How to (Not) Train a Firecat by R. Cooper

R. Cooper - How to (Not) Train a Firecat Cover ndf7rTitle: How to (Not) Train a Firecat

Author: R. Cooper

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Short (62pgs)

Publisher: R. Cooper (December 26, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 3 Hearts

Blurb: The firecats of Dua are giant beasts with red-gold fur and lashing tails. They are also loving and loyal companions to the few they choose to serve. Every member of the royal House of Durii has a personal guard and a firecat to serve as a reminder of the greatness of their rule. After all, only the truly extraordinary would walk alongside a firecat. Only the truly extraordinary could.

Not River, obviously. River took the job of cleaning up after the noble beasts when he came to Dua years ago. He’s not any kind of soldier or guard, and he’s too mouthy to belong around royalty. All he wants to do is avoid some of the more resentful guard trainees, care for the very spoiled cats, and try not to get his heart broken by one maddeningly gentle apprentice wizard.

Apprentice Gavin is powerful, brilliant, and probably noble. He’s destined for greatness—and more than likely a guard and a firecat to protect him. He’s not meant for one insignificant little beastminder like River.

But firecats are not the only creatures who are fierce, loyal, and beautiful to behold. River is about to learn that the firecats and the guards who walk with them have more in common than he thought. And he will have to accept that he might be extraordinary as Gavin thinks he is.

ISBN: B07LDYNLZ6

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Gavin and River become friends with benefits. One is prickly in nature and the other just wants to be left to his duties. I liked the characters and the way they were with each other.

The story is short and as such the beginning is a bit messy and a lot is introduced in a short amount of time.

That’s not to say I did not enjoy the story, I did. But I would have liked it better if it was longer and everything was played out better. Aside from that it was a good story with great characters and an interesting plot.

Good read.

Some Kind of Magic by R. Cooper

R. Cooper - Some Kind of Magic CoverTitle: Some Kind of Magic

Series: Being(s) in Love #1

Author: R. Cooper

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy

Length: Novel (192 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 4, 2011)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 hearts 

Blurb: Being a police detective is hard. Add the complication of being a werewolf subject to human prejudice, and you might say Ray Branigan has his work cut out for him. He’s hot on the trail of a killer when he realizes he needs help.

Enter Cal Parker, the beautiful half-fairy Ray’s secretly been in love with for years—secretly, because while werewolves mate for life, fairies…don’t. Ray needs Cal’s expertise, but it isn’t easy to concentrate with his mate walking around half-naked trying to publicly seduce him. By the time Ray identifies the killer—and sorts out a few prejudices of his own—it may be too late for Cal.

ISBN: 978-1-61581-969-0

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/some-kind-of-magic-by-r-cooper-3887-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review:  This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone story.  I realized this after I read the stories out of order so I didn’t really miss too much of it.  It is a fascinating story if not a bit too dark for my taste.  I don’t much care for fairy tales but the fairy in question is very hot and tempting, especially for a sexy detective.

Ray has been in love with Cal for some time, but Cal is a fairy whereas Ray is a werewolf.  Werewolves mate for life but fairies do not.  So his bond with his mate is driving him crazy but he is determined to get his mate.  Well that and to find out who is behind the killings.  It doesn’t make it easy when his mate is trying to always seduce him.  Oh did I mention that the love has always been a secret.

To Ray fairies are very whimsical and flighty, so he fears that Cal will not want to settle down with one mate.  So what does Ray do, he is denying his wolf his mate.  Trying to stay away just a bit.  However it never really works.  Now this story starts off with a very grumpy and moody wolf.  Ray has not been sleeping nor eating because he misses Cal.  To me it his own fault.  Cal was easy to figure out, seeing as he is a fairy.  He is always sucking on candy, always tempting Ray and feels the same way.  

Now there are some issues I found off about this story.  For one Cal is short for Calvin and Calvin is Cal’s father.  The secondary character Penelope, well at first I was beginning to get some of the characters mixed up.  It doesn’t start off the way I would have hoped it would have.  For one we get a look at what should have been the beginning but it was just a flash back.  So for me the beginning felt like the middle.  I didn’t like the racist part of the story whatsoever.  For our main guy to be, brought the story down for me.  However not enough to get a big kick out of it.

This is the first story I have come across where our werewolf is a loner and doesn’t automatically jump his mate, well to mate.  He hides it for over two years.  I love how Cal is in the story though.  He does everything to get his mates attention, without knowing the mating part.  Now as for the story itself, the sentences were underdeveloped, weird word’s added in and it came off like it was written by a very new author.  The story didn’t flow like it should have and the pace was quirky.  The mystery was figured out before the story was even half way there.  It felt like it was just pushed in to make the story longer. 

So where as the story had great potential it failed to deliver.  I did enjoy it but spent more time trying to figure it out.  I know from the fact that I read it out of order, that they do get better.  So I am off to read book two.

Being(s) In Love Bundle by R. Cooper

R. Cooper - Being(s) In Love CoverTitle: Being(s) in Love Bundle

Series: Being(s) in Love Books 1 – 5

Author: R. Cooper

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Length: Novel (914 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 14, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Beings fall in love, too.

In a world where magical creatures came out of the closet after the First World War, romance still pops up in unexpected places. Police detective and werewolf Ray Branigan will have to overcome his own prejudices to find a happy ending, in Some Kind of Magic. Dragon and historian Philbert Jones has a challenge to face in A Boy and His Dragon—convincing Arthur MacArthur that his worthy of being a dragon’s treasure. In A Beginner’s Guide to Wooing Your Mate, Zeki Janowitz, wizard, and Theo Greenleaf, werewolf, have a second chance at a relationship, if they can learn what love’s really about. Tim Dirus is on the run from his own kind, in Little Wolf, but werewolf and local sheriff Nathaniel Neri is determined to teach him that it’s not all about how alpha you are. And in The Firebird and Other Stories, R. Cooper takes us from the turn of the twentieth century to present day with stories that explore beings throughout history.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63477-629-5

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/beings-in-love-by-r-cooper-7633-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: I really wanted to love this bundle. But alas I was unable to enjoy it as much as I normally would. Each story had great plot ideas but failed to keep the reading smooth. I was unsure whether this was done deliberately or not. At times I found myself annoyed at some weird sentence phrasings. 

I feel each main character of the stories should have had background stories, yet some did not. As a result I was disappointed. But aside from those things it was a good read with great ideas to expand on or go through and eliminate some things while adding others.

This bundle is a total of five stories in the series that have werewolves, fairies, dragons, wizards, humans, imps, firebirds and quite a few others are in these stories as they all struggle to survive and to find the one they are meant to be with for all time while overcoming prejudices and danger. Dramatic and entertaining to a point this bundle has it all.

Good read.

Little Wolf by R. Cooper ~ Audiobook

R. Cooper - Little Wolf COverTitle: Little Wolf

Series:  Being(s) in Love 04

Author: R Cooper

Narrator: Robert Nieman

Genre: Paranormal

Length: 18 hrs, 54 mins

Publisher: Dreampsinner Press LLC (2nd May 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: On the run from his old-blood werewolf family, Tim Dirus finds himself in Wolf’s Paw, one of the last surviving refuges from the days when werewolves were hunted by humans and one of the last places Tim wants to be. Kept away from other wolves by his uncle, Tim knows almost nothing about his own kind except that alpha werewolves only want to control and dominate a scrawny wolf like him.

Tim isn’t in Wolf’s Paw an hour before he draws the attention of Sheriff Nathaniel Neri, the alpha-est alpha in a town full of alphas. Powerful, intimidating, and the most beautiful wolf Tim has ever seen, Nathaniel makes Tim feel safe for reasons Tim doesn’t understand. For five years he’s lived on the run, in fear of his family and other wolves. Everything about Wolf’s Paw is contrary to what he thought he knew, and he is terrified. Fearing his mate will run, Sheriff Nathaniel must calm his little wolf and show him he’s more than a match for this big, bad alpha.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Upfront I’m going to say that Little Wolf is a very long audio and you will need the patience to listen. This is book 4 in R Cooper’s series, but the books work as standalone stories too. I have only heard/read the previous book in the series, A Beginner’s Guide to Wooing Your Mate, which despite it being predicated on mates who met in high school and a massive miscommunication, I found quite enjoyable.

The story is about Tim Dirus, who is on the run but was able to settle in Wolf’s Paw for a spell (not literally, well, maybe). Tim is the titular Little Wolf. He also happens to be half human and is hiding a massive secret from his mate and his new friends in Wolf’s Paw. Then there is the town’s sexy sheriff Nathaniel Neri. He instantly knows that Tim is his mate, but is forced to wait for his wary mate, who does not know much about being shifter, while Tim learns about were (though some would say he is quite unwilling).

I know that there will be a lot of people like me – they don’t mind a book which is based off of miscommunication and a rebellious runaway who refuses to get close to anyone, let alone the man that he doesn’t realize is his mate. However, at the same time, like me, there will be plenty of people that find that the plot drags along fairly slowly. It annoyed me to the point I sped up the audio because I couldn’t handle the thought of not finishing. Luckily I did a lot of listening while doing edits on my thesis so things weren’t so bad.

However, there is something I know will annoy a lot of fans of the shifter theme – that’s when one of the main characters sort of/maybe cheats on his mate (even if in this case Nathaniel basically pushed Tim to be with the other wolf if only for experience or to understand his feelings). Tim’s thoughts tend to go around in a lot of circles, which is a major reason why the story seems to drag so long.

But all in all, I have to say I still did enjoy the book. It does have all the elements of enjoyable romance. Not only that, Nathaniel and Tim work well together. I love a good paranormal/shifter romance and this certainly delivers, if only the plot and character development is slow. The other saving grace for the book is Robert Nieman’s wonderful narration.

A Beginner’s Guide to Wooing Your Mate by R. Cooper ~ Audiobook

R. Cooper - A Beginner's Guide to Wooing Your Mate Cover AudioTitle: A Beginner’s Guide to Wooing Your Mate

Series:  Being(s) in Love 3

Author: R. Cooper

Narrator: Robert Nieman

Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Length: 7 hrs, 43 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Zeki Janowitz has returned to his hometown of Wolf’s Paw to start his wizarding career. Unfortunately, Wolf’s Paw, a werewolf refuge, follows centuries of tradition and shuns human magic and a very human Zeki. He knows he’s in for a struggle, but a part of him has always belonged in the mountain town, or rather belonged to Theo Greenleaf. Years away at school haven’t lessened Zeki’s crush on the quiet werewolf. When town gossip informs him Theo still suffers from his mate’s rejection and does not date, it does little to ease Zeki’s embarrassing feelings. He decides now’s the time to get the man he’s always wanted.

Werewolves usually don’t recover from losing their mates, and Theo barely pulled through by focusing on his love of baking. It’s a daily struggle, and Zeki’s return to Wolf’s Paw shatters his peace. Theo doesn’t know what to think when Zeki attempts to woo him, talking about his wizarding business and settling in town for good. It’s like Zeki doesn’t have a clue how his words years before left Theo a shell of a werewolf.

Beginners in love, Theo and Zeki must seduce each other with a bit of heavenly baking and magic.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: If you like paranormal romances – and I know that most of us that do will devour just about anything with wolves and mates as long as there is a sign for a HEA and a lot of loving – then this is one of those impulse reads (audios) that are just wonderful to come across. Yes, it is part of a series, but you needn’t have read the previous books, these works as a standalone. However, with hints of the next book in the series I’m seriously looking forward to the next installment.

A Beginner’s Guide to Wooing Your Mate is aptly named because the MCs are so inexperienced when it comes to love they really are beginners. Their mating bond kicked in too early in life that they never were able to start anything – what with teenage hormones and emotions in the way. Zeki and Theo are strong characters and that is why life happened the way it did for both of them. Zeki may be a human in a world where shifters are superior, but he is also a wizard and therefore capable of channeling magic, even though that is also seen as second best in a world where men can change into animals.

The only thing that really bugged me about this book is that the pack treat Zeki shitty to begin with when what happened between him and Theo was a misunderstanding between two teenagers still in high school. Yes, Theo has suffered but he is stronger as a result but the main theme in this book is that we always see things differently as children as we do when we’re adults.

As for the narration, really well done and on point, I’ve heard Robert Nieman in the past but I don’t think I’ve ever been as fully on board with his narration as I was during this book.

Dancing Lessons by R. Cooper ~ Audiobook

R. Cooper - Dancing Lessons Cover AudioTitle: Dancing Lessons

Author: R Cooper

Narrator: Brian Schell

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 5hrs, 17 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (25th May 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Two years of living with his controlling boyfriend left Chico worn down long before that boyfriend revealed he’d been seeing someone else. With no other choice, Chico moves in above his cousin’s garage in a small town in the redwoods, where he merely goes through the motions. To get him out of the house, his cousin pushes him to volunteer at a local dance studio to help with their annual show.

He’s not expecting to end up in a dance class, or to start feeling alive again in the arms of his dance instructor. Rafael is the studio owners’ son and was once a well-known dancer in his own right, but now enjoys being a teacher. Although Chico likes him, he’s afraid of taking a chance. But Rafael is determined, and it only takes one dance for Chico to start to realize he might still have something to learn.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Overall, I’ve given this story a 4/5 and that is mostly because of the actual story itself. Let me just put it out there: I was not a fan of the narration, it was bland and left a lot to be desired for – I just couldn’t feel that the character’s emotions were adequately conveyed throughout out the book. Although I have no doubt that there is plenty of emotion because I heard the words actually spoken.

The story itself is wonderful and terribly sweet and just has so much potential to pull at your heartstrings. I really do think that if people had issues with the narration reading the story would be a better option because honestly, if I hadn’t been able to finish this audio I would have definitely gone for a copy of the ebook instead.

The story follows Chico and Rafael. Chico, I have to say, is the cause of most of the drama in this book. Which makes sense, the story is from his POV. Chico is down on his luck in life and love but a move to live in the apartment above his cousin’s garage is slowly changing that. I mean slowly because Chico isn’t in a rush to go out and meet new people and neither is he in a rush to improve his situation in general. Chico’s cousin wants Chico to get out of the house and to do so sent him to the local dance school to volunteer for the big upcoming recital, which the whole town seems to get involved with.

This is where Rafael steps in – he comes from a family of famous dancers, he was been a professional dancer before turning towards the family business of teaching. He doesn’t realize that Chico is actually lost and looking for his cousin when Chico stumbles into Rafe’s class. What starts is Rafe’s battle to try and get through Chico’s defences and somehow find something that Chico can lend his skills to.

This is where I think that the narration really lets the story down. Part of the story is the ballet that the school is doing, the Clockwork Dancer. It’s a whimsical story which is woven through the book and is very smartly used to reflect what’s actually going on with Chico and Rafe. Unfortunately, boring narration did not let me feel this connection between the ballet and the story.

A Dandelion for Tulip by R. Cooper

r-cooper-06-a-dandelion-for-tulip-coverTitle: A Dandelion for Tulip

Series: Being(s) in Love #6

Author: R. Cooper

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (June 24, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts

Blurb: David is in love with Tulip, a kind and unusually quiet fairy in his social circle. But everyone knows Tulip doesn’t date humans. David tells himself he is happy to be Tulip’s friend, because he doesn’t believe a fairy could love him and Tulip has never tried to “keep him”—as fairies refer to relationships with humans.

Fairies are drawn to David, describing his great “shine,” but David knows only too well how quickly fairies can forget humans, and thinks he’s destined to be alone. He can’t see his own brilliance or understand how desperately Tulip wants him, even if Tulip believes David can do better.

But exhausted and more than a little tipsy at a Christmas party, David makes his feelings too obvious for Tulip to deny any longer. Because of a past heartbreak involving a human, Tulip is convinced someone as shiny as David could never want a “silly, stupid fairy” in his life. Now, if he wants to keep David, he’ll have to be as brave as his shiny, careful human.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-314-0

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/a-dandelion-for-tulip-by-r-cooper-7186-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review:  Each one of these stories can be read as a standalone.  Although it is much more fun reading them altogether.  I am afraid that I have read them out of order so I am a test to the fact that you don’t have to read them in order.  

After reading the other stories I have to admit that I am not really that impressed with them. The writing is a bit off as are the characters just a bit. Although I did like Arthur and Bertie in the other book. The title does not compliment the story what so ever. To be honest I was beginning to think that this author was trying to turn the characters into m/f romance what with the one characters names being female.  But I will go into that later.  

Fairies, werewolves and dragons live among the humans. However fairies are known to be distracted and forgetful.  They also run around half naked most of the time. They see humans as treasures. The problem with fairies is that they don’t normally stay with one person. Tulip however is not like that. He only wants one man and that man is David.

Now David is into self-pity stage. He sees that everyone who he has been with loses interest in him soon after. The fairies see him as being shiny and tempting. However Tulip is not like that. Although Tulip doesn’t date humans either so it makes it perfect. He doesn’t date humans and David doesn’t date fairies. What a perfect pair we have here.

Now what kind of name for a man is Tulip. This author has a thing about giving her characters really weird names that do not do anything for the character whatsoever. It brings the story down in my mind, because the whole time I am thinking female and stupid.  Even though they are all male the names make them very off.  I am afraid that I don’t think I want to read any more by this author. Or at least not this series. They are completely off, and the writing is a bit difficult in some parts. I was not pleased at all I am afraid.    

I have to admit that I ended up skimming through most of this story. It had potential but failed. I am afraid that this book was not for me at all. 

A Dandelion For Tulip by R. Cooper Blog Tour, Guest Post & Excerpt!

R. Cooper - A Dandelion for Tulip _FBbanner_DSP

Hi guys, we have R. Cooper popping in today with her upcoming release A Dandelion For Tulip, we have a brilliant guest post where R. chats stories, fairies, Tulip and David, and we have a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

R. Cooper - A Dandelion for Tulip Cover s

A Dandelion For Tulip

(Being(s) In Love 06)
by

R. Cooper

David is in love with Tulip, a kind and unusually quiet fairy in his social circle. But everyone knows Tulip doesn’t date humans. David tells himself he is happy to be Tulip’s friend, because he doesn’t believe a fairy could love him and Tulip has never tried to “keep him”—as fairies refer to relationships with humans.

Fairies are drawn to David, describing his great “shine,” but David knows only too well how quickly fairies can forget humans, and thinks he’s destined to be alone. He can’t see his own brilliance or understand how desperately Tulip wants him, even if Tulip believes David can do better.

But exhausted and more than a little tipsy at a Christmas party, David makes his feelings too obvious for Tulip to deny any longer. Because of a past heartbreak involving a human, Tulip is convinced someone as shiny as David could never want a “silly, stupid fairy” in his life. Now, if he wants to keep David, he’ll have to be as brave as his shiny, careful human.

Continue reading “A Dandelion For Tulip by R. Cooper Blog Tour, Guest Post & Excerpt!”

The Winter Prince by R. Cooper

WinterPrince[The]LGTitle: The Winter Prince

Series:  N/A

Author: R. Cooper

Genre: Fairy Tales/High Fantasy

Length: 147 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 24, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Blurb: His heart stolen by a powerful pari’s magic, a young prince’s veins slowly fill with ice. That is what the stories say. Three years have passed since, and all efforts to save Kisin have failed. He won’t survive another winter. To save the prince’s life, Razin, the court wizard and Kisin’s childhood friend, plans to seek out the pari. But unbeknownst to Razin, Kisin’s heart was never stolen; he gave it freely to escape the pain of impossible love—his love for Razin.

Razin won’t accept Kisin’s fate, for reasons obvious to anyone who knows anything of love. Kisin agrees to the desperate quest, out of duty and a need to protect Razin. They are soon joined by Kisin’s once-betrothed, Lana, the daughter of the khan, who seeks to break the curse that has turned her into a beast. But it isn’t long before Razin realizes saving his prince will require more than simply retrieving his heart.

Razin will have to convince him to want it.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-978-5

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7451

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Prince Kisin, unable to cope with the feelings he harbors for his best friend and court wizard, Razin, he gives his heart to Pari. Now three years later he is slowly turning to ice. Refusing to let his best friend go Razin goes on a dangerous journey to get Kisin’s heart back.

As the two men journey Kisin is evasive in questions referring to the reason why he has given away his heart. But he exhibits traits of getting it back little by little as the story progresses.

This story has a lot of drama, adventure, action, and battles in it. There is a lot of the book taken up by conversations regarding the secondary characters in the book that I thought was needless at times.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Dancing Lessons by R. Cooper

DancingLessonsLGTitle: Dancing Lessons
Series: N/A
Author: R Cooper
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 129 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 20th 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Blurb: Two years of living with his controlling boyfriend left Chico worn down long before that boyfriend revealed he’d been seeing someone else. With no other choice, Chico moves in above his cousin’s garage in a small town in the redwoods, where he merely goes through the motions. To get him out of the house, his cousin pushes him to volunteer at a local dance studio to help with their annual show.

He’s not expecting to end up in a dance class, or to start feeling alive again in the arms of his dance instructor. Rafael is the studio owners’ son and was once a well-known dancer in his own right, but now enjoys being a teacher. Although Chico likes him, he’s afraid of taking a chance. But Rafael is determined, and it only takes one dance for Chico to start to realize he might still have something to learn.

ISBN: 9781634767736

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?

Portia’s Review: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
If I am perfectly honest, it was the cover that drew me to this book. That and the fact that I love R. Cooper’s writing style.

Chico is an easy to character to get a read on. He’s been in a bad situation and is learning to define himself outside of a destructive relationship. For me, this is definitely Chico’s story.  Watching him rediscover his art, make friends and reconnect with family was just beautiful

Rafael was a little harder for me. I kept waiting to find his weakness. Turns out he is just fine with himself and is the perfect guy to bring Chico back to the land of the living. Partly through those dancing lessons, but mainly with just giving Chico back his voice.

I loved all the family dynamics woven within this piece. Both men are blessed with families who love and support them.

The slow burn was absolutely delicious, as Chico lost his battle not to let Rafe in.

Tams’ Review: ♥♥ 2 Hearts
Chico moved to Redwoods at his cousin’s insistence after a bad breakup. He basically leaves the garage apartment above his cousin, long enough to go to work, then come right back home. He was a loner before the break-up, now it’s just reinforced. He’s depressed and doesn’t think he is worth anything to anyone, constantly looking down on and putting himself down. When he meets Rafael at a local dance studio he is volunteering at, he’s smitten, but standoffish. Can the enigmatic, patient, sexy dance instructor pull Chico out of his shell?

This book wore me out. It was chaotic and all over the place. The characters didn’t seem to fit together, and I mean at all. Chico was obviously depressed; he mumbled and rambled on a lot. Rafael had to cajole him more often than not. The ending, loved it! Wish the entire book could have been that good. Sadly, not for me. But the cover is brilliant and the ending made this a 2 star instead of just 1.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Little Wolf by R. Cooper

LittleWolfLGTitle: Little Wolf
Series: A Being(s) in Love Story, #4
Author: R. Cooper
Genre: Paranormal/ Mystery/Suspense/ Urban Fantasy
Length: Novel (380 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 8, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: On the run from his old-blood werewolf family, Tim Dirus finds himself in Wolf’s Paw, one of the last surviving refuges from the days when werewolves were hunted by humans and one of the last places Tim wants to be. Kept away from other wolves by his uncle, Tim knows almost nothing about his own kind except that alpha werewolves only want to control and dominate a scrawny wolf like him.

Tim isn’t in Wolf’s Paw an hour before he draws the attention of Sheriff Nathaniel Neri, the Alphaest Alpha in a town full of Alphas. Powerful, intimidating, and the most beautiful wolf Tim has ever seen, Nathaniel makes Tim feel safe for reasons Tim doesn’t understand. For five years he’s lived on the run, in fear of his family and other wolves. Everything about Wolf’s Paw is contrary to what he thought he knew, and he is terrified.

Fearing his mate will run, Sheriff Nathaniel must calm his little wolf and show him he’s more than a match for this big, bad Alpha.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-976-1

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6355

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

I have always loved romance stories especially when they are male on male romance. Now when you put it all into a good paranormal I am usually the first one in line for it. Now I must admit that this story does come off a little dark to me. However it didn’t take away from the story though.

Tim just pulls at your heartstrings. He is running away from his old werewolf blood family. However he is a bit lost. He thinks Alphas are cruel, dominating and just too much for someone like himself. He had listened to his uncle just a little too much. Then he meets a sexy Alpha. Nathaniel just draws him in. He makes him feel things he didn’t feel before. Now it is up to Nathaniel to show him the true meaning of mates.

I would definitely recommend this amazing story. It has a lot to offer you in many ways that some paranormal stories just don’t have. I have not been one to be captivated by a story’s darkness. However this one is a pretty damn good story. Now to get to the down and dirty. I was not pleased that it took Nathaniel too long to admit that they were mates. It does drag just a bit though.

I had a blast reading this and look forward to reading the next story. To me it had way too much description in it then was needed, but it didn’t take away from the story. It had enhanced it. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I also had such a blast with the title. It gave me almost everything I could want in a story.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series and others by R. Cooper.

Portia’s Two Cents:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

It is those dark aspects that I loved about this title.  The romance is strong, but the suspense is its equal…

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

 

Animal Magnetism ~ A Dreamspinner Press Anthology

Title: Animal Magnetism

Series:  A Dreamspinner Press Anthology

Author: Heidi Champa, Cari Z., Matthew Vandrew, Chris T. Kat, Avery Vanderlyle, Kim Fielding, R. Cooper, Emily Gould, A.J. Marcus, Skylar Jaye, Minerva Wisting, Lily Velden, Kate Pavelle, Liz Makar, G.S Wiley

Genre: Anthology

Length: 352 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 13, 2012)

Heat Level:  Moderate (total book)

Heart Rating:    ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Lions tigers and bears Oh! My! Whether ist a dog or cat or something more exotic, the animals in this collection of m/m stories serve as the catalyst for bringing lovers together. No matter how the encounter begins, by the end of each story, with a little help from their finned, furred, or feathered friends, our heros have discovered some animal magnetism of their own.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3150&cPath=50

Reviewer: Cat

This is a great collection of 15 stories where animals of some sort are catalysts for romance. Some are sweet and some are very hot. All were very cute and fun to read. I will break each down with a heat rating for ya!

Review:

A Few Too Many by Heidi Champa

Heat Level:  Explicit

Ted takes his dog, Jake, to the annual Highland Games. After winning, Jake gets into the cups sitting around of booze and gets sick. Ted rushes him to the vet to find that the usual veterinarian isn’t in. a new very sexy vet is there instead.

I found this story so cute, I laughed until I about cried. Then it got so hot at the vet’s office.

If you like dogs, men in kilts, hot vet, and hot man-sex you will love this.

Having a Ball by Cari Z.

Heat Level:  Explicit

Jimmy comes to snake sit at his older brother, Michael’s, house, after, Michael’s wife died in an accident. Michael had to take his daughter, Kelly, to visit her deceased mom’s family for two weeks at Christmas. Jimmy is left with instructions of how to care for the snake and an emergency contact in case of problems. The emergency contact is a neighbor upstairs. Circumstances bring Jimmy to call on the neighbor. What happened that he had to call the neighbor? What happened after he called the neighbor? All I’m telling ya is read this story… it’s cute.

This one was sweet, also. You can’t help but feel for Jimmy being creeped out about babysitting a snake. Things that happen afterward are pretty hot.

If you like sort a sad stories, snakes, friends to lovers, History lessons, and hot man-sex you will love this one.

Along Came Spiders by Matthew Vandrew

Heat Level:  Mild

Hedge is on his way to work when an earthquake hits. A woman says a man may be injured and has a basement full of spiders. Hedge is a nurse and goes to help. Alec a police officer that was just going off duty tries to keep Hedge from going in, but Hedge insists.  They get trapped temporarily inside with loose spiders.

This was such a sweet romantic story even if it had spiders on the loose.

If you like police officers, male nurses, a sweet romance and spiders you will love this one!

Cuddling Up by Chris T. Kat

Heat Level:  Explicit

Paul was leaving work and it was raining cats and dogs (sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun), so he goes back into the big cat house at the zoo where he works. (Real cats like lions and leopards and stuff)When he gets inside he finds Noah, his relief cuddled up with the Snow Leopard and her cubs. He watches, afraid if he startles them the leopard will hurt him.  When Noah finally exits the cage, Paul confronts him and an argument ensues. Paul goes into the shower to cool himself off and get out of his wet clothes. Noah follows him in.

I loved this story it was so sweet the scene with Noah and the snow leopard and the story of why he was in the cage. The sex was really hot, too.

I recommend this if you like, Snow Leopards and cubs, sweet stories, and hot man-sex.

New Tides by Avery Vanderlyle

Heat Level:  Mild

Steve had to take a job on the east coast and his boyfriend Eric had stayed on the West Coast. He works in aquatics with crabs.  After three years and trying the long distance relationship and failing they still kept in touch some and Steve really hadn’t moved on. Eric had. Steve’s favorite possession is a pencil with a crab on it that Eric had bought him when he graduated school. His pencil keeps coming up missing and found in strange places.  The new co-worker, Jan, studies octopi and has one named Cleo that he is studying its behavior. How does Cleo Bring Jan and Steve together when octopi aren’t one of Steve’s favorite marine animals?

I love this story it. It’s a sweet story about a man not wanting to let go of his love, but a strange occurrence helps him put Eric in his past and find new love. Even with no sex mentioned this story was so good and exciting.

I recommend this story to anyone that likes a sweet story with no sex, Octopi, crabs, marine biology and sexy men.

Care and Rehabilitation by Kim Fielding

Heat Level:  Mild

Ira is a history professor he is in mourning of losing his long- time partner to leukemia. He has his partner’s dog, a St. Bernard and she finds a baby bird. Ira is told of a person the takes birds in to rehabilitate. When he gets there, he finds the person is an ex student of his, that he had a mild crush on when he was in Ira’s class. Ironically, Caleb had had a major crush on Ira, too. Caleb is also in mourning of losing his mother a year ago and had taken over her business of taking in the injured birds that needed rehab. Can a baby bird and a St. Bernard be the path to both Ira and Caleb’s healing?

I absolutely loved this story. It has no actual sex, but the story is so sweet, yet sad with a happy ending.

If you love Birds, dogs sad but sweet stories of love lost and having to move on this one is super great!

Butterbean and the Pretty Princess Make A Home by R. Cooper

Heat Level:  Moderate

Riley and Eli are roommates. Eli is the best roommate Riley ever had. But, Eli and Riley are so different. Eli is quiet, large, and hairy, and from a wealthy family. Eli has tattoos, designs them and runs around with his friends that talk about Eli. Riley has been staying home more finding he enjoys Eli’s company. One night on his way home he finds two kittens in a box in the trash. He brings them in and Eli flips out. He is terrified, and thinks he has allergies. Can two abandoned kittens bring together two friends?

This story was so cute. Eli’s reaction to the kittens is hilarious.

If you like friends to lovers romance, a cute funny story, tattoos, and kittens you will love this one.

Jonno by Emily Gould

Heat level:  Mild

Ethan took a job in the wildlife park because his partner Louis had been giving him a hard time about not working. Their relationship seemed to be falling apart. On his first day at work a squirrel named Jonno bit him. He had to go to the onsite medic, Mitchell. He and Mitchell become good friends. Can A mean squirrel bring two friends together?

This was another cute sweet story. I felt so sorry for Ethan. Louis is such a prick. Ethan and his squirrel Jonno’s relationship is absolutely hilarious. The buildup of Mitchell and Ethan’s relationship is so sweet.

If you like squirrels, funny stories, sweet romances, and friends to lover’s romance.  Stories with a great relationship with no sex this one is a must read.

On Eagles Wings by A. J. Marcus

Heat Level:  Moderate

One day out hunting with his eagle, Gavin, a Falconer, finds Heath, a ranger on a cliff. He had been pushed by a poacher and broke his leg.  Gavin rescues him.  They both have been friends for a while and both live out in the wild alone. They find themselves even closer.

This is a very sweet story of a rescue that brings friends to lovers.

If you like eagles, hunting, wilderness, sweet hot man-sex and friends to lovers check this one out.

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road by Skylar Jaye

Heat Level:  Mild

Gabe has chickens as pets. His neighbors don’t mind since he shares the eggs. Tracy and her son just moved across the street. Tracy came back to the country sick to spend the rest of her time. Aaron is having a hard time adjusting. One of Gabe’s chickens keeps getting out and going to Tracy’s, Aaron keeps returning her.   Aaron isn’t into one night stands and Gabe isn’t into commitment. Can a wandering chicken bring these two together?

This is another really cute sweet story of an animal bringing to men together as friends and possibly more.

If you love the country, stories with a bit of angst, chickens and friends to lovers, this one is a must read.

Tears for a Broken Sun by Minerva Wisting

Heat Level:  Explicit.

Akira runs a flower shop his parents left him. He has a crush on a customer that comes in every Friday. they have even had dinner a few times as friends, but he thinks Luca is straight. Wan, Akira’s dog is acting strangely this day. An earthquake comes and its bad and his house is wrecked inside. He starts walking the dog seeing people leaving for the shelters afraid of a tsunami. Wan keeps acting strangely so they head to shelter after seeing people on buildings. Luca comes up on a bicycle and gets Akira to run. A tsunami comes and they barely make it to a deserted building.   Akira is upset his entire house is destroyed and his shop. Why did Luca come to save him?

A very exciting keeps you on the edge of your seat story.

If you like a story with excitement, sadness, and a sweet friends to lovers. This one is great!

Stripped Bare by Lily Velden

Heat level:  Explicit w/some slightly vulgar language

Nick is an artist and at one of his exhibits a handsome stranger comes in.  He eyes one of the works then leaves. The next day he shows up at a talk and asks so many questions Nick feels he was stripped bare. After the talk, the customer meets with him and wants him to hold the three orbs until he can meet with his partner.  Michael shows up at his shop one day and Nick’s parrot, Ollie, that has a foul mouth   talks way too much. Does the fowl mouthed fowl bring them together?

This was a cute fun story. I loved the descriptions of the art and the story behind Ollie. It’s hilarious and hot.

If you like art, parrots and hot man-sex give this a go. It’s hilarious. Fun and fast paced.

Wild Horses by Kate Pavelle

Heat level:   Mild

Kai is nearly homeless and having to scrounge for food.  Desperate, he picks a man’s pocket. He gets 60 dollars and a new iPhone.  Atilla raises horses and runs a teaching school and his entire life is on the phone. He has money and doesn’t care about the 60 bucks. He sends a message and says you can keep the money, but please return the phone. He leaves another message you are much better than this. Kai feels bad and finally decides to return the phone. He goes all the way to Atilla’s horse ranch and gets overheated. One of Atilla’s horses that are wild and the only horse Atilla hasn’t been able to train takes up with Kai. How does a wild horse change a homeless desperate man’s life?

I liked this story. It was interesting how Atilla was so kind and generous to Kai. I had one problem with this story, however. I was reading and rooting for Kai and Atilla and the story just stopped. It really didn’t end or allude to an ending. It just felt like she ran out of time and cut off the story. I would have loved to found out what happened to Kai and Atilla.

If you love horses, stories full of desperation and a Good Samaritan keeps returning her.   This one is for you.

Show and Tell by Liz Makar

Heat Level:  Explicit

Damian is a kindergarten teacher and self-professed animal killer. Sam is the new owner of the local pet store. Damien is blackmailed by one of his students to get a new classroom pet after his latest tragedy.  He goes to the shop to find a snake and meets the new owner, Sam.

I think this was one of my favorites. It’s fast past sweet and so funny. These kids… the things they say.  The story is sweet, hot and full of humor.

I recommend this one to everyone.  But especially if you like snakes, turtles, dogs and funny kindergarteners, and hot man-sex.

The Conch Republic by G. S. Wiley

 Heat Level:  Mild

Randy is unemployed and living with his mom in Key West. He gets a job in a tourist shop and meets Jack.  Jack collects Conch shells and has a conch museum.

This is a sweet romance. I found it a bit rushed and it just suddenly ended. I’d have loved to see more of the romance between Jack and Randy maybe less of Randy’s sister Brett.

If you like beaches, Conch museums, stories about authors and book readings. Try this one.

 

Play It Again, Charlie by R. Cooper

Title:  Play it again Charlie

Series:  N/A 

Author:  R. Cooper

Genre:   M/M contemporary

Length:  869 KB

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press (April 19, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts-loved it

Blurb:   After an accident left him broken in body and spirit, Charlie Howard retired from the police force to teach at a community college. Life has taught him that he’s unlikely to get what he wants, so he’s stopped asking. Instead, he hides from the world in the apartment complex he manages. After all, no one can leave him if he doesn’t let anyone in.

Will, a sexy, classic-film-loving twink, moves into the apartment across from him and—to Charlie’s surprise—makes it clear that he’d like nothing more than to hole up with Charlie and get kinky. Will has no problem expressing what he wants in bed or out of it, but he’s never dated anyone long-term, and Charlie isn’t sure Will’s ready for anything serious.

Charlie is a serious kind of guy. He wants Will and everything a relationship could mean, even if he doesn’t have any experience in that scene—even if that makes him vulnerable. As they grow closer, Charlie realizes that it’s time to start asking for what he wants, and if he wants to be happy, he’ll have to risk everything and ask Will to stay.

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2885

Reviewer:   Artemis

Review:  Charlie had to retire from the police force due to a severe car accident that left him scarred, both emotionally and physically.  He has to deal with chronic pain as well as the pressure of being ‘the rock’ for his slightly chaotic family.  He teaches Criminal Justice at the local community college and manages his family’s apartment complex.  He is a take charge kind of guy, but suffers from a little bit of a self-esteem problem.

He finds himself falling fast and hard for a very sexy and flamboyantly gay tenant named Will.  Will is giggly and looking for fun, but also sweet and wanting a bit of a father figure.  Charlie’s insecurities refuse to allow him to believe that Will could possibly want him for a long-term relationship.  He doesn’t want to tie Will down and sees his injury and a decade age difference a huge weight on the relationship.   There is an incredible amount of heat and passion to their relationship and also a lot of tenderness, but Charlie and Will have some MAJOR lack of communication issues to overcome.   Charlie doesn’t mind playing ‘daddy’ (even in the bedroom!), but needs to know he doesn’t have to be strong all the time.  Will is just as eager to take care of Charlie, but isn’t always sure how since they don’t talk much about it.

The sex between Charlie and Will is sweet and passionate, with a little bit of light BDSM that is totally realistic and well written.  You really get to know each one of these characters and there isn’t a huge angsty plot to deal with…just the realities of a developing relationship, with all of the ups and downs that are involved.   Sometimes, I got a bit lost in the dialogue and for some reason I felt like I got to know Charlie better than I got to know Will.  I got frustrated a number of times with their lack of communication skills, but isn’t that just like a guy?  Despite these minor flaws it was a very enjoyable read and I will be looking for more by this author!