I am hooked on Meghan Maslow's Charm City stories (all her stories, really), and this one didn't disappoint.
Carter the cocky cat shifter and Bengal DI am hooked on Meghan Maslow's Charm City stories (all her stories, really), and this one didn't disappoint.
Carter the cocky cat shifter and Bengal Damon-Cowles the somewhat arrogant Rakshasa caught my attention in the first book, which I adored, and the second definitely lives up to the first.
These two are the perfect foil for each other and learning about the Rakshasa's true nature took me by surprise, but in hindsight, I see how the author set this concept up for us way in advance. The dialog is truly genius, and I think the one character--I won't give spoilers--having multiple accents was a challenge to narrator Greg Boudreaux. He took the challenge and ran with it. Between an incredible story and amazing narration, I found I couldn't walk away from this book. I'll apologize to my family later for my non-availability while enjoying Cat's Chance in Hell.
Not only did I learn more about the characters that I knew and loved, the author introduced some new ones that I can't wait to learn more about.
This book deserves a whole lot more attention than it seems to be getting at the moment. A secret organization of good guy who get things done? Check.This book deserves a whole lot more attention than it seems to be getting at the moment. A secret organization of good guy who get things done? Check. Lots of action both in the bedroom and outside of it? Check. Hotness> Check.
I'd accidentally read (listened to) the second book in this series first, so had to backtrack to book one. With the new information I now have, I'll nI'd accidentally read (listened to) the second book in this series first, so had to backtrack to book one. With the new information I now have, I'll need to revisit book 2. Which is no hardship, believe me. between EJ Russel's excellent storytelling and Greg Boudreaux's amazing talent at bringing the characters to life. When will book 3 be out? Addicted to Russell's Fae Out of Water characters? Who, me?
Possibly. Each sighting of a character from the original series provides a bit of a thrill, as we delve deeper into this universe with Mythmatched. Providing the perfect balance of romance, drama, action, humor, and charm (not to mention mythology), Howling on Hold held my attention from beginning to end and left me with a serious case of book hangover.
Highly recommended, and I can't wait to see more of this world.
Dang! You just kinda have to grab onto something and hang on with this series. The author and narrator did a wonderful job of bringing the characters Dang! You just kinda have to grab onto something and hang on with this series. The author and narrator did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life.
Once more the story grabbed me, pulled me in, and wouldn't let go. If I had a parrot, it would now know how to say, "Alexa, back up thirty seconds" because I worried I'd miss something, and uttered those words often. Some parts I replayed just to relive the intensity.
Once more we're submerged in a world of magic, other realms, and a fight for survival. One of the best parts of the series is that the characters are unapologetically flawed, yet they keep going and strive to do the right thing. There are a lot of gray areas, and things we might not yet understand, but the author does a great job of imparting information when we need it, without ever going into infodump territory.
How is this only the author's second novel? Wow. I cringe to think about my second, aka Grammarly's Worst Nightmare. Trailer Park Trickster is well written, polished, and... I'm gushing, aren't I? Sorry. But I even had to add a few shelves to give it proper credit.
My only complaint (here me whiiiiinnnnneee!) is that I have to wait for the third installment to find out what happens in Deadbeat Druid. Yes, I've preordered. Yes, I'm tapping my foot and impatiently waiting.
I simply cannot recommend this series highly enough. ...more
I simply cannot see a day when Meghan Maslow writes something I don't thoroughly enjoy, and this fourth installment of Starfig Investigations just undI simply cannot see a day when Meghan Maslow writes something I don't thoroughly enjoy, and this fourth installment of Starfig Investigations just underscores that belief.
The combination of the author's story-telling skills and Greg Boudreaux's narration creates a book I couldn't stop listening to. I've come to love the characters, and ending an installment is like saying goodbye to friends. Man, I love how Greg personifies Twig's father! Perfect! So many wonderful secondary characters to love, too!
We get lots of action, lots of fun times, plots within plots within plots, and the joy of knowing the series isn't over. And above all, the book provides a look at a rock-solid acquired family.
For this fifth installment of Kaje Harper's Hidden Wolves series, we break away from Aaron's pack and encounter two completely new wolves, whose storyFor this fifth installment of Kaje Harper's Hidden Wolves series, we break away from Aaron's pack and encounter two completely new wolves, whose story answers many hanging questions from the last book. (And we finally get to meet Rick Brown, the Chicago alpha and head of the council!)
As hard as this shifter world is on those who grew up to it, poor Dylan is totally ignorant of his heritage and finds out the hard way that he's a werewolf. Rather than have a strong mentor like Aaron, he has to learn from a relatively low-key wolf who is also on dangerous ground and at the mercy of the local alpha.
I like how Aaron's pack weaves through each story without having to be the focal point, and I'm enjoying meeting each new wolf (and human). Alex and Dylan alone are kind of lost, but together, they can overcome almost any obstacle-- with the help of a few alpha wolves. The writing, as always, is excellent, and I highly recommend this series....more
What a fun read! David was such a lovable character. Not the perfect specimen, he was gawky, uncoordinated, but with a huge heart. I was in the mood fWhat a fun read! David was such a lovable character. Not the perfect specimen, he was gawky, uncoordinated, but with a huge heart. I was in the mood for something light hearted, so perfect book, perfect timing.
The word choices, thought patterns, dialogue, and the things characters noticed dragged me right into the story, and kept me engaged throughout the book. David's mind zings around like a pinball. The excellent narration! Wow. And lights-out closet sex. Yeah, you'll have to read it for yourself. I'm not gonna tell you. Dancing as a weapon? Too funny!
Alan was everything David was not--surly, full of self-loathing, and haunted by his past. Into his bleak world comes the ray of sunshine, and force of nature, that is David. Poor Alan thought he could resist? Not a chance!
Some of the plot twists I sorta saw coming, but that didn't make them less enjoyable, and some caught me by surprise. The brothers were described well enought that now I can't wait for their stories. But after reading this, I'm left with one queston: Why haven't I read this author before?
This story soooo didn't go the way I thought it would, and with as many books as I consume, surprising this reader isn't easy. W.S. Long managed. QuitThis story soooo didn't go the way I thought it would, and with as many books as I consume, surprising this reader isn't easy. W.S. Long managed. Quite well, I might add. And I especially loved the reference to a certain Broadway show about a biblical figure and a multi-colored coat. Yeah, I kinda thought that was him. Nice wink-wink, nudge-nudge there. Also, there was a character I thought was bad in the beginning, who turned out to be not-so-bad. (Or maybe the jury's still out.)
There were parts that I would like to have seen unfolded on the page, such as Eli meeting another nephilim, and some of the encounters over the years between the main romantic couple. (I'm trying very hard not to give spoilers here.)
Interesting how Joshua's origin story mimics Eli's. Coincidence? I think not, but have to wait for the next installment to find out more.
I enjoyed the story very much, and can't wait for the next book to hit Audible, since I listen more than read these days. ...more
Although I don't personally know T.A. Moore (I think we might have met briefly at a convention once), she has crafted a book that could have been takeAlthough I don't personally know T.A. Moore (I think we might have met briefly at a convention once), she has crafted a book that could have been taken from my perfect book wish list.
Well written? Check Well researched? Check Gritty story? Check Lots of action? Check Complex characters? Check Moments of comedy mixed in to ease the "twisting the knife*" factor? Check Great secondary characters? Check Character with average looks and not an Adonis? Check (non-GQ models need love too). Realism? Check Case wrapped up in a way that didn't require whiskey therapy? Check Great, understandable tension between two main characters? Check, check, check
Bourneville the dog was pure bonus.
While I like romance, it's not a necessity to a story for my enjoyment. Not every relationship starts with hearts and flowers. That the two men care about each other is enough for me. I'm hoping that aspect continues into the next book, and grows there.
In that way this book reminds me of the Adrien English series by Josh Lanyon. Fantastic story, lots of believable action, and two protagonists who have their own issues to deal with before they can grow close. (Hmmm... Did I read the last book in the series? I can't remember how that all worked out *runs to check* Nope. Gotta get on that.)
Anyway, I digress. Sorry. Those who know me know to expect that. Oh! Squirrel! Bone to Pick is packed with action and I may have alienated my family while listening to this audio book.
Family outing: me in headphones. Anyone trying to speak to me at home: me in headphones. In my car: story playing through speakers. Any moment I could get, no matter how brief: me in headphones.
Sadly, I don't have time to read, so rely on audio books to get my fiction fix. Does anyone know when the second installment is due to hit Audible? Despite my recent bad behavior by devoting every waking moment to listening to this book, my loving family still gave me Audible credits for Mother's Day.
Highly recommended. Loved it, loved it, loved it! I'd never read anything by Moore two months ago, now I'm a huge fan.
If your reading wish list resembles mine, read this book.
*Twisting the knife factor: When the angst begins and escalates on every page, twisting the knife tighter and tighter without a single moment of relief. ...more
I love the study of dual natures in a person, and boy did this book satisfy that craving. Gar, a PURPOSE, plodding ahead in life,Oh wow. What a ride!
I love the study of dual natures in a person, and boy did this book satisfy that craving. Gar, a PURPOSE, plodding ahead in life, devoid of emotion, hardened to his task. Will, the man he used to be until changed by circumstance.
Until the arrival of Ryan reminds him to live again.
I'm trying very hard not to give spoilers, and I'm so enthusiastic about this book that I want to tell everyone all about it, but I will refrain. I've read so many books that it's hard to find one unique and full of so many twists and turns that I don't get a sense of what's coming. And this time, I didn't want to. Instead I immersed myself in this world, turning page after page after page. Whenever I had a few minutes, back in I went.
Part crime drama, part sci-fi, part urban fantasy, with a touch of romance (though it's not a typical romantic story) I couldn't put it down, and immediately upon finishing contacted the author to see if there will be a sequel. (There will! Yippee! I can't wait!)
I won't leave a star rating as I had the distinct pleasure of pre-reading and critiquing this work. Because of those reasons, I normally don't commentI won't leave a star rating as I had the distinct pleasure of pre-reading and critiquing this work. Because of those reasons, I normally don't comment on any story I've had prior knowledge of.
That said, why would I break habit and review this book?
Because this story so moved me, touched me on such a profound level, that it needs to be shared.
What it's not: 1. A typical boy meets boy romance (and yet there is a deeper love here than in many romances I've read). 2. A showcase for Mr. Alan's quirky humor and tongue-in-cheek observations.
What it is: Amazing.
Good versus evil, cultural legends, soul connections, and an epic battle for the very existence of man caught in the middle of the struggle. And a cast of characters that each represent so much more than they appear at face value.
Are my words cryptic? Yes, sorry, but totally in keeping with the surreal nature of this work. It's like nothing I've read before, and I stayed up way into the night, glued to each word. Thousands upon thousands of novels and novellas have I consumed in my life, so it's getting very hard to find something unique, something so different, so unpredictable. And ending the book was just the beginning. Since reading (has it really been two months ago?), I still find myself revisiting a scene or concept, discussing the book with friends, and plotting out who'll I'd buy copies for.
How rare is it that you read fiction that affects the way you look at the world?
Oh, darn. I'd planned to finish edits on one of my own books today, but instead I think I'll make a cup of tea and re-read this one. A day well spent.
Imagine opening your door one morning and walking down the hall of your apartment building, nodding at your neighbor who's collecting his mail. Your nImagine opening your door one morning and walking down the hall of your apartment building, nodding at your neighbor who's collecting his mail. Your neighbor is an elf. Living with a giant. The werewolf from apartment 3B mumbles "Good morning," as he hurries past. This is Whispering Hills, a place where humans and paranormal creatures co-exist. It makes for some interesting pairings, let me tell ya.
D.H. Starr puts a new twist on the vampire legend, and Talib, while hundreds of years old, still retains a good deal of his humanity. Far from some "perfect" literary paranormals, he has self-doubts, regrets, and fears. And a huge sense of responsibility. He's fallen for his own kind, and for humans, and neither worked out very well, so he's cut himself off from meaningful relationships, feeling himself destined to remain alone.
Human Conley's always thought himself 'different' and his 'different' makes him so very tempting to Talib. While both Conley and Talib's past hurts might otherwise keep them apart, they're given a little push, okay, a SHOVE from mutual friend and official neighborhood meddler, Purvis.
Good Lord, Purvis! Purvis the fairy is one of the funnest characters I've come across in a long time, and his antics will have you rolling your eyes one minute and laughing out loud the next (you may occasionally feel the urge to swat, too). Ever have that well-intentioned friend that apologizes on a regular basis because they keep botching all their elaborate schemes? That's Purvis in a nutshell.
I won't give too much of the plot away, but as much as I love D.H. Starr's work, this is my favorite of his stories. It's the first in a series, and I'm eagerly looking forward to future installments.
Carole Cummings writes one hell of a story. Faster paced and more action filled than the first installment, now that introductions are out of the way Carole Cummings writes one hell of a story. Faster paced and more action filled than the first installment, now that introductions are out of the way and the reader is familiar with the world Fen Jacin and Malick live in, the story really takes off.
Weregild is part of a grand, sweeping epic, the kind I fell in love with in my teens, filled with wonderfully nuanced characters, who aren't perfect, have moments when they're more likeable that others, but in the end, they steal your heart. All are very well fleshed out and three dimensional. Because we get to see inside the bad guys' heads, from their point of view, there's so much to think about. Who is right, who is wrong? How many times has someone fully believed their course of action best, only to have history prove them wrong? Those are the kind of cataclysmic situations our guys find themselves in, and I loved how well the author drew me completely into their world.
I simply could not put the book down, yet it took me a very long time to read it. Why? Because of the gorgeous language with which it is written. I'd read a lovely passage and then read it again, roll the words around my brain until they truly sank in. I not so much read as absorbed this novel, start to finish.
The changes Fen goes through in this story felt so totally believeable to me. The voices in his head reduced him to an automaton, existing to do his beishin's bidding. Losing those voices leaves him vulnerable, and he has to learn to live again, how to live again, why to live again, since his entire existence was a buildup to a great event.
The story is first and foremost here, with the relationship between Fen and Malick nuanced and woven through. But as beautifully written as this book is, the passage that stands out most in my mind, the words that I'll mull over days from now, the few sentences that sum up what they are to each other, are these:
Malick’s relentless presence was a persistent, bizarre comfort, and Jacin had allowed it to prod him into staying here when he really didn’t want to. Last night, Shig’s voice haunting him, the taste of cherry smoke burning his tongue, he’d allowed it to prod him into turning to Malick when he’d finally entered the cabin quietly, climbed in, and wrapped himself around Jacin. Allowed it to guide his hands, watched Malick’s expressions change as Jacin allowed his fingers to roam and explore. Allowed himself to feel every detail beneath his fingertips—time the pulse, map the dips between muscles, trace bone and sinew, stalk the thump of blood through vein—until Malick met his eyes, asking.
Jacin answered. Slowly and with all his attention.
No bargains this time, nothing to trade but mutual want.
Malick had made it all go away for him before. Maybe he could make it come back.
What you just read is Jacin, free of influence, free of bargaining, free of pain, betrayal, and coercion, taking the metaphorical leap into Malick's arms. And while the scene isn't graphic, it's one of the most deeply moving shows of intimacy I've ever read.
I simply cannot recommend this novel, this entire series, highly enough. ...more
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Carole Cummings doesn't merely tell a good story, she paints a masterpiece with words until you can see, hear, feel, Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Carole Cummings doesn't merely tell a good story, she paints a masterpiece with words until you can see, hear, feel, taste, and smell the world she's created. The world-building is spectacular, and the folks she's filled that world with are three-dimensional and engaging.
The story is told from multiple POVs and switches between the current time and the past, and while this may sound confusing, it gave me clarity in the unfolding events, and I even found myself looking forward to the next little trip into the past that would unveil yet another clue into the current state of affairs.
Fen is heartwrenchingly tragic, and Malick is awesome as the hero, flawed, irreverant, and danged proud of it. Add in an odd assortment of enemies and allies, and I found myself on the edge of my seat in excitement one minute, and howling with laughter the next. The breakfast scene with Malick's acquired family is hilarious!
The one intimacy between our two heroes manages to be tender, scorching hot, passionate, and fierce, all at the same time, and I am in awe of Ms. Cummings ability to portray emotions with a finger sliding down a cheek, a sidelong glance, and even the gentle caress of hair on skin.
There's never a dull moment, and now I count the days until I can rejoin Fen, Malick, and their allies on this grand adventure. Ms. Cummings' sweeping epic reminds me why I fell in love with reading to begin with. Highly, highly recommended!...more
I fell in love with Tarin and Beak-face in Out of the Woods, and fell in love all over again with Twice-Caught. Twice-caught picks up pretty much wherI fell in love with Tarin and Beak-face in Out of the Woods, and fell in love all over again with Twice-Caught. Twice-caught picks up pretty much where Out of the Woods left off, with Tarin struggling with his desire to return to his former life and protect his man from Bad Egg, and finding that being civilized has its good points.
Tarin's point of view is refreshing, and the author's skill really lets us see the world through his eyes. There are a few new characters, a few new plot twists, some hold-your-breath-in-anticipation moments, and some "Awwww..." inspiring scenes as well.
And what do you know? I've actually wondered how the world would be if run by vegetarian women... ...more
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