I love a good Urban Fantasy story. I also love it when a book shows life from a different perspective. Seymour is an author out of Queensland, AustralI love a good Urban Fantasy story. I also love it when a book shows life from a different perspective. Seymour is an author out of Queensland, Australia, and as you might expect, her tale is one hundred percent Australian. Instantly, all the characters had accents as they read to me from the pages of the book.
For me, as a Canadian, that's a different perspective, one I wasn't expecting and it was a pleasant surprise.
Callum was our lead character, a wolf shifter (not a werewolf, that's different), and professionally was a rule-breaking cop who stumbles upon a case that is already being investigated by the SICB (Supernatural Investigation & Crime Bureau). Quickly, Callum gets seconded over to the SICB where he takes on a lead position in the investigation of a criminal organization that is using the blood of shifters to create a potent elixir for Vampires.
Callum is gruff, likable, unpredictable, and definitely swoon-worthy. Through some twists and turns, the case ends up having ex-pack and family connections which certainly adds to the tension in the book.
Thatch is our romantic interest, Callum's boss at the SICB, and one tough-as-nails law enforcement officer.
I liked the story. There were a few things that didn't work for me, and I had to pull myself back into the story in order to get through it. I desperately wanted more world-building, background on the shifters (there were a handful of different species), how they came about, why they were different than werewolves. There are vampires in the mix too, and play central key figures, but we never really get a good handle on them...and at one point I thought perhaps maybe I had missed a previous book? As far as I can tell this is a stand-alone. For me, I need the magic and culture behind the creature. Some may not need this. So if that's not a prerequisite, you'll never notice.
I've seen some of the other reviews talk about how the romance in this story is insta-love, and I'd have to disagree - somewhat. In shifter lore, there are a lot of stories that revolve around the 'fated mate' trope. Wolves in the wild can form monogamous pairs, although pack alphas will be more promiscuous, and let's face it, evolution favors wild and rampant sex. That's how you ensure the continuation of the species, right? So, as much as Thatch and Callum are attracted to each other and become mates straight away, it fits in with the genre, and so I can't fault that.
The romance is steamy, although there isn't a lot of it - which is fine - it's not the main focus of the book.
The action is certainly well written, and Seymour has her skills well-honed here.
I had a bit of a tough time believing that a cop who has family ties to a case was still allowed to participate in the investigation of that case. Normally, the minute a case establishes close familial ties the affected law enforcement officer is removed in order to mitigate any bias. So again, if you can just go with the flow, and ignore that aspect, you'll be fine.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but was left wanting a little more in terms of the magic and urban fantasy background.
Merged review:
I love a good Urban Fantasy story. I also love it when a book shows life from a different perspective. Seymour is an author out of Queensland, Australia, and as you might expect, her tale is one hundred percent Australian. Instantly, all the characters had accents as they read to me from the pages of the book.
For me, as a Canadian, that's a different perspective, one I wasn't expecting and it was a pleasant surprise.
Callum was our lead character, a wolf shifter (not a werewolf, that's different), and professionally was a rule-breaking cop who stumbles upon a case that is already being investigated by the SICB (Supernatural Investigation & Crime Bureau). Quickly, Callum gets seconded over to the SICB where he takes on a lead position in the investigation of a criminal organization that is using the blood of shifters to create a potent elixir for Vampires.
Callum is gruff, likable, unpredictable, and definitely swoon-worthy. Through some twists and turns, the case ends up having ex-pack and family connections which certainly adds to the tension in the book.
Thatch is our romantic interest, Callum's boss at the SICB, and one tough-as-nails law enforcement officer.
I liked the story. There were a few things that didn't work for me, and I had to pull myself back into the story in order to get through it. I desperately wanted more world-building, background on the shifters (there were a handful of different species), how they came about, why they were different than werewolves. There are vampires in the mix too, and play central key figures, but we never really get a good handle on them...and at one point I thought perhaps maybe I had missed a previous book? As far as I can tell this is a stand-alone. For me, I need the magic and culture behind the creature. Some may not need this. So if that's not a prerequisite, you'll never notice.
I've seen some of the other reviews talk about how the romance in this story is insta-love, and I'd have to disagree - somewhat. In shifter lore, there are a lot of stories that revolve around the 'fated mate' trope. Wolves in the wild can form monogamous pairs, although pack alphas will be more promiscuous, and let's face it, evolution favors wild and rampant sex. That's how you ensure the continuation of the species, right? So, as much as Thatch and Callum are attracted to each other and become mates straight away, it fits in with the genre, and so I can't fault that.
The romance is steamy, although there isn't a lot of it - which is fine - it's not the main focus of the book.
The action is certainly well written, and Seymour has her skills well-honed here.
I had a bit of a tough time believing that a cop who has family ties to a case was still allowed to participate in the investigation of that case. Normally, the minute a case establishes close familial ties the affected law enforcement officer is removed in order to mitigate any bias. So again, if you can just go with the flow, and ignore that aspect, you'll be fine.
Overall, I enjoyed the book but was left wanting a little more in terms of the magic and urban fantasy background....more
MEDIUM RARE is here! It's the eighth installment in the Haunted Hearts series of MM paranormal romance stories. Pre-order now to get your copy on OctoMEDIUM RARE is here! It's the eighth installment in the Haunted Hearts series of MM paranormal romance stories. Pre-order now to get your copy on October 21!
I had the exceptional opportunity to read this early as an ARC.
As a debut novel from a new author, this is a great read. Body diversity is something wI had the exceptional opportunity to read this early as an ARC.
As a debut novel from a new author, this is a great read. Body diversity is something we don't see often in the MM world, and it's about time. The trials and tribulations these boys went through in order to get to their HEA is representational of so many in the community, especially in the 90s and earlier.
There were some pacing issues, and at times I was yelling at the characters but if nothing else, the author pulled emotion out from me - so WELL DONE!
I know Cannon is penning more stories that continue to represent the Bears in the community - and I am here for it!
This wildly popular book left me a little cold, to be honest. Although the writing is solid, and the story is intriguing, I found it difficult to relaThis wildly popular book left me a little cold, to be honest. Although the writing is solid, and the story is intriguing, I found it difficult to relate to the main characters. I feel like the popularity of the Young Adult Gay storylines (Heartstopper, Red White and Royal Blue, etc) lack the in-depth gay cultural experience, the grittiness of our lives, and the roller coaster of emotions we go through (especially as teenagers trying to figure out who we are and how we fit in to the rest of society). This "straight wash" of gayness leads me to believe that it's more palatable to the broader audience, which I suppose is okay - at least we're getting representation - still - I want more.
Not a bad book - just wasn't the book for me....more
A sweet novella about a trailer park called Magnolia Ridge, the owner, Jeannie who sells it, Travis, the real estate developer who buys it, and Levi, A sweet novella about a trailer park called Magnolia Ridge, the owner, Jeannie who sells it, Travis, the real estate developer who buys it, and Levi, a young punkish twenty-something who causes all the trouble, but ends up helping out the new owner...in all kinds of ways!
An early story from Sanderfer, and the point of view can be a bit confusing at times, but overall a delightful, and often steamy story....more
This was my first Kristian Parker book - but won't be my last!
Wonderfully written colloquial dialogue gave texture and character to two men in their lThis was my first Kristian Parker book - but won't be my last!
Wonderfully written colloquial dialogue gave texture and character to two men in their late twenties/early thirties who are looking for their purpose in life. One has a doting, accepting, and loving family, the other deals with homophobia while still trying to garner approval and acceptance from a spiteful parent.
The two not only find solace and comfort but lift up and support each other as they find paths forward with love, careers, and family.
Steamy at times, a little kinky (they do meet each other while working at a sex toy company), but overall sweet and heartwarming. A quick easy read. Thumbs up!...more
Serbu has long been on my list of authors to read, and I finally had a chance.
Witch in the Wind is a historical fantasy tale following the Salem-born Serbu has long been on my list of authors to read, and I finally had a chance.
Witch in the Wind is a historical fantasy tale following the Salem-born Alexander, the development of his witch abilities, and the unlikely and tumultuous relationship he forms with Crispin. There are barriers and hurdles to overcome, family drama, professional difficulties, and prejudices against his supernatural powers. All these obstacles pull Alexander to a life as a pirate witch, in the Caribbean sea, becoming the bunkmate of the pirate captain Henri. Pirate life is difficult, violent, and dangerous, but Alex's travels lead back to his first love.
Serbu creates a wonderful world that will slip you back into the past of puritanical America. The love story is heart-warming, but the pirate life and high adventure on the seas are as tawdry and delicious as you'd expect.
Get your hands on a Serbu novel. I'll be sure to pick up his vampire books next! ...more
I had heard so many good things about this book, and they were all true!
Vin George created a fantastical world based in the UK, filled with vampires, I had heard so many good things about this book, and they were all true!
Vin George created a fantastical world based in the UK, filled with vampires, werewolves, and fae. The layers and textures of the story made for breathtaking reading, the visuals created with words left me flipping the pages to discover what would happen next. I did not want to put this book down.
There are twists and turns aplenty, with a 'coming of age' type of story as Charley discovers who he is, and why he has never fit in.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book, Claw'd.
I think this was one of my favorite (Like top 3) Laura John books. Surprisingly kinky, but not over the top. The dynamics between the two main characterI think this was one of my favorite (Like top 3) Laura John books. Surprisingly kinky, but not over the top. The dynamics between the two main characters are steamy and hot, yet gentle and supportive.
So damn good! This is my first Hank Edward book but it sure won't be my last! At first, I thought...cowboys and vampires...okay, how is this gonna work?So damn good! This is my first Hank Edward book but it sure won't be my last! At first, I thought...cowboys and vampires...okay, how is this gonna work?
But work it did! Hot damn. Have you wondered how vampires came to the North American continent seeing as how they were born of myth and legend out of Eastern European culture? Well, look no further. Although we don't get a solid story, we know that Balthazar was the great granddaddy of all North American vamps.
Take your western pioneer town, your saloon brawls, horses, and guns, and saddle up to take on an ancient evil that is spreading out like snakes sunbathing on hot rocks in Venom Valley.
This is book one of a series, and it ends on one helluva cliffhanger, so make sure you have book two ready to go.
Superb. Makes me want to be a cowboy. And the romance between Josh and Dex is hotter than the desert valley they rode through. I don't mind saying that the creepy factor was pretty high. Off to start book two!...more
John's MM Romances are fun, quick to read, enjoyable, and run the gambit of tropes. This one is the nerdy scholar and himbo jock, a combination you wouJohn's MM Romances are fun, quick to read, enjoyable, and run the gambit of tropes. This one is the nerdy scholar and himbo jock, a combination you wouldn't expect to work, and yet in this sweet story, it all comes together.
I highly recommend Laura John's stories. She's a great writer....more
Having read some of Ashen's previous works, I went into The Crown and the Collar with some expectations. Ashen does not disappoint. However, The Crown aHaving read some of Ashen's previous works, I went into The Crown and the Collar with some expectations. Ashen does not disappoint. However, The Crown and the Collar is a touch different, which is deliciously wonderful.
The story has some of the usual trappings (tropes) of the MM Romance world, but Ashen takes them and turns them on their head. Delightful twists on tired old tropes.
In Crown and Collar, we see the Royal Prince love affair trope turned sideways with the use of polyamory, and just the faintest hint of D/s with the claiming of a consort, and the collaring of the chosen. It's brilliantly done, with some more than steamy scenes.
Not only do you get a delicious romance tale, but we also get a bit of suspense and mystery, as all things are not as they seem within the castle walls.
Dominic Ashen brings Dungeons and Dragons to life. All of his works inspire grand scenes of fantasy that reminded me of many evenings around a card table being left to the demise of a dungeon master. Ashen is that master - yet the end result is a satisfied party of adventurers.
I love Laura John's books. Knox and Gunnar are probably one of my favorites so far. John writes very easy, accessible romances that are fun and steamy.
II love Laura John's books. Knox and Gunnar are probably one of my favorites so far. John writes very easy, accessible romances that are fun and steamy.
If you haven't picked one of her books up yet, do so! You won't be disappointed.
Merged review:
I love Laura John's books. Knox and Gunnar are probably one of my favorites so far. John writes very easy, accessible romances that are fun and steamy.
If you haven't picked one of her books up yet, do so! You won't be disappointed....more