To save his love he must face his monster and—worse—be nice to people.
Montag is a monster. He doesn’t know what sort of creature he would turn into if he ever let himself shift, but he knows it’s something predatory and lethal. He fights back the urge to shift every day of his life, and has never dared get close to anyone—not that they want him to. He can literally smell their fear.
Kevin’s not scared of monsters. He works for the SSU, the agency in charge of tracking shifters—particularly the dangerous ones. When he and his young niece are kidnapped by her scum-bucket dad, he’s grateful to be rescued by Montag, whose curmudgeonly defenses can’t hide the kind man beneath.
As they work together to protect Kevin’s niece, attraction sizzles between them. But their relationship may not survive if Montag learns who writes Kevin’s paycheck—or if Montag dares to confront the inner monster he hates and fears.
Warning: Contains a grouchy virgin shifter (and we mean virginal in all possible ways), a hero with a back pocket full of secrets, and a couple of jerks.
Review
In a unique world where Shifters must be tagged and identified by the government, but biogotry still runs rampant, Montag is a shifter in hiding. He’s a mechanic in a small town and he’s sort of keeping the peace by acting as an “enforcer” for the local criminal element when he meets/rescues Kevin.
Kevin is literally being held by his psychotic brother-in-law and his sister when Montag crashes in and saves the day.
There are a lot of secrets being held. Montag doesn’t want anyone to know what he is (and he’s not all that sure himself). Kevin doesn’t want Montag to know he knows about Shifters nor does he want him to know who he works for.
Everyone wants to keep Kevin’s niece safe from her psychotic father. Nobody wants the local law to know about Montag, and Kevin wants to keep his family under the radar as well.
There is an instant “mate” attraction between Montag and Kevin, and though Kevin would readily act on it, Montag fears the results.
Between keeping the humans safe from the perceived and real monsters, dodging the law, and going to the hospital, the relationship between Montag and Kevin builds.
Finally, with the help of Colt (who we met earlier in book 2), the two manage to cut through to the truth and find their own path towards a permanent relationship.
**
So – there are shifter novels that you can read through in a hour or two, their pattern so familiar that it’s almost just a change of names to keep the story “new” and there are shifter books where the previous “lore” is unique, different and detailed in such a way that anything short of a careful reading will leave the reader scratching her head.
This is the second. Summer Devon has given us a unique shifter lore in well-written prose with fantastic characters who draw you into the story and keep you turning pages. She has included some of the more common lore and blended it with a sort-of dystopian future to keep things fresh, yet grounded.
The romance and the story are both much darker than some of the more traditional shifter stories out there and the prose is more dense and definitely more complex. The focus is definitely more on the story and less on the sex, though there are some smexy times (With a virgin!).
I really enjoyed Summer’s character development and world building and though I was sometimes forced to re-read things to be clear about the whos and the whats, I really enjoyed this take on Shifters and will look to reading the previous two books and any future stories.
Days away from high school graduation, with hardly a penny to his name, Evan Lowry needs to earn money for college. When he comes across an ad for modeling, he thinks his luck has changed – until he learns he’s interviewing for an adult film and will be expected to have sex. On camera. With other men.
For gay porn star Brandon Court, the shine has worn off of regular shoots. He and his producer Les decide to try something new: a reality-show porno set at a beach house. When he meets wide-eyed and naïve Evan for the first time, Brandon isn’t sure if he wants the kid to get lost or get naked. Naked wins.
On set, Brandon takes Evan under his wing, and over the next month, they are thrown together in every intimate way conceivable – except emotionally. Both Brandon and Evan are terrified of trying for anything deeper, and insecurities and doubts wear on their hopes, but the chemistry between them won’t let them slow things down.
Review
This is a lovely story about a jaded porn star who falls in love with a newbie/virgin. There was a lot of great sex and some pretty nice “feels” in this story. Brandon and Evan fall for one another pretty much right away and the only “hurdle” happens near the end when Brandon abandons Evan after the shoot – causing Evan to despair.
However – Brandon realizes his mistake and we get a solid HEA after all.
You definitely have to suspend your disbelief – this is not porn like anything I’d have seen or expected – definitely a rosy vision of the industry. But… it’s nice and the love story is very sweet.
I loved all the Oregon references 🙂
Audio
Jeff Gelder does a nice job with this. He’s not my favorite narrator and he doesn’ “move me” like some narrators do, but he tells the story in such a way that the story takes center stage, not the narrator.
NYPD Detective Alec MacAidan has always been good with weird. After all, his life has been a string of the unexplainable. But when an injured man gives him cryptic clues, then turns to dust in front of him, Alec’s view on weird is changed forever.
Cronin, a vampire Elder, has spent the last thousand years waiting for Alec. He’d been told his fated one would be a man wielding a shield, but he didn’t expect him to be human, and he certainly didn’t expect that shield to be a police badge.
Both men, strong-willed and stubborn, are still learning how to cope with the push and pull of being fated, when fate throws them another curveball.
Rumors have spread quickly of turmoil in Egypt. Covens are fleeing with news of a vampire who has a talent like no other, hell-bent on unleashing the wrath of Death.
Alec and Cronin are thrown into a world of weird Alec cannot imagine. What he learned in school of ancient pharaohs and Egyptian gods was far from the truth. Instead, he finds out firsthand that history isn’t always what it seems.
Review
What a great new direction for a favorite author! NR Walker always delivers quality writing with well developed MCs and an entire cast of secondary characters that are three-dimensional and fully developed. I love paranormal books and I love NR Walker – so this was an excellent combination!
Since Alec and Cronin are fated lovers – another tick on my box of likes – we get to see the “insta-attraction” that makes vampire/shifter books so compelling.
In the nature of NR Walker books, I know that there will be more “lovey dovey” moments in the sequel – so I am holding off judging the overall “feels” for now.
Suffice it to say that this book sets up the back-story and puts our two MCs together and (I expect) book two will wrap up their love story and give us the ooey gooey happy ending I know NR Walker delivers.
Police officer Milo and Fireman Daniel have been dating off and on for six years, but it always seems more off than on. Just when their relationship reaches breaking point, someone enters their lives, unknowingly helping the confused couple work through their differences.
Falling in love with the man Daniel rescued and who Milo is investigating as a potential arson suspect isn’t a conventional start to any relationship, especially one which includes a mysterious blond who’s afraid to stop running. But they both see what didn’t work out as a couple, could work out as a ménage.
Daniel and Milo unite to help save Samuel, but quickly realise he’s not the only one being saved.
With so many obstacles in their way threatening to destroy the future they desire, all three have to fight to create a bond too strong for anyone or anything to break.
Let me start by pointing out how much I liked the cover. I don’t know if it was the color, or the fact that it was the fireman wearing his gear looking hot, but I really liked it. The characters were wonderful, I just couldn’t get enough of reading about these characters. For some reason, Milo was my favorite of the three. Then it was sweet Daniel and even sweeter and gentle Samuel.
These three men’s personality is so different from each other but they fit together perfectly. It was clear from the beginning of the story that Daniel and Milo are deeply in love with each other but their personalities caused these two men to bump heads. Daniel wanted more from his relationship with Milo. It wasn’t that Milo wasn’t willing to give Daniel what he needed, he simply couldn’t because he didn’t quite understand how, you know?
Then Samuel enters their lives. One would think that the timing was bad to bring a third into a rocky relationship but in this case, this particular third was exactly what the two men needed. They saved each other. Samuel endured a past filled with abuse, both physical and sexual at the hands of his kidnappers. First Daniel and then Milo became his saviors and gave him the newest, sweetest lease on life.
I loved this book, these characters. Ms. Colville did the best job of crafting them. Their dialog and the storyline was amazing. This is a new author to me, brought to my attention completely by chance. I truly enjoy the all male ménage storyline and she did a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life for me. I am really looking forward to reading the second book in this series. I was so excited to see that Dalton would get his story. I really liked his character. This is a great start to what to what is looking to be a brilliant series.
Leaving home to go to university is an exciting phase in anyone’s life. One that’s full of new places, new friends, and new experiences. But Lewis is not prepared for the sudden and intense crush he develops on his out-and-proud flatmate, Max—given that Lewis had always assumed he was straight. Max starts dating another guy, and Lewis’s jealousy at seeing them together forces him to confront his growing attraction.
When Max’s relationship goes awry, Lewis is the one to comfort him and one thing leads to another. But after a night together, Lewis is devastated that Max wants to go back to being just friends. Lewis tries his best to move on and their friendship survives, but the feelings he has for Max don’t go away. He faces other challenges as he deals with coming out to his parents and needs Max’s support more than ever. But Lewis isn’t the only one who’s conflicted. When Max finally admits he cares for Lewis too, Lewis must decide whether he dares risk his heart again on being more than just friends.
Review
Lewis is 18 and just starting University where he meets Max, one of his dorm mates. Max is out and proud and gets Lewis thinking that he may be something other than straight.
At first Lewis fights his attraction to Max, but it isn’t long before he begins to acknowledge that the feeling he’s experiencing watching Max hook-up with other guys is jealousy. After a sad break-up one night, the two get drunk and mess around. Lewis is ready to go all in after that; admit he’s gay, admit he likes Max, everything, but Max is on the rebound and isn’t ready to “break in” a new boyfriend, especially since Lewis is new to being gay and they live together.
Lewis is heartbroken, but admits it makes a bit of sense. Moving on, Lewis begins to explore his newfound sexuality by telling his family, friends, joining the LGBT group at school and even dating.
As the semester goes on, Lewis discovers more about himself and Max does, too. They have some hurdles to overcome, but in the end we see a very HFN (or HEA depending on how you look at it.)
**
This was another sweet, wonderful book by Jay Northcote. It’s told in a way that seems very natural and realistic. Lewis isn’t hung up about finding out he’s gay – he’s reluctant at first, only because he’d had a girlfriend in High School, but it doesn’t take much in the experimenting phase for him to admit his preference. Lewis’ family is essentially pretty supportive as are his friends.
Max is a fairly easy going, very open gay man, who is really just following his heart. He doesn’t have any terrible, dark secrets keeping him from loving, just normal life-is-never-perfect stuff that gives him some substance.
When all is said and done, the really nice thing about this story is that it ends up being more about the love story than a “gay” love story.
Audio
I really like Matthew Lloyd Davies. I think it’s important for these British books to be read in a British accent and Matthew has a lovely one!
I highly recommend the story and the audiobook; 5 of 5 hearts.
Excerpt:
Weighed down by groceries and a bulging duffle bag, I rang Terry’s doorbell.
“It’s open!” he called.
I left the bag in the entryway so he wouldn’t see it and brought the groceries to the kitchen. He was wearing jeans, an apron and nothing else, and he was sexy as hell. I wanted him to ravish me, right there, right then, but he was busily stirring and chopping and other mysterious kitchen pursuits—I’m not much of a cook.
“Don’t come into the bedroom.” I kissed his shoulder.
“Sure.” He gave my butt a quick pat before turning back to his frying pan.
Making sure he wasn’t watching, I carried the heavy bag down the hall to Terry’s bedroom and started unpacking my goodies.
I’ve known I was interested in BDSM for a long time, though I’d never had a play partner of my very own before Terry. Every now and then I’d see something in an adult store or on a website that I just had to buy, for private use or the hope that I would eventually find a top to play with. “Every now and then” adds up over the years, and soon the bag wouldn’t be big enough to hold everything.
I laid it all out on the bed so I could see everything and try to narrow down exactly what I wanted to do with Terry—or rather, have him do to me. As I pulled out each toy, I remembered the fantasy that had made me buy it.
Terry and I haven’t discussed roleplaying yet, and I was still too shy to mention it, and worried he’d think I was immature for wanting to play “let’s pretend”.
Simple was probably best. A scene that took too long to set up could use up all our energy before we’d actually played. I tossed almost everything back in the bag, except for my matching set of black leather wrist and ankle cuffs, and what had quickly become my favorite toy. It was a jockey bat; similar to a riding crop, but the leather tip was hard instead of flappy. Terry has used it in all sorts of ways—using it the way it was intended, flipping it around to hit me with the handle, striking my thighs or ass with the shaft like a cane, even holding it across the backs of my knees to pin me down.
“I’m ready,” I called.
“Me too. We’d better eat first, or we might not get around to it.”
I was restless. I wanted to play now, but I knew he was right. If we played, we probably wouldn’t leave the bed until morning, and the dinner he’d cooked would go to waste. With a final glance at the toys neatly arranged on the bed, I sauntered out to meet him.
“Are you sure you didn’t own a restaurant in a past life?” I asked, bumping him with my hip while I grabbed a plate. I thought about serving him, but we hadn’t discussed that level of D/s yet, so I only got food for myself.
“I’d go crazy in a restaurant, surrounded by people, everyone in a hurry. I couldn’t even do your job.” He was used to being his own boss; if he felt like working fourteen hours one day, he did. If he wanted to ride to the coast for the weekend, there was no one to stop him but his own deadlines.
T. Strange has been interested in BDSM for as long as she can remember. She and her wife were active participants in their local community for a number of years, but lately they’ve been focusing more on their own relationship. When not writing or being spanked, T. enjoys gardening, playing with her cats and other animals, and playing video games. She writes vanilla fiction under the same pen name.
Where to find the author: Facebook Facebook Author Page Twitter Pinterest Goodreads Blog
Other: Torquere Author page Goodreads Book Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: B.S. Clay a Rafflecopter giveaway
When Tyler Powell’s life is torn apart by an unspeakable crime, the need for vengeance takes over. Every moment of every day, as he tries to pull his shattered existence together again, it’s all he can think about—revenge.
Will he give in to his rage and become the very thing he hates most? A killer?
Only with the help of Homicide Detective Christian Martin, the cop in charge of his case, does Tyler see the possibility of another life beginning—the astounding revelation of another love reaching out to him. A love he thought he would never know again.
Will he let that love into his life, or is he lost already? Is payback more important to Tyler than his own happiness? And the happiness of the man who loves him? Tyler is determined to find a way to exact his revenge without sacrificing all hope for a future with Christian, but it will be difficult—if not impossible—and in the end he might be forced to make an unbearable choice.
Review
This and books like Head On show the width and breadth of John Inman’s talents. He can write crazy, fun, goofy stories like Serenading Stanley and then turn around and tear your heart out with stories like this.
Payback is the story of a man who loses his husband to gay bashing and then seeks retribution. It is dark, and hard to read at times, but very, very good.
I highly suggest reading reviews ahead of time – there are a lot of triggers in this book, but if you want something to move you – give this book a try.
Blurb: Corbin Ford, aka the Nightwatchman, named for the antique pocket watches he leaves behind at jobs, has been in the cat-burgling business for years. His father was. His grandfather was. His mother is still one of the most renowned thieves. Corbin likes his high-profile heists, priceless paintings from private collections, artifacts from museums, but his favorite? Jewels. Sparkly, beautiful jewels. If they’re famous, better yet.
Interpol agent Luke Eldridge has one goal and one goal only: to catch the Nightwatchman. Luke’s been after him for months, but getting the slip time and again is getting embarrassing. Luke has never even laid eyes on the bastard, but he’d happily strangle him. And then arrest him.
When Luke meets Corbin, the man of his dreams, he falls hard and fast… only to catch Corbin red-handed with his hand in a jewelry case at the scene of the highest-profile murder that’s rocked the international world in years.
Corbin was half-asleep when Luke said his name. They’d rinsed off again after, and he was cuddled into Luke’s fresh, puffy sheets.
“Cor, you still awake?”
Corbin wanted to sleep but he couldn’t resist the nickname Luke had been using for him lately. It made him feel like he belonged, like strolling in the streets or going to dinner. Like he was part of the real world. The world he didn’t even know he’d wanted until hed dipped his toes into it. He doubted he could keep it, but it was nice while it lasted.
“Yeah, babe. I’m still awake. What’s up?”
Luke’s arm, that had been warm around his middle, slid away, and he felt Luke sit up in bed. “I need to talk to you about something.”
That didn’t sound good. Corbin turned and sat up as well. He reached for Luke’s hand. “What is it?”
“I don’t know how to say this. I never have before.” He shrugged.
“You know you can tell me.”
Corbin’s mind raced. What the hell was it Luke had never told anyone? He didn’t seem like the type to keep secrets. He had a family and close friends he talked about constantly. Was he going to tell him… oh God. Corbin wasn’t ready for that word yet. Not when he was barely used to the fact that someone had his real phone number. He wasn’t—
“It’s about my job.”
Oh. Corbin’s heart stood still for one long moment before thumping back to life. That, he could handle. “What about it?”
“I don’t work in a bank, Corbin.”
Corbin choked. He was glad he wasn’t drinking anything; it would’ve ended all over the bed. “What?” Maybe he‘d been a little too quick to assume he could handle it.
“Okay, that sounded way more dramatic than I meant it to. It’s not, like, a secret.” He smiled, but the smile was shaky. A little weird. “My family knows. I, It’s not… I’m not CIA if that’s what you’re thinking,” Luke cracked a smile. “I just usually don’t tell people I’m dating. Well I usually don’t date at all, and it’s really easier not to get into it with guys at the pub, and you know, if I take them home for the night. I don’t want questions, but it’s not illegal, and I really wanted to tell you since we’re not just messing around anymore.”
Poor guy looked nervous, sounded nervous too, babbling like that. Not as nervous as Corbin suddenly was. The only kind of semi-secret, don’t-want-to-talk-about-it jobs people could have were, well, government. There wasn’t another choice unless they were talking mafia. Either way it wasn’t good. Corbin mentally took about fifty-five dives out Luke’s bedroom window. But he had to stay. He had to finish this.
“What do you do, Luke?” he asked. His voice was trembling. Luke probably thought he was angry. He was too freaked out to get to anger.
“Interpol. I’m an Interpol agent.”
Corbin’s heart stopped. “A-And what do you do for Interpol?” He already knew. Spain. Business trips. He knew. Part of him had known for weeks, but he hadn’t wanted to examine it. Fuck. He had to hear Luke say it out loud.
“I work in an art crimes and jewel theft unit.”
“O-Oh. Jesus. I don’t know what to say to that.” How about can I break the land speed record to get out of here?
Corbin had gone from boyfriends and “maybe he’s going to say the L-word” to “get me the hell away from this thing” in less than a minute. He was naked, and he felt even more naked, like all of the people chasing him were staring at him, looking under his skin. In a way it was true. Luke was chasing him. Luke. The thought that Luke’s main job at the moment was probably to catch him floored Corbin. He started to giggle. Worst stress reaction ever.
“Why are you laughing? I was sure you’d be angry with me.”
“A bank, Luke? A bank?”
Luke shrugged uncomfortably. “It’s what I tell all the guys. By the time I knew I wanted more than one night with you, it got awkward. I just…I’m sorry. I didn’t know when to tell you. Tonight seemed like the best option.”
“So Rob from the bank? Your best friend?”
“An agent.”
“His wife and kids?”
Luke gave him a quizzical look. “What about them?”
Corbin had this overwhelming need to hear all the details. He didn’t know why since he was getting the hell out of here at the first opportunity. “That wasn’t a story?”
“Of course not. They really exist. Pretty close to here actually.”
“And you’ve told them about me?”
“An embarrassing amount, yeah.” Luke must’ve noticed Corbin shaking. “Listen, what can I do? I really am sorry about this. I’ve been sorry for weeks. I just didn’t know how to bring it up.”
“You picked a good time, with my dick hanging out here.” Crass, maybe. But he felt so exposed.
“Well, so’s mine, and you’re not the one who just had to admit something.”
True enough. The giggles came again. Luke pulled Corbin close until he was practically in his lap, legs straddling Luke’s thighs. “Are you okay?”
“Freaked out,” Corbin said. It wasn’t a lie.
“It’s fine. I’m not like James Bond or anything. I told you. I go after thieves.”
“You’d make a hot secret agent.”
“You don’t hate me for lying?” Luke looked really worried. Corbin didn’t want to think about the other side of that confession. What Luke’s face would look like if he found out who he was in bed with.
“I understand why you did it. I feel really dumb for like, participating in your bank talk. Asking questions about your job.”
“Don’t. That was my fault. Now you don’t have to do it. You know what I am.”
“Are you allowed to talk about the cases you’re working on?”
“I’m not really supposed to. Not beyond general detail.”
“So tell me. Just what you can.”
“We catch thieves. Burglars; the kind local police can’t handle, international operations. High-profile crimes, high-profile victims.”
“Like that lady… I forget her name. The one with the stolen earrings?”
“Yes. Exactly like that.” Luke looked down at the bed.
“That’s your case?” Corbin tried to look excited but his insides were churning. He had to have confirmation. He had to have proof.
“Yeah. That’s my case. Anyway, I really shouldn’t say too much about it. We’re trying to keep the details under wraps, not that we have many.”
“Um. Wow. So, I guess that’s all then?”
Luke pulled Corbin tighter. “Yeah. It really isn’t that exciting. I just wanted you to know what I was doing when I was gone. I’m not sitting behind some desk transferring money from one millionaire to another. I guess I just… yeah. I wanted you to know the truth. Are we okay?”
“Yes. I’m going to need a little time to wrap my head around it, but I think we’re fine.”
Until I get the hell out of here and never come back.
He wasn’t leaving right then. Talk about suspicious. He didn’t want to do anything to make Luke notice he was acting weird. So he cuddled in Luke’s arms and tried to act like nothing was wrong. Odd part was, he found himself drifting off after a few minutes of staring into the dark.
I’m Mj O’Shea 🙂 I grew up, and still live, in sunny Washington state and while I love to visit other places, I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.
I spent my childhood writing stories. Sometime in my early teens, the stories turned to romance. Most of those were about me, my friends, and our favorite movie and pop stars. Hopefully, I’ve come a long way since then.
When I’m not writing, I love to play the piano, dance, cook, paint pictures, and of course read! I like sparkly girly girl things, own at least twenty different colored headbands, and I have two little dogs who sit with me when I write. Sometimes they comes up with ideas for me too…when they’re not busy napping.
2nd Edition Faith, Love, & Devotion: Books Four & Book Five
Cherished
After several years of happy coupledom, Matt and Evan can relax in the knowledge that their little family has survived the worst of it. The two older girls are away at college, the twins have yet to fully hit teen angst, Matt is doing well with his part time security consulting, and Evan is about to be promoted to captain—it seems like things are calm and bright.
Until they aren’t.
As the holidays approach, Evan and Matt get a shock no parent is ever prepared for: feisty Miranda, Evan’s eldest, has a new boyfriend, Kent, and they are talking marriage after just three months together. In fact, Miranda wants to bring him to Thanksgiving dinner—along with his parents, Blake and Cornelia.
Blessed
Lives are in transition as everyone gathers at the stunning Hamptons beach home of Daisy and Bennett to celebrate the christening of their new baby. Griffin and Jim—secretly growing tired of their rootless lifestyle—are in a rocky spot in their relationship. And as the godfather, Griffin finds himself yearning for something he’s sure Jim won’t be interested in.
Fatherhood.
Matt and Evan are looking to reconnect during the long weekend, as their respective careers pull them in separate directions. With less time spent together, Evan grows concerned about what will happen when the last two kids leave the nest.
1st Edition of Cherish published as an eBook by Loose Id LLC, November 2012.
Review
This is definitely not a stand-alone and is the fourth and fifth books combined in one edition.
In Cherished we see Matt dealing with parenthood as Evan’s daughter really puts everyone through the wringer. I loved the look into the couple as they navigate more of the everyday realities of being a unique family. The fact that Kent’s parents were more bothered by the guns than the gay was a great twist and I thought the whole storyline was well done.
In Blessed we see all four couples (Evan’s partner and her new husband, plus Daisy and her new baby along with Griff and Jim) at the Hamptons for Daisy’s baby’s christening.
Though Evan is still dealing with being promoted to captain and put in a position more for diplomacy rather than danger, he and Matt are just so damn cute and in love! Griff and Jim, however, are smoothing out some of the rough edges of their romance and this is a nice sequel to their story.
Something very interesting happened though at the end… it seems left open for another installment! I am hoping that with the re-release of the original stories and their audiobook debuts that we will see another (final?) installment giving our guys some even more permanent closure. (Hint, hint… a wedding perhaps???)
New York City’s streets are more dangerous than ever with the leaderless Order of Adrasteia and the Ikelos Coalition, a newly immerged Therian group, at war. Innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire and although the THIRDS round up more and more members of the Order in the hopes of keeping the volatile group from reorganizing, the members of the Coalition continue to escape and wreak havoc in the name of vigilante justice.
Worse yet, someone inside the THIRDS has been feeding the Coalition information. It’s up to Destructive Delta to draw out the mole and put an end to the war before anyone else gets hurt. But to get the job done, the team will have to work through the aftereffects of the Therian Youth Center bombing. A skirmish with Coalition members leads Agent Dexter J. Daley to a shocking discovery and suddenly it becomes clear that the random violence isn’t so random. There’s more going on than Dex and Sloane originally believed, and their fiery partnership is put to the test. As the case takes an explosive turn, Dex and Sloane are in danger of losing more than their relationship.
Review
Chaos in THIRDS land.
The Coalition has a mole from inside THIRDS and some Therian is killing humans. And if that isn’t enough, things inside THIRDS are in chaos as well.
Dex and Sloane are navigating their budding relationship. Sloane is trying to get the rest of his team to pull it together and leave personal business at home. Dex is trying to help Cael with his feelings for Ash. Letty and Rosa are … okay, they’re fine. Taylor is sexually harassing EVERYONE. The new guy Levi might be hooking up with Lou, and Dex has to plan for his pre-birthday-party-party. It’s a lot to deal with.
In this installment we get to see a lot of Sloane and Dex and most of it is really, deliciously, ooey and gooey. Sloane even purrs! (Wait til you read that part – so fantastic!) They seem solidly on the forward track until… well… Sloane runs … again. Dex inadvertently moves the relationship forward and Sloane isn’t prepared for it, so Sloane takes off for a bit, but eventually, with the help of Ash (of all Therians) figures out what a good thing he has in Dex.
The sex is super hot and Dex and Sloane as a couple are hilarious. (My favorite is the closet scene: “This isn’t what it looks like. I dropped some change, it rolled under the closet door, and when I went to pick it up, my clothes fell off. True story.”)
Ash has something going on in his life that is making him distance himself from Cael and Cael is heartbroken and making potentially fatal mistakes as a result.
When the dust settles and the bad guy (for the moment) is disposed of, we’re left with a cliff hanger. We’re going to have to wait til next YEAR to see what happens – that Charlie Cochet, she’s naughty!
Now, we can all probably guess the outcome, but in addition to the main worry, we also have to worry about Cael and Ash – will Ash ever figure things out and get it together enough to be with Cael?
And, really, what is going on with Calvin and Hobbs? Inquiring minds want to know.
Overall, this was a wonderful third installment to the THIRDS series and I really enjoyed it. There was lots of Therian shifting which I like, Sloane acting like a happy kitty, which I liked and some tricky spy stuff, which I like.
Audio
Mark Westfield narrates this entire series and I love his work. I think it’s great how he augments the sound for microphone or telephone etc and his delivery is great.
Blurb
Title: Family Jewels
I’m Mj O’Shea 🙂 I grew up, and still live, in sunny Washington state and while I love to visit other places, I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.
