Call of the
Wilds (MF)
Heat
Rating: SCORCHING
Word Count:
67,302
[Siren
Classic: Erotic Paranormal Romance, Shape-shifter]
Veterinarian
Karin Stone escapes the crime-ridden city for a quiet life in the Pennsylvania
wilds. Surrounded by acres of unspoiled forest, she tends a pack of relocated
wolves. But the wolves aren't the only endangered species in Black Wolf Gorge.
Wolf-shifter
Malcolm Connor believes he's the last of his kind, left for dead by the same
hunters who murdered his family. When he catches the scent of the new wildlife
manager, he can't deny the attraction, but he knows getting involved with a
human woman will only lead to heartache.
The mutilated
remains of a hiker are discovered, and a black wolf is captured. Karin protects
the quarantined wolf, and the locals are angry. When Malcolm steps in to defend
her, sparks fly. Karin loses her heart, but can she convince the man she loves
that they belong together? Or will a jealous rival tear them apart forever?
A Siren
Erotic Romance
Buy Links:
Professional Reviews
5
STARS: "The
author did a great job writing this story. It was a page turner that kept me up
late at night. The story flowed beautifully. It felt believable and made me
feel like I lived the story. I felt all of the characters' emotions including
fear, joy, anger, frustration and passion, not to mention how smoking hot it
was. I also have to warn you that I cried, so have your tissues ready. This was
a new author for me and I was very pleasantly surprised. I loved this book! The
story is about a woman named Karin who moved to a small town in the country
after being assaulted in the city where she used to live. She is a veterinarian
working for the wildlife department and they have found a hiker who appears to
be killed by a wolf. In the small town, she is not respected because she's a
woman. Yet she's tough and always keeps her head held up high, even if
aggressive town members bring back memories of being assaulted in a dark alley.
During a town meeting to discuss the fate of a wolf, one man gets out of hand
and Malcolm jumps in to protect Karin even before they had met. Malcolm is a
quiet man who doesn't normally get involved in town business but the wolf
attack hits close to home. He is the only one left of his kind. His mate and
family were murdered by humans because his sister fell in love with a human and
told him their secret, which got out after they divorced. He suffers from guilt
of being the only survivor and because he was unable to save his family even
though he was severely injured. He has been deeply scared emotionally and
physically. For Karin and Malcolm it's almost love at first sight. Malcolm
feels instantly protective of her. Their relationship is extremely hot and
intense. Of course they have a few road blocks along the way but you never
question their chemistry. The only thing throughout the whole book that didn't
feel natural to me was that Karin admits to herself that she's in love a little
too soon in their relationship. This book is definitely for those who love a
good paranormal romance with a little erotica and mystery. I highly recommend
this book. This book gets 5 stars from me. It is a must read." --Danielle, The
Romance Reviews
5 TEA
CUPS, RECOMMENDED READ: "Gale
Stanley showcased her skills and dedication to her writing with her debut
novel, Call of the Wilds. I was immediately pulled into the
world she created, with vivid characters and the perfect mixture of action and
emotion. I just loved the banter between Karin and Malcolm. In fact, all the
dialogue in this novel is done so realistically, the characters become larger
than life. The sexual tension was strong, and sex scenes themselves very hot,
with the right amount of nice and naughty. If you love werewolf books and a
well thought out plot, with many unexpected turns, you’ll love Call of
the Wilds by Gale Stanley. This book is definitely a keeper, and I
can’t wait for more from this talented new author!" -- LynnMarie, Happily
Ever After Reviews
5
DELIGHTFUL DIVAS: "The
story is fast-paced and wonderfully coherent, and Gale Stanley has a way of
getting you to see past the words and what is actually happening. The forest
came to vivid life; it was as though I was there... in fact even now I can see
it all in my mind’s eye. I will be looking for more books by Gale Stanley, but
I think that Call of the Wilds will be a favourite and,
definitely, a re-read for some time to come." -- Kathy, Dark
Diva Reviews
4 STARS: "Karin Stone moves to Black
Wolf, Pa., to take over the wildlife preserve, and Malcolm Conner saves her
when a discussion regarding a wolf attack turns violent. He has reasons beyond
his attraction to her for saving the wolf — he recognizes her as a fellow
shifter. But now they must free the wolf before anyone can discover her
identity. They eventually fall into bed, but Malcolm is torn between doing the
right thing for his race and following his heart. Karin has a few decisions of
her own to make as she clings to her sanity and her secret. Stanley’s story is
a hot erotic ride from passion to love and trust. When these two get together,
the pages sizzle. Readers will love that Malcolm almost saves Karin’s life but
then proceeds to turn it upside down in a romance that has both of them
re-evaluating their lives." -- Sabrina Cooper, Romantic
Times Book Reviews
4 CUPS: "Karin is a veterinarian,
raised in the city, who has always loved wolves. She is now working at a
wildlife refuge in the aptly named Black Wolf Gorge. She considers the local
Sheriff a friend, but he wants more from her. Malcolm is a lone wolf in more
ways than one. He moved to Black Wolf after the murder of his wife and family.
He blames himself, but he was caught in a leg trap at the time. Ironically, he
is a black wolf shapeshifter. The people of Black Wolf have an irrational
hatred for the creatures that gave the town its name. When a hiker is killed,
purportedly by a wolf, all of the wolves in her refuge are at risk,
particularly the wounded wolf she is caring for. She feels uneasy, except in the
company of local craftsman Malcolm Connor. There is an instant and strong
attraction, but Malcolm is more than he seems and his past will put both of
them in danger. This is a very suspenseful and sometimes violent story. I
really liked Malcolm and Karin, but the other characters were cruel, disturbing
and downright scary. I could not feel bad when any of them met a less than
happy end. The plot is fast moving and very intense, particularly in the love
scenes between Malcolm and Karin." -- Maura, Coffee Time
Romance and More
STORY
EXCERPT
Beowulf, the
pack alpha, lounged near the water trough while his mate slept close by. He
raised his head as if he knew she watched him. Karin hated the intruding metal
between them, preferring her visit to be up close and personal. As soon as she
stepped through the gate, Bo got to his feet. He eyed the sleeping Lyka, then
approached, his powerful legs and gigantic feet propelling him toward her in a
smooth loping gait. She crouched before he could knock her down, and he washed
her face with his long sandpaper tongue.
Maybe I
should have brought the Y pole in with me. Apparently I’m in danger of being
licked to death.
Bo danced
around, then signaled playtime by lowering his front legs flat on the ground
and raising his rear. When he rolled over in the grass for belly rubs, she
could swear he grinned at her. But one low-key whuff from his awakening mate
and he took off, seemingly embarrassed to be caught cavorting like a
hundred-sixty pound pup. Evidently Lyka had other plans for the big alpha. She
rose and nibbled at him, then mouthed his muzzle. He sniffed, and his tongue
flicked in and out, testing the air. Surprised, she watched the courtship
progress. It was a little late in the year. Generally mating occurred between
January and April, but obviously these two didn’t care. If their cycle veered
off track, so be it. She would not complain. It would be wonderful to have pups
around. Lyka pawed at Bo. He snapped at her and moved back.
“I wouldn’t
play hard to get.”
“What the—”
The harsh retort froze on her lips when she turned and saw Malcolm’s large,
heavily muscled body behind her.
“Uh, sorry,
doc. Did I scare you?”
It wasn’t
fear turning her legs to jelly. Just hearing his husky rumble made her weak in
the knees. He stood much too close for comfort, and that look on his face…Damn,
it conveyed the same feral expression she saw on Beowulf. The man was
infuriating, but her heart did a cartwheel.
“You
shouldn’t sneak up on a person.” She turned her attention back to the wolves,
all too aware of his presence behind her. His body radiated warmth like the
sun, and she fought an urge to back up and bask in it. She wanted to rub up
against him like an animal in heat and find out if he was aroused as she was.
It scared the hell out of her, but at the same time, it excited her. Thank God
he couldn’t read her mind.
Happy Reading!
