Once a Wolf [Mass Market Paperback]

However, now that the outlaw El Lobo has hidden Cole's fiancee in the middle of New Mexico Territory, he finds himself mesmerized by her. Instead of an aloof society lady, she, like him, is a werewolf allowing her animalistic nature to surge through her heart. As Tomas and Rowena fall in love, Cole follows them because no one steals a possession of his, especially his family's long time enemy.

ONCE A WOLF, the second tale in Susan Krinard's historical werewolf romantic trilogy, is a wonderful supernatural story. The story line takes loup garou elements and successfully plants them inside a western romance. The lead couple is a warm blooded duo while the support cast provides insight into the era as well as enhancing the paranormal elements. Fans of werewolf romances or western romances will fully enjoy Ms. Krinard's blending of the two sub-genres into an exciting novel.

Harriet Klausner

Lady Rowena has been kidnapped by Tomas Alejandro Randall, known in the West as the outlaw El Lobo, in revenge for the murder of his parents by Cole MacLean, Lady Rowena's fiance. But Lady Rowena only knows Cole as a wealthy financier who has, like herself, distained his werewolf blood.

Thus begins a journey filled with danger and dangerous passions, and the uncovering of many deceits and lies. Rowena and Tomas must find their way through this intricate maze and try to understand the powerful feelings each feels for the other. This is a marvelous love story that will not disappoint the reader on any level. Ms. Krinard is a very talented writer and you will be left with a yearning for the next tale and the hope that there will be many more!

Karen King

After Touch of the Wolf, it has been a long time that this sequel has arrived - and it does not disappoint. It tells of the identity crisis that Rowena Forster has with her animal instincts and under the deceitful Cole MacLean, she decides to abandon her roots and conform herself to the civilized society in England. Tomas Randall, who is also of the wolf descendent, are seeking vengeance on Cole who robbed him of his family. He kidnaps Rowena by tricking her on a visit to her brother, Quentin. Tomas is inexorably attracted to this Lady of Ice who hides her passion and desires behind her nonchalant facade.

The romance thrills with a surreal realm of the paranormal and breathes lush sensuality. But most importantly, the plot has tight pacing and wages emotional roller-coasters with readers. It speaks volume of the internal struggle in Rowena to follow her own heart and how Cole who despises his wolf heritage is ultimately the villain - the wolf in sheep's clothing. There is visual splendour - the wild west terrain is vividly portrayed against the blossoming passion. Towards the end, the poignancy envelops the reader and is sure to evoke tears from many readers.

Ms. Krinard has never been better since TOUCH OF THE WOLF - but perhaps her villains can get stereotypical easily. Cole sounds virulent enough but falls flat in the story with his unilateral emotions - hatred. The side characters like Weylin can be made more memorable. But these flaws cannot mar the undeniably passionate Once a wolf. It is no wonder romance readers are staying all night long to wolf down the story in one go.