the ‘challenge’ and control of a new wolf. The concept of mates wasn’t a new one for this genre but, again, the author put a bit of a different spin on it. (Few minor spoilers here so be warned.) I’ll be honest, I found the difference interesting but I’m not sure if I really liked it; I like my men to be together not separated and only coming together on occasion while having the option to sleep with other people when the need to scratch an itch arises, so to speak. The book was also more laid back and had less angst/action in it than I was expecting which made for a fairly interesting and relaxing read but I also felt like something was missing by the time I’d finished the story.
Overall, I liked the story, both for the writing and the twists the author made to an already established genre/lore; I could’ve done with a bit more solidity on the relationship front, especially something that led to more than what felt like a happy for now instead of a happily ever after. I mean, after waiting years for the man he couldn’t forget, I figure Casey needed a more concrete bit of happiness to make up for it. Interesting story with likeable characters that I will probably read again in the future.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/01/1...
July 26, 2016
This was sort of a strange werewolf story for me, good but also mediocre.
The majority of the story is Casey discovering werewolves exist, and then Nathan's pack trying to figure out what to do about Casey, because if he remains in the area, he's a danger to them all. But Casey's work with inner city kids at the YMCA is important to him, and he doesn't want to be forced to give that up. He also doesn't want to be forced to give Nathan up now that he knows that's the only reason that Nathan pushed him away in the first place.
I liked Casey and Nathan together, but I don't know as I needed to see Casey and Adam's break-up. I felt bad for both Casey and Adam, but I also wondered why we even needed to meet Adam. I definitely felt as though Adam was not the right person for Casey, and Nathan was. I suppose maybe we needed to see that, though initially it does make Casey look like a bit of a jerk. I sort of think that Casey fell for Nathan a bit too quickly as well, though explanation was given. (This goes back to the Casey looks like a jerk initially.) But in the end, I didn't feel like Casey was a bad guy; he just wasn't with the right guy, and it was a bad situation that had to be corrected. Mistakes happen.
It feels like the start of a series which hasn't been continued. There was this build up of "how bad things might be if other packs find out" one of a number of possible things to discover, but it didn't really seem to go anywhere. It did sort of happen, and I guess there was supposed to be tension because of this other pack, but I just didn't feel it, so it felt anti-climactic to me? I dunno. I guess maybe it just didn't work for me.
I liked the secondary characters in Nathan's pack, Amadi and Vince, also. But again, there are things alluded to and unfinished with both of them, which lends to the feeling of "unfinished series." And there isn't much about this particular shifter universe which makes it feel unique in any way. It just is.
The ending also felt a bit awkward. What happened made sense, but did we need to go there? Or rather, did we need to stop right there? "Awkward" is really the best word I have.
So, 3 stars. It feels like there's potential that it hasn't quite lived up to yet, but it could.
The majority of the story is Casey discovering werewolves exist, and then Nathan's pack trying to figure out what to do about Casey, because if he remains in the area, he's a danger to them all. But Casey's work with inner city kids at the YMCA is important to him, and he doesn't want to be forced to give that up. He also doesn't want to be forced to give Nathan up now that he knows that's the only reason that Nathan pushed him away in the first place.
I liked Casey and Nathan together, but I don't know as I needed to see Casey and Adam's break-up. I felt bad for both Casey and Adam, but I also wondered why we even needed to meet Adam. I definitely felt as though Adam was not the right person for Casey, and Nathan was. I suppose maybe we needed to see that, though initially it does make Casey look like a bit of a jerk. I sort of think that Casey fell for Nathan a bit too quickly as well, though explanation was given. (This goes back to the Casey looks like a jerk initially.) But in the end, I didn't feel like Casey was a bad guy; he just wasn't with the right guy, and it was a bad situation that had to be corrected. Mistakes happen.
It feels like the start of a series which hasn't been continued. There was this build up of "how bad things might be if other packs find out" one of a number of possible things to discover, but it didn't really seem to go anywhere. It did sort of happen, and I guess there was supposed to be tension because of this other pack, but I just didn't feel it, so it felt anti-climactic to me? I dunno. I guess maybe it just didn't work for me.
I liked the secondary characters in Nathan's pack, Amadi and Vince, also. But again, there are things alluded to and unfinished with both of them, which lends to the feeling of "unfinished series." And there isn't much about this particular shifter universe which makes it feel unique in any way. It just is.
The ending also felt a bit awkward. What happened made sense, but did we need to go there? Or rather, did we need to stop right there? "Awkward" is really the best word I have.
So, 3 stars. It feels like there's potential that it hasn't quite lived up to yet, but it could.
July 17, 2016
Gavin's reaction to seeing someone shift into a werewolf is the most realistic reaction I have ever read. He tries to convince himself that he is hallucinating or that some one has slipped him a mickey. In so many of these books there seems to be a shrug of the shoulders when the MC is faced with the fact that werewolves are real and we are on to the next part of the story.
Gavin works with underprivileged children at the YMCA (which he loves), lives with his boyfriend (which he is tired of), and longs for Nathan (a one-night stand that has turned into a friendship). When Gavin accidentally finds out that Nathan is a werewolf there are some big decisions that have to be made – does Gavin move away from everything he knows or does he allow himself to be turned into a werewolf.
I really enjoyed the conversations between the characters discussing the pros and cons of conversion versus Gavin moving away. I did struggle with the glossed over back stories of these characters. There seems to be more story and we were just given the short version. There was a HFN ending, but is was not a very satisfying ending.
Gavin works with underprivileged children at the YMCA (which he loves), lives with his boyfriend (which he is tired of), and longs for Nathan (a one-night stand that has turned into a friendship). When Gavin accidentally finds out that Nathan is a werewolf there are some big decisions that have to be made – does Gavin move away from everything he knows or does he allow himself to be turned into a werewolf.
I really enjoyed the conversations between the characters discussing the pros and cons of conversion versus Gavin moving away. I did struggle with the glossed over back stories of these characters. There seems to be more story and we were just given the short version. There was a HFN ending, but is was not a very satisfying ending.
February 9, 2013
This is definitely one of the better shifter stories out there. Casey is a human who discovers that he might be the mate of an alpha wolf shifter but that doesn't mean it's 'happily ever after'.
Making this discovery has come with a price; Casey must choose to try and undergo the turning - which isn't easy and could mean death if he fails - or he has to give up his life, his job, his love and move far, far away.
Casey believes going through the turning is worth it, especially if it means he can be with Nathan. Now he just has to convince Nathan that its worth it when Nathan's biggest fear is Casey being harmed.
The story did a good job balancing the soulmate theme of the shifter genre with a more serious response to the discovery of a shifter world. I really enjoyed how Casey's mate turned out to be someone he had grown close to over time as well as having a bit of instant chemistry. It was much more realistic.
With all the world and theme building, my only regret is that this isn't the first book of a series!
Making this discovery has come with a price; Casey must choose to try and undergo the turning - which isn't easy and could mean death if he fails - or he has to give up his life, his job, his love and move far, far away.
Casey believes going through the turning is worth it, especially if it means he can be with Nathan. Now he just has to convince Nathan that its worth it when Nathan's biggest fear is Casey being harmed.
The story did a good job balancing the soulmate theme of the shifter genre with a more serious response to the discovery of a shifter world. I really enjoyed how Casey's mate turned out to be someone he had grown close to over time as well as having a bit of instant chemistry. It was much more realistic.
With all the world and theme building, my only regret is that this isn't the first book of a series!
April 17, 2011
Definitely an interesting take on how werewolves might live if they existed. For some reason, though, I didn't get into the story at all. Some of the characters' actions just didn't make sense to me or were outright cruel, like the treatment of Casey's ex, Adam. The emotions didn't grab me as real. I'm sure I missed something, but can't quite figure out what. And as for the ending? Way too vague, unsure and uncommitted to leave me satisfied.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
May 18, 2016
Looking forward to more
This may sound strange to say say about a story involving werewolves, but I loved the realism. Everyone's reactions felt very genuine and everyone really thought about things before totally jumping in. Loved all the characters and I hope we see more in this world.
This may sound strange to say say about a story involving werewolves, but I loved the realism. Everyone's reactions felt very genuine and everyone really thought about things before totally jumping in. Loved all the characters and I hope we see more in this world.
November 26, 2011
So many shifter novels tend to the purple, hiding a thin plot behind too frequent sex scenes. Not this one. Nice character development, great angst, and interesting weres. And the sex is well written, and even better, well paced.
August 2, 2011
nice menage and shifters book !
February 13, 2021
I didn't see the story coming, I swear. A nice surprise all around, especially with the little bit of foursome.
April 17, 2011
Love shifter stories and this didn't disappoint. Enjoyed and hope there is a follow up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews