Devon’s Guest Review of Howl at the Moon (The Others, Book 4) by Christine Warren

[ed.: Paranormal romance published 30 Oct 2007 by St.Martin’s]

Howl at the Moon is the fourth book in Christine Warren’s “The Others” series. (Although it must be noted that Warren wrote a number of related books for Ellora’s Cave, where it was called the “Fixed” series. I haven’t read any of them, but I plan to, because some of the characters in those books appear in the newer ones.) This series takes place in a modern day Manhattan, where a wide variety of supernatural creatures live alongside humans. “The Others” have recently made their presence known to humankind, and everyone is trying figure out the various social and political implications.

A White Lie Covered in Darkness
Noah Baker never wanted to betray The Others. But if his military commanders want him to covertly investigate a Lupine scientist—whose extraordinary research on sensory perception in werewolves could be used to develop werewolf-sharp senses in human soldiers—Noah must oblige. Even if it means deceiving the woman he desires the most.
Is About To Come Full Circle…
Samantha Carstairs is the personal assistant to the Alpha of the Silverback Clan, and as best friend to the Lupine community’s most brilliant scientist, she is privy to its most dangerous secret. Noah knows that Sam will never leak the scientific research…so he must find another way to get it, while keeping Sam close. But someone else is after Sam’s secret. Who is the other spy infiltrating The Others? If their genetic secrets get into the wrong hands, all hell could break loose. Now Noah’s true loyalty is put to the test as he fights to protect The Others—and his beloved Sam—and find the imposter…before it’s too late.

Howl at the Moon is another solidly engaging supernatural romance from Warren. In my opinion, it is an improvement over the slightly disappointing The DemonYou Know (The Others, Book 2). Noah Baker and Samantha Carstairs played roles in that book–Noah is the heroine’s brother and Samantha acted as Abby (Noah sister’s) protector. The two literally tussled during a misunderstanding, which led to the sexual tension with which HATM begins.

Noah is part of a Special Force in which soldiers have been specially trained to deal with “Others”. (For the Buffy fans, think Season Four’s Riley and The Initiative.) Noah has had himself installed in the NYC Others base of operations (a werewolf run club called Vircolac), ostensibly to recruit qualified Others to join the Army. Conveniently, he has been put in Samantha’s office, where he can lust after her. Samantha finds this too close for comfort, as she is not thrilled with her attraction to the sexiest and strongest human she’s ever met. The two are hiding big secrets from the rest of “The Others” and each other, and these secrets are at cross purposes.

The strength of Warren’s books lie in her ability to write fun and interesting characters, great chemistry and hot sex. There’s nothing particularly original about the worldbuilding, but the species and characters are solidly drawn. Her heroines tend to be in the independent, strong-willed and (dare I say it?) sassy mold, and Samantha is no exception. The author does do this type of heroine well. Instead of being annoying, she’s someone you wouldn’t mind having as a friend. Noah is misguided and exasperating at times, but also nicely sexy and tender when called for.

My major quibble with the book is that, in the opening chapters, there is too much emphasis placed on their interaction in the prior book. I would’ve preferred seeing their attraction grow through interactions, rather than mental lusting and reflection. But once they get things going, HOT!!!

Christine Warren is emerging as a solid, dependable B author for me, a go to for an entertaining story with a sexy romance. Not too dark, funny without being cheesy or labored, she is definitely an author to try if you like werewolves or your paranormals on the lighter side. And hopefully, she will keep her new site up to date, so we can see who’s coming up next. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Noah’s fellow commandoes.

See my reviews of her other books here, here and here. Note the similarities in comments. Both Ms. Warren and I are consistent, I guess.

Grade: B