Wild About You

October 22, 2012
In Sparks’s 13th entry (after Wanted: Undead or Alive) in her lighthearted Love at Stake series, recurring character Howard Barr, a security specialist/were-bear, gets a romance of his own with carpenter/reality television star Elsa Bjornberg. The two feel an immediate animal attraction after meeting via the matchmaking Shanna Draganesti, only to discover an ancient spell standing between them. Elsa has inherited supernatural powers from her ancestors, but also a curse that could compel a were-bear like Howard to attack her at any time. She’s reluctant, however, to believe that Howard would ever hurt her. Meanwhile, he pursues a vendetta against another breed of shape-shifter, a werewolf. Fans should enjoy the host of supporting players, both those for comic relief and to connect to previous stories, but may find that little room is left for the sweet central romance to develop. Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency.