Tag: GLBT Shifters

Levi by Bailey Bradford

Title: Levi

Series: Leopard’s Spots 01

Author: Bailey Bradford

Genre: Shifters

Length: Novella (134pgs)

Publisher: Total E-Bound (20th February 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A run through the woods turned anything but typical when Levi found the one thing he never expected to find-his mate.

After a week spent in family reunion hell, Levi Travis is more than ready for a little break. But who knew shifting into a snow leopard and loping around in the woods could turn into such a steamy event?

When Levi encounters a cougar shifter in the woods, the attraction is so hot it threatens to shoot off sparks. Levi has fantasized about having a stronger man than him want him, and he’s sure the cougar is just such a man. Which is why Levi lets himself get caught, and the intensity of their mating is only equaled by Levi’s confusion when the man shifts back into a cougar then turns tail and runs.

Lyndon Hines has been running for months. Hunted, taunted, he didn’t know what else to do-until he met a man who made him realize that some things were worth fighting for. Two shifters, each a different breed, neither knowing much about their heritage, Levi and Lyndon come together and find the strength to take on the mad man who is out to end Lyndon’s life.

Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1551

Review: Levi is ripped up inside when the shifter he has hot explosive sex with turns tail and runs. But, when he bumps into him in town and starts to get to know him, he begins to understand what is driving Lyndon. Lyndon is running, Lyndon doesn’t know from who or why, but he knows that he has to keep ahead of whoever it is. But, when he meets Levi, he realizes that he doesn’t want to run anymore, but as he doesn’t know anything about shifters or the person who is following him, he thinks it’s less trouble to keep on moving.

This is a well written story that has a more isolated way of life for shifters. With this story we have Levi, who is a Leopard shifter and Lyndon, who is a cougar shifter.  neither one has ever heard of shifters of a different species before they ran into each other in some woods. Lyndon doesn’t know how to react, as he has no clue how shifters act as he has only ever met two before and one of them was his father who attacked him. So, when his natural instincts have been spent…he runs. Levi hasn’t met another species before either, but he never expected Lyndon to run off afterwards. When they meet up again he figures out that the man has had a bad experience and sets out to help him out.

I thought this was a great start to a brand new series; it has great characters, fantastic hot sex, a bit of angst, danger and a good twist. I really loved how Bailey Bradford has set out this series, there are no packs or prides or anything like that, and no shifter council or ruling body… in fact it is set out so that shifters don’t even know about any other shifter species. Levi’s family is large so there are quite a few Snow Leopards, but Lyndon is an only child to a human mother and his father disappeared when he got Lyndon’s mother pregnant. He had only met one other cougar who helped him as much as he could, but other than what each of them has learned off their families, they haven’t really got a clue about shifters.

So, an interesting story that will have you wondering who has been following Lyndon and why.  And, when you do find out whom and why, you actually want to go hunting for Lyndon’s father and sort him out. Levi’s and Lyndon’s relationship is great and although it is a bit angsty at first they do make a great couple. I also loved Levi’s brother Oscar, he is a real character.

So I recommend this to those who love shifters, angst, danger, hot sex, great characters, a different view of shifters and a happy ending.

 

 

 

Heart of Ice by S. A. Welsh

Title: Heart of Ice

Series: Demon Souls 01

Author: S.A. Welsh

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Shifter, Demon, M/M/M

Length: Novel (318pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publisher (12th May 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Frost Dante, fiercest demon warrior in millennia, suffers nightmares and flashbacks of a painful past. Blair and Cian, twin snow leopard shifters who have been kidnapped, now need to stand by their mate to face the evil stalking them.

Frost Dante, the most powerful demon warrior in over a millennia, is a demon with high responsibility. Nightmare memories and flashbacks, annoying younger brothers that come in pairs and a demon council determined to kill him and destroy his family are only the beginning.

Blair and Cian, virgin snow leopard shifters, were kidnapped and held captive by a soul-draining monster. Every day means pain and loneliness until a demon saves them–their mate.

With an evil council hell-bent on killing them only the strongest will come out on top. Is Frost strong enough to protect everyone he loves or will he let the ice take over and freeze the love he feels for Cian and Blair?

There are no hints of twincest in this story.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/760/?zenid=c3142b00277168ac40b6da660cd0e653

Review: Frost is a strong demon warrior (Guardian). He is more powerful than anyone knows, but it is a power that he has to keep hidden to protect his family. Now, he meets his mates; the ones that he was told he would never have, and a foreseeing that foretold a new future comes to light. Blair and Cian are rescued by a demon and they know that the demon is theirs. Now, in the midst of their mating heat, they have to help Frost become what he needs to be in order to overcome the corrupt council.

Oh, oh, oh great, great, great new fantasy/paranormal series and I want the second book already!! Frost has been through hell to protect his family and he has had to keep things hidden from them to keep them safe. When he discovers his mates he is overwhelmed, as he lost his own twin many years before and had been told that both brothers were needed to bond with their mate. Blair and Cain have mainly been ignored for all of their lives, when they are kidnapped they are rescued by a group of demons and the demon leader is their mate which they are pleased about, but both shifters have their own insecurity so it isn’t plain sailing and with the added pressure of the council, it proves to be an intense time.

What can I really say about this book except BRILLIANT! I thought it was great, there are secrets, mystery, mayhem, deceptions, arguments, laughs and giggles. A really well woven fantasy/paranormal that will interest you right from the start. S.A. Welsh opens the story with Frost and his brothers as they do what brothers do best… annoy the hell out of each other with teasing and arguing. We get a very good feel for Frost from the start, and we get good doses of background throughout the book so we can see the type of characters he is. When we meet Cain and Blair, it is a trying situation, because while these two are cute shifters someone is determined to keep them from Frost.

Okay, so this is the part where I have a little (a very, very small one) whine *sigh*, while I thoroughly enjoyed this book some of it dragged for me because I was really impatient to get to the action (which was incredible). So, while Frost, Cain and Blair bonded and mated and sorted out some insecurities, I was chomping at the bit for the action. The bonding etc. was really good, because we saw a lot of each person’s characteristics and they became closer because of the time spent together and reassuring each other. It showed that not all bondings with twins involved were happy as a lark straight away and it needed a bit of work. so, that was all good and the sex was incredible and plentiful and hot.

We see quite a bit of all the brothers in this story and we actually see the beginning of Storm, Leo’s (Frost’s brothers) and Morgan’s story (which is bound to be great). All the characters are well written and you get a good amount of background on them and there was a fair amount of world building, the action was well cool and I so want Frost’s powers.

With this one I will recommend it to those who love demons, shifters, awkward beginnings, passionate love, hidden secrets, fantasy and a happy ending but with complications.

 

 

Aggressive Alpha by Anitra Lynn McLeod

Title:  Aggressive Alpha

Series:  Twin Pines Grizzlies 07

Author:  Anitra Lynn McLeod

Genre:   Alternative (M/M or F/F), Paranormal, Shape-shifter

Length:  Novel (35,894 words)

Publisher:  Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Note: Aggressive Alpha [Twin Pines Grizzlies 7] was previously published as Wide Receiver [Gridiron Gods 7]. Due to popular demand, the series has been revised to emphasize the bear

shifting.

Blurb:   Deception and love don’t mix…

 Desperately poor Dustin Brooks thought he’d won a scholarship to Twin Pines College, but instead, he finds himself tricked into a blackmail scheme he doesn’t want to participate in and can’t escape.

Mitch Gay loves learning, football, and sex—not necessarily in that order. When Mitch finds out a reporter is joining the team for an away game, his suspicions and libido are equally aroused. Determined to uncover the truth, Mitch goes after Dustin with an aggressive hunger that shocks them both.

Casual sex play on the bus turns surprisingly intense for both men at the motel, but Dustin’s secret inhibits a deeper connection. Dustin has never met a man like Mitch, but falling in love goes against his clandestine mission. When Mitch is injured and falls into a coma, Dustin is terrified of losing him. Mitch pulls through, but when he wakes up, he has no memory of Dustin as anything than just another gorgeous guy.

When Mitch’s love is on the line, Dustin makes the right moral call, but will he be too late to claim Mitch and become part of the brotherhood?

Product Link:  http://www.bookstrand.com/aggressive-alpha

Reviewer:   Cat

Review:  Dustin sets out on a mission to uncover some scandal and make money for college. He meets Mitch and uncovers more than scandal. He finds himself in love with the man. So does he continue to earn the money to feed himself or does he follow his heart? I’m not telling…you will have to read the book.

I thought this book was pretty good. I have to admit that this is Book 7 and it’s my first in the series. I felt it stood on its own quite well. I never felt lost and I wanted to finish the entire book. The story was a very good, sweet romance (I love good heartfelt love romance!)My only problem with it was that I never quite figured out who the aggressive Alpha was. I loved the uniqueness of the bear shifters also and would have liked to have seen a little more of that.

If you love a good heartfelt love story, some pretty hot Mansex and shifters, this is for you. A nice quick afternoon read with something different.

 

Serge by Jade Astor

Title: Serge

 Series: Moon Lake Wolves 03

Author: Jade Astor

Genre: Shifters

Length: Novella (147pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (5th May 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Serge, the youngest Lyall brother, finds unexpected love with Nicholas, the mysterious newcomer who hires him to restore an old house. Hidden in the walls, however, is a secret that unexpectedly connects their pasts and threatens to destroy their future.

Serge, the youngest Lyall brother, wonders if he will ever find the kind of committed love his brothers Darius and Caleb now enjoy with their partners, Ash and Desmond. Then he meets Nicholas Starling, a mysterious newcomer to Moon Lake who hires him to restore an old house he has inherited, and an unexpected attraction sparks between them.

Once he begins work on the house, however, Serge uncovers a surprising, centuries-old connection that links him to Nicholas, as well as a bizarre secret that may make a future for them impossible. As his feelings for Nicholas grow, and the full moon approaches, Serge worries that if he reveals his lycanthropy, he may lose not only his lover, but his life.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/842/?zenid=b1cda3e3cc7c9fc4b20007710735cca7

Review: Serge feels a twinge of jealousy when he thinks of his brothers; as they have found what they want from life and have loving partners. Serge wants that as well and now that he has met Nicholas, maybe he can have that life.  Until Nicholas reveals a secret that just may bring havoc on Serge and his brothers.

This story intrigued me with its added storyline, but it felt a touch rushed this time around. Serge longs for his own partner and maybe a business of his own, but is happy, at the moment, though a bit restless. When he meets Nicholas, it’s instant attraction and Nicholas offers him a proposition that he doesn’t want to turn down. But, secrets come out which place Serge in an awkward position. Nicholas has been told that he has a legacy to fulfil; to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors, but it isn’t something that he really wants to do. When he meets Serge, it isn’t only to have Serge repair his house and the attraction is instant. They later discover that they have more in common with their ancestors than they first thought.

I liked the added twist in this one, but the story felt rushed… like I was being pushed through the book really quickly and at the end it felt too left open with no true conclusion, except they all got away relatively unharmed. I really liked Serge and Nicholas and felt that they made a great couple. Their attraction and passion struck sparks off each other and they were very hot together. The slight conflict between them is good, with neither really ever backing down, but they manage to resolve their differences near the end with a sigh of relief.

I will admit to being disappointed that the storyline was a new one and didn’t continue on from the previous book with the professor. And now, with this one, it is also left hanging in the wind with no true conclusion. Don’t get me wrong, it is good and a new aspect has come into play, but it feels like there are more people floating about now who know about the brothers and their abilities.

So I will recommend this one to those who love shifters, good storylines, a great couple, hot sex and a happy ending.

 

The Dom for His Alpha by Christine Shaw

Title: The Dom for His Alpha

Series: Dark Times 01

Author: Christine Shaw

Genre: Shifters, Vampire, Demon, Paranormal, M/M/M

Length: Novella (112pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (1st March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Dark faces the fact he will never enjoy the feel of a whip or a flogger on his ass again. The new alpha of the light pack cannot be seen as weak. Until the following morning when Dark answers his door to the sexiest vampire doctor he has ever seen, his mate.

After a day of unbridled passion between the sheets, Kai and Dark get thrust back into reality. When they see a man strapped helpless in a BDSM club, can they rescue him in time, or will they unleash a new threat upon them?

As a lust demon, Harry always knew he would have a mate with a high sex drive, but once he had met “master,” everything had turned pear-shaped. Now with two mates who love him dearly, can they overcome a threat that may be bigger than they realize, and will Dark finally get to submit?

With the supernatural high council present, will the light pack succeed in ridding themselves of the enemy?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-dom-for-his-alpha

Review: Dark has just won the Alpha challenge when he comes across his mate Kai. Kai is not all that happy to have found his mate, especially as he lives in New York and the wolf lives in Texas.  But, just as Kai and Dark work things out they find they have another mate, Harry, who is being treated badly in Dark’s BDSM club. Can the three paranormals work things out or will their enemy win?

This is a story that I had high hopes for because the beginning was well written and a lot was explained about this author’s paranormals. But, then it seemed to fall apart not long after Dark and Kai first met. Dark is the new alpha, but he is a submissive and he gets really upset when Kai seems to reject him. So upset, in fact, that he tries to kill himself. Kai suddenly realizes that he doesn’t want to lose his mate and voila they are all lovey dovey. They then rescue Harry from an abusive Master and he fits nicely into a lovey dovey sandwich. Then, suddenly they are threatened by an unknown source for unknown reasons.

In the blurb it says that ‘Dark faces the fact he will never enjoy the feel of a whip or a flogger on his ass again.’ Urm, well unless this book isn’t to this blurb then that is total rubbish, as Dark couldn’t care less who knows that he bottoms and likes a flogging. What does seem to emerge is his past with another Master and how that Master disappeared never to be heard of again, leaving him feeling abandoned. Harry has his own problems to get through including the loss of his powers. Kai is the only one that seems to have no problems other than pressure from the council to do what they want.

There are several very good bits in this book and to be honest this feels more like a novel cut down to be a novella; there are lots of details and information for such a short book and there is a lot going on in the way of plot. It also seems to be quite choppy, switching back and forth between characters. The sex is very hot, the BDSM is well detailed and the characters are quite good (although Dark needs to learn not to cry at the drop of the hat).

I believe that this is this author’s first published m/m (*note:  Ms. Shaw has a full Siren backlist, which includes only M/M romance.  To learn more about her and read reviews of her other works, click here.*) and I have to say the potential is there; it just needs to be smoothed out more. So, all in all, I will recommend this to those who love shifters, demons, vampires, hot sex, angst and a pretty good story-line. I’d also recommend this to those who are fans of Lynn Hagen, Joyee Flynn, Gale Stanley and Stormy Glenn.

 

 

 

Battle of Hearts by Valentina Heart

Title: Battle of Hearts

Author: Valentina Heart

Genre: Action, Adventure, Paranormal, Alternate World, Shifter, Vampire

Length: Novel (205pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (14th April 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Valerian is a fighter and an Alpha–dangerous, unemotional, and vicious. The passion for his cougar mate is unplanned, but Teddy shares the enthusiasm and all but bites back. Do they have a chance or will the war destroy them?

Living in a world where vampires can’t stand the sight of shifters, and shifters gag at the smell of vamps, a vicious war rages — and the vampires are winning. Clearly, this is not an ideal setting for a mixed-species shifter couple.

Valerian is the Alpha of his pack, a fighter and an unemotional killer, but one whose skill has kept him alive. On one of his missions, among captured shifters, he finds the cougar Teddy, his mate.

Things would be simpler if either of them actually wanted a mate, but on top of the fact that they don’t, there is also the small issue of clashing personalities. Attacking is their first reaction — sex is only for survivors.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/774

Review: Valerian is one of three alphas’ in his pack.  They share responsibility, with Valerian’s duty being missions and vampire politics. So when he is on a mission to rescue some of his warriors, he is less than pleased to come across his mate. Teddy is a loner and has no interest in a mate, but when he discovers he might be able to find the vampire that captured him, he decides to stick around for a while.

God, I loved this one.  Two shifters, neither wanting a mate and both human sides fighting tooth and nail against their animal sides; snarling and bitching at each other as they fight the mating urge. Valerian has no interest in a mate who might die on him and leave him alone. It is easier to keep everyone at a distance, so when he meets his mate he carries on like he has always done while fighting the mating instinct. Teddy has just lost the person closest to him so now he will strike out on his own again. Once he finds the vampire who captured him, meeting his mate is not on the agenda. Especially when said mate is an alpha and an ass.

This story is well written with great world building and some pretty gruesome descriptions. A world were vampires and shifters despise each other and want to wipe the other off the face of the Earth. This is a fantastic shifter/vampire story where it is war.  Shifters kill all vampires they can find and vampires snatch as many shifters as they can for their blood. If some shifters die in the process, well, then they can always hunt for more. And there’s a vamp out there who wants shifters for his own purpose, but it back fires wonderfully ;-).

Valerian and Teddy are characters that are quite similar. Both prefer to be left alone, both are stubborn and have a mouth on them and both have no intention of mating. It is like a clash of the Titans when these two get together. The sex is explosive and primal and sparks fly whenever they are close. Fighting the mating urge when all their animals want is to give in is a struggle for both of them and they are brilliant in how they handle it. And while all this is going on they have an explosion, they have to fight the vampires, deal with a traitor, then Teddy has to escape, rescue the kids and kill as many vamps as possible all while dealing with a horrific ordeal *sigh* (so much goodness).

The best thing about this is neither shifter is graceful in his denial.  They are both snarly, scowlly and growly right up to the end of the book and neither will ever really be lovie dovie with the other as it’s just not them. Teddy goes through a period of doubt that Valerian helps him over, but as I said they will never be a roses and hearts couple and it makes them so much more interesting.

This one I will recommend to those who want a different type of shifter/vampire story, mates who fight the bond tooth and nail, blood, fights, and a twist for Teddy, hot explosive sex and a happy ending.

 

The Seahorse Who Loved the Wrong Lynx by Scarlet Hyacinth

Title: The Seahorse Who Loved the Wrong Lynx

Series: Mate or Meal 08

Author: Scarlet Hyacinth

Genre: Paranormal, Shifters

Length: Novella (133pgs)

Publisher: Siren- Bookstrand (10th March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Best friend or beloved? All his life, seahorse Layton believed he loved lynx shifter Corbin. But when his body and heart reach out to Corbin’s brother, Preston, instead, he is left in absolute confusion, humiliated and afraid of his own emotions.

For years, Preston has known Layton is his mate. The only thing more painful than his mate choosing his brother over him is the knowledge of Layton’s pain at Corbin’s rejection. But then, his friendship with Layton suddenly becomes more. The knowledge that it could still be a one-time thing hurts more than Layton’s platonic affection ever did.

When as a result to their passionate encounter, Layton becomes pregnant, erratic emotions explode. What will happen when the reason behind Layton’s confusion is revealed? Can Preston and Layton overcome the threat on their hearts, lives, and families?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-seahorse-who-loved-the-wrong-lynx

Review: Layton has loved Corbin for years, but ever since THAT kiss with Alexis, a shady incubus, he’s started to have feelings for another.  When he finally acts on his attraction, he realizes the truth. Preston has longed for his mate, but knowing his mate wanted his brother, he has stood aside hoping that Layton finds happiness. But, now that Layton has turned to him the truth emerges and their families and friends are in grave danger.

A well-written novella that has added more twists to the Mate or Meal series. Ever since that kiss with Alexis, Layton has developed an attraction for Preston which is now throwing doubts on Layton’s belief that Corbin is his mate.  When the truth emerges, their families uncover a plot to start a race war. Preston has suffered watching his mate chase his brother, but now that he has his mate in his arms, nothing is going to separate them again.

I loved the new twists that emerged and I really hope that in future books it will be revealed how the other side found out who Preston’s mate was. With the continuation of these stories, new plots emerge and old plots reveal their connections and they are really good. What I enjoyed about this story was that there wasn’t too much angst or moping about the Corbin, Layton and Preston triangle.  It was cleared up quickly and the story-line progressed well, while adding in new details, so that we weren’t left hanging about the confusion of why Layton thought Corbin was his mate.

Preston and Layton made a great couple and they had some really hot sex.  I liked how there wasn’t too much angst when they got together and that they accepted quickly how they felt about each other. The other characters added to the story well and I liked the new characters that were introduced as well. There were one or two editing mistakes which really shouldn’t have been missed,  but other than that this was an enjoyable book.

So I will recommend this to those who love shifters, a touch of angst, m-preg, twists, a really good story and a happy ever after.

 

 

 

Primal Desires by Lupa Garneau

Title: Primal Desires

Series: Children of Shairobi 01

Author: Lupa Garneau

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter

Length: Novella (91pgs)

Publisher: Lupa Garneau (Self Published) (1st March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Deep in the heart of Redwood National Park, enshrouded by magic, live the Rune Fang, legendary shifters on the brink of extinction.

After a century of vengeance, Nexhan, clan leader of the Rune Fangs returns home to find his people teetering on the edge of extinction. Still plagued by his past and sense of failure, he has closed himself off from even his closest friends. He is desperate to return to the shifter way of life, but doesn’t know how to cope with the death of his family and lover.

Cole is the typical outcast. Clumsy, quiet and angry. After years of disappointing his parents with his inability to master his cougar’s predatory skills, he runs from the pressure to mate a female who he can never love, but he never expected to end up living among the saber-toothed cats. Heck, he didn’t even know they still existed. Embarrassed by his lack of skills, he retreats into himself, quietly nursing his pain.

A chance meeting in the forest leads Cole to accept Nexhan’s help and companionship, but he never imagined he’d trust the male with his deepest secrets. Nexhan vows to himself it’s just sex, but the cougar intrigues him like nothing before. Can he move on and finally lay to rest his trouble past?

Purchase Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-primaldesire-738752-142.html

Review: This is the first time that I have bought this authors work, even though she has several books under her belt, all self-published.  I am now looking forward to reading her other works. Nexhan returns to his clan after an absence of a hundred years, when he meets Cole.   He is happy to have a fling with him, but he knows that as his clan’s numbers have dropped he will have to breed soon. Cole ran from a future he didn’t want, he was sick of being treated differently and being a failure.  When he meets Nexhan, he has dreams of a new future, but he has new things to learn about himself and Nexhan’s shell to crack.

I really enjoyed this book.   Yeah, there were some incorrect words, but otherwise it was well written. I loved the shifter premise of being shifters whose form was similar to a saber-tooth tiger called the Rune Fang. There is very good background for the entire shifter world and I love the way the world building was done quite early on, although it is continually built upon through-out the book.   The way the story is woven is really well done and although you begin to wonder if Nexhan will ever pull his head out of his butt, the characters are all brilliant. Some of the descriptions are just lush.  You could picture the forest and the flowers, and the idea of them using runes painted on their bodies to hide in plain sight was brilliant.

The relationship between Cole and Nexhan is very hot.  And even though Nexhan wants more, he feels that he has to provide cubs for his clan. Cole fled his clan because he didn’t want to go through that himself, so it is a point of unhappiness for him and Nexhan, especially with the way Nexhan treats him. Cole discovers a lot about himself when he is with the Rune Fangs and it is all completely a shock to him. We get to learn snippets about the other clan members and shifters from other clans as well and I think that future stories will expand on their lives.

This is definitely a must read for those who want a new view on shifters and magic, who love hot sex, a whole new premise on the spiritual natures of the shifters, a great story-line and an eventual happy ever after.

Dawn of Darkness by Daniel A. Kaine

Title: Dawn of Darkness

Series: Daeva 01

Author: Daniel A. Kaine

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Vampires, Shifters, Magic

Length: Super Novel (275pgs)

Publisher: Daniel A. Kaine (Self Published) (20th October 2011)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Unburdened by the pain of loss and heartbreak, Mikhail is content with his life of solitude. But everything began to change the day he realized he has a psychic ability — the power to alter the emotions of those around him.

Ushered into the Military Academy with others like him — other Daevas — Mikhail does his part to help tip the scales of war against the vampires that destroyed the world and plague what remains of humanity. But after going up against his first vampire, Mikhail starts to question everything he thought to be true.

To discover the truth and expose the lies he once believed, Mikhail will set out on a journey of discovery, and learn some things about himself in the process.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dawn-of-Darkness-Daeva-ebook/dp/B005XLPH3Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332190323&sr=1-1 UK only… No working links for USA ( If you are better at cyber-hunting than we are, please leave an US link in the comment section. Thanks)

Review: Mikhail is a Daeva, a human who has some sort of powers; these powers give the humans an edge over the other supernatural beings inhabiting the world. After the plague that nearly wiped out humanity, the Silver Dawn has reshaped what is left and have taken over. Mikhail starts to look for answers when he notices that vampires have the same gifts as the Daeva, but it puts him in grave danger as the Silver Dawn has secrets that it doesn’t want discovered.

Whoo hoo!!  a great story that is both entertaining and enjoyable. Mik is a young man who has always felt like he has been abandoned in the past.   Now, he keeps people at a distance until Ash.  Ash has snuck his way past his wall and now he’s burrowed in deep and Mik finally lets him in the rest of the way.  As their new relationship progresses , Mik begins to question why Daeva powers are similar to vampires and it isn’t long before someone tries to silence him.

An interesting twist on humans, vampires, werewolves etc.  They had, at one time, lived happily next to each other.   mingling and getting on fine despite the warnings of the Silver Dawn… until the plague strikes humanity. Okay, so even though you can see where it’s going, you still don’t uncover the full story until much later and the truth of the Daeva’s origins is just wow and eww. The characters all add something great to the story and each character we get a brief background on.

Now, even though I liked all the characters, I must admit that Mik is the character that I could relate to the most.   Trying to protect himself from harm.   When he does give in, he loses it almost straight away.   the fear of rejection because he no longer believes in the Silver Dawn, the new fear that he might have to fight or kill the man he loves etc., so he has a bit of angst and lots of dwelling on what could happen. Now the ending leaves you with HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN because although I’d hoped it would happen there wasn’t an inkling that it would and it was WTF when? Who? Why? And it’s the very last sentence.

So, I will recommend this to those who love Post-Apocalyptic, Vampires, Shifters, Magic, Dystopian, gentle love, a bit of angst, danger, twists and an ending that leaves you begging for more.

 

Memphis by Lynn Hagen

Title: Memphis

Series: Zeus’s Pack 08

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Shifters, Paranormal, M/M/M

Length: Novella (126pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing (3rd March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Romano Tiziano thought owning a landscaping company was better than the bodyguard work he used to do, but who knew shrubbery and lawn care would have him on the run? After witnessing a prominent lawyer being killed, Romano thinks that Pride Pack Valley is the safest place to run.

Memphis thinks that he can handle anything after being under Jackson’s thumb…until he meets Romano. The man is arrogant, stubborn, and Memphis is going insane trying to deal with the man. And to top that, his other mate, Tabby can’t seem to stay out of the tavern.

Tabby has landed in jail twice now for DUI. And he wasn’t even behind the wheel! After his second arrest, he finds one tall and dark stranger trying to bail him out…and take him home.

Can the three get their act together long enough to claim one another or will their differences and blinding ways make them part company?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/memphis

Review: Romano is running for his life, trying to stay ahead of the people who want to silence him.   He turns to Pride Pack Valley and his cousin Dino, but what he finds there is not what he expected. Memphis knows that he can handle anything after being under Jackson’s thumb… until he meets Romano who is just as dominant as Jackson and Tabby who won’t put up with any crap. Tabby knows he isn’t a drunk but no one will believe him.   He’s had it with people telling him he is a drunk.  And now after finding he has two mates, one who’s a wolf and one who has hit-men after him.  he thinks that maybe they can solve all their problems.

This is quite a good story that has an interesting development. All three characters are interesting, Memphis thinking that he wasn’t affected by Jackson by in reality controlling everything he can and being dominant and a hard-ass when someone argues with him. Romano is also dominant, but he can compromise so it’s up to him to show Memphis where he is going wrong. Tabby is a man who even though he just might be submissive isn’t going to let anyone walk all over him and the sooner that Romano and Memphis understand that the better.

The story-line is quite good with Romano being chased by hit-men, Memphis discovering his flaws and the mystery of Tabby’s drunkenness. It makes for an interesting story, but there was a lot of horns locking as both Romano and Memphis acted like rams fighting for dominance. The one thing that I noticed was that there wasn’t that much background for any of the characters, especially Tabby, we get a brief background on Romano to explain why he’s running and we know that Memphis lived under Jackson’s thumb and we know that apparently Tabby was the town drunk, but that’s it.

So a good book, but sadly lacking in detail, so you find it difficult to relate with the characters. But the sex is scorching hot and Tabby is a little bit of a voyeur ;-). So I recommend this to those who love shifters, danger, mystery, hot sex and a happy ever after.

 

 

 

Darius by Jade Astor

Title: Darius

Series: Moon Lake Wolves 01

Author: Jade Astor

Genre: Paranormal, Shifters

Length: Novella (123pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (25th February 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Darius Lyall fled his hometown five years ago under suspicion of murder. Now Sheriff Ash Rawling seeks to clear his name. Will Darius find a way to love Ash without accidentally tearing him limb from limb during the next full moon?

Sheriff Ashton Rawling never expected to see Darius Lyall back in town. Five years ago, just as their friendship seemed poised to turn into something more, Darius fled the small northern town of Moon Lake under suspicion of brutally murdering a local man whose body was found on Lyall property.

Now Darius has returned to celebrate the twenty-first birthday of his youngest brother at their family’s forest cabin. The moment he sees Ash, the old attraction sparks between them. Ash knows he must solve the murder for their relationship to have a chance. Darius must find a way to love Ash without accidentally tearing him limb from limb during the next full moon.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/darius-ebook-p-748

Review: Darius returns to his hometown to help his brother celebrate his 21st birthday, but his return stirs up trouble as most of the town believe him to be a murderer. Ash is the town sheriff who is trying to keep the peace, but as he butts heads with half the town and Darius, he has to solve a five year old murder to prove Darius’s innocence.

This is a really good shifter story that shows shifters in a more animalistic light. Darius and Ash are two men who five years ago were best friends, but when Darius disappeared without a word, Ash began to doubt his friend’s innocence.   now Darius is back and Ash has to prove his innocence before the town turns into an ugly mob. These two characters strike sparks off each other.   The attraction is strong and the sex between them is hot!

Darius tries his best to keep Ash at a distance because he has a secret to hide.  But not the one that Ash thinks.  And when Ash discovers his secret, he is torn between fascination and terror. I have got to say that this version of shifter sounds painful and horrible and who don’t recognize anyone in their shifted form.   I like the way it is portrayed and the fact that the brothers are not happy to be shifters. The progression of the story is good and moves smoothly and the mystery of the murder is easy to solve when Ash has all the clues and the answers came from an unexpected source.

With this one I will recommend to those who want a more down to earth shifter story, who love a bit of mystery, who love hot sex and a happy ending.

 

Just a Vampire by Stormy Glenn

Title: Just a Vampire

Series: Tribal Bonds 01

Author: Stormy Glenn

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter

Length: Novella (158pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (4th February 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Electus Luca Ucathya has waited hundreds of years to find his anamchara, his soul mate. Rowan Connelly was not what he expected. For one, the man doesn’t have a submissive bone in his body. Even worse, Rowan is a wolf, one of the most dangerous and hated enemies of a vampire. But giving Rowan up isn’t an option.

Discovering that he is the mate of a vampire isn’t so bad for Rowan, but the things required of him as the mate of the leader of a vampire tribe just might be more than he can handle.

When Rowan is kidnapped, not once, but twice, Luca knows he has to do everything in his power to keep his mate safe, something that would be much easier if Rowan would accept his place as the mate of a vampire and behave. Instead, Rowan is drawing Luca into more trouble with every breath.

And Luca just can’t seem to mind.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/just-a-vampire

Review: Luca finally meets his anamchara, Rowan, and he plans on keeping him from the start.   When he discovers that Rowan is a wolf he has a few doubts, but Rowan grows on him. Rowan is out clubbing with his brother when he meets Luca.  He isn’t sure about Luca at all, especially the way that Luca keeps trying to tell him what to do.  Will Rowan bow to Luca’s will? Or will Luca cave to Rowan’s personality?

Oh My God, this was so funny.  I haven’t laughed so much at a book in ages.  it was brilliant and really brightened up my day. Luca is a vampire to be reckoned with and when he meets his anamchara (his mate), he expects him to behave in a certain way.  What he gets in Rowan is so far from what he dreamed about, but he wouldn’t change him for the world.  Rowan doesn’t know what to expect from Luca or what is really expected from him, but he will only bend so far.  Luca will soon find out that Rowan isn’t going to be a push over.

This is a lovely, charming and funny as hell story.  I would love to tell you why but I won’t ruin it for you.  Rowan and Luca are brilliant characters who are both well written and their personalities shine through. The relationship between them is a bit rocky at first, but becomes solid quickly.  the sex is smoking hot between them. The story is quite good and is quite light-hearted and although there is a bit of danger, there are plenty of funny bits.

This one I will recommend to those who love shifters, vampires, hot sex, a great story, lots of laughs, great characters and a happy ending.

 

 

What Once Was Lost by Stormy Glenn and Lynn Hagen

Title: What Once Was Lost

Series: Lady Blue Crew 07

Author: Stormy Glenn & Lynn Hagen

Genre: Science Fiction, Shifters

Length: Novella (127pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (28th January 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Mo doesn’t know what to do with Mykel. He’s new to the future he’s living in and doesn’t understand half of what people tell him, let alone show him. When Mykel insists that they are mates, Mo’s set to run in the other direction.

Mykel knows Mo is his mate the second he lays eyes on the sexy human. He packs up everything he owns and leaves his family to join his mate on board the Lady Blue. Life would be perfect if only his mate would accept him.

Trouble follows the crew of the Lady Blue crew with every turn and Mo and Mykel are no exception. When plans backfire and go wrong, saving each other just might be easier than admitting that they belong together. But the past won’t be forgotten and when Mo goes on a wild mission doomed to failure, Mykel races to his rescue, refusing to give up on the one man that makes him feel whole. Now, it’s just a matter of saving Mo from himself.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/what-once-was-lost

Review: Mo is still getting used to living in the future and he really doesn’t want to be tied down just yet.  He doesn’t understand what is happening with Mykel and nobody is giving him the chance to catch up. Mykel is willing to leave, if that is what Mo wants, but he will miss his mate more than anything.  When Mo explains he wants them to be friend’s first, Mykel jumps at the chance.

I enjoyed this story; especially the part where Mo wants to be friends before jumping into a mating. Mykel has had a strict upbringing where the laws are everything.  He doesn’t quite get that Mo is holding back because of himself and not because of anything that Mykel has done. Mo tries to explain to Mykel that he just needs time, but when Mo makes a grave mistake, he realizes that Mykel means more to him than he thought. A well-written story that was enjoyable and humorous with a little danger thrown in to make it more enjoyable.

I must admit that I enjoy the way that Stormy Glenn and Lynn Hagen have worked together to produce this fun, light-hearted, enjoyable series that has just enough danger and angst thrown in to keep us reading and a story-line that is also intriguing but isn’t too heavy. The mates are fun and quirky and their partners are a little bit stern but easy going (well kinda) they meld well together and make great couples and Mo and Mykel are no different, the sex is hot and sexy and they might have some slight problems (ha ha ha) but they make it through to the end.

So I will recommend this to those who enjoy shifters, science fiction-ish, futuristic, hot sex, a bit of danger, some angst and happy endings.

 

 

 

Curtis's Dads by Lynn Hagen

Title: Curtis’s Dads

Series: Brac Pack 23

Author: Lynn Hagen

Genre: Shifter, Paranormal

Length: Novella (124pgs)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand (10th December 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Curtis’s need to rid himself of his virgin status drives him to his mate with anticipation, and his love of mountainous men lands him the largest man he’s ever seen. Chauncey will be the perfect mate if Curtis can get his dads to stop interfering long enough to let Chauncey claim him.

Chauncey is fascinated with his mate. But it seems every time he opens his mouth, his extra-large foot goes straight in it. He gives Curtis anything he wants, even when Curtis decides he wants his own apartment instead of moving in with the bear.

Curtis thinks life is great with his new mate until his past comes back to haunt him. Can Curtis get past a betrayal from long ago, and can he keep Chauncey from getting blood on his hands when he hunts the one who betrayed him?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/curtiss-dads

This book is part of a series and is best read in order.

Review: It’s been a pleasure to read all these stories as we have watched Lynn Hagen develop as a writer and I have got to say she is now up there with Stormy Glenn, Amber Kell and Gabrielle Evans.

Curtis is being cock-blocked at every turn by his fathers, so he plans to take his own life into his hands.  First, by getting his mate and then by getting his own apartment.  Everything is falling into place when a nightmare from his past comes back. Chauncey just wants to claim his mate unfortunately his mate’s dads are very protective.  When he finally gets his mate he begins to realize that being mated is not all sweetness and light and his mate needs his support when he has to face his past.

This is a really well written story that has a solid story-line and plot. Mind you, there are links to previous books and story-lines.  I loved both these characters.  Curtis we have known for quite a while so we already knew that he was into big men after the way he drooled over the warriors.  We also knew that he had had a problem with his first boyfriend but we never learned that it was much worse than we knew. There are a few moments when Curtis reacts badly to something and we begin to suspect something bad happened. But, with the support of the bears, the wolves and his mate he learns he can face his demons.

There are some funny moments, some sad moments, some loving moments and some exciting moments and let’s not forget the rescue of an innocent. These characters are fitting to the entire series and there is never a dull moment of reading, the future mate ‘D’ is brilliant and I can’t wait for his story.

So I have got to recommend this to everyone who loves shifters, paranormal, hot sex, lots of giggles and laughs and a story that leaves you genuinely happy.

 

 

Splash and Elegance by Gabrielle Evans

Title: Splash and Elegance

Series: Midnight Matings 13

Author: Gabrielle Evans

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Shape-Shifter

Length: Novella (126pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (3rd December 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: The Gathering is called. The spell is cast. There is no escaping the Midnight Matings.

Socially awkward and practically invisible to the rest of the world, Whitley Turner wasn’t overly upset by the elders’ announcement. Either he’d find someone to claim him or he’d disappear completely. So when he finds himself mated to a sexy-as-sin orca shifter, he’s not sure whether to jump for joy or run screaming.

Jude Chambers knows exactly who the shy swan shifter is. He’s been looking for a way to get close to him for months. Using the forced mating decree and a little cunning help from a friend, landing Whitley as his mate was a piece of cake. Feeling guilty about the situation wasn’t supposed to happen. Why couldn’t Whitley be the egotistical jerk he imagined him to be?

It doesn’t take long for Whitley to realize something isn’t right. When the truth is revealed, how can Whitley forgive his mate when being invisible was far less painful?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/splash-and-elegance

Review: Hmmm, the Midnight Matings series is cool; always a different combination of paranormal matings with some angst and danger thrown in. Oh and don’t forget that no animal is safe from being a shifter in this, fantastic.

Whitley is a swan shifter who has been treated like a nothing all his life. When he gets mated unexpectedly with Jude he is quite pleased and hopes his new mate will like him for him. But just when things seem to be going well for between them, he learns the truth about his mating. Jude needs Whitley and sets a plan in motion to get him, it isn’t until it’s too late that he realizes that he has gone about it the wrong way but by then it’s too late and he has a lot to make up for.

This story is well written and the plot and story-line are quite good.  The characters are great and although you don’t realize it at first, the blurb gives too much away. At first I thought the blurb was completely wrong and it wasn’t until much later in the book that I realized the blurb was just giving too much away, much too early.

I enjoyed this story because although they got instantly mated and had to have instant sex, the love and trust doesn’t come easy or fast, both have to be earned. Whitley comes across very early on as downtrodden and an afterthought, so he keeps to himself a lot and doesn’t have any friends. Jude comes across as a great guy but it isn’t until later that you realize that he hasn’t treated Whitley right but you hope that he will get Whitley to forgive him and make it up to Whitley.

I will recommend this to those who love paranormal, shifter, fantasy, hot sex, angst and a happy ever after.

 

 

Nathan's Angel by Melissa Bradley

Title: Nathan’s Angel

Author: Melissa Bradley

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Paranormal, Shifter

Length: Novella (101pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill Press (Amber Allure)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Sometimes, the laws of Heaven were meant to be broken…

When his soul-mate is stolen from Paradise and reincarnated, Ramiel, angel of death and transformation, defies Celestial Law to find out why. As punishment for his crime, he is banished to Earth in human form without his powers. His only hope lies in recovering the grace he lost in his fall from the Divine Realm.

Nathan, a beta werewolf, knows all too well what it’s like to be vulnerable and at the mercy of unfair people and situations. He is considered weak in the eyes of the alphas of his pack. Ramiel literally falling into his life changes Nathan. Determined to help the sexy angel, he takes charge of the situation, and to his surprise, begins to exhibit some rather alpha behavior.

As they search for Ramiel’s grace, a white-hot, forbidden fire ignites between them, an inferno that sets them ablaze, fusing them body and mind. A passion that makes them question everything they’ve ever known. But if they find Ramiel’s grace, will they have the strength to let each other go?

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/NathansAngel.html

Review: Ramiel was caught consorting with a Fallen One and now he is being banished to Earth as punishment.  Nathan is on his way home when fire-ball crashes down to earth.  he is shocked when he finds a naked man (a very sexy, hot naked man) where the fire ball crashed.

This is a very good story-line and plot and is very well written. Nathan is shocked by his reaction to Ramiel and also can’t understand why he keeps getting aggressive since he met Ramiel. Ramiel needs help finding his Grace and to find the re-incarnation of Xerxes.  He needs to find out who violated Council Law by re-incarnating Xerxes. Ramiel has an instant attraction to Nathan and as they look for his Grace they explore the attraction.

I loved how these two characters reacted to one another and I thought Nathan’s reaction to a discovery was realistic and that the way Ramiel explained his own reaction and his own discovery about how he felt was brilliant. Both these men’s emotions were described wonderfully and the sex between them is incredible.

Now I already know what you’re thinking… ‘If it’s so good, then why the 3 ½ Heart rating?’… Because I had no choice, there really was no way around it. I was thinking about a 4 or even a 4 ½ depending on the ending but I got to the end and I nearly screamed in frustration, there was no closure at the end for their actions, I mean they made a big deal about what happened and how they would be punished and I went to the next page getting all excited thinking there was going to be a big explosive ending and it went… splat, nothing, nada, zip, zilch… it just finished.  I thought it can’t end this way… I must have a faulty file… there must be a chapter missing… but I checked, so because I felt that the ending let the rest of the book down I had to give it a 3 ½.

Now even though I was disappointed by the ending this is still a really good read which I think many will enjoy.  and you never know there may be a sequel just around the corner, (I hope so that would be a brilliant book.) So I still recommend this to those who love Shifters, Angels, a bit of danger, hot sex and a good story-line.

 

 

 

Tame by A. J. Llewellyn

Title: Tame

Author: A.J. Llewellyn

Genre: Shifter, Dark Fantasy, Mystery

Length: Novella (106pgs)

Publisher: Amber Quill (Amber Allure) (16th October 2011)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Cavan Carmichael has just transferred to LAPD from rural Oregon. It’s Halloween and he’s expecting…well, the unexpected, since it’s the time of spooky things, and this is LA, after all. Nobody, however, could have predicted an animal abuse call that turns out to reveal a beaten, chained-up man in a garden shed.

Then come the words that Cavan knows will haunt him for life: “Don’t worry, I’m tame.”

Cavan rescues the man who, underneath the bruises and blood, is very handsome. And mysterious. Nothing about the stranger adds up. Nothing he says makes sense. For every medical test the doctors perform, only more questions arise. When Ludo, as he insists he be called, is admitted to the hospital, he has grievous injuries inflicted by a despicable assailant via antique torture instruments.

Unbelievably, Ludo’s injuries heal fast and Cavan, who visits the recuperating man, is astonished to find he is attracted and protective of the man. But can Cavan overlook the oddities, such as bristles under the man’s tongue? The strange wolf hairs in his wounds? Is the most beautiful man Cavan has ever seen really…tame?

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/Tame.html

This title is part of the Howling At The Moon 2011 AmberPax™ Collection.

Review: Cavan is a cop; he’s just doing his job never expecting to find a man who desperately needs his help. Ludo is a man with secrets, he is stuck in a mess until he is rescued by a policeman and he finds that he is able to trust this man with a heart of gold.

This is a well written story that has a strong story-line and plot. Cavan has just transferred and is struggling to cope with his mother’s issues. Work is going great for him until he gets called to an animal abuse case and discovers a man who has been beaten, abused and shackled. Cavan helps Ludo as much as he can while trying to keep his attraction at bay. Ludo is grateful for Cavan’s support and help and quickly falls for the compassionate cop.

There is a darker flavor than the usual Llewellyn.  The mystery definitely has the center stage on this one.  The characters are great together and the sex is smoking hot, the story-line is brilliant and I love that myths were used in this story to explain the shifter. a nice change from the normal stories. There was a lot that was left open and hopefully there will be more stories to come. There were one or two problems with proof-reading that really shouldn’t have gotten through but otherwise this is a brilliant story.

So I recommend this to those who love shifters, hot sex, a great story and a happy for now ending. I really hope that A.J. Llewellyn has left it like this because he plans a sequel.

 

Moon-Touched by Vivien Dean

Title: Moon-Touched

Author: Vivien Dean

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Shifter

Length: Novel (155pgs)

Publisher: Amber Press (Amber Allure) (16th October 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Thomas Durling escaped his small-town upbringing for over ten years, until a single phone call draws him back. Told his mother has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, Thomas returns to the small northern Michigan town he once called home to find a mute stranger named Andre taking care of her in his stead. On the surface, Andre seems harmless enough, but Thomas has enough problems trying to deal with his mother’s illness. He doesn’t need a gorgeous young man to distract him, especially in a town that already drove him away once with its homophobia.

But Andre Nezat has nowhere else to go. A wolf without a pack, he’s been on the run since witnessing his father’s murder, always looking over his shoulder, never looking ahead. Taking care of Thomas’s mother has given him a welcome sanctuary, as well as a place he can call home for a couple months. He wants to stay, but more importantly, he wants to help, even if Thomas isn’t ready to accept that they can actually be friends…

Purchase Link: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/MoonTouched.html

This title is part of the Howling At The Moon 2011 AmberPax™ Collection.

Review: Thomas is back in town to ensure his mother’s well-being.  He doesn’t need the added complication of being attracted to Andre, the man who has been helping to care for his mother. Andre has been on the running from the past some time, his attraction for Thomas complicates his plans when his past begins to catch up.

This is a well written story that is different from the usual run of the mill shifter story. Thomas returns to his hometown that he couldn’t wait to get out of because of the small-minded bigotry. , he returns because of his mum; she has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.  We see him struggle with the effect it has on him, as he sees how Alzheimer’s is affecting her. Andre is helping Thomas’s mum as much as he can but he knows that he will have to move on soon as his past is always following him. We feel sorry for him as we learn the truth of his injuries and the effect it has on him.

I loved how being a shifter in this book is not easy and that the change is harrowing and painful.  I thought it was great that there wasn’t any instant mating and that they got to know each other quite well in the short amount of time that they had. Thomas’s reaction to Andre’s change was great and wasn’t overdone or overplayed. The sex was emotional and connected the two men together in a way that was more than just physical release.

This is a wonderful story that I will recommend to those who love shifters, emotional pasts, a difficult present and a hopeful future.

 

 

 

Accepting His Animal by Charlie Richards

Title: Accepting His Animal

Series: Wolves of Stoneridge 03

Author: Charlie Richards

Genre: Paranormal, Shifters, Inter-mating

Length: Novella (107pgs)

Publisher: eXtasy Books (2nd September 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Doctor Gordon Digby came to Stone Ridge to help rescued shifters heal from their time abused by poachers. Finding a mate wasn’t even a blip on his radar. Fate throws a wrench in his plans in the form of sexy tiger shifter Grady Stryker. The man sets Gordon’s blood on fire and scrambles his senses. But Grady’s a detective, and the good doctor has secrets he doesn’t want revealed, including his own animal’s transgressions.

Detective Grady Stryker believes finding your fated mate is the greatest gift a shifter can receive so he doesn’t understand Gordon’s reticence, until a friend gives him a little insight into Gordon’s past. His resolve set, Grady realizes the best way to win his mate just may be the most fun: seduction.

Grady’s plans get put on hold when more poachers appear in Stone Ridge. Except these humans aren’t really poachers. They know about shifters, and if they can’t capture them, they’ll eradicate them. Can Grady convince Gordon to accept him in time to stop the humans from harming more of their friends? Or will they be too distracted to see what’s right in front of them?

Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=3330

Review: Gordon has done his best to keep his animal on a short leash. He is scared of what it will do if he lets it out.  That’s why he is unhappy to have discovered his mate. Grady is overjoyed to find his mate, now if only he can convince his mate that Gordon won’t hurt him.

This book was quite creative in its shifter pairing; it’s not very often you come across this exotic a shifter. Gordon lives in fear of his animal getting loose and wreaking havoc or hurting someone, so he keeps it under tight control. When Grady realizes what Gordon has been doing he sets out to show Gordon that releasing his animal and accepting it is better for Gordon and his animal side.

I enjoyed this book because even though it was instant mates, Gordon did try to ignore it because of his fear.  The way that Grady helped Gordon with his fear was really good and showed that they are a good match. This is a really good story-line that has a slight twist. There seems to be a link to experiments carried out over 170 years before which I thought was great. Grady is determined to not only keep his mate but to also find the poachers who have been kidnapping shifters. I also really like the fact that each story in the series gives us more to chew on with the poacher/kidnapping theme.  And the ending to this one… talk about a teaser, *sheesh*. Another thing that I loved about this one is that Gordon isn’t a sculpted muscle-bound shifter, he has a bit of extra weight and the best thing is, is that it isn’t a huge big deal and Gordon is quite happy with himself as well.

I recommend this to those who love shifters, inter-species mating, hot sex, hot men, a brilliant story-line and a happy ever after that leaves us with a cliff-hanger ending.