3.5 stars, but I always round up. I love this series, but I had a hard time getting into the mystery for book four. I couldn’t get invested in the large new cast of characters in the same way I did with Oliver’s family in book three. Vanessa stood out the most from the new characters, but her storyline felt somewhat unresolved.

What truly made up for what wasn’t working for me in the mystery was the development of Cooper and Park’s relationship. The sex scenes are steamy and emotionally intense. Their communication is at its best in book four, and their one step forward two steps back tango of a relationship finally reaches the next level. The stakes didn’t feel high for the mystery but I was completely invested in the stakes of Cooper and Park’s relationship. Just reading their banter alone is worth the price of admission.

I’m truly looking forward to book five even though I’m not ready to say goodbye to Cooper and Park. I loved watching their love story blossom into something authentic and beautiful.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

After the rant I had with Thrown to the Wolves, I am happy to report that I am satisfied with this latest installment of Charlie Adhara's Big Bad Wolf series. The one thing that irritated the hell out of me in the previous book -- namely, the "failure to communicate" trope between two men -- is nicely addressed here.

Sure, MAYBE, it has something to do with Cooper and Park going undercover in a couple's counseling retreat, where they are bound to get therapy session and talk about feelings 😬. However, at the same time, both also talk outside of the session, even if it's still staccato-like. Because you know, men, so difficult to express what they feel, huh? But yes, they talk, and NOT only that ... Cooper learns things about himself, and I learn a lot about the two.

As for the investigation, it is also BETTER than the previous one where things are kept in secret behind the "family pack" stance. Cooper and Park work together nicely to uncover what happens with the missing wolf. There are some dead bodies appear, sinister people, wolf trying to challenge the Shepherd, and VERY HOT sex scenes thrown in between. GOOD times.

Nicely done, Ms. Adhara 👍🏼. I will be waiting patiently for book #5 now...

4.5 stars.

This is a fascinating, steamy MM romance mystery featuring couple Oliver and Park, who go undercover at a secluded mountain retreat to investigate the disappearance of one of the residents.

This one brought back so many memories as it’s been *years* since I’ve first read a Werewolf romance (C. R. Alvery’s Hope remains a perfect example), and here in Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing...

We have a slow-burn mystery that not only focuses on the investigation but also on the relationship growth between our partners; Park and Oliver have an addicting chemistry that provokes a delicious amount of intrigue and engagement. I’m excited to see where the author takes our couple in the next installment, “Cry Wolf”!

I don't know how Adhara makes each successive book in this series better than last, but she does. This is book four in the Big Bad Wolf series which should be read in order. *This review may contain spoilers for the previous books.*
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I was immediately drawn in to the story. There are so many reasons Cooper and Park don't work as a couple yet their attraction and attachment is undeniable. Watching them attack each hurdle in their relationship is fascinating. They are so clumsily cute in their relationship that my heart just warms watching them navigate it.

There is an intriguing murder mystery for our men to solve, yet what kept me on my toes were the nuggets of werewolf lore that were dropped like breadcrumbs for readers to follow.

Although I had a hard time keeping up with who all the different characters were, I was enthralled with the dynamic between Cooper and Park as well as learning more about the unique werewolf world presented in this series.

Oh this lovely lovely book. What more can I add?

The story picks up where we left off in the last installment. However, this time Cooper and Park are playing house and are in fact looking for a place to live.

But as they're cosplaying husband and husband, they receive a call asking them to go to an estate not too far from where they were real estate window shopping. Due to Park's history as the Shepherd, which he is desperate to atone for, Park and Cooper are roped into going undercover to a couples' retreat to investigate the disappearance of a man from Park's past.

The story starts out with a steady drip drip drip of things that seem innocuous really. From Cooper's sudden infatuation with marriage to his displeasure with the idea of being an alpha. This book is what I'd like to call a slow burn mystery. The action takes a bit of time to get to the good bits but the wait is worth it.

I do wish for paranormal mysteries to become more mainstream and once more I do wish for more fiction with gay protags so that I can experience a bit of tension and no guarantee of a HEA. MMs kinda take the wind out of my suspense sails. Please recommend such to me if you do come across them.

But I digress. This book was like getting a slice of chocolate cake after craving wheat for years. And what's more, it leaves us pining for a sequel that answers questions from a previous book. And boy oh boy I can't fucking wait.

The thing I loved most about Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing was the character and relationship development. I had some issues with Cooper and Park’s relationship in the previous book, but the way Adhara addressed those in this novel wiped that all away. Cooper and Park were in a much healthier place, even when dealing with their own personal problems, and the way their relationship was written and developed was absolutely lovely. They actually communicated in a healthy manner!

This was probably my favorite installment in regard to the romance, tbh. There were so many sweet scenes between them. They were both making an effort to be more open and to listen to each other and show their support. I particularly loved Cooper’s realizations and “episodes” when he had his epiphanies. It was such an important plot point revealed in such an endearing way that it really made me smile.

The writing, as usual, was engaging and pretty easy to get into. This was a really quick read due to the fast pace and it the plot kept you interested. There was a… huge plothole, though? When Cooper and Park were asked to go undercover, the issue of Park’s identity came up along with the possibility of several wolves recognizing him. The person who asked them to take on the case said they were counting on that to excuse Cooper and Park going to the retreat in the first place. But when Cooper and Park got to the retreat and during their first days there, they had fake identities and had to do their best to maintain them??? And spent quite a lot of time worrying other wolves would recognize them. So this messed up the plot and some future scenes that counted on the ‘no one can recognize Park’ card.

The ending was also a bit rushed? It felt kind of underwhelming as a whole since neither Cooper or Park were really involved in capturing and arresting the criminal. The cliffhanger tackled at the end was also a bit abrupt and not at all surprising, but it did make me want the next installment ASAP. Now I have to wait

I was a bit nervous when I started reading this because I was not happy with the last book. I hadn’t warmed up to Oliver and being the only POV we get is Cooper’s I was not sure I’d ever like Oliver. The first 1/4 of the book I wasn’t sure how much I was invested but the more I read the more I found myself being wrapped up in an exciting story. I even started warming up to Oliver.

Cooper is an interesting character and to only be in his head almost stresses me out because I feel like I’m not getting all of the story, not when it comes to the ins and out of the werewolf community. Cooper still feels like an outsider in many ways and in this book he is one of the only humans on this retreat. What I really loved was how Oliver showed how much he cares for Cooper and he really doesn’t care that he’s human. He’s found the person he loves and feels safe with. Oliver definitely redeemed himself from the last book. I was satisfied with this story and with where their relationship is. I would still love to get inside Oliver’s head!!!

I am now excited to see where the next book takes us. We learn some new information in this book in regards to Cooper that I don’t want to spoil for anyone but it is going to make for a very interesting part of their future story!

I've been waiting for this book for months, ever since Charlie Adhara said she had more Coop and Park to come.

As you can tell by my update and my rating, it absolutely did not disappoint.

Her take on shifters is quite different from the typical ones, with a covert approach to their existence that necessitates secrecy and caution.

She uses that element to her advantage in this investigation, which sees our heroes going undercover to a couple's relationship retreat to investigate a missing wolf.

There'll be no spoilers in my review, I will say, the mystery had me second guessing my way through the book and, while I got one plot thread right, the main 'big bad' dodgy dealing didn't even enter my radar until it was almost the end!

As for Cooper and Oliver. OMG they are on fire with their strange mini-pack dynamics but also with how much Coop is opening up.

Their relationship is tested to the max in this book, but I love how there is never any doubts in their love for each other. I was 'awwwing' all the way through!

They're also just as insanely hot together, burning up the sheets as well as the public showers and an office and never not directly related to the narrative.

Sex isn't thrown in randomly, it always drives off something which is happening in the main investigation which prompts a declaration of love or some horniness 😁

Book five is coming next year!

This was the best in the series. It had great character growth and communication and didn’t seem to have the issues I noticed in the other books.

I hope the rest of the series looks and feels more like this one. Oh and I’m ready for five now kthnx

Beautiful writing as usual for Charlie Adhara.

This is the fourth in the series Big Bad Wolf and we can finally find out more about Cooper and what it is that makes him special.

I really loved the couple’s dynamics in the story and how they seem to communicate better. I loved how Cooper was more “comfortable” showing his vulnerable side and how Oliver kept evolving. It’s amazing how he continues to surprise me. The characters’ arc on all this saga has been really nice and on point and I really can’t wait to know more! (I can’t believe I have to wait until NEXT YEAR.)

The story kept me on my toes until the mystery was solved. I can honestly say that I didn’t expect any of that!

Perhaps the only thing I didn’t like about the story was the abrupt ending. I thought there was a mistake.

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I received this ARC from the author through Net Galley

I enjoyed this quite a bit. Wolf in Sheep's clothing is the fourth book in a series, which I hadn't realised going in, but it stood alone fairly well, while still clearly being a chapter in a larger narrative. I enjoyed the mystery, and the exploration of werewolf relationships and what it actually means in this world to be a dominant werewolf. It was also fun coming in on an established relationship between two men who clearly love each other and want to be together, but whose relationship is not perfect, either. They are very much at the stage where they want to make each other happy, but tend to do this by playing weird guessing games and not expressing what they actually want very well. It was a nice touch that going undercover at this couples retreat actually did help them figure out some things in their relationship, even though their actual reason for being there was to figure out a missing person case.
While I enjoyed this book, I also found that it was not very 'sticky'. I kept putting it down and not really wanting to pick it up again - while I was reading, I was quite engaged, but whenever I stopped I kind of lost interest. There certainly wasn't anything I disliked, it just... didn't hold my attention very well, despite the fact that I did want to know what happened with the mystery. I'm Wolf in Sheep's Clothing this 3/5 stars for that reason.

To say I was excited when I learned that Charlie Adhara was going to be continuing her Big Bad Wolf series is something of an understatement.  I’ve never really been into books about shifters, but after reading Em’s DIK review of book one, Wolf at the Door, I decided to try it and was immediately hooked on the adventures of BSI (Bureau of Special Investigations) agent Cooper Dayton and his werewolf work-partner (and later, romantic partner), Oliver Park.  Each book in the series contains a standalone mystery, but the central relationship develops throughout, so it really is advisable to read all the books and read them in order so as to gain a proper understanding of how Cooper and Park have arrived at the point at which we meet them again at the beginning of Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

[Note: There are spoilers for the previous books in the series in this review.]

At the end of Thrown to the Wolves, Cooper, frustrated by the utter uselessness of the BSI when it came to dealing with wolves as victims and seeing the bureau’s ignorance and lack of respect for wolves and their history, quit the organisation and joined a new department set up by the Trust (the group that oversees all wolves), dedicated to investigating crime – whether by humans or their own kind – against wolves.  He and Park have continued their working partnership there, and their personal relationship continues to thrive; they’re in love, they’ve been living together for months, and now they’re looking to buy a home together – but while Park has eagerly jumped in to the business of house-hunting, Cooper is holding back, the prospect of leaving the apartment he’s lived in for years putting him on edge. He knows his old, one bedroom place is too small for them, and that although he’s welcomed Park into his space, it’s still his space and nothing in it is Park’s.  Wanting to do something nice for Park, Cooper agrees to look for somewhere together, but he can’t work up the same enthusiasm for the search - and definitely not for the expensive ‘mini mansions’ Park favours.

Cooper is thinking he really needs to have an honest conversation with Park about the situation but is saved from doing it right away by a phone call from his former boss Elena Santiago - whom he hasn’t spoken to since leaving the BSI - who asks for their help in finding a missing wolf. A wolf who, as it turns out, Park had dealings with in his time as the Shepherd, when he fought and banished him for mistreating his pack members and attacking other packs.

After this, Thomas Kreuger found work as a groundskeeper at a remote a mountain retreat in North Carolina, living under the radar until a couple of weeks earlier, when he reached out to a pack member and told her that something at the retreat was badly wrong, but didn’t elaborate.  A week after that, he suddenly turned in his notice and just disappeared.  He hasn’t been officially reported missing, but his former mate is concerned about him. Santiago wants Cooper and Park to look into Kreuger’s disappearance unofficially – and as Maudit Falls is a relationship retreat for wolves, they already have the perfect cover story.  Fresh mountain air, brisk swims in the lake, couples counselling… it’ll be a nice little vacation for them.  Cooper isn’t particularly impressed.

The fake relationship trope isn’t an unusual one in romantic suspense, but Charlie Adhara takes things one step further here by having a fake-not-fake relationship (!)  as Cooper and Park go undercover to investigate Kreuger’s disappearance – and definitely come up against more than they’d bargained for.  From the moment they arrive at the retreat and walk in on an argument over the disappearance of a man employed at the local lumber mill, it’s clear all is not well at Maudit Falls – an impression that is reinforced when another staff member goes missing and a ripped and bloodied shirt is discovered in one of the generator sheds.  And the deaths don’t stop there…

Charlie Adhara once again does a fantastic job of combining an intriguing and high-stakes suspense plot with plenty of relationship and character development, steamy love scenes, tenderness and humour.  So much of the romantic suspense I’ve read or listened to lately hasn’t managed to achieve the right balance between those two elements, but Ms. Adhara does it beautifully, creating a clever plot in which things are not at all what they seem while continuing to move the romance forward.

The romantic and sexual chemistry between Cooper and Park is as strong as it ever was, but there’s a new sense of their being settled that wasn’t quite there before.  Yet Cooper wouldn’t be Cooper if he was all cool and collected about everything, and although he’s completely secure in Park’s love for him (and his for Park), he can’t help remembering some of the things said by Park’s family, about wolves ultimately needing to be with their own kind and wondering whether, in the end, he can ever be enough.  In addition to this, he comes to a realisation that makes him see some things about himself in a new light – and it’s a measure of how far he’s come as a character that he doesn’t try to hide it or hide from it. The ‘old’ Cooper, would just have locked it all away in that corner of his mind labelled Things Cooper and Park Don’t Talk About, but this new, improved version discusses it - no matter how hard it may be for him – accepts Park’s support and reassurance and makes plans to address it.  This is a healthy, mature relationship between a couple whose love and affection for one another shines through, even when they mis-step, and it’s wonderful to read.

As in the other books, the story is told entirely through Cooper’s PoV, but the author does such a great job of presenting Park through Cooper’s eyes that I didn’t miss a second PoV.

His enthusiasm for moving in would almost have been absurd if it wasn’t so...sweet. Flattering. For weeks Park practically vibrated around the apartment in what Cooper publicly referred to as his “settling in” period but privately thought of as some sort of claiming or scent-marking ritual. He sat in every chair at least three times a day. He slept on the couch, the bed, the floor, the tub. He somehow persuaded Cooper into fucking on every available surface. It was Goldilocks gone wild. If there was a single nook or cranny of the apartment Park hadn’t stuck his nose in, it was only because he physically couldn’t fit.

And Park has changed and grown as Cooper has; he still cuts a slightly forbidding figure, he’s still outwardly impassive and reserved, but he shows his softer, more romantic side more often – and his naughty side, too ;)

Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing is a terrific read and a truly wonderful addition to the Big Bad Wolf series.  I’m so very grateful that Ms. Adhara has decided to tell more stories about these amazing characters, and although we’re not getting book five until next year (this ends on a cliffhanger), if it’s as good as this one, then it’ll be worth the wait.

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I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 4 in a series. Start with book 1. I just reread the first 3 books back to back and enjoyed them as much as the first time I read them.

This is a satisfying and enjoyable addition to the series. Adhara’s word building continues as Park and Cooper head to a couples’ retreat in North Carolina. We learn more about the world of the werewolves as well as witness character and relationship development with the main characters. This book is consistent in quality with the first 3. If you enjoyed the first three books, you will enjoy this one.

I’m having difficulty working out how to do reviews of series books. Is Adhara still writing well? Yes. Did Adhara do as good a job in this book as in the first 3? Yes. Do we learn more about the characters and their world? Yes. Was the problem they had to solve enjoyable and interesting? Yes.

I am left with the same reaction I had when I finished book 3: “we have to wait how long for the next one!??”
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5 Stars!

I had hoped for more books so I was pleasantly surprised to find this 4th installment to the Big Bad Wolf series. I had no idea! So I may have did that embarrassing squeal and clap thing one does when they find something like this that excites them. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and start it. I love being in Cooper's head and getting to see more and more of his walls fall down for his Mate/Partner Oliver. This book did not disappoint one bit. I loved every second of it.

The book starts off with Cooper and Oliver looking at houses to buy. Oliver looks to have expensive taste and it has Cooper feeling on edge and a bit reluctant to leave the comfort of his apartment. We know by now that Cooper doesn't do well with change. So for him to possibly go from his small apartment to a possible mini-mansion really isn't helping. It's quite funny though because Oliver keeps a little yellow notebook that keeps track of Coopers likes and dislikes on every house they see right down to his facial expressions. I found that cute/hilarious. But Cooper is feeling a bit overwhelmed with the house hunting so he is quite relieved when a call from their ex-boss interrupts another house showing. She needs their help...
Oliver and Cooper are loaned out to the BSI to go undercover at a couples counseling retreat for werewolves. There's a former Alpha missing who was working at the retreat as the groundsman, one Oliver knows from his past as the Sheppard. The retreat is secluded in the mountains with a breathtaking scenery. There are interesting couples and a staff that is sparse and a bit on the shady side. They also seem to be changed out quite often. Are the past staff missing as well or did they leave on their own? When Oliver and Cooper arrive they find their is more than one person who is suspiciously missing and then soon more people start dropping dead. In the middle of all this is these couple activities that Cooper and Oliver are participating in that are suppose to be a part of their act, but Cooper can't help but take them serious. He's always felt like he doesn't know enough about their dynamic in their relationship. Especially the Alpha part. He doesn't want Park to feel like he is obligated to him. So having all the couple exercises and the AQ test really brings Cooper's fears to the surface.

The murder mystery was as much at the forefront as the relationship was. I really love when a story is able to balance these both out equally. I couldn't get enough of Cooper and Oliver. Their relationship has grown so much. They share a lot more with each other instead of ignoring the issue or letting it burrow inside of them. I love Cooper's prickly side to Oliver's softer side. They really do have great chemistry and fit so well together. I especially love their banter. They crack me up.
The murder mystery was interesting. It got even more interesting when we find out what was really going on. I had my own thoughts and they were pretty close to what was happening. It was just all together a really great read and a great addition to this series. I'm thrilled with the ending because that means another book is for sure in the future for this series. I just wish the wait wasn't so long.

Happy reading dolls! xx

**I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

Plot: Boy meets Werewolf and fall in love.

I love this series so much! It has everything I like in a book: intriguing characters, humor, action and romance. It’s an amazing story with imperfect characters, but they always try to give their best at their relationship. Cooper and Oliver have been working together for some time solving cases involving human and werewolves, and although the road has been difficult, with each book their relationship becomes stronger. I love how these two communicate and the respect they have for each other. I think it demonstrates a healthy and formidable love.

Another thing I like is the universe of these books. The werewolf society is complex and full of great detail. I'm always excited to know more about these world and the rules. And the cases are also very entertaining and full of action.

If you like paranormal romance and crime, you’ll surely love this. Cooper and Oliver have a very funny dynamic, they complement each other very well with their differences. I need more books about them!

Overall, I loved it.
This series is a favorite and I'm so glad the author didn't stop at 3 books.
I found the mystery to be a bit boring in this one (compared to books 1 & 2). I still think the crime subplot in the first book has been the best one so far. Thankfully, the mystery is not the focus in this book. It takes a back seat to the personal stuff, like the previous book. Here, however, instead of relationship drama (as in book 3) I'd say the focus is more on Cooper's character development. I was a little confused by the Cooper-as-alpha development at the end of book 3, but this book helped me see it in a different light, I feel.
Cooper and Park are as amazing as ever, and Charlie Adhara's writing is A+. I love Oliver Park even more in this book, he's truly in his element 😃. Cooper is becoming more mature with every book 👍and I'm so glad his ptsd is finally being addressed.
I hope we get to see the uh..."big event"😉😉 in the next book. One tiny issue I have with the series is that after the second book Cooper's family has not been mentioned at all. How did his brother's wedding go? How is his relationship with his father now? Is his dad ok with Park now because he wasn't when book 2 ended. It would be nice to get an update on their individual family dynamics before the series ends.

Well now, I have a new must-read author! This was my first Charlie Adhara book and yes, I realize it's four books into a series. Even being a little late to the party and not knowing every last detail of how we got here, I enjoyed the hell out of this book. I am currently going back and starting at the beginning of the series because I want more, more, more!

Great premise, fabulous world build and the sleuthing, lordy I love some crime-solving with all of its twists and turns and the random red herring. Adhara did a great job laying out the mystery, peppering in real danger and interesting, layered characters. Just really well done. And the chemistry between Cooper and Park, good lord - excellent. I love their dynamic.

I do hope the rumor is true that we will get more in this series but at least for now I have three books to read as catch up!

Ho-ho-how great was this! For reference, I started and finished this on Christmas Eve, so. That’s why this opening line is funny to me right now.. knowing this won’t go live until March.

But back on track!

I am new to this series, having binged the first three back in the summer, but seeing this installment up for request was exciting because a) I wasn’t sure we’d get more and b) the third book was my favourite of the series so I had hoped that momentum, and track record, would continue on the up and up. And this was pretty damn great.

“<i>Frankly, Dayton, I don’t know anyone less concerned with pissing off people and wolves alike.</i>"
“<b>Careful, all this flattery is going straight to my head.</b>"

It’s hard to know what to talk about for a series that’s a few books in but suffice it to say, if you’re a fan, you’ll still be, and if you’re keen to start a m/m werewolf shifter series and this is the first you’re hearing about it? Surprise! Go settle in for a nice binge. This one is much fun.

<b>What the hell about him had Park seen and thought, <i>Oh yes, anxiety-ridden loner with a temper sharper than a serpent’s tongue and a deep-seated fear of change whose longest successful relationship is with an equally judgmental cat? Swoon.</b></i>

On the emotional/relationship front, this one started to worry me a bit because I thought we had come very far in book three, and some of the issues Cooper was working through felt a little bit two steps back. But. Oh but. There were some great moments to push us even further than we’d gone in book three, and with some very good rationale and reasoning, and a heck of a lot of teasing. In the best way.

“<i>It’s not you, it’s me.</i>“
“<b>Very helpful. How on earth will an evolved couple like us convincingly pretend to need counseling?</b>“

Plus? EeeeEeEeEeEe. <– this was my brain during a certain hug. That’s all I’m saying.

“<i>What do you think? Would Kyle and Andrew venture out and ask directions?</i>“
“<b>I don’t know, are Kyle and Andrew auditioning for victims one and two in a horror movie?</b>“
“<i>Kyle would. Andrew needs to keep the car running and getaway ready. For reasons.</i>“
“<b>I hate Andrew.</b>"
“<i>That’s why we’re here.</i>“

The excuse for this particular adventure, going undercover at a couple’s counseling retreat for werewolves, was genius. Who doesn’t love the ‘pretend relationship’ trope except it’s even juicier when they are in a relationship and get forced to work through some things. Delicious. Also, I liked how Adhara introduced another element for the shifters in such a natural way. It seems to happen in each book, the total opposite of an info dump, and always relevant for the moment, not for a ‘maybe in the future you need to know this’, and it’s so perfect. The worldbuilding is so fabulous and so natural, so subtle.

“<i>Nice secret passage. Narnia’s keeping well, I assume</i>.“

So, yes, this wasn’t Christmassy at all, I’m reading it three months early, but who even cares. I had so much fun, this was sexy as hell, and also hilarious. Sometimes I wonder which I like better, the humour or the swoons (it’s both, but seriously, so funny). I can’t wait for more because with the ending of this one, this series is definitely not over.