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Category: Erotica/Erotic Fantasy/Dark Fantasy
Description: Professor Seth Anderson has finally found sanctuary in Brier, Iowa. Even better, he's found Raphael "Rafe" Dirisio, a strong, giant of a man who owns the town pool hall, and Seth has never felt so comfortable, safe, or close to anyone. When Seth is asked to give a series of lectures in Washington, DC, it seems only natural that Rafe come along. But in a few surreal days, Seth's true nature is exposed and he brings both their lives crashing down around them. Because Seth is not only a werewolf, he's also something much, much worse... Genres: Gay / Dark Fantasy / Shapeshifter / Werewolf / Fantasy / Witchcraft / Magic / Exhibitionism / Public Places
eBook Publisher: Amber Quill Press, 2008
eBookwise Release Date: October 2009

139 Reader Ratings:

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Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [280 KB]
Words: 57588
Reading time: 164-230 min.

"...A wonderful shapeshifter story...Both characters are really wonderful. I like how Seth struggles with himself...Rafe doesn't understand why a clever and pretty man like Seth would be willing to set with an average man like him...A complex novel, not...for the plot, but for the development of the relationship between Seth and Rafe; the tension mounts...I was crying during the ride, and this is...thanks to the two characters (and the author who wrote them)."--Elise, Elise Rolle Live Journal

"5 Nymphs!...I loved this story. The author does such an excellent job pulling the reader into the story that you can see Seth as the wounded puppy he sometimes is, and when he becomes the Ravager, the intense anger is also felt. Rafe's reaction to both Seth and the situation he now finds himself in is a realistic portrait, as is his occasional shortness with Seth as things unfold...A definite 'must read' for those who love shifters, but keep the Kleenex handy. If we are lucky, we will see these two again soon."--Critter Nymphs, Literary Nymphs Reviews

"4 Stars!...A complex novel, full of twists and turns. McBride has built a rich fantasy world, complete with backstory, as he lets us watch Seth and Rafe react to each others need, to each others crises, to the unexpected...I love the way McBride writes, with evocative color...I recommend it; I think you will enjoy it..."--Carole, Rainbow Reviews

"5 Blue Ribbons!...Lone is now my favorite story from author Rowan McBride. Once I started reading I didn't want to stop...A captivating and refreshing take on the werewolf romance genre. I was immediately drawn into this new and vibrant world by the author's descriptions. The plot is engrossing and kept me reading long into the night...An exciting novel with a dark edge but it is also hopeful and moving. It is definitely a keeper!"--Christina, Romance Junkies

Rafe ran a hand over the fresh mark on his chest. "I've seen you in action, Seth. You could have taken the whole damned muscle out of me if you'd wanted. Now that I'm calmer, it feels more like a love bite."

A love bite? Disquieted by the words, Seth scratched himself behind his ear, trying to sort it out. He caught the cautious consideration in Rafe's expression and slammed the suitcase shut. "It's already started, hasn't it? Everything I do, every move I make ... you're comparing it to a wolf, or a dog, aren't you? Do you feel like you've been sleeping with a dirty little animal all this time?"

Rafe grabbed his shoulders and shoved him into a chair. "Sit down, Seth."

Black rage rose up in him and he shot to his feet, even as he held the wolf at bay. "Did you just tell me to sit?"

He thrust Seth back into the chair. "Yes I did."

Fear saturated the air, but Rafe's face was grim, determined. What was going on? Unsure, and needing to know, Seth did as he was told.

Rafe paced the open area in front of him, looking like a wolf on the prowl. "You do a lot of weird damned things, Seth. Half the time you're like some puppy left out in the rain, and the other half you're like a hungry, wild wolf. The first I guess I've always seen, but I didn't even know about the second until yesterday. So yes, I've been comparing you to both animals quite a bit, and it's been freaking me out."

Anger and bitterness nearly choked him. "You lied to me. You promised you would tell me when you wanted me to leave."

He whirled around. "Shut up!"

Seth jumped and shut his mouth, stunned by his fury.

"I have never lied to you, but you've been lying to me since I fucking met you, so you don't get to be self-righteous. Do you hear me?"

He shrank back, nodded.

Rafe swept his hand through the air between them. "And what is this? Why do you act so timid and scared when we both know you can kick my ass any time you want? One second you're shy, the next savage, the next you're on a stage in front of hundreds of people talking about math. Who the fuck are you, Seth?"

Rafe was mad. The Alpha was mad. Instinct hunched his shoulders, bowed his head. He tugged on his hair as he fought back a whimper. "S-Sorry."

"Stop that." Rafe grasped his wrist and untangled his fingers from his hair. "And spell it out for me."

The gentle touch. The soft, gruff tone. Rafe was kind, and some of the panic eased out of him as he remembered that. "I ... can't."

"Try."

He stared down at his lap. Nightkin nature was so complex, so intimate. How could he explain it to a human?