Title: Old Loyalty, New Love
Author: Mary Calmes
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel (246 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62798-475-1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13th December 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: When jackal shifter Quade Danas was banished from his pack for being gay, he spent years in the military escaping his father’s prejudice before returning to civilian life as a bodyguard for Roman Howell, the teenage son of a very rich man. After Roman is in an accident that leaves him physically scarred and emotionally distant, Quade is the only one who can get through to him. As Roman becomes a man, he realizes what he wants—his bodyguard by his side and in his bed. Unfortunately, Quade can’t seem to see past the kid Roman once was to the man he has become, certain Roman’s feelings are merely misplaced gratitude. But Roman knows a lot more than Quade realizes, and he’s used to persevering, no matter how many impediments life throws his way. He wants the chance to prove to Quade that he’s strong enough for a jackal alpha to call mate.
Despite the decades, Quade has been away, and the heartache of his father’s rejection, his inborn loyalty to the pack remains, and his abrupt departure left the jackal shifters without an Alpha heir. As a psychopath shifter, staking claim as Alpha draws Quade back home, and Quade feels compelled to heed the call, he may be forced to make a choice he never anticipated. But doing so means he must leave Roman behind… unless somehow they find a way to make loyalty and love work together.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4464
Review: Quade made a new life for himself when he was banished from his jackal pack for being gay. he now works as a bodyguard and protector for Roman Howell. Quade was the only one who could get through to Roman when he suffered horrific burns, and now ten years later, Roman wants so much more from his steadfast protector. But Quade isn’t sure that Roman knows what he really wants and just as Roman begins to wear Quade down, Quade’s sister turns up asking for his help. Despite the pack turning their backs on him when he was younger, Quade can’t let them suffer. But will he have to give up what he has just found?
Oh, I love Mary Calmes heartwarming stories and I love them even more when they have a paranormal thread. So this one hit all the right spots, even before I’d cracked it open. Quade is a super character and he is evenly matched with determined Roman. These two have known each other for so long and their relationship is so close, that the only thing missing is the sex and Roman is determined to change that. Roman is a blast, as we watch him wearing Quade down and getting Quade to see him as a man and not a teenager. Quade really doesn’t know what has hit him. When Quade has to return to his hometown, he ends up confronting past hurts and facing a challenge to save his old pack. He also makes startling discoveries.
I loved this story and its feel good magic. I loved the characters and the way the story is written. Both Quade and Roman are wonderful characters. Their working relationship is much closer than many friendships. and while Quade tries to keep his attraction to Roman in check, Roman decides it’s time to step up his game and claim what is his. He already knows Quade’s secret and he discovers much more before too long. But Quade waffles trying to do the right thing and Roman will no longer let him deny what could be between them. Even when Quade has to help his old pack, Roman ensures that Quade will not forget him.
There are two parts to this story really, Quade and Roman’s relationship and then the rescuing of Quade’s old pack. It blends more towards the end meshing both parts together nicely. You can’t help but love Quade and Roman, although sometimes you do want to give Quade a shove in the right direction. And I thought he was much too generous with his forgiving nature (seriously, his ex was a complete douche). I can’t tell you how much I loved Roman’s and Quade’s relationship. Their easy camaraderie with each other was something special and shines through their interaction with each other. The pack aspect is really good, but I really wasn’t sure if I liked how easily it all fell together. I mean, this was a pack that turned their back on Quade when he was young and now suddenly they welcome him with open arms, because they need rescuing from an insane Alpha. It was just too easily forgiven.
I have to recommend this to those who love shifters, paranormal, an easy enjoyable story, great characters, a touch of angst and a brilliant ending.