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Wolves of Stone Ridge #28
Paws for Change
Out of the Cage: Pause…a temporary stop or rest, a cessation of activity because of doubt or uncertainty.
Derek Sommers is fleeing a bad situation, made worse by foolish decisions from years before. He’d given into his father’s demands once and it had cost him a relationship with his brother, Deke. When Derek’s father demands he marry a certain woman, Derek has had enough. He decides to find out if Deke’s partner was telling the truth and travels to Stone Ridge in hopes of repairing ties with his brother. Except, even from states away, Derek’s father doesn’t want to let him go.
Dillan Shoreman travels to Stone Ridge to visit his godson, Edwin. When he nearly takes out a man jay-walking, he discovers the battered human is his mate. Having been alone a long time, Dillan thanks Fate’s oddly timed blessing. Unfortunately, he discovers that convincing his mate they have a future together will be harder than he thinks. Between a manipulative father, a guilt-tripping mother, and a conniving wannabe bride, Dillan’s mate already has plenty on his mind. Can Dillan convince Derek that he can give him the peace, healing, and strength that his heart so desperately needs?
Derek Sommers is fleeing a bad situation, made worse by foolish decisions from years before. He’d given into his father’s demands once and it had cost him a relationship with his brother, Deke. When Derek’s father demands he marry a certain woman, Derek has had enough. He decides to find out if Deke’s partner was telling the truth and travels to Stone Ridge in hopes of repairing ties with his brother. Except, even from states away, Derek’s father doesn’t want to let him go.
Dillan Shoreman travels to Stone Ridge to visit his godson, Edwin. When he nearly takes out a man jay-walking, he discovers the battered human is his mate. Having been alone a long time, Dillan thanks Fate’s oddly timed blessing. Unfortunately, he discovers that convincing his mate they have a future together will be harder than he thinks. Between a manipulative father, a guilt-tripping mother, and a conniving wannabe bride, Dillan’s mate already has plenty on his mind. Can Dillan convince Derek that he can give him the peace, healing, and strength that his heart so desperately needs?
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2015
15 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 17, 2015
Well. .. I'm sorry. This would have easily been a 4* book for me if it hadn't of left me totally hanging at the end! ! I was really enjoying it. ... then. ... it just ended! ! I have no idea what was in the "safe" at Derek's father's house. .. if Hass actually retrieved what was in the safe. .. did the uninvited "guest" leave? ? WHAT were they referring to when they mentioned "millions"??? I just have to many unanswered questions that took away my enjoyment of this installment. I hate that, because this is one of my guilty pleasure series. I truly dislike cliffhangers, but this didn't even give me a clue if more was coming from this couple (storyline).
April 9, 2015
Much like Stormy Glenn, Charlie Richards infuses her stories with just enough intrigue and endearing romance to make it possible for to me overlook bad writing. Not great, but a pleasant way to pass the time if you're in the mood for some sappy m/m shifter fun. Be warned that Richards sucks at dirty talk. The sex scenes can be a little awkward at times.
December 14, 2015
While not super outstanding it's not a bomb for sure. Get out of thumb and have unexpected feelings towards another man. Take a little exploratory time to figure it out and deal with the relatives fallout. The biggest issue I had is that there wasn't a follow through on Derek's past mistake. Retrieval is set into motion but no details. Story ends before that is concluded. Feels like a loose end..
March 31, 2015
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (and probably again and again): this writing style demands a longer story.
As it is, I can hardly remember any of the other characters appearing here since they all blend together. (Edwin’s the exception – and his role here is reduced to being bitchy.)
Each book in this series seems to be made from the same few elements, which encourages a certain repetitiveness. But to cram those things into a small number of words just makes everything feel more recycled than if it were expanded with more character-specific detail.
Also, by now I really hate the word “appendage”.
Aside from reminding me of tentacles, I can’t help but feel that it is unwise to choose something so unspecific and then use it so often for something particular. (The equivalent would be to decide that “arm” was too boring a word so “limb” should be used instead. Which is a decent enough idea until you end up with an awkward construction like, “He wrapped his limb around the other man’s shoulder.”)
Plus I feel that a tongue is slightly more important to the body than the mere add-on suggested by the word “appendage”.
*shrug* It’s nitpicky, I know. We all have our triggers.
Anyway, compared to some of the stories in this series I liked this one well enough. Dillan’s kind of cool, even if I would be hard pressed to describe him in recognizable ways. Length again – somehow I feel sure that additional story length would have helped a lot.
As a final chuckle, here’s one hilarious error that prompted me to laugh out loud:
Why, yes, I am easily amused. :3
As it is, I can hardly remember any of the other characters appearing here since they all blend together. (Edwin’s the exception – and his role here is reduced to being bitchy.)
Each book in this series seems to be made from the same few elements, which encourages a certain repetitiveness. But to cram those things into a small number of words just makes everything feel more recycled than if it were expanded with more character-specific detail.
Also, by now I really hate the word “appendage”.
Aside from reminding me of tentacles, I can’t help but feel that it is unwise to choose something so unspecific and then use it so often for something particular. (The equivalent would be to decide that “arm” was too boring a word so “limb” should be used instead. Which is a decent enough idea until you end up with an awkward construction like, “He wrapped his limb around the other man’s shoulder.”)
Plus I feel that a tongue is slightly more important to the body than the mere add-on suggested by the word “appendage”.
*shrug* It’s nitpicky, I know. We all have our triggers.
Anyway, compared to some of the stories in this series I liked this one well enough. Dillan’s kind of cool, even if I would be hard pressed to describe him in recognizable ways. Length again – somehow I feel sure that additional story length would have helped a lot.
As a final chuckle, here’s one hilarious error that prompted me to laugh out loud:
Wayne stepped forward, his hand extended, an arrogant smirk on his face. Dillan knew the type. This human had had everything handed to him. With the blond hair, lean build and icy blue eyes, it was easy to tell he was Jennifer’s sister.
Why, yes, I am easily amused. :3
March 29, 2015
I'm not sure why but I just couldn't get into this one. First of all I didn't like that both characters name started with a D not to mention one of the brothers name starts with a D too...I kept forgetting who was who. Also derek, never having had a Gay experience before, didn't seem to need all that much adjustment time. I would have preferred it if he needed that time and left Dillon for awhile.. maybe staying with his brother and his husband. .. and Dillon needing to work more at wooing Derek. Basically there was no conflict. The only conflict was on the last 3 pages and it was extremely anticlimactic. Derek has been fearing his father his whole life and when his father shows up to take him home he basically says no and the whole thing is over. Yes basically the definition of anticlimactic. Eh just wasn't the best. Btw I can't believe we are already on #28!!! It's still a great series even if there are some misses in the bunch :-)
May 27, 2015
Once again left hanging and lacking some scenes that would have dramatically improved this volume. I feel like a broken record complaining about quotas ruining what could have been a good author. You can't really improve when you're too busy yanking a book or two out of your a** each month to feed the almighty bottom dollar publisher.
April 1, 2015
I wish this was longer :( There could have been so much more added to this. I am bummed.
June 8, 2022
This book was not bad per se but I noted a LOT of continuity issues, even worse than in the other books that bothered me a lot.
First of all, Derek and Deke had a sister, as per the book where Deke was the main character.
Second, Edwin found out about Dillan when he was 14, not sixteen. And it was because he forgot something in the house, not because he was coming home early.
Also, in the book, there was no scene showing Derek introducing himself to Dillan (Dillan did, tho) but suddenly Dillan not only knew his first but also his last name. Weird.
This is not the most continuity (and frankly, editing) issues I've noted in this series (being the most important how in some books the telepathy thing between vampires and beloveds is mentioned, I remember thinking in "The Vampire's Special Lover" how Frankie's kidnapping could have been resolved earlier with this information being shared AND actually being mentioned in the book), so yeah it kind of pissed me off.
First of all, Derek and Deke had a sister, as per the book where Deke was the main character.
Second, Edwin found out about Dillan when he was 14, not sixteen. And it was because he forgot something in the house, not because he was coming home early.
Also, in the book, there was no scene showing Derek introducing himself to Dillan (Dillan did, tho) but suddenly Dillan not only knew his first but also his last name. Weird.
This is not the most continuity (and frankly, editing) issues I've noted in this series (being the most important how in some books the telepathy thing between vampires and beloveds is mentioned, I remember thinking in "The Vampire's Special Lover" how Frankie's kidnapping could have been resolved earlier with this information being shared AND actually being mentioned in the book), so yeah it kind of pissed me off.
June 19, 2024
On a major re-re-read of the Stone Ridge World. These books, (novellas and short stories in reality) are no more than a 3 - sometimes a 2- as a standalone. They are not only a series, but a series so interlinked that there is only one resolution per book and it is often incomplete. Charlie is on point with her inferred and direct character building, her world is complex and solid, but only if you look at it through the lens of all of her books, and her plots interesting enough, but again only if you are series binging.
June 23, 2019
Dillan and Derek were adorable together. Derek came from a very controlling and bigoted family, and I loved how the Stone Ridege pack came and saved the day, especially Jared. I'm so glad that I went back and read his story since I wanted to know all about this wonderful character who often makes an appearance in these stories. The plot was smooth and well done, and the ending was very sweet. Loved it. =)
September 18, 2017
I was struck by this one, not just a shifter romance, but about family and a families discrimination, bigotry, and the challenges of being different. A very good story by the author.
October 18, 2019
Godfather Dillion and Lawyer Derek
June 13, 2021
While I liked the book, the ending was pretty lackluster. I’d expected something more exciting.
March 24, 2015
The road from childhood to adulthood is a slippery slope indeed when you don't transition from needing your parents guidance to making your own decisions. The need to please your parents is so tempting and can be so hard to give up especially when the bond is built on unstable foundation. Derek Sommers can handle the judicial court room including the Law with panache and authority; what he cannot handle is his relationship with his parents.With a mother who never listens, who finds it so easy to look the other way, worst is dealing with his father who is domineering and controlling. Derek finds himself wavering in his desire to make his father proud since realizing some goals are unattainable. Deciding to remove himself entirely he unconsciously seeks his estranged brother Deke. This new uncertain life direction lands him spiritlessly into Dillan Shoreman arms and home. Dillan is confident, strong of character and loyal he is also a drop dead sexy feline shifter. This rugged man knows what he wants and knows how to get it. He is bowled over at first scent after meeting Derek; wanting to protect this tired gorgeous man even from himself. In every life there is a moment a pivotal moment where you have to stop running and look around to see if your reality is worth fighting for. Derek has arrived at that moment in Dillans arms and heart; giving him the strength to stand and deliver his fight to live the life that truly makes him happy and cherished. Dillan has no doubts that he will stand by his man come what may even a shifter knows that you only get one life to live; and Derek is his heart ..his forever. This story is filled with hope and courage to walk with head held high toward a promising loving future.
September 20, 2018
Choosing love
Good story, getting to see Derek from the previous book in a starring role when he finally stood up to his domineering father and returned to the brother left behind. Derek works really well with Dillan and while they have the classic instant relationship a bit more time and care is given for Derek's fears of a different sexuality and his family hesitation. The only thing that bugged me was the stuff that wasn't explored but played such a key role. It was clear there was another reason Derek's father wanted him to marry Jennifer, but we never really see why (where was the money supposed to come from?). Then there was the blackmail that Derek's father had, it would have been nice to know that situation was resolved. The relationship itself was the normal in this world, sweet, caring, and instantly loving.
Good story, getting to see Derek from the previous book in a starring role when he finally stood up to his domineering father and returned to the brother left behind. Derek works really well with Dillan and while they have the classic instant relationship a bit more time and care is given for Derek's fears of a different sexuality and his family hesitation. The only thing that bugged me was the stuff that wasn't explored but played such a key role. It was clear there was another reason Derek's father wanted him to marry Jennifer, but we never really see why (where was the money supposed to come from?). Then there was the blackmail that Derek's father had, it would have been nice to know that situation was resolved. The relationship itself was the normal in this world, sweet, caring, and instantly loving.
March 19, 2015
And again a cute Charlie Richards Book :) Although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous one (because, really, who could ever top Rowen and Wesley?? God, I loved Wesley :P) I liked this installment.
But the end left me a bit miffed. It was just so...sudden. I wanted to know more about this mysterious friend of Dillon. And I wanted to know more about this stuff going on between Derek and his father. And I wanted to know more about the couple in general. *sigh*
It was over to soon and now I have to wait for the next one. *pout*
Great thanks to Charlie for another adorable couple! Love your stories! Most of them I read again and again because they make me feel all warm and fluffy. *cuddle*
But the end left me a bit miffed. It was just so...sudden. I wanted to know more about this mysterious friend of Dillon. And I wanted to know more about this stuff going on between Derek and his father. And I wanted to know more about the couple in general. *sigh*
It was over to soon and now I have to wait for the next one. *pout*
Great thanks to Charlie for another adorable couple! Love your stories! Most of them I read again and again because they make me feel all warm and fluffy. *cuddle*
June 8, 2015
I agree with Ericka Walden's review where she said, "This would have easily been a 4* book for me if it hadn't of left me totally hanging at the end! ! I was really enjoying it. ... then. ... it just ended! ! I have no idea what was in the "safe" at Derek's father's house. .. if Hass actually retrieved what was in the safe. .. did the uninvited "guest" leave? ? WHAT were they referring to when they mentioned "millions"???"
I totally agree with her statements about this story. Not only that, since I went to Ms. Richards' website and was following her reading list, I assumed, wrong I know, that since Hass was a Bear that he would be the Bear in the next story on the list 'Tempting the Bear' and things would be explained at least a little bit. Sighs. No go.
I totally agree with her statements about this story. Not only that, since I went to Ms. Richards' website and was following her reading list, I assumed, wrong I know, that since Hass was a Bear that he would be the Bear in the next story on the list 'Tempting the Bear' and things would be explained at least a little bit. Sighs. No go.
May 11, 2015
Fleeing foolish decisions and a bad situation, Derek Sommers heads off into an uncertain future and meets Dillan who just might be all the answer he needs in this captivating m/m paranormal romance. I was completely caught up in Derek and Dillan's from the very beginning and since I haven't read any of the previous Wolves of Stone Ridge series, I will be visiting with them soon and looking forward to future stories.
See my full review at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
See my full review at:
http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
March 16, 2015
I feel the need to say "ditto" when writing reviews for any and all books written by Charlie. I just enjoy them so much. Each book brings a great cast of characters and a story I can sink my teeth into, get behind and root for against the nasty people trying to keep them apart or destroying what they believe in.Long lives and love to Derek and Dillan.
So BRAVO! Cannot wait for the next adventure Charlie Richards will take me on!
So BRAVO! Cannot wait for the next adventure Charlie Richards will take me on!
July 9, 2015
The story wanders along, nothing really remarkabe and then is had a real sudden ending. It felt like she reached her word limit and just stopped. I hope it continues in the next book because I don't think Derek and Dillon's problems are over.
July 31, 2015
Warning -- good story, nice MCs, but way too short and there are cliffhangers.
March 23, 2015
Paws for Change (Wolves of Stone Ridge Book 28)
Loved it wish it could have Been longer but it was still great can't wait to read the next one......I hope it's soon...
Loved it wish it could have Been longer but it was still great can't wait to read the next one......I hope it's soon...
March 27, 2015
This series is losing it's momentum, I think it is due to the back story arc dying.
March 29, 2015
This had me going and then...
3.05 stars
EXACTLY!
3.05 stars
EXACTLY!
April 25, 2015
Full review can be found at The Novel Approach
November 8, 2021
I am enjoying this series.
February 4, 2018
Family control
Bad family disowned one son and controlled the other until he finally rebelled and sought his own life and reconciled with his brother.
Bad family disowned one son and controlled the other until he finally rebelled and sought his own life and reconciled with his brother.
September 29, 2020
Another HEA
Another enjoyable installment in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series. Fated mates, no angst, two big guys, sweet and hot.
Another enjoyable installment in the Wolves of Stone Ridge series. Fated mates, no angst, two big guys, sweet and hot.
June 1, 2021
👬💖👍😍
August 18, 2016
3.25 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews