Howl at the Moon, #1

M/M PARANORMAL ROMANCE

Sheriff Lance Beaufort is not going to let trouble into his town, no sir. Tucked away in the California mountains, Mad Creek has secrets to keep, like the fact that half the town consists of ‘quickened’—dogs who have gained the ability to become human. Descended on both sides from Border Collies, Lance is as alert a guardian as they come.

Tim Weston is looking for a safe haven. After learning that his boss patented all of Tim’s work on vegetable hybrids in his own name, Tim quit his old job. A client offers him use of her cabin in Mad Creek, and Tim sees a chance for a new start. But the shy gardener has a way of fumbling and sounding like a liar around strangers, particularly gorgeous alpha men like Sheriff Beaufort.

Lance’s hackles are definitely raised by the lanky young stranger. He’s concerned about marijuana growers moving into Mad Creek, and he’s not satisfied with the boy’s story. Lance decides a bit of undercover work is called for. When Tim hits a beautiful black collie with his car and adopts the dog, its love at first sight for both Tim and Lance’s inner dog. Pretending to be a pet is about to get Sheriff Beaufort in very hot water.

“You’re as predictable as the spring rains, son of mine, and as boring as drying paint. Unless there’s an emergency, you’re home every night by seven, you eat dinner by yourself, go for a run, watch exactly one hour of TV by yourself, and go to bed at ten o’clock. If God ever loses his watch, he only has to look at Lance Beaufort to get back on schedule.”

This was ridiculously cute, and I usually am not that invested in the ridiculously cute romance. This one, though, it just wins.

A newcomer comes to a small town that has a major secret: they’re all dog shifters. The sherriff, who is a border collie and already especially protective, is worried the new man in town may be wanting to farm pot and start a drug unrest (hence: attention) in his darling town. He has to now investigate --- in two forms.

I think the sherriff's mother gave it the most brownie points, but the sheriff and Chance wormed their ways into my heart too. The main character is adorably sweet, vulnerable and awkward. Throw in some random townsfolk as all part of a tight-knit community, and you have fun characters to keep this one afloat.

It was a slow build-up in a sense since we have two relationships developing - canine and man - but it payed off in the end. So much sweetness amidst the humor.

Easton writes with actual humor in several tense moments. The writing is easy-flowing and not at all as awkward as Tim. Again, the mother really cracks me up and makes this one unforgettable, if only more mother-in-laws were this fun.

If you want a light and sweet m/m romance, look no further. You don’t have to be a shifter fan to enjoy this one, so don’t let the paranormal tag repel you if you usually avoid for that reason alone.

Book Quotes

Lance had heard humans talk about the tenacity of Jewish mothers. He didn’t know any, but he’d be surprised if they could hold a candle to the relentless herding instinct of a quickened mother who was descended on both sides from border collies.”