Book Review of Never Cry Wolf by Cynthia Eden

Title: Never Cry Wolf

Author: Cynthia Eden

Release Date:  June 28, 2011

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Lucas Simone is not the kind of guy you mess with. He’s big, he’s strong, and his eyes hint at a wilder side most women can’t handle. Of course, that’s because his predatory instincts are no metaphor—he’s a genuine Grade-A top-quality werewolf, tough enough to fight his way to dominance over the scariest pack on the West Coast. There’s only one chink in his armor. Unlike most alpha dogs, Lucas has a reputation for protecting the weak and innocent.

Sarah King is counting on that protective impulse—it’s the only thing standing between her and certain death. There are only two problems: one, she’s not quite as innocent as she’d like Lucas to believe. And two, if he doesn’t stop stoking Sarah’s animal lust, it’s only a matter of time before her own wild side gets unleashed. . .

Summary from Goodreads.com

My Review:  I found Cynthia Eden while stolling the bookstore one day.  Do you ever do that just go to the bookstore and wander?  Well, I am known to do that a lot, and while browsing Cynthia’s book, Eternal Hunter, was calling to me.  So I purchased it and put it in the “to be read” pile.  I picked it up about a week later, started reading, and my fate was sealed!  I devoured that book and the other two Night Watch books in three days.  On day four I read Never Cry Wolf and now I know I will be spending the next week or so catching up on the worlds that Cynthia has created.  They are fast paced, extremely addicting and have my heart racing for the action and the romance.

Never Cry Wolf centers on Lucas, an alpha wolf shifter, and Sarah who is Other as well, but I am going to leave her ability a mystery for you to discover when you read the book.  It will be more fun that way, I promise.  Anyway, these two are brought together when Sarah is seeking protection and Lucas seems to be her only hope.  He is known for his brutal tactics, loyalty to his pack and his soft spot for those in need.  Sarah is counting on that soft spot and hoping that she will be able to use him for protection and get out with her life.  She does not count on being so attracted to Lucas and  her plan soon begins to unravel before her.

Something I have learned about Cynthia’s books is that there is never, and I mean never, a dull moment!  You are either trying to figure out who the villain is, decode the main characters secrets (and they always have some) or you are watching as the steam gets turned up between the two protagonists.  And Cynthia definitely knows how to write some steamy scenes, I mean it would be a waste if those Alpha males were all talk and no action right? Cynthia is also great at building the suspense and catching the reader off guard.  I have seen allies turn into enemies and villains you thought were gone pop back up.  Just when you think you are safe Cynthia pulls out another surprise that I never quite see coming.  This is one of the many elements in her books that keeps me coming back for more.

Alright, back to Lucas and Sarah.  Both of them have lead lives that have not been easy and have never really felt like they belonged anywhere.  They have tried to get by and make the best with what they have, but are never really happy until they start to let their guards down and let the other in.  They balance each other, they are stronger together and that strength is what they are going to need to get through the mess they have found themselves in.

Lucas’ pack mates were fantastic secondary characters.  All of the wolves have been damaged in some way whether emotionally or psychically and their flaws are what unite them and keep them strong.  Dane and Piers were my favorite to watch as the plot unfolds, because while Never Cry Wolf focuses on Lucas finding his mate, Dane and Piers seem to be finding theirs as well.  Of course that is just me speculating at the moment, but I am keeping fingers crossed that they will be getting their own story one day too.

I did notice while reading this book references to a story of Cynthia’s that I had not read yet, Immortal Danger.  After reading Never Cry Wolf I realize now I should have read Immortal Danger first, but guess what I already have waiting for me to read next on my kindle?  Yep, Immortal Danger.  I wanted to warn anyone who has not read either of these books yet though, that Immortal Danger should probably come first because now I am reading the books out of chronological order.  Not that I mind, I just know some things would have made more sense to me had I read them in order.

Overall though, I loved Never Cry Wolf.  It has everything I want in a book, paranormal creatures, non-stop action, surprising plot twists, hot romance and a fascinating new world to discover.  I don’t think it is possible not to like a Cynthia Eden book if you love paranormal romance as much as I do.  They are just way too freaking good!  If you have not discovered her, you are missing out!