Title: Naked Tails
Author: Eden Winters
Genre: Paranormal, Shifter
Length: Novel (234pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17th December 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Seth McDaniel wasn’t raised among a shifter passel and has no idea what it’s like to turn furry once a month. An orphan, torn from his father’s family at an early age, he scarcely remembers Great-aunt Irene. Now her passing brings him back to Possum Kingdom, Georgia, to take up a legacy he doesn’t understand and reconnect with a friend he’s never forgotten.
As Irene’s second-in-command, Dustin Livingston has two choices: assume control of the passel or select another replacement. Unfortunately, the other candidates are either heartless or clueless. Dustin’s best hope to dodge the responsibility is to deliver a crash course in leadership to his childhood pal Seth, a man he hasn’t seen in twenty years. However, while Dustin’s mind is set on his task, his heart is set on his old friend.
Seth’s quest for answers yields more questions instead. What’s with the tiny gray hairs littering his aunt’s house? Why do the townsfolk call each other “Jack” and “Jill”? Do Dustin’s attentions come with ulterior motives? And why is Seth suddenly craving crickets?
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3463
Review: Seth is returning to his childhood home after twenty years. His Great-auntie has just passed away and left him everything… including her secrets. Seth discovers his childhood friend, Dusty, is still around Possum Kingdom and getting reacquainted is great, but Seth doesn’t plan on sticking around. But, Dustin starts to act odd and then Seth is bitten by a possum and Seth discovers everything changes. Dustin is acting ‘Jack’ of the passel and when Seth comes back, Dustin discovers that Seth doesn’t know anything about shifters, and Dustin decides it’s best to keep him in the dark and enjoy what time he has with Seth before he returns to Chicago. But, that changes when Seth is bitten and his dormant virus becomes active. Can Dustin get Seth ready in time for the full moon and the challenges that may face him or will Seth disappear back to Chicago?
This is a great shifter story that is quite refreshing and pretty unique. Seth has grown up with a grandmother who was quite strict and Seth has gotten used to doing what other people want to keep the peace. It hasn’t worked out to well, especially in his love life. Returning to the town where he spent the first eight years of his life brings about a change in his life he could never have imagined. Dustin is a great character who will do anything for anyone within reason. Taking on the mantel of ‘the Jack’ when ‘the Jill’ Irene passes away is a strain, but he wants what’s best for the passel, and when Seth turns up he can’t help but fall for the man.
These are great characters that are in a great story. Seth, Dustin and Monica along with the triplets are incredible in this story, and they make you laugh. This isn’t the usual shifter type story where there’s danger and nefarious evil plans… hmmm, well, actually there is in a way, but not in the usual sense that we see in shifter stories. Dustin and Seth’s relationship is really good, reconnecting after so many years and rediscovering the friendship between them while acknowledging the new attraction between them. But, with Seth being cautious, after he discovers the full truth and ensuring that Dustin isn’t just using him.
I really enjoyed this story, as it was very relaxed without too much angst and danger, and it had a political angle for the possums… I found Seth’s campaigning entertaining, but I must admit that the politics’ interfered greatly with the romance side of the story. I loved the scientific explanation of shifters and the more realistic plans that they have in place for keeping the shifter world secret, and I will be honest, the thought that went into all the details was impressive.
So, I will recommend this to those who love a different kind of shifter, a possum political storm brewing, two men reconnecting after many years apart, a touch of unexpected danger, some hot loving and a very happy ending… oh and don’t forget the crickets!