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Jack Wolf
Henry Dalton is sent across the country by train to the western town of Woolridge in order to investigate the werewolf problem they’re having during the monthly moon cycle. The townsfolk are not forthcoming with information, making it difficult for Henry to solve the case.
Even more distracting is Jack, a handsome older lycanthrope. Known for his rebellious youth, Jack has settled down into life and routine in Woolridge, working as the local blacksmith. He assures Henry he’s no longer trying to stir up trouble, that those days are long gone. Henry must attempt to ignore the spark between them, the indication of their potential to become mates, which is rare because Henry is human. Henry remains professional and focuses on his job, but each meeting with Jack adds to the draw, and Henry isn’t sure how much longer he’ll be able to resist.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Daily Dose package "Never Too Late."
Even more distracting is Jack, a handsome older lycanthrope. Known for his rebellious youth, Jack has settled down into life and routine in Woolridge, working as the local blacksmith. He assures Henry he’s no longer trying to stir up trouble, that those days are long gone. Henry must attempt to ignore the spark between them, the indication of their potential to become mates, which is rare because Henry is human. Henry remains professional and focuses on his job, but each meeting with Jack adds to the draw, and Henry isn’t sure how much longer he’ll be able to resist.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Daily Dose package "Never Too Late."
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2015
35 people want to read
About the author
Kay Walker
19 books5 followersKay Walker was born and raised on the Canadian Prairies. Growing up in a small, rural town, books not only helped to pass the time but also became a beloved form of entertainment. Reading opened up the world in ways Kay could only dream about. And dream she did! Kay now loves trying to create characters, plots, and entire worlds of her own in hopes to entertain others.
In addition to reading and writing, Kay likes watching movies and television shows – especially anything supernatural, sci-fi, LGBT, or with strong female characters. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and tries to be buddies with the elliptical. (They don’t always get along.)
In addition to reading and writing, Kay likes watching movies and television shows – especially anything supernatural, sci-fi, LGBT, or with strong female characters. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and tries to be buddies with the elliptical. (They don’t always get along.)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 26, 2015
When I started, I had to take a stepback and familiarized myself with the world-built because apparently this was a steampunk (albeit very light) shifter story. It was interesting and I thought at least the romance between Henry (a government official sent to investigate a case of a werewolf killing cattles) and Jack (one of the werewolves in town who used to be one of the leaders of Pack Rebellion) was nicely paced. But I guess I was hungry for more background and I needed answers about what happened to the other werewolf. I would also needed a little more of the ending because it felt rushed.
June 22, 2015
A world in which lycanthropes are known to exist, where they rebelled but were incorporated into society, and are now subject to restrictions for everyone’s safety. This story is set in a Steampunk version of North America, with Investigator Henry Dalton traveling out to the untamed West to support a small town in identifying who is killing cattle during the moon cycle. With a nice helping of mystery around Jack, the older lycanthrope he meets and befriends, and some wonderful scenes between two men who suspect they could feel more or each other, given time, this is a fantastical story with a wonderfully developed world and some great characters.
Henry is a man from the city. He is confronted with a frontier version very much like the Wild West in our reality, and encounters a good deal of suspicion as to his motives. The townspeople protect their own, and they are clearly scared. Henry is a consummate professional tough, so he doesn’t let their behavior influence or depress him. But he can feel the “spark”, the attraction between him and Jack, and he is surprised to be feeling it since he is human. He is not a man to ignore it, as difficult as it makes things for him, but he has a killer to find first.
Jack was one of the rebellion leaders when he was younger, but has settled down, accepted the new laws, and lives a quiet life as a blacksmith in the small western town. He is loyal to his friends, but also wants to get to know Henry much better. He is truly torn between two positions. Jack manages himself well without insulting any side too badly, and when push comes to shove he knows that Henry as a potential mate is the most important person to him and acts accordingly—never mind the risk to his own life.
If you like Steampunk and are looking for a slightly different version (one in the time of Victorian England but a different location), if two men who could be enemies but quickly learn to be friends and more sound interesting, and if you’re looking for a slightly mysterious read with some great details, a nice romance, and some heat, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspiner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Henry is a man from the city. He is confronted with a frontier version very much like the Wild West in our reality, and encounters a good deal of suspicion as to his motives. The townspeople protect their own, and they are clearly scared. Henry is a consummate professional tough, so he doesn’t let their behavior influence or depress him. But he can feel the “spark”, the attraction between him and Jack, and he is surprised to be feeling it since he is human. He is not a man to ignore it, as difficult as it makes things for him, but he has a killer to find first.
Jack was one of the rebellion leaders when he was younger, but has settled down, accepted the new laws, and lives a quiet life as a blacksmith in the small western town. He is loyal to his friends, but also wants to get to know Henry much better. He is truly torn between two positions. Jack manages himself well without insulting any side too badly, and when push comes to shove he knows that Henry as a potential mate is the most important person to him and acts accordingly—never mind the risk to his own life.
If you like Steampunk and are looking for a slightly different version (one in the time of Victorian England but a different location), if two men who could be enemies but quickly learn to be friends and more sound interesting, and if you’re looking for a slightly mysterious read with some great details, a nice romance, and some heat, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspiner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 27, 2015
Jack is such a gentleman. But I guess I'm not much into steampunk story.
October 10, 2015
A steampunk-werewolf-western. You read something new every day, huh? Seems a shame to have such intriguing world-building for such a short story.
July 2, 2015
This is a unique short story of an investigator who travels to find out about a situation with a local werewolf pack. It’s a combo steampunk/shifter novella set in vaguely old west times.
Henry has previously had a werewolf mate who died years ago, Jack has had two potential mates previously who have also died many years ago.
Though there are some potential hurdles in their way: the investigation, their distance and time; they realize that being given a “second” chance is not something to disregard and that despite their “mate” status, they truly care for the other as well.
**
Steampunk is not my favorite genre, but I really appreciated the unique blend with the shifter lore. I loved the idea of “sparking” and the fact that these men got multiple shots, but that it was still a monumental event.
The writing was crisp and clear and the story very unique with clever world-building. I don’t know if it’s the genre or the author, but it was just a bit too dry to be amazing, but it was very good.
3.5 of 5 stars
Henry has previously had a werewolf mate who died years ago, Jack has had two potential mates previously who have also died many years ago.
Though there are some potential hurdles in their way: the investigation, their distance and time; they realize that being given a “second” chance is not something to disregard and that despite their “mate” status, they truly care for the other as well.
**
Steampunk is not my favorite genre, but I really appreciated the unique blend with the shifter lore. I loved the idea of “sparking” and the fact that these men got multiple shots, but that it was still a monumental event.
The writing was crisp and clear and the story very unique with clever world-building. I don’t know if it’s the genre or the author, but it was just a bit too dry to be amazing, but it was very good.
3.5 of 5 stars
July 9, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I really enjoyed the setting here. The western experience was well-described with fun steampunk elements, including clockwork devices, steam-powered appliances, and airships. Jack and Henry are really excellent men, both of whom feel a lot of personal loyalty. The townsfolk assume that Henry’s mission is to destroy his target, while Henry only seeks to restrain his quarry. Jack is a great mediator, and protector of his lycanthropic friend and Henry. The long timeframe of the story allowed for development of a relationship between Jack and Henry that is not simply physical—they were able to be friends first, which I liked. Both Jack and Henry never anticipated finding a new mate, and their delight with each other is contagious.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I really enjoyed the setting here. The western experience was well-described with fun steampunk elements, including clockwork devices, steam-powered appliances, and airships. Jack and Henry are really excellent men, both of whom feel a lot of personal loyalty. The townsfolk assume that Henry’s mission is to destroy his target, while Henry only seeks to restrain his quarry. Jack is a great mediator, and protector of his lycanthropic friend and Henry. The long timeframe of the story allowed for development of a relationship between Jack and Henry that is not simply physical—they were able to be friends first, which I liked. Both Jack and Henry never anticipated finding a new mate, and their delight with each other is contagious.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
June 9, 2015
3.5*
A – curl up with a hot chocolate, before bed – read.
Henry Dalton investigates problems with werewolves for a government department. He is a mild mannered polite man who has only good intentions towards the werewolf community. When he is called in to investigate a possible unregistered or rogue werewolf in the mid-west of America – he is met with distrust and suspicion. This is except for a flirty barman and Jack, who collects him from the railway station. There is a spark between them – literally.
Henry and Jack are both pleasant characters, and the whole novella is a pleasant cosy read. There are some nice touches of steampunk inventions and atmosphere. As with many novellas the ending is a little predictable and hurried, but a nice addition to the Daily Dose collection from Dreamspinner.
June 9, 2015
3.5 stars
Liked the story and the steampunk vibe to it, but more background information on the would have been nice. The ending was a bit rushed too... but all in all an interesting short story which would make a great novel :)
Liked the story and the steampunk vibe to it, but more background information on the would have been nice. The ending was a bit rushed too... but all in all an interesting short story which would make a great novel :)
October 24, 2015
Reviewed at The Blogger Girls.
Hearing there’s a werewolf problem in the West, Henry’s sent to investigate the situation. When he arrives, he meets Jack, a legendary werewolf peace leader who’s settled down since the war. As soon as they touch, Henry and Jack are aware they’re potential mates. Unfortunately, Henry’s there to do a job and he’s determined to find the rogue werewolf but his attempts to investigate are hindered by the town’s lack of cooperation. Will Henry be able to find the werewolf who’s a danger to everyone? And when he does, will he stay in town to explore the fledgling connection with Jack?
This was a nice little story. I liked that there was this history about the werwolves trying to find peace in the world and how the story takes place in the aftermath of those times. As characters, I liked both Jack and Henry. However, it was hard to connect with them because there wasn’t much depth to them. I liked that Jack was so ‘distinguished’, if you can call him that, and how Henry is still a bit naive but also a little innocent. It was entertaining to see Jack flirt with Henry and Henry not sure how to react to him.
While I liked the story, I had a lot of problems with it. For one, it was very easy to tell who the mysterious werewolf causing problems was. However, my biggest issue was the fact that this story could have been much more fleshed out. I felt like there was no depth to it, no exploration of things besides a quick mention here or there. It had A LOT of potential but because of its length, it didn’t have time to fully embrace that potential.
Overall, it was a good story. There’s not much to it beyond what is in the blurb and I didn’t feel like there was much of a connection between Jack and Henry even with their ‘spark’. With the length, there was just not enough time to do the story justice, IMO. I hope the author considers expanding it and making it into a full novel where the hunt for the werewolf is more fleshed out and the connection between Henry and Jack could actually be explored instead of just told that it’s there. Still, if you’re looking for something quick and easy with a dash of steampunk to it, give this one a go!
Hearing there’s a werewolf problem in the West, Henry’s sent to investigate the situation. When he arrives, he meets Jack, a legendary werewolf peace leader who’s settled down since the war. As soon as they touch, Henry and Jack are aware they’re potential mates. Unfortunately, Henry’s there to do a job and he’s determined to find the rogue werewolf but his attempts to investigate are hindered by the town’s lack of cooperation. Will Henry be able to find the werewolf who’s a danger to everyone? And when he does, will he stay in town to explore the fledgling connection with Jack?
This was a nice little story. I liked that there was this history about the werwolves trying to find peace in the world and how the story takes place in the aftermath of those times. As characters, I liked both Jack and Henry. However, it was hard to connect with them because there wasn’t much depth to them. I liked that Jack was so ‘distinguished’, if you can call him that, and how Henry is still a bit naive but also a little innocent. It was entertaining to see Jack flirt with Henry and Henry not sure how to react to him.
While I liked the story, I had a lot of problems with it. For one, it was very easy to tell who the mysterious werewolf causing problems was. However, my biggest issue was the fact that this story could have been much more fleshed out. I felt like there was no depth to it, no exploration of things besides a quick mention here or there. It had A LOT of potential but because of its length, it didn’t have time to fully embrace that potential.
Overall, it was a good story. There’s not much to it beyond what is in the blurb and I didn’t feel like there was much of a connection between Jack and Henry even with their ‘spark’. With the length, there was just not enough time to do the story justice, IMO. I hope the author considers expanding it and making it into a full novel where the hunt for the werewolf is more fleshed out and the connection between Henry and Jack could actually be explored instead of just told that it’s there. Still, if you’re looking for something quick and easy with a dash of steampunk to it, give this one a go!
June 30, 2015
3.5 Heart Review by Marieke
When Henry is sent to the Western front, he’s met at the train station by Jack Wolf, aka Jacques Leroux, a leader during the Pack Rebellion. When they first touch they both feel ‘the spark.’ The spark is felt between a lycanthrope and a potential mate. Henry has already been mated to a werewolf once, and hadn’t planned on ever feeling this again, but there’s no denying the attraction between the two.
While Henry tries to conduct his investigation about the rogue werewolf that’s been killing cattle, he tries to stay away from Jack. But when his alarm clock breaks, he’s forced to go into Jack’s shop. They start talking and Henry spots one of Jacks inventions, which leads to Jack making one and offering it to Henry later that day. This is the beginning of their communication and bonding.
Henry eventually finds out who the rogue wolf is, and has to make a difficult decision. Thank God Jack supports him and the two of them save the day.
This story was very much out of my usual reading zone, but it was pretty okay. The steampunk part took some getting used to, but eventually I got into the story in time to enjoy it. It wasn’t brilliant, but it’s worth reading. The story is a bit tame, and the age difference hardly plays a role. Of course, this being a short story it’s hard to pack it full of action, but I’d still would’ve liked just a bit more.
I did like the writing and it was a pleasant surprise that the steampunk didn’t put me off. So overall a nice story.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
When Henry is sent to the Western front, he’s met at the train station by Jack Wolf, aka Jacques Leroux, a leader during the Pack Rebellion. When they first touch they both feel ‘the spark.’ The spark is felt between a lycanthrope and a potential mate. Henry has already been mated to a werewolf once, and hadn’t planned on ever feeling this again, but there’s no denying the attraction between the two.
While Henry tries to conduct his investigation about the rogue werewolf that’s been killing cattle, he tries to stay away from Jack. But when his alarm clock breaks, he’s forced to go into Jack’s shop. They start talking and Henry spots one of Jacks inventions, which leads to Jack making one and offering it to Henry later that day. This is the beginning of their communication and bonding.
Henry eventually finds out who the rogue wolf is, and has to make a difficult decision. Thank God Jack supports him and the two of them save the day.
This story was very much out of my usual reading zone, but it was pretty okay. The steampunk part took some getting used to, but eventually I got into the story in time to enjoy it. It wasn’t brilliant, but it’s worth reading. The story is a bit tame, and the age difference hardly plays a role. Of course, this being a short story it’s hard to pack it full of action, but I’d still would’ve liked just a bit more.
I did like the writing and it was a pleasant surprise that the steampunk didn’t put me off. So overall a nice story.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
June 20, 2015
Reviewed for The Novel Approach.
I’ve honestly never read a story before this with steampunk and shifters, so this was a treat. Granted, the steampunk is light, and I supposed some could argue that it’s not steampunk, but I’m going to call it that; there’s interesting, advanced inventions, steam-powered machines, and copper. So there.
In this America, shifters and humans live alongside each other relatively peacefully. That isn’t to say they haven’t had a past. There were problems with the government and lycanthropes before, but they have since settled differences and made new laws to protect everyone. Henry was previously mated to a werewolf who died in the fight with the government after he was shoved into a sort of werewolf mate ghetto. Jack is the older man who led the rebellion and also lost a mate in the fighting. When they meet, the sparks fly, just about literally, and they are attracted to each other. But it takes time for them to get together since Henry has a job to do that he cannot compromise.
I liked that they took their time getting together. The ending did feel a little rushed, and I would have liked a little more, but overall, it was a good pace for the characters and the story. There are a few things left out, such as what happened to the sheriff, but since it wasn’t integral to the relationship building, I suppose it can be overlooked.
I think this is one Daily Dose story worth a look, if you’re into steampunk or shifters.
I’ve honestly never read a story before this with steampunk and shifters, so this was a treat. Granted, the steampunk is light, and I supposed some could argue that it’s not steampunk, but I’m going to call it that; there’s interesting, advanced inventions, steam-powered machines, and copper. So there.
In this America, shifters and humans live alongside each other relatively peacefully. That isn’t to say they haven’t had a past. There were problems with the government and lycanthropes before, but they have since settled differences and made new laws to protect everyone. Henry was previously mated to a werewolf who died in the fight with the government after he was shoved into a sort of werewolf mate ghetto. Jack is the older man who led the rebellion and also lost a mate in the fighting. When they meet, the sparks fly, just about literally, and they are attracted to each other. But it takes time for them to get together since Henry has a job to do that he cannot compromise.
I liked that they took their time getting together. The ending did feel a little rushed, and I would have liked a little more, but overall, it was a good pace for the characters and the story. There are a few things left out, such as what happened to the sheriff, but since it wasn’t integral to the relationship building, I suppose it can be overlooked.
I think this is one Daily Dose story worth a look, if you’re into steampunk or shifters.
June 21, 2015
Let me start by saying I am usually not a fan of this particular genre. The whole creating technical items before their time usually drives me out of my mind. It didn’t in this instance. I really enjoyed this story. From the spark to the secondary characters to the fact that it’s the 1800s and lycanthropes are well known. They even have sanctuaries set up for them to be at during the full moon. (nice touch)
A couple other things I enjoyed – the version Ms. Walker made out of ‘mating’, that it wasn’t just once and that’s it. And the fact of how protective the town was of its lycanthrope issue.
A definite 4 stars.
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for Review*
A couple other things I enjoyed – the version Ms. Walker made out of ‘mating’, that it wasn’t just once and that’s it. And the fact of how protective the town was of its lycanthrope issue.
A definite 4 stars.
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for Review*
June 11, 2015
Wonderful Western steampunk-ish shifter novella. I liked the world building so much it seems a shame not to set a series in in! The romance was nicely intense for such a short novella and the mystery just enough to spice the story. Well done!
March 14, 2016
3.5 for me, but rounded up because I enjoyed the storytelling in this one. I liked the combination of steampunk with werewolves, and I thought that the two MCs had good chemistry. I just would have loved MORE story to this, I liked it!
June 1, 2015
The ending was a bit rushed but it was well written and I quite enjoyed reading it. Still, I would have loved to read more about their courtship, about mates in general.
June 27, 2015
Henry is there to save solve the mystery of a rouge wolf. He's surprised by his feelings for Jack. But the stick to the job at hand until the problem is solved and than it's time to get together.
August 19, 2015
lovely & romantic. steampunk without being too technical or overwrought
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews