MIDNIGHT HOWL - Kate Steele

Hoosier Werewolf, Book 1

Changeling Press - www.changelingpress.com

ISBN - (10):1-59596-515-7

ISBN - (13): 978-1-59596-515-8

December 2006

Erotic Paranormal Gay Romance - Short Story

Indiana - Present Day

Ethan Parks is a nice guy.  He's a little quiet, a little shy and not nearly as muscular as his older and younger brothers, but still a really nice guy. He shares the house he grew up in with both his brothers, but on a night when both his brothers are out of town his car breaks down and he's forced to walk home from his job at the library. As he trudges toward home, he begins to feel as if he's being stalked. When he spies a wolf -- or rather a large dog -- keeping pace with him from across the street, he gets a little spooked. Freezing in the winter night air, and a bit unnerved by the dog, Ethan stops at a convenience store to get some hot coffee and call a tow truck. When he's accosted by two teenagers, Ethan feels like he's back in high school being picked on by the class bullies. His rescue from a certain beating comes in the form of his high school crush, Crewe.

Crewe Jackson realized who his mate was a long time ago. But he was only eighteen and the one destined to be his was only fifteen, so after graduating high school, Crewe went on to college and moved to a new town.  But now the mating call is riding him and he knows it's time to claim his mate -- once he receives permission from the pack's Alpha. When Crewe sees Ethan walking home, he shifts to his wolf form and follows him. Little does he know that his actions will bring him face to face with Ethan - immediately. After helping Ethan out of a difficult situation at the convenience store, Crewe offers him a ride home. Now Crewe just has to figure out how to let Ethan know they are destined to be together without scaring him off.

Ethan can't believe that Crewe seems to be interested in him. Crewe never even noticed him when they were in high school together.  A few years ahead of Ethan in school, Crewe always seemed to have a new girlfriend each week.  Is it possible that Crewe really cares about Ethan, or is he setting him up for a huge fall?

MIDNIGHT HOWL, the first book in the Hoosier Werewolf series, is an absolute treat to read. With a fast pace, meticulously crafted characters and scorching sensuality, Ms. Steele has created a story that fills every romance reader's expectations. Ethan is a quiet man, but that does not mean he's weak or necessarily the bottom all the time in his relationship with Crewe.  Crewe, all alpha male (and a werewolf) simply oozes testosterone, but inside beats a kind and gentle heart. The relationship between Ethan and Crewe is filled with as many possibilities as pitfalls. First Crewe will have to convince Ethan of his feelings, and then he's going to have to confess to the turning furry part at some point. Ethan, on the other hand, needs to learn that there is nothing wrong with him, that he doesn't need to change to keep Crewe interested or to maintain the affection of his brothers. He just needs to learn it's okay to be himself and not hide his true desires or dreams.

A well-told story with plenty of romance, snappy dialogue and fiery passion, MIDNIGHT HOWL is sure to be a winner with readers and I highly recommend it. I can't wait for the next book in this erotically charged romance series.

Isabelle Spencer