The alpha wolf in Zalin's pack is slowing going insane, which is tough enough to contend with, but the guy is gunning for the woman Zalin loves--the rancher's daughter who saved his hide. He's torn between taking off to avoid a confrontation with the Alpha, and sticking around to protect Lucia. Opening his heart to her is not an option-- he's had enough rejection to last a lifetime.
Lucia is fascinated by the "wolf" she saved--at the time unaware he was more than a canine. Zalin seems out to save her from his Alpha, but she wants more than protection from him. When spilled family secrets make her doubt everything she knows, she turns to Zalin for stability, only to learn he's planning to leave.
Will Zalin desert the one he loves when she needs him most, or will he howl a challenge on her behalf?
Silke grew up in Germany and is used to things going bump in the night -- and it wasn't always the acrophobic cat, or someone hitting their head on a low beam on the ceiling. She writes paranormal romance, usually at night, and blames Anne Stuart to this day for all her ambitions and strange stories, after reading one of her books. These days the only thing going bump at "oh-dark-thirty" is her -- usually when she smacks into the sofa while creeping to the kitchen for another cup of coffee.
Really enjoyed this story! Likeable characters, cute dialogue, and even a little bit of suspense that had me quickly turning the pages up until the end.
Their paths were never meant to cross, but once they did the temptation to know more about her proves too much. Since the moment fate brought Lucia into Zalin's life and then saved it, he knew that couldn't be the last time he saw her. His thoughts become clouded with her and each time he scents her, he finds himself drawn to her more. Zalin knows his time is almost up and leaving the pack is the best option, but a mission set on him by the Alpha holds him back and now so does Lucia.
Lucia's life quickly turns upside down after meeting Zalin. When a betrayal is exposed, turning to Zalin for comfort seems natural to Lucia regardless of his true nature. The chemistry and attraction is instantaneous, so when she learns of their similar tragic pasts, their future is sealed. However, a threat looms on the horizon and the suspect could be anyone.
An exciting paranormal romance with a little mystery and eroticism combined. Zalin and Lucia are perfectly matched with balanced perspectives throughout the story. Reading it was not only enjoyable, but quite easy with the quick pacing. There's not a lot of drawn out sexual tension or frustrations built around a characters' acceptance of multiple situations. That may have made it a bit less believable, but definitely light reading at it's best with instant gratification.
This is my first read by Ms. Juppenlatz and I will absolutely be on the hunt for more. Readers looking for a howlin' good time should check out this sexy shifter story!
Not sure that I bought into any of the relationships. Zalin and Lucia essentially jumped into bed on the first day that they met, and it seemed to be more of a reaction to some upsetting news on Lucia's part. There was the potential for some good conflicts and mystery, but they seemed to be glossed over and handled quickly.
This is a thoroughly hot wolf shifter tale with some unforgettable scenes, especially between the primary love interests, Zalin and Lucia. A quick read, it will definitely warm up those cold nights and leave you asking for more.
This was a good short story. The characters were likeable and Zalin was easy to fall in love with. :) There was some mystery. I liked it. Short and sweet. And there was some humor in it as well.