Reviewed by Marieke
TITLE: Jack Wolf
SERIES: Daily Dose; Never Too Late
AUTHOR: Kay Walker
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 44 pages
BLURB:
Henry Dalton is sent across the country by train to the western town of Woolridge in order to investigate the werewolf problem they’re having during the monthly moon cycle. The townsfolk are not forthcoming with information, making it difficult for Henry to solve the case.
Even more distracting is Jack, a handsome older lycanthrope. Known for his rebellious youth, Jack has settled down into life and routine in Woolridge, working as the local blacksmith. He assures Henry he’s no longer trying to stir up trouble, that those days are long gone. Henry must attempt to ignore the spark between them, the indication of their potential to become mates, which is rare because Henry is human. Henry remains professional and focuses on his job, but each meeting with Jack adds to the draw, and Henry isn’t sure how much longer he’ll be able to resist.
REVIEW:
When Henry is sent to the Western front, he’s met at the train station by Jack Wolf, aka Jacques Leroux, a leader during the Pack Rebellion. When they first touch they both feel ‘the spark.’ The spark is felt between a lycanthrope and a potential mate. Henry has already been mated to a werewolf once, and hadn’t planned on ever feeling this again, but there’s no denying the attraction between the two.
While Henry tries to conduct his investigation about the rogue werewolf that’s been killing cattle, he tries to stay away from Jack. But when his alarm clock breaks, he’s forced to go into Jack’s shop. They start talking and Henry spots one of Jacks inventions, which leads to Jack making one and offering it to Henry later that day. This is the beginning of their communication and bonding.
Henry eventually finds out who the rogue wolf is, and has to make a difficult decision. Thank God Jack supports him and the two of them save the day.
This story was very much out of my usual reading zone, but it was pretty okay. The steampunk part took some getting used to, but eventually I got into the story in time to enjoy it. It wasn’t brilliant, but it’s worth reading. The story is a bit tame, and the age difference hardly plays a role. Of course, this being a short story it’s hard to pack it full of action, but I’d still would’ve liked just a bit more.
I did like the writing and it was a pleasant surprise that the steampunk didn’t put me off. So overall a nice story.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
Dreamspinner Press – Anthology
Dreamspinner Press – Jack Wolf
Love shifter stories, and the cover is beautiful. Thanks for the review.
I do enjoy steampunk and shifter stories and I wonder what happened to Henry’s last wolf mate and how so many story lines are written into a novella? So many questions and potential for another book? Such a simple cover with a lone lonely wolf 🙂
I don’t think i read lots of shifter stories, but the blurb is nice so thanks for reviewing.
I love shifter stories. Thank you for the review =)
I really enjoy shifter and steampunk stories, so having both of them in a story sounds great to me.