Temptation can take many shapes, and it is usually most “effective” on those who try to resist it. Gabriel grew up as a good little Catholic boy, he hTemptation can take many shapes, and it is usually most “effective” on those who try to resist it. Gabriel grew up as a good little Catholic boy, he has tried to do the right thing all his life, but then he meets Marcello, dressed up as a devil, just before Halloween, and Gabriel begins to question everything. Marcello does a good job at playing the devil and remaining mysterious, and the result is a story filled with tension, some interesting theological arguments, and a very cute romance.
Temptation can take many shapes, and it is usually most “effective” on those who try to resist it. Gabriel grew up as a good little Catholic boy, he has tried to do the right thing all his life, but then he meets Marcello, dressed up as a devil, just before Halloween, and Gabriel begins to question everything. Marcello does a good job at playing the devil and remaining mysterious, and the result is a story filled with tension, some interesting theological arguments, and a very cute romance.
The world of the ‘Mech Warrior’ series is a fascinating post-apocalyptic place with its human population almost killed off by the combination of a mysThe world of the ‘Mech Warrior’ series is a fascinating post-apocalyptic place with its human population almost killed off by the combination of a mysterious virus and the invasion of alien “mechs” out to retrieve any trace of iron they can find and decimating the human population further. I am so glad Stormy Glenn returned to it after ‘Finding Frankie’ was first published about six years ago, since there is clearly more story to tell. This time the focus is on Stefan, an Allied Defense Force soldier who is part of Roark’s team (yeah, you need to read that book first or you’ll be a little lost), and Sawyer, his lover who was presumed dead two years earlier. They have each other to find again, discoveries to make, political machinations to deal with, and a few decisions about humankind’s future to make. It’s quite an adventure!
The world of the ‘Mech Warrior’ series is a fascinating post-apocalyptic place with its human population almost killed off by the combination of a mysterious virus and the invasion of alien “mechs” out to retrieve any trace of iron they can find and decimating the human population further. I am so glad Stormy Glenn returned to it after ‘Finding Frankie’ was first published about six years ago, since there is clearly more story to tell. This time the focus is on Stefan, an Allied Defense Force soldier who is part of Roark’s team (yeah, you need to read that book first or you’ll be a little lost), and Sawyer, his lover who was presumed dead two years earlier. They have each other to find again, discoveries to make, political machinations to deal with, and a few decisions about humankind’s future to make. It’s quite an adventure!
Adoption can be a good thing, but when it goes wrong, like it does in this gripping novel about the consequences of a fake adoption based on illegal pAdoption can be a good thing, but when it goes wrong, like it does in this gripping novel about the consequences of a fake adoption based on illegal papers, the emotional fallout for everyone concerned can be catastrophic. Told from the point of view of thirteen-year-old Zavier, this story is about the events that follow the discovery that his adoption was “fake” – everything from Zavier finding out that he was adopted in the first place, that his biological parents have been looking for him for years, and the crushing (for him) fact that they now want him back. Zavier’s world collapses in one fell swoop and his entire future turns into what he expects to be a disaster.
Adoption can be a good thing, but when it goes wrong, like it does in this gripping novel about the consequences of a fake adoption based on illegal papers, the emotional fallout for everyone concerned can be catastrophic. Told from the point of view of thirteen-year-old Zavier, this story is about the events that follow the discovery that his adoption was “fake” – everything from Zavier finding out that he was adopted in the first place, that his biological parents have been looking for him for years, and the crushing (for him) fact that they now want him back. Zavier’s world collapses in one fell swoop and his entire future turns into what he expects to be a disaster.
Hunting your own food is no longer part of most people’s lives in the West, and the idea of the main characters having to kill an animal they’ve had iHunting your own food is no longer part of most people’s lives in the West, and the idea of the main characters having to kill an animal they’ve had in their house, like the goose in this story, did not sit well with me. Devon has the best intentions when he brings home a live goose after not being able to find a slaughtered one in the stores, but Jake has a few issues even though he doesn’t really like the goose and its odd behavior. How the two men handle this unexpected conflict is at the center of this story, and it made for a somewhat unusual Christmas tale. And even though it is part of a series (Carry Me 10), it can easily be read as a standalone.
Hunting your own food is no longer part of most people’s lives in the West, and the idea of the main characters having to kill an animal they’ve had in their house, like the goose in this story, did not sit well with me. Devon has the best intentions when he brings home a live goose after not being able to find a slaughtered one in the stores, but Jake has a few issues even though he doesn’t really like the goose and its odd behavior. How the two men handle this unexpected conflict is at the center of this story, and it made for a somewhat unusual Christmas tale. And even though it is part of a series (Carry Me 10), it can easily be read as a standalone.
The thought of managing a business with severe sight loss is pretty daunting – especially when considering having to meet strangers and having to travThe thought of managing a business with severe sight loss is pretty daunting – especially when considering having to meet strangers and having to travel to places you can’t see. I can’t imagine doing that, so Martin, the main character of this touching novella, had my admiration from the start. His is a story of battling the competition and fate in equal measure, winning despite the odds, and finding love in a totally unexpected place.
The thought of managing a business with severe sight loss is pretty daunting – especially when considering having to meet strangers and having to travel to places you can’t see. I can’t imagine doing that, so Martin, the main character of this touching novella, had my admiration from the start. His is a story of battling the competition and fate in equal measure, winning despite the odds, and finding love in a totally unexpected place.
All the stories in this series have been sweet, but this one is extra cute. Maybe it’s the contrast between Ranger’s perfectly respectable exterior asAll the stories in this series have been sweet, but this one is extra cute. Maybe it’s the contrast between Ranger’s perfectly respectable exterior as a small-town principal and his deeper bad-boy instincts that make for great entertainment. Or maybe it is watching newly-arrived social studies teacher Henry being driven to distraction in the best way possible. Either way, how these two men get to know each other, fall into bed, and figure out their lives once they have sort-of clear heads again had me smiling all the way.
All the stories in this series have been sweet, but this one is extra cute. Maybe it’s the contrast between Ranger’s perfectly respectable exterior as a small-town principal and his deeper bad-boy instincts that make for great entertainment. Or maybe it is watching newly-arrived social studies teacher Henry being driven to distraction in the best way possible. Either way, how these two men get to know each other, fall into bed, and figure out their lives once they have sort-of clear heads again had me smiling all the way.
Humor and serious criminal investigations don’t usually mix, but ‘In Another Country’ worked for me because it delivered exactly what the blurb promisHumor and serious criminal investigations don’t usually mix, but ‘In Another Country’ worked for me because it delivered exactly what the blurb promises: lots of heat and only a small dose of detective work. Set in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1997, this is a time when there were not exactly a lot of options for two men who wanted more than an occasional encounter, not when both of them work in law enforcement. So while there is lots of fun to be had while Declan, an American detective, and Tupper, a Canadian Mountie on terrorism training, get to know each other, theirs is not an easy romance.
Humor and serious criminal investigations don’t usually mix, but ‘In Another Country’ worked for me because it delivered exactly what the blurb promises: lots of heat and only a small dose of detective work. Set in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1997, this is a time when there were not exactly a lot of options for two men who wanted more than an occasional encounter, not when both of them work in law enforcement. So while there is lots of fun to be had while Declan, an American detective, and Tupper, a Canadian Mountie on terrorism training, get to know each other, theirs is not an easy romance.
Superpowers and the people who wield them, even though only in comics and fiction, have a special place in my heart. The struggle that previously averSuperpowers and the people who wield them, even though only in comics and fiction, have a special place in my heart. The struggle that previously average people go through when accepting their powers and figuring out what to do with them is psychologically interesting, plus there is usually some fun to be had or some “worthy fight” to be fought. But to see that same effect on children and young adults gives an extra edge to the idea – after all, young people are still defining who they are and that is tough enough without “special powers” getting in the way. “Touchstone” takes a look at the pitfalls and problems seventeen-year-olds Sam and Harry encounter when facing the fact that someone seems to be watching them despite all their efforts to evade them. The story is about their new situation as they deal with secrecy, a hidden agenda, and initially unspecified threats.
Superpowers and the people who wield them, even though only in comics and fiction, have a special place in my heart. The struggle that previously average people go through when accepting their powers and figuring out what to do with them is psychologically interesting, plus there is usually some fun to be had or some “worthy fight” to be fought. But to see that same effect on children and young adults gives an extra edge to the idea – after all, young people are still defining who they are and that is tough enough without “special powers” getting in the way. “Touchstone” takes a look at the pitfalls and problems seventeen-year-olds Sam and Harry encounter when facing the fact that someone seems to be watching them despite all their efforts to evade them. The story is about their new situation as they deal with secrecy, a hidden agenda, and initially unspecified threats.
As this story goes to show, a cop being asked to take a break from law enforcement can’t always let go of his talent for finding trouble, his need to As this story goes to show, a cop being asked to take a break from law enforcement can’t always let go of his talent for finding trouble, his need to fix what is wrong, or the fact that he is prepared to fight for those who need his help. The balance between romance, action, and personal growth is particularly well done in this exciting novel, and while it sets off as a rather gentle and sensual vacation romance, it soon turns into a thriller that had me hoping I’d find the time to breathe. I particularly liked the fact that there was danger and action, but never any real peril because a lot of the suspense was psychological rather than coming from overwhelming physical threats (though there was a good deal of those as well).
As this story goes to show, a cop being asked to take a break from law enforcement can’t always let go of his talent for finding trouble, his need to fix what is wrong, or the fact that he is prepared to fight for those who need his help. The balance between romance, action, and personal growth is particularly well done in this exciting novel, and while it sets off as a rather gentle and sensual vacation romance, it soon turns into a thriller that had me hoping I’d find the time to breathe. I particularly liked the fact that there was danger and action, but never any real peril because a lot of the suspense was psychological rather than coming from overwhelming physical threats (though there was a good deal of those as well).
This supernatural adventure is set in a world where Latin is the language used for international communication, “official” magic is strictly licensed,This supernatural adventure is set in a world where Latin is the language used for international communication, “official” magic is strictly licensed, and only a few have the talent to become mages. A wonderfully creepy hotel in Prague is the location for the beginning of this spooky tale about Tristan, an unlicensed mage who has become a “private investigator of paranormal incidents” after he was cast out by the official guild of mages. Three years later he is sort of making a living, but he is full of self-hate and loathing. The reasons only emerge slowly, but it’s a fascinating concept!
This supernatural adventure is set in a world where Latin is the language used for international communication, “official” magic is strictly licensed, and only a few have the talent to become mages. A wonderfully creepy hotel in Prague is the location for the beginning of this spooky tale about Tristan, an unlicensed mage who has become a “private investigator of paranormal incidents” after he was cast out by the official guild of mages. Three years later he is sort of making a living, but he is full of self-hate and loathing. The reasons only emerge slowly, but it’s a fascinating concept!
A nervous shifter is a sight to behold, and John Michael Diamond is an excellent example. He is an eagle shifter and despite the fact that he is a conA nervous shifter is a sight to behold, and John Michael Diamond is an excellent example. He is an eagle shifter and despite the fact that he is a confident CEO of a major corporation, meeting his mate who is human has him completely flustered. Cole, the mate in question, does not fare much better if for different reasons, so this story is filled with angst, minor drama, and more than one surprise as Cole and Michael navigate the beginning of a lifelong relationship.
A nervous shifter is a sight to behold, and John Michael Diamond is an excellent example. He is an eagle shifter and despite the fact that he is a confident CEO of a major corporation, meeting his mate who is human has him completely flustered. Cole, the mate in question, does not fare much better if for different reasons, so this story is filled with angst, minor drama, and more than one surprise as Cole and Michael navigate the beginning of a lifelong relationship.
A team of former Marines who are now members of a secret unit with amazing capabilities is at the center of this series, and it was high time for anotA team of former Marines who are now members of a secret unit with amazing capabilities is at the center of this series, and it was high time for another one – at least as far as I am concerned. With Haus as one of the main characters and Kevin, a super clever tech-whizz, as the other, it promised to be as explosive as the previous installments. I am happy to report that there is lots of mystery, bad guys who seem to have the advantage, secrecy, betrayal, and danger. There is also a wonderful love story for two men who never thought they’d ever find someone to make a life with, and seeing some of the characters from previous books in action rounded out this tale perfectly.
A team of former Marines who are now members of a secret unit with amazing capabilities is at the center of this series, and it was high time for another one – at least as far as I am concerned. With Haus as one of the main characters and Kevin, a super clever tech-whizz, as the other, it promised to be as explosive as the previous installments. I am happy to report that there is lots of mystery, bad guys who seem to have the advantage, secrecy, betrayal, and danger. There is also a wonderful love story for two men who never thought they’d ever find someone to make a life with, and seeing some of the characters from previous books in action rounded out this tale perfectly.
Pretend-boyfriends are one thing, and a trope I love, but this second volume in the ‘Supernatural Selection’ series takes it all a step further and inPretend-boyfriends are one thing, and a trope I love, but this second volume in the ‘Supernatural Selection’ series takes it all a step further and introduces the idea of a pretend-marriage. Not for financial or social gain, mind you. Rather it is the best way for Casimir, a vampire disappointed by the less-than-glamorous reality of living by Vampire Council rules, and Rusty, an inactive beaver shifter, to deal with the mess thy find themselves in. It’s convoluted chaos of the first order and has been created by things going awfully awry at the Supernatural Selections Agency because Casimir and Rusty’s intended partners got married to other people instead of Casimir and Rusty, respectively. The witches responsible call it a “spell snafu” (which made me laugh) but I couldn’t help thinking that, based on how the first volume ended with demon Quentin and bear shifter Ted happily married against all expectations, there may be a “higher power” behind all the supposed errors.
Pretend-boyfriends are one thing, and a trope I love, but this second volume in the ‘Supernatural Selection’ series takes it all a step further and introduces the idea of a pretend-marriage. Not for financial or social gain, mind you. Rather it is the best way for Casimir, a vampire disappointed by the less-than-glamorous reality of living by Vampire Council rules, and Rusty, an inactive beaver shifter, to deal with the mess thy find themselves in. It’s convoluted chaos of the first order and has been created by things going awfully awry at the Supernatural Selections Agency because Casimir and Rusty’s intended partners got married to other people instead of Casimir and Rusty, respectively. The witches responsible call it a “spell snafu” (which made me laugh) but I couldn’t help thinking that, based on how the first volume ended with demon Quentin and bear shifter Ted happily married against all expectations, there may be a “higher power” behind all the supposed errors.
It is no secret that I love stories about fictional assassins – as long as they have a “code” and only kill the bad guys, so Larry Boots and his advenIt is no secret that I love stories about fictional assassins – as long as they have a “code” and only kill the bad guys, so Larry Boots and his adventures are right up my alley. He tells the story in first person, and to have him talk about his somewhat sordid life with such irreverence is a true treat. The slow reveal of how Larry sees the world and why he does what he does is really well done, his relationship with Kenny is very touching, and the suspense at the end almost killed me. Fair warning – the mix of humor and contract killing may not be to everyone's taste, but much like most of John Inman's work, I believe it is best taken with a proverbial grain of salt.
It is no secret that I love stories about fictional assassins – as long as they have a “code” and only kill the bad guys, so Larry Boots and his adventures are right up my alley. He tells the story in first person, and to have him talk about his somewhat sordid life with such irreverence is a true treat. The slow reveal of how Larry sees the world and why he does what he does is really well done, his relationship with Kenny is very touching, and the suspense at the end almost killed me. Fair warning – the mix of humor and contract killing may not be to everyone's taste, but much like most of John Inman's work, I believe it is best taken with a proverbial grain of salt.
Johnny’s story, set in Britain and told in first person, is a harrowing tale of friendship, shocking surprises, betrayal, action-packed suspense, and Johnny’s story, set in Britain and told in first person, is a harrowing tale of friendship, shocking surprises, betrayal, action-packed suspense, and had me wondering how this was possibly going to end well. Just look at the cover – it describes the “mood” of this novella really well. From a fairly idyllic childhood with his best friend, Jacob, at his side through primary school, Johnny’s life doesn’t really turn for the worse until he meets a secretive man named Lex, gets married, and they have a major disagreement. Then the attacks on his life begin, and Johnny is pretty much on the run until he solves the puzzle of who exactly is out to kill him.
Johnny’s story, set in Britain and told in first person, is a harrowing tale of friendship, shocking surprises, betrayal, action-packed suspense, and had me wondering how this was possibly going to end well. Just look at the cover – it describes the “mood” of this novella really well. From a fairly idyllic childhood with his best friend, Jacob, at his side through primary school, Johnny’s life doesn’t really turn for the worse until he meets a secretive man named Lex, gets married, and they have a major disagreement. Then the attacks on his life begin, and Johnny is pretty much on the run until he solves the puzzle of who exactly is out to kill him.
A new series about shifters and humans, this one set in a postapocalyptic world, is always exciting news for me, and I am eternally curious about all A new series about shifters and humans, this one set in a postapocalyptic world, is always exciting news for me, and I am eternally curious about all the new variations of rules and back histories that authors can come up with. In this case, shifters have the upper hand, having won the Doomsday War, and humans are scrambling for survival. This first story stars Adam, a scrappy human despised by everyone in his village (except his brother), and Talon, the Apex Wolf mentioned in the title, who is the leader of all wolf packs. There is mystery, suspense, action, a budding romance, and bad guys who try to get the upper hand. It’s an excellent start, as far as I am concerned.
A new series about shifters and humans, this one set in a postapocalyptic world, is always exciting news for me, and I am eternally curious about all the new variations of rules and back histories that authors can come up with. In this case, shifters have the upper hand, having won the Doomsday War, and humans are scrambling for survival. This first story stars Adam, a scrappy human despised by everyone in his village (except his brother), and Talon, the Apex Wolf mentioned in the title, who is the leader of all wolf packs. There is mystery, suspense, action, a budding romance, and bad guys who try to get the upper hand. It’s an excellent start, as far as I am concerned.
“If anyone who knew him had seen he was being handed two children to take care of, they'd call the cops. Of course, he could handle the cops. He’d don“If anyone who knew him had seen he was being handed two children to take care of, they'd call the cops. Of course, he could handle the cops. He’d done it before, but the kids would slow him down. Unless he strapped them to his back and—” – Rob, professional assassin, Second Chance Ranch
This book took my breath away, so much so that I don’t even know where to start my review. On one hand, it is very much in line with the previous books in the series in terms of the main characters and the tough choices they have to make, the complications and obstacles their love encounters, and, of course, the partially shared backstory of the various families who live at the Crooked Tree Ranch. But on the other hand, ‘Second Chance Ranch’ is also so much more. It’s a breathtaking story and I am so glad it won’t be the last in the series!
“If anyone who knew him had seen he was being handed two children to take care of, they'd call the cops. Of course, he could handle the cops. He’d done it before, but the kids would slow him down. Unless he strapped them to his back and—” – Rob, professional assassin, Second Chance Ranch
This book took my breath away, so much so that I don’t even know where to start my review. On one hand, it is very much in line with the previous books in the series in terms of the main characters and the tough choices they have to make, the complications and obstacles their love encounters, and, of course, the partially shared backstory of the various families who live at the Crooked Tree Ranch. But on the other hand, ‘Second Chance Ranch’ is also so much more. It’s a breathtaking story and I am so glad it won’t be the last in the series!