Title: Isherwood
Series: N/A
Author: Missy Welsh
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel (212 pages)
Publisher: Amber Allure (November 3rd, 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo
Blurb: Two years ago, the small Southern Ohio town of Isherwood seemed to change overnight. Businesses were abandoned or sold and townsfolk just up and moved away. Now, those who were left behind are trying to keep their lives afloat on the hope that things will improve someday.
Finn Webb is one of those people. His construction and remodeling company he runs with his sister is one of the largest employers left in town. He’s felt his world teetering on the edge of failure for so long, that saving an injured dog is a bright spark of life he’s happy to hold onto.
Cas Maine has come to Isherwood because that’s where the road led. He’s tired, hungry, and desperate for the acceptance and safety he once had in his birth pack. But crossing into town sees him shifting into his wolf form and unable to shift back. Then he’s hit by a car only to be rescued by his one true mate.
What follows is a series of events where a job outside of town lets Cas and Finn grow closer while also leading to the uncovering of numerous secrets held by several inhabitants of Isherwood. Everyone has a stake in this. And the stakes are high…
Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Isherwood.html
Review: Many m/m paranormal stories focus so heavily on the “mate/insta-love/attraction” that they often forget the meat of a good story to go along with the heat. This story effectively blends several themes including a good love story with heat, while also employing good storytelling. The author does a superb job of weaving the various mysteries together while not forgoing the heat of a paranormal romance. There are several plotlines interwoven that the reader can suss out, involving the politics of weres and some non-traditional were elements are added that make the story stand out among the multitude of paranormal romances out there. The suspense element of the mystery in the book is paced steadily throughout the story allowing the reader to go on the ride to see if what they ‘think’ will happen is actually what happens. The reader will not be surprised or shocked by the turn of events, since the author gives enough hints and cues along the way. But the reader does enjoy the ride that the author takes them on until the inevitable unfolding story’s climax.
The characters of Cas and Finn are three-dimensional and clearly defined. The addition of seeing Cas as a fully developed character in both forms (human and were) was a nice addition to the story. Additionally, the secondary characters create an ensemble cast who do the work of moving the story forward thus keeping the reader engaged as all the various stories begin to intertwine and then eventually unravel until the reader is satisfied with the outcome as the Cas and Finn’s find their HEA.
For anyone who enjoys a good paranormal romance, this will definitely be a good addition to the reading roster.
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