Excerpt: Wylde by Jan Irving

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Wylde by Jan Irving
Release Date: 12/2009
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1665

Amazon: Wylde

Blurb: Noah Matthews brought his son Josh to the pristine woods of Washington State to make a fresh start. The first night in their new home, Noah meets Kell Farraday when the laconic police chief shows up on his doorstep searching for two people lost in the forest. It's the start of a sexy new friendship when Kell decides to pursue the shy but flirtatious Noah. But a new beginning won't be so easy. Noah's former boyfriend shows up to try to reclaim a place in his life, and worse, Josh is drawn to the growing mystery in the forest. People disappear and then one turns up dead. There's something haunting the forest. Something watching. And soft-spoken and confident Kell's reassurances can't ease Noah's fear when Josh goes into the woods alone.

Excerpt:

Noah watched the Chief staring at the trees beyond his large bay living room windows. “Shouldn’t you sleep too?” he asked softly.

“Yeah. I have a blanket in the truck--”

“Absolutely not. I have a guest room, complete with razor. You’re welcome to stay.” Noah’s eyes dropped to the other man’s belt.

“Like something you see?” Kell’s drawl was rough and tired.

“Excuse me?” Noah flushed.

“You keep staring at my crotch.”

“I do not! It’s your belt buckle; it’s very distinctive.” It was heavy silver, elaborately wrought, with undulating figures. It kept catching Noah’s gaze, making him puzzle at the pattern.

“Uh huh…” Kell scrubbed his eyes. “You gay?”

“I…I have a son,” Noah said faintly, crossing his arms.

“So?” Kell prodded as he followed Noah to the offered room. “That just means you have viable sperm, not where you like to spill it.”

Comments

[shadownyc.livejournal.com]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I especially liked the mystery layer, adding depth to the story.