Devon’s review of Last Wolf Standing (Bloodrunners, Book 1) by Rhyannon Byrd
Paranormal romance released by Harlequin Nocturne 1 Mar 08

Soul mates, fated mates, life mates…just the mention of the device is enough to strike horror in the hearts of some readers and sighs of delight in others. The idea that there is someone out there meant for one of us, someone with whom you can have a bone-deep connection, is very romantic. However, the soul mate premise, so often used in paranormal romance, usually means that romantic and sexual tension is slim to none. There is no “will they-or won’t they,” no delicious drama where two disparate souls come together, because it’s all auomatic and “just because”. So when half-breed werewolf Mason Dillinger spots Torrance Watson across a crowded café and knows she is his, I was a little leery.

Last Wolf Standing was an entertaining shapeshifter romance. Ms. Byrd makes it clear that a chemical connection is not enough to sustain life mates, which I liked. I looked forward to seeing their connection fulfilled, but I was a bit disappointed in how it played out. A lot of this was due to Mason. He’s your standard broody, tough paranormal hero type, and although he craves Torrance sexually, and wants to know everything about her, he refuses to believe that he can love.

I hate that, it seems so contrived to produce tension. That “I refuse to fall in love…I’m just obsessed with you” crap. Whatever, dude. Here’s a quarter, buy yourself a clue. When he had his stunning revelation that he was in love, it was too little too late for me. Sigh. On the up side, Mason’s fellow Bloodrunners (half-breed werewolves that hunt rogue werewolves) showed far more personality than he did. I hope they get books, because I’d like to know more about each.

Torrance was the better character. Kind of timid, plagued by childhood fears, she was brave and strong when the chips were down. A likeable heroine, she deserved a more interesting hero than Mason. I also found the overall plotline intriguing. It was left open-ended, and I assume it will develop further in future books. I am definitely interested in how the storyline will play out.

Although I was disappointed in Mason and the development of his romance with Torrance, this was an action packed, fast read, with enough of interest that I will definitely read the next in the series. Worth a go for werewolf fans, and those who enjoy love on the run. The next two are out back to back, this April and May. (Squee! I want!)

Grade: B-

     Five seconds ago, Mason Dillinger would have sworn that it could never happen . . .

     That a woman who was his perfect match even existed. And that he’d find her in a bustling café. Yet just the scent of sweet, mortal Torrance Watson ignited a driving, explosive need to claim her that he knew his Pack would never sanction. . . . Worse, the rogue werewolf he’d been hunting had sensed that attraction and made Torry his prey. Forced to safeguard her from this ruthless assassin who already posed a threat to his Pack, Mason now faced the ultimate challenge. Does he have the courage to cross the line by sealing the blood bond that will make Torry his alone—a disloyalty few of his kind ever survived—or live an eternity without love?

     Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series: