Review: Born to Be Wild by Christine Warren

Dr. Josie Barrett brings out the animal in men, literally. As the local veterinarian in a town that's approximately sevent percent Others, most shapeshifters, Josie deals with beastly situations all the time. It's practically part of her job description. But when the wereswolves of Stone Creek, Oregon, start turning downright feral, Josie smells a rat--among others, more dangerous critters.

Teaming up with the feociously sexy Eli Pace, a ful-time sheriff and part-time were-lion, Josie tries to contain the shapeshifiting problem begore it spreads like a virus. But when more shifters get infected--and stuck in their animal forms--the fur really begins to fly. Josie and Eli have to find the cause very quickly, before the whole town goes "to the dogs." But first, they have to wrestle with a few animal urges of their own.

I have to start out by saying that I am an unmitigated Christine Warren fan and I have read everything I can get my hands on, as quickly as I can obtain it. When I saw this book on the shelf, I bought it without even thinking. And I want to say right at the outset that I was NOT disappointed in this book.

I think the setting is different from a number of her other books. Not urban or suburban, but a community that is small, remote, and 70% Other. Not her usual context. But it works, and the mystery surrounding the damage being done to the shapeshifter community is worrisome and hurtful right from the start. It is also the context in which Josie really comes face-to-face with the new sheriff who has left behind his position as a detective in Seattle so he can now be in a small community with room to run. His "lion" self could no longer endure the confines of the city. He is, of course, "taken" with Josie and she with him. They have been living in the town together but never really had any opportunity or need to meet before this. Now finding a wounded, unconscious, and slow-healing wolf in the forest has prompted their meeting.

Warren has a proven track record as a paranormal romance author and she continues to add to her reputation with this novel. It is readable, full of romance, sparkling dialogue, amusing repartee, and suspense. It is so well written that the perpetrator of the crime is not to be discovered until almost the end of the tale. No easy resolutions here. There is a real conflict also in deciding if the injured wolves should be treated by the local general practitioner (who is well versed in treating Others) or by Josie. Actually, the initial "call" was to bring the injured wolf to Josie since the GP was on a fishing trip.

This is a good novel, with colorful characters, great romance, good dialogue, and a plot that holds it all together. It will not be a waste of time, in my humble opinion, and I hope that lovers of paranormal romance, and especially those who like Warren's style and past offerings will consider reading this newest in her releases. I give this book a 4.25 out of 5.