As I was reading this book, it occurred to me that my husband could very well be a Were. You see, he has many of the same qualities that a Were possesses- he's loyal, and loves with everything, hates with everything, and puts his family above anything else in his life. He's a hard worker, and if you're good to him, he's equally as loyal to you. Those are a lot of the qualities that Were possess. I guess that's why stories that involve werewolves are appealing to me.

The werewolf in A Family Portrait, by J.J. Massa, is a lot like my husband, as well. Tavist Darke lost his mate and their pup several years ago, and is still hurting. He's done his best to move on with his life, but their passing was something that he has never been able to get over. He decides to snoop a little, and see what the new neighbor is like. He comes in contact first with Ashley West, an intelligent and shy little girl who has the scent of fear all over her. Tavist's first instinct is to protect her from two bullies as the little girl gets off the bus. Ashley, afraid of the tall and well-built man, goes running toward her house.

Tracey West has moved into a new town with her three children. She has endured a lifetime of abuse from her ex-husband, Jack. Jack physically and mentally abused them all, and it's only after Jack is jailed for child and spousal abuse that Tracey finally feels she can move on with her life. After the move, Tracey is still scared, but finally coming into her own, until she meets Tavist. Tavist brings out feelings that she has never felt before toward the opposite sex, and she's not quite sure what to do about them.

Tavist has earned the trust of Ashley and her two brothers. This is not an easy feat, considering what they went through at the hands of their cruel father. Jack is always lurking around in the background, even if only in Tracey's nightmares. Just as Tavist and Tracey come to terms with how they feel about each other, they realize that like it or not, they are going to have to deal with Tracey's past.

As a writer, I am well aware of how hard it is to develop a story effectively in novella form. Ms. Massa has done just that. This novella has enough heat, both in the sex scenes and in the fast-paced plot itself, to put many full length novels to shame. I fell in love with Tavist Darke, and would love to see more of Mr. Darke and his new mate in upcoming work. Please oblige, Ms. Massa!

Reviewed By: Sue
© September 2005