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Cry Wolf
You should never cry wolf...
Haley Benson lies for a living. She created an online tabloid that normally targets celebrities with outlandish stories about aliens and the ghost of Elvis, but one day she was out of ideas...so she made up a story about a little town in the middle of nowhere that no one's ever heard of. She thought such a silly story would never be noticed...
But the mayor of Wolf Lake, Kay Odell, doesn't think it's a laughing matter. She demands that Haley retract her ridiculous story about the town being overrun with werewolves. Or she'll sue.
Haley finds it hard to concentrate when Kay walks into her office--she's the most gorgeous, smoldering, mysterious woman Haley's ever met, and Haley's attraction is off the charts. When she offers to come to Wolf Lake to write a follow up story, painting the town in a better light, Kay's astonished...but agrees.
What comes next is a passionate romance that will make you laugh and keep you guessing until the very end.
Haley Benson lies for a living. She created an online tabloid that normally targets celebrities with outlandish stories about aliens and the ghost of Elvis, but one day she was out of ideas...so she made up a story about a little town in the middle of nowhere that no one's ever heard of. She thought such a silly story would never be noticed...
But the mayor of Wolf Lake, Kay Odell, doesn't think it's a laughing matter. She demands that Haley retract her ridiculous story about the town being overrun with werewolves. Or she'll sue.
Haley finds it hard to concentrate when Kay walks into her office--she's the most gorgeous, smoldering, mysterious woman Haley's ever met, and Haley's attraction is off the charts. When she offers to come to Wolf Lake to write a follow up story, painting the town in a better light, Kay's astonished...but agrees.
What comes next is a passionate romance that will make you laugh and keep you guessing until the very end.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2017
111 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Essex
54 books460 followersMy name is Bridget Essex, and I write about werewolves, vampires and lady knights; about two strong, courageous women who fall deeply in love with one another, living love stories that transcend time. I'm married to the love of my life, author Natalie Vivien.
I'm best known for my Knight Legends series, stories about women knights, real world hi-jinks and love stories that are out of this world. My Sullivan Vampire novellas are a popular series lauded as "TWILIGHT for women who love women," and I have several other series and stand-alone novellas, and I'm always putting out something new. Learn more at http://bridgetessex.wordpress.com
I'm best known for my Knight Legends series, stories about women knights, real world hi-jinks and love stories that are out of this world. My Sullivan Vampire novellas are a popular series lauded as "TWILIGHT for women who love women," and I have several other series and stand-alone novellas, and I'm always putting out something new. Learn more at http://bridgetessex.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 12, 2019
The girl who cried wolf got her just deserts :)
This is my first book by Ms.Essex, I would have overlooked it if it wasn't for Kara's amazing review.
The attracting factors?
There hs' careers
- Haley Benson, creator /writer of an online supermarket tabloid - she and bestie came out with some of the most outlandish / funny news.
- Kay Odell, The Mayor of Wolf Lake - Her town might be equivalent to Buford, Wyoming but she was proud of it and willing to go the extra mile to protect the age - old secret. She held another important role too but that's for you to find out.
The Town Of Wolf Lake
Nothing much at the town center but it had a gorgeous lake, a diner that vegetarians might hate and a bar that they might be thankful for(not to drink their livers out over the nonexistent vegetarian dish but the fries were to die for)
The blurb kinda spoilt it a bit for the readers but I was still excited for the secret to be discovered by Haley.
The Townsfolk
Exact Population - Unknown
Only a selected few were highlighted - the campground owner, the barkeeper and its very own Regina George, minus the minions.
The Romance
Physical attraction started it. Then, in between the arguments, the hates and likes, they saw something worthy of pursuing, let down their guards and embraced the inevitable.
Cry Wolf is a breath of fresh air and a captivating read, I'm really happy to discover a new author + her books are available on KU (Amazon, call off your dogs, I might be renewing my KU subscription and #@*!" less about the titles available)
Of course, there are some " I want more / less of " but it is what it is and since I borrowed another title immediately after, that's great enough.
This is my first book by Ms.Essex, I would have overlooked it if it wasn't for Kara's amazing review.
The attracting factors?
There hs' careers
- Haley Benson, creator /writer of an online supermarket tabloid - she and bestie came out with some of the most outlandish / funny news.
- Kay Odell, The Mayor of Wolf Lake - Her town might be equivalent to Buford, Wyoming but she was proud of it and willing to go the extra mile to protect the age - old secret. She held another important role too but that's for you to find out.
The Town Of Wolf Lake
Nothing much at the town center but it had a gorgeous lake, a diner that vegetarians might hate and a bar that they might be thankful for(not to drink their livers out over the nonexistent vegetarian dish but the fries were to die for)
The blurb kinda spoilt it a bit for the readers but I was still excited for the secret to be discovered by Haley.
The Townsfolk
Exact Population - Unknown
Only a selected few were highlighted - the campground owner, the barkeeper and its very own Regina George, minus the minions.
The Romance
Physical attraction started it. Then, in between the arguments, the hates and likes, they saw something worthy of pursuing, let down their guards and embraced the inevitable.
Cry Wolf is a breath of fresh air and a captivating read, I'm really happy to discover a new author + her books are available on KU (Amazon, call off your dogs, I might be renewing my KU subscription and #@*!" less about the titles available)
Of course, there are some " I want more / less of " but it is what it is and since I borrowed another title immediately after, that's great enough.
June 12, 2018
Something between 2.5 and 3 stars. I admit I liked the book at first. The humor was funny and I enjoyed Haley's inner sassiness. The musings about work in tabloids were also interesting and something I hadn't read about before.
But this apparently is a werewolf book so I'm judging it by that standard as well as general romance book standards. And it falls short regrettably.
One thing this book helped me understand is that I don't dislike 1st person view per se. What I dislike is when we don't get viewpoints from all involved characters. And this is definitely the case. Kay's view is never written about so I've no clue what the hell she finds attractive in Haley besides her humor. At least something like a mate bond would explain it (albeit badly, I dislike mate bonds, it's lazy writing) but even that is not mentioned.
So what it boils down to is that they see each other and fall in lust. That's as far as emotional depth goes in this book, unfortunately. So I'm not a fan of that part of the book.
Now the werewolf thing was a complete miss. The premise is not used to its full potential or at all really. Kay could've been a sparkling vampire, fairy of the woods or even nothing at all and the story wouldn't change. The book basically panders to werewolf subgenre fans to drive sales from the looks of it.
I admit some parts of the book were fun, especially in how Haley reacts to things. But when I think about the book overall, the romance is shallow, the werewolf theme might as well not be included at all. So something above 2.5 but below 3 stars feel appropriate for the character of Haley which was basically the only good thing in this read.
But this apparently is a werewolf book so I'm judging it by that standard as well as general romance book standards. And it falls short regrettably.
One thing this book helped me understand is that I don't dislike 1st person view per se. What I dislike is when we don't get viewpoints from all involved characters. And this is definitely the case. Kay's view is never written about so I've no clue what the hell she finds attractive in Haley besides her humor. At least something like a mate bond would explain it (albeit badly, I dislike mate bonds, it's lazy writing) but even that is not mentioned.
So what it boils down to is that they see each other and fall in lust. That's as far as emotional depth goes in this book, unfortunately. So I'm not a fan of that part of the book.
Now the werewolf thing was a complete miss. The premise is not used to its full potential or at all really. Kay could've been a sparkling vampire, fairy of the woods or even nothing at all and the story wouldn't change. The book basically panders to werewolf subgenre fans to drive sales from the looks of it.
I admit some parts of the book were fun, especially in how Haley reacts to things. But when I think about the book overall, the romance is shallow, the werewolf theme might as well not be included at all. So something above 2.5 but below 3 stars feel appropriate for the character of Haley which was basically the only good thing in this read.
February 27, 2019
“Cry Wolf” got bumped to the top of my reading list, and purchased as soon as it came out even though several of Essex’s other works were just added to the Unlimited Romance subscription, because: narrator Marina Barrett aka (at least) Maria Marquis!!!!!! Helloooo - what a voice she has!!!
Essex is now producing a book a month, and they are getting to audio very quickly. While I’ve loved several, I’ve also been very disappointed with several, but with Marina/Maria doing the narration I didn’t even bother to check reviews first.
Happily, “Cry Wolf” was a very entertaining story, as well as a freaking *fantastic* audiobook.
MC Haley is different from Essex’s normal human MC’s. She’s funny, self-confident and very likable. MC Kay, aka the werewolf, is provided more of an individual personality than many of Essex’s other-than-human or otherworldly protagonists. Yes, she broods, but she also exhibits anger, trust, affection and fear of loss.
While there is serious instalust, there is no instalove, which is very unusual for an Essex book, and made the story much more believable! I really enjoyed the slow burn romance.
There’s lots of humor here, narrated perfectly (have I mentioned….oh, yeah…I think maybe I have…I am soooo crushing on her voice!). From the hilarious premise (a tabloid writer making up a story about a town filled with werewolves…only to find that the town is filled with werewolves!!), to the clever insertions of words and phrases such as “lady knight” and “angelic” that tease to other Essex books, to the hilarious inner thinking of Haley. Haley speaks directly to us (i.e., first person POV, and breaking the fourth wall), which really helps us to develop a rapport with Haley, especially as she jokes around with us).
The secondary characters are all terrific and add to the book without being distractions from the main story of Haley and Kay.
Other than there being werewolves, the only unbelievable thing in the story is that for all the internet searches on Wolf Lake that Haley did….and using Google maps to drive the 10 hours from Ohio, she never noticed the size of her destination. Come on, who wouldn’t use satellite view to check out the supposed tourist town? Oh well, it was pretty funny when she arrived in Wolf Lake.
Not unbelievable, but annoying, is the audiobook artwork. What the heck is it with screwing up the artwork? The Kindle version features an entire face; the audiobook only gets a nose, mouth and chin. Sheesh.
Fun book, great characters and an O.M.G. narration equals an easy 5* rating for “Cry Wolf”. I will definitely re-listen to this book several times!!
Essex is now producing a book a month, and they are getting to audio very quickly. While I’ve loved several, I’ve also been very disappointed with several, but with Marina/Maria doing the narration I didn’t even bother to check reviews first.
Happily, “Cry Wolf” was a very entertaining story, as well as a freaking *fantastic* audiobook.
MC Haley is different from Essex’s normal human MC’s. She’s funny, self-confident and very likable. MC Kay, aka the werewolf, is provided more of an individual personality than many of Essex’s other-than-human or otherworldly protagonists. Yes, she broods, but she also exhibits anger, trust, affection and fear of loss.
While there is serious instalust, there is no instalove, which is very unusual for an Essex book, and made the story much more believable! I really enjoyed the slow burn romance.
There’s lots of humor here, narrated perfectly (have I mentioned….oh, yeah…I think maybe I have…I am soooo crushing on her voice!). From the hilarious premise (a tabloid writer making up a story about a town filled with werewolves…only to find that the town is filled with werewolves!!), to the clever insertions of words and phrases such as “lady knight” and “angelic” that tease to other Essex books, to the hilarious inner thinking of Haley. Haley speaks directly to us (i.e., first person POV, and breaking the fourth wall), which really helps us to develop a rapport with Haley, especially as she jokes around with us).
The secondary characters are all terrific and add to the book without being distractions from the main story of Haley and Kay.
Other than there being werewolves, the only unbelievable thing in the story is that for all the internet searches on Wolf Lake that Haley did….and using Google maps to drive the 10 hours from Ohio, she never noticed the size of her destination. Come on, who wouldn’t use satellite view to check out the supposed tourist town? Oh well, it was pretty funny when she arrived in Wolf Lake.
Not unbelievable, but annoying, is the audiobook artwork. What the heck is it with screwing up the artwork? The Kindle version features an entire face; the audiobook only gets a nose, mouth and chin. Sheesh.
Fun book, great characters and an O.M.G. narration equals an easy 5* rating for “Cry Wolf”. I will definitely re-listen to this book several times!!
February 15, 2019
A short, enjoyable romance with a paranormal theme. There is nothing scary about this beyond the level of hearing ghost stories at the camp fire told by someone who’s shining a torch st their own face. But there’s plenty of atmosphere and romance.
Haley is a slightly-broken hearted, plenty cynical, and hilariously self-deprecating tabloid hack who gets a visit from the sizzling hot (literally!) leather-jacketed mayor Kay of small town Wolf Lake. Kay asks her to retract a made-up story of werewolves in Wolf Lake. I won’t be going into spoilers, but nothing in the story is meant to keep you in suspense. The whole fun is that you know more and clock on way faster than Haley the narrator who stumbles from one eerily atmospheric horror set piece to the other as she visits Wolf Lake. Except that nothing horrible happens.
I’m not usually a big fan of first person narration, but it really works here, because it’s so playfully done and I liked Haley.
The writing has a dreamlike quality to it as the story unfolds over just a few days. There are few surprises here. Which I liked. It was exactly the fun, sweet romance hit I was looking for.
Haley is a slightly-broken hearted, plenty cynical, and hilariously self-deprecating tabloid hack who gets a visit from the sizzling hot (literally!) leather-jacketed mayor Kay of small town Wolf Lake. Kay asks her to retract a made-up story of werewolves in Wolf Lake. I won’t be going into spoilers, but nothing in the story is meant to keep you in suspense. The whole fun is that you know more and clock on way faster than Haley the narrator who stumbles from one eerily atmospheric horror set piece to the other as she visits Wolf Lake. Except that nothing horrible happens.
I’m not usually a big fan of first person narration, but it really works here, because it’s so playfully done and I liked Haley.
The writing has a dreamlike quality to it as the story unfolds over just a few days. There are few surprises here. Which I liked. It was exactly the fun, sweet romance hit I was looking for.
August 22, 2017
So very enjoyable
A wonderfully enjoyable and funny story that I laughed out loud at several times! Both Kay and Haley are such likable characters that I would love to read more about them. Another great werewolf story from Ms. Essex.
A wonderfully enjoyable and funny story that I laughed out loud at several times! Both Kay and Haley are such likable characters that I would love to read more about them. Another great werewolf story from Ms. Essex.
September 30, 2017
1.5 And only because of the plot
Nope.
I tried so hard to get through this and almost quit at 32%. I kept going though, then almost stopped again at 56%, periodically taking breaks. Then at 92% it was the last straw.
So, we're in this woman's head right, but all I'm reading is a teenager. She's supposed to be an adult, but there is no seriousness to this book, nor is there humor. It feels like something that tried, but fell short.
Haley exaggerated just about everything, and between that, the intense pop-culture references, and waxing poetics, I was fed up.
How are you so aware that someone has a wolf like grin, then less than an hour later How are you so on point one second then turn around and go from specifics to "something seems strange"?
And how are you already being so specific about wolf this and that when you've admitted to not understanding what is going on? Then Haley goes on to have this profound, imaginative, and all encompassing attraction one second, then turns into Sherlock Holmes the next, stating she can't fight this pull, but wait... yes she can. Saying although Kay is hot, the journalist inside of her simply won't rest... yet she went all this way for the goods. A nine hour drive to get into the pants of a mayor. Realistically, said mayor wouldn't have time for her. Her job is to fib, but now she is nobly and valiantly looking for the truth.
After continuously saying she is a liar in her work, she repeatedly point this out so you know exactly how she can tell when Kay isn't telling her the truth. This comes up more than once.
Then after promising Kay she is only there to write a good story, she promptly
She says
I really wanted to give this a shot, but I can't. I'm glad that it is catering to other people though. It just isn't for someone like me. I need reason, understanding, and some form of sanity by both parties involved.
It felt like I was reading about a young adult/teenager playing Inspector Gadget and going through puberty all at the same time.
This is another book by Essex that reminds me too much of Twilight.
If you are looking for a whirlwind romance, where love conquers common sense, then you've got it.
Nope.
I tried so hard to get through this and almost quit at 32%. I kept going though, then almost stopped again at 56%, periodically taking breaks. Then at 92% it was the last straw.
So, we're in this woman's head right, but all I'm reading is a teenager. She's supposed to be an adult, but there is no seriousness to this book, nor is there humor. It feels like something that tried, but fell short.
Haley exaggerated just about everything, and between that, the intense pop-culture references, and waxing poetics, I was fed up.
How are you so aware that someone has a wolf like grin, then less than an hour later How are you so on point one second then turn around and go from specifics to "something seems strange"?
And how are you already being so specific about wolf this and that when you've admitted to not understanding what is going on? Then Haley goes on to have this profound, imaginative, and all encompassing attraction one second, then turns into Sherlock Holmes the next, stating she can't fight this pull, but wait... yes she can. Saying although Kay is hot, the journalist inside of her simply won't rest... yet she went all this way for the goods. A nine hour drive to get into the pants of a mayor. Realistically, said mayor wouldn't have time for her. Her job is to fib, but now she is nobly and valiantly looking for the truth.
After continuously saying she is a liar in her work, she repeatedly point this out so you know exactly how she can tell when Kay isn't telling her the truth. This comes up more than once.
Then after promising Kay she is only there to write a good story, she promptly
She says
I really wanted to give this a shot, but I can't. I'm glad that it is catering to other people though. It just isn't for someone like me. I need reason, understanding, and some form of sanity by both parties involved.
It felt like I was reading about a young adult/teenager playing Inspector Gadget and going through puberty all at the same time.
This is another book by Essex that reminds me too much of Twilight.
If you are looking for a whirlwind romance, where love conquers common sense, then you've got it.
April 2, 2020
This book fits in the comedy, romance and supernatural department just right. This was honestly so great and being narrated the way it was, it was something else and I loved it.
It would have been better if the MCs were more developed but the moments they shared together were always perfectly described. Kay and Haley were awesome and damn Haley was so funny. I won't mind reading or even listening to it again
It would have been better if the MCs were more developed but the moments they shared together were always perfectly described. Kay and Haley were awesome and damn Haley was so funny. I won't mind reading or even listening to it again
September 16, 2018
I listened to this book on Audible and first just let me tell you the narrator made this book! The book had great conversations and the narrator really funny!
August 25, 2017
I loved it!
Haley is immediately drawn to her but she is nothing like Haley expected. Kay secret could destroy everything. Are their feelings strong enough? A tabloid story, an odd little town, a hostile welcome, a full moon tradition, a jealous ex and a woman hot as fire. What more do you want! The concept and the characters are great. The building is perfectly executed. The author is a brilliant storyteller and she always manages to amaze me with her stories. I loved it and it was impossible to put down.
Haley is immediately drawn to her but she is nothing like Haley expected. Kay secret could destroy everything. Are their feelings strong enough? A tabloid story, an odd little town, a hostile welcome, a full moon tradition, a jealous ex and a woman hot as fire. What more do you want! The concept and the characters are great. The building is perfectly executed. The author is a brilliant storyteller and she always manages to amaze me with her stories. I loved it and it was impossible to put down.
September 27, 2017
I love a good werewolf story and this fits the bill. I liked the main characters and Haley's inner dialogue made me laugh out loud a few times. I really wanted this book to be longer so we can see how things work out between Haley and Kay. Sequel anyone?
February 24, 2018
Very enjoyable story and steamy at times. Great narrator, she had me laughing out loud at times.
September 4, 2017
Mmmmm
I couldn't give 5 stars 😢. I was left with so many unanswered questions. But enough of that. Bridget Essex had me laughing from page one with Haley and Carl. The humor was great. Then Kay Odell shows up. Wow Haley become a love sex teenager. I laughed harder. You have mystery, humor and a jealous ex. But Bridget we really need a sequel. I would definitely recommend this book.
I couldn't give 5 stars 😢. I was left with so many unanswered questions. But enough of that. Bridget Essex had me laughing from page one with Haley and Carl. The humor was great. Then Kay Odell shows up. Wow Haley become a love sex teenager. I laughed harder. You have mystery, humor and a jealous ex. But Bridget we really need a sequel. I would definitely recommend this book.
September 12, 2017
This lesbian paranormal romance pulled me in first with its quirky and snarky main character, Hayley, and second with its excellent pacing. The book kept me turning page after page, even when I should have been doing something else.
Essex does an excellent job creating believable, crackling chemistry between Hayley and her love interest, Kay, even even though there is not even a kiss until the last quarter of the book.
The only complaint I really have is that the big reveal *SPOILER* *HAHA*—that Kay is a werewolf—occurs too late in the book. Hayley's reaction is rushed—Hey, I'm used to weird. I'm a tabloid journalist.—in favor of sealing up the romance and the Happy for Now ending.
There was so much more that could have been explored, but I have to say that it was still a satisfying read and a great story.
Essex does an excellent job creating believable, crackling chemistry between Hayley and her love interest, Kay, even even though there is not even a kiss until the last quarter of the book.
The only complaint I really have is that the big reveal *SPOILER* *HAHA*—that Kay is a werewolf—occurs too late in the book. Hayley's reaction is rushed—Hey, I'm used to weird. I'm a tabloid journalist.—in favor of sealing up the romance and the Happy for Now ending.
There was so much more that could have been explored, but I have to say that it was still a satisfying read and a great story.
September 12, 2017
This lesbian paranormal romance pulled me in first with its quirky and snark main character, Hayley, and second with its excellent pacing. The book kept me turning page after page, especially when I should have been doing something else.
Essex does an excellent job creating believable, crackling chemistry between Hayley and her love interest, Kay, even even though there is not even a kiss until the last quarter of the book.
The only complaint I really have is that the big reveal *SPOILER* *HAHA*—that Kay is a werewolf—occurs too late in the book. Hayley's reaction is rushed—Hey, I'm used to weird. I'm a tabloid journalist.—in favor of sealing up the romance and the Happy for Now ending.
There was so much more that could have been explored, but I have to say that it was still a satisfying read and a great story.
(Copied from my other Goodreads profile)
Essex does an excellent job creating believable, crackling chemistry between Hayley and her love interest, Kay, even even though there is not even a kiss until the last quarter of the book.
The only complaint I really have is that the big reveal *SPOILER* *HAHA*—that Kay is a werewolf—occurs too late in the book. Hayley's reaction is rushed—Hey, I'm used to weird. I'm a tabloid journalist.—in favor of sealing up the romance and the Happy for Now ending.
There was so much more that could have been explored, but I have to say that it was still a satisfying read and a great story.
(Copied from my other Goodreads profile)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
A rather short romance that is set in he same world as Wolf Town. I would have liked much more story as there are a lot of un answered questions. TBH not a lot happens and most of the story is spent in the narrator's head as she thinks everything to death. There is potential to the story but is falls a bit flat compared to Wolf Town by Ms. Essex.
October 11, 2017
WOWED
I just loved this story from the start and knew I wouldn't be able to put the kindle down. Haley was love struck the moment she laid her eyes on Kay.
This was a very good book and I just felt their sparks fly when they were together. Loved it!!!
I just loved this story from the start and knew I wouldn't be able to put the kindle down. Haley was love struck the moment she laid her eyes on Kay.
This was a very good book and I just felt their sparks fly when they were together. Loved it!!!
December 5, 2017
Another Great Story
As usual, Bridget does not disappoint. Great characters, great love story. If you love werewolves you will enjoy this. Heck, even if you don't you'll enjoy the story.
As usual, Bridget does not disappoint. Great characters, great love story. If you love werewolves you will enjoy this. Heck, even if you don't you'll enjoy the story.
June 13, 2018
Super relatable.
It was slow at first, which I'm not use to from her books. But, as always I loved it!!! Kay is not and sweet! Haley reminds me of myself. Great story!!
It was slow at first, which I'm not use to from her books. But, as always I loved it!!! Kay is not and sweet! Haley reminds me of myself. Great story!!
September 8, 2019
Pretty cute story
I love stories about werewolves, and this one was cute and funny. Short, but really nice and quick read for a weekend.
I love stories about werewolves, and this one was cute and funny. Short, but really nice and quick read for a weekend.
November 8, 2018
😱🌈Catchy🌈😱
I was totally drawn in by the end of the first chapter!😍
And totally hooked after she arrives in WOLF LAKE.
This story was such a complete dream to read. Guaranteed it will provide you with plenty of heat🔥. And still maintain the HEA. We all expect !😍
I was totally drawn in by the end of the first chapter!😍
And totally hooked after she arrives in WOLF LAKE.
This story was such a complete dream to read. Guaranteed it will provide you with plenty of heat🔥. And still maintain the HEA. We all expect !😍
Read
April 5, 2019as always with this author enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews