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Good Intentions #2.1
Life in Shadows
All it takes is a single brush with the supernatural to change a life forever.
Some choose the path of magic and shadow willingly. Others never see the hand of magic as it shapes their fortunes. They face the extraordinary with nothing but courage and wits to guide them. Some mortals become trapped in the conflict between angels and demons and find themselves forever changed.
For all too many, the shadows lead only to an untimely end. For some, however, the shadows offer seductive experiences that draw the newcomer further in…
Life in Shadows collects four stories set in the world of Good Intentions, where one encounter with sorcerers, demons, or a foul-mouthed servant of Heaven is all it takes to turn the world upside down.
Warning: Life in Shadows contains explicit violence, extended explicit sex scenes, explicit karaoke, profanity, rampant nudity, assault, murder, breaking and entering, belligerent urban wildlife, premeditated sexual promiscuity, vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, attempted kidnapping, attempted robbery, attempted ritual demonic possession, blatant violation of state regulations of adult entertainment, punching, kicking, cutting, stabbing, shooting, hair-pulling, name-calling, slut-shaming, cheap Halloween costumes, strippers, hipsters, poseurs, police, personal calls while on duty, arson, destruction of private property, lingerie, war criminals, break-up text messaging, lesbian demon seduction, accusations of Mary Suedom, poor workplace morale, premarital sex, nude calisthenics, immolation, false identification, ruthless exploitation of personal beauty, unsafe crowd control standards, vertigo, destruction of evidence, elitism, racism (don’t worry, he dies), open relationships, workplace scapegoating, adult use of plumbing implements, fantasy depictions of witchcraft and paganism, at least one reincarnated ancient European warlord, and a girl-on-girl grenade fight.
All characters are over the age of 18, except the aforementioned reincarnation of an ancient European warlord. That gets sketchy.
Some choose the path of magic and shadow willingly. Others never see the hand of magic as it shapes their fortunes. They face the extraordinary with nothing but courage and wits to guide them. Some mortals become trapped in the conflict between angels and demons and find themselves forever changed.
For all too many, the shadows lead only to an untimely end. For some, however, the shadows offer seductive experiences that draw the newcomer further in…
Life in Shadows collects four stories set in the world of Good Intentions, where one encounter with sorcerers, demons, or a foul-mouthed servant of Heaven is all it takes to turn the world upside down.
Warning: Life in Shadows contains explicit violence, extended explicit sex scenes, explicit karaoke, profanity, rampant nudity, assault, murder, breaking and entering, belligerent urban wildlife, premeditated sexual promiscuity, vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, attempted kidnapping, attempted robbery, attempted ritual demonic possession, blatant violation of state regulations of adult entertainment, punching, kicking, cutting, stabbing, shooting, hair-pulling, name-calling, slut-shaming, cheap Halloween costumes, strippers, hipsters, poseurs, police, personal calls while on duty, arson, destruction of private property, lingerie, war criminals, break-up text messaging, lesbian demon seduction, accusations of Mary Suedom, poor workplace morale, premarital sex, nude calisthenics, immolation, false identification, ruthless exploitation of personal beauty, unsafe crowd control standards, vertigo, destruction of evidence, elitism, racism (don’t worry, he dies), open relationships, workplace scapegoating, adult use of plumbing implements, fantasy depictions of witchcraft and paganism, at least one reincarnated ancient European warlord, and a girl-on-girl grenade fight.
All characters are over the age of 18, except the aforementioned reincarnation of an ancient European warlord. That gets sketchy.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2015
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291 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 22, 2018
Rating 2.75 stars
I didn't really like this book, which is odd because I really liked the series. There just seemed to be too much missing. This book contained 4 short stories: One of them dealt with Onyx and Molly, 1 of them was about Molly's uncle, another one had some girl named Shannon with an appearance from Molly's Uncle again (I can't figure out why it was felt he was so important to be in not just one but two stories), and the last one had Alex and Lorali. One of the reasons I did not like this book as much is that nothing that happened had any bearing on the series as a whole. They were just incidental stories. I didn't mind the Molly and Onyx story, but I was wondering why it needed to be told. I didn't really like the story about Molly's Uncle. Besides being related to Molly, he did not seem to have any importance in this world at all.
I also didn't like the story with Shannon or the one with Lorali and Alex.
Overall I was disappointed, I was hoping for much more, especially since I have no idea if and when there is going to be a 4th book in the series.
I didn't really like this book, which is odd because I really liked the series. There just seemed to be too much missing. This book contained 4 short stories: One of them dealt with Onyx and Molly, 1 of them was about Molly's uncle, another one had some girl named Shannon with an appearance from Molly's Uncle again (I can't figure out why it was felt he was so important to be in not just one but two stories), and the last one had Alex and Lorali. One of the reasons I did not like this book as much is that nothing that happened had any bearing on the series as a whole. They were just incidental stories. I didn't mind the Molly and Onyx story, but I was wondering why it needed to be told. I didn't really like the story about Molly's Uncle. Besides being related to Molly, he did not seem to have any importance in this world at all.
I also didn't like the story with Shannon or the one with Lorali and Alex.
Overall I was disappointed, I was hoping for much more, especially since I have no idea if and when there is going to be a 4th book in the series.
December 11, 2016
Good stories, but the timeline is a bit confusing at times.
Life in Shadows is a collection of four short stories set in the Good Intentions universe. The stories are quite diverse, following both main as supporting cast as well as a brand new character. If you've read the previous novels in the series you know what to expect.... So expect a few fun stories, interesting characters and the full content of the warning labels attached to this collection.
Note: The timeline between stories varies a bit per story but there are some spoilers for #1 and #2 (hence the #2.1 label)
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From the blurb:
Warning: Life in Shadows contains explicit violence, extended explicit sex scenes, explicit karaoke, profanity, rampant nudity, assault, murder, breaking and entering, belligerent urban wildlife, premeditated sexual promiscuity, vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, attempted kidnapping, attempted robbery, attempted ritual demonic possession, blatant violation of state regulations of adult entertainment, punching, kicking, cutting, stabbing, shooting, hair-pulling, name-calling, slut-shaming, cheap Halloween costumes, strippers, hipsters, poseurs, police, personal calls while on duty, arson, destruction of private property, lingerie, war criminals, break-up text messaging, lesbian demon seduction, accusations of Mary Suedom, poor workplace morale, premarital sex, nude calisthenics, immolation, false identification, ruthless exploitation of personal beauty, unsafe crowd control standards, vertigo, destruction of evidence, elitism, racism (don’t worry, he dies), open relationships, workplace scapegoating, adult use of plumbing implements, fantasy depictions of witchcraft and paganism, at least one reincarnated ancient European warlord, and a girl-on-girl grenade fight.
All characters are over the age of 18, except the aforementioned reincarnation of an ancient European warlord. That gets sketchy.
Life in Shadows is a collection of four short stories set in the Good Intentions universe. The stories are quite diverse, following both main as supporting cast as well as a brand new character. If you've read the previous novels in the series you know what to expect.... So expect a few fun stories, interesting characters and the full content of the warning labels attached to this collection.
Note: The timeline between stories varies a bit per story but there are some spoilers for #1 and #2 (hence the #2.1 label)
---------------------------------------------------------------
From the blurb:
Warning: Life in Shadows contains explicit violence, extended explicit sex scenes, explicit karaoke, profanity, rampant nudity, assault, murder, breaking and entering, belligerent urban wildlife, premeditated sexual promiscuity, vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, attempted kidnapping, attempted robbery, attempted ritual demonic possession, blatant violation of state regulations of adult entertainment, punching, kicking, cutting, stabbing, shooting, hair-pulling, name-calling, slut-shaming, cheap Halloween costumes, strippers, hipsters, poseurs, police, personal calls while on duty, arson, destruction of private property, lingerie, war criminals, break-up text messaging, lesbian demon seduction, accusations of Mary Suedom, poor workplace morale, premarital sex, nude calisthenics, immolation, false identification, ruthless exploitation of personal beauty, unsafe crowd control standards, vertigo, destruction of evidence, elitism, racism (don’t worry, he dies), open relationships, workplace scapegoating, adult use of plumbing implements, fantasy depictions of witchcraft and paganism, at least one reincarnated ancient European warlord, and a girl-on-girl grenade fight.
All characters are over the age of 18, except the aforementioned reincarnation of an ancient European warlord. That gets sketchy.
May 5, 2016
A set of novellas about some of the side characters from the Good Intentions universe. Entertaining and sexy. I can't wait for the next full book in the series.
March 25, 2019
I rather enjoyed the Good Intentions series. I was expecting a novella, not a full size book. I hope that the author continues to write more in this series of book, especially about Molly and Onyx.
July 14, 2018
2.5 to 3 stars, I am not a big fan of short stories anyway so that is why the low marks.
May 23, 2017
That's Just Witchy
A Life in Shadows is a collection of short stories set in the Good Intentions universe. As the name suggests, a lot of the stories revolve around our favorite lesbian witches Onyx and Molly. It offers an intriguing look at Molly's mentor, and what happened when she died. In another story, Molly has an uncle who's a cop. We met him briefly in Natural Consequences. When he has a really bad day, Molly and Onyx step in to help him out... with disastrous results. One story explores what would happen if a demon's soul got trapped in a good person. How would it affect them? Would the angels help? The last story brings us back to Alex. Lorelei has uncovered a den of demons. She can't go to Rachel with the information, so she enlists Alex to investigate further. It's a simple recon mission. What could go wrong?
Elliott Kay brings us back to his urban fantasy world of angels, demons, and sex. This is a fun set of stories with lots of action. One down side is that we have another situation, where Lorelei unintentionally gets Alex into hot water. This is a reoccurring theme in all of the books in the Good Intention series, and I'd like to see Elliott get away from this. Otherwise, it's the wonderful characters we know and loving getting into trouble and finding a way out again. Lots of adventure and page turning excitement.
A Life in Shadows is a collection of short stories set in the Good Intentions universe. As the name suggests, a lot of the stories revolve around our favorite lesbian witches Onyx and Molly. It offers an intriguing look at Molly's mentor, and what happened when she died. In another story, Molly has an uncle who's a cop. We met him briefly in Natural Consequences. When he has a really bad day, Molly and Onyx step in to help him out... with disastrous results. One story explores what would happen if a demon's soul got trapped in a good person. How would it affect them? Would the angels help? The last story brings us back to Alex. Lorelei has uncovered a den of demons. She can't go to Rachel with the information, so she enlists Alex to investigate further. It's a simple recon mission. What could go wrong?
Elliott Kay brings us back to his urban fantasy world of angels, demons, and sex. This is a fun set of stories with lots of action. One down side is that we have another situation, where Lorelei unintentionally gets Alex into hot water. This is a reoccurring theme in all of the books in the Good Intention series, and I'd like to see Elliott get away from this. Otherwise, it's the wonderful characters we know and loving getting into trouble and finding a way out again. Lots of adventure and page turning excitement.
June 21, 2020
I admit I wasn't expecting much, as these "sidequest"-type books don't tend to hold my attention as much as the main sequence characters and plot. Unfortunately this book met those expectations.
It gets a 4 for quality of writing and editing, but a 2 in term of how much I enjoyed it, hence my rating. The stories added very little to the main story, and jumping around like that with no real tie-in doesn't do it any favours. Also I found it preachy; if I wanted to take gender studies I'd have signed up for it. Basically, "meh".
It gets a 4 for quality of writing and editing, but a 2 in term of how much I enjoyed it, hence my rating. The stories added very little to the main story, and jumping around like that with no real tie-in doesn't do it any favours. Also I found it preachy; if I wanted to take gender studies I'd have signed up for it. Basically, "meh".
August 7, 2017
I'm not a fan of collections of short stories set in the world of a book series. They tend to be complete throwaways and that is the case here. These stories don't add to the books and in at least one case, if the story had actually happened, it would have surfaced in the book. So, while the stories are all well written and relatively interesting, don't waste your money or time.
March 29, 2020
Loved it
I wanna know more about Molly and Onyx. They are so lovely couple. Very attractive, brave, have genuine heart and love each other dearly.
Same goes to Alex and his girlfriends. Wish I could read about how Rachel would get after the last burn down.
I already read Personal Demons and can't wait to read 4th series.
I wanna know more about Molly and Onyx. They are so lovely couple. Very attractive, brave, have genuine heart and love each other dearly.
Same goes to Alex and his girlfriends. Wish I could read about how Rachel would get after the last burn down.
I already read Personal Demons and can't wait to read 4th series.
September 7, 2020
I only read the last story to see how if it added to the series. It was an entertaining read but didn't add anything to the series or provide any charcter growth for Alex. As this book was written between the 2nd and 3rd book of the series I was hoping for more insight into the series not just a side story.
February 28, 2017
It was a nice glimpse into what goes on in the lives of the outlying characters of the series. The stories were entertaining and they're a good way to freshen up my memory on who everyone is before starting the next book in the series.
May 25, 2017
3.5 stars
December 3, 2017
4 Short stories.
1st and 2nd story are ok but at times a bit boring
3rd was slightly better but unless the character is used in the future, I fail to see the point of it.
4th was the best.
1st and 2nd story are ok but at times a bit boring
3rd was slightly better but unless the character is used in the future, I fail to see the point of it.
4th was the best.
February 23, 2018
Several entertaining short stories that fill in some of the gaps in the books.
December 3, 2018
I loved these 4 short stories that are in the Good Intentions world.
August 30, 2021
Good addition to the series. Does not add anything new but its an enjoyable continuation with the characters we know.
December 23, 2021
Mix of backstory and erotic romps, for side characters of the Good Intentions series... I really enjoyed the one about Onyx's uncle, I think (the cop)...
April 6, 2023
More stories set in the Good Intentions series.
Liked the full series, enjoying the short stories. Would really like another full book, hoping there will be one soon.
Liked the full series, enjoying the short stories. Would really like another full book, hoping there will be one soon.
November 16, 2017
Four stories set in Kay Elliott's Good Intentions universe.
Authenticity - 2 stars - Introduces us to a lesbian witch couple, Onyx and Molly. The story seems to be about how they got the book of shadows.
Naked Justice - 4 stars - Very funny, if you think stealing all a man's clothing, sheets, towels, etc. is funny.
Halloween for Life - 3 stars - Foul mouthed angel kills demon succubus. Normal sexually conservative paramedic absorbs the demons aura. Pornography ensues.
Skin - 3 stars - strip club, demon succubi, a lot of pornography.
Authenticity - 2 stars - Introduces us to a lesbian witch couple, Onyx and Molly. The story seems to be about how they got the book of shadows.
Naked Justice - 4 stars - Very funny, if you think stealing all a man's clothing, sheets, towels, etc. is funny.
Halloween for Life - 3 stars - Foul mouthed angel kills demon succubus. Normal sexually conservative paramedic absorbs the demons aura. Pornography ensues.
Skin - 3 stars - strip club, demon succubi, a lot of pornography.
March 18, 2016
I really like this series but I was a little disappointed with this book. I went into this one thinking it would be about the two witches and the book of shadows and as the book went on and the story switched to other characters I was ok with it but then the author never returned to the story he started the book with and I felt like this book ended to abruptly and it seemed like he didn't know we're he wanted to take this book. It just seemed not very well thought out, jumbled.
That being said it was a good story at the end about Rachel and Lorlei and Alex. It seemed as if this was a series of short stories that vaguely connected together and the only story that had a good ending was the last one. If you enjoyed the other books in this series I would say this is a book you will want to read. If you have not read the other books please do not start here it is not a good example of the story telling ability set in the other books and it is not a standalone story in my opinion.
That being said it was a good story at the end about Rachel and Lorlei and Alex. It seemed as if this was a series of short stories that vaguely connected together and the only story that had a good ending was the last one. If you enjoyed the other books in this series I would say this is a book you will want to read. If you have not read the other books please do not start here it is not a good example of the story telling ability set in the other books and it is not a standalone story in my opinion.
December 30, 2015
Fleshing out the timeline
A handful of interesting stories adding to the timeline.
Two cover Molly and Onyx before they met the main characters, one introduces a potential new character, and occurs between the two published novels, and the final story includes the three main characters, and happens after book two.
All the stories are enjoyable, and fit well in the established cannon: the first makes it clear why Molly and Onyx distrust their local magical societies, and the second foreshadows their interest in Alex.
All in all, an enjoyable read, but too short! I look forward to the next novel.
A handful of interesting stories adding to the timeline.
Two cover Molly and Onyx before they met the main characters, one introduces a potential new character, and occurs between the two published novels, and the final story includes the three main characters, and happens after book two.
All the stories are enjoyable, and fit well in the established cannon: the first makes it clear why Molly and Onyx distrust their local magical societies, and the second foreshadows their interest in Alex.
All in all, an enjoyable read, but too short! I look forward to the next novel.
April 17, 2016
Good Stuff
Great stories for any one who wants more from Kay's "Good Intentions", these short stories are the way to go. Set before, during, and after the two main books, this collection of short stories tells us more about Onc, Molly, and of course Alex and his ladies. It also adds some characters for future [yes please!] books. It also suggests what sort of crazy may be in the works for all of our highly-stimulated heroes. Definitely a good read, and definitely a buy for all the GI fans.
Great stories for any one who wants more from Kay's "Good Intentions", these short stories are the way to go. Set before, during, and after the two main books, this collection of short stories tells us more about Onc, Molly, and of course Alex and his ladies. It also adds some characters for future [yes please!] books. It also suggests what sort of crazy may be in the works for all of our highly-stimulated heroes. Definitely a good read, and definitely a buy for all the GI fans.
February 17, 2016
I really liked 3 of these shorts stories - the 2 about Molly and Onyx, and the Alex's night out. I did not care for the other one. I am uncertain if I will read book 3 of this series if it is ever written / released, as the story I disliked had the same problems I had with elements of Book 2, and indicated these issues will not only continue, but get worse.
February 8, 2019
I really wish this was more a of a full length novel but it was still awesome. If you are looking for your regular Good Intentions read, this isn't it. It's more of a novel about Onyx and Molly, or a collection of short stories about each of the main characters.
March 25, 2016
Don't read this book. The timeline is sooo very messed up it only confused and enraged me. The stories are not interesting enough to justify the time. And the characters don't get explained well at all. You've got better things to do.
December 7, 2015
Good short story collection from the world of Good Intentions. Really liked the story's and the new characters, Molly s uncle and the emt
March 29, 2016
Great GoogalieMoogalie
Great little repast till the next full course meal. I'm looking forward to his next adventure into this world, and the other series as well.
Great little repast till the next full course meal. I'm looking forward to his next adventure into this world, and the other series as well.
November 2, 2016
Short stories which provide a great deal of back story about the various characters in the Good Intentions story lines.
April 24, 2017
I think this series is interesting but it relies of sex too much for me to give it rousing support. It's a bit too over the top which is a shame because I found the characters compelling. Just way too much wank material for me to give it full credit as something worth reading. So beware.
November 4, 2018
I thought these weirdly numbered side story volumes was a Japanese thing, turns out we get them in the west too when the arthor is running out of ideas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews