Desperately Seeking Shapeshifter

Sims unites two terrific characters in her second Midnight Liaisons paranormal (after Beauty Dates the Beast). Sara Ward was turned into a werewolf by her abusive ex. She fears her wolf side but volunteers to join a predatory and aggressive werewolf clan so they will return a kidnapped were-cougar. Were-bear Ramsey Bjorn, an exile from his clan, pretends to be her mate to protect her from the wolves, who nonetheless insist one of their own teach Sara how to shift shape without agony. Surprisingly, it’s Ramsey’s strong and taciturn presence that helps—and also calls to her libido. Sara decides to seduce him but worries his true mate will be found among the bears, while taciturn Ramsey is reluctant to reveal his interest in her. Though the romance remains paramount, keeping the wolves at bay provides suspense, and Sara’s strong relationship with her sister is a sweet undercurrent. (Nov.)