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Gumption & Gumshoes
August Adahy Mendez would rather be buried in the world of his detective novels or a good film noir movie than in real life. He’s overweight, undermotivated, and stuck in a dead-end job. As a Chincha, he’s part of a long line of chinchilla shifters, but the greatest accomplishment in his life so far has been moving an hour away from his close-knit herd. That all changes when August’s grandfather leaves him enough cash to pursue his becoming a detective himself. Sam Ewing is a bitter divorcé who enjoys watching football and being alone. It’s easier when his only interaction with people is when he collects rent from his office building tenants. Then August rents space from him to set up his new detective agency, and Sam is drawn to him despite his misgivings. Sam soon finds himself involved with one of August’s cases, and the men join forces to catch their criminal. The greater challenges they face, however, are how August makes Sam want to give love a second try and how Sam makes August believe that real life might be even better than fiction.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2013
11 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 19, 2013
Reread November 2013
Because I LOVE this book so much I am joining another Buddy-read! I am mega excited to visit Auggie and Sam again and that someone is finally keeping her promise and reading this book!
I'm ready whenever my great buddies are. :)
*sigh* I love this book more with every reread! it's still sweet and cute and awww..and I just want to hug Auggie.
First read August 2013
Elle and I are going to read this one together, because really chinchilla shifters, how can you not read this?
4.45*
I LOVE THIS BOOK
Seriously, I had a smile on my face almost the whole time, it was just a great big squishy hug read. Love it, love it, love it.
Ok, now that I've gotten a little of my squeee out I can try and tell you what I love about it.
First, August, he's our MC and a chinchilla shifter , he's awkward, nerdy, klutzy and clumsy. He's also a bit overweight and is unhappy about that, or rather is maybe made to feel uncomfortable about it.
But I liked that about him, he's 30 and still hasn't really settled into an 'adult' life as he calls it, he doesn't have a six-pack and can't walk without tripping over himself. He babbles when he's nervous, which he often is. He is also very funny, not that he's trying to be, but his thoughts and of course his self deprecating humor worked for me, and seriously I agree :
“It took work to be as slothful as I was planning on being.”
(Haha, I have a thing for sloths.)
His love interest, or rather his secret crush is also his landlord, the older, grumpy but very sexy Sam.
Sam is divorced and still a little bitter about the whole thing and decides he is not interested in Auggie, nope, not one bit...ok, maybe just a little bit .
I mean : “Okay, fine. Crazy, grumpy landlord and the fat chinchilla man. How could that go wrong?"
I loved how Sam's sweet and sappy side came out and how he made Auggie feel so much better about himself, without even trying. He thought well of him and that in turn made Auggie more self assured. Of course Sam had a hang-up or two and Auggie helped him with that too.
*happy sigh* : “Okay,” I agreed softly. “I am sorry though. I just… didn’t want to bother you.”
“Bother me,” he told me, without a trace of reservation. “I always want you to bother me.”
Then there is Auggie's case, it was fun to watch him work on solving it and with a little help from his landlord.
I would love to see more of Mendez and Ewing!!
So I can heartily recommend this fuzzy happy feel good read.
This is a great example of Auggie at his best when working undercover, so to speak.
Because I LOVE this book so much I am joining another Buddy-read! I am mega excited to visit Auggie and Sam again and that someone is finally keeping her promise and reading this book!
I'm ready whenever my great buddies are. :)
*sigh* I love this book more with every reread! it's still sweet and cute and awww..and I just want to hug Auggie.
First read August 2013
Elle and I are going to read this one together, because really chinchilla shifters, how can you not read this?
4.45*
I LOVE THIS BOOK
Seriously, I had a smile on my face almost the whole time, it was just a great big squishy hug read. Love it, love it, love it.
Ok, now that I've gotten a little of my squeee out I can try and tell you what I love about it.
First, August, he's our MC and a chinchilla shifter , he's awkward, nerdy, klutzy and clumsy. He's also a bit overweight and is unhappy about that, or rather is maybe made to feel uncomfortable about it.
But I liked that about him, he's 30 and still hasn't really settled into an 'adult' life as he calls it, he doesn't have a six-pack and can't walk without tripping over himself. He babbles when he's nervous, which he often is. He is also very funny, not that he's trying to be, but his thoughts and of course his self deprecating humor worked for me, and seriously I agree :
“It took work to be as slothful as I was planning on being.”
(Haha, I have a thing for sloths.)
His love interest, or rather his secret crush is also his landlord, the older, grumpy but very sexy Sam.
Sam is divorced and still a little bitter about the whole thing and decides he is not interested in Auggie, nope, not one bit...ok, maybe just a little bit .
I mean : “Okay, fine. Crazy, grumpy landlord and the fat chinchilla man. How could that go wrong?"
I loved how Sam's sweet and sappy side came out and how he made Auggie feel so much better about himself, without even trying. He thought well of him and that in turn made Auggie more self assured. Of course Sam had a hang-up or two and Auggie helped him with that too.
*happy sigh* : “Okay,” I agreed softly. “I am sorry though. I just… didn’t want to bother you.”
“Bother me,” he told me, without a trace of reservation. “I always want you to bother me.”
Then there is Auggie's case, it was fun to watch him work on solving it and with a little help from his landlord.
I would love to see more of Mendez and Ewing!!
So I can heartily recommend this fuzzy happy feel good read.
This is a great example of Auggie at his best when working undercover, so to speak.
Read
July 20, 2016
I was shackled and threatened with hell and damnation by a scary mother-chinchilla, forced to read Gumption and if I shouldn't like it there would be hell to pay. I was shaking so hard and fearful, I couldn't even read it properly and wasn't able to appreciate the awesomeness of this story. All the adrenaline and a sudden bout of heavy sneezing, due to an undiscovered chinchilla allergy, interfered with my reading.
I sneezed so hard the shackles came off, I quietly sneaked away into the night. Hiding out in the outback, presumably being chased by mother-chinchilla, waiting for her to calm down. As I sat with a red, runny nose, sneezing like mad and shaking like a leaf I really could have done with some comforting.
Gumption was a sweet and nice shifter story and Auggie was adorable when in chinchilla form. It's apparent and obvious I'm allergic to chinchillas, I can't possible rate it and it's not the book or mother-chinchilla's fault I'm allergic...(but it's obviously her fault I've gotten into this traumatic situation, just saying...)
August 23, 2013
August Adahy Mendez, or "Auggie" for short, is an overweight, shy, nerdy, awkward-babbling-when nervous, serial daydreamer, whose major dream is to be like Sam Spade. Oh, and he is also a chincilla shifter. When Auggie gets US$ 50.000 out of a will, he decides to pursue his dream to open a detective agency. Sam Ewing is Auggie's grumpy, gruff, older landlord. Sam is reeled into helping Auggie in one of his cases and they start a relationship in process.
And together they fight crime!!!
.
----------------
I thought Auggie was adorable -- I LOVED babbling-nerd characters and Auggie definitely fit the bill (oh, the rambling that came out of his mouth when he got all nervous was fun to read!). At first, Auggie lacked confidence due to his pudgy look and he also unsure about his ability as detective. But -- with help of some supportive words from Sam -- Auggie grew spine and was able to kick some ass (duly noted, he was fighting as chincilla at that time, those teeth must hurt!) and started to show confidence about himself.
I liked Sam too -- he started the story as a bitter 46-year-old man, who had messy divorce from his cop husband. He didn't really want to pursue any chance of romance with someone 16 years younger than he was, but I guess Auggie got under Sam's skin. I loved how Sam took the fact that Auggie was a shifter in stride, even willing to help with some of the chincilla's rituals. It was sweet.
I enjoyed the whole set-up (by the way, the cover is so cute!) as Auggie and Sam tried to solve the case of missing money from a family day cleaners. It was light and fun reading.
Although, around half-part, after Auggie and Sam finally succumbed to their attraction, it was dragging. Auggie and Sam seemed to cemented their relationship by having lots and lots of sex (trying various position), and well, I got bored. I skimmed that part a bit because I was dying for the story to move forward. It was one of those cases, where I thought the whole sex scenes were written a bit too long in order to fulfill some sort of length requirement. Luckily, there was some humorous undertone too, because Auggie was all clumsy during sex, that it still made me smile.
There's also that part where Auggie seemed to hang on to his lack of confidence about his physical appearance a bit too long. But at the same time I also know how perception about imperfect physical appearance can screw up with someone's mind. So I was willing to let that pass.
All in all, an entertaining read with likeable characters -- I kinda hope that Alex Kidwell will make it into a series. I would love to read more about Mendez and Ewing Detective Agency. The picture on the cover could be some kind of logo for their business card *lol*
PS: Technical writing advisory (for those who are sensitive about such issues). August's part is written as 1st person. Sam's part is written as 3rd person.
And together they fight crime!!!
.----------------
I thought Auggie was adorable -- I LOVED babbling-nerd characters and Auggie definitely fit the bill (oh, the rambling that came out of his mouth when he got all nervous was fun to read!). At first, Auggie lacked confidence due to his pudgy look and he also unsure about his ability as detective. But -- with help of some supportive words from Sam -- Auggie grew spine and was able to kick some ass (duly noted, he was fighting as chincilla at that time, those teeth must hurt!) and started to show confidence about himself.
I liked Sam too -- he started the story as a bitter 46-year-old man, who had messy divorce from his cop husband. He didn't really want to pursue any chance of romance with someone 16 years younger than he was, but I guess Auggie got under Sam's skin. I loved how Sam took the fact that Auggie was a shifter in stride, even willing to help with some of the chincilla's rituals. It was sweet.
I enjoyed the whole set-up (by the way, the cover is so cute!) as Auggie and Sam tried to solve the case of missing money from a family day cleaners. It was light and fun reading.
Although, around half-part, after Auggie and Sam finally succumbed to their attraction, it was dragging. Auggie and Sam seemed to cemented their relationship by having lots and lots of sex (trying various position), and well, I got bored. I skimmed that part a bit because I was dying for the story to move forward. It was one of those cases, where I thought the whole sex scenes were written a bit too long in order to fulfill some sort of length requirement. Luckily, there was some humorous undertone too, because Auggie was all clumsy during sex, that it still made me smile.
There's also that part where Auggie seemed to hang on to his lack of confidence about his physical appearance a bit too long. But at the same time I also know how perception about imperfect physical appearance can screw up with someone's mind. So I was willing to let that pass.
All in all, an entertaining read with likeable characters -- I kinda hope that Alex Kidwell will make it into a series. I would love to read more about Mendez and Ewing Detective Agency. The picture on the cover could be some kind of logo for their business card *lol*
PS: Technical writing advisory (for those who are sensitive about such issues). August's part is written as 1st person. Sam's part is written as 3rd person.
May 23, 2014
gormless & grumplestiltskin.
one (1) babbling idiot with a nervous condition
+
one (1) hot but grumpy chubby chaser
x
a riveting, high-stakes investigation into the horrifying crime of creative accounting typical of the dark underbelly of the suburban dry cleaning industry
=
dullity, dafuqery, and a DNF at 35 percent.
YMMV, obvs.
one (1) babbling idiot with a nervous condition
+
one (1) hot but grumpy chubby chaser
x
a riveting, high-stakes investigation into the horrifying crime of creative accounting typical of the dark underbelly of the suburban dry cleaning industry
=
dullity, dafuqery, and a DNF at 35 percent.
YMMV, obvs.
August 7, 2019
Here's a new-to-me author I'd like to read more of (although unfortunately it looks like they haven't published anything new in 6 years). I say that based on the quality of the writing, which was smooth and quippy and a pleasure to read. The story itself broke no new ground; it had a certain cuteness factor going for it, but basically it was insta-romance + the world's most boring mystery (unless perhaps you're a forensic accountant?) + chinchilla shifters. Mix together, and the whole feels like less than the sum of the parts.
The POV alternated between the MCs, with August getting 1st person and Sam getting 3rd person. Not my favorite device, but it wasn't unbearable. Their love was well and truly insta, and more "romance-y" than I personally care for. And WTF with the OTT PDA? (Haha, a sentence with three acronyms. Don't mind me; I'm easily amused.) That Sam and August could get away with public make-out sessions in an American city without being harassed, or at least challenged, was almost more fantastical than the existence of chinchilla shifters. A sad commentary on our society, but still, I was knocked out of the story every time they started groping each other on public sidewalks in broad daylight.
I'd love to see what the author could do outside the constraints of a traditional fill-in-the-blanks romance. If they just cut loose a little and were willing to color outside the lines, I have a feeling it would result in something I'd really find worth reading. In the meantime, I'll take a look at Kidwell's other work, which all seems to have been co-written with Robin Saxon.
The POV alternated between the MCs, with August getting 1st person and Sam getting 3rd person. Not my favorite device, but it wasn't unbearable. Their love was well and truly insta, and more "romance-y" than I personally care for. And WTF with the OTT PDA? (Haha, a sentence with three acronyms. Don't mind me; I'm easily amused.) That Sam and August could get away with public make-out sessions in an American city without being harassed, or at least challenged, was almost more fantastical than the existence of chinchilla shifters. A sad commentary on our society, but still, I was knocked out of the story every time they started groping each other on public sidewalks in broad daylight.
I'd love to see what the author could do outside the constraints of a traditional fill-in-the-blanks romance. If they just cut loose a little and were willing to color outside the lines, I have a feeling it would result in something I'd really find worth reading. In the meantime, I'll take a look at Kidwell's other work, which all seems to have been co-written with Robin Saxon.
September 6, 2013
First off, Thank You Mandy for recommending such a great little story.
There were so many things I loved about this book.
First the whole Chinchilla shifter aspect was brilliant. A very clever idea explained in a realistic way and so adorable in action.
August and Sam were wonderfully real characters. I loved them both to bits. August with his insecurities about weight and Grumpy Sam were the perfect match for each other.
I enjoyed watching them grow closer, and seeing Sam slowly open up around August was the sweetest thing.
I loved that despite August's weight issues he was still pretty confident in his other abilities.
The mystery wasn't much of a mystery, but then I don't think it needed to be. This was much more about the detective than the case lol.
Overall this is a delightful, sweet, funny and at times romantic read. The closing scene had me all misty eyed lol.
If this was to become a series I would totally be into it lol.
There were so many things I loved about this book.
First the whole Chinchilla shifter aspect was brilliant. A very clever idea explained in a realistic way and so adorable in action.
August and Sam were wonderfully real characters. I loved them both to bits. August with his insecurities about weight and Grumpy Sam were the perfect match for each other.
I enjoyed watching them grow closer, and seeing Sam slowly open up around August was the sweetest thing.
I loved that despite August's weight issues he was still pretty confident in his other abilities.
The mystery wasn't much of a mystery, but then I don't think it needed to be. This was much more about the detective than the case lol.
Overall this is a delightful, sweet, funny and at times romantic read. The closing scene had me all misty eyed lol.
If this was to become a series I would totally be into it lol.
September 10, 2013
DNF at 67% - the final ribbon is too far uphill, I dragged myself this far hoping to sniff out the cuteness everyone promised, but I'm quitting, I've resigned myself instead to sitting mid-track eating chocolate cake and sex-texting hubby to kill the malaise this gave me.
I think the intention was to have two atypical heroes, one overweight with major self-esteem issues and the other older, instead of a requisite six foot, six pack, air-brushed wonder. This is good, I love this. Unfortunately (for me) the execution fails, every time a second star flickered with my glimpse of a cute well-meaning if incongruous detective, it was squashed under rolls of fat. Auggie (August) is fat. Sam is old. I was never allowed to forget that long enough to form any other impression of them. In fact I quickly started feeling fat, bloated and ugly myself!
Extraneous characters - Auggie's mother and lawyer, Mr Congeniality at the laundry - only appear long enough to insult the main characters; to call Auggie fat with various bluntness and Sam old.
Auggie - Is fat (from the book); Pillsbury, Stay Puft Man, fatty, roly-poly, in danger of diabetes, rolls of fat, single, clothes don't fit, shoes too tight - FAT. He's also a Chinchilla shifter which just means a cute cover for the book. He underachieved in his job, he's an untidy day-dreaming slob who eats a lot and is now playing detectives - which until 62% in and mention of a license I assumed meant buying a Fedora, a trench-coat and drinking bad coffee. His detecting efforts make him look more stupid than cute.
I think his real issue is self-esteem but there’s way to many references to his weight and not one sign of him being capable or professional in any capacity. Perhaps if the mystery had been a better chosen romp with actual interaction he'd have come across better.
Sam - Is old. He has grey in his hair, grey hair on his chest and if you glance past his huge, hard-to-swallow cock then you'd likely see a grey nest. He's 46, recently divorced and behaves like an old retired curmudgeon.
The Non-mystery. Only an accountant or tax inspector could find any interest in the scandal of a launderette’s double accounting. I'm not sure why they had to search through bins. Anything relevant takes place off-page so I couldn't bring myself to care about the importance of white or yellow paper. Also if the manager of a business asks you to investigate why are you breaking in to look at files rather than simply asking for the damn key? ..though it does mean going furry and enlisting handsome (if old) help.
Chinca people could be interesting, dust baths showed promise but it feels like a random pencil chewing add in.
And - Sam is fine with his renter turning Chinchilla but freaks at him then turning back? Uh-huh.
The sex scene starts with the all inspiring intro -
He wasn't thinking it so why mention it - I got stuck with the image of a sumo-wrestler sitting on a weedy old guy. Not a kink of mine. There is though a notable attack of the clumsy –
After an orgasm marathon (where does one sign up?) we learn about Kyle, Sam's ex - and Auggie gets to borrow the ex's clothes which was a big fat WTF -
Also - they divorced; Kyle got the house, Sam moved out. Why does Sam have boxes of Kyle's clothes at his new place?
It was the last straw for me. I couldn't care less about the great laundry show-down to come or how many more blow-jobs they exchange, mind-full of age slowed recovery.
I'm glad others found so much to love here but I'm the fat grump in the corner hating this. I didn't feel the attraction between them and was blocked from seeing cuteness by all the reiterated fatness.
I think the intention was to have two atypical heroes, one overweight with major self-esteem issues and the other older, instead of a requisite six foot, six pack, air-brushed wonder. This is good, I love this. Unfortunately (for me) the execution fails, every time a second star flickered with my glimpse of a cute well-meaning if incongruous detective, it was squashed under rolls of fat. Auggie (August) is fat. Sam is old. I was never allowed to forget that long enough to form any other impression of them. In fact I quickly started feeling fat, bloated and ugly myself!
Extraneous characters - Auggie's mother and lawyer, Mr Congeniality at the laundry - only appear long enough to insult the main characters; to call Auggie fat with various bluntness and Sam old.
Auggie - Is fat (from the book); Pillsbury, Stay Puft Man, fatty, roly-poly, in danger of diabetes, rolls of fat, single, clothes don't fit, shoes too tight - FAT. He's also a Chinchilla shifter which just means a cute cover for the book. He underachieved in his job, he's an untidy day-dreaming slob who eats a lot and is now playing detectives - which until 62% in and mention of a license I assumed meant buying a Fedora, a trench-coat and drinking bad coffee. His detecting efforts make him look more stupid than cute.
I think his real issue is self-esteem but there’s way to many references to his weight and not one sign of him being capable or professional in any capacity. Perhaps if the mystery had been a better chosen romp with actual interaction he'd have come across better.
Sam - Is old. He has grey in his hair, grey hair on his chest and if you glance past his huge, hard-to-swallow cock then you'd likely see a grey nest. He's 46, recently divorced and behaves like an old retired curmudgeon.
The Non-mystery. Only an accountant or tax inspector could find any interest in the scandal of a launderette’s double accounting. I'm not sure why they had to search through bins. Anything relevant takes place off-page so I couldn't bring myself to care about the importance of white or yellow paper. Also if the manager of a business asks you to investigate why are you breaking in to look at files rather than simply asking for the damn key? ..though it does mean going furry and enlisting handsome (if old) help.
Chinca people could be interesting, dust baths showed promise but it feels like a random pencil chewing add in.
And - Sam is fine with his renter turning Chinchilla but freaks at him then turning back? Uh-huh.
The sex scene starts with the all inspiring intro -
I didn't think about how fat I was, how many rolls my shirt was hiding. How I was probably crushing his legs.
He wasn't thinking it so why mention it - I got stuck with the image of a sumo-wrestler sitting on a weedy old guy. Not a kink of mine. There is though a notable attack of the clumsy –
After an orgasm marathon (where does one sign up?) we learn about Kyle, Sam's ex - and Auggie gets to borrow the ex's clothes which was a big fat WTF -
Also - they divorced; Kyle got the house, Sam moved out. Why does Sam have boxes of Kyle's clothes at his new place?
It was the last straw for me. I couldn't care less about the great laundry show-down to come or how many more blow-jobs they exchange, mind-full of age slowed recovery.
I'm glad others found so much to love here but I'm the fat grump in the corner hating this. I didn't feel the attraction between them and was blocked from seeing cuteness by all the reiterated fatness.
August 31, 2013
August, thanks to an inheritance from his grandfather, is a fairly new detective owning his own business and working his first big case. Sam is his divorced older, grumpier landlord. These two are attracted to each other but neither one of them wants to make the first move. August is self-conscious about his weight and Sam is feeling tired and a bit bitter about looking for love again after his marriage tanked.
Throw in the fact that August is the most adorable chinchilla shifter in the world and this story was quite the ride. Great dialogue and a simple but sweet story about these two men falling hard for each other when they finally decide to it's okay to fall.
I loved the relationship that develops and I really enjoyed the chinchilla herd information that was revealed. I love different and unique shifter types so I was favouring this one from the get go and delighted that it lived up to my expectations. This was a buddy read with Mandy and we both really enjoyed the book so if you're looking for a bit of mystery with a cute shifter and protective, sexy older man look no further, this is a winner!
Throw in the fact that August is the most adorable chinchilla shifter in the world and this story was quite the ride. Great dialogue and a simple but sweet story about these two men falling hard for each other when they finally decide to it's okay to fall.
I loved the relationship that develops and I really enjoyed the chinchilla herd information that was revealed. I love different and unique shifter types so I was favouring this one from the get go and delighted that it lived up to my expectations. This was a buddy read with Mandy and we both really enjoyed the book so if you're looking for a bit of mystery with a cute shifter and protective, sexy older man look no further, this is a winner!
September 17, 2013
4.25*
Cute, quirky and endearing is how I'd describe Auggy the chinchilla shifter. I think I spent half of the time smiling at his antics and half saying " Awww " because he's awkward, geeky, sweet and every time he shifted into chinchilla mode I kept picturing this chutchy little cuddlesome ball of fur batting about. I'm having an Awwwww moment right now just thinking about him and I admit I googled Chinchillas just to remind myself what they looked like and they're bloody adorable.
I liked that he wasn't the chiselled, handsome hero for a change because as much as we all love fantasising about hot, totally ripped, buff guys it's also great to see someone with body issues get his perfect man and be told by that man that regardless of how he sees himself, he's beautiful in that persons eyes! And Ok, Sam is older but he's still got it " goin' on " so we get our bit of man candy. And its funny because being in my mid fifties now, I don't particularly see a guy of 46 as being that old anyway, but I think if you're reading it in your twenties or thirties then he probably does! I often wonder if thats why some older/younger romances work for some people and not others..... Any hoo I digress....
As for the mystery side of the story, even that made me smile because its sort of mundane and ordinary but add to the mix the fact that Auggy has to do his shifting and Sam gets pulled in to help investigate, which leads to some klutzy moments from Auggy, closer contact, some nice UST and some hot little interludes between the two of them, and that mundane mystery becomes really enjoyable.
No major fireworks from this story but like I said, this cute funny book made me smile and laugh out loud a few times and do you know what that suited me just fine. I liked this a lot!
Cute, quirky and endearing is how I'd describe Auggy the chinchilla shifter. I think I spent half of the time smiling at his antics and half saying " Awww " because he's awkward, geeky, sweet and every time he shifted into chinchilla mode I kept picturing this chutchy little cuddlesome ball of fur batting about. I'm having an Awwwww moment right now just thinking about him and I admit I googled Chinchillas just to remind myself what they looked like and they're bloody adorable.
I liked that he wasn't the chiselled, handsome hero for a change because as much as we all love fantasising about hot, totally ripped, buff guys it's also great to see someone with body issues get his perfect man and be told by that man that regardless of how he sees himself, he's beautiful in that persons eyes! And Ok, Sam is older but he's still got it " goin' on " so we get our bit of man candy. And its funny because being in my mid fifties now, I don't particularly see a guy of 46 as being that old anyway, but I think if you're reading it in your twenties or thirties then he probably does! I often wonder if thats why some older/younger romances work for some people and not others..... Any hoo I digress....
As for the mystery side of the story, even that made me smile because its sort of mundane and ordinary but add to the mix the fact that Auggy has to do his shifting and Sam gets pulled in to help investigate, which leads to some klutzy moments from Auggy, closer contact, some nice UST and some hot little interludes between the two of them, and that mundane mystery becomes really enjoyable.
No major fireworks from this story but like I said, this cute funny book made me smile and laugh out loud a few times and do you know what that suited me just fine. I liked this a lot!
September 1, 2013
So Freaking CUTE
This story was simply adorable. Adorable like a basket full of kittens, puppies, and baby rabbits.
Auggie is a sweet, overweight geek who loves old detective movies and novels. He's also a chinchilla shifter. I know. Awwww, right?
This story was simply adorable. Adorable like a basket full of kittens, puppies, and baby rabbits.
Auggie is a sweet, overweight geek who loves old detective movies and novels. He's also a chinchilla shifter. I know. Awwww, right?
September 10, 2016
I've noticed there's a fine but clearly defined line dividing those who think this book is [quote] So freaking CUTE! and those who find it dull and uninspiring.
As I was a poor baby with a killer flu and in dire need of some happiness while reading this, I quite naturally fell into the first category, but sometimes I got this close to throwing my ereader out the window and chasing away all the sugary goo with some alcohol. That might've been moody, sick me talking - but in any case, you've been warned.
Objectively speaking, this story is, indeed, adorable.
It's the story of August Adahy Mendez, in his words screwup, serial daydreamer, lover of fast food and chocolate pie, in my words a tight ball of insecurity with a core of steel, a kickass imagination and a penchant for detective work, Sam Spade style.
We've all been through those moments of terrifying, shocking self-disgust that hit you like a train in the middle of a seemingly unimportant action, making you suddenly realise that you're not good enough. Well, Auggie's still going through that (and who wouldn't, with a nickname like that? Okay, sorry, I just had to mention that). There's no refuge from that, other than turning into his animal form – feeling small and invisible, finally able to hide.
Sounds pretty angsty, right? It's really not. The process of overcoming this unpleasant state of mind starts without much difficulty as soon as Auggie inherits a truckload of money from his granddad (or, um, Pop Pop) that allows him to open a little PI office, gets his first big case investigating some disappearing money at a dry cleaner's, and... meets Sam, his hot, grumpy, emotionally scarred and secretly protective landlord. Cue manga style eye-hearts and awkward babbling on Auggie's part, and now tell me this dynamic doesn't remind you of something. No? Nothing? I'll give you a clue: it starts with S and ends with “terek”, and it has the addition, in this case, of abundant doses of sugar. I'm kind of flabbergasted nobody else seems to have noticed the similarity, because it's so... blatant. And frankly, for me, a bit annoying, because if I want to read about sterek, I'll go dig in the immense mass of awesomeness that is the fandom (which I often do, but that's a whole different story).
Once all the plot threads are set forth on their way and free to mingle and tangle, you can just sit back and relax, because there's not going to be any big drama or blow-up. It's essentially a very enjoyable, danger free romp jumping back and forth between the almost sickeningly sweet romance and the admittedly kind of dull mystery, until there's no need to jump back and forth anymore because Sam gets more involved than he expected in Auggie's life – in every way.
The things that made this story different from a hundred others so similar to it are essentially two: the shapeshifting, or skinwalking, and Auggie's... chubbiness. Is that politically correct? Not offensive to anyone? Cool.
Auggie's ability to transform into a chinchilla at will is a huge part of his life, and consequently, though in a smaller measure, of Sam's, but at the same time it's treated as something quite normal and almost unsurprising, with all the little animal impulses and needs that filter into Auggie's everyday life (it sounds more creepy than cute, but it's more cute than creepy) and the comfort and perks of being able to turn into something small and fluffy with very sharp teeth. And man, it works. No too quick acceptance, no exaggerated disbelief – somehow the author managed to find the perfect balance.
The role this element played in both the romance and the investigation was interesting and clever, and I don't think I need to mention the unbelievable adorableness of the thing, because it's quite obvious. Suffice to say I want a chinchilla now.
The other element, Auggie's chubbiness and the way he comes to terms with it, especially thanks to the fact that Sam isn't bothered by it in the least – on the contrary – is refreshing, delicately but lightheartedly handled and simply well done.
The writing is extremely pleasant and smooth, and it has the particular kind of beauty of something you don't notice until you notice that you're not noticing it, or until you spot a specific turn of phrase or expression that makes you want to smile. You know what I'm talking about, don't you?
Bottom line: a sweet, uncomplicated and entertaining read without much bite to it but with some cleverly constructed, refreshing elements to spice it up. It wasn't quite my thing, but I found it objectively– oh, fuck it: it was adorable.
Originally reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love, which is now dead.
As I was a poor baby with a killer flu and in dire need of some happiness while reading this, I quite naturally fell into the first category, but sometimes I got this close to throwing my ereader out the window and chasing away all the sugary goo with some alcohol. That might've been moody, sick me talking - but in any case, you've been warned.
Objectively speaking, this story is, indeed, adorable.
It's the story of August Adahy Mendez, in his words screwup, serial daydreamer, lover of fast food and chocolate pie, in my words a tight ball of insecurity with a core of steel, a kickass imagination and a penchant for detective work, Sam Spade style.
We've all been through those moments of terrifying, shocking self-disgust that hit you like a train in the middle of a seemingly unimportant action, making you suddenly realise that you're not good enough. Well, Auggie's still going through that (and who wouldn't, with a nickname like that? Okay, sorry, I just had to mention that). There's no refuge from that, other than turning into his animal form – feeling small and invisible, finally able to hide.
Sounds pretty angsty, right? It's really not. The process of overcoming this unpleasant state of mind starts without much difficulty as soon as Auggie inherits a truckload of money from his granddad (or, um, Pop Pop) that allows him to open a little PI office, gets his first big case investigating some disappearing money at a dry cleaner's, and... meets Sam, his hot, grumpy, emotionally scarred and secretly protective landlord. Cue manga style eye-hearts and awkward babbling on Auggie's part, and now tell me this dynamic doesn't remind you of something. No? Nothing? I'll give you a clue: it starts with S and ends with “terek”, and it has the addition, in this case, of abundant doses of sugar. I'm kind of flabbergasted nobody else seems to have noticed the similarity, because it's so... blatant. And frankly, for me, a bit annoying, because if I want to read about sterek, I'll go dig in the immense mass of awesomeness that is the fandom (which I often do, but that's a whole different story).
Once all the plot threads are set forth on their way and free to mingle and tangle, you can just sit back and relax, because there's not going to be any big drama or blow-up. It's essentially a very enjoyable, danger free romp jumping back and forth between the almost sickeningly sweet romance and the admittedly kind of dull mystery, until there's no need to jump back and forth anymore because Sam gets more involved than he expected in Auggie's life – in every way.
The things that made this story different from a hundred others so similar to it are essentially two: the shapeshifting, or skinwalking, and Auggie's... chubbiness. Is that politically correct? Not offensive to anyone? Cool.
Auggie's ability to transform into a chinchilla at will is a huge part of his life, and consequently, though in a smaller measure, of Sam's, but at the same time it's treated as something quite normal and almost unsurprising, with all the little animal impulses and needs that filter into Auggie's everyday life (it sounds more creepy than cute, but it's more cute than creepy) and the comfort and perks of being able to turn into something small and fluffy with very sharp teeth. And man, it works. No too quick acceptance, no exaggerated disbelief – somehow the author managed to find the perfect balance.
The role this element played in both the romance and the investigation was interesting and clever, and I don't think I need to mention the unbelievable adorableness of the thing, because it's quite obvious. Suffice to say I want a chinchilla now.
The other element, Auggie's chubbiness and the way he comes to terms with it, especially thanks to the fact that Sam isn't bothered by it in the least – on the contrary – is refreshing, delicately but lightheartedly handled and simply well done.
The writing is extremely pleasant and smooth, and it has the particular kind of beauty of something you don't notice until you notice that you're not noticing it, or until you spot a specific turn of phrase or expression that makes you want to smile. You know what I'm talking about, don't you?
Bottom line: a sweet, uncomplicated and entertaining read without much bite to it but with some cleverly constructed, refreshing elements to spice it up. It wasn't quite my thing, but I found it objectively– oh, fuck it: it was adorable.
Originally reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love, which is now dead.
January 31, 2014
Ok I am on a cuteness streak at the moment. Here is another cute, sweet read, but this one is also shifter and not my usual shifter read. August is a socially awkward, slightly overweight, quiet young man dreaming of being a private investigator. August is also a shifter, a chinchilla shifter actually, (how cute is that). Not a big bad wolf or cat shifter here, no tough alpha man fighting the bad guys and finding love. Here we have a chubby quiet guy trying to live his fantasy. So when his grandfather dies and leaves him some money he takes the opportunity to quit his dead end job and pursue that fantasy.
Sam is the landlord at the office building August is renting. Sam is bitter, angry and still licking his wounds from his divorce. He knows another chance at a relationship is not in the cards for him, so he spends his free time watching t.v and generally avoiding people and his friends. When Sam spots August he is immediately attracted to him, but keeps his distance. He doesn’t think August would want interested in an older man. Now August spots Sam right away as well and can’t help fantasizing about the older attractive man. August thinks Sam is physically perfect, tall, muscled, every man and woman’s hot fantasy. Totally out of August’s league.
Part of what I liked about this story was the fact that August was so not perfect. He had issues a lot of us deal with (hopefully you don’t have all of them LOL), shy, insecure, overweight, under motivated, and feeling stuck in a dead job. So here is a story where the little guy (literally a chinchilla shifter), gets the hot studly guy and solves the case!
Cute and entertaining!
Sam is the landlord at the office building August is renting. Sam is bitter, angry and still licking his wounds from his divorce. He knows another chance at a relationship is not in the cards for him, so he spends his free time watching t.v and generally avoiding people and his friends. When Sam spots August he is immediately attracted to him, but keeps his distance. He doesn’t think August would want interested in an older man. Now August spots Sam right away as well and can’t help fantasizing about the older attractive man. August thinks Sam is physically perfect, tall, muscled, every man and woman’s hot fantasy. Totally out of August’s league.
Part of what I liked about this story was the fact that August was so not perfect. He had issues a lot of us deal with (hopefully you don’t have all of them LOL), shy, insecure, overweight, under motivated, and feeling stuck in a dead job. So here is a story where the little guy (literally a chinchilla shifter), gets the hot studly guy and solves the case!
Cute and entertaining!
May 20, 2015
You just have to love Auggie...
August 24, 2013
4.5 Stars
I was kind of in the fence on whether to read this or not but I was glad I did. The story was light-hearted and funny with a dash of mystery, a very welcome escape for me after a grueling week. The MC's personalities were far from perfect but the flawed tendencies meshed well together. Auggie's painfully awkward moments and hilarious internal struggles drew me in and I was unwittingly hooked. Ahhh! he was so adorable I want to squish him!
I wish there will be more about his cases in the future. More please!~ a sequel, maybe?
I was kind of in the fence on whether to read this or not but I was glad I did. The story was light-hearted and funny with a dash of mystery, a very welcome escape for me after a grueling week. The MC's personalities were far from perfect but the flawed tendencies meshed well together. Auggie's painfully awkward moments and hilarious internal struggles drew me in and I was unwittingly hooked. Ahhh! he was so adorable I want to squish him!
I wish there will be more about his cases in the future. More please!~ a sequel, maybe?
August 31, 2013
3.75 stars
An utterly charming story. It got perhaps just a little too sweet for me around the last quarter, but Augie is so adorable I could forgive him for being constantly amazed and thrilled he'd landed Sam, his gruff, George Clooney lookalike landlord.
An utterly charming story. It got perhaps just a little too sweet for me around the last quarter, but Augie is so adorable I could forgive him for being constantly amazed and thrilled he'd landed Sam, his gruff, George Clooney lookalike landlord.
April 16, 2016
A really hard book for me to rate. Dialog and observations were strait out funny and a very solid 4. ish.
Alex Kidwell also gets major points for creating a love interest out of someone who describes himself as the stay puffed marshmallow man, but really he is just the human version of this:
how do you not loooove that
August is so funny and klutzy and loveable I dare you not fall madly in love. He just wants to be a smooth cool detective like his hero Bogart’s character Sam Spade
and that he is so far from that makes it even better.
Speaking of Sam, he is the older Clooneyesq love interest. Yowza
Yet again being older not your typical love interest which makes it more interesting.
The mystery storyline was good but not remarkable. For some reason even though Auggie is a chinchilla shifter he never thinks to use his shifting to spy on his cases until 1/3 of the way through the book, which doesn’t make any sense but book is good enough to let that go for the stories sake.
The romance was very sweet most of the time but let me tell you the first kiss was HOT
and then ends on such a bittersweet heartache note, I loved it… the rest of the courtship was more routine. Overall a 3.75 but I am rounding up to a 4 because of Auggie’s inner monologue alone. So worth it.
Alex Kidwell also gets major points for creating a love interest out of someone who describes himself as the stay puffed marshmallow man, but really he is just the human version of this:
how do you not loooove thatAugust is so funny and klutzy and loveable I dare you not fall madly in love. He just wants to be a smooth cool detective like his hero Bogart’s character Sam Spade
and that he is so far from that makes it even better.
Speaking of Sam, he is the older Clooneyesq love interest. Yowza
Yet again being older not your typical love interest which makes it more interesting.
The mystery storyline was good but not remarkable. For some reason even though Auggie is a chinchilla shifter he never thinks to use his shifting to spy on his cases until 1/3 of the way through the book, which doesn’t make any sense but book is good enough to let that go for the stories sake.
The romance was very sweet most of the time but let me tell you the first kiss was HOT
and then ends on such a bittersweet heartache note, I loved it… the rest of the courtship was more routine. Overall a 3.75 but I am rounding up to a 4 because of Auggie’s inner monologue alone. So worth it.
September 26, 2013
This is a very cute story about August, a 31 year old man, who is a Chinchilla shifter, and has dreams of being a private detective. When a relative leaves him a little money, he quits his job and sets up an office, but it's hard to make ends meet. His landlord, Sam, is a big, older guy who seems intimidating at first. But it turns out Sam just might have a thing for younger, chubby men with nice smiles...
I liked the fact that these guys were physically imperfect, and yet found each other very attractive. The POVs were nicely distinct, and the men fit together in spite of their differences. August seemed a bit young and clueless for his age, both about people and about his chosen job, although perhaps one could attribute that to the prey-species in him. And the sexual dynamic seemed to move unexpectedly for their personalities, experiences, and ages. Unexpected is good, but there were moments that didn't quite feel real to me, like they were trying too hard.
Nevertheless, this was a fun, light story, with a few little twists, some nice funny moments, and two guys you had to cheer for.
I liked the fact that these guys were physically imperfect, and yet found each other very attractive. The POVs were nicely distinct, and the men fit together in spite of their differences. August seemed a bit young and clueless for his age, both about people and about his chosen job, although perhaps one could attribute that to the prey-species in him. And the sexual dynamic seemed to move unexpectedly for their personalities, experiences, and ages. Unexpected is good, but there were moments that didn't quite feel real to me, like they were trying too hard.
Nevertheless, this was a fun, light story, with a few little twists, some nice funny moments, and two guys you had to cheer for.
August 30, 2013
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
I know going into any book written by Alex Kidwell that I will giggle a few times (and yes, there are even some humorous moments in After the End... one of my all-time favorite books EVER). Gumption & Gumshoes is no different. There are serious moments and one hell of a love story, but I found myself giggling from the first page and didn't stop until the end. You can't help but fall in love with Auggie and Sam.
I've read everything this author has written to date and Alex Kidwell simply can not write a bad book. Highly recommended if you are interested in humor, a bit of mystery, great sex scenes and a love story between two very different men.
I love the cover.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I know going into any book written by Alex Kidwell that I will giggle a few times (and yes, there are even some humorous moments in After the End... one of my all-time favorite books EVER). Gumption & Gumshoes is no different. There are serious moments and one hell of a love story, but I found myself giggling from the first page and didn't stop until the end. You can't help but fall in love with Auggie and Sam.
I've read everything this author has written to date and Alex Kidwell simply can not write a bad book. Highly recommended if you are interested in humor, a bit of mystery, great sex scenes and a love story between two very different men.
I love the cover.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 30, 2014
Chinchilla Shifter Private Eye
Look at that cover! As soon as I saw it I had to have it. This book gave me the comforting feeling of a beloved children’s story, an innocent sweetness combined with a satisfying investigation into the goings-on of Bad Guys.
August, who can shift into a chinchilla (and who doesn’t love a chinchilla?), is a lonely, pudgy geek who loves sweets and old movies. Sam (not a chinchilla) is the older, crusty landlord badly wounded from a bitter divorce. They are perfect for each other. The whole book is perfect. It’s sweet, and romantic, and hot, and wholesome. Plus: he's a chinchilla!
I'm gonna read it again.
Look at that cover! As soon as I saw it I had to have it. This book gave me the comforting feeling of a beloved children’s story, an innocent sweetness combined with a satisfying investigation into the goings-on of Bad Guys.
August, who can shift into a chinchilla (and who doesn’t love a chinchilla?), is a lonely, pudgy geek who loves sweets and old movies. Sam (not a chinchilla) is the older, crusty landlord badly wounded from a bitter divorce. They are perfect for each other. The whole book is perfect. It’s sweet, and romantic, and hot, and wholesome. Plus: he's a chinchilla!
I'm gonna read it again.
August 25, 2013
This was charming. Not dark or scary.. Lighter fun read with a very atypical hero who is overweight and not-confident but is following his dream. The shifter part could have been throw away but is integrated seem-lessly. His mannerisms and traits of how he is like and un-like the rest of the herd is delightful. The relationship between the two main characters is believable. The mystery is secondary to their negotiating finding and accepting that they deserve this new relationship and life together that they are discovering. I liked it much more than I expected and was delighted. And the shifter parts, ooh, so cute and well described.
August 23, 2013
Some books just make me happy :)
August 24, 2013
Funny how the story where one guy is a chinchilla shifter often felt more realistic to me than some other stories which were supposed to me straight contemporary stories. I absolutely adored August - a bit overweight with some self confidence problems sweet guy, who did not look like a gorgeous model for once. August had a dream to become a private detective and finally got a chance to fulfill it. And of course he found love along the way.
I loved how realistic and not glamorous the case he investigated was, but of course he got to do some fun things during that investigation too - story has to be entertaining overall and kudos to the writer for accomplishing that.
Romance was very sweet - a bit fast, but not too fast, because in the land of m/m romance much much faster falling in love happened gazillion times in my reading experience and developing crush before they got to know each other better at least made sense to me. August' self confidence issue also made perfect sense to me and of course I thought it was very romantic when in the eyes of the person you love one looks gorgeous. At the same time we do not see August *changing* anything in himself (not that I thought he should - he never described as somebody whose weight issues threatened his health.
Sam's issues made sense too, and I thought they had a lovely chemistry together. If this is a set up for the series, then I will be happy to read more.
What did I not like? I thought Sam's shock as to August being a shifter should have lasted a touch longer than it did - people turning into "fluffy rodents" is not an everyday occurrence lol.
And oh dear, I *get* that sex sells, I really do, and I thought mandatory sex scene at 50% of the story was mostly lovely (I say mandatory because for some reason it happens in about 90% of the books I have read in this genre), but did it have to be so long? And another one right after? It is like either writer was scared that she did not put enough sex in otherwise very nicely done narrative, or the editor insisted - like some kind of mandatory amount of sex just must be there. They were having sex from about 50% to 74% of the story with very little interruptions lol and then story gets back to itself. Oy.
Still very enjoyable - Augustus' habit alone to blurt out things he wished he would keep to himself for example made me smile more than once.
I loved how realistic and not glamorous the case he investigated was, but of course he got to do some fun things during that investigation too - story has to be entertaining overall and kudos to the writer for accomplishing that.
Romance was very sweet - a bit fast, but not too fast, because in the land of m/m romance much much faster falling in love happened gazillion times in my reading experience and developing crush before they got to know each other better at least made sense to me. August' self confidence issue also made perfect sense to me and of course I thought it was very romantic when in the eyes of the person you love one looks gorgeous. At the same time we do not see August *changing* anything in himself (not that I thought he should - he never described as somebody whose weight issues threatened his health.
Sam's issues made sense too, and I thought they had a lovely chemistry together. If this is a set up for the series, then I will be happy to read more.
What did I not like? I thought Sam's shock as to August being a shifter should have lasted a touch longer than it did - people turning into "fluffy rodents" is not an everyday occurrence lol.
And oh dear, I *get* that sex sells, I really do, and I thought mandatory sex scene at 50% of the story was mostly lovely (I say mandatory because for some reason it happens in about 90% of the books I have read in this genre), but did it have to be so long? And another one right after? It is like either writer was scared that she did not put enough sex in otherwise very nicely done narrative, or the editor insisted - like some kind of mandatory amount of sex just must be there. They were having sex from about 50% to 74% of the story with very little interruptions lol and then story gets back to itself. Oy.
Still very enjoyable - Augustus' habit alone to blurt out things he wished he would keep to himself for example made me smile more than once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2013
Oh God, I love these guys. How can you not love two broken men who can’t seem to see the broken pieces in each other because to each of them the other is perfect.
August Mendez, thanks to an inheritance from his grandfather, is finally able to pursue his dream of becoming a private detective; never mind the only thing he knows about being a PI is what he has learned from television shows and old black-and-white movies. So he sheds his cubicle-dwelling job and strikes out on his own, hanging out a shingle at an office in the building owned by Sam Ewing.
August has self-esteem issues. He’s overweight and under-confident, especially where relationships are concerned. Not that he has had that many relationships, if any of them could actually be called relationships. And not to mention that chinchilla-shifting thing that he has to keep a secret. He tends to fidget and babble (a lot), both out loud and to himself, which makes for many comical moments.
Sam’s last relationship ended in a very messy divorce and he has sworn off relationships, not willing to put his heart “out there” again; especially with a much younger man. He’s gruff and growly and doesn’t let anyone get too close, yet at the core he’s soft and gooey. He finds August’s babbling and klutziness endearing and he thinks the younger man is sexy, if only he didn’t hide behind too baggy clothes and that damned fedora.
Both are reluctant to pursue a relationship as neither thinks they are a catch for the other. August thinks he’s too fat and too nerdy. Sam thinks he’s too old and has too much baggage. But circumstances surrounding one of August’s cases conspire to throw them together and they have to constantly battle against their mutual attraction. But when they finally do get together… holy hell, it’s HOT. The love scenes just had such an incredibly sensual quality to them.
This story is charming, engaging and very, very funny told with a fluidity that runs like a rom-com through your head. You can’t help but love August and Sam from the get-go. The dialogue and banter are just adorable. A most entertaining read… the perfect story of finding one’s soul mate and the most fun I’ve had reading a book in a very long time.
August Mendez, thanks to an inheritance from his grandfather, is finally able to pursue his dream of becoming a private detective; never mind the only thing he knows about being a PI is what he has learned from television shows and old black-and-white movies. So he sheds his cubicle-dwelling job and strikes out on his own, hanging out a shingle at an office in the building owned by Sam Ewing.
August has self-esteem issues. He’s overweight and under-confident, especially where relationships are concerned. Not that he has had that many relationships, if any of them could actually be called relationships. And not to mention that chinchilla-shifting thing that he has to keep a secret. He tends to fidget and babble (a lot), both out loud and to himself, which makes for many comical moments.
Sam’s last relationship ended in a very messy divorce and he has sworn off relationships, not willing to put his heart “out there” again; especially with a much younger man. He’s gruff and growly and doesn’t let anyone get too close, yet at the core he’s soft and gooey. He finds August’s babbling and klutziness endearing and he thinks the younger man is sexy, if only he didn’t hide behind too baggy clothes and that damned fedora.
Both are reluctant to pursue a relationship as neither thinks they are a catch for the other. August thinks he’s too fat and too nerdy. Sam thinks he’s too old and has too much baggage. But circumstances surrounding one of August’s cases conspire to throw them together and they have to constantly battle against their mutual attraction. But when they finally do get together… holy hell, it’s HOT. The love scenes just had such an incredibly sensual quality to them.
This story is charming, engaging and very, very funny told with a fluidity that runs like a rom-com through your head. You can’t help but love August and Sam from the get-go. The dialogue and banter are just adorable. A most entertaining read… the perfect story of finding one’s soul mate and the most fun I’ve had reading a book in a very long time.
September 17, 2013
So this was super cute! I think I had a smile on my face the entire time reading.
August is a 30 year old overweight chinchilla shifter. He's awkward, babbles when he's nervous, he chews on pencils, and he's a klutz. He's not happy at his current job and he's excited for the weekend when he can hang around in his boxers all day and eat cheese puffs and watch his old detective movies.
Little does he know his life is about to change. His grandpa dies and leaves him $50,000. He decides to follow his dream and become a PI. Ummm...it's quite a bit different than the movies and novels though.
He rents his office from Sam. A 46 year old grump of a man. I never really got a good read on Sam, other than he's protective. He doesn't want to like August, since his marriage of 15 years failed. He doesn't want that same heartbreak so he's given up on love. But, somehow August wormed his way into Sam's heart and stayed there. He's so sweet to August though. Even helping with his dust baths and buying him applewood sticks. Some of my favorite parts were when August shifted and Sam was holding him whether in his pocket or having him curled up on his chest. So sweet.
I didn't like how August talked down about himself all the time. Even name calling and making fun of himself. It made me sad. I just wanted to grab him and give him a big hug. Even his mother had some things to say and from the description she isn't thin either. Way to make your kid feel like crap. Speaking of parents, I wish we could have seen Sam with the herd.
Oh and by the way, I totally want a chinchilla now.
August is a 30 year old overweight chinchilla shifter. He's awkward, babbles when he's nervous, he chews on pencils, and he's a klutz. He's not happy at his current job and he's excited for the weekend when he can hang around in his boxers all day and eat cheese puffs and watch his old detective movies.
Little does he know his life is about to change. His grandpa dies and leaves him $50,000. He decides to follow his dream and become a PI. Ummm...it's quite a bit different than the movies and novels though.
He rents his office from Sam. A 46 year old grump of a man. I never really got a good read on Sam, other than he's protective. He doesn't want to like August, since his marriage of 15 years failed. He doesn't want that same heartbreak so he's given up on love. But, somehow August wormed his way into Sam's heart and stayed there. He's so sweet to August though. Even helping with his dust baths and buying him applewood sticks. Some of my favorite parts were when August shifted and Sam was holding him whether in his pocket or having him curled up on his chest. So sweet.
I didn't like how August talked down about himself all the time. Even name calling and making fun of himself. It made me sad. I just wanted to grab him and give him a big hug. Even his mother had some things to say and from the description she isn't thin either. Way to make your kid feel like crap. Speaking of parents, I wish we could have seen Sam with the herd.
Oh and by the way, I totally want a chinchilla now.
August 27, 2013
I loved this book. It had me smiling the whole way through and I wanted to bundle Auggie up into a great big hug. He follows his dream to become a detective but he is full of self-doubt. He and Sam make the perfect team but they both have their own issues. Auggie has confidence and body image issues and Sam worries about his age and he's jaded about his marriage breakdown. It was refreshing to meet a character who didn't have a flat stomach and rippling abs (although I'm as much a fan of those as the next person) and I'm glad that Auggie didn't miraculously get over his problems when he met Sam. I have my fingers crossed that there will be more cases for Auggie and Sam to solve in the future.
December 4, 2013
Jax HERE said it perfectly. It's like she peaked into my brain and plucked those thoughts out of it: August made the read worth it but the sex felt out of place and the mystery was light. However, overall, a good read for me.
January 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was gentle and funny. I subtracted one star for the endless self-deprecation and fat-shaming August does to himself. He’s so mean to himself and it got to be too much. The ending was very satisfying.
September 8, 2013
5+ stars. This was a totally delightful twist on the old PI trope.
Chubby August has always dreamed of being a PI, just like in the movies. When the opportunity presents itself, he jumps at the chance, trench coat and fedora and all. His current case has him looking into the financial discrepancies of a laundry service. This one is a pickle, to be sure, but the best thing is he ends up getting up close and personal with his office landlord, Sam. A grumpy loner, Sam has been wounded badly by love, but the pull he feels for adorable August is overwhelming. And when he learns of August’s true nature and how near the kid is to danger, well, Sam has to aid, his protective instincts demanding it. And then his libido and heart demand it. But before happy endings, the gumshoe has to prove his investigative talents against dangerous foes.
A chinchilla shifter. Now that’s something new. A cute little fluffy PI who gets himself into scrapes in both human and animal form. What’s not to like? August is smart but he has poor self-esteem, he’s strong but he’d rather shift than run, and he’s beautiful but he thinks he’s too fat to attract anyone. I admit, when August the chinchilla just ripped into his attacker I was, like, wow. Brilliant piece of writing and an absolutely wonderful, unique character. Despite his insecurities, August is a great person, and I look forward to the possibility of future investigative adventures. Oh, I admit I too have the Imperial March as one of my ring tones.
Sam is another intriguing character. He’s not good at talking about his feelings, and that—among other things—came between him and his ex-husband, Kyle. Of course, Kyle was also a cheating bastard, but let the story fill in the rest. In any case, Sam is just the most perfect companion for a wannabe little PI. Sam is very protective, and he finds out he actually likes being there for August. In a way, they need each other to be who they were always meant to be.
There’s humor, suspense and erotic scenes woven into the story, creating a once-in-a-blue-moon tapestry of an exciting tale. About the writing. It’s good, immersive, evocative, talented. Nothing wrong with it. We get August’s point of view in first person and Sam’s in third person. A lot of that seems to going around these days. Once I got used to it, it was fine. The plot moves swiftly and had me holding my breath more than once. In the middle there’s a sort of a sweet lull as August and Sam get to know each other in and out of bed, but as it is with mystery stories, it’s just the calm before the storm.
So, all in all, Alex Kidwell delivers us a rare treat, an imaginative spin to the genre. I’m definitely waiting anxiously to hear if there’s a sequel coming up.
Chubby August has always dreamed of being a PI, just like in the movies. When the opportunity presents itself, he jumps at the chance, trench coat and fedora and all. His current case has him looking into the financial discrepancies of a laundry service. This one is a pickle, to be sure, but the best thing is he ends up getting up close and personal with his office landlord, Sam. A grumpy loner, Sam has been wounded badly by love, but the pull he feels for adorable August is overwhelming. And when he learns of August’s true nature and how near the kid is to danger, well, Sam has to aid, his protective instincts demanding it. And then his libido and heart demand it. But before happy endings, the gumshoe has to prove his investigative talents against dangerous foes.
A chinchilla shifter. Now that’s something new. A cute little fluffy PI who gets himself into scrapes in both human and animal form. What’s not to like? August is smart but he has poor self-esteem, he’s strong but he’d rather shift than run, and he’s beautiful but he thinks he’s too fat to attract anyone. I admit, when August the chinchilla just ripped into his attacker I was, like, wow. Brilliant piece of writing and an absolutely wonderful, unique character. Despite his insecurities, August is a great person, and I look forward to the possibility of future investigative adventures. Oh, I admit I too have the Imperial March as one of my ring tones.
Sam is another intriguing character. He’s not good at talking about his feelings, and that—among other things—came between him and his ex-husband, Kyle. Of course, Kyle was also a cheating bastard, but let the story fill in the rest. In any case, Sam is just the most perfect companion for a wannabe little PI. Sam is very protective, and he finds out he actually likes being there for August. In a way, they need each other to be who they were always meant to be.
There’s humor, suspense and erotic scenes woven into the story, creating a once-in-a-blue-moon tapestry of an exciting tale. About the writing. It’s good, immersive, evocative, talented. Nothing wrong with it. We get August’s point of view in first person and Sam’s in third person. A lot of that seems to going around these days. Once I got used to it, it was fine. The plot moves swiftly and had me holding my breath more than once. In the middle there’s a sort of a sweet lull as August and Sam get to know each other in and out of bed, but as it is with mystery stories, it’s just the calm before the storm.
So, all in all, Alex Kidwell delivers us a rare treat, an imaginative spin to the genre. I’m definitely waiting anxiously to hear if there’s a sequel coming up.
January 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It surprised the hell out of me and I am so glad I read it.
Thins I liked:
1. It was light-hearted but still had some depth.
2. It had an MC who was not what "society" would consider attractive but his love interest didn't love him despite his looks, he loved him because of who he was in his entirety - flabby stomach and all.
3. The sexual tension - oh my god, so hot. And it was not a disappointment at all when kisses and then sex were finally had.
4. The relationship and the mystery were woven together well and it didn't seem like you had great swaths of story that focused on only one or the other. It felt very integrated.
Niggles:
1. The insta-love. The author sort of hung a lantern on it so I was able to accept it a little better than I would have otherwise.
2. I really wanted to see Sam meet August's family after they were officially dating. Like really. Those are always my favorite scenes - when you get to see the MCs' love from the outside, see how their families and best friends notice the little changes in them or how they interact. That scene would have made the perfect end in my opinion.
Nevertheless, I loved this story. It definitely has the potential to be upped to five stars (re-readability is my ultimate test for a five star rating). I would definitely recommend it to anyone who would enjoy a light hearted steamy shifter detective story.
Thins I liked:
1. It was light-hearted but still had some depth.
2. It had an MC who was not what "society" would consider attractive but his love interest didn't love him despite his looks, he loved him because of who he was in his entirety - flabby stomach and all.
3. The sexual tension - oh my god, so hot. And it was not a disappointment at all when kisses and then sex were finally had.
4. The relationship and the mystery were woven together well and it didn't seem like you had great swaths of story that focused on only one or the other. It felt very integrated.
Niggles:
1. The insta-love. The author sort of hung a lantern on it so I was able to accept it a little better than I would have otherwise.
2. I really wanted to see Sam meet August's family after they were officially dating. Like really. Those are always my favorite scenes - when you get to see the MCs' love from the outside, see how their families and best friends notice the little changes in them or how they interact. That scene would have made the perfect end in my opinion.
Nevertheless, I loved this story. It definitely has the potential to be upped to five stars (re-readability is my ultimate test for a five star rating). I would definitely recommend it to anyone who would enjoy a light hearted steamy shifter detective story.
August 26, 2013
I'm going with the idea that it was my headache that made me so frustrated with August's naivete in the beginning. I still would have been frustrated without the headache but with it I came close to putting the book down in the first chapter and that would have truly been a shame. I ended up really loving this story. Both of the main characters were pretty adorable, funny and sweet. The chinchilla aspect just added to the awesomeness because really, who can resist a chinchilla? :) Probably my favorite part of the story is the way that August's weight is dealt with. The way he feels about his body, the way he dresses, the way he makes fun of himself before others can all was handled realistically. Also, the way he feels about Sam touching him, how he freaks out and flinches away because he doesn't want Sam touching his body and being grossed out, that was so painfully real (been there, done that, to all of it). I'd give the book an extra star just for the fact that Sam loves everything about August, even his size and he doesn't want him to change. Extra props to the author for NOT making Auggie suddenly go on a diet, lose weight and become "gorgeous" to the rest of the world. He was already gorgeous and perfect the way he was.
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