Lisa sends her faculty advisor in wildlife biology, Nathaniel Briggs, an email stating that she has gone to look for a nursing gray wolf and her litter. Even though the field trip had been cancelled, she took it upon herself to go and track down the wolf. Nathaniel calls Jake, Lisa’s dad, telling him about the circumstances and prepares to go search for her with Jake’s help. What starts as a rescue trip to find Lisa, turns into Nathaniel and Jake becoming very close friends, especially when they both learn they have HIV. Both had no intentions of feeling anything for the other during this time but as they continue on the rescue mission, they begin to form an attraction for the other. Both Jake and Nathaniel know that Lisa is the type of person who likes to try to save the world. She also cares deeply for her father and Nathaniel. As they trek closer into the woods, not only do Jake and Nathaniel find a warm bonding love by the campfire, they begin to learn that Lisa’s hopes in saving the wolves might be just as important as trying to save any other cause.

Wolf touches on the subject of two men with HIV trying to fit into a society that often cast their gazes the other way, not really giving the individual a chance, let alone educating oneself on the disease. Often the world paints such a dark portrayal of those with the disease forgetting they have families, lives and feelings. Jake and Nathaniel’s reactions really reach down and touch the reader almost pricking the heart, in this stirring romance. Sarah Black creates a story of vigor and fortitude, not only within the realms of living with HIV, but a bonding with father and daughter, and preserving what is important in life.

Reviewed by: Linda L.