2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: How to Howl at the Moon by Eli Easton

[reviews_and_ramblings]

How to Howl at the Moon by Eli Easton
Gay Romantic Comedy
Series: Howl at the Moon
Paperback: 322 pages
Publisher: Pinkerton Road (May 28, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0692456309
ISBN-13: 978-0692456309
Amazon: How to Howl at the Moon
Amazon Kindle: How to Howl at the Moon

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.


A perfect book. Eli Easton's writing style is perfect. This is a don't-want-to-put-down book. The MCs are both likeable, and develop nicely throughout the story. The usual misunderstandings add angst and excitement at various points. In fact, they start off with total distrust and work up to the relationship we want them to have. Secondary characters are not just scenery - we get to know and love Lance's mom and the vet, Bill McGurver. Tim's job is different - growing hybrid roses and working as a market gardener. It's nice to see him setting up at the cabin and loving his work. It's nice to see a shifter story with dogs. The way dogs can "spark" to become human if they bond with a particular person and love them extraordinarily, is a new twist on the genre. Very well done. There are no points where you get fed up - the pacing is perfect. And finally, the ending leaves you feeling happy.