Tag: GLBT Shifters

Feral Dream by Talon ps

tmp_a82e1939f973093c8c004d55268bf795_ojKJ5P_html_45bb8151Title: Feral Dream

Series: N/A

Author: Talon ps

Genre: MM / MMM / Paranormal / Erotic Romance

Length: Novel

Publisher: Self-published (January 29th, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Ever since their chance encounter, Talon can’t seem to get Kelon off his mind or his libido. The need and allure to the potent and powerful alpha male has got him spun around, but when his grandfather calls to tell him about a dream, the attraction Talon has with this man just got complicated.

Kelon is the Alpha Guardian at the Underground Keep, a safe haven and gathering spot for the paranormal, in the heart of New Orleans. Kelon’s no stranger to the fondness of sex, but when a human man walks in and marks his soul, he not sure what to think about it. But his Rougaroux Beast and his Wolf side have already made up their minds to make Talon their mate, the Man in Kelon just needs to find a way to make it happen without killing him.

Little did either man know the solution to their mating and a long forgotten curse came in the body of an androgynous man named Mykin.

“That’d be the sexy Kelon Thorton above— just a couple of weeks ago he had a spur encounter with an Injun man named Talon {me} and damn was it hot— now he wants more— but they both come from different worlds— will the differences be too great a jump for them to come together or will the Feral Dream they touch within bring them together in a bond no animal spirit can deny?” ~ Talon ps

Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/278869

Review: It is one of the rare times that I find a book’s title fitting its contents so much. Feral Dream is exactly that, a feral, visceral dream.

While normally I would start with the points that I loved, this time I’ll do it differently. I’ll start with the things I disliked and annoyed the hell out of me, such as the poor editing and grammar errors. I found that this book was rushed and not properly taken care of before it went to the “shelves”. Paragraphs being repeated, errors in grammar that should’ve been obvious when proofreading and some loops and leaps that could be avoided in a simple revision had me shaking my head.

In addition to the above there was “role-playing” approach. Certainly I understand it, I’ve role-played quite enough myself, but I feel that this book would gain so much more if it was worked as a novel narrated by one all-knowing author. As it was, the frequent hopping from character to character caused me the mother of all headaches.

Now that being said, I absolutely loved and adored this book. It was so multidimensional and emotional and well… feral, that had me sticking to it despite the above mentioned problems.

The story starts in our time, seemingly contemporary, and without a prologue to clue us in. It worked and it manages to draw you right in the heart of the events, even if you don’t realize it at the moment. We jump head first into a raw, carnal relationship, or the beginning of one, between two unlikely characters.

Talon is a simple man, a human, who found himself wandering through the world aimlessly until he drops in New Orleans where some instinct tells him to settle. Though being a Native American his relationship with the spiritual world and Nature is fairly close, Talon discovers that more than that exist in the world, even more so that he just stepped into it the moment he stepped foot at the Underground Keep. There he met Kelon and the attraction between the two men was of such a deep level neither can understand. The need to be with each other, the constant pull they between them seem as old as the world itself. But Kelon has a secret, one he’s afraid not only will push Talon away from him, but will be dangerous for the mortal should they continue this madness.

Just as Talon comes to terms with Kelon being a wolf, Kelon withdraws and avoids him. In Kelon’s mind they cannot mate, as his inner beast is not in control and might unwillingly kill Talon in the process of the mating.

Up until this point I had no connection whatsoever with either character. What I read was a constant rutting and carnal sex between the two men, with Kelon keeping to his human form. The intensity of their lust was there and God it was palpable, but that was it. Just as I was thinking that I would have a hard time reading an entire book with only sex scenes there came Mykin, like a Fallen Angel, and changed the scenery in the most brilliant way.

It is at this point where I understood that this is an Epic Love Story, told in the most brutal, if you will, way. After all, a love between immortals is only logical to be followed by pain, violence and blood. A Love that began in a world when love didn’t even exist, when the world was a mere baby and the deities were all about carnal pleasure, such love was bound to be envied and cursed.

Through the millennia Mykin, Kelon and Talon have been searching for each other, pair often but never all three together, as was expected in order to end the curse. Now finally the day has come to end it once and for all, for the Heart, Body and Soul to finally be together and through eternity. If only they can manage to overcome the darkness that follows them in each lifetime…

A brilliant story indeed, a sad one I might add, a story that if you give it a chance will make or break your heart. For me it was a very rewarding read. Mind you, this is not the light read that you will gaily go through, this is not the shiny bubbles romance type, it’s more the painful side of love where you really need to work and literally fight to get to. In addition to all that this book had a take on the Were-wolf existence that I truly adore. You will not find pups, and wolves to neither pet here, nor will any of the wolf’s aspects be in pace with human logic. You will read pure, unadulterated animalistic performance, so beware. The paranormal take is incredible, carnal and even brutal.

In the end this is a story that for the fans of the genre is a must read. Overcome the poor edition and dare dive in the dark world of Feral Dream.

 

The Vampire Contract by RJ Scott

16173258Title: The Vampire Contract

Series: Supernatural Bounty Hunters #1

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: MM / Paranormal

Length: Novella (131 pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (February 1st, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:    A vampire guilty of murder on the run from justice to prove his innocence. A werewolf sent to retrieve him with one thought – that only the guilty run.

Vampire Micah Jamieson is found guilty of killing his human husband. He runs from the execution he is facing to get home. He just has to pray he’ll reach home before supernatural law enforcement, in the shape of a Glitnir Court Retriever close in on him.

Wolf shifter and Retriever, Connor Strand easily captures Micah and he’s fully prepared to take the runaway in. But his wolf has other ideas. Something about Micah challenges Connor and his long-held beliefs.

What if Micah is actually innocent? Will Connor put to one side his own prejudices, and then risk both his life and career to keep Micah safe?

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=3892

Review: Oh. I loved this book, and what a nice start it was for a series.

RJ Scott created a beautiful background for this adventure through species. Werewolves, Vampires, Fae (although the latter didn’t made an appearance in this first book), a world trapped in old traditions and royal clans along with pure-blooded arrogance. It all painted scenery that promises action and war impending, strong love fated to struggle through fights that are not easy won, and love lost leaving back pain and hurt.

The Vampire Contract focuses on Micah and Connor. Micah is a Vampire accused for the murder of his own husband by the Glintir Court, the one responsible for applying justice and law on all the paranormal species. When Micah runs away Glintir Court Retriever Connor Strand, a Werewolf, is tasked to bring him back. Connor is one of the best, however he is in for a surprise when it appears that this little Vampire is not that easy a job and to top it all his wolf gets in the way when he recognizes Micah as his mate.

Connor faces the difficulty of struggling with his emotions, with the truth that is slowly unveiled and with a whole new amount of knowledge that threatens everything he ever believed in to be true and just. The most important thing of all though is that his love for Micah is undeniable and he’s going to face that his one true mate is faced with death.

A lovely, lovely story that had many treats that truly fascinate me. Werewolves being nearly feral, instincts that were demanding but placed in a logic frame, Vampires that were charming and seductive and enticing and sexy as Hell, magic thrown in there for good measure. A chase that went wrong, a love lost never to be found, a new love rising in the middle of ashes. The relationship between Micah and Connor was almost funny, it started in the middle of them trying to kill each other and right when you think one of them is going to end up dead, heat goes up and all things go South with base instincts taking over. It was also tinged with a dramatic layer when realization hit the pair that one or both of them are facing death straight in the eye.

In the end, after a very entertaining read, this book leaves you with the distinct feeling that not only it didn’t end, but this whole adventure just begun, and honestly I can’t wait for the next installment to come out. Anticipation is a very annoying thing when you have no patience at all. So in any case I strongly recommend this for all the lovers of the paranormal genre and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

 

 

Wolf Wanted by Marie Harte

{6DBF15AB-6FEE-456A-A8EE-0E079D9E45C0}Img100Title: Wolf Wanted

Series: Mark of Lycos #2

Author: Marie Harte

Genre: MM / Paranormal

Length: Novella

Publisher: Total E-Bound (January 31, 2011)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Only a sacrifice can break his curse, and only the love of a maddening werewolf can satisfy his heart.

Trying to avoid an arranged marriage is easier said than done. But Anson seems to have accomplished the impossible. Now if he can put off fighting his twin to the death, he can avoid becoming alpha of his clan as well. The Wolf in the Forest hears and grants his unspoken wish, because one minute Anson’s in Alaska with his clan, and the next he’s in southern Germany surrounded by athmae—lust demons. One particular demon takes an interest in Anson, a very personal interest. Anson isn’t attracted to men, but around Liam, he can think of nothing but getting to know the demon in every way possible.

Liam cast a spell for a wolf, and Anson exceeds his expectations. He’s golden, he’s sexy, and he’s a werewolf— a unique being in the world of shifters. After a hundred years of cursed living, Liam has a chance to finally break free from the spell holding his inner wolf at bay and embrace both his wolf and demon heritage. He never planned on falling in love with Anson, or of taking the maddening werewolf to mate. But his plans for a happily-ever-after come to a screeching halt when the evil sorceress who cursed him returns. She refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer, and then she sets her sights on Anson…

Product Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=1067

Review: I totally loved this paranormal world. I was completely fascinated by the Silver Wolf Clan and the Athmae world. If there weren’t some holes in the story I’d have been completely takes by this book. So I’ll venture and tell you what I loved and what I felt was lacking and let you make your own mind.

So the story follows Anson, a twenty-five years old wolf who barely reached voting aged and his uncle-Alpha of the Clan is practically forcing him to take part in the mating ritual. But, Anson is special in too many ways. He is direct descendant of Lycos, baring his star.  He also has no interest in having a mate and he has no wish in becoming an Alpha, which among others involves fighting his twin brother to death. In addition to all that, Anson is also a Werewolf, a rare species deeply respected by the rest of the shifters for their ability to combine Human and Wolf nature into one.

Anson’s only wish is to be free. Part of the pack, but with no obligation that all come from his legacy. So when forced to take part in the mating ceremony, his prayer to the Wolf in the Forest (the spirit wolf of the pack) is for that freedom, silently begging not to be mated with a she-wolf yet… Well, he should have been more specific in my opinion.

Liam is part Demon, part Wolf. After declining a sorcerer’s proposition she cursed his Wolf in eternal prison within his soul. Crippled Liam has tried for over hundred years to undo the curse. This year he cast a different spell, one that calls to the Wolf in the Forest for help, for another wolf to come to his side and help him unleash his imprisoned part. Little did he know he cast a mating spell.

While fighting his confusion of traveling through space and finding himself from Alaska in Germany, Anson has to fend off a very horny demon as well. Apparently in Liam’s world, intimate relationships between males is a pretty normal one. As are orgies. To top it all, this half Demon/half Wolf not only requires his help but seems too fond of him, too intimate perhaps. And what is that that he called him? Mate? That can’t be true… or can it?

Love, lust, carnal instincts. Wolves, Werewolves and Sexual Demons. Creatures mate for sex and fight, poisonous seduction and flaming love. Orgies that were not only frown upon but encouraged and part of the world. Bonds created from body fluids that were made stronger when the animal within those creatures came forth. Well, I loved it all. It was fascinating at least.

But, I didn’t get how Anson was going to help Liam in first place. The way it evolved, he was only able to do that within his ability as Liam’s mate, so the original spell Liam cast for a wolf didn’t make sense. And then there was the Queen of the Athmae who was supposed to be powerful yet she stayed well hidden when things went toward a fight. What was with that? And I’m not even going to comment on the fight with the Evil Sorceress. I had been anticipating that fight from the start and… well… it actually disappointed me. It was too fast and not nearly bloody enough to show the hundred years of fury and desperation she caused. In the end, the only feral, carnal and downright base instinctive action in the book was the sex scenes.

The end of the book was (again) too lukewarm for the intensity promised in the beginning. It left me with wanting to know more of Anson’s twin brother, and I don’t think he’s going to have a book for himself.

So bottom end, I did like the book, I loved about two-thirds of it while the last part didn’t met the expectations. Never the less I recommend it to all paranormal lovers out there. It was a fascinating take on the merging of different species.

Arresting Love by Silvia Violet

arresting-love-400x600Title:  Arresting Love

Series:  Wild R Farm Series   

Author:  Silvia Violet

Genre:  Contemporary/Cowboy

Length:  Novella (130 Pages)

Publisher:  Self-Published (December 30, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:  Billy Lawson is jealous. Every day he watches his boss, Cole, and his boss’s lover, Jonah, prove again and again how deeply in love they are. Billy’s never had a real relationship, and he didn’t believe true love existed until Cole proved otherwise. Now, he longs for what Cole and Jonah have.

When he meets Levi, a scared, wounded shifter who needs his help, he ignores the chemistry that flares between them, thinking he’d be taking advantage of Levi at a vulnerable time in his life. Before Levi can convince Billy they were made for each other, his past catches up to him, and both men must fight for a chance at love.

Product Link:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/269683

Reviewer:   Cat

Review: Billy is forced to go on a vacation by his boss, a wolf shifter. Billy’s been content to just have random sex, but now watching Cole and Jonah, he wants more.

Levi is a scared young boy, lost and alone on the streets, and on the run. Though looks can be deceiving; he is also a mountain lion.

I think the story is pretty good, though I didn’t initially realize this is a second book in a series, and was lost for a chapter or so. Eventually the backstory was filled in, sometimes in big chunks almost like dropping back and reading another book. I also find it a bit hard to believe how the shifters all live together: like Jonah being a horse, and his lover being a wolf, then bring in poor, sad, young Levi as a mountain lion to work and live on the. But, this is fiction after all, and when you set that aside and don’t overthink these things, the story is sweet and loving. I am always a sucker for hard-fought true love, so I like that the seemingly meeker Levi is more dominant in private with the more controlled Billy. I will be getting the first, and look forward to the third!

I recommend this to anyone liking unusual shifters like horses and mountain lions, or werewolves, mystery, and hot mansex.

Lynx in the Blood by S. A. Welsh

1f8110776666fc8b9c61a05c4dbdc907.image.200x300Title: Lynx in the Blood

Series: Pack Valley 02

Author: S.A. Welsh

Genre: Paranormal, Shifters

Length: Novel Plus (300pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (9th February 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Jay and Kyle have been mated a week. A happy, love–and lust–filled week but now everything is starting to fall apart. Jay’s abusive step-father, hunters, and kidnapped shifters complicate things. Jay needs to stop his dreams becoming reality.

Jay and Kyle have been mated a week. Jay has the man and family of his dreams, but now things are going wrong. He has to face his abusive step-father, survive attacks by hunters and keep his sanity.

Are his dreams just fiction or is he coming into his destiny, becoming what he was always meant to be? With no time to figure it out, Jay and Kyle have to find and rescue kidnapped shifters and navigate their way through Alpha politics, all while doing damage control for Jay’s uncle.

Can Jay keep control of his own mind or will he let the powers that be take over and cost him the person he loves more than anything?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/lynx-in-the-blood-ebook-p-1382.html

Review: This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Jay and Kyle are still settling into their mating when Jay starts having nightmares.  But, are they just nightmares? Both Kyle and Jay face the future together, with Kyle supporting Jay when Jay goes to confront his step-father.  They then discover there are hunters, missing shifters and traitors, and they also discover Jay is far more than he seems.

This is an interesting story with a couple of twists, danger and unexpected answers. Jay is still struggling with his past and although he knows that Kyle loves him, he still thinks he isn’t a true equal to the young Alpha. Kyle adores Jay and just wants to protect him.  He tries to make Jay see that Jay is perfect for him, but Jay’s insecurities are riding him hard. When they begin to piece together everything that is happening, Jay begins to come into his own.  But, both their lives are in danger when they discover hunters on pack land.

I have to admit that this story intrigued me with the twist of Jay’s family.  Throughout the book new pieces are discovered adding to the mystery that is Jay. We are given mysterious hints as to what is happening or going to happen and we see as Jay develops and grows as a character. Both Jay and Kyle are really good characters. They are perfect together, playing off each other and complimenting each other.  They are also hot together. I loved seeing Kyle and Jay becoming stronger as a couple and seeing Jay start to come into his own.  But, Jay does get on your nerves a bit at times with his lack of self-worth, especially when you can see how strong he really is by his actions.

The writing isn’t as smooth as it could have been and at times it felt disjointed, but the storyline is great and all the characters are great and with some of them you wish you could have learned more about them. There are clear indications that we can look forward to more stories in this series, and I for one can’t wait to see Jay as he hits his potential, with his Alpha standing beside him loving him the way that he deserves.

I will recommend this to those who love shifters, danger, mysteries, a great storyline, hot sex, deep love and a happy for now ending.

Arcada 2: Silver/Steel by Belinda McBride

BM_SilverSteel_coverinTitle:  Silver/Steel

Series: Arcada (Book 2)  

Author:  Belinda McBride

Genre:  Shifter

Length: Long (No page numbers.)

Publisher: Loose Id LLC  (December 4th, 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate to Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts – OMG

Blurb: When dream hunter Dylan Ryve spots a beautiful shapeshifter raising hell in a bar, he knows he wants the wild young man. But Travis Feris is more to Dylan than a few hot minutes outside in the snow; he’s the assassin’s ticket into the magical town of Arcada. He didn’t plan to rescue the kid, but when he found the shifter being attacked, the opportunity to play hero was too good to pass up.

Through the solitude of a long winter night, Dylan walks in Travis’s fevered dreams, learning about Arcada and the pack, and showing the shifter the man he’d been so very long ago. When morning comes, both men know their lives will be forever entwined.

From Dylan, Travis learns that he is a strong, valued member of the pack. The dreamwalker sees his own worth reflected back at him in the dark blue eyes of the wolf. Yet when Dylan has the chance to free himself from centuries of enslavement, can he betray the man he has come to love?

Product Link:  http://www.loose-id.com/arcada-2-silver-steel.html

Reviewer: Patrick

Review: Simply beautiful. The first book in the series, Blacque/Bleu left you wanting more and this one definitely delivered. Belinda took the time to develop an interesting plot and give the characters real personality and depth. You can see she is definitely improving her skills as a writer. I actually loved Silver/Steel more than I did Blacque/Bleu. I have been chomping at the bit for the sequel to come out and had been hoping that Lukas and Oliver, the main characters from the first book, would be in this one and they were.

Strength of the Pack by Kendall McKenna

TheStrengthofthePackMcKenna6-651x1024Title: Strength of the Pack

Series: The Tameness of the Wolf #1

Author: Kendall McKenna

Genre: MM / Military / Were Shifters

Length: Novel

Publisher: MLR Press (January 18, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: A Marine werewolf and his commander bring legends to life while surviving combat deployment in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant Lucas Young doesn’t know much about shifters. When Sergeant Noah Hammond is assigned to Lucas’ platoon, the Marine Corps’ True Alpha werewolf challenges the Lieutenant’s authority and his self-control. As Lucas learns to dominate and command Noah, he struggles against a strong attraction and deepening emotional bond. During their combat deployment to Afghanistan, Lucas and Noah begin mirroring legendary partnerships. Their bond and their power grow as they survive dangerous combat and ambushes. When one of them is wounded in battle, they both must embrace the strength of their bond before they lose each other forever.

Product Link:  http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KMSTPACK

Review: Oh my, what a book! What a ride this one was. I’m pleasantly surprised by the shifter-aspect of this novel, extremely thrilled with the military one and overjoyed with their mix.

In this novel, Ms. McKenna introduces us to a world where Shifters have co-existed with humans for years. Legends of their excellent combat skills are mostly forgotten though, because the most rare of the Werewolf-Humans relationship, that of a Dominant-True Alpha, has not happened in hundreds of years. The secret is that in relationship like that, the True Alpha Werewolf must willingly submit to his Dominant and the results of such mating are magnificent to witness.

This entire new perspective, at least for me, was thrilling to read. Up until now, shifters in books were fighting to maintain their identity secret, while in this book its common knowledge. Werewolves are maybe a little frightening, but are mostly seen from their human peers with admiration and respect for their strength. In the Armed Forces, they are considered of great value, especially their True Alpha, since he has the power to control them all.

Lt. Lucas Young though, has no experience with werewolves; his knowledge is less than basic. He is surprised when the first wolf joins his platoon and somehow exited to meet the wolf’s Pack Leader, to ask questions and to establish routine. The last thing he expected was to have the entire Marine Corps’ True Alpha assigned to his platoon. After all, he had not received the proper training on how to work with such a powerful shifter.

To make things worse the moment Lucas lays eyes on Sergeant Hammond, strong feelings assail him, attraction being one of them. How is he supposed to work with such an incredible shifter, who resembles a Nordic God, having him push at all his buttons, constantly challenging him and be insanely attracted to him? Through his inexperience and absolute lack of guidance from his Captain, Lucas misunderstands the relationship he’s developing with Noah, and when the later submits to him, Lucas believes that it’s just a werewolf ritual concerning the Pack and buries his own “selfish” feelings for Noah. In Lucas mind, he will not take advantage as a commanding officer but will do his outmost to help the Alpha deal with his Werewolf needs.

The entire book is a beautiful introduction to combat fights, war and one of the rarest relationships ever encountered. The bond that is inevitably blooming between Lucas and Noah is constantly questioned and taken apart by Lucas’ human beliefs. While he tries to give Noah everything he needs to keep control of the Pack and be more than efficient in their war, he holds back his own feelings. Their fame grows to legendary proportions due to their amazing connection, so does their frustration because this connection does not escalates beyond their duty.

In the end it takes a severe wound to make them both see things a bit more clearly. The magnitude of how much this affects both of them is not lost on Lucas, but he is still confused from the battle tales Noah has told him. He still doesn’t believe that Noah wants him as a lover, trapped in his false knowledge of the Dominant/True Alpha relationship…

I loved this book! I loved it so much I’m re-reading it. It was so much more than the stereotypical Were-books you usually encounter and adding to the pleasure there were Marines. Incredible! So very interesting, such enticing characters, such an appealing plot. You start reading it and your heart-beat starts picking up, higher and higher while the story goes, until it reaches the high peak where I frankly exclaimed out loud “It was about damn time already”. The slow building and boiling on low temperature had me frustrated at some point, yeah. J The end was a bit calmer than the rest of this novel though. It was a bit disappointing, or it was just my insatiable side manifesting, but I wanted one more glorious battle for our human/wolf pair. It felt as if it was an introduction to what is to come on the next book of the series, and yeah I would love to read Tim’s story. All in all, this book was a must read and then re-read for me.

Wholeheartedly recommended.

 

Tristan by K. M. Mahoney

tristanTitle: Tristan

Series: Putnam County #2

Author: K.M.Mahoney

Genre: Gay/Werewolf/Shifters/Detective/Mystery

Length: Novel (41K words)

Publisher: Amber Allure (October 28th 2012)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: As one of the top paranormal investigators in his company, Tristan is used to the weird, inexplicable, and downright nasty. His latest case, though, is proving to be more trouble than it’s worth…

Tracking an elusive serial killer has Tristan heading for the one place he would prefer to avoid: Putman County. Between the often-frightening residents and his always-frightening relatives, it’s not exactly his preferred vacation spot. But Putman County is where his latest target was spotted, so that’s where he goes.

From day one, the situation spirals out of Tristan’s control. His target always seems to be one step ahead of him, his brother is mad at him, while his boss keeps calling him a dozen times a day. And one annoying werewolf is looking far too attractive for Tristan’s peace of mind!

It’s going to take every ounce of Tristan’s not-inconsiderable skill to track down a murderer. And it’s going to take every ounce of his courage to admit that he might be falling for the last person anyone would expect.

Product Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Tristan.html

Review: Meet Tristan, a bearshifter, paranormal investigator, emotionally closed beyond measures and a man having no intention whatsoever to fall in love.

Yes, we all know how that goes, don’t we?

His recent case has Tristan driving for Putnam County, a place where lots of paranormal activity is held. A place that holds his brother’s household and creates all kind of not-so-good feeling inside Tristan. Things go from bad to worse…fast.

a)      Rogue Werewolf is slippery like fish.

b)      Reconciling with his brother and admitting that he was wrong, not so much in favor to raise his spirits.

c)      Lucas!!! A near-crazy Werewolf and obviously having some kind of obsession over Tristan. Even worse, he is awfully cute and very, very appealing.

What is supposed to be a simple hook-up, turns to be overly complicated and while Tristan is desperately trying to find his way through the unfamiliar emotions he falls back on his case. Not only does he get in trouble with his boss, but apparently Lucas has been holding secrets on him. The timid Werewolf proves to be anything but and the rogue serial killer is after the one person that unexpectedly made his way under Tristan’s skin.

I loved the story. It was thrilling and easily read. The different types of shifters/non-shifters worked very well for me. The concept of the plot made sense and its simplicity earned points from me.

I also had a great deal of fun reading the Tristan-Lucas tale. The way that little wolf made the big, furious bear turn into a cuddle teddy. Their seduction and later on incredible sex scenes were awesome. It fit them so well. Even more, I loved the fact that once Tristan let himself admit what he was feeling, his behavior changed 100%. He actually surrendered to the inevitable and that was plain sweet.

In addition to a very nice plot and a great pair of lovers this novel held some extremely great secondary characters as well. Along with the hilarious dialogues and events I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was fun, it had action, it had heat and it had a great ending. So if you’re a fan of the genre I totally recommend this one.

 

Bayou Loup by Lynn Lorenz

16327147Title: Bayou Loup

Series: Rougaroux Social Club #3

Author: Lynn Lorenz

Genre: M/M, Shapeshifters

Length: Novel

Publisher: Loose Id (December 25th, 2012)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts ~ loved it

Blurb: After spending a hot, no-holds-barred sex-filled weekend at a hotel with a man he only knows as Mark, werewolf Bobby Cotteau isn’t sure but he thinks he’s found a new mate. Problem is he never got his lover’s real name. Or his phone number, or even where he lives. But that’s not Bobby’s only problem.

Mark is Professor Mark Bradford, and he’s spent his career as a zoologist trying to prove there are wolves living in the swamps around St. Jerome. If he can do this, he’ll make a name for himself, restore his reputation and maybe even name them after his father, who was killed by a wolf during a camping trip in the swamp with a teenaged Mark. But after a weekend of the best sex of his life, Mark’s fallen hard for Bobby, but without the man’s real name, he has no hopes of ever seeing him again. And the longer they’re apart, the more desperate he is to find Bobby. It’s like he’s under some kind of spell.

Meanwhile, at the Rougaroux Social Club’s yearly Rougaroux Festival, which Bobby is in charge of, everything is falling apart. The forecast is for storms, the Virgin Mary has appeared a tree on the festival grounds at the church, pilgrims are swarming, and beer is being sold… and his new mate is about to expose Bobby’s pack to the world.

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/rougaroux-social-club-3-bayou-loop.html

Review: What a great book. I’m so afraid of Shapeshifter/paranormal book these days, they are usually so poorly written, but damn this book was absolutely great.

Bayou Loup starts with a great, hot, amazingly sexy weekend of sex between two strangers. What was meant to be a simple one-night stand, just a hook-up between two guys, escalated to mind-blowing, beyond their wildest imagination lovemaking.

Bobby never intended to go that far. For him, it was his last chance to feel what he had for 25+ years been denying. A gay man trapped in a straight mating bond. He could not deny his wolf back then what it wanted, but now he’d live what left of his life in his true self. But, Mark proved to be so much more. Bobby knew in his head that he should let the man go after their earth-shattering first time, he simply couldn’t. No names, no personal information, no nothing except this little time, and Bobby intended to make the most of it. His wolf strangely enough felt the same way.

And God, Mark had never meant to let the man practically manhandle him. It was supposed to be a fast grinding, a getting off and out of the door just like every other time. But, this man awakened a side of him that wanted to simply let go and be taken care of. Something about Bobby called to him and Mark didn’t want for this weekend to end.

However it did and Bobby went back to his pack, his duty and his obligations. His soul hollowing with want for Mark.  Bobby starts to realize that he found his true mate, a miracle in itself. If Bobby could get hold of Mark and talk to him, ask him to be his mate, than his dreams would finally come true; a second chance in life, a second chance to live it as a gay man, truly happy and in harmony with his wolf.

But life is never fair. Caught up in the Rougaroux Festival, Bobby lets time pass and the dread comes knocking on his door when Professor Mark Bradford, a zoologist specialized on wolves, is spotted in the swamp, searching for evidence that the swamp wolf exists. Mark’s entire life changed when a wolf attacked his father and caused his death at this very spot when he was fifteen. Ever since he’s been obsessed with trying to prove its existence and now he got more than he bargained for.

As Bobby is faced with the First Law of the pack, to keep it safe at all costs, he must choose his mate and life, or his pack and death. And Bobby’s never been a selfish man…

What a story, how beautifully written, what a journey this was for me. I must admit that although this is the third book of the series, it’s the first one I read, and boy does it stands alone with pride. I’m completely hooked and looking forward to reading the previous and the next if there’s more to come.

Totally recommended, I’m certain you’ll enjoy it.

A Very Holland Christmas by Toni Griffin

A Very Holland Christmas400x600Title: A Very Holland Christmas

Series: Holland Brothers 05

Author: Toni Griffin

Genre: Shifters, Christmas

Length: Short (60pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (21st December 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Christmas is a time for family and friends. Catch up with the Holland Brothers and their mates as they race to get everything ready for their second Christmas together.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1340

Or the complete LET IT SNOW collection: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1354

Review: It’s Christmas for the Holland family; Marcus and Brian and their twins Sammy and Dylan, Alex and Jason, Simon and Zach and Hayley, Patrick and Jake and Charlie and finally Maryanne and Joe. We catch up as they prepare for their second Christmas with mates and children and we see as Jason comes to a decision.

This is a wonderful catch up of the Hollands and their mates. Seeing the everyday preparations and the interaction between the mates and couples. This really is just a straightforward catch up for the Hollands and their mates. We see each couple, briefly and interacting together with their children and other family members. We see the love and passion that each couple still has and the love that they have for their children. We see how they have recovered from their pasts and how any lingering effects are finally being overcome.

I have to recommend this to those who love shifters, cute kids, happy families, hot sex, overcoming the past and a very happy Christmas for all the Holland’s.

 

A Moon-Runner Christmas by N. J. Nielsen

A Moon-Runner Christmas 400x600Title: A Moon-Runner Christmas

Author: N.J. Nielsen

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Christmas

Length: Novella (81pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (8th December 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When fate decides two people belong together, nothing can stand in its way. Liam Kantry and Carlo Bruenelli find themselves caught up in the madness of Christmas as they discover the meaning of being true heart-mates.

Liam Kantry wants to be with the man he has loved his whole life, yet incessant rumors and innuendos have labeled him the pack whore — a point he has never disputed.

Carlo Bruenelli is waiting for his heart-mate; he is one of those who believe that such a thing really does exist. In his heart he wants it to be his best friend, only Liam doesn’t believe in heart-mates. What will it take to change Liam’s mind?

Christmas is drawing near, and between snowball fights and the contract ceremony, Liam and Carlo find themselves caught up in the excitement and obsessing over what their future holds.

Are they true heart-mates? Will they forge a successful future or destroy two families?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1317

Review: Carlo is 21 now and old enough to take part in the mating ceremony. He has always secretly been in love with his best friend, Liam, but longs to find his heart-mate. Liam has been waiting for Carlo to reach mating age, but there are rumors floating around him that his brother, Marcus, has spread and Carlo doubts his intentions. As Christmas draws closer and family protest, can these two wolves find love and happiness?

This is an interesting story with a newish twist on shifters in the Moon-Runner pack that I hope we will see more of. Liam has waited for Carlo for two years. Now that Carlo is old enough to take part in the mating ceremony, Liam plans to make Carlo his. Carlo longs to find his heart-mate, but he also loves Liam, even though Liam seems to have slept with nearly everyone in the pack. But, Carlo soon discovers that not everything is as it seems. Together they discover the truth and then they are given a surprise that could change their lives forever.

Carlo and Liam are a sweet couple. Both of them secretly loving the other, but both unsure of how the other feels. Liam has a bit of an angst moment when he inadvertently comes out to his parents, but Liam gets help and support from them in his quest to make Carlo’s his. But, Carlo faces some hostility from his father before he makes his choice. I thought the storyline was very interesting and would love to discover more about the world they live in, and the pack laws and circumstances. finding out more about heart-mates and how people view them would be wonderful, because, like Liam I was confused as to why Cara did what she did.

I liked this story and was glad it wasn’t too angsty, even though there were instances where that could have happened. It was also nice to see Carlo working things out and not instantly believing Liam and really Liam should have put a stop to the rumors years before. Together they are a great couple who find more happiness than they ever thought they would. They were also really hot together and fun, as shown in the snowball fight.

I will recommend this to those who love shifters, finding true love, families making up and friends finding what they had lost, as well as a very sweet happy ending.

 

 

 

A Puppy for Christmas by Karly Maddison

ed915a5891a1a4adb923618fdaacd69f.image.200x300Title: A Puppy for Christmas

Author: Karly Maddison

Genre: Shifter

Length: Short (37pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (12th December 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Canine shifter Matt can’t believe it when his feline boyfriend dumps him in front of his handsome neighbor Chase before Christmas. As the dust settles, he’s left wondering what kind of shifter the mysterious guy next door might be.

Canine shifter Matt can’t believe it when his feline boyfriend Jason dumps him in front of his handsome neighbor Chase before Christmas. As the dust settles, he faces Christmas alone for the first time in years. Fortunately, his sexy neighbor offers him company one night in the form of dinner and a chat. But does Chase want to offer him more than just a friendly shoulder to cry on? And what kind of shifter is Chase? Matt can’t work him out but he’s determined to get to the bottom of Chase’s secrets.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1321

Review: Matt is shocked to come home early from work one day to find his boyfriend leaving him and is mortified that Jason does it in front of his hot next door neighbor, Chase. Even though Matt is still reeling from the break-up, he fantasizes about Chase and when Chase invites him to dinner, he wonders if there could be more to it than a friendly bite to eat.

This is a very cute shifter story that will warm your heart. Matt is a great character, who even while his boyfriend is leaving him is still so generous and kind.  it made my lip quiver in sympathy as he put on a brave face. Chase is a solid presence who seems to tease Matt with his pure hotness and who is willing to wait for Matt to be ready for a new relationship. Both characters are really good together and the kisses are sweet, but passionate.

I would love to delve more into this shifter world where mates are chosen by the shifter and not fate and where there is no mate bond tying them together. where there are different shifters from dogs to horses to seals and bulls. The characters in this short story are well-developed and we see a brief shot of what they could be like together. I have to hope that there will be more from this couple in the future because they are just so cute together.

I will recommend this to those who love shifters, hot men, mending a bruised heart, being naked on the beach at night and the beginning of a sweet relationship.

Love Bites by D. River

Title: Love Bites

Series: A Feral Hearts Tale 01

Author: D. River

Genre: Alternative World, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (265pgs)

Publisher: Lightbane Publications (7th July 2012)

Heat: Explicit

Heart: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ryder has been friends with Tucker since they were in the first grade. They grew up together, they joined the Marines together and they moved to the vast metropolis of New York City together. Nothing could tear them apart.

Or so they believed. When they get bitten by a mysterious creature, they find themselves drawn together in a whole new way that is both exciting and terrifying. Neither of them is prepared to face the feelings they now have or what that could mean for their future.

This is the story of their quest for a cure, which takes them through such locales as Little Avalon, the Wild Wood and the haunted ruins of Old Syracuse. Together they must face down dangers and challenges even as they grapple with the life-shift of now being mated werewolves.

Join Ryder and Tucker for a fun, romantic adventure set in an Earth much like our own, but where magic and magical creatures are as much a part of the world as science and technology.

Purchase Link: USA: http://www.amazon.com/Bites-Feral-Hearts-Tales-ebook/dp/B008IMRH4O

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bites-Feral-Hearts-Tales-ebook/dp/B008IMRH4O

Review: Ryder and Tucker are the best of friends and nothing will ever change that. But, the days and weeks following an attack by a mysterious creature pushes them to the limit. Discovering they are now Lycan (a long dead race), fighting their inner battles with the wolf spirits and the sudden confusion of being attracted to each other is hard to process. But, throw in a series of quests and it just might tear them apart.

This is a great shifter & paranormal novel that delves into imagination and gives us a great mix of paranormal, myths and legends. Ryder is a man who is loyal to a fault, but is far from a push over. He will do what has to be done, but he also has a nurturing side. Tucker is a man who holds himself in tight control, terrified that he will turn into the kind of man his father was, but he is also loyal and protective and would give up his own happiness to make Ryder happy… oh and they are both very straight. The night they are both bitten is the night it all changes for them. With everything that is thrown at them from that moment on, their greatest fear is losing each other.

This is an excellent story that doesn’t just give us an adventure and action, it also gives us the complex process as Ryder and Tucker have to decide just what to do about their curse and also the new developing feelings they have for each other. The story is from Ryder’s perspective so we get all his feelings and confusion, we do get an idea of what Tucker is also deciding because Ryder knows him so well. But, there is still a touch of angst while they process what is going on.

The storyline is brilliant, far from the usually paranormal stories, the background and world building is great, so we get a good grip of what is happening in the paranormal world and Ryder and Tucker’s romance is quite realistic to the setting. I absolutely loved the adventure they found themselves on. Ending with a series of quests from finding a cure, to discovering a lost relic, to helping a haunted town AND Herne the Huntsman, all the while being chased by hunters who want blood and a Dream Speaker who wants war.

I have to recommend this to those who love paranormal, primal shifters, urban fantasy, alternative world, hot primal sex in shifter form, hot sex in human form, a great adventure, a friends to lovers romance and a happy ending.

Carved in Wood by Sean Michael

Title:  Carved in Wood

Series: Howling at the Moon Series

Author:  Sean Michael

Genre:   Shapeshifter/ Fantasy

Length:  Novella (103 pages)

Publisher:  Amber Allure (October 7th 2012)

Heat Level:  Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥2Hearts

Blurb:   Can a rescue turn into love?

In a brutal world where werewolves are hunted and killed, Wood runs a group that smuggles wolves out of the city to safety. But when Wood meets Daniel, nearly dead from the silver bullet in his shoulder and with a story about entire packs being stolen and forced to work in labor camps, Wood begins to question whether or not he’s really helping anyone at all. Is he simply smuggling wolves out of the proverbial frying pan and into the fire?

Meanwhile, as Daniel heals, he and Wood form a bond, coming together in a way neither man ever expected, and bringing up feelings neither man has ever experienced. Will their becoming mates muddy the waters, or make everything perfectly clear?

Product Link:  http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/CarvedInWood.html

Reviewer:   Any

Review:  More porn than plot.

Daniel escapes a camp holding wolf packs prisoners. Along the way, he loses his brother and is shot. He quickly runs into Wood, a shifter who identifies him for what he is immediately, and who immediately takes it upon himself to help Daniel.

The first few chapters moved quickly and were okay—though, perhaps the pacing could have slowed down a touch more for us to really get a feel for the characters—but very early in the story, Daniel and Wood mate and I felt the story fizzled into porn after that. Almost on every page something was sexual was happening at the cost of the story.

I thought one interesting story development was Daniel’s need to revenge his brother and set free the rest of his pack from the camp he’d been imprisoned in, however, when he and Wood go back to do this, the events are summarized in a few sentences. We don’t see any struggle or feel there are any stakes in what should be the climax. With no tension, this made the story a difficult read to engage in on any other level other than the physical.

If you are in the mood for a simple, sex-filled story that focuses more on the animal side of shifters, this might be for you.

 

Yours Forever by Missy Welsh

Title:  Yours Forever

Series:  None

Author:  Missy Welsh

Genre:   Paranormal and Contemporary

Length:  Novella (39 Pages)

Publisher:  Amber Allure (May 27th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Medium

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Rick knows his lover Danny has a secret and has been lying to Rick in order to keep it. He’s pretty sure this secret has something to do with seeing another man once a month for three days at a time.

Determined to show his boyfriend that he can be everything Danny needs, Rick hatches a plan that ends up revealing way more than he could’ve imagined.

(Warning: Contains an altercation between the main characters and a group of anti-gay morons.)

Product Link:  http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/YoursForever.html

Reviewer:   John

Review: I was very skeptical when I started this story since I’m not a huge fan of werewolves, but I’m so glad that I did. The story begins with Rick, who believes that Danny is hiding something from him, because every month he disappears for three days. So, in order to prove Danny that he’s the man for him, he plans a hot and steamy date. He “kidnaps” Danny and takes him to a lake. While they’re having hot and stick sex, several anti-gay morons attack them mercilessly. Since Danny was bigger and stronger than Rick, he quickly pounds them to the ground, but something is not right or doesn’t make sense. Rick is badly bruised, but Danny is better and stronger than ever. When Rick demands the truth, he finds out that Danny’s deepest secret. Danny is a werewolf.

I loved Danny and Rick since they were perfect for each other. Danny to me was the bomb. He was sexy, hot and just interesting. I didn’t like the sudden ending. This story was just too short for my taste since I wanted to read more about these two very interesting characters. I recommend this to all those who enjoy paranormal romance between two hot and sexy characters and for those who are looking for something new.

Meredith's Pride by Missy Martine

Title: Meredith’s Pride

Series: Galactic Nuptials #3

Author: Missy Martine

Genre: MMM/Futuristic/Sci-Fi/Shifters

Length: Novella

Publisher: Siren Publishing (October 17th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Meredith Carter is lonely and just wants to find someone to love. The nice people at Galactic Nuptials assure him that some of their clients prefer male mates.

The leader of the Chaarta pride sent all their cubs into hiding with Delsin and Etu when the war started. Now, they’re all that’s left of their pride. They’re desperate for a mate to care for the five small young ones. When they find the picture of the lovely creature with long brown hair in Galactic Nuptial’s catalog, they know they’ve found their mate.

It’s too bad they didn’t read the small print. What’re they going to do when they find out “Meredith” can be a male’s name too?

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/merediths-pride

Reviewer: Thommie

Review:  Now this book was a very fun and light read. It started well with the Lion-Shifter Alpha mistaking Mer for a woman and ordering him as a mate from Galactic Nuptials. It followed even better when Mer arrives at his destination and the shifter brothers not only get the surprise of their life but are actually trying to keep themselves in check in order not to succumb into their cravings. The harder they try not to really, really mate with Mer, the harder it gets. And to make their lives even more miserable, their adversary from their home planet kidnaps Mer and holds him hostage. It makes for a very funny scene when Delsin finds out that no matter how much he intended to only use Mer, he’s fallen deeply for him and both brothers go berserk on their way to get back their mate. Ok, I admit it; personally I’d love it if there was a bit more blood and gore. Yeah, call me sick, but c’mon, lion-shifters and a war between two tribes? There was not enough “roaring” there for my likening. And I’m going admit another thing. The whole 5 people tribe against a (undefined number) larger one and ending up winners? So very nonrealistic. But hey, it didn’t do much to undermine the book, since the funny and hilarious factor of the story was constant. I had a real laugh with this one and the end of it had more giggling adding to the pile.

And did I forget to mention the great ménage here? Oh my God!!! Yeah, I’m kinky as Hell, but this triangle was very, very good. It could be much better of course, but nevertheless I enjoyed it immensely. The two brothers worked well with Mer and their sexual interlude was hot. I must say that Mer had quite an endurance for such a small, little guy…

And I know, I am being a bit vague and all but I so don’t want to give out spoilers. I have to give due credit though to the author for her remarkable sense of humor.

A must read for the fans of the genre I totally recommend it. 😉