Tracey West doesn't know what to make of the tall, dark and oh-so handsome man who comes to her house delivering her daughter's spelling certificate. When he rescues her from a collapsing porch railing, her heart starts to come alive once again. But Tracey knows she can't get involved. She's trying to stay hidden from her ex-husband Jack, who is currently in jail. Tracey needs to protect her three young children, but she also can't stop her growing feelings for Tav, who comes around often, helping around her house and just sharing conversation and laughter. He's the kind of man she never imagined she'd find, but is he too good to be true? Tav will do anything to guard his new found family and if that means showing his feral side to Tracey, well, he just hopes she can accept him for who he is. As Tav woos and tries to win Tracey's heart, danger lurks, waiting to kill Tracey. Will Tav be able to protect the woman he has fallen in love with?

A Family Portrait is the latest book in J.J. Massa's Montgomery Family series. Readers have come to know and love Tav's gentle personality in the previous stories, and now he finally has a chance to shine. Because of the heartache in his past, Tav is perhaps a bit more of a gentler werewolf than his Montgomery brethren, but he is by no means weak or effeminate. As the story continues, the reader will see that Tav is a strong Alpha who has suffered some serious pain. His renewal of love and life is beautiful to read about, as he comes alive when surrounded by Tracey and her children. Touching, poignant, and mixed with the perfect amount of sensuality readers have come to expect from Ms. Massa, A Family Portrait is a great addition to this series. Readers will get glimpses of some of their favorite characters, without the focus of Tav and Tracey's story being lost. Yet again, Ms. Massa has written a page-turner of a story.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Sarah W
August 5, 2005