What do you think?
Rate this book
Arctic Wolf #1
Lone Wolf
First in the "Arctic Wolf" series of shifter romance mysteries!
My name is Elodie Matthews, and a few months ago, I became the new police chief in the stamp-sized town of Hope, Alaska.
Running from a past I don’t want to face; my career path is now colliding with native lore, legends of shape-shifters... and wolves.
One wolf in particular.
I’ve seen him before—in dreams that have been plaguing me since I moved to Hope. The dreams are always the same; a gigantic, black wolf with haunting steel-gray eyes. He wants something from me. I’m just not sure what.
When my deputy and I retrieve a frozen corpse from the Alaskan tundra with a silver dagger stuck in his chest, those legends about shape-shifters become more real than I care to admit.
It’s my first homicide case in Hope, and I’m determined to solve it and prove myself. But, when the corpse ends up coming back to life and escapes, the case becomes anything but routine.
My prime suspect is Alexander Johnson, a sinfully handsome bounty hunter who knows a lot more about shifters than he’s letting on. The missing John Doe case is definitely personal to Alex, but I’m just not sure how personal. And I’m also not sure if I can trust him, though he might end up being my only ally.
That or he’s the killer.
And there’s also the fact that Alex happens to have hair as black as night and eyes the color of steel…
My name is Elodie Matthews, and a few months ago, I became the new police chief in the stamp-sized town of Hope, Alaska.
Running from a past I don’t want to face; my career path is now colliding with native lore, legends of shape-shifters... and wolves.
One wolf in particular.
I’ve seen him before—in dreams that have been plaguing me since I moved to Hope. The dreams are always the same; a gigantic, black wolf with haunting steel-gray eyes. He wants something from me. I’m just not sure what.
When my deputy and I retrieve a frozen corpse from the Alaskan tundra with a silver dagger stuck in his chest, those legends about shape-shifters become more real than I care to admit.
It’s my first homicide case in Hope, and I’m determined to solve it and prove myself. But, when the corpse ends up coming back to life and escapes, the case becomes anything but routine.
My prime suspect is Alexander Johnson, a sinfully handsome bounty hunter who knows a lot more about shifters than he’s letting on. The missing John Doe case is definitely personal to Alex, but I’m just not sure how personal. And I’m also not sure if I can trust him, though he might end up being my only ally.
That or he’s the killer.
And there’s also the fact that Alex happens to have hair as black as night and eyes the color of steel…
233 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2021
255 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rain
680 books1,728 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 26, 2022
I can't believe it took two authors to write this Kindle freebie. But it actually makes a lot of sense. The weirdly discordant tone, cliché turn of phrase, and awkward innuendos that don't fit with the rest of the story might be explained by two authors.
Overall I would say this is a fun idea. It takes the gritty-small-town-cop genre and overlays it with werewolves. But the execution was lacking. The main character is so dense. On multiple occasions the werewolf romantic lead makes comments like: "But of course you've figured that out already." And she reacts like a deer in the headlights.
The book also repeats her emotions, leaving the reader feeling more banged over the head than trusted with common sense.
Fun idea, not a series I intend to continue.
Overall I would say this is a fun idea. It takes the gritty-small-town-cop genre and overlays it with werewolves. But the execution was lacking. The main character is so dense. On multiple occasions the werewolf romantic lead makes comments like: "But of course you've figured that out already." And she reacts like a deer in the headlights.
The book also repeats her emotions, leaving the reader feeling more banged over the head than trusted with common sense.
Fun idea, not a series I intend to continue.
April 29, 2021
Based in Hope, Alaska, Lone Wolf is the first book in the Arctic Wolf series by dynamic writing duo, H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain. Elodie Matthews fled the lower 48 and a past she wants to forget to become the new police chief of Hope, a small Alaskan town. When a murder victim is found naked in the woods with a silver dagger near his heart, Elodie must confront the possibility of supernatural beings intertwined with Native American lore. Shapeshifters, wolves, and reanimated corpses have her thinking she’s going crazy. When her dreams of a black wolf with silver eyes manifest themselves into reality, Elodie can no longer deny the truth behind the lore.
Alexander Johnson is an Alaskan bounty hunter with knowledge of the supernatural happenings around the town. When he comes face-to-face with the new chief while she’s trying to prove the reanimated corpse is nothing but an elaborate hoax because the police force doesn’t like her, Alex somehow becomes her newest interest. He must have a tie to the case of the missing John Doe but Elodie has a hard time trusting anyone, including a tall and handsome stranger. She needs to know what he’s hiding but all is revealed, Elodie may just regret her wilderness adventure into Hope, Alaska.
Lone Wolf is a fast-paced supernatural story in a small, unassuming town. The authors don’t provide a huge amount of world building because it’s not necessary and it eliminates cluttering the book with unneeded fluff. What is provided, though, had me right there in the middle of the snow, the trees, inside the morgue, and present during the conclusion. There is a shocking twist I never saw coming and the events unfolded flawlessly. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to book 2.
I was provided a copy of the book to read.
Alexander Johnson is an Alaskan bounty hunter with knowledge of the supernatural happenings around the town. When he comes face-to-face with the new chief while she’s trying to prove the reanimated corpse is nothing but an elaborate hoax because the police force doesn’t like her, Alex somehow becomes her newest interest. He must have a tie to the case of the missing John Doe but Elodie has a hard time trusting anyone, including a tall and handsome stranger. She needs to know what he’s hiding but all is revealed, Elodie may just regret her wilderness adventure into Hope, Alaska.
Lone Wolf is a fast-paced supernatural story in a small, unassuming town. The authors don’t provide a huge amount of world building because it’s not necessary and it eliminates cluttering the book with unneeded fluff. What is provided, though, had me right there in the middle of the snow, the trees, inside the morgue, and present during the conclusion. There is a shocking twist I never saw coming and the events unfolded flawlessly. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to book 2.
I was provided a copy of the book to read.
added-it
January 6, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/6/2022)! 🎁
January 7, 2022
Weres
A different take on werewolves ... Was not expecting that ... but enjoyable all the same ... You just gotta check this one out !!!
A different take on werewolves ... Was not expecting that ... but enjoyable all the same ... You just gotta check this one out !!!
February 26, 2022
There were things I loved about this one and a couple things I disliked about it. Overall, though, once I got past my dislikes, I actually enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Both J.R. Rain and H.P. Mallory are favorite authors of mine, even though I've only just started with H.P. Mallory's The Underworld series.
**I'm going to try not to give any spoilers here**
I love the characters Elodie and Alex, although they kinds ticked me off a couple times honestly. Elodie is a Chief of Police in her little town Hope, Alaska. There were a few times I felt she should have handled herself better and not given in to her base urges of anger and let that anger lead her to abuse her law enforcement powers, but that being said, considering all she saw and dealt with, I must say I came to admire her pretty quick. I'm hoping we will get to know more about her back story in future books though. Alex is adorable, but quick to anger at Elodie's lack of trust in him at the beginning. I felt he should understand no woman, especially a policewoman, is going to trust a man she met in the middle of the woods that she just met. Not any sane woman at least. On the other hand, he is concerned and protective too which I love.
I made the mistake of reading a few other reviews before reading this, but I'm glad I didn't let the negative ones spoil my decision to read. It was worth it after all. When I read a fiction story, yes, I like for world to be factual if it is somewhere I know and recognize, but at the same time, if it isn't, it doesn't make me enjoy the story any less or not want to finish it. It is FICTION. It is from the author's mind. It is supposed to take you away from your own life for a while and to a new world and experience. So, mistakes in whom or what lives somewhere or how many people actually live there or don't mean nothing to me. None of that spoiled the story for me, because I didn't notice, nor did I care. It is still a good story that pulled me in and kept me there until the end. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good werewolf story. This was not an arc for me either. I actually ordered and paid for the paperback.
**I'm going to try not to give any spoilers here**
I love the characters Elodie and Alex, although they kinds ticked me off a couple times honestly. Elodie is a Chief of Police in her little town Hope, Alaska. There were a few times I felt she should have handled herself better and not given in to her base urges of anger and let that anger lead her to abuse her law enforcement powers, but that being said, considering all she saw and dealt with, I must say I came to admire her pretty quick. I'm hoping we will get to know more about her back story in future books though. Alex is adorable, but quick to anger at Elodie's lack of trust in him at the beginning. I felt he should understand no woman, especially a policewoman, is going to trust a man she met in the middle of the woods that she just met. Not any sane woman at least. On the other hand, he is concerned and protective too which I love.
I made the mistake of reading a few other reviews before reading this, but I'm glad I didn't let the negative ones spoil my decision to read. It was worth it after all. When I read a fiction story, yes, I like for world to be factual if it is somewhere I know and recognize, but at the same time, if it isn't, it doesn't make me enjoy the story any less or not want to finish it. It is FICTION. It is from the author's mind. It is supposed to take you away from your own life for a while and to a new world and experience. So, mistakes in whom or what lives somewhere or how many people actually live there or don't mean nothing to me. None of that spoiled the story for me, because I didn't notice, nor did I care. It is still a good story that pulled me in and kept me there until the end. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good werewolf story. This was not an arc for me either. I actually ordered and paid for the paperback.
April 19, 2021
Elodie has a new job in Hope Alaska , she has been running from a past that is now colliding with her present. With dreams of wolves she is trying to forget. . When she finds a dead body and she is determined to solve the case but when the corpse comes back to life and she meets the man who is hotter then sin and can she trust him or is he the killer . Will they be able to figure out who the corps is or will their feelings get in the way.
This book is very interesting the characters are well written . Elodie Matthews is a strong woman , at the beginning she did come off as a bit annoying but as she gets into the investigation she really comes out as a strong woman who will do whatever it takes to solve the case. Alexander well he is as hot as sin, with dark hair and piercing eyes . Honestly the man of her dreams actually . You just don't know if you should really trust him or not . He is kind of cheeky and sly. They are so good together and have great chemistry together . You can' t help but really like them.
This is a great start to the series , I really love the writing styles of these two authors . They have a very similar style that works so well together. I love how they mesh lore and paranormal together seamlessly . There were so many twists and turns in the book that will have you on the edge of your seat through out . You can also feel the romance in the air with the two main characters flirting with each other . I am truly in love with these characters and can't wait to see where the authors take them in upcoming books . If you want a good fast paced book that will have you wanting more . Check it out you won't be disappointed
This book is very interesting the characters are well written . Elodie Matthews is a strong woman , at the beginning she did come off as a bit annoying but as she gets into the investigation she really comes out as a strong woman who will do whatever it takes to solve the case. Alexander well he is as hot as sin, with dark hair and piercing eyes . Honestly the man of her dreams actually . You just don't know if you should really trust him or not . He is kind of cheeky and sly. They are so good together and have great chemistry together . You can' t help but really like them.
This is a great start to the series , I really love the writing styles of these two authors . They have a very similar style that works so well together. I love how they mesh lore and paranormal together seamlessly . There were so many twists and turns in the book that will have you on the edge of your seat through out . You can also feel the romance in the air with the two main characters flirting with each other . I am truly in love with these characters and can't wait to see where the authors take them in upcoming books . If you want a good fast paced book that will have you wanting more . Check it out you won't be disappointed
May 2, 2021
I wanted to like this book. It's well written and flows well. The story was intriguing.
However as a resident of Alaska, I couldn't get past the inaccuracies and lack of research.
Hope, Alaska is a small town along the Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. It's a real place with a population that has decreased in the last 10 years from 200 to about 70.
A town that size does not have a police chief. In fact other than a few cities in Alaska, most small towns or villages fall under the state troopers.
South Alaska does not have musk ox hunting because musk ox live in the Arctic. We don't have huge forests of maple trees. Mostly conifers, willows and birch in the Hope area.
Don't get me started on the hunting issues. Caribou do not have thick hides. They don't walk around already tanned. Their fur is thick, but I could easily jam my hand into their thin belly skin if I was hungry. I could also tear meat off with my bare hands. I've butchered enough of them to know that.
We also don't have Inuit reservations. A simple Alaskan history lesson will explain why, also where the Inuit live.
I had to stop reading. Please do basic research. Alaska is quite different then other places.
However as a resident of Alaska, I couldn't get past the inaccuracies and lack of research.
Hope, Alaska is a small town along the Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage. It's a real place with a population that has decreased in the last 10 years from 200 to about 70.
A town that size does not have a police chief. In fact other than a few cities in Alaska, most small towns or villages fall under the state troopers.
South Alaska does not have musk ox hunting because musk ox live in the Arctic. We don't have huge forests of maple trees. Mostly conifers, willows and birch in the Hope area.
Don't get me started on the hunting issues. Caribou do not have thick hides. They don't walk around already tanned. Their fur is thick, but I could easily jam my hand into their thin belly skin if I was hungry. I could also tear meat off with my bare hands. I've butchered enough of them to know that.
We also don't have Inuit reservations. A simple Alaskan history lesson will explain why, also where the Inuit live.
I had to stop reading. Please do basic research. Alaska is quite different then other places.
March 24, 2024
I dont even know, what I just read.....but I liked it. For a while there I was like stop! stop! stop! telling me everything give me some mystery and give me a chance to draw some conclusions and let me get it wrong. But that was just a writing ruse to the real story below the surface.
Banter driven read - like a Taratino bitey howl meets smalltown secrets - These Authors push boundaries and challenge traditional storytelling conventions - homage to many genres - even those western mini comic book vibes.
I did love reading the morgue scene play out - it scared the bJeebus out me.... and in all action & gore there is without a doubt there is a fated mates buzz.
What was this - Im still writing this review once I digest a little more what I think about its culturosity & the pure genuius of the engendered shackles removed in lead FMC's approach in everything.Im intrigued that Book 2 is written more mainstream book than the quirkyness of book1. Enjoying this ink journey.
Jasmin E Reads
Banter driven read - like a Taratino bitey howl meets smalltown secrets - These Authors push boundaries and challenge traditional storytelling conventions - homage to many genres - even those western mini comic book vibes.
I did love reading the morgue scene play out - it scared the bJeebus out me.... and in all action & gore there is without a doubt there is a fated mates buzz.
What was this - Im still writing this review once I digest a little more what I think about its culturosity & the pure genuius of the engendered shackles removed in lead FMC's approach in everything.Im intrigued that Book 2 is written more mainstream book than the quirkyness of book1. Enjoying this ink journey.
Jasmin E Reads
April 11, 2021
Elodie moved to Alaska to get away from her past. She is called to the scene of a body. Elodie is thrown by the way the body is, the knife sticking out of his chest. Her deputy say somethings that work on her mind. Elodie is also having strange dreams since she moved to Alaska featuring a black wolf.
Elodie has an experience she never thought she would at the morgue, she follows the clues to another locations. She meets a stranger that has eyes like a wolf. Elodie and this stranger will have to work together to get the culprit behind the crimes. Elodie's world as she knows it forever change.
This was such a great read. It moves at such a fast pace with twist and turns for the character. You drawn into the the world the authors have created and the characters will keep you reading. This was a great first book to series, can't wait to see what happens next.
Elodie has an experience she never thought she would at the morgue, she follows the clues to another locations. She meets a stranger that has eyes like a wolf. Elodie and this stranger will have to work together to get the culprit behind the crimes. Elodie's world as she knows it forever change.
This was such a great read. It moves at such a fast pace with twist and turns for the character. You drawn into the the world the authors have created and the characters will keep you reading. This was a great first book to series, can't wait to see what happens next.
April 17, 2021
Elodie is confused and more than shocked when a body who has already been autopsied gets up and walk out. As Chief of Police, she must investigate and follows it. She missed where the body went but finds Alex and discovers a new world of shifters. I enjoyed this beginning to the Artic Wolf series. The story was well told and makes you want to read what happens next. I loved how she kept thinking about Alex and he was reading her mind.
April 2, 2022
Very interesting book
A woman moves to a small Alaskan town to be the new chief of police. Her and her deputy are investigating a murder of one of the tribe's people. From there it just becomes more strange. In a great way. What is going on on tribal lands and why can't they identify the man who was murdered? This book was very good and suspenseful. Loved the characters and cannot wait to read more.
A woman moves to a small Alaskan town to be the new chief of police. Her and her deputy are investigating a murder of one of the tribe's people. From there it just becomes more strange. In a great way. What is going on on tribal lands and why can't they identify the man who was murdered? This book was very good and suspenseful. Loved the characters and cannot wait to read more.
September 15, 2024
Put together really well
Rain and Mallory came up with a new twist for the werewolf/shapeshifter story. I liked it a lot, especially with the Native tribes. The cover images could use some corrections. The white wolf should have been black, and either I’m seeing the back of the girl’s head which contains a huge bald spot, or that’s her face covered over with hair — not sure which.
Rain and Mallory came up with a new twist for the werewolf/shapeshifter story. I liked it a lot, especially with the Native tribes. The cover images could use some corrections. The white wolf should have been black, and either I’m seeing the back of the girl’s head which contains a huge bald spot, or that’s her face covered over with hair — not sure which.
April 24, 2021
A great start to a fascinating new series! Love the set up of this story and the characters are pretty incredible. Elodie is a strong heroine and Alex is a sexy and cocky hero! There was a pretty great build up to the villain which simmered out faster than I liked but I'm definitely excited for the next book and to see where the story goes from here.
May 19, 2021
Sorry but this was not that great of a story at all. She’s the chief of police and yet the story is her basically stumbling into and upon everything. She doesn’t seem like she would have earned her chief of police position. The climatic ending was all of 2 minutes and a let down. There could have been a more and overall a better development of the stories and characters.
January 24, 2022
I liked this story well enough. Thank heavens I didn't see this cover because I would never have bought into the concept of a woman Chief of Police in some small Alaskan bush town (must be) nearing her thirties that looks like a very pretty fifteen year old. The story was not terribly unique but Elodie and Alex had a certain chemistry that was entertaining.
January 31, 2022
Could have been better!
The story line was okay, but it left much to be desired. Zombie/reanimated wolves really? It's not your traditional wolf shifter romance, and oh yeah the was no romance with the exception of a few thoughts and a couple of peeks. It's not really worth the read.
The story line was okay, but it left much to be desired. Zombie/reanimated wolves really? It's not your traditional wolf shifter romance, and oh yeah the was no romance with the exception of a few thoughts and a couple of peeks. It's not really worth the read.
February 15, 2022
Dead?
Elodie is the new Chief of Police in Hope, AK. It’s cold up there. The perfect environment for Arctic wolves, who happen to turn into humans. One of those wolves ends up with a knife in his chest, while in human form. That’s where Elodie gets involved. Things go a lot haywire after recovering the body.
Elodie is the new Chief of Police in Hope, AK. It’s cold up there. The perfect environment for Arctic wolves, who happen to turn into humans. One of those wolves ends up with a knife in his chest, while in human form. That’s where Elodie gets involved. Things go a lot haywire after recovering the body.
February 16, 2022
Review
I'm not going to throw rocks, but this book was definitely not for me. Our immature Barney Fife was a real piece of work. She arrests people who aren't breaking the law, she's an accomplished lier , she breaks the law often and usually blames someone else, she has no respect for tribal law, really I could go on and on. I shall move on to new reading material.
I'm not going to throw rocks, but this book was definitely not for me. Our immature Barney Fife was a real piece of work. She arrests people who aren't breaking the law, she's an accomplished lier , she breaks the law often and usually blames someone else, she has no respect for tribal law, really I could go on and on. I shall move on to new reading material.
April 13, 2021
A book?
I must admit to getting tired of a supposed book being a short story. This requires you to get another short story in the series.
As much as the stories are ok I would prefer a proper book
I must admit to getting tired of a supposed book being a short story. This requires you to get another short story in the series.
As much as the stories are ok I would prefer a proper book
May 1, 2021
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I loved this book! Fast paced, cute story & I love Elodie! I’m sad it just ended, but that’s typical of these type of books. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
I loved this book! Fast paced, cute story & I love Elodie! I’m sad it just ended, but that’s typical of these type of books. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
February 8, 2022
Lone Wolf
Good book. Very short book. Loved the storyline, of an all Inuit people who are werewolves. The Chief of Police of Hope Alaska has her hands full to unwrap this mystery of a dead man coming back to life. Great story.
Good book. Very short book. Loved the storyline, of an all Inuit people who are werewolves. The Chief of Police of Hope Alaska has her hands full to unwrap this mystery of a dead man coming back to life. Great story.
March 5, 2022
wow!!!
Haven't induced in a ghost or werewolf book of this type in ears but this one really got me interested quickly again! Will surely be reading more is same after this one! Read it in one season totally it was that well written and interesting!
Haven't induced in a ghost or werewolf book of this type in ears but this one really got me interested quickly again! Will surely be reading more is same after this one! Read it in one season totally it was that well written and interesting!
March 3, 2023
Review of Lone Wolf
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal suspense novels. This is my first book by these two writers.
I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal suspense novels. This is my first book by these two writers.
June 26, 2023
A weird story.
It reminded me of a fairy tale. Everything being impossible. But it was still fun to read and a change from the normal things I read. It's fun to step outside the box once in awhile.
It reminded me of a fairy tale. Everything being impossible. But it was still fun to read and a change from the normal things I read. It's fun to step outside the box once in awhile.
February 16, 2025
Mystery
Too believe or not
Scary! Too be human meet a creature that is a myth!
Life as you know it changes!
Your th Chief of Police for a very small town in the middle of nowhere you deal with it! How,with some help!
Too believe or not
Scary! Too be human meet a creature that is a myth!
Life as you know it changes!
Your th Chief of Police for a very small town in the middle of nowhere you deal with it! How,with some help!
October 4, 2025
Entertaining
Elodie never expected to have to deal with the supernatural when she transferred to Hope, Alaska, but Elodie dealt with it superbly. Of course, she had Alex's help. This is a fun book to read.
Elodie never expected to have to deal with the supernatural when she transferred to Hope, Alaska, but Elodie dealt with it superbly. Of course, she had Alex's help. This is a fun book to read.
April 11, 2021
Nice story with potential, was just missing something to make me enjoy it fully. Maybe flushed out and longer?
April 23, 2021
Shape shifters in Alaska!! Enough said. Loved this new series. I can't wait to see where it goes.
April 23, 2021
A good paranormal mystery with a touch of romance, not too long, no cliff-hanger but plenty of room for development. Another fine collaboration between J. R. Rain and H. P. Mallory.
May 2, 2021
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fast-paced and held my interest. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by these authors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews