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Midnight in Berlin
One bad decision can change your life forever.
It’s midnight in Berlin, and drifter Leon is hitchhiking home in the rain, covered in feathers after a wild festival in the city park. He can’t believe his luck when he’s picked up by a hot guy in a Porsche. That is, until he learns his driver is a creature from his worst nightmares—and plans to turn him into one too. He runs, but he can’t escape the werewolf’s bite.
Christoph made one mistake, but he’s paying for it plenty. He took Leon for a rogue werewolf on his way home from a hunt, and by the time he realizes the truth, it’s too late to do anything but make Leon a monster to save his life. That doesn’t save Christoph from the pack leader’s harsh punishment.
As Leon struggles to cope with his horrifying new reality—and his mixed feelings for the man who bit him—he’s desperate to discover not only what’s happened to Christoph, but the secrets their pack leader is hiding from them all.
Secrets the pack will kill to protect.
It’s midnight in Berlin, and drifter Leon is hitchhiking home in the rain, covered in feathers after a wild festival in the city park. He can’t believe his luck when he’s picked up by a hot guy in a Porsche. That is, until he learns his driver is a creature from his worst nightmares—and plans to turn him into one too. He runs, but he can’t escape the werewolf’s bite.
Christoph made one mistake, but he’s paying for it plenty. He took Leon for a rogue werewolf on his way home from a hunt, and by the time he realizes the truth, it’s too late to do anything but make Leon a monster to save his life. That doesn’t save Christoph from the pack leader’s harsh punishment.
As Leon struggles to cope with his horrifying new reality—and his mixed feelings for the man who bit him—he’s desperate to discover not only what’s happened to Christoph, but the secrets their pack leader is hiding from them all.
Secrets the pack will kill to protect.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2012
14 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Merrow
145 books1,327 followersJL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne.
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 8, 2012
This was just OK for me, not because anything was wrong with the book, but it just didn't float my boat. I really liked the narrator, the settings were very evocative, the characters are nicely flawed, the conclusion is very fitting; but somehow put it all together and I had to force myself to finish the book. I wasn't gripped. The miscommunications between the MCs made the whole book seem hesitant. The character of Silke was under-utilised. I have a whole lot of unanswered questions the MCs aren't going to bother with because (understandably) they want to get on with their lives.
I was disappointed not to like it more, because I've loved Merrow's other books.
:(
EDIT: after more thought, one of the big problems for me was the romance. There is never any sense that the two MCs actually like each other or want to be together: they are each other's only option in a hostile world. They each say the other is their physical 'type', and that's all the romance we get. That actually makes me sad, not happy.
I was disappointed not to like it more, because I've loved Merrow's other books.
:(
EDIT: after more thought, one of the big problems for me was the romance. There is never any sense that the two MCs actually like each other or want to be together: they are each other's only option in a hostile world. They each say the other is their physical 'type', and that's all the romance we get. That actually makes me sad, not happy.
August 24, 2018
4.5 stars After a midnight out Leon is covered in feathers trying to get a ride, a Porsche with a hot guy in it takes him in... Leon is lucky.
When Christoph sees Leon covered in feathers he thinks he’s a fellow wolf...
Then he discovers his mistake and makes a decision.
Leon is not amused after finding out he is now a werewolf and held as a sort of prisoner by a small pack by their leader Peter Schreiber. Christoph is nowhere to be found.
When Leon finds Christoph and is freed all hell breaks loose.
“Because dammit, we were both terrified of the same thing - - me - -“
There is a secret about the pack... a dark and confusing one.
A freshly written, fast paced story. Leon is a vibrant guy with a lot of sarcasm in his humor, and thoughts like “His voice had turned so cold I damn near glanced at my water glass to check it hadn’t iced over.”
The tension between Christoph and Leon was heavy and it hung between attraction, lust, hate, and distrust.
The plot was well done. It had a different approach to wolves, pack etc. Even with some angst in it, this story had an airy feeling and a light sheen.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
When Christoph sees Leon covered in feathers he thinks he’s a fellow wolf...
Then he discovers his mistake and makes a decision.
Leon is not amused after finding out he is now a werewolf and held as a sort of prisoner by a small pack by their leader Peter Schreiber. Christoph is nowhere to be found.
When Leon finds Christoph and is freed all hell breaks loose.
“Because dammit, we were both terrified of the same thing - - me - -“
There is a secret about the pack... a dark and confusing one.
A freshly written, fast paced story. Leon is a vibrant guy with a lot of sarcasm in his humor, and thoughts like “His voice had turned so cold I damn near glanced at my water glass to check it hadn’t iced over.”
The tension between Christoph and Leon was heavy and it hung between attraction, lust, hate, and distrust.
The plot was well done. It had a different approach to wolves, pack etc. Even with some angst in it, this story had an airy feeling and a light sheen.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
May 10, 2012
3.5 stars
A bit of a disturbing twist on werewolves! I enjoyed this story, though it went in a direction I never expected. I did think it might be a surprise, what with the very open beginning and the almost sinister yet playful tone in the blurb. Maybe that's a good way to describe this book, sinister yet playful.
Lol, you'll definitely have to read it to understand what that could possibly mean!
A bit of a disturbing twist on werewolves! I enjoyed this story, though it went in a direction I never expected. I did think it might be a surprise, what with the very open beginning and the almost sinister yet playful tone in the blurb. Maybe that's a good way to describe this book, sinister yet playful.
Lol, you'll definitely have to read it to understand what that could possibly mean!
September 30, 2018
I loved Leon's irreverent narrative - he was my favorite person in the book.
In a case of mistaken identity, a werewolf bites a human. Oops.
Christoph, a lawyer of sorts, and Lycan, driving through Berlin in his Porsche very late at night, spots Leon, a student/drifter, who's hitchhiking his way back to this hostel. Leon is covered in feather, after a pillow fight at a concert and some rain, and Christoph thinks Leon is Lycan too and has just killed a large bird. So he stops, offers him a rider, and takes him to his pack house in one of the Berlin 'burbs. Because wolves aren't supposed to run around arousing suspicion, and Christoph chides Leon for potentially revealing the secret.
Leon has no idea what the guy with the Porsche is babbling about, but he's not liking it. And never mind the guy's face growing fangs and sprouting hair. When the car stops, Leon bolts just as soon as Christoph realizes his mistake.
Long story short, Leon wakes up Lycan (oops) after Christoph bit him. Christoph is nowhere to be found, and nobody living in the house where Christoph took him is telling him anything useful.
The pack is led by a horrible man named Schreiber. He's brutal, he treats his pack members like crap, and he's not happy that Leon is now a wolf.
Leon discovers where Christoph is being caged for punishment (that was hard to read, OMG), and together with Schreiber's daughter, they flee the house.
The rest of the story is basically telling us about their escape and their movements through Berlin, trying to find out what they can about the experiment Schreiber appears to be running. There's a side story with another pack, this one full wolves.
The plot is fast-moving and the action scenes were fascinating, but the romance was rather bland. Outside of some sort of mating bond, I didn't really feel it at all.
Leon's character stood out for me - the rest of them all were more or less one-dimensional. Christoph was okay, once he let go of his guilt a bit, and we do get a HEA. The descriptions of Berlin felt accurate, and most of the dialogue rang organic and realistic for the characters.
Not one of my favorites by this author, but I enjoyed it.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
In a case of mistaken identity, a werewolf bites a human. Oops.
Christoph, a lawyer of sorts, and Lycan, driving through Berlin in his Porsche very late at night, spots Leon, a student/drifter, who's hitchhiking his way back to this hostel. Leon is covered in feather, after a pillow fight at a concert and some rain, and Christoph thinks Leon is Lycan too and has just killed a large bird. So he stops, offers him a rider, and takes him to his pack house in one of the Berlin 'burbs. Because wolves aren't supposed to run around arousing suspicion, and Christoph chides Leon for potentially revealing the secret.
Leon has no idea what the guy with the Porsche is babbling about, but he's not liking it. And never mind the guy's face growing fangs and sprouting hair. When the car stops, Leon bolts just as soon as Christoph realizes his mistake.
Long story short, Leon wakes up Lycan (oops) after Christoph bit him. Christoph is nowhere to be found, and nobody living in the house where Christoph took him is telling him anything useful.
The pack is led by a horrible man named Schreiber. He's brutal, he treats his pack members like crap, and he's not happy that Leon is now a wolf.
Leon discovers where Christoph is being caged for punishment (that was hard to read, OMG), and together with Schreiber's daughter, they flee the house.
The rest of the story is basically telling us about their escape and their movements through Berlin, trying to find out what they can about the experiment Schreiber appears to be running. There's a side story with another pack, this one full wolves.
The plot is fast-moving and the action scenes were fascinating, but the romance was rather bland. Outside of some sort of mating bond, I didn't really feel it at all.
Leon's character stood out for me - the rest of them all were more or less one-dimensional. Christoph was okay, once he let go of his guilt a bit, and we do get a HEA. The descriptions of Berlin felt accurate, and most of the dialogue rang organic and realistic for the characters.
Not one of my favorites by this author, but I enjoyed it.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
February 25, 2012
Like one of the MC's (Leon) in Midnight in Berlin I have a phobia. It is called MeglaNoMerrowphobia--this is best described as fear of a world with out J. L. Merrow in it--gah--it makes me shudder just to think it! I love this author--just let me get that out of the way right now--so Bias?? Not likely--but I do promise to be truthful--as best as I can.
First the story--yes it's about werewolves--stop laughing--it is a REALLY good story about werewolves. Christoph. besides being an werewolf that transforms only half way--into a furry kind of man beast, picks up Leon who is slightly drunk but very horny--oh, and human...uhm...and covered in feathers, a result of a drunken pillow fight gone awry. Unfortunately Christoph assumes it is because Leon has just eaten a duck...or a swan...ok, ok--that's it--I know it sounds silly but it really gets good after this--trust me--and stop laughing!
He takes Leon back to his home. In a moment of lust he begins to transform into a werebeast and then with thudding sick clarity discovers that he made a mistake and Leon must now be turned in order to ensure his silence. Unfortunately Christoph does not live alone--he is part of a pack-with a rather brutal leader (Schreiber) who is less than pleased that he has brought home a new pack member. Christoph is "punished"--brutally scarred on the left side of his face and locked naked in a silver cage. It is here that Leon discovers him after waking up in the were house from hell. What follows is their escape from the house along with Schreiber's daughter Silke and a breathless run for their lives ending up with Christoph confronting Schreiber for pack dominance. A side story delves into the idea that these boys are all "experiments" and there is a mysterious Dr. L whom Schreiber keeps apprised of all the pack goings on. I will not tell you more than that--for to do so would be to give away the ending--which is just marvelous and sad all rolled into one--and yes--there is a HEA.
I really liked this story--it was well worth the 4.5 star rating! (Goodreads when are you going to make it so that we can give .5 stars??) As usual there was humor, romance and just a cleverly well-crafted story that kept you both on the edge of your seat with anticipation and shaking your head at the silliness! And, of course, there was the tender, sweet love---a hallmark of Merrow's work--so lovely--the way she has her characters fall in love--you just want to wrap them up and hug them tight!
I highly recommend this novel--even if shifter stories is not your cup of tea--(and by the way--J.L. hates tee as well) I think you will find this s a really good read!!
First the story--yes it's about werewolves--stop laughing--it is a REALLY good story about werewolves. Christoph. besides being an werewolf that transforms only half way--into a furry kind of man beast, picks up Leon who is slightly drunk but very horny--oh, and human...uhm...and covered in feathers, a result of a drunken pillow fight gone awry. Unfortunately Christoph assumes it is because Leon has just eaten a duck...or a swan...ok, ok--that's it--I know it sounds silly but it really gets good after this--trust me--and stop laughing!
He takes Leon back to his home. In a moment of lust he begins to transform into a werebeast and then with thudding sick clarity discovers that he made a mistake and Leon must now be turned in order to ensure his silence. Unfortunately Christoph does not live alone--he is part of a pack-with a rather brutal leader (Schreiber) who is less than pleased that he has brought home a new pack member. Christoph is "punished"--brutally scarred on the left side of his face and locked naked in a silver cage. It is here that Leon discovers him after waking up in the were house from hell. What follows is their escape from the house along with Schreiber's daughter Silke and a breathless run for their lives ending up with Christoph confronting Schreiber for pack dominance. A side story delves into the idea that these boys are all "experiments" and there is a mysterious Dr. L whom Schreiber keeps apprised of all the pack goings on. I will not tell you more than that--for to do so would be to give away the ending--which is just marvelous and sad all rolled into one--and yes--there is a HEA.
I really liked this story--it was well worth the 4.5 star rating! (Goodreads when are you going to make it so that we can give .5 stars??) As usual there was humor, romance and just a cleverly well-crafted story that kept you both on the edge of your seat with anticipation and shaking your head at the silliness! And, of course, there was the tender, sweet love---a hallmark of Merrow's work--so lovely--the way she has her characters fall in love--you just want to wrap them up and hug them tight!
I highly recommend this novel--even if shifter stories is not your cup of tea--(and by the way--J.L. hates tee as well) I think you will find this s a really good read!!
August 24, 2018
I’m learning to expect the unexpected when it comes to a JL Merrow novel, and Midnight in Berlin is an incredibly unique shifter story. If you enjoy a dark, paranormal tale you’ll appreciate the spins Merrow puts on this one. There’s some graphic imagery here, and some intense scenes, so consider this a head’s up, it’s not for the faint of heart.
An American in his early twenties, Leon is happily bumming around Europe, living in hostels and working odd jobs to support himself. Leon’s enjoying his hedonistic approach toward life and it’s a slap in the face when he realizes his reckless actions have consequences. As Leon says after he’s been bitten, “‘Funny how making something of your life never seems a real priority until you’re about to lose it.”’
Some intense events in his past have caused Leon to rebel against what he’s been raised to consider important; he scorns the “‘wage slaves’” and folks who conform. However, as he deals with challenging events in this story, Leon starts to see thing differently. Finally able to gain some appreciation for the lives others have built, he also comes to accept that, while not the norm, his priorities work for him and he can live with that.
This laissez faire attitude helps Leon face what comes his way, and makes his eventual acceptance of his new status as a werewolf believable. By the end, Leon describing them as guys who “‘Just go a bit furry now and then’” works for me.
Very little of what happens in Midnight in Berlin goes down as I expected. The characters are unique and I found the gruesomeness of their actions refreshing and wholly welcome. JL Merrow also raises some ghosts in this one, including how some German citizens feel about their history and how that history still affects modern German society.
My favorite aspect of reading this story is the sensation I get of it being translated from German and retold by an American. We become completely immersed in Leon’s world, a fascinating subculture which is unique to Leon and to Germany at that particular time in history. JL Merrow definitely succeeds in creating something very special with Midnight in Berlin.
I just want to say, as a fan of dark erotica I’m pleased with the way the physical aspect of this story is handled. Leon’s attraction to Christoph hovers in the background for most of the novel and I can understand his ambivalence, seeing how Christoph is the reason his life has been irreparably changed. I’m not spoiling anything by mentioning here that when these two guys do finally get together, the sex is hot as hell! JL Merrow sure knows how to grow the sexual tension and delivers some very satisfying and erotic scenes.
Midnight in Berlin still has JL Merrow’s characteristic playfulness and humor, and I appreciate the unique twist she brings to werewolf folklore. Working my way through her backlog of paranormal novels is showing me just how creative and talented this wonderful author is. If you’re looking for something different in a shifter story, then Midnight in Berlin is for you.
An American in his early twenties, Leon is happily bumming around Europe, living in hostels and working odd jobs to support himself. Leon’s enjoying his hedonistic approach toward life and it’s a slap in the face when he realizes his reckless actions have consequences. As Leon says after he’s been bitten, “‘Funny how making something of your life never seems a real priority until you’re about to lose it.”’
Some intense events in his past have caused Leon to rebel against what he’s been raised to consider important; he scorns the “‘wage slaves’” and folks who conform. However, as he deals with challenging events in this story, Leon starts to see thing differently. Finally able to gain some appreciation for the lives others have built, he also comes to accept that, while not the norm, his priorities work for him and he can live with that.
This laissez faire attitude helps Leon face what comes his way, and makes his eventual acceptance of his new status as a werewolf believable. By the end, Leon describing them as guys who “‘Just go a bit furry now and then’” works for me.
Very little of what happens in Midnight in Berlin goes down as I expected. The characters are unique and I found the gruesomeness of their actions refreshing and wholly welcome. JL Merrow also raises some ghosts in this one, including how some German citizens feel about their history and how that history still affects modern German society.
My favorite aspect of reading this story is the sensation I get of it being translated from German and retold by an American. We become completely immersed in Leon’s world, a fascinating subculture which is unique to Leon and to Germany at that particular time in history. JL Merrow definitely succeeds in creating something very special with Midnight in Berlin.
I just want to say, as a fan of dark erotica I’m pleased with the way the physical aspect of this story is handled. Leon’s attraction to Christoph hovers in the background for most of the novel and I can understand his ambivalence, seeing how Christoph is the reason his life has been irreparably changed. I’m not spoiling anything by mentioning here that when these two guys do finally get together, the sex is hot as hell! JL Merrow sure knows how to grow the sexual tension and delivers some very satisfying and erotic scenes.
Midnight in Berlin still has JL Merrow’s characteristic playfulness and humor, and I appreciate the unique twist she brings to werewolf folklore. Working my way through her backlog of paranormal novels is showing me just how creative and talented this wonderful author is. If you’re looking for something different in a shifter story, then Midnight in Berlin is for you.
April 7, 2020
Have you ever wondered if the paranormal stories aren't just stories? Maybe the shifters, vampires, and the like truly live amongst us, very quietly. I oftentimes will find myself eyeballing people to see if I can discover something not quite human. Crazy, right? If they do exist, I'd like to be a werewolf or a large cat breed. But, I sure don't want to experience the scary nightmare that Leon goes through just because he accepted a ride from a stranger and the stranger thought he was someone else. The description of the story intrigued me because in just about every single paranormal story I've ever read, the shifters can always spot their own kind, pretty much immediately, so discovering that J.L. Merrow had created a different world was something I had to see. That wasn't the only new and unusual thing to find in this world the author created, though.
Leon has pretty much fallen down the rabbit hole and it doesn't look like he's coming out anytime soon. Leon is a drifter, moving from place to place, working any crappy job for money and moving on when he gets bored. He got disillusioned pretty early in life and hence has real issues with trust and love. Of course, now after he's woken up and discovered he's been changed into a werewolf, he's thinking his parents had the right idea and he should've finished college and gotten a regular job. The pack leader, Schreiber, has a small pack, only seven of them, and he seems to be just a little militant. In fact, he used to be a border guard when the Berlin Wall was still up. That mentality doesn't work very well for Leon as he's pretty sarcastic, snarky, and an overall smart-aleck, at the best of times.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Leon has pretty much fallen down the rabbit hole and it doesn't look like he's coming out anytime soon. Leon is a drifter, moving from place to place, working any crappy job for money and moving on when he gets bored. He got disillusioned pretty early in life and hence has real issues with trust and love. Of course, now after he's woken up and discovered he's been changed into a werewolf, he's thinking his parents had the right idea and he should've finished college and gotten a regular job. The pack leader, Schreiber, has a small pack, only seven of them, and he seems to be just a little militant. In fact, he used to be a border guard when the Berlin Wall was still up. That mentality doesn't work very well for Leon as he's pretty sarcastic, snarky, and an overall smart-aleck, at the best of times.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
February 15, 2012
Excellent paranormal m/m romance about an American who's been drifting around Europe for a while. One rainy drunken night, he accepts a ride from a devilishly handsome man in a Porsche... and his life (and his reality) will never be the same again.
Read
October 19, 2013Plot Holes and GMC
Midnight in Berlin to me is a classic case of plot holes that should have been seen at the editing stage and fixed before publication.
Plot holes are not just things that don’t get explained, they are inconsistencies between what happens and the motivations and goals of the people who are influencing the action. That’s where GMC comes in.
Plot holes make a story illogical.
From reading reviews, I gather that logic doesn’t mean a lot to a number of readers, but there are others where lapses in logic pull them out of the story.
Books with action and romance are difficult to write, but to make them work the action should flow seamlessly from one scene to the next where what occurs should be organic and have grown from what has come before.
The answers to “why did they say this” or “why did they do that” should be obvious.
In this book they weren’t.
Here are some examples:
Christoph is the boss of a large architectural company. Why didn’t he contact the office as soon as he was free or even check how things were going when he walked in? Because he was ashamed of his face? He didn’t even attempt to call them. Weren’t they worried about his absence?
That whole scene when they return to the house to confront Schreiber is a good example. In an instant, Sven goes from being the faithful second in command to attacking Schreiber. Why should he suddenly trust them? Why was he so revolted by the idea of being a super soldier? One minute he wants to rip off Christoph’s head and the next, Schreiber’s.
How come Silke suddenly has the ability to rip the head off a human much larger and stronger than she is? She must be a similar size to wolves in the zoo. Unless, perhaps this article was used for research: http://www.theonion.com/articles/stud... But once again, a simple reaction to her ferociousness in wolf form and alarm on the POV character’s part beforehand would stop this being a WTF moment.
What was Tobias doing during that scene? He’s obviously a threat because they knocked him out and put him in a cage after?
Why was his friend, Jon, so accepting of the mere fact that werewolves existed, let alone within minutes being in love and super protective of Silke?
And his involvement in the story is just too pat. The hero needed a friend and it just happens to be someone who can fall in love with a wolf? These sorts of things can be done, but earlier when he goes back to the hostel and meets him, he could be at least tempted to say, hey you know those werewolves you always love reading about. Guess what. They’re real. Instead he’s just “a friend” who he shelves his job to! (So that he would conveniently “owe him a favor”) And I’d forgotten he’d even existed by the time he’s needed again. Little snippets in between would have helped. Kicking himself for not passing on a clue, like mentioning he’s sorry he didn’t return the werewolf story he borrowed. Make Jon’s subsequent involvement in the story organic. Not just to fill a gaping plot hole.
Also Silke seems to have a sudden personality change from small and timid to large and ferocious. Not sure how that one happened. I know her father got attacked and she has Stockholm Syndrome, but a couple of fore-warnings might have helped the switch be more believable.
That’s the main issue I have with the story. The insta-attraction and shifts in action happened too suddenly. Now we are here and doing this and then we are there doing that with no smooth transition with one happening organically because of the other.
Perhaps it’s because when I read (and write) I see the scene in my head. For example, I tried to picture them at the internet café where people would be milling around, reading over their shoulder or sitting next to them while they accessed that data. I’d have been calling the cops.
And when they set off for Jon’s workplace. At least mention the Porsche and why they didn’t use it.
Maybe I’m being too picky, but it bugs me when problems like these aren’t picked up by beta readers. You need people who are prepared to say, hey I like your writing, but…. And I do, I like J.L. Merrow’s writing. The bits between the holes anyway.
Midnight in Berlin to me is a classic case of plot holes that should have been seen at the editing stage and fixed before publication.
Plot holes are not just things that don’t get explained, they are inconsistencies between what happens and the motivations and goals of the people who are influencing the action. That’s where GMC comes in.
Plot holes make a story illogical.
From reading reviews, I gather that logic doesn’t mean a lot to a number of readers, but there are others where lapses in logic pull them out of the story.
Books with action and romance are difficult to write, but to make them work the action should flow seamlessly from one scene to the next where what occurs should be organic and have grown from what has come before.
The answers to “why did they say this” or “why did they do that” should be obvious.
In this book they weren’t.
Here are some examples:
Christoph is the boss of a large architectural company. Why didn’t he contact the office as soon as he was free or even check how things were going when he walked in? Because he was ashamed of his face? He didn’t even attempt to call them. Weren’t they worried about his absence?
That whole scene when they return to the house to confront Schreiber is a good example. In an instant, Sven goes from being the faithful second in command to attacking Schreiber. Why should he suddenly trust them? Why was he so revolted by the idea of being a super soldier? One minute he wants to rip off Christoph’s head and the next, Schreiber’s.
How come Silke suddenly has the ability to rip the head off a human much larger and stronger than she is? She must be a similar size to wolves in the zoo. Unless, perhaps this article was used for research: http://www.theonion.com/articles/stud... But once again, a simple reaction to her ferociousness in wolf form and alarm on the POV character’s part beforehand would stop this being a WTF moment.
What was Tobias doing during that scene? He’s obviously a threat because they knocked him out and put him in a cage after?
Why was his friend, Jon, so accepting of the mere fact that werewolves existed, let alone within minutes being in love and super protective of Silke?
And his involvement in the story is just too pat. The hero needed a friend and it just happens to be someone who can fall in love with a wolf? These sorts of things can be done, but earlier when he goes back to the hostel and meets him, he could be at least tempted to say, hey you know those werewolves you always love reading about. Guess what. They’re real. Instead he’s just “a friend” who he shelves his job to! (So that he would conveniently “owe him a favor”) And I’d forgotten he’d even existed by the time he’s needed again. Little snippets in between would have helped. Kicking himself for not passing on a clue, like mentioning he’s sorry he didn’t return the werewolf story he borrowed. Make Jon’s subsequent involvement in the story organic. Not just to fill a gaping plot hole.
Also Silke seems to have a sudden personality change from small and timid to large and ferocious. Not sure how that one happened. I know her father got attacked and she has Stockholm Syndrome, but a couple of fore-warnings might have helped the switch be more believable.
That’s the main issue I have with the story. The insta-attraction and shifts in action happened too suddenly. Now we are here and doing this and then we are there doing that with no smooth transition with one happening organically because of the other.
Perhaps it’s because when I read (and write) I see the scene in my head. For example, I tried to picture them at the internet café where people would be milling around, reading over their shoulder or sitting next to them while they accessed that data. I’d have been calling the cops.
And when they set off for Jon’s workplace. At least mention the Porsche and why they didn’t use it.
Maybe I’m being too picky, but it bugs me when problems like these aren’t picked up by beta readers. You need people who are prepared to say, hey I like your writing, but…. And I do, I like J.L. Merrow’s writing. The bits between the holes anyway.
Read
February 24, 2014This was a strange mix, deep horror and humoristic satire, sometime you didn’t know if laughing out loud or cringing in fear. For sure the comedy streak for which this author is well known is again present in this novel.
It was interesting the “stranger” setting, Berlin, Germany, instead of the usual UK. Considering the plot development, I think the author needed a place with a recent political upturn, and, yes, maybe the right folklore to give an additional layer to the story.
The plot, the twists, were the principal elements of the story, more than the love story between Leon and Christoph, but, even if secondary to the plot, I really enjoyed their relationship, Leon was this mix of cute and harsh angle, and Christoph was like the best brooding heroes of the gothic novels from the past.
I’m not sure if the author will like to revisit some of the supporting characters, but she gave them enough deepness to have at least 3 or 4 possible developments.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1609288904/?...
It was interesting the “stranger” setting, Berlin, Germany, instead of the usual UK. Considering the plot development, I think the author needed a place with a recent political upturn, and, yes, maybe the right folklore to give an additional layer to the story.
The plot, the twists, were the principal elements of the story, more than the love story between Leon and Christoph, but, even if secondary to the plot, I really enjoyed their relationship, Leon was this mix of cute and harsh angle, and Christoph was like the best brooding heroes of the gothic novels from the past.
I’m not sure if the author will like to revisit some of the supporting characters, but she gave them enough deepness to have at least 3 or 4 possible developments.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1609288904/?...
August 3, 2014
A new twist on shifters. When Leon is bitten by Christoph, he discovers that he's now one of a new strain of werewolf, one who partially changes, but never becomes a four-legged animal. It seems that the leader of the "pack" is assisting some scientist doing research on this new strain of wolf virus and they are all going to remain in this hybrid state.
Christoph was severely punished for accidentally turning Leon and when Leon finds and frees him from the punishment cell he's been placed in, the two run away from the pack, seeking their freedom. Of course, that's too simple and they end up back with the pack with Christoph challenging the leader and the two eventually finding a way to block the experiments and find a HFN for themselves along the way.
Christoph was severely punished for accidentally turning Leon and when Leon finds and frees him from the punishment cell he's been placed in, the two run away from the pack, seeking their freedom. Of course, that's too simple and they end up back with the pack with Christoph challenging the leader and the two eventually finding a way to block the experiments and find a HFN for themselves along the way.
August 22, 2018
* I Recieved a free copy to read and review for wicked reads a review team*
Oh this book sadly wasn't for me, I struggled through to the end.
It was very slow to start, then just fell short. There was no chemistry between Leon and Christoph, which really impacted the story.
I've never read a shifter book like this before and sadly it just didn't work for me.
Oh this book sadly wasn't for me, I struggled through to the end.
It was very slow to start, then just fell short. There was no chemistry between Leon and Christoph, which really impacted the story.
I've never read a shifter book like this before and sadly it just didn't work for me.
August 20, 2018
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
This book wasn't for me. I couldn't get into it as hard as I tried. It was a different type of werewolf book than I am used to. I couldn't connect with Leon or Christoph. The lack of chemistry and romance probably had something to do with it as well. One lesson learned, don't get into cars with strangers. I am sure most people will enjoy this book and the setting of the story.
This book wasn't for me. I couldn't get into it as hard as I tried. It was a different type of werewolf book than I am used to. I couldn't connect with Leon or Christoph. The lack of chemistry and romance probably had something to do with it as well. One lesson learned, don't get into cars with strangers. I am sure most people will enjoy this book and the setting of the story.
March 18, 2012
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay.
Leon Jacobson is living a relatively carefree life, ambling around Europe, living in hostels, and taking temporary jobs. One night while living in Berlin he hitchhikes after a party, getting picked up by a hot guy in Porsche named Christoph. They start to hit it off enough that Leon hopes there might be a hook up in his future, when Christoph starts acting strangely and making weird comments about the feathers that got stuck to Leon in the rain. Soon Christoph is passing by Leon's hostel and driving him out to an abandoned house in the country, trapping Leon in the car when he tries to escape. Before he knows it, things go from bad to worse when Christoph changes into a werewolf and lunges at Leon's neck.
The next thing Leon knows, he wakes up in a house filled with werewolves. The bite didn't kill him, but he has been changed. Leon meets the pack and the viscous leader Peter Schreiber, soon learning that Christoph mistook him for a werewolf already (thinking the feathers were from Leon's dinner) and is being punished for his mistake. Although Leon is furious at Christoph for turning him, he fears for him as well when no one will tell him where Christoph is being kept and what was done to him. When Leon finds Christoph caged and badly mutilated, he knows he must free him, and the two men take off on the run.
The story follows Leon and Christoph as they try to escape Screiber while trying to uncover the truth about their pack. They are not full werewolves who can shift completely; they are only able to turn into a half human/half wolf form. Although Schreiber has assured them they are the true wolves of Germany, Christoph has uncovered that there is more going on than the pack has been told. On the run and in constant danger, the two men work to uncover the truth and fight off the bad guys, all the while falling in love.
So this was such an exciting story. We jump into the action almost right away as we feel Leon's horror when he realizes Christoph is not what he seems and that he can not escape from the car. The excitement really continues throughout the story as the dark secrets are uncovered and Leon and Christoph must fight for their lives against Schreiber and the members of the pack loyal to him. I really thought the pacing of the story was great and it kept me engaged the whole time.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Leon and Christoph and how it changes from the start of the book. When we first meet Christoph he is the bad guy who is taking Leon away and turning him into a werewolf. But we quickly find out that it was all a mistake, that Christoph has had horrific abuse heaped on him as punishment, and that his life was destroyed when he was turned against his will. Christoph slowly becomes the hero instead of the villain, fighting for justice for the pack. I also liked seeing Leon's growth from a guy just drifting from place to place with no real sense of purpose to someone committed to helping Christoph and who willing to put his life on the line when needed.
Midnight in Berlin has a really nice twist on the traditional werewolf book with the partially transitioning wolves and the story behind them. It was exciting and suspenseful and kept me intrigued throughout the book. Personally I would have liked a little more time with our heroes; I felt like every time they were about to get together someone walked in on them. But I am always one for more mushy stuff. However, I think the romance and the suspense are intertwined really nicely and I definitely enjoyed the story.
Leon Jacobson is living a relatively carefree life, ambling around Europe, living in hostels, and taking temporary jobs. One night while living in Berlin he hitchhikes after a party, getting picked up by a hot guy in Porsche named Christoph. They start to hit it off enough that Leon hopes there might be a hook up in his future, when Christoph starts acting strangely and making weird comments about the feathers that got stuck to Leon in the rain. Soon Christoph is passing by Leon's hostel and driving him out to an abandoned house in the country, trapping Leon in the car when he tries to escape. Before he knows it, things go from bad to worse when Christoph changes into a werewolf and lunges at Leon's neck.
The next thing Leon knows, he wakes up in a house filled with werewolves. The bite didn't kill him, but he has been changed. Leon meets the pack and the viscous leader Peter Schreiber, soon learning that Christoph mistook him for a werewolf already (thinking the feathers were from Leon's dinner) and is being punished for his mistake. Although Leon is furious at Christoph for turning him, he fears for him as well when no one will tell him where Christoph is being kept and what was done to him. When Leon finds Christoph caged and badly mutilated, he knows he must free him, and the two men take off on the run.
The story follows Leon and Christoph as they try to escape Screiber while trying to uncover the truth about their pack. They are not full werewolves who can shift completely; they are only able to turn into a half human/half wolf form. Although Schreiber has assured them they are the true wolves of Germany, Christoph has uncovered that there is more going on than the pack has been told. On the run and in constant danger, the two men work to uncover the truth and fight off the bad guys, all the while falling in love.
So this was such an exciting story. We jump into the action almost right away as we feel Leon's horror when he realizes Christoph is not what he seems and that he can not escape from the car. The excitement really continues throughout the story as the dark secrets are uncovered and Leon and Christoph must fight for their lives against Schreiber and the members of the pack loyal to him. I really thought the pacing of the story was great and it kept me engaged the whole time.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Leon and Christoph and how it changes from the start of the book. When we first meet Christoph he is the bad guy who is taking Leon away and turning him into a werewolf. But we quickly find out that it was all a mistake, that Christoph has had horrific abuse heaped on him as punishment, and that his life was destroyed when he was turned against his will. Christoph slowly becomes the hero instead of the villain, fighting for justice for the pack. I also liked seeing Leon's growth from a guy just drifting from place to place with no real sense of purpose to someone committed to helping Christoph and who willing to put his life on the line when needed.
Midnight in Berlin has a really nice twist on the traditional werewolf book with the partially transitioning wolves and the story behind them. It was exciting and suspenseful and kept me intrigued throughout the book. Personally I would have liked a little more time with our heroes; I felt like every time they were about to get together someone walked in on them. But I am always one for more mushy stuff. However, I think the romance and the suspense are intertwined really nicely and I definitely enjoyed the story.
January 18, 2013
2.5 stars.
I was in the mood for some werewolf-action and since I loved the last two books I’ve read by J.L. Merrow (Muscling Through and Pressure Head), I thought Midnight in Berlin would be the right one for me…
I don’t know why, but I couldn’t get into the story. Maybe it was because of Leon - I didn’t really like him and his sense of humor. Or because of Christoph… Or it was the lack of romance. Or maybe the story itself? I don’t know.
What I liked was the setting.
I was in the mood for some werewolf-action and since I loved the last two books I’ve read by J.L. Merrow (Muscling Through and Pressure Head), I thought Midnight in Berlin would be the right one for me…
I don’t know why, but I couldn’t get into the story. Maybe it was because of Leon - I didn’t really like him and his sense of humor. Or because of Christoph… Or it was the lack of romance. Or maybe the story itself? I don’t know.
What I liked was the setting.
July 24, 2016
This is "An American Werewolf in Germany." Amusing all the way through, though not heavy on the romance. It is more a mix of adventure, occasional sex, and atmosphere.
March 22, 2012
I was really looking forward to this book and I am so disappointed.
What a letdown, I expected better than this from the author.
What a letdown, I expected better than this from the author.
August 13, 2015
I'm a fan of J. L. Merrow's work, but something about this one just didn't resonate with me. It was still enjoyable, but not a keeper for me.
August 22, 2018
I love JL Merrow’s writing, but I’ll admit to being unsure of what to expect when I picked up Midnight in Berlin. As always, the writing is rich and the scenery set a perfect stage for what was to come. While not perfect, I still found myself reading page after page and following the action to its surprising conclusion.
Leon’s nomadic life has him in Berlin, at a festival of sorts, drunk and covered in feathers. In an effort to get back to his lodgings, hitchhiking seemed like the best idea. Unfortunately, Christoph picks Leon up and mistakes Leon’s feather-covered body for a rogue werewolf with no control. This sets a chain of events in motion, with lots of action as they two uncover a web of secrets.
While the story develops quickly and there was a hectic nature as everything unfolded for Leon and Christoph, it didn’t feel rushed; at least not from a plot perspective. The romance… I’ll get to that in a moment. But back to the plot and the action, because that is where the story really stood out for me. The direction it all was heading was not easily discernable, and I really loved this because it meant I was reading something new to me. It excites me when I can’t figure out what will happen. It helped that the majority of the usual werewolf/paranormal tropes were absent, leaving me unsure and enthusiastic to see where I would be led. The ending certainly was unforeseen, yet I found it satisfying in its unexpectedness.
Leon was a great choice in narration. He was prickly, angry (understandably so), confused, scared and motivated. He was consistent in that he didn’t have to be consistent. Leon thoughts and moods, especially with regards to Christoph, were all over the place. It. Worked. It was understandable, seeing as Leon had been thrust into this dangerous and unknown situation. Leon’s sense of humor peeked through with precision timing, keeping things from delving too deeply into the gritty and serious side. Despite the story taking place over days, Leon is forced to grow substantially as a character, making decisions he had been avoiding up until that point. Being torn about Christoph was reasonable, and I empathized. Christoph’s mistake cost Leon so very much, but as Leon learns more about Christoph’s situation, there is more understanding and maturity in his interactions with the man that forever changed him and dropped him in the middle of the chaos.
While I did have my eyes glued to the words from beginning to end, the story wasn’t without a few niggles. While the plot’s unpredictability was something that stood out in a positive way, as were Leon’s thoughts, the unpredictability and inconsistencies of some of the other characters had the opposite effect. There were a few times I found myself scratching my head and thinking, “Why would they do that?” or “What about…?” While not huge plot holes, some of the motivations and actions didn’t quite mesh up with how their characters personalities had been developed.
Now, for the romance. Don’t expect a lot of page time dedicated to Leon and Christoph’s burgeoning relationship. While they do eventually become a couple, of sorts, and they are together for most of the journey, the frenzied plot and rush to uncover the secrets of the pack left the two MCs with little time to really get to know one another. While it didn’t bother me at all, there are some who may be let down that the romance part of the story isn’t all that romantic-y, playing second fiddle to the rest of the story. Leon and Christoph spend the first few pages attracted to each other in a sort of insta-lust way, but then Christoph’s mistake lands them both in hot water. Leon awakes angry, confused and trapped in a house of horrors. He blames Christoph. Through the adventure, eventually Leon admits his attraction to the man who brought him into the supernatural world, but he continues to struggle against admitting it to himself because there is still anger and blame. When the two finally give in to their emotions and simmering chemistry, it was in the midst of action; there was little time to do much physically. At the conclusion it was more that the relationship was forming, a foundation had been poured, but the two aren’t what I would consider solid and didn’t leave me completely secure in their future.
While not my favorite from this author, it was an entertaining and unpredictable take on the werewolf trope. Slightly gritty with a bit of humor and a hint of romance, it kept my attention to the last page.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
Leon’s nomadic life has him in Berlin, at a festival of sorts, drunk and covered in feathers. In an effort to get back to his lodgings, hitchhiking seemed like the best idea. Unfortunately, Christoph picks Leon up and mistakes Leon’s feather-covered body for a rogue werewolf with no control. This sets a chain of events in motion, with lots of action as they two uncover a web of secrets.
While the story develops quickly and there was a hectic nature as everything unfolded for Leon and Christoph, it didn’t feel rushed; at least not from a plot perspective. The romance… I’ll get to that in a moment. But back to the plot and the action, because that is where the story really stood out for me. The direction it all was heading was not easily discernable, and I really loved this because it meant I was reading something new to me. It excites me when I can’t figure out what will happen. It helped that the majority of the usual werewolf/paranormal tropes were absent, leaving me unsure and enthusiastic to see where I would be led. The ending certainly was unforeseen, yet I found it satisfying in its unexpectedness.
Leon was a great choice in narration. He was prickly, angry (understandably so), confused, scared and motivated. He was consistent in that he didn’t have to be consistent. Leon thoughts and moods, especially with regards to Christoph, were all over the place. It. Worked. It was understandable, seeing as Leon had been thrust into this dangerous and unknown situation. Leon’s sense of humor peeked through with precision timing, keeping things from delving too deeply into the gritty and serious side. Despite the story taking place over days, Leon is forced to grow substantially as a character, making decisions he had been avoiding up until that point. Being torn about Christoph was reasonable, and I empathized. Christoph’s mistake cost Leon so very much, but as Leon learns more about Christoph’s situation, there is more understanding and maturity in his interactions with the man that forever changed him and dropped him in the middle of the chaos.
While I did have my eyes glued to the words from beginning to end, the story wasn’t without a few niggles. While the plot’s unpredictability was something that stood out in a positive way, as were Leon’s thoughts, the unpredictability and inconsistencies of some of the other characters had the opposite effect. There were a few times I found myself scratching my head and thinking, “Why would they do that?” or “What about…?” While not huge plot holes, some of the motivations and actions didn’t quite mesh up with how their characters personalities had been developed.
Now, for the romance. Don’t expect a lot of page time dedicated to Leon and Christoph’s burgeoning relationship. While they do eventually become a couple, of sorts, and they are together for most of the journey, the frenzied plot and rush to uncover the secrets of the pack left the two MCs with little time to really get to know one another. While it didn’t bother me at all, there are some who may be let down that the romance part of the story isn’t all that romantic-y, playing second fiddle to the rest of the story. Leon and Christoph spend the first few pages attracted to each other in a sort of insta-lust way, but then Christoph’s mistake lands them both in hot water. Leon awakes angry, confused and trapped in a house of horrors. He blames Christoph. Through the adventure, eventually Leon admits his attraction to the man who brought him into the supernatural world, but he continues to struggle against admitting it to himself because there is still anger and blame. When the two finally give in to their emotions and simmering chemistry, it was in the midst of action; there was little time to do much physically. At the conclusion it was more that the relationship was forming, a foundation had been poured, but the two aren’t what I would consider solid and didn’t leave me completely secure in their future.
While not my favorite from this author, it was an entertaining and unpredictable take on the werewolf trope. Slightly gritty with a bit of humor and a hint of romance, it kept my attention to the last page.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
August 22, 2018
This is not your typical werewolf read but regardless it was still a good read. This is a book full of more intrigue then anything else. It has a romance aspect to it but it is more suspenseful then anything else.
Leon does not realize that a night of drunkness is going to turn his whole world up side down and nothing will ever be the same. But that is exactly what fate has in store for Leon. Though the night started out fun and left Leon not only drunk, wet, and covered in feathers walking down the road, a man pulling up in a nice Porsche that is handsome to boot his fun night is about about to turn into a nightmare.
When Christoph pulls up to a man covered in feathers, smelling of humans and alcohol and cigarettes, he believes that he has found another werewolf like himself and his pack. What he did not realize is he was wrong, dead wrong and now in order to save Leon from his pack leader he has to turn him into what he believed that Leon already was.
To say that Leon is not happy about now being a werewolf is an understatement. It is confusing for him because when Christoph disappears sudden he is both released and worried at the same time. And a part of him is also longing for Christoph sexually as well which really confuses Leon. Regardless Leon knows that he has to find Christoph. But when he does find Christoph he is shocked at the state that he is in.
Now Christoph and Leon have no choice but to run. They need to run as fast and as far as possible. If not then the real danger could be coming for them and they may not be able to stop it.
This was such a great read. Like I said, it is suspenseful and even a little on the dangerous side. There is definitely some violence in this read but not a whole lot. The whole love story aspect is what really got me the most. It was the whole sexual attraction that both men kept trying to deny was between them. Honestly, this book was really something. I enjoyed it. I look forward to more books by J. L. Merrow in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Leon does not realize that a night of drunkness is going to turn his whole world up side down and nothing will ever be the same. But that is exactly what fate has in store for Leon. Though the night started out fun and left Leon not only drunk, wet, and covered in feathers walking down the road, a man pulling up in a nice Porsche that is handsome to boot his fun night is about about to turn into a nightmare.
When Christoph pulls up to a man covered in feathers, smelling of humans and alcohol and cigarettes, he believes that he has found another werewolf like himself and his pack. What he did not realize is he was wrong, dead wrong and now in order to save Leon from his pack leader he has to turn him into what he believed that Leon already was.
To say that Leon is not happy about now being a werewolf is an understatement. It is confusing for him because when Christoph disappears sudden he is both released and worried at the same time. And a part of him is also longing for Christoph sexually as well which really confuses Leon. Regardless Leon knows that he has to find Christoph. But when he does find Christoph he is shocked at the state that he is in.
Now Christoph and Leon have no choice but to run. They need to run as fast and as far as possible. If not then the real danger could be coming for them and they may not be able to stop it.
This was such a great read. Like I said, it is suspenseful and even a little on the dangerous side. There is definitely some violence in this read but not a whole lot. The whole love story aspect is what really got me the most. It was the whole sexual attraction that both men kept trying to deny was between them. Honestly, this book was really something. I enjoyed it. I look forward to more books by J. L. Merrow in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
August 21, 2018
Midnight in Berlin is an interesting story full of intriguing characters. It is a different take on Werewolves. The story is rather dark but that is what really made the story for me.
Leon is an American that is in Berlin going to lots of concerts. He finds odd jobs and stays in hostels. On a rainy night after a very fun concert where it rained and he got coated in feathers he decides to hitchhike back to his hostel. A handsome man in a Porsche offers him a ride. Soon the ride turns into horror as Christoph takes him deep into the woods to a ramshackle house. He runs but is caught. He wakes up finding himself a werewolf and Christoph being punished. As things get scarier and scarier he decides to find Christoph with the help of Silke, the only female and they escape.
Cristoph, Leon, and Silke go on the run, but Leon finds out that Christoph plans revenge after he gets Silke to safety.
I liked the characters in this story a lot as I always do J. L. Merrow books. The setting is both beautiful and eerie. The one thing I don't like is all of the German and foreign words. the cities and stuff weren't so bad but the conversation words threw me. I know it was important to use them it is just a personal thing for me, words I have to look up or struggle to pronounce throws me out of the story. I also never quite understood how Christoph knew about other packs or why he thought Leon was a rogue werewolf. There is also another question that I had left unanswered concerning Silke but since it is part of the ending and a twist I won't say what.
There are a couple of great twists, the story is gripping, eerie and kept me on my seat so if you like unique characters, foreign settings, a different take on werewolves and a satisfying ending you will like this.
Leon is an American that is in Berlin going to lots of concerts. He finds odd jobs and stays in hostels. On a rainy night after a very fun concert where it rained and he got coated in feathers he decides to hitchhike back to his hostel. A handsome man in a Porsche offers him a ride. Soon the ride turns into horror as Christoph takes him deep into the woods to a ramshackle house. He runs but is caught. He wakes up finding himself a werewolf and Christoph being punished. As things get scarier and scarier he decides to find Christoph with the help of Silke, the only female and they escape.
Cristoph, Leon, and Silke go on the run, but Leon finds out that Christoph plans revenge after he gets Silke to safety.
I liked the characters in this story a lot as I always do J. L. Merrow books. The setting is both beautiful and eerie. The one thing I don't like is all of the German and foreign words. the cities and stuff weren't so bad but the conversation words threw me. I know it was important to use them it is just a personal thing for me, words I have to look up or struggle to pronounce throws me out of the story. I also never quite understood how Christoph knew about other packs or why he thought Leon was a rogue werewolf. There is also another question that I had left unanswered concerning Silke but since it is part of the ending and a twist I won't say what.
There are a couple of great twists, the story is gripping, eerie and kept me on my seat so if you like unique characters, foreign settings, a different take on werewolves and a satisfying ending you will like this.
August 24, 2018
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Covered in feathers, Leon hitchhikes back to his hostel. But Christoph mistakes Leon for a rogue werewolf, and bites him, making Leon like Christoph. Waking up in a house full of others, Leon is more worried about Christoph than his own fate. After Leon frees Christoph, and the truth about their history becomes clear, Leon and Christoph want to leave the pack. But not everyone will let them.
I'm rally not sure how I feel about this book! I did not love it, at all but I didn't hate it either. This is going to be one of those short reviews, and I apologise for that!
It's almost clean, which surprised me, don't know WHY it surprised me, but it did. Also surprised by the fact that I rather liked that it was!
It is, however, quite violent in places. Graphically so, and I did find it a bit too much for me. Someone else might not find it as bad, but me? I didn't like that.
It's told entirely from Leon's point of view and of course I wanted to hear from Christoph. He makes some spur of the moment, life changing decisions here and I needed to know what was going through his mind at those key points in the story.
What Leon does say, is in the first person, past tense, His voice is well written, and well delivered and he gets all the important emotions across in all the right places. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
I jst don't know if this book was for me, that's all! And Lord knows, I say it often enough, but it pains me when I can't word why I do or do not love a book.
So I'll leave it at that.
3 solid stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Covered in feathers, Leon hitchhikes back to his hostel. But Christoph mistakes Leon for a rogue werewolf, and bites him, making Leon like Christoph. Waking up in a house full of others, Leon is more worried about Christoph than his own fate. After Leon frees Christoph, and the truth about their history becomes clear, Leon and Christoph want to leave the pack. But not everyone will let them.
I'm rally not sure how I feel about this book! I did not love it, at all but I didn't hate it either. This is going to be one of those short reviews, and I apologise for that!
It's almost clean, which surprised me, don't know WHY it surprised me, but it did. Also surprised by the fact that I rather liked that it was!
It is, however, quite violent in places. Graphically so, and I did find it a bit too much for me. Someone else might not find it as bad, but me? I didn't like that.
It's told entirely from Leon's point of view and of course I wanted to hear from Christoph. He makes some spur of the moment, life changing decisions here and I needed to know what was going through his mind at those key points in the story.
What Leon does say, is in the first person, past tense, His voice is well written, and well delivered and he gets all the important emotions across in all the right places. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
I jst don't know if this book was for me, that's all! And Lord knows, I say it often enough, but it pains me when I can't word why I do or do not love a book.
So I'll leave it at that.
3 solid stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
August 24, 2018
I’ll be honest. I struggled a lot with Midnight In Berlin. And at the beginning I didn’t even understand what was wrong. This is a second release and I missed it when it was first published. In the years the author has become a favorite, her works are always so great. That’s why, although I badly wanted to put this novel down and start reading something else, I had to force myself to finish it.
The plot is actually interesting, a little boring at the beginning because I didn’t get it what was going to happen. But then when there was some action and mystery to solve, I was interested and curious about Leon and Cristoph characters and their HEA. The writing superb as always and the scenes so well done, I felt I was there with the couple.
There were some elements I didn’t enjoy and why I rated the novel so low. First of all I was so upset with the resolution of the little mystery, I actually felt cheated, I don’t want to reveal anything but I thought it was too easy to just put things like that. There were quite a lot of secondary characters and I would have so loved to know more about them, but maybe there was no space for them. In fact to me the story felt rushed and ended too quickly, it surely deserved more pages, that way so many things would have been more explained and developed. Most of all the romance part, almost inexistent, should have had a more important role in the plot. And most likely that’s the main reason why I had trouble connecting with Leon and Christoph.
Midnight in Berlin is not the masterpiece I’m used to reading by JL Merrow, in my opinion the author last years’ releases are the best she has done.
The cover art by Tiferet Design is awesome, I adore it and find it eyecatching. I love the colours and it’s fitting. I couldn’t have asked for more from a cover. Well done.
The plot is actually interesting, a little boring at the beginning because I didn’t get it what was going to happen. But then when there was some action and mystery to solve, I was interested and curious about Leon and Cristoph characters and their HEA. The writing superb as always and the scenes so well done, I felt I was there with the couple.
There were some elements I didn’t enjoy and why I rated the novel so low. First of all I was so upset with the resolution of the little mystery, I actually felt cheated, I don’t want to reveal anything but I thought it was too easy to just put things like that. There were quite a lot of secondary characters and I would have so loved to know more about them, but maybe there was no space for them. In fact to me the story felt rushed and ended too quickly, it surely deserved more pages, that way so many things would have been more explained and developed. Most of all the romance part, almost inexistent, should have had a more important role in the plot. And most likely that’s the main reason why I had trouble connecting with Leon and Christoph.
Midnight in Berlin is not the masterpiece I’m used to reading by JL Merrow, in my opinion the author last years’ releases are the best she has done.
The cover art by Tiferet Design is awesome, I adore it and find it eyecatching. I love the colours and it’s fitting. I couldn’t have asked for more from a cover. Well done.
January 23, 2019
that ending....
February 23, 2012
4.25 stars.
So far I have enjoyed every JL Merrow book I have read. She has a distinctive voice in her novels and Midnight in Berlin is no exception. Set in Germany, the setting is everything in this book about an American drifter turned into a werewolf against his will. All throughout the book, I was transported into German culture, life and location. (And this comes from someone who only ever visited Germany once – and doesn’t remember much since it was Oktoberfest!) Told in first person from Leon’s perspective, the novel explores his viewpoint as his life is turned upside down once he is turned into a werewolf and forced into a dysfunctional pack that includes the man who turned him (Christoph).
The plot revolves around Leon, an American living and working in Germany. In the beginning, I found Leon to be unmotivated, flighty and unsure of where he is going in life. Once a hot guy in a Porsche picks him up, his life will never be the same again. You see Christoph is a werewolf, and he mistakes Leon for another shifter, a potential mate, and winds up biting Leon. That bite turns Leon and he is forced into Christoph’s pack, having to learn the ropes from some seriously demented werewolves, who seem more like they are in a cult, than a pack. As Leon and Christoph grow closer they decide they have to leave their pack, but will the pack leader let them go?
The best thing about this book was its characterizations. Normally first person POV is limiting, but in my estimation Midnight in Berlin has a great deal of interesting characters, who are complex, multi-faceted and intriguing. Whether I was hating the ‘villain,’ or cheering the protagonist, I was emotionally invested in every aspect of the plot which for me is sometimes lacking in werewolf novels where the mating/bonding/Instant-Love trope is paramount.
Secondly, every time I thought I knew where the novel was going in terms of plot (I mean I’ve read enough of these shape shifter books to know what usually happens), JL Merrow would take the action in an opposite direction. In fact, a totally opposite direction that was so much more emotionally satisfying than if she had just followed the tried and true trope of the genre. Since I can’t give away spoilers, what I can say is that Midnight in Berlin bucks the traditional werewolf/shifter book in a genuinely fascinating way. When an author can make a reader feel sympathy for a formerly despised character, that takes true talent.
Reviews by Jessewave
So far I have enjoyed every JL Merrow book I have read. She has a distinctive voice in her novels and Midnight in Berlin is no exception. Set in Germany, the setting is everything in this book about an American drifter turned into a werewolf against his will. All throughout the book, I was transported into German culture, life and location. (And this comes from someone who only ever visited Germany once – and doesn’t remember much since it was Oktoberfest!) Told in first person from Leon’s perspective, the novel explores his viewpoint as his life is turned upside down once he is turned into a werewolf and forced into a dysfunctional pack that includes the man who turned him (Christoph).
The plot revolves around Leon, an American living and working in Germany. In the beginning, I found Leon to be unmotivated, flighty and unsure of where he is going in life. Once a hot guy in a Porsche picks him up, his life will never be the same again. You see Christoph is a werewolf, and he mistakes Leon for another shifter, a potential mate, and winds up biting Leon. That bite turns Leon and he is forced into Christoph’s pack, having to learn the ropes from some seriously demented werewolves, who seem more like they are in a cult, than a pack. As Leon and Christoph grow closer they decide they have to leave their pack, but will the pack leader let them go?
The best thing about this book was its characterizations. Normally first person POV is limiting, but in my estimation Midnight in Berlin has a great deal of interesting characters, who are complex, multi-faceted and intriguing. Whether I was hating the ‘villain,’ or cheering the protagonist, I was emotionally invested in every aspect of the plot which for me is sometimes lacking in werewolf novels where the mating/bonding/Instant-Love trope is paramount.
Secondly, every time I thought I knew where the novel was going in terms of plot (I mean I’ve read enough of these shape shifter books to know what usually happens), JL Merrow would take the action in an opposite direction. In fact, a totally opposite direction that was so much more emotionally satisfying than if she had just followed the tried and true trope of the genre. Since I can’t give away spoilers, what I can say is that Midnight in Berlin bucks the traditional werewolf/shifter book in a genuinely fascinating way. When an author can make a reader feel sympathy for a formerly despised character, that takes true talent.
Reviews by Jessewave
June 11, 2014
I generally really like JL Merrow books and this was no exception.
My biggest problem was that we never found out just why Cristoph turned Leon - other than the purpose of having a plot, of course. I kept waiting for Leon to at least wonder why he was turned. If anyone figures it out could you please inform me? I'm dying to know and I kept waiting for that question to be answered throughout the read ever since Leon was bitten.
I enjoyed it although the romance didn't seem that well developed and it seemed there was hardly any sexual tension other than in the scene where the MCs first met - except for the measly one and half sex scenes. The whole issue about the pack hunting them and the "mad scientist" treating them as lab rats was solved a little too neatly.
Also, the author never really explained how the whole werewolf dynamics worked. And whenever Cristoph was mentioned I always ended up accidentally misreading it as Cristopher and wondering if it was even a real name (it's never mentioned whether it was a nickname in the book).
All things aside it's still a pretty good read.
My biggest problem was that we never found out just why Cristoph turned Leon - other than the purpose of having a plot, of course. I kept waiting for Leon to at least wonder why he was turned. If anyone figures it out could you please inform me? I'm dying to know and I kept waiting for that question to be answered throughout the read ever since Leon was bitten.
I enjoyed it although the romance didn't seem that well developed and it seemed there was hardly any sexual tension other than in the scene where the MCs first met - except for the measly one and half sex scenes. The whole issue about the pack hunting them and the "mad scientist" treating them as lab rats was solved a little too neatly.
Also, the author never really explained how the whole werewolf dynamics worked. And whenever Cristoph was mentioned I always ended up accidentally misreading it as Cristopher and wondering if it was even a real name (it's never mentioned whether it was a nickname in the book).
All things aside it's still a pretty good read.
February 22, 2012
This review posted at
Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Leon is bumming through Europe to avoid the life his mother believes he should live. He’s in Berlin enjoying the atmosphere and beer. Leon is drunk and caught in the rain till Christoph’s stops to offer a ride. Christoph is a werewolf that believes he has found another werewolf when he sees Leon, and their journey begins.
It is told from Leon’s point of view. This is nice because you really get to know Leon as a confused, commitmentphobe and reluctant hero. On the flip side there are a number of really interesting characters that I didn’t get to know because Leon could only see them on the surface. Leon is a snarky fellow that uses humor to cover up his discomfort. Leon’s character is deep and well written, which makes me wonder what the author could have done with the other character.
Overall it was a fun book to read, but I hope the next book I read from JL Merrow includes more than one character’s point of view. In the end I did like the book more than I expected when I started reading it.
Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Leon is bumming through Europe to avoid the life his mother believes he should live. He’s in Berlin enjoying the atmosphere and beer. Leon is drunk and caught in the rain till Christoph’s stops to offer a ride. Christoph is a werewolf that believes he has found another werewolf when he sees Leon, and their journey begins.
It is told from Leon’s point of view. This is nice because you really get to know Leon as a confused, commitmentphobe and reluctant hero. On the flip side there are a number of really interesting characters that I didn’t get to know because Leon could only see them on the surface. Leon is a snarky fellow that uses humor to cover up his discomfort. Leon’s character is deep and well written, which makes me wonder what the author could have done with the other character.
Overall it was a fun book to read, but I hope the next book I read from JL Merrow includes more than one character’s point of view. In the end I did like the book more than I expected when I started reading it.
March 4, 2012
I like my werewolves to be dark and dangerous so this one was right up my alley. The romance is of the rather understated variety which is something I like too and the writing is - as in all JL Merrow's books - fantastic. Another thing I'm a big fan of are books where things aren't just black and white. There isn't a single character in the book who isn't flawed in some way but they all still have some redeeming quality.
To say that I wasn't a big fan of the author's Lonewolf is like saying that water is a bit moist but this time she got it absolutely right. The locations were accurately described, she mentioned our horrible past without being offensive and she even got the German words right - with the exception of Scheiße but since lots of Germans don't know how to spell it anymore either after the spelling reform, I won't hold it against her ;)
This goes straight to my list of the best m/m books in 2012.
To say that I wasn't a big fan of the author's Lonewolf is like saying that water is a bit moist but this time she got it absolutely right. The locations were accurately described, she mentioned our horrible past without being offensive and she even got the German words right - with the exception of Scheiße but since lots of Germans don't know how to spell it anymore either after the spelling reform, I won't hold it against her ;)
This goes straight to my list of the best m/m books in 2012.
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November 27, 2011Taken for a ride by the hook-up from hell - literally
It's midnight in Berlin, and drifter Leon is hitchhiking home in the rain after a festival in the city park. When he's picked up by a good looking man in a Porsche, Leon thinks it's his lucky night. But Christoph is hiding a dark secret: he's a werewolf. Not only that, he thinks Leon is one too. By the time Christoph realizes his mistake, it's too late for both of them. While Leon's life changes drastically, Christoph disappears.
As Leon struggles to cope with his new reality—and his feelings for the man who bit him—he's desperate to discover not only what's happened to Christoph, but the secrets their pack leader is hiding from them all.
Secrets the pack will kill to protect.
Due out in ebook from Samhain publishing 21st February 2012.
It's midnight in Berlin, and drifter Leon is hitchhiking home in the rain after a festival in the city park. When he's picked up by a good looking man in a Porsche, Leon thinks it's his lucky night. But Christoph is hiding a dark secret: he's a werewolf. Not only that, he thinks Leon is one too. By the time Christoph realizes his mistake, it's too late for both of them. While Leon's life changes drastically, Christoph disappears.
As Leon struggles to cope with his new reality—and his feelings for the man who bit him—he's desperate to discover not only what's happened to Christoph, but the secrets their pack leader is hiding from them all.
Secrets the pack will kill to protect.
Due out in ebook from Samhain publishing 21st February 2012.
December 1, 2012
Its hard to describe this story. The writing was well done, the storyline was decent and a bit unique but somewhere along the way there's a disconnect between the reader and the characters.
I wasn't excited or intrigued by anything happening to Leon or Christoph and there was just a lack of romance/emotion between them. I had more questions than anything at the end and one of them was at the whole source of the story and the two main characters relationship; why did Christoph make the decision to change Leon on so little information? Among other questions...
Its a decent story and I think it has a lot more to it then the standard shifter story that you find but there was just something missing from making it a great story.
I wasn't excited or intrigued by anything happening to Leon or Christoph and there was just a lack of romance/emotion between them. I had more questions than anything at the end and one of them was at the whole source of the story and the two main characters relationship; why did Christoph make the decision to change Leon on so little information? Among other questions...
Its a decent story and I think it has a lot more to it then the standard shifter story that you find but there was just something missing from making it a great story.
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