However, after their scorching night together, Stone leaves Banff, heading back to his own pack. Ali misses him and she also aches for his sexual touch. The thought of never seeing him again is driving her insane, so when she runs into his twin at her job, she can't help but ask a few questions about him. Once she gets the ball rolling though, it is up to Stone to make the next move. And he does, when he shows up in Banff a few days later, on the pretense of moving some lumber. Stone once again can't take his eyes or his mind off Ali. But this time, one night together won't be enough, and when a foolish wolf makes a claim on Ali, Stone's fit to be tied. Is this bachelor finally ready to settle down with an aggravating, adorable, and loving woman?

The newest in Lorie O'Clare's Cariboo Lunewulf series packs yet another sexual and paranormal wallop. This is a really enjoyable story because its main characters are, while larger than life with their werewolf heritage, they are also hardworking, intense, and devoted members of their packs. Ali is a spitfire to be sure, and she's going to make Stone work to earn her affections, but she's also more than willing to show him just how much she loves him. I really liked how she took the initiative in their relationship and that she wasn't going to let pack law stand in the way of her finally finding a mate. Stone is a bit tougher to figure out. He is a great Alpha male, and there is no doubt that he cares for Ali, but what I didn't quite understand was why he fought so hard against falling in love. Sure, he liked his bachelorhood, but it seemed that he really avoided love and I didn't think Ms. O'Clare provided enough of a reason for this character trait. Perhaps a better explanation was provided in the previous books in the series, which I didn't read, and therefore can't take into account. Otherwise, this story was truly a pleasure to read. There is quite a bit of violence, but readers of werewolf stories should find this fairly normal. The sexual exploits are sizzling hot, something Ms. O'Clare always excels at. All combined together, Challenged is a great read that delves into the politics of pack law, explores the rituals of mating, and features two hardheaded protagonists both of whom have to learn the art of compromise while maneuvering on the tricky road of love.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Sarah W
August 24, 2005