Lawson’s review of Wild: The Pack of St. James by Noelle Mack
Paranormal historical romance released 26 Feb 08 by Brava

For whatever reason, Russia and the wild mysteries that it can contain have been a perennial draw for me. Add in a healthy dose of werewolf lore and it could be well on the way to a good story. Mack has created some interesting characters and weaves some stories of lost Russian people, magic and the honor of wolves. Unfortunately all of this didn’t live up to expectations and, in fact, something major detract from the story as a whole.

What could that be? The fact that the hero, Kyril, spends 135 avoiding the heroine, Vivienne. The local London pack is under attack from Cossacks and a Russian sort of secret service. Kyril justifies this long absence from this woman he says he loves though the idea that he’s protecting her from those people after him and the less time he spends with her the less attention he’ll draw to her. Don’t heroes generally want to protect their women by never letting them out of their sight? Long separations make no sense.

Vivienne is, in general, a decent heroine. She doesn’t do anything TSTL, the long separation doesn’t make her desperate and she takes the opportunity to explore some things about Kyril on her own. Maybe Vivienne is just a little complacent about the whole thing. She sends a few letters, but that’s about it. She takes the separation as if she really doesn’t feel any deep emotions about Kyril.

Mix in the confusing magic, a evil (but not superhuman) wolf hunter out to do the worst damage to the pack that he can think of, and the whole story is a muddle of trying to much. Kyril’s cousin and his rather nutty side story doesn’t work or make any sense other than a plot device for the machinations of that wolf hunter. There are a couple of other plot points thrown in for good measure but not good sense.

With a title like Wild there was a distinct lack of wildness as well. The reader is given Kyril and Vivienne’s history in the first chapter and then has to read through some tame love scenes ant then a nearly half book separation and while reading through some secondary plots that don’t make much sense. What little steam there is doesn’t inspire much confidence in the HEA that is rather rushed in the end.

Grade: D

Blurb:

     Kyril. Marko. Semyon. Brothers like no other, sworn to lead the Pack of St. James and defend the English crown, though the blood of Russian wolves runs in their veins. In 1815, every woman in London has heard of their legendary passion for seduction–but no one knows of the supernatural powers that raise them far above the ranks of mortal men.

     Dangerous Lover

     In pursuit of a priceless treasure stolen from his homeland, Kyril commands the Pack to gather in secret. A rash act by one woman–one extraordinary woman, the sensual and utterly alluring Vivienne Sheridan–has put their ancient clan in peril. He vows to find her–and find out her every secret–before it is too late…

     Hidden in a ruined mansion, concealed by the shadows of a moonlit night, Vivienne comes forth, drawn to Kyril by a mysterious magic she is unable to resist. In his powerful embrace, Vivienne senses the wild nature beneath his gentlemanly façade–and she surrenders to his intimate touch. Whatever he wants, she will give…with all the passion of a woman mesmerized…

     Read an excerpt.