This “Behind the Scenes” blog is part of a series examining my romance novels. In each blog, I’ll talk about why I wrote the book, share my thoughts on the plot and/or characters, and reveal what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. Warning: Blogs may contain spoilers.
Hi everyone!
Today I’m showcasing my incredibly unique gay romance, Killer in Wolf’s Clothing. It’s a blend of mystery, danger, super-hot erotica, and romance… with an unusual paranormal twist.
To make things a little easier to understand, here’s the book summary…
Killer in Wolf’s Clothing
A super aggressive Alpha male, a serial killer, and a visit to a kinky sex club… What has Larry gotten himself into?
When Larry learns that his boyfriend Greg changes into another man during the full moon, he has a hard time accepting it—until he meets Deke, Greg’s alternate Alpha personality.
Deke doesn’t play nice and has no time for games. He only wants two things—to get laid and to get revenge against the arsonist who murdered his friends. Finally free from Greg’s restraints, Deke is ready for action, and Larry is more than willing to submit to Deke’s needs.
Together, Larry and Deke set out to find the killer. Their hunt takes them to an all-night Alpha sex club where things heat up for the two of them. But when Larry unwittingly falls into the clutches of the murderer, it’s up to Deke—and Greg—to save him before it’s too late.
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I wrote Killer in Wolf’s Clothing several years ago when Amber Quill Press was looking for werewolf/shapeshifter stories. This novella is a hybrid of both subgenres.
It’s a “werewolf” story in the sense that Greg was bitten by someone and transforms during the full moon—but he doesn’t become a traditional werewolf with pointed ears, fur, and a tail. He shapeshifts into an Alpha male named Deke.
The book is an interesting character study. I wrote three very different male heroes/leads, and intentionally made Deke and Greg polar opposites. Larry is caught in the middle and likes things about both of them.
Deke is 100% human, but embodies lots of animalistic traits: he’s gruff, territorial, and says all he wants to do is eat and have sex. His transformation is more Incredible Hulk than American Werewolf in London.
Personality-wise, Deke is the opposite, or shadow side, of Greg: he’s domineering, rude, wild in the bedroom, aggressive, and doesn’t care about anyone but himself. He’s all Alpha. But deep down, Deke is a sympathetic character who wants to do the right thing. He feels responsible for the deaths of his friends. He has a good heart under his rough exterior.
Deke and Larry have an interesting relationship. Larry is drawn to Deke’s sexy body and aggressive sexual appetite. He wonders if he’s cheating on Greg when he’s with Deke, but Deke assures him he’s not.
Greg is struggling with the fact that each month he turns into Deke, and he’s not happy about it. He doesn’t trust Deke, so he chains him up each month during the full moon. As you can imagine, Deke hates Greg for denying him a life.
Although the book is a paranormal romance involving a serial killer, I knew I had to balance the dark subject matter with a light tone; otherwise the story would get too heavy. (After all, this is a romance!) So I decided to have a little fun with the story and the characters.
That’s where Larry comes in. When Greg tells Larry he turns into another person, Larry doesn’t believe him. (After all, who would?) They have a few humorous exchanges, and Larry doesn’t take any of this seriously, until he sees a video of Greg transforming into Deke.
I added in dashes of humor via Larry’s interactions with Deke to offset the drama and danger Larry and Deke get into as they track the killer. Larry has a sarcastic wit that breaks up the tension—and drives Deke crazy.
Things get hairy (pun intended!) for them at the end of the book, and it looks bleak for all three heroes. But I’m happy to say the epilogue ties up all the loose ends nicely.
Some readers/reviews didn’t get the humor, or were annoyed this wasn’t a “traditional” werewolf book. Well, that’s on them. Right from the start, the reader is drawn into a wacky world of paranormal fantasy.
A few unkind reviewers didn’t even read the whole book before slamming it. But others got the humor and had this to say:
“4 stars! Killer in Wolf’s Clothing offers a different and very creative take on werewolves. I loved the whole concept. Two very different people sharing a body that changes too. Hot, sexy, and a little kinky, this one tells a very engaging story. Larry and Greg are great as a couple but Larry and Deke really smolder. The transformation of Greg into Deke is detailed and the whole idea just pulls you in. Add a crazy serial killer and a werewolf sex club to the mix and you a wild ride. Great fun!” – Emma, Night Owl Reviews
“Killer in Wolf’s Clothing was a delight to read. Deke is so different from Greg in his sexual needs and desires. Larry enjoyed both men for different reasons. Then trouble brewed and they all had to work together. Kelli A. Wilkins has penned a tale that will heat your blood and increase your heart rate as you become immersed in the hot love scenes and the terror of the murderer. Killer in Wolf’s Clothing shows that you never know who your neighbor is.” – Sensual Reads
“4 stars! Killer in Wolf’s Clothing is a quick fun read that will hook you from the beginning. A bit different than I’m used to regarding werewolves, but I totally enjoyed the book. Recommended for all who like the horror genre with a twist of fun.” – Susan, Sweet-n-Sassi.blogspot
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I had a lot of fun writing this story, and went out of my way to make it outrageous at times. Did it work? I think so. It’s very different from all the other romances I’ve written (gay or straight), and it’s my only book that mentions the Christmas season. (That’s why I saved this blog for December.)
I hope you enjoy reading this very unusual romance. I loved creating these quirky characters while offering a unique look at the werewolf legend.
Order Killer in Wolf’s Clothing here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G3V9VWW
All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/mYRB6x
Be sure to follow my blog for the latest updates and visit me on social media. You can read more “Behind the Scenes” blogs here: www.KelliWilkins.com/blog
I also made a Facebook page for my gay romances: https://www.facebook.com/GayRomancesbyKelliAWilkins/
Happy Holidays!
Kelli A. Wilkins
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 5 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories.
Her latest novel, In Another World, was published in 2022. This contemporary mystery/romance is set in the world of the paranormal.
She released two horror shorts, More Than I Bargained For and Silent Sentinel in 2021.
Like to write? Check out Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing. This fun and innovative guide to journaling is filled with hundreds of thought-provoking prompts designed to get you writing about your feelings and emotions.
Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.
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