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Otherworld Stories #7.1
Framed
Available free online
About Nick Sorrentino who is framed and then blackmailed.
42 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2008
3 people are currently reading
1419 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
301 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 2, 2012
This short (written in third person) is about Pack werewolf Nick Sorrentino, who wakes up one morning to find a woman in his bed (nothing new there) only to realize she is dead (problem arising). Soon he finds out he's on the receiving end of a blackmailing scheme, but Nick is determined to handle this problem. On his own.
I really liked this story. The introduction to the blackmailing was done a little haphazardly but the rest of the novella was very entertaining. There is some serious amount of poking fun going on: at the genre, at werewolves, and Nick doesn't take himself too seriously. In a way there still seems to be a longing to be better in everyone's eyes; to his best friend Clay, his alpha Jeremy, but mainly his father Antonio. On the other hand: Nick seems to have accepted his way of life, knows his limitations and strengths and -in this story- proves the point that resourcefulness and charm go a long way too.
Fun little story which really made me hope that we'll see more of Nick and his relationship with his dad further on in the series.
I really liked this story. The introduction to the blackmailing was done a little haphazardly but the rest of the novella was very entertaining. There is some serious amount of poking fun going on: at the genre, at werewolves, and Nick doesn't take himself too seriously. In a way there still seems to be a longing to be better in everyone's eyes; to his best friend Clay, his alpha Jeremy, but mainly his father Antonio. On the other hand: Nick seems to have accepted his way of life, knows his limitations and strengths and -in this story- proves the point that resourcefulness and charm go a long way too.
Fun little story which really made me hope that we'll see more of Nick and his relationship with his dad further on in the series.
April 3, 2011
2.5 stars
Nothing like a little blackmail to spice up a dull work week.
Nick Sorrentino wakes up with fuzzy memories of the night before, feeling like he had been drugged, and with a dead human woman in bed with him.
And then he's blackmailed to seduce a human's soon to be ex-wife, because she loves reading werewolf romance novels, so the guy wants pictures of her having sex with a werewolf.
I loved when he thought he wasn't "alpha" enough and that he wanted to call Elena saying "Hey, think I could borrow your hubby for a day? I need bitch-bait."
Alpha male, he reminded himself. Channel the alpha male. He paused, waiting for that inner core of aggression to surge. Nothing happened. Okay, then. Fake it.
Nick is one of my favorite characters in the Otherworld series, so it was nice to actually get some time in his life, since we don't get to see enough of him in the books.
Nothing like a little blackmail to spice up a dull work week.
Nick Sorrentino wakes up with fuzzy memories of the night before, feeling like he had been drugged, and with a dead human woman in bed with him.
And then he's blackmailed to seduce a human's soon to be ex-wife, because she loves reading werewolf romance novels, so the guy wants pictures of her having sex with a werewolf.
I loved when he thought he wasn't "alpha" enough and that he wanted to call Elena saying "Hey, think I could borrow your hubby for a day? I need bitch-bait."
Alpha male, he reminded himself. Channel the alpha male. He paused, waiting for that inner core of aggression to surge. Nothing happened. Okay, then. Fake it.
Nick is one of my favorite characters in the Otherworld series, so it was nice to actually get some time in his life, since we don't get to see enough of him in the books.
January 15, 2019
Kelley Armstrong is a master when it comes to giving her fans fun little extras in her Otherworld universe and Framed is another example of a great little bonus. It is not a necessity to understand the world and the characters, but it’s a great bonus read for fans of the series.
Although I wasn’t as crazy about Framed as I have been about other Otherworld short stories, it was a fun read. I adore Nick as a character, so it was great to get to see him in action. It may not have been the thrill ride that the main books in the series are, but this one provides entertainment in other formats. Mainly, this one brings about a fair few giggles.
It’s certainly worth reading if you’re a Nick fan.
Although I wasn’t as crazy about Framed as I have been about other Otherworld short stories, it was a fun read. I adore Nick as a character, so it was great to get to see him in action. It may not have been the thrill ride that the main books in the series are, but this one provides entertainment in other formats. Mainly, this one brings about a fair few giggles.
It’s certainly worth reading if you’re a Nick fan.
August 5, 2014
YAY!! Nick POV where he gets to prove that he's not just a pretty face ;)
September 8, 2021
A free short story in the Women of the Otherworld urban fantasy series, revolving around a diverse group of strong, smart, and skillful supernatural women and their equally talented mates. The focus is on Nick Sorrentino.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Women of the Otherworld books on my website.
My Take
Twelve pages in and Armstrong has already introduced us to Nick's world, his concerns, interests, his assessment of a murder, and the blackmail statement.
Hmm, stalking is research? I guess that's one way to put a spin on it.
When we meet Rita, I gotta wonder why anyone would want to stay with her. I don't get why she needs a taxi when her office is three doors away?
Nick's actions on this blackmail deal aren't helping him change his father's impression of him. One that Nick is desperate to change, to show his father he's worthy. And this blackmail attempt tempts Nick into fixing it rather than asking for help.
The story moves and has some action, but it's mostly talk with Nick as the center of it all. Yep, it means that Armstrong is using third person protagonist point-of-view from Nick's perspective.
The frame-up is interesting enough, and I do like how Nick handled it. It sure ties in to his job. But that ending . . . It was too abrupt, and I want more. I want to be in on that hunt and see the resolution.
The Story
Poor Nick, targeted for being what he is, does some research on paranormal romances with werewolves. But trying on that alpha character in the books is not his cup of tea.
Nor is Paul's next "request" palatable.
The Characters
Nick Sorrentino, a werewolf, is quite the playboy but working to change his image, doing graphic design for his father's company. Janine is his young secretary more than willing to provide additional services.
Antonio Sorrentino is his father with low expectations of his son. Bill Cheung is one of the Sorrentinos' clients.
The Stonehaven Pack is . . .
. . . led by Jeremy Danvers. Jeremy looks on the brilliant Clay Danvers as his son. Elena is Clay's journalist mate.
Paul did the drop-off. Supposedly, Paul's about-to-be ex-wife, ball-buster, and part demon, Rita, has a thing for werewolves. Darren, another part demon, is/was Paul's friend. Grannus is Paul's Druidic deity. Brianna is one of the employees where Rita works.
Tyler Lake is a mutt.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black and white background of a brick wall and a barred window with a scruffy-looking guy in a long black overcoat and knit hat, leaning against a pole. Filmstrips in black and white angle across the top left corner and act as a border on the right. The author's name is white with a black shadow across the guy's calves. The title is vertical in an embossed red with a black shadow.
The title is what Nick is, "Framed".
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Women of the Otherworld books on my website.
My Take
Twelve pages in and Armstrong has already introduced us to Nick's world, his concerns, interests, his assessment of a murder, and the blackmail statement.
Hmm, stalking is research? I guess that's one way to put a spin on it.
When we meet Rita, I gotta wonder why anyone would want to stay with her. I don't get why she needs a taxi when her office is three doors away?
Nick's actions on this blackmail deal aren't helping him change his father's impression of him. One that Nick is desperate to change, to show his father he's worthy. And this blackmail attempt tempts Nick into fixing it rather than asking for help.
The story moves and has some action, but it's mostly talk with Nick as the center of it all. Yep, it means that Armstrong is using third person protagonist point-of-view from Nick's perspective.
The frame-up is interesting enough, and I do like how Nick handled it. It sure ties in to his job. But that ending . . . It was too abrupt, and I want more. I want to be in on that hunt and see the resolution.
The Story
Poor Nick, targeted for being what he is, does some research on paranormal romances with werewolves. But trying on that alpha character in the books is not his cup of tea.
Nor is Paul's next "request" palatable.
The Characters
Nick Sorrentino, a werewolf, is quite the playboy but working to change his image, doing graphic design for his father's company. Janine is his young secretary more than willing to provide additional services.
Antonio Sorrentino is his father with low expectations of his son. Bill Cheung is one of the Sorrentinos' clients.
The Stonehaven Pack is . . .
. . . led by Jeremy Danvers. Jeremy looks on the brilliant Clay Danvers as his son. Elena is Clay's journalist mate.
Paul did the drop-off. Supposedly, Paul's about-to-be ex-wife, ball-buster, and part demon, Rita, has a thing for werewolves. Darren, another part demon, is/was Paul's friend. Grannus is Paul's Druidic deity. Brianna is one of the employees where Rita works.
Tyler Lake is a mutt.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black and white background of a brick wall and a barred window with a scruffy-looking guy in a long black overcoat and knit hat, leaning against a pole. Filmstrips in black and white angle across the top left corner and act as a border on the right. The author's name is white with a black shadow across the guy's calves. The title is vertical in an embossed red with a black shadow.
The title is what Nick is, "Framed".
October 10, 2017
Cute short story about Nick being framed.
July 22, 2022
Four reasons to read Framed:
1) The sound I made when I realised we were finally getting a story from Nick's POV was embarrassing.
2) Nick is an amazing character. He gives off side-character vibes even when he's the main character, and it makes him so likeable. He is modesty personified despite having a personality worthy of worship. All he wants is to make the people he loves proud, but he isn't blindly ambitious because his self-esteem is healthy. He's a very pure character.
3) Kelley Armstrong never takes herself too seriously, and that shows in this story. Nick pokes a lot of fun at the werewolf romance genre.
4) It may not be action-packed, but it more than makes up for that with personality and humour.
One drawback to Framed:
1) The premise is a little far-fetched, especially at the beginning. The antagonist has set up a very complex scheme, and they don't give off the impression that they could have pulled it off. They aren't competent but managed to frame Nick. That inconsistency meant that I couldn't look too deeply at the plot.
1) The sound I made when I realised we were finally getting a story from Nick's POV was embarrassing.
2) Nick is an amazing character. He gives off side-character vibes even when he's the main character, and it makes him so likeable. He is modesty personified despite having a personality worthy of worship. All he wants is to make the people he loves proud, but he isn't blindly ambitious because his self-esteem is healthy. He's a very pure character.
3) Kelley Armstrong never takes herself too seriously, and that shows in this story. Nick pokes a lot of fun at the werewolf romance genre.
4) It may not be action-packed, but it more than makes up for that with personality and humour.
One drawback to Framed:
1) The premise is a little far-fetched, especially at the beginning. The antagonist has set up a very complex scheme, and they don't give off the impression that they could have pulled it off. They aren't competent but managed to frame Nick. That inconsistency meant that I couldn't look too deeply at the plot.
January 10, 2018
I read this long ago by itself, but since I’m reading the series and have forgotten how this one goes and I’m rereading it.
It’s about a surprise blackmail scheme that Nick get involved in and tries to handle it by himself.
Didn’t really like how the story went or how nick handled it, so not sure why it made me want to read more of the series. Maybe my likes were different then. But I do like most of the series.
Fave scene: not much to find, but ‘forgetting the customer appointment’ is the closest.
It’s about a surprise blackmail scheme that Nick get involved in and tries to handle it by himself.
Didn’t really like how the story went or how nick handled it, so not sure why it made me want to read more of the series. Maybe my likes were different then. But I do like most of the series.
Fave scene: not much to find, but ‘forgetting the customer appointment’ is the closest.
November 21, 2020
I have to admit, this was a surprisingly fun read. I like Nick well enough, but don't think he's MC material. For a short like this, though, it worked.
Another thing I liked, was how Armstrong played with her own genre, making it clear she doesn't take it as seriously as I've seen some other authors do.
The story was a little slow, but this whole short felt more like a character development for Nick, and in that regard it worked great. I always felt that Nick's jump in personality over the last couple books in the series was a little sudden, but this story made it more believable.
Another thing I liked, was how Armstrong played with her own genre, making it clear she doesn't take it as seriously as I've seen some other authors do.
The story was a little slow, but this whole short felt more like a character development for Nick, and in that regard it worked great. I always felt that Nick's jump in personality over the last couple books in the series was a little sudden, but this story made it more believable.
August 6, 2021
Nick gets blackmailed and decides to take care of the problem himself. His blackmailer wants Nick to seduce his ex (who left him for another man). Apparently this ex has a thing for werewolf romances. This story is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the kind of werewolf romance (erotica?) you won't find anywhere in this series.
November 22, 2021
About Nick Sorrentino who is framed and then blackmailed
Heather's Notes
This is an interesting story about Nick. While I like the way he handled I didn't like at the beginning where he was just going to do it. Still it ended well in the end.
Heather's Notes
This is an interesting story about Nick. While I like the way he handled I didn't like at the beginning where he was just going to do it. Still it ended well in the end.
July 20, 2017
This was a lot of fun, and I appreciated that Nick got a chance to shine and take care of this on his own, in his own, special Nick-way.
April 27, 2022
Among all the Otherworld short stories I've read, I hadn't read this 42-page short Otherworld story about Nick. It captures Nick's essence with a twist.
October 31, 2023
I have to admit being in Nicks head for a few pages was fun. Always love Kelley Armstrong short stories. Definitely worth it if you need a short 40 pages read.
October 24, 2015
This was a funny and entertaining adventure starring Nick, one of my favourite characters from The Pack.
Nick wakes up feeling drugged and in bed with a dead women, which makes Nick feel that is is starring in a dodgy old film! It is obvious that he didn't kill the woman as she smells of the morgue and pig blood, but it would still be somewhat embarrassing to be discovered like this. Nick decides to deal with it himself when a blackmailer gets in touch.
This is where things get pretty funny. The blackmailer admits that he wants to break up his ex-wife's new relationship by sending photos of her in sexual activity with Nick, who figures that seducing a woman to make this all go away is easy. Until he meets Rita, the most obnoxious woman ever to walk the earth. How do you seduce someone who makes your skin crawl??? And then Paul says he must be in wolf form at the time because she has a werewolf fetish and Nick is horrified! I was in stitches laughing as the task goes from bad to worse!
Oh poor Nick! He is determined to find out who told Paul that he was a werewolf, having fantasies about setting Clay on him! He is trying to decide HOW to get close to the bitch that is Rita and determined there will be no wicked wolfing photos! Paul is the most inept blackmailer in the world which makes the whole thing work like a slapstick film. Great fun, entertaining and perfect for fans of Nick and the Pack!
Nick wakes up feeling drugged and in bed with a dead women, which makes Nick feel that is is starring in a dodgy old film! It is obvious that he didn't kill the woman as she smells of the morgue and pig blood, but it would still be somewhat embarrassing to be discovered like this. Nick decides to deal with it himself when a blackmailer gets in touch.
This is where things get pretty funny. The blackmailer admits that he wants to break up his ex-wife's new relationship by sending photos of her in sexual activity with Nick, who figures that seducing a woman to make this all go away is easy. Until he meets Rita, the most obnoxious woman ever to walk the earth. How do you seduce someone who makes your skin crawl??? And then Paul says he must be in wolf form at the time because she has a werewolf fetish and Nick is horrified! I was in stitches laughing as the task goes from bad to worse!
Oh poor Nick! He is determined to find out who told Paul that he was a werewolf, having fantasies about setting Clay on him! He is trying to decide HOW to get close to the bitch that is Rita and determined there will be no wicked wolfing photos! Paul is the most inept blackmailer in the world which makes the whole thing work like a slapstick film. Great fun, entertaining and perfect for fans of Nick and the Pack!
May 16, 2012
Pack member Nick is in trouble - he's being blackmailed. What bothers him, though, is that it's tacky, shoddy blackmail.
This was a fun, short read. I've liked Nick since the beginning of the Otherworld series, and his approach/solution to his problem here is definitely idiosyncratic; not the type of approach any of the other Pack members would have taken.
There's also some self-referential fun being poked at paranormal fantasy novels. If you're a fan of Armstrong's other wolf books I'd recommend giving this one a download.
This was a fun, short read. I've liked Nick since the beginning of the Otherworld series, and his approach/solution to his problem here is definitely idiosyncratic; not the type of approach any of the other Pack members would have taken.
There's also some self-referential fun being poked at paranormal fantasy novels. If you're a fan of Armstrong's other wolf books I'd recommend giving this one a download.
December 26, 2014
This slightly longer short story was about Nick and his determination to assert himself as a useful part of the pack. When confronted with a difficult situation, rather than running to Jeremy, Elena, or Clay, he tries to figure out a Nick-acceptable way to get out of trouble (i.e. not a Clay killing-friendly way). While important to see, so you can watch his character grow-up a little, it didn't really involve any action or pack character interaction. It was a little sad to watch Elena react at the end.
October 30, 2012
I always like Nick, but feel like he is always shoved to the side, content to let Clay take center stage. So this short was fun to read. It was fun to see Nick take on the task of cleaning up a mess on his own just to prove that he could. I liked how Nick came up with a solution that worked for him, yet didn’t have to do what he didn’t want. The call with Elena at the end had me laughing, Elena’s stunned silence at Nick was funny.
February 9, 2015
Nick wakes up next to a stranger. Nothing new for Nick…except that this woman’s dead. He’s sure he’s being framed. With the rest of the Pack busy, he’s determined to handle this on his own.
Fantastic novella by Kelley Armstrong! I love everything she has written and Framed is no exception. Nick is one of my favourite characters and having a story from his perspective was great. I only wish that the story was longer, I want more form Nick!
Fantastic novella by Kelley Armstrong! I love everything she has written and Framed is no exception. Nick is one of my favourite characters and having a story from his perspective was great. I only wish that the story was longer, I want more form Nick!
August 27, 2016
Great short story of Nick, and I'm glad that he has a 200 page book set after 13, and I really didn't like Rita, and her wants, or her ex-husband. And Elena's reaction that Nick had taken care of the problem? Great!!!
March 13, 2012
This is a short story, giving a bit of background on some of the charactors throughout the Otherworld series. It's a fun quick read. Can be found on her website http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/free-o...
October 17, 2012
This short story is for the Nick fans. He is drugged and blackmailed. Not wanting to cry to the pack he handles it on his own. There is no barring on the series as a whole, it is merely a look into Nick's mind and his daily life.
September 5, 2012
This was a fun story with Nick handling a situation by himself when the rest of the Pack is busy. In the books Nick is Clay's friend and generally a helpful guy but he doesn't get much to do on his own, so it was nice he got his own story.
June 15, 2013
A short side story featuring Nick from the Otherworld series. This story is set in the later part of the series timeline but can be read just about anytime without providing much in the way of spoilers.
It is available online, for free, here: http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/PDFs/F...
It is available online, for free, here: http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/PDFs/F...
September 28, 2013
I really liked reading about Nick. This little story game me more insight into who he is. I enjoyed seeing how he solved his dilema, his way. Glad to find this one on Kelley Armstrong's website. At least I didn't have to pay full price for a novella.
October 6, 2013
I wish it'd had been a little longer. Nick's an important character, but he's also on the fringe a lot. I'd like to learn more about him, which is one of the reasons I'm looking forward to Brazen (December 2013).
March 17, 2015
Eh, just Eh. I like Nick but this wishy washy I'm not that good and I need to prove myself Nick, not so much. The point of a pack is to have each other's back all the time. It was okay. But nothing more than okay.
January 17, 2017
Nick does a little inventive enforcing and blackmailing of his own trying to prove he can just as well as the rest of the Pack. He has a few missteps along the way, but somehow manages to keep it all contained until it's over. Now there's just that mutt hunt with Elena and Clay to take care of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2011
I thought it was witty...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews