CRY WOLF
by Greta Stone
M/M Paranormal Gothic Romance
Date Published: March 1 2017
Publisher: Skeleton Key Publishing
Peter is a kitsune. It means that chaos follows him wherever he goes. Good intentions, bad intentions---it doesn’t matter. Even mimicking the howl of a friend he hasn’t seen in over a decade turns out to have disastrous consequences.
The wolf doesn’t have a name. For now, he goes by Luca. He has no past, and as a slave who’s only just managed to escape the clutches of a cruel master, if he can’t stay hidden in the shadows, he’ll have no future.
When he hears his own howl come from the mouth of another, he’s drawn to investigate, and ends up saddled with a mouthy fox who insists they used to be friends once upon a time.
Petty problems and a dubious reunion are pushed aside the longer they're stranded together.
The Underwood is a dangerous place. If they want to survive, they have to work together.
The alternative is death.
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Excerpt
“What do you want to do to me?”
The question seemed to shock Luca somehow, the top of his sharp cheeks taking on the barest hint of cherry red. He seemed to give it some thought in the darkness of the dripping tunnel, “This time, when we do whatever we’re going to do, can you pretend…to love me.”
Peter halted. “What?”
“Don’t make it weird.”
Peter latched on to Luca’s arm and halted his purposeful march through the main chamber. “I’m not trying to make it weird. What did you say?”
“Pretend to love me this time. Despite being a sh*tty liar, you’re good at pretending. It shouldn’t be that hard for you to make me believe it.”
Peter squeezed his shoulder and turned him around so he could see his face, his stark features illuminated by the glowing blue pool of liquid. “You want to believe that I love you?”
“I want to know what it feels like…” His eyebrows knitted. “I keep thinking about Avaline. How much she must’ve loved him to turn her afterlife into this forest. A tree for every tear. I want to know what she was crying over.” Something about Peter’s expression triggered Luca’s defenses, and he spun around. “Forget it.”
“Stop,” Peter snapped with a vehemence that left his voice echoing in surrounding caverns.
Luca halted, but didn’t face him, head tilted to the side. “What?”
“Didn’t Lydia love you? Didn’t Chief love you?”
“I don’t think that’s the right kind of love.”
“What you asked for…” I don’t have to pretend. “Stay here. I’ll be back.”
“Where are you going?”
“To get rope.”
Carra's Review
Some books I have to slow down my reading, as they take longer to digest and I have to concentrate more on the words—usually due to more detailed descriptions, unfamiliar world building and characters that are complicated and more unusual than I’m used to encountering. For me, Cry Wolf is one of those books. There’s a lot to be explained, and multiple fables that have their pieces woven into this tale, so I had to block out the everyday distractions so I could really delve into this story and understand everything going on.
The world building for New Gotham, particularly what goes on in the Underwood, is intricate and complex. There’s a wide range of characters, pulling from ancient tales and fantasy—all with distinctly individual personalities and nuances. I was particularly intrigued by Luca, and my heart went out to him with all he has gone through in his life—though he doesn’t remember a big chunk of it. Peter’s character takes complexity to a new level with his fascinating abilities. Though the two knew each other when they were younger, this is not a second chance romance; it is more of a second chance friendship, with the intimacy growing out of Peter and Luca’s relationship this time around as the two grow together training and learning.
The suspense and action are constantly present, and fair warning to those with weak stomachs—this story does get a bit bloody and gory at times. But it is just a part of the character’s natures to be this way, and the more you learn about them and the world they live in, the easier it is to accept the rawness of their internal makeup. The ongoing drama makes for some exciting scenes, plenty to keep your heart pounding as you read.
There’s so much more that can come from this story and in this world, and as far as Peter and Luca go, their tale feels like it’s not finished yet—there’s plenty that you’ll find left open-ended once you’re done reading. My curiosity has been aroused for this series, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this world and these characters. 4 solid stars for Cry Wolf, and I would recommend this story to M/M Gothic paranormal romance/urban fantasy fans. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language, M/M sexual content, and several stomach-roiling descriptions.
About the Author
Greta Stone writes paranormal gothic romance. She likes to say her characters develop in darkness, but real people are a mixture of good deeds, bad habits, and dark secrets. More than anything, she strives to write compelling characters with layered struggles and the strength to overcome them. A diverse cast, dark humor, and passionate romance are the only constant elements in any of her stories, and she's always on the lookout for interesting mythology and folklore to explore.
When Greta isn’t writing, she enjoys thrift shopping, drinking expensive, foo-foo tea, and playing chess with her friends. Greta loves to hear from readers! (Hi, Mom.) So if there's something on your mind, feel free to leave a message after the scream. (Mom, you can just call me. Seriously.)
Giveaway!
How to Win a Free e-Book Copy of Cry Wolf
The first 5 people to comment on one of Greta Stone’s tour post will automatically win a free e-book copy of Cry Wolf. Available formats include: mobi, pdf, epub, and prc. Interested parties should email newgotham1@gmail.com with their e-book format preference for their prizes. Greta will keep tally and submit prizes at the end of each tour day.
Take a trip to New Gotham!
A paid vacation to New Gotham is an expensive affair. I found a witch who specializes in crafting gatestones. These magical pendants are used for traveling between dimensions. The bauble offered as a contest prize should take the winner to Avaline’s Trees. Keep in mind, gatestones are touchy things. It might not do anything at all. Or you might up in oblivion. Good luck with that. We’ll read about it in the papers, no doubt.
Elderstone Keys – What’s the big deal?
There is a house in New Gotham that is rumored to be haunted. No one has lived in it since the Great Depression, and no one can recall what its last occupants looked like, what they did for a living or where they went. Only one is fated to enter and learn its secrets. Anytime I host a contest, I give away keys to Elderstone. The person who collects ten of them is fated to own the house. Among their keys, they’ll have the mystical key that opens the door. (More information)
Thank you so much for participating in Cry Wolf's tour. I'm glad you enjoyed the book!
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