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Wolves of Stone Ridge #37

Cracking the Big Lug's Shell

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The vampire Vadim Kuznetsov has watched every member of his family find their beloveds—the other halves of their souls. Some were able to connect fairly easily, while others had a rocky road. They all seem happy, though. Vadim wants that for himself, but fears it as well. He’s a big man, and his anatomy is even larger. So impressive, in fact, that some lovers have complained. What if he hurts his beloved? Joining his family at a restaurant, Vadim’s worst fears are realized. He meets his beloved, the human Kendrick Hollister, who turns out to be a small, slender male. The boisterous human is straightforward with his interest, but Vadim’s concerns hold him back. Between Kendrick’s past lover creating problems and his own fears, can Vadim accept Fate’s gift of the small, feisty human?

107 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2016

19 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

About the author

Charlie Richards

361 books846 followers

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5 stars
183 (38%)
4 stars
142 (30%)
3 stars
109 (23%)
2 stars
31 (6%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Katrina Passick Lumsden.
1,782 reviews12.9k followers
April 18, 2017
Why did I do that? It's like I have Stockholm Syndrome or something.

At least I didn't read any more after this. Too much disgust to continue. Though I'll probably forget again, and in a moment of weakness buy another one of her hastily slapped together piles of garbage.
Profile Image for Gabriella.
462 reviews30 followers
October 11, 2016
I'm done. I'm saying goodbye to the Wolves of Stone Ridge. For some time now these novellas have gone from bad to worse.
At first they started out a little too heavy on the sex part, but still with an intriguing story. Now there's almost no story left but lot's of talk about sex and sex. I want more and I need more than that in a book.

To quote the back cover from Nikolai's story...Moving on can be painful, especially when it's what you need...

So, goodbye Stone Ridge!
Profile Image for Hc.
2,358 reviews35 followers
September 21, 2016
I skipped ahead one..oops!

So, I'm probably NOT going to stop reading.. and I'm probably NOT going to stop bitching.. oh well.
Here we have big equipment problems for this couple. Or for the vampire anyways. First of all, its soo old and overdone and boring. Plus, if Fate makes them mates then that must mean they can mesh themselves together in AND out of the bedroom. That of course doesn't mean you don't have to put in the work, just that in the end it should work out.

On a good note.. I can say that..cool, just cus he's BIG.. eh like body shape big...doesn't mean he needs to be a big badass. He's not a fighter. He's more like a big computer guru.

Oh and a little too blase about offing two humans, even if they were scum
Profile Image for Sadonna.
2,706 reviews46 followers
December 14, 2016
The full review and more are available at The Novel Approach

Vadim Kuznetsov is the computer guy for his coven, led by his brother Borscht, and he’s one of the last of his family to find his beloved. He’s jealous, yes, but also worried. It seems that Vadim is a big guy—everywhere—and this has caused issues for his lovers in the past.

When out for a birthday dinner with his family, he discovers that his beloved is a beautiful, slender young human, Kendrick, who is a waiter at the restaurant that has been chosen for the celebration. Vadim has a hard time not pouncing on Kendrick, and when he becomes so aroused, he excuses himself to the men’s room. Kendrick becomes alarmed that somehow he’s offended the stunning big guy, but when he goes to check on him, they end up acting on their attraction.

But, of course, there is complication beyond Vadim’s concern that he will physically hurt Kendrick, and this one is another big one—turns out Kendrick’s closeted ex isn’t so willing to let Kendrick go. And, his plans do not include letting Vadim into the picture. When Vadim gets involved in protecting Kendrick, there is more than one danger to deal with.

While I liked these two characters, I would have liked more of them together, and a bit more fleshing out of the story. Obviously, by now, I know what to expect from these stories, and getting Vadim and Kendrick together follows the set pattern. That aside, I hope that we see more of them in future stories and they get to contribute to the overall story arc. For fans of the series, this story holds no real surprises, but is a pleasant read about another vampire finding his beloved in a least expected place.
Profile Image for Jude.
1,173 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2024
On a major re-re-read of the Stone Ridge world. I usually enjoy Charlies' short stories and novellas (the occasional one is a clunkier) but I have found that the best way to read them is to series binge and read them in the recommended reading order for the 'world' instead of by series. This gives a much more satisfying read with a more consistent plot line and world. Even the clunkers become acceptable as a small part of the whole. The characters are still good, and as usual Charlie uses stereo types with skill and develops characters indirectly. The only characters that develop depth are those who appear and then reappear frequently.
As individual reads? 2 or 3 - though 3 is more common.
Ummm - first time I have found one of Charlie's characters to be - unlikable? Ken comes across as shallow and vapid.
Profile Image for MyzanM.
1,337 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2020
Yeah, well if it wasn’t for my sort of resolution to actually finish all of the books in the “Stone Ridge universe” This is definitely where it all would have ended for me...

Unfortunately I have quite a few to go.... If you use the reading order suggested when you look at the series list for the universe this was book 84.... out of 127!
Only 40-ish books to go where I’ve already read a few in the other series connected to the universe.

I’m trying to rate as kindly as I can and there might still be a few hidden gems ahead!

So even though this really wasn’t something I liked and wouldn’t recommend I will still plow through the Stone Ridge universe and hopefully catch up before the end of 2020!

Off to the next one hoping for a better story!
1,182 reviews7 followers
December 1, 2016
Classic example of not judging a book by it's cover. Something Vadim has to be reminded of after he found his beloved, Kendrick, a man of small proportion. But Vadim makes assumptions which, combined with a few other bumps in the road, make their HEA seem a doubtful thing. Both are great characters who I was happy to see make their differences work.
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,858 reviews21 followers
July 1, 2019
Vadim finally finds his beloved and the story was so sweet. Vadim was so big yet shy, and Ken was the perfect little man for him, although, he did have an evil ex boyfriend who wanted him back, however, Nikolai was only too happy to deal with him. Of course, there was the usual bigot, but he was only in one scene of the story. Other than that, it was an awesome read. =)
Profile Image for The Novel Approach.
3,094 reviews136 followers
December 12, 2016
Vadim Kuznetsov is the computer guy for his coven, led by his brother Borscht, and he’s one of the last of his family to find his beloved. He’s jealous, yes, but also worried. It seems that Vadim is a big guy—everywhere—and this has caused issues for his lovers in the past.

When out for a birthday dinner with his family, he discovers that his beloved is a beautiful, slender young human, Kendrick, who is a waiter at the restaurant that has been chosen for the celebration. Vadim has a hard time not pouncing on Kendrick, and when he becomes so aroused, he excuses himself to the men’s room. Kendrick becomes alarmed that somehow he’s offended the stunning big guy, but when he goes to check on him, they end up acting on their attraction.

But, of course, there is complication beyond Vadim’s concern that he will physically hurt Kendrick, and this one is another big one—turns out Kendrick’s closeted ex isn’t so willing to let Kendrick go. And, his plans do not include letting Vadim into the picture. When Vadim gets involved in protecting Kendrick, there is more than one danger to deal with.

While I liked these two characters, I would have liked more of them together, and a bit more fleshing out of the story. Obviously, by now, I know what to expect from these stories, and getting Vadim and Kendrick together follows the set pattern. That aside, I hope that we see more of them in future stories and they get to contribute to the overall story arc. For fans of the series, this story holds no real surprises, but is a pleasant read about another vampire finding his beloved in a least expected place.

Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
Profile Image for Morgan  Skye.
2,775 reviews28 followers
October 12, 2016
I was disappointed with this a bit. I really wanted to see Vadim and Kendrick spend more time with one another, but they spent most of the story apart. There was a ridiculously fast (even for this series) courtship where all of Vadim’s insecurities are laid out in one fell swoop and then the two move on to mate.

I love the continuing thread of the mystery and was actually more compelled by Samantha and what roll she’ll play in upcoming stories than Kendrick. He wasn’t well developed and other than being a “size queen” he didn’t leave much of an impression.

I loved seeing Sekani again- he’s so dang cute! The other brothers Kuznetsov are much more interesting than Vadim and I found his “issue” to be a little ridiculous.

I still absolutely adore this series and will gladly read each and every one, and have re-read parts of it over and over (I’m talking about you Jared and Carson!) but this was not one of my favorites.

3.5 of 5 stars
Profile Image for Angela.
147 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2016
I thought this was really good. I see some complaints about there being too little story movement, but that's how Charlie writes her books. She has the main story of the couple and then the giant story arch that sweeps several series of hers is given a little nudge. Throughout many of her books a small bit of the bigger picture is given until the couple that's smack in the middle of it comes along. Then it will be all story. I love her stories. Not all of them are amazing but that's how it works. She's not going to please every reader with every story. That's an impossible feat to achieve.
Profile Image for Mae Hanley.
Author 2 books7 followers
September 23, 2016
The 1st chapter I found a bit confusing. I don't remember the female from the other stories and I wasn't sure what the heck was going on. Then that entire thread just disappeared until the last few pages.

I liked how Vadim was so cautious of the potential to harm Ken and how determined he was to not do so.

A slightly longer story, to include the dealing with the ex, would be appreciated. Since we aren't in a single person's point of view, as a reader I'd like more of a complete story.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,032 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2020
Ich mochte Vadim schon in den vorangegangen Bänden und freue mich, dass er seine eigene Geschichte gekommen hat.
Das "Drama"... Tja... Wie gewohnt dezent übertrieben 😂 Nichtsdestotrotz mag ich die Story und hab mich gut unterhalten gefühlt 😉
1,415 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2016
Cracking the Big Lug's Shell (Wolves of Stone Ridge Book 37)

This was absolutely amazing I Loved it so much and I can't wait to read the next one in this series..I will be watching for it..
248 reviews
November 23, 2016
Big Pleasure

Wow so much fun to read. This Series is my absolute favorite for love and good sex. Just read for yourself you will fall in love with these guys. Didn't put down book until I read every single word. That's how good each book is.
797 reviews
October 31, 2025
A size queen gets his HEA

Loved this fast sexy read where the tiny twink size queen takes control of his huge vampire fated mate. Nice to see the little guy going after what he wants.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,682 reviews
April 18, 2017
Great series. Always enjoy them. Well written with great characters.
99 reviews
September 25, 2016
Wish it had been expanded more with the antagonists, it feels like these books are getting shorter
Profile Image for Gerald Sessions.
1,405 reviews6 followers
February 15, 2018
Hung

Vadium was a large vampire a gentile giant with an enormous penis. He feared he would hurt a lover male or female. Ken was a small human that proved him wrong.
Profile Image for Mary.
515 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2021
💖💖👍😍😍👬
Profile Image for Kath.
215 reviews
Read
April 4, 2017
I don't know how to rate this, really I don't. I skipped most of the intimate moments (specially the one where they had sex). To me this book is concentrated around Vadim ( what kind of name is that!) P.n.s size which is just bad really I 'm still trying to find and comprehend what is the purpose of this book.
I think I need a break....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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