Desert Hunt (The Wolves of Twin Moon Ranch)

by Anna Lowe

[inlibrisveritas]

Desert Hunt is the prequel to the Wolves of Twin Moon Ranch series and one hell of an introduction. I don't read a ton of werewolf romance novels as the main romances options are usually insufferably 'alpha' and there are not enough rolls of tissue in the world capable of cleaning up the mess their pissing contests make. But Desert Hunt was a lot of fun to read and I look forward to checking out the rest of the series.

The story opens with Rae looking for a new place to live so she can have the freedom she desires and the anonymity that she craves. She hopes to find that with the Twin Moon pack but instead finds herself drawn to Zack and must deal with what that attraction means. I love Rae's role in the shifter world, it's not the typical Beta or Omega type role and it really brings a really unique idea to the story. I love how it requires her to be a leader and to maintain a level of power that their world doesn't usually extend towards women. Zack is a breath of fresh air when it comes to alpha males. He's secure enough in his own position and strength that he doesn't feel threatened by a woman asserting her independence. The fact that he is a coyote-wolf hybrid is pretty interesting as well, as we get three sides to him instead of the normal human/wolf aspect. I will admit that I sort of hate the whole "destined mate" thing, it feels sort like a shortcut that allows people to skip over the whole "getting to know you thing"...but I do think Desert Moon balanced this out with both Rae and Zack's reluctance to just give into what they were feeling. Rae may be open to a physical relationship but it takes time for her to know Zack.

I am curious as to what the rest of the series will be like, and I do figure that Rae and Zack will play some sort of important role but the pack's dynamic gets shaken up at the end of this and I do want to see how it pans out.