Raven cares about one himself—his comfort, his desires, and his freedom to do as he pleases. He’s fed up with scientist Sampson Marlow making decisions for him and ready to start a new chapter in his life. One last assignment goes horribly wrong, and he’s the one who ends up in a cage…of sorts. Seeing the silent war between the two parties from the shifter’s point of view gets his conscience involved—not that he’d ever admit that to anyone. Upon escaping the wolves and returning to the scientist’s facility—fully intending to hand over his resignation—Raven finds himself drawn to a small Arctic Fox shifter held captive by the scientists. Although it puts Raven’s plans to move on and forget that paranormals exist on the back burner, he can’t seem to help himself. Raven does something he never thought he’d do. He goes to the enemy for help in freeing the shifter. Raven just wants to return the little fox to his skulk. He sure as heck-fire ain’t gonna keep him. Then he’ll move on with his life. What could possibly go wrong?
I had been reading both this series and Kontra's Menagerie and around book 11 of this series and book 7 of KM I kind of got frustrated. I haven't actually checked back with the older books so it could be, and probably is, all in my mind but it felt like the books were getting shorter and had less plot and more sex. So I backed off from these. But I liked the idea of the arctic fox shifter, so I decided to give it a try. I was much happier with this one. It helped that 80% of the book was not sex. :) Don't get me wrong, I like sex in my books, but I like a little sex with my plot, not a little plot with my sex. So, my faith somewhat restored, I guess I will go back and give the books I skipped a try. Though the kinda cliffhanger ending was growl-inducing. lol Er, not really cliffhanger, just not a solidly settled ending? That might make more sense. *nod*
I was so excited when I saw that this was to be Raven's story. Raven is one that has been an enemy of the shifters and has done bad things so I was very curious how Ms. Richards would turn him into a hero that I would like. And I'm happy to report that I did find him more than likeable.
Raven makes a deal with Miach that allows him to escape from the shifters in exchange that he will not report to the scientists what he has learned while a prisoner. Raven's good with the deal because he plans to quit working for the scientists. He's known the truth about both sides for some time. Seeing how the shifters were careful in his treatment as their prisoner just brought it home for him compared to how the scientists lied about the shifters and do torturous experiments on the ones they capture. Just as Raven starts to walk away he finds himself intrigued by the scent of a little arctic fox shifter who is up for some severe testing. Raven has suspicions about who the little fox shifter is to him, but has no plans to try a relationship once he helps him escape because he doesn't feel that he is good enough.
The plot was strong and moved along at a good action-paced clip in the beginning before switching up a bit for character and relationship stuff. I liked many things about this installment. I like that Raven isn't instantly different even though he has a soft spot for his little Liam the fox shifter. He is gruff with the others and matter of fact about things. He isn't altruistic and admits that he's only working with Declan and his group to break Liam out. He has no plans to join in or stick around. I like how its not a matter of instant acceptance for him either. The others don't trust him and in some cases don't like him. He will have to earn their trust. In a way, this felt like the beginning of a story even though there is closure for Raven & Liam because I want to see what happens now that Raven is one of the good guys.
There were several little threads left dangling that I look forward to see where they go. It was good to get a little peek in with the Stone Ridge gang and with Terrance & Perrin.
Nice strong installment in the series. Oh, and I would recommend that this one not be read out of order because of all the references to Raven in previous Stone Ridge stories.
Updated May 2015-Originally wrote review on May 16, 2013. Since then the things I mentioned as being unclear have been resolved in some way in later books
The ending was a bit rushed. I wanted to see the couple all settled down, not ending in a transition of sorts. I hope there's more of Jared and Raven working together in the future. Reading about them at each other's throats would be priceless. There were many loose ends that i feel the next book cannot come soon enough! :)
Strangely enough (given the fact that we did not get to know Liam until after the first third of the book, and there is not too much interaction between the protagonists), I’d consider this actually one of the better books in the series. Not the best, though, mostly because of the ending, which, frankly, is lame.
I really need to apologize in advance for all the probably unnecessary spoiler tags. However, since this book is so new, I’d rather err on the side of caution.
Raven here has a really fast turnaround. Eh, insta-love and pheromones, I suppose. “Raven knew his ability to read people wasn’t always the best.” Understatement of epic proportions, yet also the one redeeming factor to make his past and present behaviour even remotely believable.
Okay, Raven’s not nearly as likeable as Jared but the two together are sort of fun. It’s just a bit odd that so much of this story is taken up by before we ever get around to the viewpoint of Raven’s mate. Kind of makes it less about romance for a good long while.
Remember all those stories where someone is turned on by the sight of their beaten or abused love interest? Yeah. That squicky thing. “And how sick did it make him that he wanted to ravish a severely malnourished and injured man?” And this is what makes the difference. Acknowledging the wrongness. It turns something that would have been squicky into… well, in this case something that fits with the story and redeems the guy a tiny bit more.
Logical question.
No fabricated drama, even if in this case I’d actually understand it. Excellent! Of course this might be done in the spirit of rushing this book to an end…
Oh, cheap copout! All of a sudden there the book went way down for me. But it’s almost the end, so eh.
One last thought. Is there really no book by this author that does not have at least one homophone error? I don’t always comment on it (it’s redundant, really), but the one yesterday? Check. This? Check. Different ones, too. First it was gate for gait, now fair for fare. And Raven’s “viral”? Sure you don’t mean virile? That was a good one! There’s so much more, though. I wish someone’d proofread these books before publication. Hell, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
Switching back between following the events and first person mind speaking (see comments below) with a little confusing. It jumped back and forth between the two of them several times. Did have a lot of action to keep you interested and we see yet another soldier fall for a shifter. I have a feeling this will not be the last time that happens as well. Overall impression is I liked it but the sex scene was a little rough at the end with a newbie in the driver seat.
I love this series and I know every book can't be good. This is one of the slower ones. I didn't buy the storyline. Raven and Liam just didn't do it for me. I don't know if it is a setup for a new series because there didn't seem like as much interaction with the Stone Ridge Wolves as usual. And the interaction that was there just didn't seem right. I don't know, I guess I just didn't like this one. This is a 2.5 but I can't round it up.
2nd reading April 2015 I'm sad that Jared and Raven haven't gotten together yet to work some magic :( I was really hoping to see that in future books.
First read 12-21-13 Raven and Liam. While I liked this one, I thought they needed to talk more.
Jared. YUM! Jared and Raven together...EEK! I want to see them match wits. YES, yes I do. I also wanted to know what Jared said about the swiped gun ;)
Okay paranormal story. It moved really fast and I would have loved to see Raven and Liam a little later on. This story only spans a few days and moves very fast. Loved Liam and Raven though
I liked how there was an actual plot but the ending seemed abrupt. It kind of left you feeling like a HFN more than a HEA. What's their next step? Where's the evil scientist? What happens to Liam's ex- alpha?
Charlie Richards has done it once again - turned a despised character into one though not sympathetic, but now likeable. Raven (the reader learns his real name during the course of the story) is not anyone's idea of a good guy. But just as his scientifically enhanced comrade Miach became good, Raven learned that what he had been doing was wrong. And as with Miach it took the love/lust of a good man, a mate to get him to this point.
Raven has been the bane of Declan's existence. He worked for Dr Sampson Marlow, one of the most notorious shifter Scientist experimenters. After escaping from Declan's other super Human, Miach - who was stabbed and bashed in the head. After declaring how fascinating he found shifters he had his fill of hunting them and helping out Dr. Marlow for several years. He was stubborn and never gave anything away about who he worked for while he was held captive by the Stone Ridge Wolves. But it was the compassionate way he was treated by Declan's pack that really changed his mind about how terrible the Scientists treated their captives.
Then upon his return to Dr Marlow's secret laboratories to turn in his resignation / retirement he scents something wonderful. Tracking an amazing aroma down with his enhanced sense of smell, he found a fluffy white creature he could not identity. A surprisingly compassionate guard Ryan said he was a nice Artic Fox named Liam. Not aggressive at all and way too skinny. The guard confided a horrible experiment that was going to be performed on the Fox in twenty four hours. Raven was not going to let that happen. He only had one set of individuals that could help. But would they kill him before he could say he switched sides?
This is a story with a bunch of twists and turns. Just when you think you know what's going to happen something else does. This is a definite action adventure. Full of emotions....something one of the MCs has never had. And now he doesn't know what to do with all these crazy feelings physically, emotionally, and mentally that he'd never experienced before. New characters are introduced that will be playing prominent roles in future books. There are family reunions, computer hacking, violent death, interrupted senses of smell, tree climbing, fast cars, homophobic jerks, rescues, and putting trust in the last person you'd ever imagine you would.
Pretty predictable. Good worry and bedside he's in peril stuff. Although I think it would have been more exciting if they were actually in the process of putting him I the freezer or if he were already there sync were shouting to get the door open. But I never quite get that movie level of intensity in these shifter books.
The second MC didn't even appear (other than a glimpse) until a third of the way through the book. It was okay somehow since he was still the focus and I didn't know him well enough yet to want his perspective.
"He grunted as tingles of pleasure shot down his stalk, through his balks, and up his spine." Oh Charlie, you can do better than this.
I hope he woke up during that or that was nonconsensual as in rape no matter whether you're fated mates or not. He doesn't even know that yet. Here's a tip: if the person next to you doesn't know you and you really don't know him and he's freezing cold call the front desk for another blanket. Or just use the extra one you have from the other hotel.
The Alpha is "only" five eleven and makes up fire Gus lack of height with his voice. The average height for a man in the US is 5'10"! If they mean for a shifter they should say that. Bug u don't get that impression. It's like the whole inflated pen is size thing.
I really really hate that when the fox does anything, even lick him in thanks, Raven "snicker"s at his "antics" like he's a puppy or something.
Gaining five pounds in a few days when you're weak and malnourished and small to begin with is excessive and too fast.
It was really dumb not to take any clothes when they left. He had literally nothing. Not so much as an earring.
Oh thank you. A GFY where the guy has no idea what he needs to do but assumes it's just like het sex. The bottom has to stop him and explain the prep to him. They always act like all straight men know how to get a guy ready for sex with another guy.
Having ideals and believing in something always makes your job feel like it is more than a job... so Raven thought and if it lets you blow things up and use some other special skills better yet. The problem is what do you do now when everything you thought mattered was a lie and self serving to special interest groups. Add to this your natural inclinations for self preservation and a high desire to do whatever you damn well please, can cause more headaches than you can imagine. Now what a shocking reaction our tough guy Raven has toward one capital cuteness arctic Fox shifter Liam. If anyone needs a hero this handsome trapped abused Fox comes in first place. Raven does not even know why he feels drawn to Liam and for the most part Liam does not understand why Raven is so gunho about taking him back to his home when home was anything but kind to him. Now all Raven has to do is 1-Eat crow and ask for help 2-Rescue Liam 3-Rescue Liam 4-Let Liam Rescue him right back..... Did you really think it was going to be all puppies & kittens with this author who likes to force her characters to shout "Plot Twist" lol
Another one of the bad guys switches sides as in this book Raven, a mercenary for the scientists working against shifters, decides to stop helping the scientists and then starts actively helping the shifters.
Raven was not so deceived about what he was doing. At first he believed that winning against shifters was right as they were a threat to humanity. Then once he realized they were sentient he wondered if full extinction was the best plan. Finally, captured by Declan's people and living among them for months, he saw how peaceful and good shifters were and decided not to fight them anymore. But in this book Raven finds out he has a shifter mate which makes him decide to start actively fighting the scientists.
Liam is an arctic fox shifter. A fluffy adorable thing as a fox, he has been experimented in for months. His shifted form makes some of the scientists people question the mission, as a small fluffy little fox certainly isn't a violent threat to humanity. Liam is grateful for a chance for rescue but has some secrets about his own past that cause problems for his future.
Another easy light read in the Stone Ridge universe.
This was one of the more interesting stories of the series. I of course read #19 first, I really need to get my act together and read books in order, but it didn't ruin anything for me in this case.
Raven is a mercenary of sorts, not a good guy, really, but he has finally had a change of heart and doesn't want to help the scientists hunt and harm the shifters. On his last day at the facility he scents his mate...poor Liam is totally SOL, his old skulk are homophobic asshats and the experiments did a number on him as well. Lucky he's got a big bad soldier looking out for him.
Since I read the next book already I know Ryan isn't in it, but I'm hoping he's gonna get a mate soon too.
3.75 stars The book and story was pretty good! Raven the former scientist team lackey and intel gatherer finds his mate who happens to be held in the facility. Liam is an arctic fox shifter who seems a little timid. But his personality compliments Ravens shoot first ask questions later mentality. The ending of this book was rather abrupt but I can see why. Everything really was covered and the story needed to end but mid sex scene might not be the place to do that. Especially since it was pretty much the only sex scene in the book. But I will give credit for a unique ending point!
I've liked most of this series so far, but feel it would be even better if each book were a bit longer. Some of the characters were so interesting that I wished I could read more about them. Also, I'm still wondering how the war with the scientists is going to be resolved, if ever. In previous books it seemed the war got sidetracked, but it was brought up here again. Still, it would be nice to learn a bit more about this ongoing war and how the characters all play into it.
This is the first book of the series that I have read and liked it. I really liked reading about an Arctic fox as I don't think I have read one before. The story did seem a little rushed to me but all in all an okay book. Once Raven and Liam were on their own they turned out to have some chemistry. But I didn't get why Raven was so set on returning Liam to his skulk. A little communication would have saved them a lot of time and heartache.
Much like Stormy Glenn, Charlie Richards infuses her stories with just enough intrigue and endearing romance to make it possible for to me overlook bad writing. Not great, but a pleasant way to pass the time if you're in the mood for some sappy m/m shifter fun. Be warned that Richards sucks at dirty talk. The sex scenes can be a little awkward at times.
There isn't much I can say about this book, a short story about a guy who handed shifter's to mad scientists. However, when he "meets" his mate all that changes and with some fanfare they live happily ever after.
It was hard to like Raven, even after he finds Liam, but Ms. Richards wrote him well and his change of heart is evident to the reader which allows us to identify and eventually root for him to win and be happy.
Pretty much pushed all the PNR clichés out there but I enjoyed it nonetheless. There's insta-love/lust, slight domination, homophobic idiots, sex...all in a couple of pages. The usual. But I did like Raven and Liam. They were really cute together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The story is detailed enough that if you haven't read the rest of the series you won't be lost. Liam and Raven. An arctic fox shifter and an ex-military, ex-bad guy. A fast and furious romance. It was ok.
I was re-reading this series because I just6got #26 and I realized I have never read this one before. Wow!!! The stories interweaving is still amazing. Maybe I'll find another jem in the series before I get to the latest one.
I really liked this book. It won’t be amongst my favorites, but it was certainly enjoyable. Glad to see Raven fleshed out, tho some aspects feel inconsistent with his previous appearances. Ah, well. It’s just a fun series.