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Buddy's Cafe #1
Stalking Buffalo Bill
A Shifter U Tale
A smitten coyote isn’t the only one stalking Buffalo Bill.
A buffalo walks into a cafe. Sounds like the start of a bad joke, but for coyote shifter Donnie Granger, it’s the beginning of an obsession. Donnie is a little hyperactive and a lot distractible, except when it comes to William. He finally works up the nerve to approach William but is interrupted by a couple of violent humans.
While William—don’t call me Bill—is currently a professor, he once worked undercover against an international weapons-trafficking ring. Before he can settle into obscurity, he must find out who leaked his location and eliminate the thugs. He tries keeping his distance to protect Donnie, but the wily coyote won’t stay away.
It’ll take both Donnie’s skills as a stalker—er, hunter—and William’s super-spy expertise to neutralize the threat so they can discover if an excitable coyote and a placid-until-pissed buffalo have a future together.
A smitten coyote isn’t the only one stalking Buffalo Bill.
A buffalo walks into a cafe. Sounds like the start of a bad joke, but for coyote shifter Donnie Granger, it’s the beginning of an obsession. Donnie is a little hyperactive and a lot distractible, except when it comes to William. He finally works up the nerve to approach William but is interrupted by a couple of violent humans.
While William—don’t call me Bill—is currently a professor, he once worked undercover against an international weapons-trafficking ring. Before he can settle into obscurity, he must find out who leaked his location and eliminate the thugs. He tries keeping his distance to protect Donnie, but the wily coyote won’t stay away.
It’ll take both Donnie’s skills as a stalker—er, hunter—and William’s super-spy expertise to neutralize the threat so they can discover if an excitable coyote and a placid-until-pissed buffalo have a future together.
220 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
27 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
J. Leigh Bailey
24 books93 followersj. leigh bailey is an office drone by day and the author of Young Adult and New Adult LGBT Romance by night. She can usually be found with her nose in a book or pressed up against her computer monitor. A book-a-day reading habit sometimes gets in the way of... well, everything...but some habits aren't worth breaking. She's been reading romance novels since she was ten years old. The last twenty years or so have not changed her voracious appetite for stories of romance, relationships and achieving that vitally important Happy Ever After. She's a firm believer that everyone, no matter their gender, age, sexual orientation or paranormal affiliation deserves a happy ending.
She wrote her first story at seven, which was, unbeknownst to her at the time, a charming piece of fan-fiction in which Superman battled (and defeated, of course) the nefarious X Luther. She was quite put out to be told, years later, that the character's name was actually Lex. Her second masterpiece should have been a best-seller, but the action-packed tale of rescuing her little brother from an alligator attack in the marshes of Florida collected dust for years under the bed instead of gaining critical acclaim.
Now she writes Young Adult LGBT Romance novels about boys traversing the crazy world of love, relationships and acceptance.
Sign up for my newsletter--https://t.co/FfL9gFVJLQ --for sneak peeks, news, and upcoming appearances.
She wrote her first story at seven, which was, unbeknownst to her at the time, a charming piece of fan-fiction in which Superman battled (and defeated, of course) the nefarious X Luther. She was quite put out to be told, years later, that the character's name was actually Lex. Her second masterpiece should have been a best-seller, but the action-packed tale of rescuing her little brother from an alligator attack in the marshes of Florida collected dust for years under the bed instead of gaining critical acclaim.
Now she writes Young Adult LGBT Romance novels about boys traversing the crazy world of love, relationships and acceptance.
Sign up for my newsletter--https://t.co/FfL9gFVJLQ --for sneak peeks, news, and upcoming appearances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 2, 2020
2.5 Hedging Hearts
I’ve got to say that half the time I liked this story while the other half drove me to frustration.
Donnie works in the local coffee shop and has been crushing hard on the enigmatic and reticent new professor William, who teaches at the nearby shifter university these last few months. One day, out of nowhere he’s asked by sinister strangers if he knows the quiet customer, and Donnie’s first instinct is to protect William despite the fact that he hardly knows the man.
What ensues is kinda a comedy of errors as Donnie finds himself wittingly and unwittingly embroiled in a revenge scheme where bad guys want to kill William, a retired undercover agent who brought down a notorious weapons dealer. The charm of this is pretty much all on Donnie who is fiercely independent with some foibles that include being overly chatty, clumsy, and sarcastic but always with a heart of gold. He surely seems to find himself in absurd situations as he tries to help William who never wants his assistance in the first place. Donnie’s bumbling nature was mostly endearing, but I do admit he had a temper and acted stupidly impulsive one too many times.
There also seems to be a lot of reader frustration with William’s lack of communication. Granted, he does come clean around the 45% mark, but he still holds his cards close to the vest and is very reluctant to part with any extra information if he doesn’t have to. I admit, his mysterious badass nature was appealing and who doesn’t like to see a gruff stoic guy fall in love?? Many a time though, his slow to reveal crucial information was just the impetus for Donnie to go off half cocked which added to the above mentioned frustration.
Note to self. Narrator Finn Sterling and I just don’t get along. I’m still scratching my head at how he basically makes Donnie sound like a girl most of the time. I. Just. Don’t. Get. It. I’ll give credit that his voice for William was a dream and he does character distinction like a charm, but it is just so jarring when you’re expecting a certain octave and what you get is a boy going through puberty. Granted this isn’t as bad as Out of the Shadows, but it’s there and it was enough to throw me out of the story multiple times. Admittedly, one’s listening experience is highly personal and we all vary in what we like and don’t like - I just don’t think this narrator is for me…
Again, this had its various charms with a good dash of smexy that helped negate the negatives. Mostly. This definitely has potential in its interesting set up about a small town that’s the hub for shifters as it boasts a university that caters to such. The next story is about Donnie’s bff Ford, who’s an elusive mysterious thunderbird, and I’ll strongly consider continuing but I’ll hold out to see what others think about it first.
Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
I’ve got to say that half the time I liked this story while the other half drove me to frustration.
Donnie works in the local coffee shop and has been crushing hard on the enigmatic and reticent new professor William, who teaches at the nearby shifter university these last few months. One day, out of nowhere he’s asked by sinister strangers if he knows the quiet customer, and Donnie’s first instinct is to protect William despite the fact that he hardly knows the man.
What ensues is kinda a comedy of errors as Donnie finds himself wittingly and unwittingly embroiled in a revenge scheme where bad guys want to kill William, a retired undercover agent who brought down a notorious weapons dealer. The charm of this is pretty much all on Donnie who is fiercely independent with some foibles that include being overly chatty, clumsy, and sarcastic but always with a heart of gold. He surely seems to find himself in absurd situations as he tries to help William who never wants his assistance in the first place. Donnie’s bumbling nature was mostly endearing, but I do admit he had a temper and acted stupidly impulsive one too many times.
There also seems to be a lot of reader frustration with William’s lack of communication. Granted, he does come clean around the 45% mark, but he still holds his cards close to the vest and is very reluctant to part with any extra information if he doesn’t have to. I admit, his mysterious badass nature was appealing and who doesn’t like to see a gruff stoic guy fall in love?? Many a time though, his slow to reveal crucial information was just the impetus for Donnie to go off half cocked which added to the above mentioned frustration.
Note to self. Narrator Finn Sterling and I just don’t get along. I’m still scratching my head at how he basically makes Donnie sound like a girl most of the time. I. Just. Don’t. Get. It. I’ll give credit that his voice for William was a dream and he does character distinction like a charm, but it is just so jarring when you’re expecting a certain octave and what you get is a boy going through puberty. Granted this isn’t as bad as Out of the Shadows, but it’s there and it was enough to throw me out of the story multiple times. Admittedly, one’s listening experience is highly personal and we all vary in what we like and don’t like - I just don’t think this narrator is for me…
Again, this had its various charms with a good dash of smexy that helped negate the negatives. Mostly. This definitely has potential in its interesting set up about a small town that’s the hub for shifters as it boasts a university that caters to such. The next story is about Donnie’s bff Ford, who’s an elusive mysterious thunderbird, and I’ll strongly consider continuing but I’ll hold out to see what others think about it first.
Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
January 1, 2022
2.5 Stars
I have very mixed feelings about this one. I liked it, but I had enough problems with it that I didn’t love it like I maybe could have.
The pros:
I liked the writing quality of new-to-me author Bailey and I enjoyed the story she told here. I felt this one kept a solid pace and it was fairly entertaining, balancing a nice mix of humour, action and romance throughout.
I also enjoyed the setting, with the small college town of Cody being a place where shifters are renowned to inhabit, learning, working and living en masse.
The cons:
As likeable as energetic MC Donnie was, I felt he was one of those highly frustrating characters who continually argued with those around him about how mature and competent he was, yet time and time again, he proved everyone’s claims correct by running recklessly into the fray, never pausing to give any consideration or rational thought to his potentially dangerous and/or idiotic actions, or how they’d affect others.
One stupid decision and I would have brushed it aside, but Donnie was constantly proving TSTL - a fitting term here, and one I’ve seen mentioned across countless reviews in describing his baffling choices throughout this story.
Disregarding those silly moments, Donnie was a fun guy to read about. He was a tad goofy and a lot hyper, with nothing but good intentions and a large heart, and he even made me laugh a time or two. Sadly, the consistent stupidity certainly put a dampener on my overall enjoyment, which is a damn shame, IMO.
I also could have done with a little more in terms of relationship development. I felt like Donnie and William spent all their on-page time either arguing or having sex, with little time left for any beneficial conversation and pivotal getting-to-know-you moments.
However, I did like how Donnie and William’s story wrapped up; the ending was all things sweet and romantic which left things off on a good note and put a smile on my face.
Despite my niggles here, I truly did like Bailey’s style and I believe I’ll even venture further with this series when the mood strikes.
I have very mixed feelings about this one. I liked it, but I had enough problems with it that I didn’t love it like I maybe could have.
The pros:
I liked the writing quality of new-to-me author Bailey and I enjoyed the story she told here. I felt this one kept a solid pace and it was fairly entertaining, balancing a nice mix of humour, action and romance throughout.
I also enjoyed the setting, with the small college town of Cody being a place where shifters are renowned to inhabit, learning, working and living en masse.
The cons:
As likeable as energetic MC Donnie was, I felt he was one of those highly frustrating characters who continually argued with those around him about how mature and competent he was, yet time and time again, he proved everyone’s claims correct by running recklessly into the fray, never pausing to give any consideration or rational thought to his potentially dangerous and/or idiotic actions, or how they’d affect others.
One stupid decision and I would have brushed it aside, but Donnie was constantly proving TSTL - a fitting term here, and one I’ve seen mentioned across countless reviews in describing his baffling choices throughout this story.
Disregarding those silly moments, Donnie was a fun guy to read about. He was a tad goofy and a lot hyper, with nothing but good intentions and a large heart, and he even made me laugh a time or two. Sadly, the consistent stupidity certainly put a dampener on my overall enjoyment, which is a damn shame, IMO.
I also could have done with a little more in terms of relationship development. I felt like Donnie and William spent all their on-page time either arguing or having sex, with little time left for any beneficial conversation and pivotal getting-to-know-you moments.
However, I did like how Donnie and William’s story wrapped up; the ending was all things sweet and romantic which left things off on a good note and put a smile on my face.
Despite my niggles here, I truly did like Bailey’s style and I believe I’ll even venture further with this series when the mood strikes.
December 14, 2024
Stalking Buffalo Bill by J Leigh Bailey
Buddy’s Cafe series #1. M-M shifter romance.
Donnie Granger is not a stalker. The handsome Buffalo shifter, William, just happens to come into the cafe for a couple of hours every day and Donnie can’t help but stare and fantasize about the fantastic smelling man. That beard! Donnie just wants to runs his fingers through it. When a couple of thugs find William, he knows he needs to eliminate the threat from his former undercover life before the small town of Cody, WY is infested and mild mannered Donnie is hurt. That simply won’t do! But the wily coyote isn’t easily discouraged from getting involved.
Amusing and fun shifter romance with a bit of danger, some family drama, and plenty of steamy romantic interludes. Shifter U where anything and everything can happen.
Humor in my reading is my everything.
Buddy’s Cafe series #1. M-M shifter romance.
Donnie Granger is not a stalker. The handsome Buffalo shifter, William, just happens to come into the cafe for a couple of hours every day and Donnie can’t help but stare and fantasize about the fantastic smelling man. That beard! Donnie just wants to runs his fingers through it. When a couple of thugs find William, he knows he needs to eliminate the threat from his former undercover life before the small town of Cody, WY is infested and mild mannered Donnie is hurt. That simply won’t do! But the wily coyote isn’t easily discouraged from getting involved.
Amusing and fun shifter romance with a bit of danger, some family drama, and plenty of steamy romantic interludes. Shifter U where anything and everything can happen.
Humor in my reading is my everything.
July 28, 2017
2.5 stars
I started out absolutely loving this. I loved the characters and couldn’t wait until they would get together. But then they got stupid. Stupid, and communicating with each other was apparently overrated…
Donnie is a coyote shifter working as a barista. He has a serious crush on a customer, a college professor who comes in for coffee every day like clockwork. Donnie knows he has to make the first move, because the big broody man is obviously not going to.
Just when Donnie thinks he might have a chance with his crush, William, two men come into the coffee shop to ask if he has seen a man, a man who looks like William when they show Donnie a picture. It looks like William is in trouble and Donnie has to warn him..
I loved Donnie at first. He was cute, energetic and just adorable. William was gruff, quiet, and broody. I thought they would make a perfect pair. But when the action started happening Donnie
So we have massive amounts of non-communication going on and a lot of action. Oh, and some sex. But what we didn’t get was an actual relationship. Donnie and William didn’t really spend any time together to get to know one another. I had no idea what either character saw in the other one. They were either mad at each other, in some sort of fire fight, or having sex. And they never talked.
This could have been a great book about a coyote shifter and a bison shifter, but the lack of communication and relationship development made this into a disappointment for me. Too bad, because the writing was pretty solid, and the storyline very promising. But it wasn’t meant to be.
------------------------------
An ARC of Stalking Buffalo Bill was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
I started out absolutely loving this. I loved the characters and couldn’t wait until they would get together. But then they got stupid. Stupid, and communicating with each other was apparently overrated…
Donnie is a coyote shifter working as a barista. He has a serious crush on a customer, a college professor who comes in for coffee every day like clockwork. Donnie knows he has to make the first move, because the big broody man is obviously not going to.
Just when Donnie thinks he might have a chance with his crush, William, two men come into the coffee shop to ask if he has seen a man, a man who looks like William when they show Donnie a picture. It looks like William is in trouble and Donnie has to warn him..
I loved Donnie at first. He was cute, energetic and just adorable. William was gruff, quiet, and broody. I thought they would make a perfect pair. But when the action started happening Donnie
So we have massive amounts of non-communication going on and a lot of action. Oh, and some sex. But what we didn’t get was an actual relationship. Donnie and William didn’t really spend any time together to get to know one another. I had no idea what either character saw in the other one. They were either mad at each other, in some sort of fire fight, or having sex. And they never talked.
This could have been a great book about a coyote shifter and a bison shifter, but the lack of communication and relationship development made this into a disappointment for me. Too bad, because the writing was pretty solid, and the storyline very promising. But it wasn’t meant to be.
------------------------------
An ARC of Stalking Buffalo Bill was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 5, 2017
2.5 stars
I thought the beginning was cute because I like reading about hyperactive younger men chasing the more broody, stoic older men. Donnie definitely had that traits so I was hoping for some fluffy rom-com issued.
What followed though, were disappointing. Donnie acted like a child with TSTL behavior that frustrated his best friend (and me). William ended up not fully fleshed as a character, because everything was told from Donnie's perspective ... and I disliked him for not exactly telling Donnie anything under the"I do this to protect you" clause. Because clearly, if they only TALKED a bit about what was going on, it would really helped the two of them.
I couldn't even think of William as competent enough as a spy since I didn't have any proof of that written on page.
The push-and-pull didn't work. The romance didn't feel like it had strong foundation. I probably give them a year max *shrugs*
I thought the beginning was cute because I like reading about hyperactive younger men chasing the more broody, stoic older men. Donnie definitely had that traits so I was hoping for some fluffy rom-com issued.
What followed though, were disappointing. Donnie acted like a child with TSTL behavior that frustrated his best friend (and me). William ended up not fully fleshed as a character, because everything was told from Donnie's perspective ... and I disliked him for not exactly telling Donnie anything under the"I do this to protect you" clause. Because clearly, if they only TALKED a bit about what was going on, it would really helped the two of them.
I couldn't even think of William as competent enough as a spy since I didn't have any proof of that written on page.
The push-and-pull didn't work. The romance didn't feel like it had strong foundation. I probably give them a year max *shrugs*
December 17, 2017
I really enjoyed Finn Sterling's performance. Sterling uses distinctive character voices for every character, he has good pacing and timing, and he adds just enough emotion to his performance to make the whole thing a pleasure to listen to.
The story has an interesting premise, but the refusal of William to properly communicate with Donnie leading Donnie to do some pretty foolish (TSTL) things was a bit maddening. I was also hoping for more relationship development than what happens. Since the story is only told from Donnie's POV, we miss getting into William's head, which would have been great since he's the epitome of the "strong and silent" type.
Ultimately though the narration was fun to listen to, with plenty of humor mixed in, and the world building interesting enough to come back once the next book in the series gets released.
3.5 Stars (3 Stars story; 4 Stars narration)
Audio copy of Stalking Buffalo Bill provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 12, 2017
Arrrgh, this book! It started out so good: cute, funny, shifters, bad guys, manly men - all the good things. Then bam, everything I hated in MF romance. The lack of communication, the Alpha male going all protect the poor, young helpless love interest. Not talking, not explaining just shutting them down and shutting them out. Then, of course the love interest has to be all "I'm not a child, I am not helpless, I can be trusted" then goes off a does the exact thing to prove the are TSTL.
It is not a bad book, it is well written and entertaining, I know a lot of people will enjoy it. It just pushed all of my buttons and not in a good way
It is not a bad book, it is well written and entertaining, I know a lot of people will enjoy it. It just pushed all of my buttons and not in a good way
Read
September 4, 20175 Hearts!
New to me author j. leigh bailey has done it! This is the book I was waiting for and thank goodness I didn’t have to wait long. I am a fan of the Dreamspun Desires line and was anxious to see how the formula would translate into the Dreamspun Beyond line and this book was perfect with blending the two together. We get shifters and we get fluff. Really, what more could you ask for?
Told from the POV of our resident coyote shifter Donnie Granger, we meet Donnie as he is stalking, or checking out the hot customer at Buddy’s Café, where he is a barista. Donnie has been crushing on the customer he knows as William and decides to take a leap and actually talk to the guy and try to seduce him with scones.
But after the seduction attempt, a couple of rough looking dudes come into the café looking for William and Donnie decides to shift and do a bit of sleuthing to find out why. The sleuthing leads him to the campus of Shifter U, where William is a professor, and it all ends up with him naked in human form with William in a janitor’s closet.
Trust me when I say this book is fun. It’s fun. It’s sweet. It’s sexy. It’s swoony. Oh my heart is it ever swoony.
But let me try to tell you more about the story without giving it all away.
Bad guys are after William and William won’t tell Donnie why and Donnie wants to protect the man he is falling hard and fast for. Donnie and William are totally into one another but after horizontal good stuff happens, William pushes Donnie away and it hurts him. Donnie keeps thinking that William is treating him like a child because of their age difference (only 10 years) and how William is so protective of him so Donnie goes to naked lengths to prove he isn’t a child. And the proof gives us ridiculously sexy times with so much emotion I was melting at my desk as I read this.
Now the mystery of why the baddies want William and who William really is give the story a level of intrigue along with all the shifters that live in Cody. I loves the idea of the shifters living in shifter friendly town with a shifter friendly university but living in harmony all together. Ford, is Donnie’s best friend and a bird of prey but we don’t know exactly what kind of bird until later in the book and it’s fascinating! Oh and when we get to the conversation about what William’s shift is I fell into a fit of giggles because it’s written so well, with so much teasing that can only be done when you have feelings for someone. But really, what were William’s parents thinking? *giggles*
I have so many highlights from this story but I just realized sharing them would be spoiling those moments for you so I won’t share them. But the moments are full of laughter and romance with each topping the other with their awesomeness.
I honestly loved the hell out of Donnie. His energy totally matches his shift as a coyote and I found his ramblings to be endearing. He’s a guy who can’t sit still for very long and tends to do things before he thinks but it’s what makes him such a loveable character. His crush on William is adorable and I love how he puts himself out there to protect this manly man of his, even when he wasn’t his but really, when wasn’t William ever NOT his, you know? I know and trust me, these two are amazing with sizzling chemistry that heats up the page and makes you want to keep them locked in a room together for a very, very long time.
William is such a strong and alpha character whose energy again totally matches his shift. As an American Bison he would seem to be docile and gentle but don’t touch what is his or you will feel the strength and power he has to keep those he loves from harm. His backstory is heartbreaking and yet it’s what makes him amazing for Donnie even if Donnie doesn’t get it at first because well, William doesn’t tell him. *sigh* Seriously though, the dude is all sort of Alpha either dressed in all black strapped down with weapons or in comfortable oatmeal sweater at the café drinking his back coffee. And yet the dude now belongs on my Swoony McSwoonster shelf because he may think he doesn’t do well with words but when he uses them… I turn into goo and goo is always good. Ack! I want to snuggle the fuck out of William but would not risk the wrath of his coyote or the coyote’s friends, boss or family. Nope. Shifters in numbers are powerful. Just so you know.
I am rambling, I know and I can’t stop. That’s how good this book was. I cherished the romance between William and Donnie and love the way the author gave their story to us. The series of Shifter U promises to be one hell of a fun ride with amazing characters that sneak their way into your heart.
Oh, one more thing. That end? William’s gift? Let’s just say Book –1, Sara’s hopeless romantic heart – 0. That end was so romantic and just so perfect between these two. It was everything I could have hoped for and even more.
Now, the only think I could hope for now is for Ford to get a book because his shift is stunning and I would love to see who could handle him.
New to me author j. leigh bailey has done it! This is the book I was waiting for and thank goodness I didn’t have to wait long. I am a fan of the Dreamspun Desires line and was anxious to see how the formula would translate into the Dreamspun Beyond line and this book was perfect with blending the two together. We get shifters and we get fluff. Really, what more could you ask for?
Told from the POV of our resident coyote shifter Donnie Granger, we meet Donnie as he is stalking, or checking out the hot customer at Buddy’s Café, where he is a barista. Donnie has been crushing on the customer he knows as William and decides to take a leap and actually talk to the guy and try to seduce him with scones.
But after the seduction attempt, a couple of rough looking dudes come into the café looking for William and Donnie decides to shift and do a bit of sleuthing to find out why. The sleuthing leads him to the campus of Shifter U, where William is a professor, and it all ends up with him naked in human form with William in a janitor’s closet.
Trust me when I say this book is fun. It’s fun. It’s sweet. It’s sexy. It’s swoony. Oh my heart is it ever swoony.
But let me try to tell you more about the story without giving it all away.
Bad guys are after William and William won’t tell Donnie why and Donnie wants to protect the man he is falling hard and fast for. Donnie and William are totally into one another but after horizontal good stuff happens, William pushes Donnie away and it hurts him. Donnie keeps thinking that William is treating him like a child because of their age difference (only 10 years) and how William is so protective of him so Donnie goes to naked lengths to prove he isn’t a child. And the proof gives us ridiculously sexy times with so much emotion I was melting at my desk as I read this.
Now the mystery of why the baddies want William and who William really is give the story a level of intrigue along with all the shifters that live in Cody. I loves the idea of the shifters living in shifter friendly town with a shifter friendly university but living in harmony all together. Ford, is Donnie’s best friend and a bird of prey but we don’t know exactly what kind of bird until later in the book and it’s fascinating! Oh and when we get to the conversation about what William’s shift is I fell into a fit of giggles because it’s written so well, with so much teasing that can only be done when you have feelings for someone. But really, what were William’s parents thinking? *giggles*
I have so many highlights from this story but I just realized sharing them would be spoiling those moments for you so I won’t share them. But the moments are full of laughter and romance with each topping the other with their awesomeness.
I honestly loved the hell out of Donnie. His energy totally matches his shift as a coyote and I found his ramblings to be endearing. He’s a guy who can’t sit still for very long and tends to do things before he thinks but it’s what makes him such a loveable character. His crush on William is adorable and I love how he puts himself out there to protect this manly man of his, even when he wasn’t his but really, when wasn’t William ever NOT his, you know? I know and trust me, these two are amazing with sizzling chemistry that heats up the page and makes you want to keep them locked in a room together for a very, very long time.
William is such a strong and alpha character whose energy again totally matches his shift. As an American Bison he would seem to be docile and gentle but don’t touch what is his or you will feel the strength and power he has to keep those he loves from harm. His backstory is heartbreaking and yet it’s what makes him amazing for Donnie even if Donnie doesn’t get it at first because well, William doesn’t tell him. *sigh* Seriously though, the dude is all sort of Alpha either dressed in all black strapped down with weapons or in comfortable oatmeal sweater at the café drinking his back coffee. And yet the dude now belongs on my Swoony McSwoonster shelf because he may think he doesn’t do well with words but when he uses them… I turn into goo and goo is always good. Ack! I want to snuggle the fuck out of William but would not risk the wrath of his coyote or the coyote’s friends, boss or family. Nope. Shifters in numbers are powerful. Just so you know.
I am rambling, I know and I can’t stop. That’s how good this book was. I cherished the romance between William and Donnie and love the way the author gave their story to us. The series of Shifter U promises to be one hell of a fun ride with amazing characters that sneak their way into your heart.
Oh, one more thing. That end? William’s gift? Let’s just say Book –1, Sara’s hopeless romantic heart – 0. That end was so romantic and just so perfect between these two. It was everything I could have hoped for and even more.
Now, the only think I could hope for now is for Ford to get a book because his shift is stunning and I would love to see who could handle him.
August 28, 2017
This is fast, cute, sweet and still managed to grate on my nerves a bit. I don’t know if I’m losing my patience for the whole insta-love with shifters or if I'm becoming more discriminating with my paranormal books.
Blurb sums it up pretty good – Donnie is working as a barista at a local coffee shop with his friend Ford. Donnie’s family wants him to follow them into working on the oil fields. Donnie wants to do anything but that. Donnie is, at the moment, a bit adrift.
And in walks talk, handsome, manly man and Donnie is beyond smitten by the handsome stranger who smells like sage grass. Just when Donnie summons up the courage to talk to his manly man, things go pear-shaped and Donnie finds himself being shot at, kidnapped and running for his life.
Premise of the book was interesting; characters were not the standard wolf variety, the animal quirks came through in the people quirks, and it was a fun plot. I liked William - seriously! How cool is a buffalo shifter!?!. Ford was a fun surprise and made for a nice a counterpoint to Donnie’s excitability .
And that’s where I had my issue with the book: Donnie. He repeatedly commented on how he didn’t want to be seen as a child, that he wasn’t a child, he proved he wasn’t a child…and yet he continuously acted like an impetuous child. When Donnie went tearing out of William’s house upon hearing his nephew was kidnapped, despite William stating “it’s a trap, we need to check this out”, I just about put the book down. Donnie went from amusing to grating on my nerves. I really would like to have seen some personal development in the growing up department.
So this was a middle of the road read for me – the author adroitly avoided the overuse (actually any use) of the word “mate!” (bless her!), I did enjoy Donnie’s use of assigning people alternate names (Balding Head Guy), and it’s a fun enough plot with a happy ending.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Blurb sums it up pretty good – Donnie is working as a barista at a local coffee shop with his friend Ford. Donnie’s family wants him to follow them into working on the oil fields. Donnie wants to do anything but that. Donnie is, at the moment, a bit adrift.
And in walks talk, handsome, manly man and Donnie is beyond smitten by the handsome stranger who smells like sage grass. Just when Donnie summons up the courage to talk to his manly man, things go pear-shaped and Donnie finds himself being shot at, kidnapped and running for his life.
Premise of the book was interesting; characters were not the standard wolf variety, the animal quirks came through in the people quirks, and it was a fun plot. I liked William - seriously! How cool is a buffalo shifter!?!. Ford was a fun surprise and made for a nice a counterpoint to Donnie’s excitability .
And that’s where I had my issue with the book: Donnie. He repeatedly commented on how he didn’t want to be seen as a child, that he wasn’t a child, he proved he wasn’t a child…and yet he continuously acted like an impetuous child. When Donnie went tearing out of William’s house upon hearing his nephew was kidnapped, despite William stating “it’s a trap, we need to check this out”, I just about put the book down. Donnie went from amusing to grating on my nerves. I really would like to have seen some personal development in the growing up department.
So this was a middle of the road read for me – the author adroitly avoided the overuse (actually any use) of the word “mate!” (bless her!), I did enjoy Donnie’s use of assigning people alternate names (Balding Head Guy), and it’s a fun enough plot with a happy ending.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
September 1, 2017
Everything about the title and the blurb hooked me with this book. The play on words, an actual buffalo shifter named William (never ever Bill) and the cute stalker (yeah, I won’t correct that) who sets his sights on him. And it didn’t disappoint. I think I smiled from page one to the end with just a few stumbles along the way.
Much to his family’s disdain, coyote shifter Donnie Granger works in a diner. In his perfect world, he’d go to culinary school and open up a bakery. In their world, he’d join them in the oil fields. Despite this discord, family is family and when it comes down to it, they are there when he needs it. And he needs it. Not for himself, but for his major crush—the hottie professor he’s only just gotten up the nerve to talk to, feed...and save?
William is a buffalo shifter with a past. He’s not as obvious in his interest in Donnie and with good reason (I won’t give that away). Suffice it to say, he’s in protector mode and Donnie, being both hyper and headstrong, doesn’t want any part of being coddled. He wants to help. He’s determined to help, and this provided some really hot angst. Until it didn’t. There came a time when William’s hard line colliding with Donnie’s battering ram detracted from the story instead of adding to it.
Still, once Donnie gives up trying to convince William that he can help, he decides to just take matters into his own hands. It’s a huge risk with a lot of people involved and, despite all the push/pull, it works. But, does that mean they’ll live happily ever after? Well, yeah, but you have to read it to find out why.
I received an ARC of Stalking Buffalo Bill from the publisher in return for an honest review.
Much to his family’s disdain, coyote shifter Donnie Granger works in a diner. In his perfect world, he’d go to culinary school and open up a bakery. In their world, he’d join them in the oil fields. Despite this discord, family is family and when it comes down to it, they are there when he needs it. And he needs it. Not for himself, but for his major crush—the hottie professor he’s only just gotten up the nerve to talk to, feed...and save?
William is a buffalo shifter with a past. He’s not as obvious in his interest in Donnie and with good reason (I won’t give that away). Suffice it to say, he’s in protector mode and Donnie, being both hyper and headstrong, doesn’t want any part of being coddled. He wants to help. He’s determined to help, and this provided some really hot angst. Until it didn’t. There came a time when William’s hard line colliding with Donnie’s battering ram detracted from the story instead of adding to it.
Still, once Donnie gives up trying to convince William that he can help, he decides to just take matters into his own hands. It’s a huge risk with a lot of people involved and, despite all the push/pull, it works. But, does that mean they’ll live happily ever after? Well, yeah, but you have to read it to find out why.
I received an ARC of Stalking Buffalo Bill from the publisher in return for an honest review.
December 7, 2017
The beginning when Donnie is crushing on William and trying to find out about him is cute but once they really start interacting with each other things start to go south. And then the action and bad guys come in and things just get wonky. Donnie is an idiot. William is an ass. The random shifters vs bad guys was...I have no words, let's just say I thought it was...not good. Lack of communication, stupid decisions. I spent the second half of the book whining, "Are we there yet?"
January 19, 2018
Updated to add audiobook review.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
We’ve all read wolves and bears, but when’s the last time we’ve seen a buffalo? I was intrigued. I also like stories about former undercover agents, and the May/December trope is a favorite of mine as well. When I read the blurb, I knew I had to give this one a try. I was not disappointed.
First, I want to start by talking about Donnie and William. From the first page, Donnie took a place in my heart. He was adorable, and I was crazy about how much he liked William. I could picture him making goo goo eyes at William from across the room, and it made me smile. I liked William right off the bat as well. I have a thing for grumpy bearded guys. The chemistry between Donnie and William was obvious…and hilarious. These two gave me quite a few laugh out loud moments. They were already charming and sexy, and the humor took it to a whole new level.
The mystery/intrigue plot was well written and well thought out. I admit I had to go back and reread a passage or two because I felt like I missed something, but that wasn’t a problem for me at all. It was exciting, and I was completely caught up in it. The pacing was fast, but I didn’t get overwhelmed by it. I was pleased at how it all tied up. Imagine a field full of coyotes (including one who does a mean hyena call), a few bears, some birds of prey, and even a bobcat. Now, imagine you’re a bad guy surrounded by all these animals. Frankly, it was awesome!
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
We’ve all read wolves and bears, but when’s the last time we’ve seen a buffalo? I was intrigued. I also like stories about former undercover agents, and the May/December trope is a favorite of mine as well. When I read the blurb, I knew I had to give this one a try. I was not disappointed.
First, I want to start by talking about Donnie and William. From the first page, Donnie took a place in my heart. He was adorable, and I was crazy about how much he liked William. I could picture him making goo goo eyes at William from across the room, and it made me smile. I liked William right off the bat as well. I have a thing for grumpy bearded guys. The chemistry between Donnie and William was obvious…and hilarious. These two gave me quite a few laugh out loud moments. They were already charming and sexy, and the humor took it to a whole new level.
The mystery/intrigue plot was well written and well thought out. I admit I had to go back and reread a passage or two because I felt like I missed something, but that wasn’t a problem for me at all. It was exciting, and I was completely caught up in it. The pacing was fast, but I didn’t get overwhelmed by it. I was pleased at how it all tied up. Imagine a field full of coyotes (including one who does a mean hyena call), a few bears, some birds of prey, and even a bobcat. Now, imagine you’re a bad guy surrounded by all these animals. Frankly, it was awesome!
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
September 18, 2017
Started out promising. Loved the concept of coyote and bison shifters. And the characters were appealing, with Donnie pining over the strong, silent William (don't call him Bill.) However, once things started to happen, there was just too much misunderstanding and misplaced angst.
February 18, 2018
this book frustrated me a bit. Bill was not someone I wanted to get to know (and to be honest I don't think I did)
July 24, 2018
A quick read story of cute hyperactive coyote shifter and aloof growly buffalo shifter. They make such an unusual but adorable duo. Though sometimes it irked me everytime Donnie made a childish and reckless action but I still liked him because he's just too cute and funny to resist. There are several sweet and heart melting moments between them that made my day.
August 16, 2018
Stalking buffalo bill ⭐️
The writing was great and I love Donnie. He is awkward and funny and flirty and just a real person with a major crush on someone that happens to be under investigation.
William is on the run (sort of) and he didnt want to get involved with anyone because no one can handle all the craziness that is his life but Donnie squished himself in and wont give up his newest love.
I really liked how the characters shifted into different animals and how they couldn smell and hear like animals when in human form.
If the whole gay romance bugs you well it wasnt my favorite part of it but since it is told in first person it wasnt he he it was I and he so It was easy to read.
I got to meet the author and she was really nice and it was a really funny book and I think im going to continue on with the series.
The writing was great and I love Donnie. He is awkward and funny and flirty and just a real person with a major crush on someone that happens to be under investigation.
William is on the run (sort of) and he didnt want to get involved with anyone because no one can handle all the craziness that is his life but Donnie squished himself in and wont give up his newest love.
I really liked how the characters shifted into different animals and how they couldn smell and hear like animals when in human form.
If the whole gay romance bugs you well it wasnt my favorite part of it but since it is told in first person it wasnt he he it was I and he so It was easy to read.
I got to meet the author and she was really nice and it was a really funny book and I think im going to continue on with the series.
August 27, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a ridiculously silly (but still kinda fun) shifter romance. It starts out quite sensibly with an excitable, twinky barista fancying one of his customers, an older college professor. But by the time the author has added a string of action sequences and fights between organised crime hitmen and shifters of every possible species, my head was spinning and I couldn’t keep track of who was doing what to whom.
I’m not sure how much of this story is supposed to be taken seriously. Some of the humour is intentional (gotta love the bison shifter named William = Buffalo Bill). Some of the humour came from ridiculous villains using exaggerated dialogue straight from a 1980s TV crime drama.
Even more of the humour came from the WTF moments where I tried to figure out what was going on. So many complicated back plots are referenced and not clarified in this story that I was sure I was jumping into the middle of an established series until I rechecked that this is Book 1 on Goodreads.
There are also some serious moments as Donnie tries to figure out his future and work through his relationship with his family. I’m not sure this works terribly well in a relatively short novel with a whole lot of action and deliberate humour. William remains a mystery through much of this story and even by the end he hadn’t developed much beyond what he told Donnie about himself.
Without thinking too hard, this is a fun and exciting read. It won’t stand up to any intense scrutiny but there were some scenes that made me laugh and there really aren’t enough stories about buffalo shifters!
This is a ridiculously silly (but still kinda fun) shifter romance. It starts out quite sensibly with an excitable, twinky barista fancying one of his customers, an older college professor. But by the time the author has added a string of action sequences and fights between organised crime hitmen and shifters of every possible species, my head was spinning and I couldn’t keep track of who was doing what to whom.
I’m not sure how much of this story is supposed to be taken seriously. Some of the humour is intentional (gotta love the bison shifter named William = Buffalo Bill). Some of the humour came from ridiculous villains using exaggerated dialogue straight from a 1980s TV crime drama.
Even more of the humour came from the WTF moments where I tried to figure out what was going on. So many complicated back plots are referenced and not clarified in this story that I was sure I was jumping into the middle of an established series until I rechecked that this is Book 1 on Goodreads.
There are also some serious moments as Donnie tries to figure out his future and work through his relationship with his family. I’m not sure this works terribly well in a relatively short novel with a whole lot of action and deliberate humour. William remains a mystery through much of this story and even by the end he hadn’t developed much beyond what he told Donnie about himself.
Without thinking too hard, this is a fun and exciting read. It won’t stand up to any intense scrutiny but there were some scenes that made me laugh and there really aren’t enough stories about buffalo shifters!
September 14, 2017
This is such a fun story! The setting alone, a shifter-friendly university in Cody, Wyoming in a world where humans are unaware shifters exist, creates all kinds of possibilities. This is kind of obvious given that the book is labeled "Shifter U. #1" and I look forward to seeing more.
Donnie is such a lovable goofball. He's smart, funny, and impulsive - every bit the coyote. He's a perfect foil for William, a stoic and taciturn professorial-type. The sparks between the two of them are so fun to read as they waver between "I can't keep away from you!" and "You annoy the crap out of me!" I really enjoyed seeing the relationship evolve between the two. I think it's a great endorsement that I was invested enough in Donnie and William that I was in tears as they reached their Happily Ever After (Spoiler? Not likely!). They really are a sweet couple. The side characters are quite entertaining too, even if most of them have little time on the page. Donnie's best friend Ford stands out, not only as a smart and pragmatic guy, but also an intriguing type of shifter. I would guess we'll be seeing more of Ford in the next book in this series.
The one place where the plot breaks down a bit is the international espionage element. It just seemed a little over the top. It's well-written and keeps things moving along well enough that it's a minor annoyance, though.
I'll give this one 4.25 out of 5, and I eagerly await the next book in the series!
Donnie is such a lovable goofball. He's smart, funny, and impulsive - every bit the coyote. He's a perfect foil for William, a stoic and taciturn professorial-type. The sparks between the two of them are so fun to read as they waver between "I can't keep away from you!" and "You annoy the crap out of me!" I really enjoyed seeing the relationship evolve between the two. I think it's a great endorsement that I was invested enough in Donnie and William that I was in tears as they reached their Happily Ever After (Spoiler? Not likely!). They really are a sweet couple. The side characters are quite entertaining too, even if most of them have little time on the page. Donnie's best friend Ford stands out, not only as a smart and pragmatic guy, but also an intriguing type of shifter. I would guess we'll be seeing more of Ford in the next book in this series.
The one place where the plot breaks down a bit is the international espionage element. It just seemed a little over the top. It's well-written and keeps things moving along well enough that it's a minor annoyance, though.
I'll give this one 4.25 out of 5, and I eagerly await the next book in the series!
September 1, 2017
Not your typical shifter series! While William is definitely an alpha shifter, the story is told by loveable Donnie, who's a bit manic in his thoughts at times, insecure, but driven. This is the type of story I pick up intending to read a few pages and suddenly an hour goes by.
September 11, 2017
I LOVE DONNIE. This was my first J. Leigh Bailey novel, and I was not disappointed. I adore her sense of humor, and the sex scenes were scorching. Although this is a romance story, there was so much more to it: action, adventure, and friendship. Loved every bit!
May 17, 2018
Tams gives this one 5 Stars...
Love the play on words in this story
Donnie has been smitten with William since the first day he walked into the coffee shop Donnie works at. What he doesn't know is that the feeling just might be mutual. The two of them are thrust into each other's worlds by bad circumstance and Donnie tries to make lemonaid out of lemons, but William doesn't make it easy. He's domineering by nature and has a protective nature that comes across more like a warden. One can only hope they figure out the schematics of their volatile relationship before William's past settles the deal for them.
Loved the story, a different twist on the classic shifter tale that is so worn out as of late. I really do hope that there are more books in the 'Shifter U' universe. The story is intriguing and the narration definitely did the book and the characters justice. I loved the deep, sexy, baritone Finn Sterling used for William while giving Donnie an occasionally manic tone that totally fit his disposition.
If you're a fan of Shifter stories you have to check this one out, it's really good.
Love the play on words in this story
Donnie has been smitten with William since the first day he walked into the coffee shop Donnie works at. What he doesn't know is that the feeling just might be mutual. The two of them are thrust into each other's worlds by bad circumstance and Donnie tries to make lemonaid out of lemons, but William doesn't make it easy. He's domineering by nature and has a protective nature that comes across more like a warden. One can only hope they figure out the schematics of their volatile relationship before William's past settles the deal for them.
Loved the story, a different twist on the classic shifter tale that is so worn out as of late. I really do hope that there are more books in the 'Shifter U' universe. The story is intriguing and the narration definitely did the book and the characters justice. I loved the deep, sexy, baritone Finn Sterling used for William while giving Donnie an occasionally manic tone that totally fit his disposition.
If you're a fan of Shifter stories you have to check this one out, it's really good.
April 12, 2018
This was a really fun book with a fair amount of action and lots of humor and some nice chemistry as well! Donnie is a great character as is Buffalo Bill. I hope to see this as a series in the future.
This is a story that makes you laugh, has a bit of a mystery and a touch of angst. Very enjoyable.
4.5 of 5 stars
Audio
Finn Sterlin did a really nice job with this. He gives Bill a GREAT voice and Donnie’s voice was distinct and full of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and audio and highly recommend it!
5 of 5 stars
This is a story that makes you laugh, has a bit of a mystery and a touch of angst. Very enjoyable.
4.5 of 5 stars
Audio
Finn Sterlin did a really nice job with this. He gives Bill a GREAT voice and Donnie’s voice was distinct and full of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and audio and highly recommend it!
5 of 5 stars
Read
December 30, 2024ok, this proably couldn't be any cuter. i loved how Donnie's impetiousness compliments William's careful planning. this story is driven by thinking nt knowing will keep someone out of danger, but of course that is not the case. Poor William just wants to keep Donnie safe, but Donnie just can't sit still. must be the coyote... and the unmedicated adhd, lol. Donnie just has the biggest heart and just wants to help. I think I could read about those 2 forever. They mght be my new favorite shifter couple.
March 5, 2018
Read this when it came out and LOVED it to bits.
Fun story with an awesome cast!!
Oh I loved Donnie! Bill was great too.
Looking forward to the second installment, it's already waiting on my kindle :)
xxx
Fun story with an awesome cast!!
Oh I loved Donnie! Bill was great too.
Looking forward to the second installment, it's already waiting on my kindle :)
xxx
March 30, 2018
Cute characters and tropey fun.
May 25, 2025
This book was so completely out there and I absolutely loved it!! There was lots of action and romance and well-balanced in my opinion. Definitely some places where I was yelling at the characters asking what they were thinking but you know it’s good when you’re that passionate about the story and characters!
I loved Donnie as a character, didn’t always think before acting but always had his heart in the right place! William took a while to come around to Donnie but I really liked them together once he did! I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for something with some plot and craziness!
I loved Donnie as a character, didn’t always think before acting but always had his heart in the right place! William took a while to come around to Donnie but I really liked them together once he did! I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for something with some plot and craziness!
July 9, 2018
Good romantic-suspense story, but a little light with the romance part. The constant back and forth in Donnie's and William's relationship was also a bit tiring.
February 17, 2018
I've said this before but I really like reading about how an author explains a shifter world that they've created.
Plus, Donnie being a coyote and William being a bison are something different! It's rare to see these types of shifters! I love reading about Ford as well! Don't we all want a BFF like him? I can't wait to read the next one since it will be about him!
I love the last chapter! I definitely agreed with Donnie about William there! <3
Plus, Donnie being a coyote and William being a bison are something different! It's rare to see these types of shifters! I love reading about Ford as well! Don't we all want a BFF like him? I can't wait to read the next one since it will be about him!
I love the last chapter! I definitely agreed with Donnie about William there! <3
February 18, 2018
Some really fun characters here (I didn't even mind the rather reticent bison dude) but when the mystery/actiony stuff went into high gear, I go so bored (I skimmed. A lot.). But I stuck with it because the main character was funny and delightful.
October 9, 2017
Hmm.
I don't think I'm the target audience for this book.
Also, apart from the shifting aspect (one character is a coyote, the other an American Bison, and there are other shifter characters), this felt like a regular ol' no-magic-here romance novel. And that's fine! But I like a little more magic (supernatural/fantastical) in my novels. I don't really read books that don't have magic (or sci-fi) in them. It's a character flaw.
Honestly, I think the author was like 'haha I could name him William and have him be a bison' and then just wrote the book around that conceit.
I didn't really like Donnie (our MC)--less because he was a bad character and more because I didn't really feel like I got to know him. Also, his name sounds...young. He's also portrayed as being somewhat hyper/ADHD, which makes this book feel a little like a Sterek with the serial numbers filed off.
Given that William is a badass who takes quiet and stoic to unheard of levels, I suspect that Sterek might be where this story started. William is also bearded, buff, and strong. (He takes his coffee black and doesn't really like sweets. Naturally.)
I didn't like that William treats Donnie as a child for most of the story...but we're told they're in love, so it's ok! /sarcasm
Nothing about how Donnie acts really detracts from the 'he's a child' thing, either--he was undeclared in college, doesn't really seem to have interests apart from working in his coffee shop and baking (and I guess taking care of his nephews?), has no career or life ambitions, and has never had a serious relationship before. These are not bad character traits, but they're glossed over, and all contribute to the feeling of a young character. And the way they're presented in the story feels distinctly 'judge-y'--they could have worked, but it feels like the author doesn't approve of his lifestyle, either.
Donnie and William don't seem to have much in common, apart from thinking the other is hot. I'm not sure if we're told what William was professor of, but if he had been, say, professor of Antebellum History, and Donnie was really into reading biographies/non-fiction books/romance novels of soldiers and generals from that time period, it would have at least given them something in common.
There's also A LOT of second-hand embarassment in this novel, which I guess doesn't bother everyone but sure as hell bothers me.
And William keeps having sex with Donnie to distract Donnie from asking questions. Like, multiple times. IDK.
I know what the author was aiming for (sweet home-maker helps soften the edges of stoic manly-man), but it felt really classic het romance novel to me, and not in a good way.
Also, I checked how many pages were left of this book. MULTIPLE TIMES. That's not a good fit for me. Ugh.
ETA: I found multiple reviewers calling Donnie a TSTL character. I wasn't sure what that meant, so I googled it, and lo and behold, it's Donnie to a T: Too Stupid To Live. Yep, that's Donnie alright.
I don't think I'm the target audience for this book.
Also, apart from the shifting aspect (one character is a coyote, the other an American Bison, and there are other shifter characters), this felt like a regular ol' no-magic-here romance novel. And that's fine! But I like a little more magic (supernatural/fantastical) in my novels. I don't really read books that don't have magic (or sci-fi) in them. It's a character flaw.
Honestly, I think the author was like 'haha I could name him William and have him be a bison' and then just wrote the book around that conceit.
I didn't really like Donnie (our MC)--less because he was a bad character and more because I didn't really feel like I got to know him. Also, his name sounds...young. He's also portrayed as being somewhat hyper/ADHD, which makes this book feel a little like a Sterek with the serial numbers filed off.
Given that William is a badass who takes quiet and stoic to unheard of levels, I suspect that Sterek might be where this story started. William is also bearded, buff, and strong. (He takes his coffee black and doesn't really like sweets. Naturally.)
I didn't like that William treats Donnie as a child for most of the story...but we're told they're in love, so it's ok! /sarcasm
Nothing about how Donnie acts really detracts from the 'he's a child' thing, either--he was undeclared in college, doesn't really seem to have interests apart from working in his coffee shop and baking (and I guess taking care of his nephews?), has no career or life ambitions, and has never had a serious relationship before. These are not bad character traits, but they're glossed over, and all contribute to the feeling of a young character. And the way they're presented in the story feels distinctly 'judge-y'--they could have worked, but it feels like the author doesn't approve of his lifestyle, either.
Donnie and William don't seem to have much in common, apart from thinking the other is hot. I'm not sure if we're told what William was professor of, but if he had been, say, professor of Antebellum History, and Donnie was really into reading biographies/non-fiction books/romance novels of soldiers and generals from that time period, it would have at least given them something in common.
There's also A LOT of second-hand embarassment in this novel, which I guess doesn't bother everyone but sure as hell bothers me.
And William keeps having sex with Donnie to distract Donnie from asking questions. Like, multiple times. IDK.
I know what the author was aiming for (sweet home-maker helps soften the edges of stoic manly-man), but it felt really classic het romance novel to me, and not in a good way.
Also, I checked how many pages were left of this book. MULTIPLE TIMES. That's not a good fit for me. Ugh.
ETA: I found multiple reviewers calling Donnie a TSTL character. I wasn't sure what that meant, so I googled it, and lo and behold, it's Donnie to a T: Too Stupid To Live. Yep, that's Donnie alright.
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