Reluctant
Ellora’s Cave
ISBN 1-4199-0712-3
Genre: Paranormal
Series: Cascadia Wolves Series#2
Length: Short Story
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This is a prequel in the Cascadia Wolves series that is also a standalone quickie story.
Layla Warden had a ten year plan and it sure as heck didn’t include a mate. She had her flashy car and her corner office and all was right with the world until Sid Rosario sat down at her table and turned her life upside down.
Sparks fly right off as the two werewolves flirt over dinner and it’s no surprise to either of them when they end up back at his hotel room, naked and sweaty. But what is a surprise is that Sid is her mate and they don’t figure it out until the bond is sealed.
Angry and off balance, Layla asks Sid for some time to think and he gives her a day and a half to get herself straight. Any longer than that and the lack of the anchor of the tri-bond, the stabilizing third bond for a werewolf female, will begin to take its toll on the female mate’s sanity.
Layla, driven by confusion and fear, heads out of contact while a frantic Sid looks for her. What comes next helps a reluctant wolf find her way to acceptance
Across the room, Sid Rosario watched the tall, very busty redhead enter the room and sit down. Her hair was tousled around her shoulders like she’d just rolled out of bed and very big, china blue eyes took in the room around them. And damn, but the woman did leather pants well enough to make him want to lick her like a giant ice-cream cone.
“Who is that?” Sid asked his cousin, Adam.
Adam peered around Sid’s shoulder and smiled. “The tall one with the red hair is Layla Warden. The petite one is Tia Mathis. Layla is pack royalty. She’s the oldest daughter. Tia’s just smoking hot.”
“I’m not interested in her pedigree. But I’d sure like to get to know her better. You know either one of them?” Sid could not take his eyes from Layla Warden’s mouth with that shiny red lipstick painting it. His cock throbbed in anticipation as a picture of red lipstick marks at the base of it flashed through his mind. Lipstick kisses on his cock, yeah, that worked.
“Ah, it’s like that, is it? Well, many have tried and failed. She’s a bit cool. But yeah, Tia and I dated a few times. Let’s go. I’ll introduce you.” Adam stood up and Sid followed.
“Ah, so soon?” Tia murmured to Layla. “Adam Rosario. I have very fond naked memories of him. And who is that with him?”
Layla looked up from the menu and locked gazes with tall, dark and dangerous. The man just oozed rebellion. Short black hair, a row of earrings in his right ear. Nautica had a strict dress code but despite the black jeans and the button-down shirt, she was sure the guy lived in ripped jeans and Clash T-shirts.
So utterly not her type. This thought seemed to escape her as she looked into those big hazel eyes.
“Tia, gorgeous. Long time no see.”
Tia smiled up at Adam and batted her lashes a bit. “Hi, Adam.”
“Hey, Layla. You look great too. Can we join you?”
Tia accepted before Layla could speak. But she wouldn’t have refused anyway. Mr. Rebel made her all tingly. And it had been a while. Four months to be exact.
“This is my cousin, Sid. He’s visiting here for a few weeks. Sid, this is Tia Mathis and Layla Warden.”
Sid shook hands with Tia and smiled at her, but it was fleeting compared to the full-on, deep, soul-shaking look he gave Layla. Taking her hand, he kissed the knuckles and the warmth of his lips shot straight to her pussy.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Layla. I like that name. Is it…”
“Yes. My parents were big Eric Clapton fans when I was conceived. Let’s speak of it no more.”
Her smile was flirtatious and Sid smiled back.
“So what are you doing while you visit? Where do you call home?” Layla felt like she couldn’t get enough of looking at him.
The server came and took their orders and Sid watched as she sipped her drink.
He cleared his throat. “I’m doing a mural—I’m an artist. I live in Tucson. And what do you do?”
“I’m in financial services. I do portfolio planning.”
His eyebrows rose.
“What? Too Yuppie for you?”
He laughed. “No, not at all. I love smart women. I’m impressed.”
She relaxed.
All through dinner she felt herself pulled under his spell. Each time he reached out to grab the salt or his beer, he’d touch her in some small way. His total attention was on her at every moment. His voice was low and seductive, an aural caress. When she spoke, he listened intently, clearly interested in what she had to say.
And she couldn’t deny she was fascinated by him. Watched his hands move expressively while he talked about his work. Saw the delightful light in his eyes, making it clear he loved what he did. He flattered her and made her laugh.
There was no doubt for either of them that they’d end up in bed. She liked that his surety wasn’t smug or smarmy. He was a sexy guy in town for a few weeks—the perfect fling. She certainly had no plans to stop the inevitable.
Holly at Two Lips Reviews gives RELUCTANT FIVE lips and says in part: “Lauren Dane rocked with this quickie. RELUCTANT is hot and intense. Sid and Layla are meant for each other and Sid does an amazing job of showing her how a modern alpha male werewolf can keep his “alphaness” while allowing her to be the strong alpha woman she is. Keep a watch out for more Cascadia Wolves, I am!”
Contessa at The Romance Studio gives RELUCTANT FIVE hearts and says in part: “Lauren Dane’s RELUCTANT is a wonderfully succinct, enchanting story that I really enjoyed losing myself in. Just when I was caught up in the rapture of this magnificent tale, the conclusion came all too soon. Don’t get me wrong, I was not left hanging – I simply wanted more of Layla and Sid. Layla, a successful profession business woman, has her life all planned out down to the final detail and she is not all too happy about the unforeseen circumstance that ties her to Sid. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Sid for the simple fact that he showcased great compassion towards Layla. Neither one of them was looking for what fate threw at them. It was very fascinating to see how they worked through it. As always, Ms. Dane’s sexual scenes are smoking hot and sinfully lustful. This couple’s passionate encounters will have you drooling all over yourself and squirming in your seat. Ms. Dane is a very gifted author that pens a storyline with a great plot and well-developed characters. RELUCTANT is a wonderful addition to Ms. Dane’s Cascadia Wolves collection and I eagerly look forward to her next installment.”
Talia at Joyfully Reviewed says of RELUCTANT: “RELUCTANT by Lauren Dane is the story of Sid and Layla whom readers met in Lauren Dane’s first Cascadia Wolves book, ENFORCER. It takes place ten years prior to ENFORCER and I could not be happier to find out how Sid and Layla got together. I loved them as mates in ENFORCER and was so pleased to read about them in Reluctant. While being total opposites, I could sense the love and commitment they felt for each other and for that fact alone, I was pleased.
RELUCTANT was naughty to read and I relished every word. I have to say that I simply am head over heels in love with Lauren Dane’s werewolves and I can’t wait for the next book of this series! ”
Suni in the October 1, 2006 issue of JERR gives RELUCTANT 4 1/2 stars and said in part: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Autumn Animalia: RELUCTANT and was sad to see the last page arrive. The characters were compelling and highly likable. The pacing was steady and never became sluggish or boring. The plot was luscious and the romance sizzling. Sid Rosario was loveable and understanding. I wanted things to work out for him. He deserved a woman that could cherish him. Layla was that same type of woman; she just needed to know that her life did not end when she found a mate. Supporting characters, Shane and Tia were the perfect supporting cast. Tia didn’t give Layla an inch. She was always honest with her friend and never let Layla lie to herself. Shane was plain sexy. I really would like to know what happened to them in the future.. I’m sure their stories would be exciting and hot as sin, especially if they involved the tri-bond. Lauren Dane is a genius and I look forward to reading more of her work.”
Chrissy at Romance Junkies gives RELUCTANT 4 1/2 stars and says in part: Lauren Dane’s RELUCTANT is loosely connected to her Cascadia Wolves Series but can easily be read alone. I can guarantee you’ll want to get a copy of ENFORCER as well after reading this short but very hot story, I know I will. Layla and Sid are fun characters who come from different backgrounds. Layla’s very business oriented and organized, having a mate suddenly thrust into her well-laid plans is a major issue for her. Sid is an artist, he’s more accepting of changes in his life or plans. He’s thrilled to have found his mate and can’t understand why she’s so panicked. I had a wonderful time reading about these characters and getting a feel for the way Layla’s mind works, especially as she tries to accept in her mind what her heart already knows. This is definitely a book I’ll read many times over. I am now anxiously awaiting the next book, TRI MATES. The title alone makes it sound utterly delectable.”
Cynthia at A Romance Review gives RELUCTANT four roses and says in part: “RELUCTANT is a fabulously engaging read. This prequel to the Cascadia Wolves series is a wonderful glimpse at the dynamics of mated weres. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book in the series.”