The main characters, a very strong and intelligent lone wolf and an independent but troubled FBI agent sHeat from the lone wolf and his g-man
4.5 stars
The main characters, a very strong and intelligent lone wolf and an independent but troubled FBI agent should have drawn me in right away, but I actually struggled a bit, especially in the middle of this book. The heat between the main characters worked well, but Winter (the lone wolf) in particular threw me a bit for much of the book. He's actually much less of a caricature than I had been expecting, a loner from the wilds of Canada but more worldly and world-wise than most, exiled from pack yet an extremely powerful wolf, a strong-willed and highly educated man ignorant/wary/fearful of werwolf pack life.
In the end, the sizzle in the relationship combined with a bit of complexity in the main character fit nicely into an end plot ripe with pack intrigue, making this a very enjoyable read for me.
Sizzle. Intriguing/enticing characters. Pack politics. My kind of paranormal m/m romance.
Merged review:
Heat from the lone wolf and his g-man
4.5 stars
The main characters, a very strong and intelligent lone wolf and an independent but troubled FBI agent should have drawn me in right away, but I actually struggled a bit, especially in the middle of this book. The heat between the main characters worked well, but Winter (the lone wolf) in particular threw me a bit for much of the book. He's actually much less of a caricature than I had been expecting, a loner from the wilds of Canada but more worldly and world-wise than most, exiled from pack yet an extremely powerful wolf, a strong-willed and highly educated man ignorant/wary/fearful of werwolf pack life.
In the end, the sizzle in the relationship combined with a bit of complexity in the main character fit nicely into an end plot ripe with pack intrigue, making this a very enjoyable read for me.
Sizzle. Intriguing/enticing characters. Pack politics. My kind of paranormal m/m romance....more
This first edition nicely bridges scenes of heated erotica transitioning into building a paranormal "Alpha rescues an Omega" romance story
As a reader This first edition nicely bridges scenes of heated erotica transitioning into building a paranormal "Alpha rescues an Omega" romance story
As a reader migrating from erotica to adult romance, the initial sex scenes in this first edition of the book read absolutely wonderfully for me. From a "realistic" perspective, other readers have criticized how the omega's healing process moved too quickly for someone with a history of abuse, but the tenderness and care of the Alpha fit perfectly for me. Yes, in real life, "one hand job" wouldn't "solve" years of abuse. However, in my experience with pure erotica, interesting plot and character traits are in place to act as catalysts for the heat rather than be designed as more strictly realistic. I believe the author's previous works were a little more focused on erotica, where later works have more of an adult/erotic romance feel to me.
As someone who experienced (much less horrific) abuse when I was young, and also taking into account when I read this I was much more well-read in erotica than romance, I thought the first version of the sex scenes struck a perfect balance of Alpha tenderness, safety/security/pleasure/release for the abuse victim, and some nice explicit sizzle. Indeed, they were some of the hottest and most "comforting for an abuse victim" sex scenes I had ever read, even if they came off as moving much too fast for romance readers who appreciate a little more realism.
Merged review:
This first edition nicely bridges scenes of heated erotica transitioning into building a paranormal "Alpha rescues an Omega" romance story
As a reader migrating from erotica to adult romance, the initial sex scenes in this first edition of the book read absolutely wonderfully for me. From a "realistic" perspective, other readers have criticized how the omega's healing process moved too quickly for someone with a history of abuse, but the tenderness and care of the Alpha fit perfectly for me. Yes, in real life, "one hand job" wouldn't "solve" years of abuse. However, in my experience with pure erotica, interesting plot and character traits are in place to act as catalysts for the heat rather than be designed as more strictly realistic. I believe the author's previous works were a little more focused on erotica, where later works have more of an adult/erotic romance feel to me.
As someone who experienced (much less horrific) abuse when I was young, and also taking into account when I read this I was much more well-read in erotica than romance, I thought the first version of the sex scenes struck a perfect balance of Alpha tenderness, safety/security/pleasure/release for the abuse victim, and some nice explicit sizzle. Indeed, they were some of the hottest and most "comforting for an abuse victim" sex scenes I had ever read, even if they came off as moving much too fast for romance readers who appreciate a little more realism....more
Bearly protective of the tough, turned mercenary mate
Judged on itself, this was perhaps the weakest of the three related/continuing stories in the serBearly protective of the tough, turned mercenary mate
Judged on itself, this was perhaps the weakest of the three related/continuing stories in the series for me, simply because I found that the fact one "fated mate" waited so long to say anything was not convincingly and/or too briefly explained. However, it contains essential elements of the longer story, including a brief but interesting introduction of Liam and Xavier, central characters in the third book.
For me this work is most worthwhile if it is read with the entire three novella series. However, fans of male/male heat in a shifter/instant mate environment more may enjoy the work by itself, with a little decent sizzle at the end and some bear/turned-wolf dynamics.
Part of a series of short novellas, each of the three works centers on a different reltionship of an insta-mate couple placed within over-arching background setting and story. The short length of each work and the instant connection means the character relationships seem a bit rushed or short-shrifted to me, but the resulting sizzle is generally nicely if briefly heated, and the male/male action nicely reciprocal and interesting even if I didn't feel the relationship chemistry.
Merged review:
Bearly protective of the tough, turned mercenary mate
Judged on itself, this was perhaps the weakest of the three related/continuing stories in the series for me, simply because I found that the fact one "fated mate" waited so long to say anything was not convincingly and/or too briefly explained. However, it contains essential elements of the longer story, including a brief but interesting introduction of Liam and Xavier, central characters in the third book.
For me this work is most worthwhile if it is read with the entire three novella series. However, fans of male/male heat in a shifter/instant mate environment more may enjoy the work by itself, with a little decent sizzle at the end and some bear/turned-wolf dynamics.
Part of a series of short novellas, each of the three works centers on a different reltionship of an insta-mate couple placed within over-arching background setting and story. The short length of each work and the instant connection means the character relationships seem a bit rushed or short-shrifted to me, but the resulting sizzle is generally nicely if briefly heated, and the male/male action nicely reciprocal and interesting even if I didn't feel the relationship chemistry....more
What if Cinderalla was a hirsute, rough and tumble boxer?
Overall, this story parallels the fairy tale enough to be recognizable as a Cinderella story,What if Cinderalla was a hirsute, rough and tumble boxer?
Overall, this story parallels the fairy tale enough to be recognizable as a Cinderella story, but uses surprisingly different characters and plot developments to weave a new and interesting all-male take on the fairy tale.
I have read several gay "Cinderfella" stories before where the abused protagonist was relatively powerless in his abusive step-family, and that vulnerability was often reflected in the "Cinderfella's" physical, emotional, and social characteristics (e.g. the put-upon waif). While this story maintains the essential theme of the "Cinderfella" being unfairly used by his step-family (and cleans up the ashes from the fireplace), the protagonist is a rather hirsute and "rough and tumble" boxer.
While I very much appreciated the author's novel approach to this all-too-familiar and over-used theme, it also didn't click as quite as romantically compelling as I would have liked. Still, for those who like the fairy-tales with a nice dose of brawny, rough, and hairy men, this might be an intriguing and enjoyable take on this well-trodden tale.
3.5 stars (rounded up for the decidedly un-waif-like protagonist)
Merged review:
What if Cinderalla was a hirsute, rough and tumble boxer?
Overall, this story parallels the fairy tale enough to be recognizable as a Cinderella story, but uses surprisingly different characters and plot developments to weave a new and interesting all-male take on the fairy tale.
I have read several gay "Cinderfella" stories before where the abused protagonist was relatively powerless in his abusive step-family, and that vulnerability was often reflected in the "Cinderfella's" physical, emotional, and social characteristics (e.g. the put-upon waif). While this story maintains the essential theme of the "Cinderfella" being unfairly used by his step-family (and cleans up the ashes from the fireplace), the protagonist is a rather hirsute and "rough and tumble" boxer.
While I very much appreciated the author's novel approach to this all-too-familiar and over-used theme, it also didn't click as quite as romantically compelling as I would have liked. Still, for those who like the fairy-tales with a nice dose of brawny, rough, and hairy men, this might be an intriguing and enjoyable take on this well-trodden tale.
3.5 stars (rounded up for the decidedly un-waif-like protagonist)...more
Alpha wolf, his wounded Omega mate, and the feisty female rabbit that completes a quick, insta-mate MMF triad
A simple but sweet and comforting erotic Alpha wolf, his wounded Omega mate, and the feisty female rabbit that completes a quick, insta-mate MMF triad
A simple but sweet and comforting erotic novella about a fated triad of mates composed of two injured male wolves (a very buff Alpha and a very wounded Omega) and their rabbit shifter third. The characters were actually very interesting to me, including one tough bunny and a wolf pair with torturous backgrounds. Still, the limited plot and the instant-mate relationship moved extremely quickly, leaving the sizzling encounters and perhaps also the "comforting-a-wounded mate" scenes to be the highlight of he story for me.
3 stars for the sexy little short story, 4.5 stars for a series that covers MF, MM, and MMF matings, yielding 3.75 stars overall
Merged review:
Alpha wolf, his wounded Omega mate, and the feisty female rabbit that completes a quick, insta-mate MMF triad
A simple but sweet and comforting erotic novella about a fated triad of mates composed of two injured male wolves (a very buff Alpha and a very wounded Omega) and their rabbit shifter third. The characters were actually very interesting to me, including one tough bunny and a wolf pair with torturous backgrounds. Still, the limited plot and the instant-mate relationship moved extremely quickly, leaving the sizzling encounters and perhaps also the "comforting-a-wounded mate" scenes to be the highlight of he story for me.
3 stars for the sexy little short story, 4.5 stars for a series that covers MF, MM, and MMF matings, yielding 3.75 stars overall...more
Class-conscious British boy brought down in sweet short
A sweet ending for a class conscious British college boy learning some truths about his own preClass-conscious British boy brought down in sweet short
A sweet ending for a class conscious British college boy learning some truths about his own prejudices (and of those around him) with a sweet, gently romantic ending.
Merged review:
Class-conscious British boy brought down in sweet short
A sweet ending for a class conscious British college boy learning some truths about his own prejudices (and of those around him) with a sweet, gently romantic ending....more
This was a quick and simple read, very straightforward and low tension connection between a vampire anFine, quick and just a tad sappy vampire romance
This was a quick and simple read, very straightforward and low tension connection between a vampire and a level headed but adoring guy. Ok for a quick and very simple escape.
Merged review:
Fine, quick and just a tad sappy vampire romance
This was a quick and simple read, very straightforward and low tension connection between a vampire and a level headed but adoring guy. Ok for a quick and very simple escape....more
When midlife hands you surprise little dragon wings, learn to fly
3.5 stars
The level of sweet, escapist fluff combined with a weaker than normal story/When midlife hands you surprise little dragon wings, learn to fly
3.5 stars
The level of sweet, escapist fluff combined with a weaker than normal story/romantic/development (it’s really an expanded short story) might put this closer to a 3 or 3.5 star rating. It works best for fans of other works in this setting (with plenty of previous characters).
The exploration of opening up an atypical kink (dragon play - combination puppy/role play) a bit later in life (discovering little play after 40) give it a boost up....more
This Princess and jock have the sweetest fluff in fanservice.
Just unbelievable but romantic, OTT fluff that hits right for the unlikeliest of bondingThis Princess and jock have the sweetest fluff in fanservice.
Just unbelievable but romantic, OTT fluff that hits right for the unlikeliest of bonding - jaded Miami Princess and the wounded, naive and yearning Minnesota jock....more
A short second chance romance holiday short with a DDLG theme. It seems to me it’s really a first love/high school loveFine, fun short holiday romance
A short second chance romance holiday short with a DDLG theme. It seems to me it’s really a first love/high school lovers reconnect after a decade story, but with the Little theme the story pushes the former dating into college.
The young initial age with a long gap (and devoid of any Big interaction n Brae’s part) also makes the “I know the other is my forever” Daddy/Little a bit more awkward. (Soul mates I might buy, but kink mates forever is harder, especially consider their subsequent experience. It’s a cute holiday romance which works on so many fun, fluffy levels, but that pulled it down a bit for me.)...more
Elfin magic regenerates the gnarled heart of the trees
Gruffy, Christmas tree farm owner and widower in rural Ontario plays Santa in a dying mall, and Elfin magic regenerates the gnarled heart of the trees
Gruffy, Christmas tree farm owner and widower in rural Ontario plays Santa in a dying mall, and meets a virginal, younger man playing an elf. The very light Daddy kink and healing storyline worked with the characters, if very oversimplified and lightning fast for a fluffy holiday romance.
Very light, sweet, and a bit heated holiday gay/m-m romance. ...more
Ask Avery: unclear uncle and the persistence of youth
Fluffy age-gap Omegaverse nanny m-m romance
Just ask Avery: another fluffy Omegaverse novelette wiAsk Avery: unclear uncle and the persistence of youth
Fluffy age-gap Omegaverse nanny m-m romance
Just ask Avery: another fluffy Omegaverse novelette with a strong headed Omega and an Alpha who can’t resist his nephew’s nanny’s charms. Frost as the clueless, overly careful, older Alpha was fun, running to Avery, and the “precocious” River (not a kid, damnit!) a nice, fun foil....more
This author again delivers a very fluffy Alpha/Omega short romance.
The omega’s fierceness and the Alpha’s vulneImmaculate Conception (In Your Dreams)
This author again delivers a very fluffy Alpha/Omega short romance.
The omega’s fierceness and the Alpha’s vulnerability were a nice departure and gave this brief, escapist story a slightly novel/different and interesting reading experience.
Other core plot devices (the “sleepwalking” conception - x2 - between two best friends together for years) were a bit too contrived to add much to the enjoyment for me, but are often part of the light-hearted charm for fans of the author....more
Ponying up to take the paternal reins of the sweetest little
A very short, sweet, fluffy, simple gentle Daddy “Dom“ / little age play romance., it woulPonying up to take the paternal reins of the sweetest little
A very short, sweet, fluffy, simple gentle Daddy “Dom“ / little age play romance., it would have worked much better for me without the insta-love/insta-kink/insta-three little trust of a heretofore vanilla type. (Orrick’s ability to read the situation and suss-it out (with help) and show up with an bagfuls of presents was a bit too much. I get the idea, and it’s an escapists /instant-connection romance and a sign of understanding an$ trust in a ver6 short worlk - but still a bit strong at the start so it was almost as creepy as nice to me at the start.
Except fo4 the ultra-quick moves at the star, overall a nice, escapist lightly DDlb romance with light humor and no angst....more
Blinded by the charm and clear, deep, but narrow connection, innocent Wendell wanders into the whirlwind of Royal intrigue in the mosRoyally Receptive
Blinded by the charm and clear, deep, but narrow connection, innocent Wendell wanders into the whirlwind of Royal intrigue in the most fertile manner possible....more