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Out of Time #1
Shift in Time
True love’s first kiss will not break a curse.
Everyone knows that. Even a Normal like Morgan Monstros knows that.
But Fane Llewellyn isn’t everyone. He’s like no one Morgan has ever met.
Small, fragile and fierce, Fane doesn’t remember who he is or where he came from. He remembers pain and loneliness. Decades of pain and loneliness. And Morgan Monstros. He could never forget Gan. Gan was his from the day he came to the island. And Fane would fight to the death to keep Morgan safe. Even if he has to fight the whole world to do it.
Take one powerless witch, a sassy Siamese familiar, a panther shifter with amnesia, a meddling wolf clan, and a coven of witches hell bent on war, swirl all together and you get the perfect spell for all out mayhem…..oh yeah and there’s chocolate cake too.
Everyone knows that. Even a Normal like Morgan Monstros knows that.
But Fane Llewellyn isn’t everyone. He’s like no one Morgan has ever met.
Small, fragile and fierce, Fane doesn’t remember who he is or where he came from. He remembers pain and loneliness. Decades of pain and loneliness. And Morgan Monstros. He could never forget Gan. Gan was his from the day he came to the island. And Fane would fight to the death to keep Morgan safe. Even if he has to fight the whole world to do it.
Take one powerless witch, a sassy Siamese familiar, a panther shifter with amnesia, a meddling wolf clan, and a coven of witches hell bent on war, swirl all together and you get the perfect spell for all out mayhem…..oh yeah and there’s chocolate cake too.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2014
20 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 18, 2015
3.5 Hearts--Before reading: Mercy Celeste? Cat Shifters?
It's going down!
After reading : As a Mercy Celeste fan, I can say this is one of the lightest stories I've read from her. Not saying it's bad or good. It was different. When I see a Mercy Celeste story, I know to expect hot, Southern men who love hard and scorching sexy times.
This book, set in Alabama and Florida, most definitely delivered that. Morgan Monstros is a normal in a family of witches. (Think Muggle to Wizards (hey HP fans)) He's in the closet and a virgin, running his family's bed & breakfast on an island in Alabama. His sister leaves her Siamese cat, Starbuck in his care while she returned to the mainland. The cat seems to claim Morgan and has a secret. Morgan and the cat, Starbuck aka Fane Llewellyn have a connection. Through magic, Fane returns to his human form. Both men are fated mates - they face angry family members, witches council and discover Fane's past life before he was turned into a cat.
Human Fane was funny in the first half of the book. I didn't care for the cat speak to be honest but it led credence to Fane's character and the way he was written. His possessiveness of Morgan was a nice touch. And he was supposed to look like jailbait in human form (don't worry about his age - he's legal), so when Fane got Alpha lover on Morgan, it made the scenes more interesting in my head as I read. An Alpha twink? Different. I do like the Civil War angle, anything to do with real historical events
always catches my interest. (It was tamer in description than the actual war)
I think Morgan helping Fane acclimate to present day was my favorite, even over the shifter and sex parts. I enjoyed the Llewellyn family reuniting especially the brothers, Falyn and Fane.
Morgan and Fane were a hot couple, sometimes their affection was laid on thick but the sentiment is nice. The story is good. If you like cat shifter stories that are low angst, sassy and dosed with insta-love (paranormal fated mates get a pass for me), you might want to check it out. I prefer Mercy Celeste's contemporary over her paranormal it seems. This was my second paranormal romance I've read from this author.
Great ideas can be found in her paranormal - a Siamese cat shifter who comes from a family of werewolves? Different. A witch who is ordinary from a family of extraordinary? Cool. The first half stronger than the second half for sure. Once the pair gets to Florida, the focus isn't as sharp as in the first half. More plot lines get introduced, some get lost in the wind.
A few items from the story that wasn't as strong or unclear:
Laurel - villain or not? She's Morgan's homophobic sister who hates magic, seems to be plotting with the evil witch and then she fell off to the wayside. And was forgotten.
Falyn's attraction to Morgan? I won't lie - I was hoping it'd turn into a threesome, a permanent one. Fane's brother started to desire Morgan, he went from homophobe to lusting after a man and not any man, his brother's man. And then it too went off into wayside.
Fane's youthful appearance was explained (mostly) but nothing was discussed as to why he received a new eye and hair color. And the biggest question of them all, how was he able to turn into a cat from his original shifter shape in the first place? The ending made it seem that he could choose any shape so what happened to his original one?
The last 15% - It got a little sloppy with trying to connect the dots with the plot twists. The effect wasn't a big moment which I usually get from this author. The villain had an agenda - what happened with the progeny? Some ideas were introduced and then kind of dropped. The epilogue didn't make much of an impact either - the ghost bit was a little late to the party. When the story focused on just Fane and Morgan without the family members, witches and drama, Shift in Time read great. It ends with a sappy HEA and no cliffhanger.
If the future pairing for the next story is who I think it is, I'm definitely down for reading #2.
It's going down!
After reading : As a Mercy Celeste fan, I can say this is one of the lightest stories I've read from her. Not saying it's bad or good. It was different. When I see a Mercy Celeste story, I know to expect hot, Southern men who love hard and scorching sexy times.
This book, set in Alabama and Florida, most definitely delivered that. Morgan Monstros is a normal in a family of witches. (Think Muggle to Wizards (hey HP fans)) He's in the closet and a virgin, running his family's bed & breakfast on an island in Alabama. His sister leaves her Siamese cat, Starbuck in his care while she returned to the mainland. The cat seems to claim Morgan and has a secret. Morgan and the cat, Starbuck aka Fane Llewellyn have a connection. Through magic, Fane returns to his human form. Both men are fated mates - they face angry family members, witches council and discover Fane's past life before he was turned into a cat.
Human Fane was funny in the first half of the book. I didn't care for the cat speak to be honest but it led credence to Fane's character and the way he was written. His possessiveness of Morgan was a nice touch. And he was supposed to look like jailbait in human form (don't worry about his age - he's legal), so when Fane got Alpha lover on Morgan, it made the scenes more interesting in my head as I read. An Alpha twink? Different. I do like the Civil War angle, anything to do with real historical events
always catches my interest. (It was tamer in description than the actual war)
I think Morgan helping Fane acclimate to present day was my favorite, even over the shifter and sex parts. I enjoyed the Llewellyn family reuniting especially the brothers, Falyn and Fane.
Morgan and Fane were a hot couple, sometimes their affection was laid on thick but the sentiment is nice. The story is good. If you like cat shifter stories that are low angst, sassy and dosed with insta-love (paranormal fated mates get a pass for me), you might want to check it out. I prefer Mercy Celeste's contemporary over her paranormal it seems. This was my second paranormal romance I've read from this author.
Great ideas can be found in her paranormal - a Siamese cat shifter who comes from a family of werewolves? Different. A witch who is ordinary from a family of extraordinary? Cool. The first half stronger than the second half for sure. Once the pair gets to Florida, the focus isn't as sharp as in the first half. More plot lines get introduced, some get lost in the wind.
A few items from the story that wasn't as strong or unclear:
Laurel - villain or not? She's Morgan's homophobic sister who hates magic, seems to be plotting with the evil witch and then she fell off to the wayside. And was forgotten.
Falyn's attraction to Morgan? I won't lie - I was hoping it'd turn into a threesome, a permanent one. Fane's brother started to desire Morgan, he went from homophobe to lusting after a man and not any man, his brother's man. And then it too went off into wayside.
Fane's youthful appearance was explained (mostly) but nothing was discussed as to why he received a new eye and hair color. And the biggest question of them all, how was he able to turn into a cat from his original shifter shape in the first place? The ending made it seem that he could choose any shape so what happened to his original one?
The last 15% - It got a little sloppy with trying to connect the dots with the plot twists. The effect wasn't a big moment which I usually get from this author. The villain had an agenda - what happened with the progeny? Some ideas were introduced and then kind of dropped. The epilogue didn't make much of an impact either - the ghost bit was a little late to the party. When the story focused on just Fane and Morgan without the family members, witches and drama, Shift in Time read great. It ends with a sappy HEA and no cliffhanger.
If the future pairing for the next story is who I think it is, I'm definitely down for reading #2.
August 27, 2020
*Happy sigh* This was perfect for me.
It exceeded my expectations for a paranormal story.
Mercy Celeste has a way with words and an unpredictability to her writing style. The mood and tone of this story shifted so unexpectedly. It was jarring but also elevated the story from 'awe, how cute' to 'beautiful tension'.
This story has a lot more depth than you'd assume after indulging in sweetness for the first 40 or so percent of the story.
The story of two man trapped one for his very nature and the other by a curse.
Fane Llewellyn cursed by witch in 1800's and turned into a siamese cat. Let's just say him turning back into human is as entertaining as you might assume it would be. Still stuck between cat and man. Re-learning human behavior.
"Bathing was going to become his most favorite pastime—after licking Morgan, feeding Morgan, petting Morgan, sleeping on Morgan, and teasing Morgan. Yes, showering would be another wonderful way to show his love for his mate.
Fane hissed as the bubbles stung his eyes and Morgan held him under the water. He would never shower again."
Cutest thing ever, seriously.
Morgan isn't living much of a life. Hiding out on an island, avoiding people and fearful of his nature. Ashamed of being the only witch in his family with no power. He's bound by an oath he made as a young boy, an oath if broken could lead to his death. So he's merely existing in the world, never truly living. That's until the cat he is cat-sitting for his sister turns into a man and upends his life. Changes his course. All because of a storm and true loves kiss Though Morgan might disagree on what exactly broke the curse.
There is a lot happening in this story, many things that are unexpected and woven into the storyline beautifully. I don't want to ruin it for any who want to dig into this so I won't say much more then it's truly very entertaining and exciting. I loved every second of this story and I'm sort of heartbroken to know there isn't much more. But that shouldn't deter, though this is an unfinished series, this book is a stand-alone and has a complete ending with a lovely HEA.
Highly recommend to those who enjoy a romantic paranormal story! Mercy Celeste is one of those authors that drives you to obsessively read all their work.
It exceeded my expectations for a paranormal story.
Mercy Celeste has a way with words and an unpredictability to her writing style. The mood and tone of this story shifted so unexpectedly. It was jarring but also elevated the story from 'awe, how cute' to 'beautiful tension'.
This story has a lot more depth than you'd assume after indulging in sweetness for the first 40 or so percent of the story.
The story of two man trapped one for his very nature and the other by a curse.
Fane Llewellyn cursed by witch in 1800's and turned into a siamese cat. Let's just say him turning back into human is as entertaining as you might assume it would be. Still stuck between cat and man. Re-learning human behavior.
"Bathing was going to become his most favorite pastime—after licking Morgan, feeding Morgan, petting Morgan, sleeping on Morgan, and teasing Morgan. Yes, showering would be another wonderful way to show his love for his mate.
Fane hissed as the bubbles stung his eyes and Morgan held him under the water. He would never shower again."
Cutest thing ever, seriously.
Morgan isn't living much of a life. Hiding out on an island, avoiding people and fearful of his nature. Ashamed of being the only witch in his family with no power. He's bound by an oath he made as a young boy, an oath if broken could lead to his death. So he's merely existing in the world, never truly living. That's until the cat he is cat-sitting for his sister turns into a man and upends his life. Changes his course. All because of a storm and true loves kiss Though Morgan might disagree on what exactly broke the curse.
There is a lot happening in this story, many things that are unexpected and woven into the storyline beautifully. I don't want to ruin it for any who want to dig into this so I won't say much more then it's truly very entertaining and exciting. I loved every second of this story and I'm sort of heartbroken to know there isn't much more. But that shouldn't deter, though this is an unfinished series, this book is a stand-alone and has a complete ending with a lovely HEA.
Highly recommend to those who enjoy a romantic paranormal story! Mercy Celeste is one of those authors that drives you to obsessively read all their work.
September 2, 2014
I cannot rate this book right now. I have no idea how I feel about what I just read. I'm going to have to think about it for a good long while. I don't think I have ever felt so conflicted about a book before.
I'll leave you with this:
This was shifter fluff.
By Mercy Celeste.
Shifter. Fluff.
by
Mercy. Celeste.
o.O
June 16, 2015
I have no idea how to rate this. I can't lie. I liked it, but there were quite a few times I thought the wheels were going to fall off the bus. I have niggles. . There are little things like that throughout the book. . So my rating is waffling between 3 and 4 stars. I'm going with four because I really did like it. I smiled quite a few times and read it straight through.
July 4, 2016
3.5 stars
First Read:09/2015
I need something to dirty me up. Review to come.
First Read:09/2015
I need something to dirty me up. Review to come.
April 14, 2015
“Morgan Monstros, chief normal in a family of extra-ordinaries”. That pretty much sums up Morgan, a witch with no powers who manages the family’s island estate and is so much stronger than he gives himself credit for. When his sister begs him to watch her Siamese cat, well, things are just dandy aren’t they.
I hated the way Morgan was forced to live, the “oath” he signed. So much weight on his shoulders, I just wanted something good for him. The babysitting of Jessa’s cat didn’t seem like it was going to be anything good. Morgan begins to get headaches and strange thoughts are happening. Fane? Who’s Fane? A little kiss to the top of his head and Fane’s all changed. Uh oh.
Fane is, well, something else. He is simple in a way, speaks oddly and he loves Morgan. There are so many things he doesn’t understand but he knows he wants to protect Morgan, care for him. He doesn’t remember a lot, especially in the beginning, but his care for Morgan is constant.
There is betrayal in both of their pasts and that’s something they need to deal with, besides having to try to remember all the missing pieces. They face challenges of all kinds. And when Fane turns out to have a twin, Falyn, things get more complicated. It’s heartbreaking, as well How do you trust a witch when a witch cursed you and killed your mate? Poor Fane.
Werewolves and witches collide in this story and it’s a fun ride. I liked the glimpses of Fane in the past and his progress in the present. There is some evil going on and I worried for a while they wouldn’t make it through.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I was nervous it would be too dark for me, but it kept a balance very well. The characters, especially Falyn, evoke emotion because they are deeper than they appear at first glance. Falyn, an Alpha and so strong, yet vulnerable too. I enjoyed this foray into the paranormal world and recommend this story.
I hated the way Morgan was forced to live, the “oath” he signed. So much weight on his shoulders, I just wanted something good for him. The babysitting of Jessa’s cat didn’t seem like it was going to be anything good. Morgan begins to get headaches and strange thoughts are happening. Fane? Who’s Fane? A little kiss to the top of his head and Fane’s all changed. Uh oh.
Fane is, well, something else. He is simple in a way, speaks oddly and he loves Morgan. There are so many things he doesn’t understand but he knows he wants to protect Morgan, care for him. He doesn’t remember a lot, especially in the beginning, but his care for Morgan is constant.
There is betrayal in both of their pasts and that’s something they need to deal with, besides having to try to remember all the missing pieces. They face challenges of all kinds. And when Fane turns out to have a twin, Falyn, things get more complicated. It’s heartbreaking, as well How do you trust a witch when a witch cursed you and killed your mate? Poor Fane.
Werewolves and witches collide in this story and it’s a fun ride. I liked the glimpses of Fane in the past and his progress in the present. There is some evil going on and I worried for a while they wouldn’t make it through.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I was nervous it would be too dark for me, but it kept a balance very well. The characters, especially Falyn, evoke emotion because they are deeper than they appear at first glance. Falyn, an Alpha and so strong, yet vulnerable too. I enjoyed this foray into the paranormal world and recommend this story.
November 28, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
I got to 62% but this keeps getting more and more ridiculous. Mainly I'm creeped out by childlike 'cat-speak' Fane and how Morgan misses that childish part of him.
I got to 62% but this keeps getting more and more ridiculous. Mainly I'm creeped out by childlike 'cat-speak' Fane and how Morgan misses that childish part of him.
August 1, 2014
3.5 I'm wavering, maybe three, maybe four, so we'll just halve it.
I liked the first half of the book a lot, the second half - after the Council of Elders (or whatever it was called) got involved - not quite as much. Too many other characters around, the setting changes from modern to might-as-well-have-time-traveled-to-the-1800's and it just...I don't know, jarred me, or something.
I liked the first half of the book a lot, the second half - after the Council of Elders (or whatever it was called) got involved - not quite as much. Too many other characters around, the setting changes from modern to might-as-well-have-time-traveled-to-the-1800's and it just...I don't know, jarred me, or something.
February 7, 2015
Original Blog Post: REVIEW REQUEST: Shift in Time (Out of Time #1) by Mercy Celeste + Author Giveaway
We would like to thank author Mercy Celeste for donating an ebook copy of Shift in Time (Out of Time #1) , to 1 lucky commentator who gets chosen. Make sure to leave a comment in the link to get a free ebook copy of Shift in Time.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
There is a whole lot of story going on in this book and it sets the foundation of what could be an astounding piece of fantasy/paranormal/shape-shifter series. This is the first book of the Out of Time series and in this one, there is a strange warp in time and dimension going on.
Fane Llewellyn was destined as the alpha of his wolf shifter clan being the first son of the first son of a first son. As the alpha power moves forward for each succeeding alpha, each becomes more powerful ~ or I think it does. In any case, Fane was destined as the most powerful of the alpha-to-be but just like that, he is torn from his people, torn from his time and dimension, and worse, torn from his life as a human. With him was his chosen mate and lover who dies to protect him. What happened, Fane has no memory of. He only knows he is a Siamese cat that has been around for quite some time, with the same family. Out of all those humans he lived with, only one boy he could tolerate and love the scent of. Out of all the humans, it is this boy he never could forget.
Morgan Monstros was gay and he knew his 'predilection' made him an outcast of sorts. To stay alive and within his witch family's embrace, he agreed to sign a contract of celibacy. A contract he knew he signed in blood so could never renege on. Question is: why can't he remember doing it and why did the council have to make him do this at such a young age? Curious.
On a night that spelt lightning and storm, this powerless and celibate witch touches the cat he baby sat for his sister. In one bolt of lightning, the life of Morgan and Fane shifts in both time and mind and all things they knew as truth suddenly turns out to be lies and full of deceit and betrayal. Why? They know not. The only thing they do know is they are the destined mated pair and they cannot live without the other. The other thing they know is they are now being sought by the council to try and maybe killed. The result? After hundreds of years of war and hate, witch and were family unite to save their family and a war that can end all wars is about to begin.
This was a truly awesome story but it was kind of strange reading high fantasy in the guise of an M/M shifter book that supposedly is only about destined mates and erotic scenes. I discovered after reading this is that there is more hidden than revealed and what I need to do is dig into the conversations, the dreams, the fantasy and the hints given in increments in this story. It is kind of frustrating and yet set my curious meter on the up and up.
This is not a formulaic shape shifter story, even if it sounds like one. This surprised and delighted me no end and yes, I finished in a flash. Although this was lengthy and has a whole lot of details that I may have missed some important stuff. All I need to do now is read this again for it does make for a great second or even third read.
Note: Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
We would like to thank author Mercy Celeste for donating an ebook copy of Shift in Time (Out of Time #1) , to 1 lucky commentator who gets chosen. Make sure to leave a comment in the link to get a free ebook copy of Shift in Time.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
There is a whole lot of story going on in this book and it sets the foundation of what could be an astounding piece of fantasy/paranormal/shape-shifter series. This is the first book of the Out of Time series and in this one, there is a strange warp in time and dimension going on.
Fane Llewellyn was destined as the alpha of his wolf shifter clan being the first son of the first son of a first son. As the alpha power moves forward for each succeeding alpha, each becomes more powerful ~ or I think it does. In any case, Fane was destined as the most powerful of the alpha-to-be but just like that, he is torn from his people, torn from his time and dimension, and worse, torn from his life as a human. With him was his chosen mate and lover who dies to protect him. What happened, Fane has no memory of. He only knows he is a Siamese cat that has been around for quite some time, with the same family. Out of all those humans he lived with, only one boy he could tolerate and love the scent of. Out of all the humans, it is this boy he never could forget.
Morgan Monstros was gay and he knew his 'predilection' made him an outcast of sorts. To stay alive and within his witch family's embrace, he agreed to sign a contract of celibacy. A contract he knew he signed in blood so could never renege on. Question is: why can't he remember doing it and why did the council have to make him do this at such a young age? Curious.
On a night that spelt lightning and storm, this powerless and celibate witch touches the cat he baby sat for his sister. In one bolt of lightning, the life of Morgan and Fane shifts in both time and mind and all things they knew as truth suddenly turns out to be lies and full of deceit and betrayal. Why? They know not. The only thing they do know is they are the destined mated pair and they cannot live without the other. The other thing they know is they are now being sought by the council to try and maybe killed. The result? After hundreds of years of war and hate, witch and were family unite to save their family and a war that can end all wars is about to begin.
This was a truly awesome story but it was kind of strange reading high fantasy in the guise of an M/M shifter book that supposedly is only about destined mates and erotic scenes. I discovered after reading this is that there is more hidden than revealed and what I need to do is dig into the conversations, the dreams, the fantasy and the hints given in increments in this story. It is kind of frustrating and yet set my curious meter on the up and up.
This is not a formulaic shape shifter story, even if it sounds like one. This surprised and delighted me no end and yes, I finished in a flash. Although this was lengthy and has a whole lot of details that I may have missed some important stuff. All I need to do now is read this again for it does make for a great second or even third read.
Note: Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2016
3.9 Stars.
This one was...interesting. Still, ever present, some southern setting - this one reminding me of summers at my cousins' house. I could smell the sea air, the salt, the fish; could hear the waves and seabirds. That I wouldn't mind going back to.
So, the story:
While I don't go gaga over shifters as a whole, or (honestly) non-wolf shifter books in general, I definitely don't go for stories with Magick and witches and...all that drama. I didn't mind initial use of that kind of power for the original curse, but half-way through the book, well...the rest of it just got so confusing and convoluted. I'm still not sure I understand how the final climax (ending, not sex) worked out. I read those chapters 3 times, too. Oh well.
The relationships and history and homgawd sex were well written, and the characters remarkably interesting. Having spent most of last summer traipsing all over the southern (and some northern) Civil War battlegrounds, I really appreciated the reference - no judgment, just a simple "this happened" with a nod toward those that really didn't know what they were forced into fighting for, or that it was morally wrong.
I could read the parts of how Fane would still act like a cat while in human form for the rest of my days and be a happy woman, though. Seriously. And I don't like cats. (Much) His cat-speak was much more adorable, quite reasonable at times and less annoying by far than the stupid LOLcats...and his all-round cattitude (hee!) was spot on for those damn things. Just proved my continued assertion that they are not our pets but us, theirs.
I think I'd like to read about . I wonder if that's on the table? Guess I'll have to keep my eyes open for when Mercy takes questions again so I can ask her.
And one final point:
Oh. Oh...my heart. It simply broke at the end because I knew, I absolutely knew that . *bawling*
This one was...interesting. Still, ever present, some southern setting - this one reminding me of summers at my cousins' house. I could smell the sea air, the salt, the fish; could hear the waves and seabirds. That I wouldn't mind going back to.
So, the story:
While I don't go gaga over shifters as a whole, or (honestly) non-wolf shifter books in general, I definitely don't go for stories with Magick and witches and...all that drama. I didn't mind initial use of that kind of power for the original curse, but half-way through the book, well...the rest of it just got so confusing and convoluted. I'm still not sure I understand how the final climax (ending, not sex) worked out. I read those chapters 3 times, too. Oh well.
The relationships and history and homgawd sex were well written, and the characters remarkably interesting. Having spent most of last summer traipsing all over the southern (and some northern) Civil War battlegrounds, I really appreciated the reference - no judgment, just a simple "this happened" with a nod toward those that really didn't know what they were forced into fighting for, or that it was morally wrong.
I could read the parts of how Fane would still act like a cat while in human form for the rest of my days and be a happy woman, though. Seriously. And I don't like cats. (Much) His cat-speak was much more adorable, quite reasonable at times and less annoying by far than the stupid LOLcats...and his all-round cattitude (hee!) was spot on for those damn things. Just proved my continued assertion that they are not our pets but us, theirs.
I think I'd like to read about . I wonder if that's on the table? Guess I'll have to keep my eyes open for when Mercy takes questions again so I can ask her.
And one final point:
Oh. Oh...my heart. It simply broke at the end because I knew, I absolutely knew that . *bawling*
October 3, 2015
I don't like how they keep talking about the civil war and them all being Southerners without the topic of slavering coming up.
It's very funny in parts and tragic in others, but overall a feeling of melancholia. I think thats why I haven't been eager to return to it. I enjoyed the first half but when I was do e I wasn't drawn back. I actually went two days without reading. I am more likely to go without air or something that long.
Lots of short sentences even when he's not being a cat, although I appreciate her trying to make the cat sound different.
All they do is eat sleep fuck and angst (which I've made a verb for simplicity's sake. You know what I mean by it, don't you.) At least the sex isn't ordinary.
I really really don't like this thing about having found his mate but his brother is the other half of his soul.
It feels so weird going from him with all this power back to reality. I also wanted him to tell Morgan that while he loved Jace and mourns for him, he never felt for him what he does for Morgan. This big thing hanging there is that if Jace hadn't died, and everything else still played out the same way, would Fane have gone back to Jace?
I'm left unsettled. I am interested in what happens with Falyn though.
3.5 stars
It's very funny in parts and tragic in others, but overall a feeling of melancholia. I think thats why I haven't been eager to return to it. I enjoyed the first half but when I was do e I wasn't drawn back. I actually went two days without reading. I am more likely to go without air or something that long.
Lots of short sentences even when he's not being a cat, although I appreciate her trying to make the cat sound different.
All they do is eat sleep fuck and angst (which I've made a verb for simplicity's sake. You know what I mean by it, don't you.) At least the sex isn't ordinary.
I really really don't like this thing about having found his mate but his brother is the other half of his soul.
It feels so weird going from him with all this power back to reality. I also wanted him to tell Morgan that while he loved Jace and mourns for him, he never felt for him what he does for Morgan. This big thing hanging there is that if Jace hadn't died, and everything else still played out the same way, would Fane have gone back to Jace?
I'm left unsettled. I am interested in what happens with Falyn though.
3.5 stars
June 16, 2015
Not quite sure what I think. Was my first shifter m/m. Interesting storey just difficult for me to keep track of who shifted, who made whom shift, what did they shift to, the cat is back why? May try again and see if it is easier to keep track. Fun premise though, true loves kiss breaks the spell, causes witch to get tangled up with more than he bargained for.
July 24, 2014
Love
This was a very good story. I loved Fane, he was so funny and sweet. It is a shifter and magic story, lots of fantasy. I really hope there is a sequel with Falyn's story. Great job Mercy, as usual.
This was a very good story. I loved Fane, he was so funny and sweet. It is a shifter and magic story, lots of fantasy. I really hope there is a sequel with Falyn's story. Great job Mercy, as usual.
Read
October 30, 2014This is the second time I've tried to read this story. I give up...
March 10, 2015
B+
What a crazy ride! This book has a little of almost everything. I was pulled into a world of magic and shifters, mate bonds and blood oaths, true love and pure, selfish evil.
Beyond anything else, and there is so much else, this is a story about love. Love of family, love of clan, love of mates, love of brothers, love of parents, and tragically - love of power. And while that search for power led to suffering and even death for many people, it also created the situation that allowed two men who'd suffered much to find each other and fall in love. And they changed their world.
Morgan is such a compelling mix of contradictions. As the story unfolds the past and present merge as secrets and conspiracies are revealed, we see so many new sides to a man who many believed to be rather boring and very ordinary.
Morgan is very alone. A "normal" in a family of powerful witches. He lives on their island home and tends to the family's estate while the rest of the family are out in the world. Morgan’s younger sister leaves her annoying cat with him when she returns to college and the adventures begin.
Fane is such a mystery, most often to himself. He's lived and lost so many years and parts of himself. He was robbed of his very being, but he always survives and thrives. Nothing can hold him down for long and he always has fun. I loved that about him, that boundless energy and enthusiasm. He suffered horribly and yet he was the first to make others smile. He loves so very deeply. Fane shines.
There is no doubt that these men love each other and were meant to be together. While there are moments where things seem dire and there doesn't seem to be a way out, they never question their love for each other.
The relationship between the brothers was complicated. Twins are separate from the rest of the world, connected in ways that the rest of us can't really understand or feel. Add in magic and shifters and things really get different. Fane and Falyn were two halves of the same soul, which added some complications to the mate bond. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens when Falyn finds his blackberry cobbler. Chaos will ensue most definitely.
The way the families rallied around the men was wonderful. There was no question for the parents that these were their children and they would be protected and loved and woe unto any who would harm them. The sisters coming in and helping and the clan opening their arms and accepting these strangers into their lives. It was great watching loving families working through the issues and adapting.
The cover with the Dan Skinner photograph is sweet and sexy.
A charming and sexy read that had me laughing and smiling throughout. There were some sad moments and some times where I was disgusted and angry at some of the characters. Overall I had a lot of fun with these people and their crazy lives. I can't wait to see what will happen next.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
What a crazy ride! This book has a little of almost everything. I was pulled into a world of magic and shifters, mate bonds and blood oaths, true love and pure, selfish evil.
Beyond anything else, and there is so much else, this is a story about love. Love of family, love of clan, love of mates, love of brothers, love of parents, and tragically - love of power. And while that search for power led to suffering and even death for many people, it also created the situation that allowed two men who'd suffered much to find each other and fall in love. And they changed their world.
Morgan is such a compelling mix of contradictions. As the story unfolds the past and present merge as secrets and conspiracies are revealed, we see so many new sides to a man who many believed to be rather boring and very ordinary.
Morgan is very alone. A "normal" in a family of powerful witches. He lives on their island home and tends to the family's estate while the rest of the family are out in the world. Morgan’s younger sister leaves her annoying cat with him when she returns to college and the adventures begin.
Fane is such a mystery, most often to himself. He's lived and lost so many years and parts of himself. He was robbed of his very being, but he always survives and thrives. Nothing can hold him down for long and he always has fun. I loved that about him, that boundless energy and enthusiasm. He suffered horribly and yet he was the first to make others smile. He loves so very deeply. Fane shines.
There is no doubt that these men love each other and were meant to be together. While there are moments where things seem dire and there doesn't seem to be a way out, they never question their love for each other.
The relationship between the brothers was complicated. Twins are separate from the rest of the world, connected in ways that the rest of us can't really understand or feel. Add in magic and shifters and things really get different. Fane and Falyn were two halves of the same soul, which added some complications to the mate bond. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens when Falyn finds his blackberry cobbler. Chaos will ensue most definitely.
The way the families rallied around the men was wonderful. There was no question for the parents that these were their children and they would be protected and loved and woe unto any who would harm them. The sisters coming in and helping and the clan opening their arms and accepting these strangers into their lives. It was great watching loving families working through the issues and adapting.
The cover with the Dan Skinner photograph is sweet and sexy.
A charming and sexy read that had me laughing and smiling throughout. There were some sad moments and some times where I was disgusted and angry at some of the characters. Overall I had a lot of fun with these people and their crazy lives. I can't wait to see what will happen next.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
August 5, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.75 Stars
Mercy Celeste is an auto buy for me and if I can help it an auto review for Prism.
I’m almost certain this is the first time I have a paranormal/fantasy/shifter book by this author so I opened it with trepidation hoping I would enjoy it as much as all her previous books. When authors move away from their usual style and subjects sometimes the stories just get lost and it doesn’t work....this is definitely not the case here.
This book is packed with fantasy! A ‘normal’ who is the very definition of ‘not normal at all’! A Siamese cat that has certainly had more than nine lives. Good witches, bad witches and one very evil witch who has lost the plot. A powerful pack of wolves that at best seem to smell like wet dog all the time and two panthers who didn’t start out that way but who are now very catty!
Morgan was born into a strong witch family but has grown up without any powers and no one knows why. He lives his life as a normal - a human - and spends most of his time looking after his family home on a remote Island. He has signed an oath, in blood, of which even his parents are unaware. There has been great deception in his family and the thing that might just break that silence and cause merry chaos is Fane.
Fane is beautiful. His arrival is very unexpected and initially Morgan thinks he is either hallucinating or dreaming, things like that aren’t really possible. Fane is missing his memories but knows that he has been dealt a great wrong by and evil tyrannical witch. His initial few days on the Island are hilarious, especially when he discovers the toilet.
These two men are brought together in the most unusual circumstances that will lead to the direst consequences. Both betrayed, both desperately needing to remember parts of their pasts and both their pasts seemingly intertwined to the same person.
A fight is on to save their lives as witches and werewolves gather and they will have to learn to trust each other very quickly if their plans are to succeed.
4.75 Stars
Mercy Celeste is an auto buy for me and if I can help it an auto review for Prism.
I’m almost certain this is the first time I have a paranormal/fantasy/shifter book by this author so I opened it with trepidation hoping I would enjoy it as much as all her previous books. When authors move away from their usual style and subjects sometimes the stories just get lost and it doesn’t work....this is definitely not the case here.
This book is packed with fantasy! A ‘normal’ who is the very definition of ‘not normal at all’! A Siamese cat that has certainly had more than nine lives. Good witches, bad witches and one very evil witch who has lost the plot. A powerful pack of wolves that at best seem to smell like wet dog all the time and two panthers who didn’t start out that way but who are now very catty!
Morgan was born into a strong witch family but has grown up without any powers and no one knows why. He lives his life as a normal - a human - and spends most of his time looking after his family home on a remote Island. He has signed an oath, in blood, of which even his parents are unaware. There has been great deception in his family and the thing that might just break that silence and cause merry chaos is Fane.
Fane is beautiful. His arrival is very unexpected and initially Morgan thinks he is either hallucinating or dreaming, things like that aren’t really possible. Fane is missing his memories but knows that he has been dealt a great wrong by and evil tyrannical witch. His initial few days on the Island are hilarious, especially when he discovers the toilet.
These two men are brought together in the most unusual circumstances that will lead to the direst consequences. Both betrayed, both desperately needing to remember parts of their pasts and both their pasts seemingly intertwined to the same person.
A fight is on to save their lives as witches and werewolves gather and they will have to learn to trust each other very quickly if their plans are to succeed.
August 12, 2014
The Blogger Girls
This book made me chuckle. I didn’t even realize I knew how to chuckle, but yeah, I chuckled.
So totally different than any Mercy Celeste book I’ve ever read before. So totally different than any shifter/magic book I’ve read before. And so the verdict is …I really liked it.
The storyline was all over the place, but well organized, and it kept such a great pace that I was left on my toes waiting to see what craziness would happen next. Morgan is a really likable but “normal” witch…or is he? Fane is a Siamese cat…or is he? Nothing is as it seems and even when layers are unwrapped all still isn’t revealed.
I loved Fane in human form…or is he really human, or a cat …what the heck is he? That little plot twist was totally unexpected but really worked for me. I loved him when he was missing his tail, and talking “cat”. It was silly, but funny, and again I’m chuckling while writing this review.
Morgan has a whole story of his own, and the fact that Fane and Morgan have a history that neither knew about was well written. Morgan’s family also plays a integral part of the drama, and his relationships with them seemed so normal. No, not all siblings get along, and yes, sometimes one (or more) can be a pain in the ass. Fane’s family…especially Falyn, were amazing but they provided whiplash. I know Falyn was thrown off by Fanes return but damn boy, you hurt my neck.
The playful romance between Morgan and Fane is way different than I normally like to read, and witches or magic aren’t my go-to story, but this one just worked for me. Maybe it was all the chuckling?
I can’t wait for the next book…I am glad to hear that it’s going to be Falyn’s story, because that means we will be getting more Fane, as well.
This book made me chuckle. I didn’t even realize I knew how to chuckle, but yeah, I chuckled.
So totally different than any Mercy Celeste book I’ve ever read before. So totally different than any shifter/magic book I’ve read before. And so the verdict is …I really liked it.
The storyline was all over the place, but well organized, and it kept such a great pace that I was left on my toes waiting to see what craziness would happen next. Morgan is a really likable but “normal” witch…or is he? Fane is a Siamese cat…or is he? Nothing is as it seems and even when layers are unwrapped all still isn’t revealed.
I loved Fane in human form…or is he really human, or a cat …what the heck is he? That little plot twist was totally unexpected but really worked for me. I loved him when he was missing his tail, and talking “cat”. It was silly, but funny, and again I’m chuckling while writing this review.
Morgan has a whole story of his own, and the fact that Fane and Morgan have a history that neither knew about was well written. Morgan’s family also plays a integral part of the drama, and his relationships with them seemed so normal. No, not all siblings get along, and yes, sometimes one (or more) can be a pain in the ass. Fane’s family…especially Falyn, were amazing but they provided whiplash. I know Falyn was thrown off by Fanes return but damn boy, you hurt my neck.
The playful romance between Morgan and Fane is way different than I normally like to read, and witches or magic aren’t my go-to story, but this one just worked for me. Maybe it was all the chuckling?
I can’t wait for the next book…I am glad to hear that it’s going to be Falyn’s story, because that means we will be getting more Fane, as well.
August 21, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
I’m going to tell y’all a secret. I’ve known about this book for a long time and I may or may not have asked the author one or two or twelve times how it was coming along. I admit nothing on that point. *wink* But in all seriousness, I’ve been waiting for this book for years—yes, years. And now I have it and it’s everything I hope it to be and so much more. Shift in Time is the perfect example of why I adore this author so very much. She can write anything she puts her mind to, and write it well. She’s written angsty soul crushers, controversial scene stealers, and sweet heart melters. This is a story of unexpected love and finding one’s self on that journey.
The greatest point of this book is the uniqueness of the world and of the story. This author took a genre that is done, done, and done again and made it very much her own. There’s a combination of witchery and paranormal that is refreshing. In a modern setting, these characters and their rules and customs take on an old world, well-lived feel. It’s not often that authors take us readers back to the time of the Civil War and as a girl born and bred in the south, I loved the inclusion of that part of this nation’s history and how it shaped Fane. Then there’s the actual rules of the witch and shifter worlds and what happens when they crossover. It’s unique and creative. I love it.
Read Crissy's review in it's entirety here.
5 stars
I’m going to tell y’all a secret. I’ve known about this book for a long time and I may or may not have asked the author one or two or twelve times how it was coming along. I admit nothing on that point. *wink* But in all seriousness, I’ve been waiting for this book for years—yes, years. And now I have it and it’s everything I hope it to be and so much more. Shift in Time is the perfect example of why I adore this author so very much. She can write anything she puts her mind to, and write it well. She’s written angsty soul crushers, controversial scene stealers, and sweet heart melters. This is a story of unexpected love and finding one’s self on that journey.
The greatest point of this book is the uniqueness of the world and of the story. This author took a genre that is done, done, and done again and made it very much her own. There’s a combination of witchery and paranormal that is refreshing. In a modern setting, these characters and their rules and customs take on an old world, well-lived feel. It’s not often that authors take us readers back to the time of the Civil War and as a girl born and bred in the south, I loved the inclusion of that part of this nation’s history and how it shaped Fane. Then there’s the actual rules of the witch and shifter worlds and what happens when they crossover. It’s unique and creative. I love it.
Read Crissy's review in it's entirety here.
August 26, 2016
This book was funny, sad and just a brilliant read. This book had a story that I haven't read before and is about fane who gets banished from his wolf pack when he announces his attention to mate with jace. They leave together and join the civil war were unfortunately jace dies and fane is turned into a domestic house cat namely a Siamese with the name Starbucks. This is where he realises that his true mate is Morgan who's a witch. Through nefarious intentions from certain witches its a rollercoaster ride for them to find some notion of happily ever after. I enjoyed this book as it had it all but also there was a touching moment at the end of the book for the past to be at peace. One of my favourite reads and looking forward to fane twin brother fanlyn book. A must read.
http://wfiles.brothersoft.com/l/lovel...
http://wfiles.brothersoft.com/l/lovel...
August 22, 2014
Tough to rate..
I love Mercy Celeste ! She is an awesome writer who knows how to get you to love the forbidden. As always the sex is hot and in the beginning of the book I expected to give an automatic five star. What happened was with all books where magic is involved, it gets confusing. Who did what? When did this happen? Was this real or a dream? I do love the shifter stories but you can't really appreciate the magic the way you would in a movie. The characters are great and I loved them all and would like this series to continue cause I know that Mercy can make us see the magic more clearly.
I love Mercy Celeste ! She is an awesome writer who knows how to get you to love the forbidden. As always the sex is hot and in the beginning of the book I expected to give an automatic five star. What happened was with all books where magic is involved, it gets confusing. Who did what? When did this happen? Was this real or a dream? I do love the shifter stories but you can't really appreciate the magic the way you would in a movie. The characters are great and I loved them all and would like this series to continue cause I know that Mercy can make us see the magic more clearly.
Read
January 30, 2015I've actually read this book a while back up to 1/4 of the way and then stopped. So I placed it in my DNF pile for now because of a problem. One day I just stopped reading it for a bit then I couldn't get back into it no matter how much I tried. All I remember is some history about Gan and what happened to him and who Morgan may be. I guess it was boring to me because I didn't feel the need to actually pick it back up. Maybe it's just me and how I was feelin that day but I dont remember why =| Will try to start reading it again, but wont be anytime soon, but one day for sure. Will rate it then.
January 4, 2015
This is my 8th Mercy Celeste novel and the weakest I've read. I had to set it aside in Chapter 4, 17% through, because I could not get past several early developments, such as the immediate intimacy between the MCs, when one is still not fully coherent (or whatever) upon returning to his human state. While the mannerisms for someone who shifted from feline form may have been accurate, I actually found it an off-putting aspect of Fane's character. I wonder if this would have been better if written from the alternating perspectives of these two men.
June 5, 2015
It was interesting, different from amy thing else I've read from this author. This was one of those reads that at the end of it, you didn't know how you felt about it. However, it kept your attention.
I'm wondering what happens next in this series. I'll be waiting.
I'm wondering what happens next in this series. I'll be waiting.
December 22, 2015
1.75 stars rounded up, dammit!
The story bumbles along fairly nicely until the last bit, when suddenly there is bad editing, new characters, run on sentences, confusion as to who the hell is talking!, and a wtf ending. Disappointing.
The story bumbles along fairly nicely until the last bit, when suddenly there is bad editing, new characters, run on sentences, confusion as to who the hell is talking!, and a wtf ending. Disappointing.
August 5, 2014
Good fun read. I look forward to the next story.
May 20, 2017
So well done!
I read a post by the author saying that she didn't understand why this, her only paranormal book , didn't sell very well. I remembered that I had read and loved the boo, so I decided to read it again so I could respond to her post.
Do yourself a favor by and read this book the world building is fantastic, the characters are complex and the story keeps you enthralled until the very end! Dear author, yes please do write that sequel. I'll be waiting for it.
I read a post by the author saying that she didn't understand why this, her only paranormal book , didn't sell very well. I remembered that I had read and loved the boo, so I decided to read it again so I could respond to her post.
Do yourself a favor by and read this book the world building is fantastic, the characters are complex and the story keeps you enthralled until the very end! Dear author, yes please do write that sequel. I'll be waiting for it.
August 26, 2017
3.5 stars
So not what I expected from this author. It was a fluffy paranormal/fantasy read. Yeah I like Morgan and Fane but something was just missing from their characters and the family members were just kinda off for lack of a better word.
So not what I expected from this author. It was a fluffy paranormal/fantasy read. Yeah I like Morgan and Fane but something was just missing from their characters and the family members were just kinda off for lack of a better word.
April 8, 2018
Fantastic!
I would have to say that this has been one of my favorite reads of the year so far! It has everything I look for in a great book...laughter, tears, edge of your seat action...I LOVED this one!!!
I would have to say that this has been one of my favorite reads of the year so far! It has everything I look for in a great book...laughter, tears, edge of your seat action...I LOVED this one!!!
July 19, 2019
Better than expected...
I really liked Fane. Not so sure about Morgan....
I really liked Fane. Not so sure about Morgan....
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