Zach, a shapeshifter, tracked Sara to the small town where she had been raised, but there was already a pair of enemy shapeshifters (lions!) after her in the alley a minute after he'd seen her for the first time. He exchanged growls with them but Sara stabbed one of her attackers in the thigh, essentially saving herself. She followed up his almost-rescue by slamming Zach up against the wall, calling him pretty and having her hot and heavy tonsil-hockey session with him interrupted by her two quirky but loyal best friends dragging her off of him. Because she was full of tequila.

Wolfman Zach took it all in stride.

Sara was damaged. She had suffered a painful wounded leg that refused to heal, and her scarred face was a memento from the encounter that had killed her father. The ever protective Angelina and Miki were around when the pack of bikers came in to the bike shop where Sara worked. After her father died, the shop owner, Merrec, had looked out after her like a father figure, and she'd been raised by her grandmother. Neither of these two important figures in her life (both shape-shifting wolves themselves too) had told Sara of her heritage. She was totally unprepared. Her grandmother, Lynette, had hated being wolf and had tried to pass as human. Perhaps Merrac hadn't told her because he'd respected her wishes or perhaps because Lynette had been a psychotic armed with M-16s, armor piercing ammo, rocket launchers and grenades. But now, Lynette was dead, Sara's life was endangered and Zach had returned with her father's pack.

The supporting characters Miki and Angelina have a lively relationship with Sara. They supported her through Sara's painful injured leg, and the psychological scarring from her past experiences, but they were anything but ordinary friends. Their lack of "ordinariness" is presented in a vivacious way. They are animated, dynamic, spirited compatriots, yet protective of their damaged friend. Zach is a rather reluctant hero; even though he was powerfully attracted to her, he did not think he was ready to settle for one mate for life, especially one who seems psychotic. And as a heroine, Sara is no dainty lady. She and her friends have mouths as foul as anything you've ever seen. If the word "bitch," and tough, mouthy women, violence, blood, serious aggression and impressively escalating dentition get you off, then this book will be your cuppa java.

Reviewed By: Allie B
© July 2004

This review refers to a previously published version of this book. It has been expanded and revised for re-issue.