Black Gold by Vivian Arend

The Particulars: Paranormal Romance, Samhain, available as e-book
The Source:  Purchased at Books on Board
The Grade: B+
The Blurb:

One thing’s for sure: his dream mate will have to out-cuss, out-spit and out-hike him. So he never expected the one to push his forever button would be a blue-blooded Southern debutante with a voice as dark and velvety as her skin. When Gemmita Jacobs steps off the plane in Whitehorse, Yukon, it’s about more than her caribou research project. It’s her declaration of independence from an overprotected upbringing. Except there’s something in the air she can’t quite define—something that unexpectedly rouses her mating instincts. Lone wolf Shaun Stevens’s automatic response to the words “happily ever after”? Kill me now. Yet with all his friends settling down he’s begun to think there may actually be something to this love-and-roses crap. Moments after their eyes lock, the deed is done—and done thoroughly. When the pheromone dust settles, though, all the reasons they don’t belong together become painfully clear.

It’s enough to make a wolf learn a whole new set of cuss words…

The Review: 
What I liked:
I liked the Granite Wolves shortstories, so when I saw that Vivian Arend was working on a fulllength novel set in the same world, I pre-ordered it.   This was a fun read.  Gem and Shaun is each other opposites.  Gem is a southern belle that has had a sheltered life until now. Shaun is more experienced.   I liked that both acknowledged their mate bond, but they knew it would require work. It was fun to read about their struggles to adapt.  I loved that Gem refused to change her plans, no matter how hard Shaun tried to convince her.   It was fascinating to see Gem shake off the restrictions she was used too, and bloom in the wilderness.

What I didn't like: 

This didn't affect the story, but the fact that  Gem's  college professor and the rest of the students came to her HOUSE to hold the laborations baffles me.  Wouldn't it have been cheaper for Gem to attend with a bodyguard in tow?  Also, safety reasons. I suspect if something had happened during the laboration, it would have been Gem's father that was responsible not the university.
I also felt that the subplot between Caroline and Evan didn't add anything too the story, but was there solely to add length.