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Leader Murders #1
A Tooth For a Fang
Three days. Three dead bodies. One newly turned, broken-hearted lycan tracker to figure out the connection.
The one summer Rick Barton takes a vacation, all hell breaks loose. Running from an abusive relationship leads him into the arms of hard-nosed lycan Travis Chandler, who gives him little choice but to become a lycan too and join the Paranormal Bureau of Investigation. Out of options, Rick joins the weird organization, expecting some two weeks of training and an adjustment period. Tough luck, he doesn’t get either. On his first day, his new partner offers to promote him to field agent if they get mated – less time wasted on training, more time on the field, and considering Rick is the only tracker the Bureau has on hand when a wave of strange murders hits the community, time is of the essence.
Someone’s killing the leaders of the paranormal world and mutilating the bodies. Investigating and tracking clues is enough of a challenge, and Rick must contend with an impatient Council, Travis’s advances, and actually adjusting to being a lycan. Only one thing is certain: Rick’s new life promises plenty of interesting adventures—as long as he can survive.
The one summer Rick Barton takes a vacation, all hell breaks loose. Running from an abusive relationship leads him into the arms of hard-nosed lycan Travis Chandler, who gives him little choice but to become a lycan too and join the Paranormal Bureau of Investigation. Out of options, Rick joins the weird organization, expecting some two weeks of training and an adjustment period. Tough luck, he doesn’t get either. On his first day, his new partner offers to promote him to field agent if they get mated – less time wasted on training, more time on the field, and considering Rick is the only tracker the Bureau has on hand when a wave of strange murders hits the community, time is of the essence.
Someone’s killing the leaders of the paranormal world and mutilating the bodies. Investigating and tracking clues is enough of a challenge, and Rick must contend with an impatient Council, Travis’s advances, and actually adjusting to being a lycan. Only one thing is certain: Rick’s new life promises plenty of interesting adventures—as long as he can survive.
216 pages, ebook
First published September 3, 2014
15 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Liv Olteano
13 books74 followersVoracious reader, music lover, and coffee addict extraordinaire. And occasional geek. Okay, more than occasional.
Lover of diversity and quirky character, spamificating the world via https://twitter.com/LiviaOlteano and https://www.facebook.com/LiviaOlteano .
Be afraid, be very afraid. :D
Lover of diversity and quirky character, spamificating the world via https://twitter.com/LiviaOlteano and https://www.facebook.com/LiviaOlteano .
Be afraid, be very afraid. :D
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
September 15, 2014
Fine. I admit it. I read this book because of the title. And the cover. And because I've been reading Teen Wolf (Sterek) fanfiction lately and in my head the two main characters looked like Derek and Stiles. It's a sickness. But it worked out well for me as A Tooth for a Fang is an enjoyable read.
Take these dudes and add 15 or so years.
Rick has recently left his abusive boyfriend/boss and is taking a beach vacation before finding another job. Instead of getting a great tan, however, he gets bit by a lycan, Travis, who insists on calling him "Ricky boy." Ugh. However, Travis is hot, so, really, who cares? Rick soon finds himself working with Travis as an agent for PBI -- basically he's a paranormal homicide detective.
Why aren't they both saluting? <--Boner joke
He also soon finds himself mated to Travis (mates are chosen in this book). But it's a business decision, it means Rick doesn't have to go through training -- it has nothing to do with Travis being hot for Rick. Yeah, huh, it does.
You know you want it.
Soon Travis and Rick are investigating the murders of some powerful paranormals all while bickering, exchanging quips and wearing a lot of leather. Rosa approves. It was a little unbelievable that Rick adjusted to lycanthropism and going from a personal assistant to a cop in about 3.72 seconds, but I did like that it took him the length of the book to adjust to their mating. Rick has issues with Travis being his alpha (which happened automatically when Travis bit him), especially after just getting out of a controlling relationship. The author handled it well. At the end of the book Rick doesn't magically get over his fears, but he is prepared to trust in their relationship.
Okay, now for some general complaints. People keep "clacking" their lips. I have no idea what that means. They also "smack" their lips and never when they're eating or kissing. Yes, I'm nitpicking, but it was distracting. Also, what's the difference between werewolves and lycans? Are werewolves born and lycans made? Then why is there a werewolf that was bitten by her mate that apparently turns into a werewolf? That's the type of stuff I like to know, it makes for satisfying world-building. Also, though at first I liked the slow-burning sexual tension between Travis and Rick (there was one scene where I was gripping my Kindle and mentally yelling KISS, KISS), once we got past that I would've liked them to fuck more. Or make sweet, sweet love, whatever you want to call it. There was one scene with, uh, some deep dickin' but I would've loved one more scene. For instance at the end, which would've cemented their feelz.
Do eet!
Over all it was a light, enjoyable read and shifter and urban fantasy lovers should like it. The ending made me think there may be a sequel and I'd like to read it.
3.5 stars
P.S. For those who will wonder -- nope! No knotting.
**Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
December 20, 2020
3.5 Different but the Same Stars
What this offers is an alternate universe with subtly different rules regarding classic tropes. This employs a new take on werewolf mates where there’s definitely a connection and compatibility that’s needed, but the bond is not necessarily set in stone. There’s a series of bites that needs to be received and given, and things can technically be severed.
This starts off with Rick, who is just out of a very abusive toxic relationship, and when he spots a handsome guy on vacation, he can’t believe his luck when the guy returns his interest. What Rick doesn’t realize is that he's being targeted to be brought into a whole new world filled with paranormal creatures to basically serve at Travis’s side to help fight crime. The alternative to saying yes to this new life is quite bleak and thus, Rick has no choice but to accept being changed.
Superficially, this is a standard urban fantasy/murder mystery that kept my interest and had a good romantic progression that wasn’t all hormone fueled. However, it touched on a lot of questions and concerns that many of these romantic stories bypass. Rick isn’t without his baggage, and how he approaches this newly forced relationship rings true. He struggles against the overwhelming UST and attraction he has with Travis, and luckily those feelings are reciprocated wholeheartedly. These two come to a compromise and an agreement that works for both while still satisfying die hard romantics. For a more in-depth analysis check out Lilia’s review which is what made me buy the book in the first place.
Overall, this alternate world is compelling with its complex hierarchy regarding the supernatural beings that inhabit it, and I look forward to reading about the other characters introduced here in the next two books!
What this offers is an alternate universe with subtly different rules regarding classic tropes. This employs a new take on werewolf mates where there’s definitely a connection and compatibility that’s needed, but the bond is not necessarily set in stone. There’s a series of bites that needs to be received and given, and things can technically be severed.
This starts off with Rick, who is just out of a very abusive toxic relationship, and when he spots a handsome guy on vacation, he can’t believe his luck when the guy returns his interest. What Rick doesn’t realize is that he's being targeted to be brought into a whole new world filled with paranormal creatures to basically serve at Travis’s side to help fight crime. The alternative to saying yes to this new life is quite bleak and thus, Rick has no choice but to accept being changed.
Superficially, this is a standard urban fantasy/murder mystery that kept my interest and had a good romantic progression that wasn’t all hormone fueled. However, it touched on a lot of questions and concerns that many of these romantic stories bypass. Rick isn’t without his baggage, and how he approaches this newly forced relationship rings true. He struggles against the overwhelming UST and attraction he has with Travis, and luckily those feelings are reciprocated wholeheartedly. These two come to a compromise and an agreement that works for both while still satisfying die hard romantics. For a more in-depth analysis check out Lilia’s review which is what made me buy the book in the first place.
Overall, this alternate world is compelling with its complex hierarchy regarding the supernatural beings that inhabit it, and I look forward to reading about the other characters introduced here in the next two books!
September 25, 2014
4.5
Excellent. This surprised me a lot, which honestly is hard for the shifter genre. First off, it's very well-written, and despite containing several popular "werewolf" features--ie. mating--is definitely a fresh take on a genre plagued by highly derivative, lazy books. The set up is fairly reminiscent of Men In Black, featuring an agency devoted to policing supernatural creatures, and a new recruit matched with an old hand. But the "mating" aspect of the partnership was far more than just a catchy set-up, reverberating through the story on a number of different levels.
I was really impressed by the characterization here, especially the narrator, Rick. We learn early on that he has just managed to escape an abusive relationship that lasted for years. It's the kind of set-up that I generally find manipulative and/or generic, but for once I thought it got the treatment it deserved. Rick is not the usual "tragiboy" in need of rescue (most often by a Dom) that we so often see, but he does have profound trust issues and self-doubt that lurk behind his clever banter and scalding chemistry with Travis. He rises remarkably quickly to the challenges of his new job and his sudden immersion in the paranormal world, but he's haunted (quietly) by his doubts over why he didn't leave his ex-lover sooner, doubts over his masculinity that he didn't defend himself better, and whether he can be in a relationship with someone who has claimed such absolute power over him without his consent--as Travis has--even if that person seems decent. Moreover, his experience with abuse is not simply a hurdle he must get over on the way to a relationship; it also gives him vital insight and sympathy into what it means to be in someone else's power, and even becomes key to his success as an investigator.
As I suggested, I found these aspects all the more resonant for never being overplayed. There's a part of me (the psycho part) that usually wishes these stories pushed harder on the domination; I think what Olteano did was far deeper and richer, and luckily the relationship between Travis and Rick was genuinely hot while also being complex and conflicted. I very much hope this is the beginning of a new series. Olteano is a terrific writer and I can't wait to read more of her stuff.
Bottom line; very highly recommend.
Excellent. This surprised me a lot, which honestly is hard for the shifter genre. First off, it's very well-written, and despite containing several popular "werewolf" features--ie. mating--is definitely a fresh take on a genre plagued by highly derivative, lazy books. The set up is fairly reminiscent of Men In Black, featuring an agency devoted to policing supernatural creatures, and a new recruit matched with an old hand. But the "mating" aspect of the partnership was far more than just a catchy set-up, reverberating through the story on a number of different levels.
I was really impressed by the characterization here, especially the narrator, Rick. We learn early on that he has just managed to escape an abusive relationship that lasted for years. It's the kind of set-up that I generally find manipulative and/or generic, but for once I thought it got the treatment it deserved. Rick is not the usual "tragiboy" in need of rescue (most often by a Dom) that we so often see, but he does have profound trust issues and self-doubt that lurk behind his clever banter and scalding chemistry with Travis. He rises remarkably quickly to the challenges of his new job and his sudden immersion in the paranormal world, but he's haunted (quietly) by his doubts over why he didn't leave his ex-lover sooner, doubts over his masculinity that he didn't defend himself better, and whether he can be in a relationship with someone who has claimed such absolute power over him without his consent--as Travis has--even if that person seems decent. Moreover, his experience with abuse is not simply a hurdle he must get over on the way to a relationship; it also gives him vital insight and sympathy into what it means to be in someone else's power, and even becomes key to his success as an investigator.
As I suggested, I found these aspects all the more resonant for never being overplayed. There's a part of me (the psycho part) that usually wishes these stories pushed harder on the domination; I think what Olteano did was far deeper and richer, and luckily the relationship between Travis and Rick was genuinely hot while also being complex and conflicted. I very much hope this is the beginning of a new series. Olteano is a terrific writer and I can't wait to read more of her stuff.
Bottom line; very highly recommend.
December 11, 2014
I decided to go for this book for two reasons.
One
, it’s a shifter story. Yep, despite the fact that I usually have issues with how M/M handles shifter (and mating) stories, I am simply like a moth to a flame whenever I see a summary for a shifter book. Plus the summary of this book promises DEAD BODIES (yes, I am also a huge mystery fan, especially serial murders).
Second
, uhm, the reason might be silly, okay … but the two guys on the cover look like adult Stiles and Derek (from the TV series Teen Wolf). While I don’t watch that series at all, I see photos and I’ve read a few fan-fictions. So yeah, those reasons, haha!
Did I enjoy this book, by the way?
Yes, I did. I thought the strength of this book came from the first narrator, Rick Barton. Despite coming out of an abusive relationship, he didn’t felt like a victim to me. I mean, he wasn’t doused in self-pity and angst … even later on, he showed that he wasn’t unaffected by it. Plus with all the sudden changes in his life, being roped into the Paranormal Bureau of Investigation (PBI) with minimum training, and dealing with serial killers, Rick was still able to work through it. The banter between he and Travis felt good and enjoyable.
I was also quite intrigued with secondary characters, like the doctor Tail, and it was fun to have a real TROLL in an urban fantasy book (haha!). Travis came to me at first as an ass – but at the same time he was (borrowing a friend’s term) a touchy-feely kind of ass, and Travis actually amused me with his “I don’t give a sh*t about what people think of me” brash attitude.
The mystery itself was decent – and I would like to applaud the author for being able to present complex motivation that drove the villain. It wasn’t simply black and white; in fact, I was quite sympathetic with the villain. It was a refreshing take for a murder-mystery fan like myself.
I did have issues with a few things. The way Rick was brought into PBI, the way that Travis just bit him like so and then gave Rick only two options: “join me as lycan or live forever in discomfort due to the lycan virus” screamed non-consensual. Travis’ power with his ‘Alpha Voice’ that could simply made Rick do ANYTHING also prone to power-abuse. It made me feel uneasy. Then the whole issue about the motive behind the villain’s action – it wasn’t properly addressed. I can’t say anything more because it would become a spoiler, but let’s just say that I was disappointed with how THAT issue was handled.
However, despite my personal issues, I still thought this book was entertaining. Heck, I even tolerated Travis calling Rick pet names (including my hated word ‘baby’) because it was said in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way, to make Rick annoyed. Bottom line, it was fun to read. I checked the author’s website and this book was listed as the first in a series called “Leaders Murder”. I assume there will be more to this world coming from this author and I would gladly read the sequel.
Did I enjoy this book, by the way?
Yes, I did. I thought the strength of this book came from the first narrator, Rick Barton. Despite coming out of an abusive relationship, he didn’t felt like a victim to me. I mean, he wasn’t doused in self-pity and angst … even later on, he showed that he wasn’t unaffected by it. Plus with all the sudden changes in his life, being roped into the Paranormal Bureau of Investigation (PBI) with minimum training, and dealing with serial killers, Rick was still able to work through it. The banter between he and Travis felt good and enjoyable.
I was also quite intrigued with secondary characters, like the doctor Tail, and it was fun to have a real TROLL in an urban fantasy book (haha!). Travis came to me at first as an ass – but at the same time he was (borrowing a friend’s term) a touchy-feely kind of ass, and Travis actually amused me with his “I don’t give a sh*t about what people think of me” brash attitude.
The mystery itself was decent – and I would like to applaud the author for being able to present complex motivation that drove the villain. It wasn’t simply black and white; in fact, I was quite sympathetic with the villain. It was a refreshing take for a murder-mystery fan like myself.
I did have issues with a few things. The way Rick was brought into PBI, the way that Travis just bit him like so and then gave Rick only two options: “join me as lycan or live forever in discomfort due to the lycan virus” screamed non-consensual. Travis’ power with his ‘Alpha Voice’ that could simply made Rick do ANYTHING also prone to power-abuse. It made me feel uneasy. Then the whole issue about the motive behind the villain’s action – it wasn’t properly addressed. I can’t say anything more because it would become a spoiler, but let’s just say that I was disappointed with how THAT issue was handled.
However, despite my personal issues, I still thought this book was entertaining. Heck, I even tolerated Travis calling Rick pet names (including my hated word ‘baby’) because it was said in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way, to make Rick annoyed. Bottom line, it was fun to read. I checked the author’s website and this book was listed as the first in a series called “Leaders Murder”. I assume there will be more to this world coming from this author and I would gladly read the sequel.
September 5, 2014
3.5 stars I read almost exclusively M/M these days, although for a while I was on a huge Urban Fantasy kick. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw this and thought, "Oooooh! Gay Dresden Files!?!?" Well, not exactly. This dose have a UF feel to it, but with the strong focus on the relationship and mating, it is decidedly more Paranormal Romance. That's not a bad thing per se. It just is.
I don't have a ton of specific 'likes' to list off, I just enjoyed it. It's well written, the dialogue is natural, and I liked the interaction between the two MC's. There are good secondary characters across the board. The murder mystery plot was decent and intriguing, but they didn't focus wholly on that where we got bored with it.
Now for the easier part, criticisms. That sounds harsh, these are mostly little niggles that I noticed and feel the need to mention, for whatever reason. Now, I am not a cop. I have no cop friends or family members, but even I was a little bit insulted by the implication that just about anyone can up and be a detective. I know they didn't mean it like that, and they did clarify later on that they purposely did not ever turn actual cops because they tend to have split loyalties and feel conflicted about it. But really. He's an accountant or whatever one day, and a star detective the next. No problem.
Next was Rick and how he feels about his past. This seemed a little all over the place to me, changing depending on what best suited the particular scene or scenario. At first he seemed very casual and unaffected by it. Then it begins to be some huge issue in their relationship. It just seemed a little too... convenient, at times. For all his supposed trust issues, this whole mating bond with minimal choice really should have been more of a problem for him than it was. And although he was bitten, he never actually shifts! I feel a little cheated by this.
Lastly, the mystery gets somewhat resolved, and somewhat left open for the next book to continue on with the case. That's fine, I didn't feel cheated. But I think they should have had a better idea of the scenario behind the killings at least
But I'm so onto the next book. I want a confrontation with Mitch. I want to get his comeuppance, or at least address how shitty shit was. I want more Tail I want to learn more about Timmy and have him not be a dick, maybe a friend to Rick, meet his mate. I want to see change in the council and the paranormal community I think you get the idea, I want more! Next please. :)
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
I don't have a ton of specific 'likes' to list off, I just enjoyed it. It's well written, the dialogue is natural, and I liked the interaction between the two MC's. There are good secondary characters across the board. The murder mystery plot was decent and intriguing, but they didn't focus wholly on that where we got bored with it.
Now for the easier part, criticisms. That sounds harsh, these are mostly little niggles that I noticed and feel the need to mention, for whatever reason. Now, I am not a cop. I have no cop friends or family members, but even I was a little bit insulted by the implication that just about anyone can up and be a detective. I know they didn't mean it like that, and they did clarify later on that they purposely did not ever turn actual cops because they tend to have split loyalties and feel conflicted about it. But really. He's an accountant or whatever one day, and a star detective the next. No problem.
Next was Rick and how he feels about his past. This seemed a little all over the place to me, changing depending on what best suited the particular scene or scenario. At first he seemed very casual and unaffected by it. Then it begins to be some huge issue in their relationship. It just seemed a little too... convenient, at times. For all his supposed trust issues, this whole mating bond with minimal choice really should have been more of a problem for him than it was. And although he was bitten, he never actually shifts! I feel a little cheated by this.
Lastly, the mystery gets somewhat resolved, and somewhat left open for the next book to continue on with the case. That's fine, I didn't feel cheated. But I think they should have had a better idea of the scenario behind the killings at least
But I'm so onto the next book. I want a confrontation with Mitch. I want to get his comeuppance, or at least address how shitty shit was. I want more Tail I want to learn more about Timmy and have him not be a dick, maybe a friend to Rick, meet his mate. I want to see change in the council and the paranormal community I think you get the idea, I want more! Next please. :)
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
August 6, 2016
4 "Balls Deep" Stars
This was a fun book with mystery, sexy shifters, an out of control mate, and two MC who are brought together under unusual circumstances. Our MC are Rick Barton - human and Travis Chandler - Lycan. Travis finds himself in need of a mate and partner so what does he do, he makes one - as he forces the change from human to lycanthropy on to his new mate Rick. Rick isn't really sure what to make of this man who has taken him to a strange place, introduced him to strange people/animals and then basically told him that his life will never be the same he either takes the next bite to become a lycan or he goes crazy. With odds like that it is no wonder that Rick takes the next bite and transitions into a lycan, where he is identified as a unique Lycan with unique abilities - all of which help his new partner Travis.
The Chemistry between these two fluctuates throughout the book and Rick goes from wanting to murder Travis to wanting to hold him down and have his way with him. Rick isn't quite sure what to make of the other people he has been introduced to, some of them he likes immediately and others he is leary of - choosing to only interact with them if need be. As leaders of the paranormal community continue to be murdered in strange ways, Ricks new ability (even though he is a baby lycan) proves to be very helpful in tracking and identifying who could be behind the murders. Will it be enough though or will the forces work against Rick and Travis - and more leaders lose their lives?
Beyond dealing with murders and some very hormonal paranormal beings, Rick has to deal with taking care of and satisfying his new found mate. He wonders how his life changed so drastically and then he remembers, he was bitten. Now he has to wonder will he get the third bite and be released from Travis's hold on him and if so, does he want it or is he happy being mated to the cranky and slightly unstable Lycan? Check this book out for lots of fun, a great mystery, and some interesting characters that you are sure to fall in love with! 4 Stars -
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
This was a fun book with mystery, sexy shifters, an out of control mate, and two MC who are brought together under unusual circumstances. Our MC are Rick Barton - human and Travis Chandler - Lycan. Travis finds himself in need of a mate and partner so what does he do, he makes one - as he forces the change from human to lycanthropy on to his new mate Rick. Rick isn't really sure what to make of this man who has taken him to a strange place, introduced him to strange people/animals and then basically told him that his life will never be the same he either takes the next bite to become a lycan or he goes crazy. With odds like that it is no wonder that Rick takes the next bite and transitions into a lycan, where he is identified as a unique Lycan with unique abilities - all of which help his new partner Travis.
The Chemistry between these two fluctuates throughout the book and Rick goes from wanting to murder Travis to wanting to hold him down and have his way with him. Rick isn't quite sure what to make of the other people he has been introduced to, some of them he likes immediately and others he is leary of - choosing to only interact with them if need be. As leaders of the paranormal community continue to be murdered in strange ways, Ricks new ability (even though he is a baby lycan) proves to be very helpful in tracking and identifying who could be behind the murders. Will it be enough though or will the forces work against Rick and Travis - and more leaders lose their lives?
Beyond dealing with murders and some very hormonal paranormal beings, Rick has to deal with taking care of and satisfying his new found mate. He wonders how his life changed so drastically and then he remembers, he was bitten. Now he has to wonder will he get the third bite and be released from Travis's hold on him and if so, does he want it or is he happy being mated to the cranky and slightly unstable Lycan? Check this book out for lots of fun, a great mystery, and some interesting characters that you are sure to fall in love with! 4 Stars -
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
August 10, 2017
1.5 (1.0) Star(s)
Sheesh I had trouble with this one. First the positive: I read this through cover to cover so it had me turning the pages. Now for my gripes:
Sheesh I had trouble with this one. First the positive: I read this through cover to cover so it had me turning the pages. Now for my gripes:
- Poor world building. No unauthorized persons were supposed to know about being lycan (or other paranormals) but everyone knew about the Paranormal Bureau of Investigations (PBI)? The (human) police helped the PBI but didn't know about them? A number of inconsistencies hindered my ability to grasp exactly how this world worked.Bottom line: Not for me. (Not even a little bit.)
- A F*cktarded Paranormal World. This world was built upon alphas and submissives. Okay, cool right? I love PNR! Well, what’s not so cool is that alphas chose their submissives and bit them (without their consent). Then these bite victims were given a “choice” to receive a second bite (and become the same paranormal type of being as the alpha (lycan, werewolf, etc.)) and a submissive OR die a slow and painful death. Hmmm, not much of a choice at all IMO. After the second bite, the alpha can control the submissive using the ‘alpha voice.’ There are no rules or expectations placed on alphas and some submissives are abused. Uh-huh, yeah. The submissive can eventually be set free by being given a third bite but it is in the alpha’s sole discretion whether to give that third and final bite. Fun times! NOT!
-Herman and Amanda Weiss
-Travis Chandler and Rick Barton
The happy-go-lucky MCs I’m supposed to swoon over giddily embraced their unequal power dynamic and thought that since Travis didn’t “make” Rick do anything too bad, it was all good. Well, I didn't buy it. Rick just got out of an abusive relationship. As an abuse survivor, the power dynamic in this world would make my skin crawl. Rick’s acceptance of Travis and embrace of this paranormal world rang false and left me feeling incredulous.
September 5, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
4.5 stars
Rick Barton’s got nothing left to live for; no partner, no job and no home so he’s spending his summer on vacation. At least that is until a gorgeous sun god captures his attention and bites him. Now left with a choice, Rick can either live a life in pain or be turned into a lycan by Travis and work for a secret paranormal agency. Feeling there’s no other choice, Rick lets Travis bite him, thinking he’s prepared for his new life as a lycan. Unfortunately, Rick soon finds out that Travis didn’t exactly tell him everything and now he’s neck deep in an investigation trying to find a paranormal being mutilating others. But that’s not all, with Rick’s new transformation and being Travis’ partner, comes with more than just a super sniffer but a strong compulsion to mate Travis even though he may not be ready for it. Will these two be able to catch a killer and settle into their new found relationship or will everything end before it even begins?
Holy shitzle! This was one of the best books I’ve read in a few weeks! I’ll be honest and admit I didn’t really read the blurb before I started it. I knew it was paranormal and I knew it involved a secret paranormal agency (which I’m a sucker for) and I was sold on reading it. And boy am I glad I did! Once I started it, I was instantly drawn into the story and taken on a wild ride filled with humor and a good mystery. I loved Rick as a character who was a mix of confident, shy and snarky. With his tracker skills, I loved the way he was so curious about how things smelled but I also loved that he had a great sense of humor. There were a lot of times throughout the book that I cracked up over something either Rick or Travis said or even on just the way Rick would describe something he saw or how he compared things together.
As for Travis, he’s going to be a love him or hate him type of character. I, personally, LOVED him because he was so unlikable at times but sweet at others. He pissed a lot of people off because of his “I don’t give a shit” attitude but that’s what was so appealing about him. He held nothing back when it came to ANYTHING, except for Rick and pushing him into doing something he didn’t want to. Another reason I loved Travis was because of how gentle and caring he was towards Rick. As Rick’s alpha, he could have easily forced Rick to conform to Travis’ expectations but instead, he let Rick set the pace, he let Rick decide when things would stop or move forward. Travis might have been the alpha but Rick had all the control. Travis, though, was also insecure over certain stuff such as relationships and keeping his partners. If a partner wanted out, Travis would let them go even if it killed him. He’s sorta sad but I loved how possessive he was of Rick and I especially loved how intense the emotions were between them but also the chemistry they stirred up. They were SOO HOT together!
I ADORED this book but I did have a few issues. Mainly, the author had a habit of having characters ‘clack’ or ‘smack’ their lips and it grew a tad annoying and repetitive to read about. Personally, I couldn’t really understand why characters were doing that during certain conversations and the only reason I noticed is because the words weren’t exactly something used in other situations. Plus they were used in too close of a proximity to the other times and in the exact same short sentences “he/she smacked/clacked his/her lips.” Other than that, I really wish we could have actually known exactly who committed the murders, how and why they did instead of just the mastermind behind it. For example why would someone have killed the first victim especially since she was barely an adult?
Overall, this was still a fabulous novel in an intriguing new world. I was drawn right into the story and loved the characters, pacing and overall mystery of the plot. Not to mention Rick and Travis had such great chemistry that I loved seeing them banter and tease each other. I’m soooo glad this is the first in a series because I just CANNOT WAIT for the sequel!
4.5 stars
Rick Barton’s got nothing left to live for; no partner, no job and no home so he’s spending his summer on vacation. At least that is until a gorgeous sun god captures his attention and bites him. Now left with a choice, Rick can either live a life in pain or be turned into a lycan by Travis and work for a secret paranormal agency. Feeling there’s no other choice, Rick lets Travis bite him, thinking he’s prepared for his new life as a lycan. Unfortunately, Rick soon finds out that Travis didn’t exactly tell him everything and now he’s neck deep in an investigation trying to find a paranormal being mutilating others. But that’s not all, with Rick’s new transformation and being Travis’ partner, comes with more than just a super sniffer but a strong compulsion to mate Travis even though he may not be ready for it. Will these two be able to catch a killer and settle into their new found relationship or will everything end before it even begins?
Holy shitzle! This was one of the best books I’ve read in a few weeks! I’ll be honest and admit I didn’t really read the blurb before I started it. I knew it was paranormal and I knew it involved a secret paranormal agency (which I’m a sucker for) and I was sold on reading it. And boy am I glad I did! Once I started it, I was instantly drawn into the story and taken on a wild ride filled with humor and a good mystery. I loved Rick as a character who was a mix of confident, shy and snarky. With his tracker skills, I loved the way he was so curious about how things smelled but I also loved that he had a great sense of humor. There were a lot of times throughout the book that I cracked up over something either Rick or Travis said or even on just the way Rick would describe something he saw or how he compared things together.
As for Travis, he’s going to be a love him or hate him type of character. I, personally, LOVED him because he was so unlikable at times but sweet at others. He pissed a lot of people off because of his “I don’t give a shit” attitude but that’s what was so appealing about him. He held nothing back when it came to ANYTHING, except for Rick and pushing him into doing something he didn’t want to. Another reason I loved Travis was because of how gentle and caring he was towards Rick. As Rick’s alpha, he could have easily forced Rick to conform to Travis’ expectations but instead, he let Rick set the pace, he let Rick decide when things would stop or move forward. Travis might have been the alpha but Rick had all the control. Travis, though, was also insecure over certain stuff such as relationships and keeping his partners. If a partner wanted out, Travis would let them go even if it killed him. He’s sorta sad but I loved how possessive he was of Rick and I especially loved how intense the emotions were between them but also the chemistry they stirred up. They were SOO HOT together!
I ADORED this book but I did have a few issues. Mainly, the author had a habit of having characters ‘clack’ or ‘smack’ their lips and it grew a tad annoying and repetitive to read about. Personally, I couldn’t really understand why characters were doing that during certain conversations and the only reason I noticed is because the words weren’t exactly something used in other situations. Plus they were used in too close of a proximity to the other times and in the exact same short sentences “he/she smacked/clacked his/her lips.” Other than that, I really wish we could have actually known exactly who committed the murders, how and why they did instead of just the mastermind behind it. For example why would someone have killed the first victim especially since she was barely an adult?
Overall, this was still a fabulous novel in an intriguing new world. I was drawn right into the story and loved the characters, pacing and overall mystery of the plot. Not to mention Rick and Travis had such great chemistry that I loved seeing them banter and tease each other. I’m soooo glad this is the first in a series because I just CANNOT WAIT for the sequel!
June 6, 2015
A bit of a mixed bag with a bit of everything in the paranormal. Chandler kind of runs over Rick, turns him without his permission, more or less tricks him into mating and yet I found Rick had a good head on his shoulder and a fair bit of spunk and could put up with Chandler's rather frenetic life. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'd definitely pick up the next one.
January 31, 2016
More edgy then I thought it would be. It does go very fast - and sacrifices some character and plot development for it. There was a bit of whiplash at times with how fast things were going. The mystery was great - loved the different powers. Very invested in continuing the series!
May 15, 2015
Rick Barton has escaped an abusive relationship that has left him suffering from PTSD. Enjoying the beach and his vacation, he is drawn to a handsome man in the water. Suddenly, Rick isn't himself anymore, but a newly turned lycan. He has Travis Chandler to thank for his new existence, the mysterious man in the water. From here on out, it is down the rabbit hole for Rick and the reader, as he discovers the new world of the Paranormal Bureau of Investigation. There's no time to adjust as Rick is thrown into his new role with little training, and many unanswered questions.
I loved how this story just took off, and didn't put on the breaks till the end. It was a fun, sexy thrill ride. The side characters are great and the the mcs are exceptional. The author nailed Rick's PTSD. In all the fun there was a serious message about being a victim and a survivor. I found it sobering and entertaining.
I loved how this story just took off, and didn't put on the breaks till the end. It was a fun, sexy thrill ride. The side characters are great and the the mcs are exceptional. The author nailed Rick's PTSD. In all the fun there was a serious message about being a victim and a survivor. I found it sobering and entertaining.
May 24, 2015
I kept feeling like I shouldn't be enjoying this as much as I was. I suppose that's the definition of a guilty pleasure.
September 23, 2014
3 or 4 ✮ ? –––– I'm undecided. I sort of loved/hated it ;)
Not seriously hated, no, it was enjoyable! I just wished some things were different...
I loved Travis – he's a cocky bastard and so full of himself, but he's also endearingly sweet. Yep, I'd love to see him again.
Sadly I didn't warm up to Rick .. not fully, no *sniff* Sometimes there is just a certain type of character / voice I am unable to warm up to :(
Their banter was mostly fun, but just a tad over the top from time to time. I could have done with less joking, it seemed a bit forced, though I guess that's just how they are ;)
I did like them together, though, they were sexy, and Trav sweeter than you'd think.
I'm glad it didn't turn into a page-after-page, alpha-fuck-fest without any story.
I liked the mystery, actually, it was quite fun.. loved the couples therapy ;)
All in all, a lot here was a tad over the top, but mostly enjoyable. Personally, I don't mind the lack of "history", it worked well for me. BUT come to think of it, we don't really know a thing about Travis...!!!
When, why, how he was turned... etc.
He's got a sister, yes, and a few ex's. But that's about it =P
--------
I seriously hated Weiss's mate... such a bitch. Ugh.
Not seriously hated, no, it was enjoyable! I just wished some things were different...
I loved Travis – he's a cocky bastard and so full of himself, but he's also endearingly sweet. Yep, I'd love to see him again.
Sadly I didn't warm up to Rick .. not fully, no *sniff* Sometimes there is just a certain type of character / voice I am unable to warm up to :(
Their banter was mostly fun, but just a tad over the top from time to time. I could have done with less joking, it seemed a bit forced, though I guess that's just how they are ;)
I did like them together, though, they were sexy, and Trav sweeter than you'd think.
I'm glad it didn't turn into a page-after-page, alpha-fuck-fest without any story.
I liked the mystery, actually, it was quite fun.. loved the couples therapy ;)
All in all, a lot here was a tad over the top, but mostly enjoyable. Personally, I don't mind the lack of "history", it worked well for me. BUT come to think of it, we don't really know a thing about Travis...!!!
When, why, how he was turned... etc.
He's got a sister, yes, and a few ex's. But that's about it =P
--------
I seriously hated Weiss's mate... such a bitch. Ugh.
September 17, 2014
HAHAHA YES!
I totally loved it.
Sequel??? SEQUEL?!?!?!?!
Because I seriously need more. Like NOW. NOW NOW. RIGHT NOW. ♥
I totally loved it.
Sequel??? SEQUEL?!?!?!?!
Because I seriously need more. Like NOW. NOW NOW. RIGHT NOW. ♥
September 6, 2014
very good! recommend and would love more books with this couple/world.
did-not-finish
July 7, 2015DNF at 13%
The tone is abrupt and juvenile, and the dialogue is just bad.
The tone is abrupt and juvenile, and the dialogue is just bad.
June 7, 2016
Book – A Tooth For A Fang (Leader Murders #1)
Author – Liv Olteano
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 216
Cover – Moody and Gorgeous!
POV – 1st person, one character POV
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – LGBT, Paranormal, Crime, Romance
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
*Trigger warnings: the story deals with off-page domestic abuse of all forms, as well as mental abilities that could be, and are, compared to the control exercised during rape. It also deals with violent crimes and the sexual abuse of corpses (nothing on page)*
First off, you'll see from my rating above ^ that I really liked this book, so I'm going to start with the negatives and just get them out of the way.
Editing. Gah! The editing. Okay, so it wasn't awful and it wasn't brilliant. It was in that limbo state in between, where just one more edit or one more swipe past the beta readers would have it in tip top condition. What was the problem? Missing words. That is the issue in a nutshell. Persistently, there are sentences with missing words with really screwed with my reading as I tried to figure out the meaning. Sometimes it was clear and the missing word was just an annoyance. But sometimes it was vitally important and made the sentence read awkward or confusing. There was also an issue with grammar (proper placement of commans and semi-colons etc) but the missing words was the real rub.
Examples:
My first summer vacation after a couple years of slavery, aka the corporate world, freedom tasted damn good.
Let's tread the water before going for swimming, you know?
[...] to be one hell of ride.
Obviously, though these instances were really quite prolific, they didn't hamper the storytelling at all. Although I didn't like the use of the word “spazz” with is so ridiculously insulting, I do get that the irritation is personal and not something that all readers will agree with. There were also phrases or words that were used far too often – Balls deep. The smacking of lips. Heh. - All overdone.
Now, onto the positives. Yay.
Rick and Travis were great main characters. I could feel their chemistry and the dynamic they shared right from the start, when they first met. Though I do think Travis' claiming was a douche move, I love the way that Rick dealt with it.
Poor little Rick is a feisty guy, but so emotionally damaged and I like that he shies away from the more emotional side of his relationship with Travis, not wanting to get his fingers burned or his heart broken again. The things that Mitch put him through are devastating, but sadly realistic. As is the way the author deals with Rick's recovery of that domestic abuse. He constantly blames himself, considers it more his doing than Mitch's and tries to excuse the behaviour, even when out of the relationship. Just as many real life abuse victims often do. Being his first serious relationship, on top of that, and lasting for many years has made it hard for him to trust or love easily and he's become guarded. All of that stands as a block between him and Travis.
But, here's the part I like best. Travis never pushes. He's tall, big, gruff and surly, but he's a big teddy bear on the inside. It's so nice to see a big scary guy being used as the healer for Rick's pain, reassuring him that he won't be hurt again, that he has the love and support he needs, whenever he's ready to accept it.
I also really loved the way that Rick dealt with the supernatural element. I mean, the entire concept of the PBI and how it operates is genius. It's so professional, relatable and ordinary, with a dash of extraordinary, that it's something we readers can easily picture and adapt to. That added element however, allows Rick some freak out moments, which are the natural reaction of most people who encounter the supernatural.
It was great how werewolves and lycans were differentiated as two different species and how each species was shown in a very realistic way. The way the “alpha voice” was used to take complete control over a person was disconcerting and I loved that Rick's human nature tackled that view, but also that Travis never really wanted to use it against him, in important situations (like the S&M club). At the same time, the whole alpha voice stuff and the tracker ability Rick had really set these lycans apart from most other books in the genre.
Even the side characters – Amanda, Weiss, Naty, Lora, T – are actually really great to meet and discover. I loved them all. Each was something different, a little quirky and crazy in their own way, with their own problems. It will be nice to get to know some of them better in the future stories. I do have to say that I'm on the fence about Weiss, just as confused about his true nature as Rick is, while I share his sympathy for Amanda. If everything she says is true, with no extenuating circumstances (such as someone outside the mating controlling things) then I absolutely understand why she was pushed to the point of insanity and homicide. It's no wonder she's a little psycho.
Oh, and I really want to meet Garry along the way, to see what he is and how he's living his new supernatural life with the PBI. I also really want to let Rick and Mitch meet again, now that he's stronger, and finally confront his feelings of guilt and responsibility, to show Mitch that it was never Rick's fault.
~
Overall, a brilliant, surprising twist on the werewolf theme.
The crime wasn't predictable (though I'm usually quick to see the 'solution' coming) and the paranormal elements were handled in a very unique, intriguing way.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and explore where the Leader Murders take us.
~
Favourite Quotes
““Is this the part where you admit to being an alien and that you've infected me with your weird sperm that will make tiny aliens sprout out of my guts?””
“In the span of a couple of days, I'd gone from jobless single guy vacationing on the beach to lycan agent in training with a hot-as-hell boyfriend I couldn't wait to grope. Perhaps my friend Garry had been right and this place really could turn one's life around.”
“I'd never get over how intense he was when he wasn't playing around. I just knew I'd never get over it. Never get over him. Sometimes you just knew while looking into someone's eyes, like you knew while looking into the sky that it would rain. There'd be no clouds, no forecast announcing it, but something in the air, a frisky sort of scent on the wind and you'd just know. I just knew now, looking into his consuming gaze that no one else would manage to give me the butterflies and squeeze my heart like a vise just by looking at me. That nobody else would make the blood boil in my veins and my whole body sizzle. This was the Travis effect, and he wasn't even playing dirty with his weird-ass alpha voice magic trick yet.”
“I felt him smile, the stretch of his lips against mine one of the most beautiful things ever. It was as if our hearts touched where our lips did, this brief overwhelming moment when everything was beautiful, light, soft and sweet – as amazing as our lips touching. His scent filled my soul to the point of overflowing and my heart shuddered as if struggled to keep up with the rush of being here like this.”
Author – Liv Olteano
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 216
Cover – Moody and Gorgeous!
POV – 1st person, one character POV
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – LGBT, Paranormal, Crime, Romance
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
*Trigger warnings: the story deals with off-page domestic abuse of all forms, as well as mental abilities that could be, and are, compared to the control exercised during rape. It also deals with violent crimes and the sexual abuse of corpses (nothing on page)*
First off, you'll see from my rating above ^ that I really liked this book, so I'm going to start with the negatives and just get them out of the way.
Editing. Gah! The editing. Okay, so it wasn't awful and it wasn't brilliant. It was in that limbo state in between, where just one more edit or one more swipe past the beta readers would have it in tip top condition. What was the problem? Missing words. That is the issue in a nutshell. Persistently, there are sentences with missing words with really screwed with my reading as I tried to figure out the meaning. Sometimes it was clear and the missing word was just an annoyance. But sometimes it was vitally important and made the sentence read awkward or confusing. There was also an issue with grammar (proper placement of commans and semi-colons etc) but the missing words was the real rub.
Examples:
My first summer vacation after a couple years of slavery, aka the corporate world, freedom tasted damn good.
Let's tread the water before going for swimming, you know?
[...] to be one hell of ride.
Obviously, though these instances were really quite prolific, they didn't hamper the storytelling at all. Although I didn't like the use of the word “spazz” with is so ridiculously insulting, I do get that the irritation is personal and not something that all readers will agree with. There were also phrases or words that were used far too often – Balls deep. The smacking of lips. Heh. - All overdone.
Now, onto the positives. Yay.
Rick and Travis were great main characters. I could feel their chemistry and the dynamic they shared right from the start, when they first met. Though I do think Travis' claiming was a douche move, I love the way that Rick dealt with it.
Poor little Rick is a feisty guy, but so emotionally damaged and I like that he shies away from the more emotional side of his relationship with Travis, not wanting to get his fingers burned or his heart broken again. The things that Mitch put him through are devastating, but sadly realistic. As is the way the author deals with Rick's recovery of that domestic abuse. He constantly blames himself, considers it more his doing than Mitch's and tries to excuse the behaviour, even when out of the relationship. Just as many real life abuse victims often do. Being his first serious relationship, on top of that, and lasting for many years has made it hard for him to trust or love easily and he's become guarded. All of that stands as a block between him and Travis.
But, here's the part I like best. Travis never pushes. He's tall, big, gruff and surly, but he's a big teddy bear on the inside. It's so nice to see a big scary guy being used as the healer for Rick's pain, reassuring him that he won't be hurt again, that he has the love and support he needs, whenever he's ready to accept it.
I also really loved the way that Rick dealt with the supernatural element. I mean, the entire concept of the PBI and how it operates is genius. It's so professional, relatable and ordinary, with a dash of extraordinary, that it's something we readers can easily picture and adapt to. That added element however, allows Rick some freak out moments, which are the natural reaction of most people who encounter the supernatural.
It was great how werewolves and lycans were differentiated as two different species and how each species was shown in a very realistic way. The way the “alpha voice” was used to take complete control over a person was disconcerting and I loved that Rick's human nature tackled that view, but also that Travis never really wanted to use it against him, in important situations (like the S&M club). At the same time, the whole alpha voice stuff and the tracker ability Rick had really set these lycans apart from most other books in the genre.
Even the side characters – Amanda, Weiss, Naty, Lora, T – are actually really great to meet and discover. I loved them all. Each was something different, a little quirky and crazy in their own way, with their own problems. It will be nice to get to know some of them better in the future stories. I do have to say that I'm on the fence about Weiss, just as confused about his true nature as Rick is, while I share his sympathy for Amanda. If everything she says is true, with no extenuating circumstances (such as someone outside the mating controlling things) then I absolutely understand why she was pushed to the point of insanity and homicide. It's no wonder she's a little psycho.
Oh, and I really want to meet Garry along the way, to see what he is and how he's living his new supernatural life with the PBI. I also really want to let Rick and Mitch meet again, now that he's stronger, and finally confront his feelings of guilt and responsibility, to show Mitch that it was never Rick's fault.
~
Overall, a brilliant, surprising twist on the werewolf theme.
The crime wasn't predictable (though I'm usually quick to see the 'solution' coming) and the paranormal elements were handled in a very unique, intriguing way.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and explore where the Leader Murders take us.
~
Favourite Quotes
““Is this the part where you admit to being an alien and that you've infected me with your weird sperm that will make tiny aliens sprout out of my guts?””
“In the span of a couple of days, I'd gone from jobless single guy vacationing on the beach to lycan agent in training with a hot-as-hell boyfriend I couldn't wait to grope. Perhaps my friend Garry had been right and this place really could turn one's life around.”
“I'd never get over how intense he was when he wasn't playing around. I just knew I'd never get over it. Never get over him. Sometimes you just knew while looking into someone's eyes, like you knew while looking into the sky that it would rain. There'd be no clouds, no forecast announcing it, but something in the air, a frisky sort of scent on the wind and you'd just know. I just knew now, looking into his consuming gaze that no one else would manage to give me the butterflies and squeeze my heart like a vise just by looking at me. That nobody else would make the blood boil in my veins and my whole body sizzle. This was the Travis effect, and he wasn't even playing dirty with his weird-ass alpha voice magic trick yet.”
“I felt him smile, the stretch of his lips against mine one of the most beautiful things ever. It was as if our hearts touched where our lips did, this brief overwhelming moment when everything was beautiful, light, soft and sweet – as amazing as our lips touching. His scent filled my soul to the point of overflowing and my heart shuddered as if struggled to keep up with the rush of being here like this.”
not-for-me
May 28, 2018I tried reading it but the writing and how the characters are described is just not for me
May 24, 2016
Rick Barton macht Ferien. Und er überlegt, was er mit seiner neu gewonnenen Freiheit nun anstellen könnte. An eine Beziehung denkt er nicht; schliesslich hat er sich erst von seinem gewalttätigen Freund Mitch getrennt. Da trifft er am Strand auf diesen mysteriösen und gutaussehenden Fremden. Nach einem kurzen Flirt kommt man sich näher, doch es bleibt ein Intermezzo und danach wird Rick krank. So krank, dass er im Krankenhaus landet und da wartet auch schon der Fremde auf ihn.
Travis Chandler ist Ricks Flirt vom Strand und auch der Grund, dass Rick sich im Krankenhaus befindet. Denn Travis ist ein Wandler, der Rick gebissen und einen Wandlungsprozess in Gang gesetzt hat. Travis ist aber noch mehr. Er ist auch Detective beim Paranormal Bureau of Investigation und er möchte Rick als seinen Partner und Mate gewinnen.
Viel Zeit sich zu entscheiden hat Rick nicht. Travis bietet ihm eine Partnerschaft an und stellt ihn vor die Wahl die Wandlung zum Lycan abzuschliessen. Rick, der völlig perspektivlos ist, stimmt zu und findet sich kurz darauf in einer völlig fremden Welt wieder. Doch schnell kommen Rick Zweifel. Travis ist ziemlich bestimmend und ein Alpha. Hat er also einen besitzergreifenden Lover gegen einen neuen getauscht? Kurz nach seiner Wandlung muss Rick auch schon mit Travis zum ersten Fall. Ein Serienmörder scheint sein Unwesen zu treiben und hat dominante Alphas im Visier.
Unter Travis‘ Anleitung beginnt Rick sehr schnell zu lernen und zu verstehen, doch der Fall scheint äusserst verzwickt zu sein und offenbar bis in aller höchste Ränge zu reichen.
Es geht von Beginn an sehr rasant zur Sache und bereitet auch dem Leser etwas Probleme sich mit dieser Welt der mythischen Wesen anzufreunden. Dabei ist der Stil sehr flüssig und auch sehr, sehr witzig. Der Humor und der Mangel an Längen ist ein großer Pluspunkt dieser Geschichte. Die Protas sind leider nicht sehr tiefgründig ausgearbeitet. Von Rick erfährt man hierbei doch etwas mehr als von seinem Mate Travis, der offenbar Schwierigkeiten hat seine Partner zu behalten. Zumindest wird das immer wieder – auch mal humoristisch – zum Thema gemacht. Neben Lycane gibt es auch Trolle (die stinken ganz fürchterlich) und Vampiere. Ausserdem tauchen noch Elfen und Feen auf.
Rick und Travis kommen sich natürlich näher, denn die Chemie zwischen ihnen hat ja von Anfang an gestimmt. Und Travis mag zwar ein wenig herrschsüchtig sein, doch er ist auch fürsorglich und bemüht. Tatsächlich gibt es auch leichte Anzeichen von einer Werbung seitens des erfahrenen Ermittlers. Rick kann diese erotische Anziehung akzeptieren und geht auch darauf ein, doch romantische Gefühle sollen auf gar keinen Fall eine Rolle spielen. Der letzte Ausflug in die Romantik hat ihm schon gereicht. Doch es kommt nicht immer so, wie man es sich vorstellt.
Mir gefiel die Geschichte – trotz einiger Schwächen – sehr gut. Doch der Humor und die amüsanten Protagonisten haben viel wett gemacht.
Travis Chandler ist Ricks Flirt vom Strand und auch der Grund, dass Rick sich im Krankenhaus befindet. Denn Travis ist ein Wandler, der Rick gebissen und einen Wandlungsprozess in Gang gesetzt hat. Travis ist aber noch mehr. Er ist auch Detective beim Paranormal Bureau of Investigation und er möchte Rick als seinen Partner und Mate gewinnen.
Viel Zeit sich zu entscheiden hat Rick nicht. Travis bietet ihm eine Partnerschaft an und stellt ihn vor die Wahl die Wandlung zum Lycan abzuschliessen. Rick, der völlig perspektivlos ist, stimmt zu und findet sich kurz darauf in einer völlig fremden Welt wieder. Doch schnell kommen Rick Zweifel. Travis ist ziemlich bestimmend und ein Alpha. Hat er also einen besitzergreifenden Lover gegen einen neuen getauscht? Kurz nach seiner Wandlung muss Rick auch schon mit Travis zum ersten Fall. Ein Serienmörder scheint sein Unwesen zu treiben und hat dominante Alphas im Visier.
Unter Travis‘ Anleitung beginnt Rick sehr schnell zu lernen und zu verstehen, doch der Fall scheint äusserst verzwickt zu sein und offenbar bis in aller höchste Ränge zu reichen.
Es geht von Beginn an sehr rasant zur Sache und bereitet auch dem Leser etwas Probleme sich mit dieser Welt der mythischen Wesen anzufreunden. Dabei ist der Stil sehr flüssig und auch sehr, sehr witzig. Der Humor und der Mangel an Längen ist ein großer Pluspunkt dieser Geschichte. Die Protas sind leider nicht sehr tiefgründig ausgearbeitet. Von Rick erfährt man hierbei doch etwas mehr als von seinem Mate Travis, der offenbar Schwierigkeiten hat seine Partner zu behalten. Zumindest wird das immer wieder – auch mal humoristisch – zum Thema gemacht. Neben Lycane gibt es auch Trolle (die stinken ganz fürchterlich) und Vampiere. Ausserdem tauchen noch Elfen und Feen auf.
Rick und Travis kommen sich natürlich näher, denn die Chemie zwischen ihnen hat ja von Anfang an gestimmt. Und Travis mag zwar ein wenig herrschsüchtig sein, doch er ist auch fürsorglich und bemüht. Tatsächlich gibt es auch leichte Anzeichen von einer Werbung seitens des erfahrenen Ermittlers. Rick kann diese erotische Anziehung akzeptieren und geht auch darauf ein, doch romantische Gefühle sollen auf gar keinen Fall eine Rolle spielen. Der letzte Ausflug in die Romantik hat ihm schon gereicht. Doch es kommt nicht immer so, wie man es sich vorstellt.
Mir gefiel die Geschichte – trotz einiger Schwächen – sehr gut. Doch der Humor und die amüsanten Protagonisten haben viel wett gemacht.
December 27, 2015
This book was full of great snark. I wanted to love it so much! For the most part I did, but a few things bothered me. I'll go ahead and list those below, but I will say that I don't regret buying this book. There's no cliffhanger.
Issue 1: What the heck does 'clacking lips' mean? I've never heard/seen/done this before, yet it was mentioned several times. Along with smacking lips. and none of this occurred while eating. It sounds like a dumb thing to have an issue with, but it was mentioned A LOT. And each time it threw me out of the story and into the land of 'what the heck...'
Issue 2: What grown man goes around sticking his tongue out at people. This MC was in the corporate world for a lot of years. Now he's basically a detective, and he still sticks his tongue out? 1st.... ew. 2nd....just no.
Issue 3: The first 2 days our MC spends in sweatpants with no mention of underwear. Sweatpants. While investigating murders. The same pair. For two days. Seriously.
Issue 4 (aka final issue): This one is the biggie. We read a lot of innuendo about Travis not being able to keep a partner. He has 'fleeting looks' when it's mentioned, all the other investigators/doctors mention it. And while he does provide stories regarding why he broke up I still didn't understand. A lot is led to mean that he wasn't happy with the breakups. But, people act like he is at fault. Then we find out that he was always the one being broken up with. It's just really random. Was he too difficult? Was he too clingy? If so, how is him reacting to Ricky any different? Why do people always bring up his past relationships? Especially if them ending wasn't his fault?
That last one was something I kept wanting answered. Since the next in the series features one of his exs, maybe there will be some answers there?
Issue 1: What the heck does 'clacking lips' mean? I've never heard/seen/done this before, yet it was mentioned several times. Along with smacking lips. and none of this occurred while eating. It sounds like a dumb thing to have an issue with, but it was mentioned A LOT. And each time it threw me out of the story and into the land of 'what the heck...'
Issue 2: What grown man goes around sticking his tongue out at people. This MC was in the corporate world for a lot of years. Now he's basically a detective, and he still sticks his tongue out? 1st.... ew. 2nd....just no.
Issue 3: The first 2 days our MC spends in sweatpants with no mention of underwear. Sweatpants. While investigating murders. The same pair. For two days. Seriously.
Issue 4 (aka final issue): This one is the biggie. We read a lot of innuendo about Travis not being able to keep a partner. He has 'fleeting looks' when it's mentioned, all the other investigators/doctors mention it. And while he does provide stories regarding why he broke up I still didn't understand. A lot is led to mean that he wasn't happy with the breakups. But, people act like he is at fault. Then we find out that he was always the one being broken up with. It's just really random. Was he too difficult? Was he too clingy? If so, how is him reacting to Ricky any different? Why do people always bring up his past relationships? Especially if them ending wasn't his fault?
That last one was something I kept wanting answered. Since the next in the series features one of his exs, maybe there will be some answers there?
April 23, 2017
Interesting look at the non-consensual aspect of turning but it did make the romantic aspect of this story hard to take. I am thinking this might be the first of a series so there would have been time to turn the non-con aspect of the MCs relationship into a friendship which could then move to something romantic later rather than rushing that aspect here (which made it a very uncomfortable read as the relationship was very one-sided).
September 8, 2014
I couldn't help but feel as though I was continually "MISSING" something. ..a back story. ..a hidden meaning. .. just something. I never really warmed up to either M/C's. Didn't hate em, didn't really like em. Both had issues, both still have issues. .. I guess the issues are being dealt with? ? I'm guessing again that this is a HEA?? Or HFN?? Can I expect another book to follow this? ?
September 9, 2014
I might be the minority with this one, but I didn't love it. The world building was interesting. The relationship sort of took a backseat to the storyline. I kept waiting for more but then the story ended and that was that. It wasn't bad, but I wanted more relationship and interaction between MCs.
May 14, 2015
3.5 stars
Urban fantasy crime story about a non consentially turned lycan and his mate becoming law paranormal enforcement agents on the track of a serial killer. some interesting ideas and quirky characters but it lacked develolment in the main plot
Urban fantasy crime story about a non consentially turned lycan and his mate becoming law paranormal enforcement agents on the track of a serial killer. some interesting ideas and quirky characters but it lacked develolment in the main plot
September 15, 2014
review at Leafmarks.
September 21, 2014
Fun fun read, I hope there will be more from the PBI
September 5, 2015
3.5 stars Nice plot, easy to follow. Will have you laughing in some places. Overall I liked this book. Going to read the second book in a couple of days.
August 25, 2017
3.5 Stars. This was an interesting book and an interesting world. I really liked Rick's character and normally I have a hard time with characters that have been in abusive relationships - it just isn't something I personally like to read and there is usually a bit of self-pity and a lot of angst but it was surprisingly absent in this book which I really liked. Rick never comes across as a victim to me yet he still has things he has to deal with in regards to his abusive ex. He's thrown into so many changes that the focus is on a lot of different things and not just Rick moving on from this relationship but also on his introduction to the PBI and of course Travis. When we first meet Travis I wasn't sure I was going to like him. I don't like the way he bit Rick and basically said well join me as my partner or live in pain and have a short life. Not much of a choice and definitely makes his turning non-consensual. I would have liked Rick to have more issues with that especially given his past. However, Travis grew on me as the book went on and I ended up really liking him. The book also had some great secondary characters such as the doctor everyone called Tail and of course the Troll. I did not like Weiss the PBI Director though and the next book features him so hopefully I'll learn something new that will change my mind.
The mystery was good and I actually sympathized with the villain and really understood the motivations behind what was happening. It was refreshing. The whole Alpha Voice that can make some one do ANYTHING is disturbing and I'm not sure what direction the author is going with that so it will be interesting to find out. I'm also not entirely happy with the ending and the way everything was handled but I can't really say too much without spoiling things. Let's just say I'll be interested to see where this world goes from here.
The mystery was good and I actually sympathized with the villain and really understood the motivations behind what was happening. It was refreshing. The whole Alpha Voice that can make some one do ANYTHING is disturbing and I'm not sure what direction the author is going with that so it will be interesting to find out. I'm also not entirely happy with the ending and the way everything was handled but I can't really say too much without spoiling things. Let's just say I'll be interested to see where this world goes from here.
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February 15, 2015 Review can be read at It's About The Book
Rick Barton is newly single and jobless. His abusive boyfriend, who is also his former boss, is no longer in his life. It’s a positive yet scary change, so Rick treats himself to the first vacation he’s had in years. While lounging around on a beach Rick spots an incredibly sexy man. They have a brief and sexy interlude in the water that ends in a rather painful bite. Later that day Rick becomes sick. Rick manages to end up in the hospital. The sexy biter shows up for a visit. As it turns out the sexy biter is named Travis Chandler, and the bite was a job offer. Unfortunately, it was an offer Rick can’t really refuse. Rick can “heal” himself by becoming a full lycan and coming to work for the Paranormal Bureau of Investigations, or he can remain in limbo, nauseated, in pain, and jobless. Technically, Rick did fill out a job application for something and he doesn’t want to be miserable and jobless, so he chooses the second bite. On top of that non-choice, Rick also learns Travis will be Rick’s Alpha and work partner. And because of his hormones being all out of whack from being recently turned, Rick will experience an intense sexual attraction to Travis. Yay. Good times. Rick is now a detective and is getting a crash course in paranormal politics and behavior from his Dr while still in a hospital bed. Unfortunately, Rick doesn’t have time to lay about. He’s got training to start and a murder to solve. That’s bad enough, but he also really wants to have sex with Travis on top of it. Thanks a lot, hormones.
Travis is Rick’s new partner, but his boss is Herman Weiss, the only legal werewolf pack leader. One of Weiss’ first comments concerns his wife and her ferociousness. Rick has no desire to meet the woman. Wolf. Whatever. Rick doesn’t want to meet her as Weiss is damn terrifying, and Rick doesn’t want to contemplate how scary his wife would have to be to scare Weiss. So, when Rick’s trainer gets killed in an elevator by Weiss’ wife he agrees to mate with Travis so Travis can be his trainer instead of Amanda Weiss. Training consists of going to work and investigating a murder. A dead werewolf woman. Rick and Travis don’t really have a lot of evidence, but what they do learn was the young woman was a potential alpha. After seeing a dead body and interviewing the victim’s mother, Rick gets to see where he’s going to live now. As it turns out, it’s right next door to Travis. Rick and Travis do get some sexy time together, but it’s very evident the men want different things for their relationship. Rick does not want to fall in love again. He’s working on getting over his abusive ex. He doesn’t need another domineering man in his life. Rick and Travis are awoken with news of another murder. It’s similar, but this victim is an older male Vampire head of his household. Rick again has to sniff for clues. When they go to inform the family of their leader’s death Rick is a bit shocked to find none of them seem too sad about it. Rick is able to pick up a scent there. It’s an important clue. Rick and Travis’ case begins to coalesce as their romantic attachment begins to heat up. That’s when there’s a third victim. It’s also when the evidence begins to point in a really ugly direction that puts Rick and Travis between a rock and a hard place.
In terms of concept and commentary this was absolutely one of the best books I’ve read in 2014. I love a good book with Alpha male characters as much as the next person, but sometimes I just have to face the fact that Alpha males can be creepy. Travis staked his claim on Rick and coerced Rick into a relationship, Travis used derogatory nicknames that eventually became a charming inside joke, Travis ordered Rick into sexual acts that were unwanted despite being enjoyable. Travis was a total sleazeball and a classic Alpha male character. The juxtaposition of the storylines of dubious consent or no consent to being turned into a paranormal creature, and Travis forcing a romantic relationship upon Rick was one of the most brilliant comments I’ve read on the Alpha male character. Ever. Rick’s life went from the fire to the frying pan. His ex, Mitch, was physically abusive. Rick didn’t consent to being beaten. But Rick also didn’t really consent to the things Travis did. Not saying no isn’t the same as saying yes. Alpha males take what they want, and at times I find that incredibly sexy. I am very thankful for the reminder that it’s also an example of taking without consent.
In terms of execution I felt this book was not that impressive. I didn’t need to be told about the obvious parallels between Mitch and Travis. The concept an office worker can become a detective with no training because instinct would take over was something I felt was poor world building. I really, really don’t understand how lips can clack. No, I won’t admit to trying to see if it were somehow possible, and I certainly didn’t try it repeatedly. I didn’t see a reason for Travis’ transformation from a sleazy Alpha to a caring and loving romantic partner. Travis always cared about and wanted Rick for himself, but I felt unable to reconcile the differences between the guy at the hospital at the beginning with the guy on his knees at the end. In short, I have really mixed feelings about this book. And now I’m actually going to highly recommend a book I felt was poorly executed. Really.
Rick Barton is newly single and jobless. His abusive boyfriend, who is also his former boss, is no longer in his life. It’s a positive yet scary change, so Rick treats himself to the first vacation he’s had in years. While lounging around on a beach Rick spots an incredibly sexy man. They have a brief and sexy interlude in the water that ends in a rather painful bite. Later that day Rick becomes sick. Rick manages to end up in the hospital. The sexy biter shows up for a visit. As it turns out the sexy biter is named Travis Chandler, and the bite was a job offer. Unfortunately, it was an offer Rick can’t really refuse. Rick can “heal” himself by becoming a full lycan and coming to work for the Paranormal Bureau of Investigations, or he can remain in limbo, nauseated, in pain, and jobless. Technically, Rick did fill out a job application for something and he doesn’t want to be miserable and jobless, so he chooses the second bite. On top of that non-choice, Rick also learns Travis will be Rick’s Alpha and work partner. And because of his hormones being all out of whack from being recently turned, Rick will experience an intense sexual attraction to Travis. Yay. Good times. Rick is now a detective and is getting a crash course in paranormal politics and behavior from his Dr while still in a hospital bed. Unfortunately, Rick doesn’t have time to lay about. He’s got training to start and a murder to solve. That’s bad enough, but he also really wants to have sex with Travis on top of it. Thanks a lot, hormones.
Travis is Rick’s new partner, but his boss is Herman Weiss, the only legal werewolf pack leader. One of Weiss’ first comments concerns his wife and her ferociousness. Rick has no desire to meet the woman. Wolf. Whatever. Rick doesn’t want to meet her as Weiss is damn terrifying, and Rick doesn’t want to contemplate how scary his wife would have to be to scare Weiss. So, when Rick’s trainer gets killed in an elevator by Weiss’ wife he agrees to mate with Travis so Travis can be his trainer instead of Amanda Weiss. Training consists of going to work and investigating a murder. A dead werewolf woman. Rick and Travis don’t really have a lot of evidence, but what they do learn was the young woman was a potential alpha. After seeing a dead body and interviewing the victim’s mother, Rick gets to see where he’s going to live now. As it turns out, it’s right next door to Travis. Rick and Travis do get some sexy time together, but it’s very evident the men want different things for their relationship. Rick does not want to fall in love again. He’s working on getting over his abusive ex. He doesn’t need another domineering man in his life. Rick and Travis are awoken with news of another murder. It’s similar, but this victim is an older male Vampire head of his household. Rick again has to sniff for clues. When they go to inform the family of their leader’s death Rick is a bit shocked to find none of them seem too sad about it. Rick is able to pick up a scent there. It’s an important clue. Rick and Travis’ case begins to coalesce as their romantic attachment begins to heat up. That’s when there’s a third victim. It’s also when the evidence begins to point in a really ugly direction that puts Rick and Travis between a rock and a hard place.
In terms of concept and commentary this was absolutely one of the best books I’ve read in 2014. I love a good book with Alpha male characters as much as the next person, but sometimes I just have to face the fact that Alpha males can be creepy. Travis staked his claim on Rick and coerced Rick into a relationship, Travis used derogatory nicknames that eventually became a charming inside joke, Travis ordered Rick into sexual acts that were unwanted despite being enjoyable. Travis was a total sleazeball and a classic Alpha male character. The juxtaposition of the storylines of dubious consent or no consent to being turned into a paranormal creature, and Travis forcing a romantic relationship upon Rick was one of the most brilliant comments I’ve read on the Alpha male character. Ever. Rick’s life went from the fire to the frying pan. His ex, Mitch, was physically abusive. Rick didn’t consent to being beaten. But Rick also didn’t really consent to the things Travis did. Not saying no isn’t the same as saying yes. Alpha males take what they want, and at times I find that incredibly sexy. I am very thankful for the reminder that it’s also an example of taking without consent.
In terms of execution I felt this book was not that impressive. I didn’t need to be told about the obvious parallels between Mitch and Travis. The concept an office worker can become a detective with no training because instinct would take over was something I felt was poor world building. I really, really don’t understand how lips can clack. No, I won’t admit to trying to see if it were somehow possible, and I certainly didn’t try it repeatedly. I didn’t see a reason for Travis’ transformation from a sleazy Alpha to a caring and loving romantic partner. Travis always cared about and wanted Rick for himself, but I felt unable to reconcile the differences between the guy at the hospital at the beginning with the guy on his knees at the end. In short, I have really mixed feelings about this book. And now I’m actually going to highly recommend a book I felt was poorly executed. Really.
April 12, 2017
3.5 stars
This book has so many nice things going for it.
- A serious mystery
-MCs who keep you entertained
-A lot of yummy, hot foreplay/romance without constant sex
-A very different take at paranormal society
-A villain whom you actually feel bad for
A single con:
-Slight non-con act at the beginning
This book has so many nice things going for it.
- A serious mystery
-MCs who keep you entertained
-A lot of yummy, hot foreplay/romance without constant sex
-A very different take at paranormal society
-A villain whom you actually feel bad for
A single con:
-Slight non-con act at the beginning
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