Dan Tucker is attacked but what looks like a mutant canine but is actually a "skinwalker" or werewolf. After this transformation his reactions to everyday emotions becomes more heightened. His attraction to Angela becomes more apparent. His dislike for his neighbor who abuses his dog turns to hate, especially after he subdivides his property for big city folks to move onto. Dan's best friend Deputy Tony Ramirez starts to become suspicious of him when his neighbor disappears.

Really not sure if Dan is a good guy or just an overzealous tree hugger who kills off anyone that steps on a flower. But seriously, storyline is original but the writing is a little rough and needs some fine tuning. There are some pretty gruesome scenes but I was genuinely impressed with the overall story. Besides a few typos (which I would expect in an ARC but not in published work) it was a good read. I do look forward to reading book 3 to see how Ms. Cook's writing style progresses and also how Dan and Angela's story grows.

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A review copy was provided by the author.

This was definitely not a "normal" werewolf story. I don't know if it is my lack of reading werewolf stories, but I don't ever remember reading a werewolf story in which the reader is let into the mind of the werewolf while he/she is in werewolf form. Most of the ones I've read the person is not "conscious" of their actions while they are in wolf form. I really liked that angle in this one. But like I said, don't know if it is my lack of experience with the genre or if it is a new way of writing.

Being an animal lover I really enjoyed Dan's connection with nature and animals. Even in his wolf form he is aware of other animals and is careful of his actions. The pain that was caused to him and his dogs in the beginning of the book is brought back to memory a few times. And while it was sad and difficult to read (I cry while watching ASPCA commercials) it really made me like Dan as the main character. I think without that "link" to him I would have easily been able to find him despicable. Even knowing that it wasn't really him it was the change from becoming a werewolf that made him so rude sometimes, I still could have easily disliked him.

I liked Angela, she reminded me of me. She was a warm and caring person and she was willing to put up with Dan and his behavior because she is in love with him. I'm the same way with people, loyal to a fault at times. While she wasn't a huge focus in this first book I'm hoping that she has a larger part in the rest of the series.

Like I said earlier, I haven't read many paranormal stories so this may be a lack of experience on my part but I thought this was a very different take on the normal paranormal story. It was refreshing to read. And once I got the time to really sit with the book it was a very fast read.

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