Review: A very good story with an interesting perspective
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 3, 2010
Josh and Hayden are two Alpha werewolves that grew up in Wyoming in separate, but neighboring, packs. Hayden came from a privileged family and went to an ivy-league school, Josh was not nearly as privileged and had no college education and needed to work to make a living.Summarizing the story is difficult. There are two stories occurring simultaneously. The novel opens up with Hayden returning home to Wyoming from college and trying like crazy to avoid Josh (but not succeeding). Hayden's always had a crush on Josh, and his enhanced werewolf instincts and senses cause him to be aroused in Josh's presence. Since Josh is a werewolf, he can smell the arousal that Hayden feels, and he would react to it in a way that Josh felt was ridiculing or belittling. This has gone on since high school. Oddly though, Josh seems intent on hooking up with Hayden, and insists they get together for a run.A second story is then introduced where it's five years later. It's discovered that Hayden has spent time in prison. His spirit is crushed, he's taken to excessive drinking, and he's a shell of the man he was earlier. Josh is now a policeman and cares a great deal for Hayden, though Hayden doesn't believe it because Josh never once visited him in prison or afterward. To make matters worse, a serious accident in the past has robbed Hayden of memories of the event that destroyed his life.The two stories run parallel as little by little, it's discovered what transpired five years earlier, why Josh has avoided Hayden, and how deeply their relationship really is.The writing is nicely paced, and the switch between past and present is handled deftly and effectively, generating solid interest and keeping the story flowing and the reader engaged. The characters are nicely developed and the plot mainly solid. I say "mainly" only because I couldn't empathize with the reason why Josh refrained from contacting Hayden over those five years. While he clearly states his reason, it doesn't seem nearly compelling enough and the threat faced by Hayden should Josh come in contact with him doesn't quite seem reasonable. Still, the writing, swift pace, and interesting characters all weave together to keep the story immensely enjoyable. It's a very solid work by Cooper Davis and recommended.