I loved this one! I've always had a fascination with Japanese culture and had a love of anime and manga. The blend of the American college and the JapI loved this one! I've always had a fascination with Japanese culture and had a love of anime and manga. The blend of the American college and the Japanese influences was lovely. Xander was such a fascinating curmudgeon. I loved how cranky he was. So used to being hurt he choses not to have anyone in this life, not realizing he's already started to have a support system whether he meant to or not.
I loved how passionate Skylar was about his frat and wanting to do the right thing. His fanboy crush on all thing manga was adorable. The way he became a part of Xander's life was so cute. He wasn't going to take no for an answer, but he got more from the developing relationship than he ever expected.
Xander and Skylar's group of friends were a lot of fun as well. I liked the match up with the gods. It added an additional layer of fun to this story. But I think one of the things I liked the most was how this story dealt with the different sexualities on the spectrum. Zelda's character was handled wonderfully as an ace. I loved how much of a non-story it was. They were presented as they were and it wasn't even questioned. It made it so much easier for Skylar to accept his own gray area of the spectrum.
Xander and Skylar figuring out how to be together was sweet and lovely. Both of them were so willing to try to work out what would make things work for them both sexually while knowing that they loved the person the other was.
Merged review:
I loved this one! I've always had a fascination with Japanese culture and had a love of anime and manga. The blend of the American college and the Japanese influences was lovely. Xander was such a fascinating curmudgeon. I loved how cranky he was. So used to being hurt he choses not to have anyone in this life, not realizing he's already started to have a support system whether he meant to or not.
I loved how passionate Skylar was about his frat and wanting to do the right thing. His fanboy crush on all thing manga was adorable. The way he became a part of Xander's life was so cute. He wasn't going to take no for an answer, but he got more from the developing relationship than he ever expected.
Xander and Skylar's group of friends were a lot of fun as well. I liked the match up with the gods. It added an additional layer of fun to this story. But I think one of the things I liked the most was how this story dealt with the different sexualities on the spectrum. Zelda's character was handled wonderfully as an ace. I loved how much of a non-story it was. They were presented as they were and it wasn't even questioned. It made it so much easier for Skylar to accept his own gray area of the spectrum.
Xander and Skylar figuring out how to be together was sweet and lovely. Both of them were so willing to try to work out what would make things work for them both sexually while knowing that they loved the person the other was....more
This is a case of yay to most everything and then having to deal with a rushed ending that made me go all pouty-faced. I loved Kane and Syren togetherThis is a case of yay to most everything and then having to deal with a rushed ending that made me go all pouty-faced. I loved Kane and Syren together. I loved Syren's snarky bad guy person that covered up the damaged boy underneath. Inside he's hurting so much and his attraction and subsequent love of Kane is really all that keeps him going at times. He doesn't know how to care for himself as a person and be comfortable in how he is. Kane is damaged as well in his own way. The loss of love is something he's never gotten over, but being drawn to Syren is pulling him out of his self imposed shell.
I loved watching these two figure out their attraction to each other and how to handle it. My only problem comes that when the shit hit the fan Kane screwed up in a way that was totally unacceptable to me. I get where his reaction comes from. But then the book was over before I really got to feel like these two got all their dirty laundry aired and moved past. So this looses as star for tying things up with a bow all too quickly.
Otherwise I quite enjoyed this book. I like my damaged boys and these two are definitely that. There's one particular lost soul in this book that I certainly hope gets their own happily ever after soon. Kane played him a little hard in this one. I hate seeing a good guy get hurt through no real fault of his own.
Merged review:
This is a case of yay to most everything and then having to deal with a rushed ending that made me go all pouty-faced. I loved Kane and Syren together. I loved Syren's snarky bad guy person that covered up the damaged boy underneath. Inside he's hurting so much and his attraction and subsequent love of Kane is really all that keeps him going at times. He doesn't know how to care for himself as a person and be comfortable in how he is. Kane is damaged as well in his own way. The loss of love is something he's never gotten over, but being drawn to Syren is pulling him out of his self imposed shell.
I loved watching these two figure out their attraction to each other and how to handle it. My only problem comes that when the shit hit the fan Kane screwed up in a way that was totally unacceptable to me. I get where his reaction comes from. But then the book was over before I really got to feel like these two got all their dirty laundry aired and moved past. So this looses as star for tying things up with a bow all too quickly.
Otherwise I quite enjoyed this book. I like my damaged boys and these two are definitely that. There's one particular lost soul in this book that I certainly hope gets their own happily ever after soon. Kane played him a little hard in this one. I hate seeing a good guy get hurt through no real fault of his own....more
It’s funny because I’ve read a number of books by Ms. Chase over the years and yet this was nothing like I expected from her. Everything else I have rIt’s funny because I’ve read a number of books by Ms. Chase over the years and yet this was nothing like I expected from her. Everything else I have read by Ms. Chase has been contemporary and while a simple story I’ve always enjoyed them. This manages to maintain the simplicity Ms. Chase normally personifies in her writing while taking an entirely different tact with a fantasy novel and two warring factions. I enjoyed this story the world created here even if things did wrap up a little too easily for my piece of mind.
Prince Rathian is the Imperator of the Vanguard, the most elite fighting force the Launioc army has to offer. By tradition the Imperator is always the second son of the reigning king and unlike the rest of the army the Vanguard only answers to the Imperator. Their loyalty is absolute even above that offered to king and country. Rathian has chosen to lead his army in the true tradition of the Vanguard through love and earned loyalty rather than fear. As such his men’s bonds are stronger than ever. They are the one fighting force where same sex couples are encouraged and each man is freely allowed to love and embrace the other men in their company. Their bonds are absolute and never broken. When his General brings Rathian their most recent prison from the front lines, one of the feared Consorts of the Villious Queen, he finds himself strangely drawn to the man and trusting very quickly of someone who by nature should be his enemy.
Stakel may have been trained as a Queen’s Consort, but he loathes them and everything he stands for. Taken from his home as a child and forced into subjugated service first in the army until his healing gifts were discovered, and then tortured and beaten into submission as a Consort, Stakel has very few fond memories of the country he calls home. His loyalty in no way lies with the country and monarch of his past. The demon priests have spent years torturing him to force his actions and while they might make him bend, they have never been able to break his spirit. His company loathes him and are more than happy to abandon him during a battle with the Vanguard to hopefully be killed. Instead Stakel finds himself standing before the one man who might be able to change his future.
First of all I really enjoyed the world building here. I found the society created a lot of fun and the structure of the Vanguard to be well executed. I enjoyed the fact that their loyalty was to the commander not to the king and that they would follow him and his orders anywhere. Rathian and Stakel as a couple were very sweet and well balanced. I usually really enjoy stories where the captor is falling for his enemy and this was no exception. I enjoyed that for once Stakel’s capitulation wasn’t brought about by neglect, abuse or any sort of negative reinforcement even to keep others unaware of Rathian’s falling for him. Instead Rathian embraced him as an honored guest to figure out exactly what was going on between them.
Of course the insane (view spoiler)[god given (hide spoiler)] chemistry between Rathian and Stakel leads to many a steamy sex scenes. I particularly enjoyed that they were a balanced couple. Even though Rathian was initially the captor there was never a big alpha male dominant in this relationship. In fact overall I think Stakel has more of a dominant tendency than Rathian does. The first time they truly came together…well YUMMY! Almost illicit sex there. There was never any real question of Stakel’s real value to Rathian and his becoming the Custos.
The secondary characters here were fun if a little one dimensional. Martin and Antioc were sweet and caused me a giggle or two at their charming fun loving open hearted love affair. The plotlines though were all very basic and it didn’t really take much to figure out what was going on. Excelsie’s attitude certainly didn’t leave any question as to him motivations or wants. Even the larger plot against the Villious and their demon priests was very simply wrapped up. This was more a story about the love affair between two men rather than the greater war upon them.
If I had one real complaint about this story it’s that Stakel is never given a chance to go back to see if he can find his family and the land he grew up in. It’s mentioned so often in the beginning, how he misses it all and wishes to return, I would have liked their to be a part of the epilogue of Rathian taking him to find his family. Of course he’s going to stay with the man he loves for the future, but I would have liked some closure to that dangling plot thread.
Otherwise though I enjoyed this story as a quick read and one with a fun world building story. It lacked loads of depth and devastating introspection, but it really didn’t need all of that. I was happy with where all the characters ended up, good triumphed over evil and the ancient gods restored the order of all things. Our heroes are together and I get my HEA. :D
Merged review:
It’s funny because I’ve read a number of books by Ms. Chase over the years and yet this was nothing like I expected from her. Everything else I have read by Ms. Chase has been contemporary and while a simple story I’ve always enjoyed them. This manages to maintain the simplicity Ms. Chase normally personifies in her writing while taking an entirely different tact with a fantasy novel and two warring factions. I enjoyed this story the world created here even if things did wrap up a little too easily for my piece of mind.
Prince Rathian is the Imperator of the Vanguard, the most elite fighting force the Launioc army has to offer. By tradition the Imperator is always the second son of the reigning king and unlike the rest of the army the Vanguard only answers to the Imperator. Their loyalty is absolute even above that offered to king and country. Rathian has chosen to lead his army in the true tradition of the Vanguard through love and earned loyalty rather than fear. As such his men’s bonds are stronger than ever. They are the one fighting force where same sex couples are encouraged and each man is freely allowed to love and embrace the other men in their company. Their bonds are absolute and never broken. When his General brings Rathian their most recent prison from the front lines, one of the feared Consorts of the Villious Queen, he finds himself strangely drawn to the man and trusting very quickly of someone who by nature should be his enemy.
Stakel may have been trained as a Queen’s Consort, but he loathes them and everything he stands for. Taken from his home as a child and forced into subjugated service first in the army until his healing gifts were discovered, and then tortured and beaten into submission as a Consort, Stakel has very few fond memories of the country he calls home. His loyalty in no way lies with the country and monarch of his past. The demon priests have spent years torturing him to force his actions and while they might make him bend, they have never been able to break his spirit. His company loathes him and are more than happy to abandon him during a battle with the Vanguard to hopefully be killed. Instead Stakel finds himself standing before the one man who might be able to change his future.
First of all I really enjoyed the world building here. I found the society created a lot of fun and the structure of the Vanguard to be well executed. I enjoyed the fact that their loyalty was to the commander not to the king and that they would follow him and his orders anywhere. Rathian and Stakel as a couple were very sweet and well balanced. I usually really enjoy stories where the captor is falling for his enemy and this was no exception. I enjoyed that for once Stakel’s capitulation wasn’t brought about by neglect, abuse or any sort of negative reinforcement even to keep others unaware of Rathian’s falling for him. Instead Rathian embraced him as an honored guest to figure out exactly what was going on between them.
Of course the insane (view spoiler)[god given (hide spoiler)] chemistry between Rathian and Stakel leads to many a steamy sex scenes. I particularly enjoyed that they were a balanced couple. Even though Rathian was initially the captor there was never a big alpha male dominant in this relationship. In fact overall I think Stakel has more of a dominant tendency than Rathian does. The first time they truly came together…well YUMMY! Almost illicit sex there. There was never any real question of Stakel’s real value to Rathian and his becoming the Custos.
The secondary characters here were fun if a little one dimensional. Martin and Antioc were sweet and caused me a giggle or two at their charming fun loving open hearted love affair. The plotlines though were all very basic and it didn’t really take much to figure out what was going on. Excelsie’s attitude certainly didn’t leave any question as to him motivations or wants. Even the larger plot against the Villious and their demon priests was very simply wrapped up. This was more a story about the love affair between two men rather than the greater war upon them.
If I had one real complaint about this story it’s that Stakel is never given a chance to go back to see if he can find his family and the land he grew up in. It’s mentioned so often in the beginning, how he misses it all and wishes to return, I would have liked their to be a part of the epilogue of Rathian taking him to find his family. Of course he’s going to stay with the man he loves for the future, but I would have liked some closure to that dangling plot thread.
Otherwise though I enjoyed this story as a quick read and one with a fun world building story. It lacked loads of depth and devastating introspection, but it really didn’t need all of that. I was happy with where all the characters ended up, good triumphed over evil and the ancient gods restored the order of all things. Our heroes are together and I get my HEA. :D...more
I didn't like this story as much as the first in the series, but it was still a good book. I really liked both Danny and Laurie individually. I liked I didn't like this story as much as the first in the series, but it was still a good book. I really liked both Danny and Laurie individually. I liked how their relationship developed. There was attraction from the start, but I did appreciate that this didn't become a story of their inability to resist when they should. I really don't like cheating stories. This walked the border, with a few questionable moments, but overall didn't trip my moral objections too much.
I did love how supportive Danny was of Laurie. He was the first person to really stand up for Laurie with full unqualified support. Danny is such a good soul. He works hard and has good reason for avoiding the major rodeos that he used to compete in before. But circumstances are pushing him back to the rodeo and into the danger he tried to get away from. Laurie was there for Danny when he needed him as well.
I'm enjoying this series and look forward to the next book.
Merged review:
I didn't like this story as much as the first in the series, but it was still a good book. I really liked both Danny and Laurie individually. I liked how their relationship developed. There was attraction from the start, but I did appreciate that this didn't become a story of their inability to resist when they should. I really don't like cheating stories. This walked the border, with a few questionable moments, but overall didn't trip my moral objections too much.
I did love how supportive Danny was of Laurie. He was the first person to really stand up for Laurie with full unqualified support. Danny is such a good soul. He works hard and has good reason for avoiding the major rodeos that he used to compete in before. But circumstances are pushing him back to the rodeo and into the danger he tried to get away from. Laurie was there for Danny when he needed him as well.
I'm enjoying this series and look forward to the next book....more
This one hurts the heart so much. Oh man did this tear at me. This is a hard story to read while still being wonderful. I really felt for Seth and KelThis one hurts the heart so much. Oh man did this tear at me. This is a hard story to read while still being wonderful. I really felt for Seth and Kelly. So much pain and anger in this story. I know some people seem to have tagged this as Young Adult but really I would call this New Adult even though it follows these two boys from a very young age. The timeline is more in keeping with a YA novel, but there are some very dark elements here and trigger warnings needed. The subject matter feels a little more mature than YA.
The emotions in this story were so raw that it was hard not to be sucked into the struggle going on for these guys. Seth is such a doll. I loved that his head was in the clouds and yet Kelly could always manage to ground him. His love of music and his dedication to his violin was all encompassing. I worried with how the story started that we'd be mired in a family drama I was going to hate, but how Seth's father and Kelly's father dragged themselves up out of the struggle of their alcoholism was wonderful. The support between these two families was great. And because of it I loved the young love that develop between these two boys and how their discovery of it all came about.
But then things take such a dark turn. The torment these two suffered because of others actions was horrifying. But the love the had for each other was such a bright spot. This story covers so many years and so much time apart they really had to fight for each other. I truly enjoyed this story even as it ripped at my heart.
Merged review:
This one hurts the heart so much. Oh man did this tear at me. This is a hard story to read while still being wonderful. I really felt for Seth and Kelly. So much pain and anger in this story. I know some people seem to have tagged this as Young Adult but really I would call this New Adult even though it follows these two boys from a very young age. The timeline is more in keeping with a YA novel, but there are some very dark elements here and trigger warnings needed. The subject matter feels a little more mature than YA.
The emotions in this story were so raw that it was hard not to be sucked into the struggle going on for these guys. Seth is such a doll. I loved that his head was in the clouds and yet Kelly could always manage to ground him. His love of music and his dedication to his violin was all encompassing. I worried with how the story started that we'd be mired in a family drama I was going to hate, but how Seth's father and Kelly's father dragged themselves up out of the struggle of their alcoholism was wonderful. The support between these two families was great. And because of it I loved the young love that develop between these two boys and how their discovery of it all came about.
But then things take such a dark turn. The torment these two suffered because of others actions was horrifying. But the love the had for each other was such a bright spot. This story covers so many years and so much time apart they really had to fight for each other. I truly enjoyed this story even as it ripped at my heart....more
OMG! Giddy bouncing going on over here. I somehow had it in my head after Book 5 that Megan Derr was done with this series. I can't believe we got anoOMG! Giddy bouncing going on over here. I somehow had it in my head after Book 5 that Megan Derr was done with this series. I can't believe we got another book. And on top of that it's super fantastic!!!
***I received my copy from Netgalley and that in no way influences my review. These are my opinions in their full reactive glory. ***
So I absolutely adored this book. Not only is it in one of my favorite series' by Megan Derr, it continues with some of my favorite characters as well. I have enjoyed every book in the "Dance with the Devil" series, but previous to this, every book has stood on their own as essentially a stand alone in the greater world. There have been little mentions of characters or events in previous books that tied things together, but no character/group of characters has ever had a direct sequel before. Imagine my delight when the first time it happens it's with my favorite characters from the series. Shield of the Dragon is a direct sequel to Sword of the King, the previous book in the series. I adored that book and the unique take on dragons that is first put forth in Midnight but expanded upon in "Sword."
This book actually really settled the world building for me. As every book has been individual, and has taken place in different cities and points of reference around the world, the actual world building felt disjointed at times when you looked at the greater scheme of things. I was never completely sure how each book or location interlaced with the others in the series. This book really took the greater world and brought all the little tendrils in and tied them together. We were introduced to the Clans in Midnight and the syndicates in Sword of the King, but it's here where we finally get to really see more of the structure of both and how they differ as the two sides of the dragon coin collide. There are a lot of returning characters in this book from many of the previous books in the series, and more than a few hints of how connected other parts might just be. I loved that about this story. There were so many potential story lines and later books that this story establishes. This is the first book that really cemented for me how the paranormal world works within the normal world as well. I always felt like in the previous books the normal world knew the paranormal existed. This clearly establishes that not to be the case.
As for the actual meat of this book, it was absolutely deliciously yummy. Ken was always one of my favorite characters from the previous book and I was delighted to get to focus on him in this story. Seeing all of his insecurities brought to the surface as he struggled to find his place in the new world order was just lovely. He's gone through so much pain in the past and his introduction to the paranormal world was turbulent to say the least. Ken has never really had a home, except for in his relationship with Nev, and even that has had lingering question marks in his brain. Now with Amr and being inducted into Clan Mordred, Ken isn't really sure where he stands and Amr isn't making it any easier. There is a lot of work to be done to get Clan Mordred established in their new home and after their one kiss Amr has seemed to distance himself. Ken, in his new role as Steward, is constantly barraged with the attacks of the syndicates as they test the boundaries as well. This makes for one tight bundle of nerves from the get go. It gave a kick start to really getting to tell Ken and Amr figuring out what they wanted which was nice as they were the side story in the last book. I really loved Ken's journey in this book. He truly is discovering who and what he is in the world, his strength and place is his for the taking.
The introduction of Diamond was really great as well. Such a fun take on the Snow White story. Diamond was poisoned by his own brother and is the only person alive that has survived that particular curse. It drastically changed is physical appearance to ghost white with blood red lips and has made his blood poisonous to everyone around him. He is death walking. Not a pleasant introduction to the fact that the paranormal does exist. He has worked diligently for the Cambry Syndicate since as the chief enforcer. As much as he would dearly love to bound with a dragon, the seem to want nothing to do with him. That is until one of the clans comes calling and using his boss to help further their cause.
I loved the plot lines in this story. This really establishes what the boundaries of the syndicates and clans are. It makes it clear how the dragons came to be and how they got to the place they are at now. Of course there is a ton of action as Ken and Diamond are working on different sides of the same coin. Everyone wants control of the Pendragon, no matter that he's chosen his bond and won't be forced out of it. Ken will defend Amr and Cam with his life.
So many old friends coming back to join the party in this story. I knew immediately who Grey was and it just made me grin stupidly at the world. His addition into this story was the icing on the cake. You knew he had to be working towards something even if at times you weren't sure exactly what that was. Some of his actions seemed incredibly misleading, and yet you knew their had to be a point somewhere. I liked how he took Diamond under his wing and encouraged him with York, pointing everyone in the best direction even when it seemed at odds with what they thought should be right. He is still kick ass and awesome.
It's so hard writing this review to be as spoiler free as possible when all I really want to do is fangirl gush over so many little specific moments within this story. I love this take on the Arthurian myths and Camelot. It's twisted just enough to fit perfectly within the framework of this story. Getting the teaser at the end of this book for the next book and what it's to be about has got me all a quiver for 2017. I will need to get my hands on that one as soon as possible. Once again Megan Derr does not disappoint and I'm gifted with another fabulous story to enjoy endlessly.
Merged review:
OMG! Giddy bouncing going on over here. I somehow had it in my head after Book 5 that Megan Derr was done with this series. I can't believe we got another book. And on top of that it's super fantastic!!!
***I received my copy from Netgalley and that in no way influences my review. These are my opinions in their full reactive glory. ***
So I absolutely adored this book. Not only is it in one of my favorite series' by Megan Derr, it continues with some of my favorite characters as well. I have enjoyed every book in the "Dance with the Devil" series, but previous to this, every book has stood on their own as essentially a stand alone in the greater world. There have been little mentions of characters or events in previous books that tied things together, but no character/group of characters has ever had a direct sequel before. Imagine my delight when the first time it happens it's with my favorite characters from the series. Shield of the Dragon is a direct sequel to Sword of the King, the previous book in the series. I adored that book and the unique take on dragons that is first put forth in Midnight but expanded upon in "Sword."
This book actually really settled the world building for me. As every book has been individual, and has taken place in different cities and points of reference around the world, the actual world building felt disjointed at times when you looked at the greater scheme of things. I was never completely sure how each book or location interlaced with the others in the series. This book really took the greater world and brought all the little tendrils in and tied them together. We were introduced to the Clans in Midnight and the syndicates in Sword of the King, but it's here where we finally get to really see more of the structure of both and how they differ as the two sides of the dragon coin collide. There are a lot of returning characters in this book from many of the previous books in the series, and more than a few hints of how connected other parts might just be. I loved that about this story. There were so many potential story lines and later books that this story establishes. This is the first book that really cemented for me how the paranormal world works within the normal world as well. I always felt like in the previous books the normal world knew the paranormal existed. This clearly establishes that not to be the case.
As for the actual meat of this book, it was absolutely deliciously yummy. Ken was always one of my favorite characters from the previous book and I was delighted to get to focus on him in this story. Seeing all of his insecurities brought to the surface as he struggled to find his place in the new world order was just lovely. He's gone through so much pain in the past and his introduction to the paranormal world was turbulent to say the least. Ken has never really had a home, except for in his relationship with Nev, and even that has had lingering question marks in his brain. Now with Amr and being inducted into Clan Mordred, Ken isn't really sure where he stands and Amr isn't making it any easier. There is a lot of work to be done to get Clan Mordred established in their new home and after their one kiss Amr has seemed to distance himself. Ken, in his new role as Steward, is constantly barraged with the attacks of the syndicates as they test the boundaries as well. This makes for one tight bundle of nerves from the get go. It gave a kick start to really getting to tell Ken and Amr figuring out what they wanted which was nice as they were the side story in the last book. I really loved Ken's journey in this book. He truly is discovering who and what he is in the world, his strength and place is his for the taking.
The introduction of Diamond was really great as well. Such a fun take on the Snow White story. Diamond was poisoned by his own brother and is the only person alive that has survived that particular curse. It drastically changed is physical appearance to ghost white with blood red lips and has made his blood poisonous to everyone around him. He is death walking. Not a pleasant introduction to the fact that the paranormal does exist. He has worked diligently for the Cambry Syndicate since as the chief enforcer. As much as he would dearly love to bound with a dragon, the seem to want nothing to do with him. That is until one of the clans comes calling and using his boss to help further their cause.
I loved the plot lines in this story. This really establishes what the boundaries of the syndicates and clans are. It makes it clear how the dragons came to be and how they got to the place they are at now. Of course there is a ton of action as Ken and Diamond are working on different sides of the same coin. Everyone wants control of the Pendragon, no matter that he's chosen his bond and won't be forced out of it. Ken will defend Amr and Cam with his life.
So many old friends coming back to join the party in this story. I knew immediately who Grey was and it just made me grin stupidly at the world. His addition into this story was the icing on the cake. You knew he had to be working towards something even if at times you weren't sure exactly what that was. Some of his actions seemed incredibly misleading, and yet you knew their had to be a point somewhere. I liked how he took Diamond under his wing and encouraged him with York, pointing everyone in the best direction even when it seemed at odds with what they thought should be right. He is still kick ass and awesome.
It's so hard writing this review to be as spoiler free as possible when all I really want to do is fangirl gush over so many little specific moments within this story. I love this take on the Arthurian myths and Camelot. It's twisted just enough to fit perfectly within the framework of this story. Getting the teaser at the end of this book for the next book and what it's to be about has got me all a quiver for 2017. I will need to get my hands on that one as soon as possible. Once again Megan Derr does not disappoint and I'm gifted with another fabulous story to enjoy endlessly....more
Man oh man I do love Megan Derr's ability to create a world. She paints such vivid pictures and establishes a really intriguing fantasy land. I enjoyeMan oh man I do love Megan Derr's ability to create a world. She paints such vivid pictures and establishes a really intriguing fantasy land. I enjoyed the political machinations of this series and the way she works the ramifications into what's going on.
Poor Istari. My heart just broke for him. His entire life he has been a pawn to be used by those around him, those who should most care for him and instead despise him for a fault not his own. Forced into the life of an assassin and sharpshooter even though he's a prince. Hated by so many for things that he was forced to do. Now he's left to be a political pawn during a shaky peace. His loneliness from the start hurt my heart. I loved his tentative friendship with Teverem and his nieces and nephew.
There were a lot of nifty plot twists in this one to keep Teverem and Istari apart and force the need for rescue. How Istari has maintained as good of a soul as he has is miraculous. I loved his and Teverem's tentative forays together as Istari truly doesn't believe he deserves anything good. Love this story.
Merged review:
Man oh man I do love Megan Derr's ability to create a world. She paints such vivid pictures and establishes a really intriguing fantasy land. I enjoyed the political machinations of this series and the way she works the ramifications into what's going on.
Poor Istari. My heart just broke for him. His entire life he has been a pawn to be used by those around him, those who should most care for him and instead despise him for a fault not his own. Forced into the life of an assassin and sharpshooter even though he's a prince. Hated by so many for things that he was forced to do. Now he's left to be a political pawn during a shaky peace. His loneliness from the start hurt my heart. I loved his tentative friendship with Teverem and his nieces and nephew.
There were a lot of nifty plot twists in this one to keep Teverem and Istari apart and force the need for rescue. How Istari has maintained as good of a soul as he has is miraculous. I loved his and Teverem's tentative forays together as Istari truly doesn't believe he deserves anything good. Love this story....more
Oh wow. Ok I read this book years and years ago, but really remembered none of it. But this was soooooo good. I loved Yamane and Rory together. Sure tOh wow. Ok I read this book years and years ago, but really remembered none of it. But this was soooooo good. I loved Yamane and Rory together. Sure this is instalove, but somehow it all worked for me. Rory's had this obsession with his favorite artist for years and felt he had this connection with the artist he thought was a woman. But even finding out that Ran Yamane was a man isn't enough to destroy the connection. The relationship between these two was just so palpable. I really loved how things vibrated between these two. Sure normally this type of things bug me, but for whatever reason in this case it just made me smile.
The stalker storyline for all that it was a teensy bit absurd actually held together pretty well. Really only the bits about her family background seemed a little too opportunistic. They just made her stalking easier for her. But of course she was batshit crazy and you were just waiting for Rory and Yamane to find away to stop her for good. I liked that her stalking sent Rory and Yamane on the run though because it did really force them together and to deal with the real person not the image they had.
This story made me smile and also made me cry a little bit. Loved this.
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Oh wow. Ok I read this book years and years ago, but really remembered none of it. But this was soooooo good. I loved Yamane and Rory together. Sure this is instalove, but somehow it all worked for me. Rory's had this obsession with his favorite artist for years and felt he had this connection with the artist he thought was a woman. But even finding out that Ran Yamane was a man isn't enough to destroy the connection. The relationship between these two was just so palpable. I really loved how things vibrated between these two. Sure normally this type of things bug me, but for whatever reason in this case it just made me smile.
The stalker storyline for all that it was a teensy bit absurd actually held together pretty well. Really only the bits about her family background seemed a little too opportunistic. They just made her stalking easier for her. But of course she was batshit crazy and you were just waiting for Rory and Yamane to find away to stop her for good. I liked that her stalking sent Rory and Yamane on the run though because it did really force them together and to deal with the real person not the image they had.
This story made me smile and also made me cry a little bit. Loved this....more
I love this series. Pamela Clare's writing always brings me in quickly and she just tells wonderful stories. I've always liked Chaska in the past storI love this series. Pamela Clare's writing always brings me in quickly and she just tells wonderful stories. I've always liked Chaska in the past stories and have been looking forward to his story. Naomi has fought hard to get away from the cult that raised her. She knows so little of her actual heritage and wonders where she really comes from. Her jewelry is finally taking off and her little retreat into the Colorado wilderness should be just the inspiration she needs. Getting attacked by escaped convicts was not in her plan. Being rescued by Chaska, his sister, and Luna changes everything.
Chaska didn't expect to meet someone he's as drawn to as Naomi. But, maybe the parts of his Native American heritage he's gotten away from are trying to tell him something. I enjoyed the way that the Native American culture is woven into this story and how Naomi's history is revealed. I love that the author has spent time in the culture and has worked hard to be as authentic as possible. Her author's note was lovely to read.
This story blended a lot of lovely culture with enough suspense and action to keep things interesting. I love Chaska and Naomi's relationship and even though it was fast and insta-love it didn't bother me as much as it tends to. I look forward to more in this series.
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I love this series. Pamela Clare's writing always brings me in quickly and she just tells wonderful stories. I've always liked Chaska in the past stories and have been looking forward to his story. Naomi has fought hard to get away from the cult that raised her. She knows so little of her actual heritage and wonders where she really comes from. Her jewelry is finally taking off and her little retreat into the Colorado wilderness should be just the inspiration she needs. Getting attacked by escaped convicts was not in her plan. Being rescued by Chaska, his sister, and Luna changes everything.
Chaska didn't expect to meet someone he's as drawn to as Naomi. But, maybe the parts of his Native American heritage he's gotten away from are trying to tell him something. I enjoyed the way that the Native American culture is woven into this story and how Naomi's history is revealed. I love that the author has spent time in the culture and has worked hard to be as authentic as possible. Her author's note was lovely to read.
This story blended a lot of lovely culture with enough suspense and action to keep things interesting. I love Chaska and Naomi's relationship and even though it was fast and insta-love it didn't bother me as much as it tends to. I look forward to more in this series....more
This was sweet, but the storyline presentation was a little simplistic at times. I was never really surprised by anything that happened. It kinda all This was sweet, but the storyline presentation was a little simplistic at times. I was never really surprised by anything that happened. It kinda all felt like, yep that's the next little piece of information that's going to come to light. It's not that Peter and Russ weren't a great couple, it's just I never got as invested with them as I could have since a lot of things felt very surface instead of diving in deep.
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This was sweet, but the storyline presentation was a little simplistic at times. I was never really surprised by anything that happened. It kinda all felt like, yep that's the next little piece of information that's going to come to light. It's not that Peter and Russ weren't a great couple, it's just I never got as invested with them as I could have since a lot of things felt very surface instead of diving in deep....more
I don't really know how to rate this one. It was a slog. I did not enjoy it. But I can't in good conscious say it wasn't well written. It just wasn't I don't really know how to rate this one. It was a slog. I did not enjoy it. But I can't in good conscious say it wasn't well written. It just wasn't written in a manner for me to enjoy it.
The description to this story is very apt. This is a gay "Rear Window" but the first half of this book is morosely dragged down, by over indulgent prose too caught up in descriptive adjectives and ambiance to really go anywhere. I honestly have no clue as to what Detective Marzoli saw in our MC that drew him into his initial attraction. Our MC was as down on his luck, almost suicidally depressed as you can manage to be. Completely agoraphobic he can't leave his apartment let alone work on the music he's supposed to be selling to support himself. His apartment is a pit and yet when the detective shows up to his door on a routine stop to ask questions about the murder of his neighbor he's suddenly hopeless enamored. It just doesn't work for me.
The details of the plot drag on for ages dropping tiny pieces here and there to keep your interest. All these seemingly innocuous little things that indicate exactly who the murderer is, caught by our peeping Tom as the oddities they are. He hasn't opened his blinds in a year, but he's so observant after having his little cave disturbed that he's noticing the minutia. I just couldn't wait for this book to get done.
Admittedly the last quarter of the book began to move along better as our MC woke more and more from his daze and the connection with Marzoli deepened. Their reveals to each other would have been extremely touching and emotionally disturbing, except by this point I really didn't care about either character and just wanted to get to the end and see how they were going to go about catching the murder. (view spoiler)[The catching of with really pissed me off as going over and having sex with a guy just to prove he has a dead body in his house strikes me as incredibly morally repugnant, especially as your new lover is watching. HATE infidelity when a couple's been established and this sort of disregard for all of the pain he's just revealed to our MC completely undermined Marzoli's character. The man is scarred deeply, has never let anyone ever see him naked, could barely get through revealing himself to the man he's falling in love with, but not a couple of hours later he's completely ready to walk across the courtyard and bang the shit out of the lead suspect he's convinced has killed two people????? (hide spoiler)] Yeah, nope don't like it at all!
This story is dark and morose. These characters have been through hell in their past, but I couldn't get past the ineffectiveness to have it touch me. I felt bad for what they'd experienced but cared little for the outcome. I just wanted the story to be over. I think a large part of that is I like my books to be escapism. This isn't that. This isn't even really suspenseful so much as it is dramatic and mood inspired. Not my thing, but again I repeat that doesn't mean it isn't a good book. It's just not my type of book.
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I don't really know how to rate this one. It was a slog. I did not enjoy it. But I can't in good conscious say it wasn't well written. It just wasn't written in a manner for me to enjoy it.
The description to this story is very apt. This is a gay "Rear Window" but the first half of this book is morosely dragged down, by over indulgent prose too caught up in descriptive adjectives and ambiance to really go anywhere. I honestly have no clue as to what Detective Marzoli saw in our MC that drew him into his initial attraction. Our MC was as down on his luck, almost suicidally depressed as you can manage to be. Completely agoraphobic he can't leave his apartment let alone work on the music he's supposed to be selling to support himself. His apartment is a pit and yet when the detective shows up to his door on a routine stop to ask questions about the murder of his neighbor he's suddenly hopeless enamored. It just doesn't work for me.
The details of the plot drag on for ages dropping tiny pieces here and there to keep your interest. All these seemingly innocuous little things that indicate exactly who the murderer is, caught by our peeping Tom as the oddities they are. He hasn't opened his blinds in a year, but he's so observant after having his little cave disturbed that he's noticing the minutia. I just couldn't wait for this book to get done.
Admittedly the last quarter of the book began to move along better as our MC woke more and more from his daze and the connection with Marzoli deepened. Their reveals to each other would have been extremely touching and emotionally disturbing, except by this point I really didn't care about either character and just wanted to get to the end and see how they were going to go about catching the murder. (view spoiler)[The catching of with really pissed me off as going over and having sex with a guy just to prove he has a dead body in his house strikes me as incredibly morally repugnant, especially as your new lover is watching. HATE infidelity when a couple's been established and this sort of disregard for all of the pain he's just revealed to our MC completely undermined Marzoli's character. The man is scarred deeply, has never let anyone ever see him naked, could barely get through revealing himself to the man he's falling in love with, but not a couple of hours later he's completely ready to walk across the courtyard and bang the shit out of the lead suspect he's convinced has killed two people????? (hide spoiler)] Yeah, nope don't like it at all!
This story is dark and morose. These characters have been through hell in their past, but I couldn't get past the ineffectiveness to have it touch me. I felt bad for what they'd experienced but cared little for the outcome. I just wanted the story to be over. I think a large part of that is I like my books to be escapism. This isn't that. This isn't even really suspenseful so much as it is dramatic and mood inspired. Not my thing, but again I repeat that doesn't mean it isn't a good book. It's just not my type of book....more
There were some great ideas in this one and if you factor in that it's more of a novella I enjoyed it. But it does leave a lot of details about the woThere were some great ideas in this one and if you factor in that it's more of a novella I enjoyed it. But it does leave a lot of details about the world unfilled in. Having Jon and Vince already be a couple separated by circumstances makes the romance work well within the short length here. I liked these guys. Their relationship with Vince mom was super sweet as well. I wanted things to get better for them. Jon definitely had a rough time of things growing up.
The paranormal elements here were interesting but as I said previously, not very well filled out. More like they were only partially explained. I'm not sure if this intended to be a series or not, but I would hope that in a later book we'd get more details of the werewolf society and how it all works.
Still all in all I enjoyed reading this story as I went. It was only as I got to the end of the story that I was left feeling a little bit wanting. While reading I was hooked in.
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There were some great ideas in this one and if you factor in that it's more of a novella I enjoyed it. But it does leave a lot of details about the world unfilled in. Having Jon and Vince already be a couple separated by circumstances makes the romance work well within the short length here. I liked these guys. Their relationship with Vince mom was super sweet as well. I wanted things to get better for them. Jon definitely had a rough time of things growing up.
The paranormal elements here were interesting but as I said previously, not very well filled out. More like they were only partially explained. I'm not sure if this intended to be a series or not, but I would hope that in a later book we'd get more details of the werewolf society and how it all works.
Still all in all I enjoyed reading this story as I went. It was only as I got to the end of the story that I was left feeling a little bit wanting. While reading I was hooked in....more
So Zig's my new favorite! I love this little girl. She's snarky in all the best ways and just trying to rediscover her place. She's slowly learning hoSo Zig's my new favorite! I love this little girl. She's snarky in all the best ways and just trying to rediscover her place. She's slowly learning how to be a kid again after going through hell before her uncle finally got custody of her.
Deacon is determined to do right by his niece. He's turned his entire life around to make space for her and give her the best life possible. A new town and a new start seem like the most perfect idea. He'll own his own garage and try to give Zig some parameters by which to order her life. Having trouble show up on their doorstep was never his plan, and neither was falling for his business neighbor down the street.
Lang has a troubled past of his own. Since the disastrous end to his last relationship he hasn't let anyone new into his life. But when Zig and her uncle come barrelling into his bookstore opening up his life seems like a forgone conclusion. Lang is such a sweetie. I love his confusion and delight in watching Zig.
This story was surprisingly sweet in spite of the built in suspense and mystery. I'd give it 4.5 stars overall as I felt a little cheated out of the build up to Lang and Deacon. Their coming together felt a little rushed, but they were so wonderful together I didn't mind that much. I'm curious to see where this series goes in the future (hello Lang's got the perfect twin who definitely needs to be ruffled!). Great new series as per usual for Ms. Ford.
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So Zig's my new favorite! I love this little girl. She's snarky in all the best ways and just trying to rediscover her place. She's slowly learning how to be a kid again after going through hell before her uncle finally got custody of her.
Deacon is determined to do right by his niece. He's turned his entire life around to make space for her and give her the best life possible. A new town and a new start seem like the most perfect idea. He'll own his own garage and try to give Zig some parameters by which to order her life. Having trouble show up on their doorstep was never his plan, and neither was falling for his business neighbor down the street.
Lang has a troubled past of his own. Since the disastrous end to his last relationship he hasn't let anyone new into his life. But when Zig and her uncle come barrelling into his bookstore opening up his life seems like a forgone conclusion. Lang is such a sweetie. I love his confusion and delight in watching Zig.
This story was surprisingly sweet in spite of the built in suspense and mystery. I'd give it 4.5 stars overall as I felt a little cheated out of the build up to Lang and Deacon. Their coming together felt a little rushed, but they were so wonderful together I didn't mind that much. I'm curious to see where this series goes in the future (hello Lang's got the perfect twin who definitely needs to be ruffled!). Great new series as per usual for Ms. Ford....more
As sad as I am to see the end of these characters, I still loved any time I got to spend with these characters. Bear, Otter, and the Kid alon4.5 Stars
As sad as I am to see the end of these characters, I still loved any time I got to spend with these characters. Bear, Otter, and the Kid along with their entire cast of friends and family will always make me smile no matter what. Of course I'd never be upset if another story happened to come along down the line sometime either. ;)
This story was all Bear. Bear in all of his neurotic amazingness. As crazy as he is I love being in his head. He always takes me on a trip. There was a little too much recap to start this story off for me even if it was from a different perspective. But ultimately it still really didn't matter. I was going to love this book because it's these characters. I loved seeing Otter being the one to lose things on occasion this time. It's so nice to see a happily ever after for these guys. All of them. They've gone through so much but they're all the stronger for it.
I loved Otter and Bear planning for them. They're awesome dads because they've already been there and done that even if Bear doesn't seem to recognize how much raising Ty has given him the experience he needs. I just smiled through this whole story. There was a bit less angst than previous stories, but there was still enough there to keep this touching. :)
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4.5 Stars
As sad as I am to see the end of these characters, I still loved any time I got to spend with these characters. Bear, Otter, and the Kid along with their entire cast of friends and family will always make me smile no matter what. Of course I'd never be upset if another story happened to come along down the line sometime either. ;)
This story was all Bear. Bear in all of his neurotic amazingness. As crazy as he is I love being in his head. He always takes me on a trip. There was a little too much recap to start this story off for me even if it was from a different perspective. But ultimately it still really didn't matter. I was going to love this book because it's these characters. I loved seeing Otter being the one to lose things on occasion this time. It's so nice to see a happily ever after for these guys. All of them. They've gone through so much but they're all the stronger for it.
I loved Otter and Bear planning for them. They're awesome dads because they've already been there and done that even if Bear doesn't seem to recognize how much raising Ty has given him the experience he needs. I just smiled through this whole story. There was a bit less angst than previous stories, but there was still enough there to keep this touching. :)...more
This is one of those cases where I don't mind the insta-love as it's clearly a shifter thing. Lainey is of course the adorable omega wolf that stumbleThis is one of those cases where I don't mind the insta-love as it's clearly a shifter thing. Lainey is of course the adorable omega wolf that stumbles all over himself and yet you can do anything but love him. He's so gung ho energy and wouldn't hurt a fly. All the little silly things that he ends up doing just endear him to you more. Of course Mr. Big Bad Alpha wants to own him.
Enter Devlin, trying to be a good wolf and join the existing pack, but he can't just stand by and watch a weaker wolf get hurt. So of course he's going to step in, and of course he's going to be mated to Lainey. Who wouldn't find all that bumbling adorable even if you weren't destined to be together. Hehehe.
This story is one of those, easy to figure out where it's going, but its so sweet you enjoy the ride. Lainey and Caroline are hysterical together and you just know they're going to get into trouble for the rest of their lives as a duo. I mean heck Lainey gets tangled in phone cords and can't get out. ;)
This whole story just makes me smile. It's simple and enjoyable and as always I love Ms. Langley's voice as a writer. Overall 4.5 stars or gooey sweetness with a hint of spice.
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This is one of those cases where I don't mind the insta-love as it's clearly a shifter thing. Lainey is of course the adorable omega wolf that stumbles all over himself and yet you can do anything but love him. He's so gung ho energy and wouldn't hurt a fly. All the little silly things that he ends up doing just endear him to you more. Of course Mr. Big Bad Alpha wants to own him.
Enter Devlin, trying to be a good wolf and join the existing pack, but he can't just stand by and watch a weaker wolf get hurt. So of course he's going to step in, and of course he's going to be mated to Lainey. Who wouldn't find all that bumbling adorable even if you weren't destined to be together. Hehehe.
This story is one of those, easy to figure out where it's going, but its so sweet you enjoy the ride. Lainey and Caroline are hysterical together and you just know they're going to get into trouble for the rest of their lives as a duo. I mean heck Lainey gets tangled in phone cords and can't get out. ;)
This whole story just makes me smile. It's simple and enjoyable and as always I love Ms. Langley's voice as a writer. Overall 4.5 stars or gooey sweetness with a hint of spice....more
This was just strange for me. It doesn't really fall in to any one category and since I don't particularly like books without a HEA this one was a strThis was just strange for me. It doesn't really fall in to any one category and since I don't particularly like books without a HEA this one was a struggle. I just never quite got into this story. I was never given enough reason to care about the characters to want what they wanted. I understood what was happening and followed it all, but just kinda went meh.
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This was just strange for me. It doesn't really fall in to any one category and since I don't particularly like books without a HEA this one was a struggle. I just never quite got into this story. I was never given enough reason to care about the characters to want what they wanted. I understood what was happening and followed it all, but just kinda went meh....more
This was an interesting read. The author packed a lot in for a novella, you're dealing with the vagrancies of time travel, a romance, and a lot of bacThis was an interesting read. The author packed a lot in for a novella, you're dealing with the vagrancies of time travel, a romance, and a lot of backstory. Still it did an admirable job of not overloading the story or skipping too much to make you feel like anything got slighted. I think the time travel element was the most interesting part of things and I enjoyed that Gavin's choices felt authentic to who he was an what he'd been through. There are some darker elements to this story, but they're not wallowed in so it doesn't bog down this story or make it hard to read. Gavin has had a really rough time of things and has been handed a pretty bad hand. At heart though he's still a good guy. I felt for him and understood why he'd handle things the way he did.
I think the one downside to this story was that I didn't really get to know Cato the way I would have wanted for him to be thrown in as a romantic option. I liked that the author didn't force Gavin's feelings on things, but I wished I knew more about the person Cato is.
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This was an interesting read. The author packed a lot in for a novella, you're dealing with the vagrancies of time travel, a romance, and a lot of backstory. Still it did an admirable job of not overloading the story or skipping too much to make you feel like anything got slighted. I think the time travel element was the most interesting part of things and I enjoyed that Gavin's choices felt authentic to who he was an what he'd been through. There are some darker elements to this story, but they're not wallowed in so it doesn't bog down this story or make it hard to read. Gavin has had a really rough time of things and has been handed a pretty bad hand. At heart though he's still a good guy. I felt for him and understood why he'd handle things the way he did.
I think the one downside to this story was that I didn't really get to know Cato the way I would have wanted for him to be thrown in as a romantic option. I liked that the author didn't force Gavin's feelings on things, but I wished I knew more about the person Cato is....more
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