The Beast in Him- Shelly Laurenston (book 2)

Some things are so worth waiting for. Like the moment when Jessica Ward "accidentally" bumps into Bobby Ray Smith and shows him just how far she's come since high school. Back then, Jess's gangly limbs and bruised heart turn to jelly any time Smitty's "all the better to ravish you with" body came near her. So, some things haven't changed. Except now Jess is a success on her own terms. And she can enjoy a romp-or twenty-with a big, bad wolf and walk away. Easy.
The sexy, polished CEO who hires Smitty's security firm might be a million miles from the loveable geek he knew, but her kiss, her touch, is every bit as hot as he imagined. Jess was never the kind to ask for help, and she doesn't want it now, not even with someone targeting her Pack. But Smitty's not going to turn tail and run. Not before proving that their sheet-scorching animal lust is only the start of something even wilder…
My thoughts: DIBS, I call dibs on Smitty- Mine!! I have found my top wolf!!! Oh hell yeah this wolf is funny, sexy and passionate.  I enjoyed his sense of humor in the previous books but he was even better in his own book. Sixteen years earlier he left a young scared wild dog when he left his home town to go into the Navy, he was her protector, her friend and her biggest crush. The day before he leaves he almost kissed her but for his own reasons he pushed her away and that hurt stayed with her until they met again. Smitty knew he cared for Jessie Ann and knew she really cared for him but he had no idea how much he really loved her. So now all these years later when she "accidentally" bumps into him and pretends to not remember him, it sets his wolf off on a chase that can only end one way. As much as he fights letting his wolf free and as much as she longs to be with him they both fight it every step of the way. But once he knows that she is his he stops at nothing to get her, even doing to worst thing you can do if you are in his family/Pack and that is picking someone, anyone, over family. Until it is pointed out to him does he realize that she is family, his family, his mate. She puts him in his place often and it is a joy to read. Jessie Ann, who now is called Jess by her pack or Jessica by the rest of the world is a very smart, wealthy Pack leader and Smitty thinks he is not worthy of her now, but her love for him will not stand in the way of his stupid thoughts and opinions. She gets exactly what she wants and so does he. Loved this book.. did I mention I call dibs on Bobby Ray Smith and his Southern charm and humor???
My Rating: 4.5
My Favorite scene in the book was when Smitty got up to sing Karaoke. Oh boy you could just tell he did NOT want to do it but he did it to prove his love to Jessie Ann. And for a man to get up and sing Randy Travis, ugh and a man with a deep southern voice... yep yep- hook, line and sinker, I was his and he was mine!!  Love me some Randy Travis too- lol