This instalment in theBloodrunners series deals with shapechanger Eric Drake, who is trying to reorganise his clan after leadership and tribal disputes left chaos in the world of Lycans and halfbreeds. A human woman is found sleeping in her car on the mountain road and Eric does his best to get rid of her before she sees something she shouldn't.

Chelsea Smart however is searching for her missing sister and refuses to be intimidated. She'll search every mountain road in Virginia if she has to and even this strange, almost predatory man won't stand in her way. Eric insists on booking her a room at a motel and advises her that her sister will wise up and quit whatever strip club she's serving drinks in sooner or later. But Chelsea is doggedly determined, and even though it leads her to danger which has nothing to do with the Silverclaw and Whitehair packs, Eric can't stop himself from stepping in as her protector.

A raw physical tale of a relationship between a human and a wolf, DARK WOLF RISING is a strong romance for those who love paranormal tales and it doesn't hesitate to show the seedy side of night life and the potential danger of drugs. Eric is very wolfish in his thoughts at all times but restrains himself from acting out his impulses around a human girl. Rhiannon Byrd has created a world peopled with distinct characters and while there are principles which the shapechangers follow, I was glad that there are not too many rules and hierarchies which tend to slow down urban fantasies. DARK WOLF RISING is an interesting romance and a lively adventure with a distinctly adult flavour.