Professor Seth Anderson lacked a childhood filled with loving parents. His life was difficult, but he endured the pain and loneliness, and used it to escape the past and to become an expert in his field. Employment in Brier, Iowa offered Seth the safety and serenity he required, and brought Raphael "Rafe" Dirisio into his life. Rafe's large frame is rivaled only by his enormous heart. The men find solace together and embark on a relationship that gives Seth something he has never imagined possible. Seth finally has someone who loves him.

Seth has notoriety in his field and travels to Washington, D.C. to deliver a series of lectures. What starts out as a week to discover the Nation's capital, ends with Rafe making a few discoveries of his own. The sweet submissive man he has come to love has kept secrets that could endanger them both. While Rafe will have to decide if he can deal with Seth's true nature, Seth will have to evaluate his feelings for Rafe.

When I first started to read Seth and Rafe's story, I was surprised to see an omega seeking an alpha's love and affection, because it's normally the betas I see in this role, and never the low man on the totem pole. The further I got into the story, the more it drew me in. Seth is anything but your average omega werewolf. Yes, he's brilliant, submissive, and handsome, but when you look below the surface he has alpha qualities, lurking and ready to make their presence known. Rafe reminded me of an alpha pack leader. His ability to calm Seth and make him feel safe and secure made him that much more likeable. The man didn't have to put Seth first, but he did a majority of the time. I was pleased at his reaction to the truth. Rafe didn't overreact, but he didn't take one on the chin either. He made his feelings clear and decided to move forward. They interact like two old lovers. They drew strength, love, and courage from one another at times without realizing what they were actually doing. This brilliantly written story includes fascinating characters, wonderful settings, and a well-written plot. Rowan McBride's Lone is a story about new beginnings, facing your inner demons, outer conflicts, and the devotion sparked by true love.

Reviewed by: NeNe