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Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe
A monster moves through the darkest night, lit only by the full moon, taking them, one by one, from Seattle’s gay gathering areas.
In an atmosphere of spine-tingling fear, Thad Matthews finds his first true love cooking in an Italian restaurant called The Blue Moon Cafe. Sam Lupino is everything Thad has ever hoped for in a man: virile, sexy as hell, kind, and…he can cook!
As the pair’s love heats up, so do the questions. Who is the killer preying on Seattle’s gay men? What secrets is Sam’s Sicilian family hiding? And, more important, why do Sam’s unexplained disappearances always coincide with the full moon?
When the secrets are finally revealed, is Thad and Sam’s love for one another strong enough to weather the horrific revelations revealed by the light of the full moon?
In an atmosphere of spine-tingling fear, Thad Matthews finds his first true love cooking in an Italian restaurant called The Blue Moon Cafe. Sam Lupino is everything Thad has ever hoped for in a man: virile, sexy as hell, kind, and…he can cook!
As the pair’s love heats up, so do the questions. Who is the killer preying on Seattle’s gay men? What secrets is Sam’s Sicilian family hiding? And, more important, why do Sam’s unexplained disappearances always coincide with the full moon?
When the secrets are finally revealed, is Thad and Sam’s love for one another strong enough to weather the horrific revelations revealed by the light of the full moon?
ebook
First published March 6, 2010
9 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
118 books1,047 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 28, 2019
Time of Death 25%
-Too Insta even for me
-No chemistry.
-Some very weird dialogue.
-Too Insta even for me
-No chemistry.
-Some very weird dialogue.
September 7, 2017
2.5 hearts
I had a hard time getting through this story. I would pick it up, read the first chapter, and then put it back down again. For months I did this. Months. I just couldn't find any interest in it at all. I ended up forcing myself to read this more for the obligation than anything.
It wasn't as though the writing was bad or anything like that. I've enjoyed many, many of Mr. Reed's books and consider him a favorite author. And the genre was fine. I like werewolf stories. I don't even mind horror all that much. My problem is simple. I didn't like the main character, Thad. He came off as wishy-washy and shallow and that just annoyed me to no end. He couldn't make up his mind how he felt about the two new men in his life. He seemed weak to me.
Also, I never truly believed in the love between him and Sam. We got to see the immediate attraction between them but I never could figure out why the attraction was there to begin with. We would get a scene with them and then the story would jump to a month later without much description of what went on the past 30 days. I felt that there was a lot missing and it caused me to disconnect from the characters.
As a horror story, this is pretty good, even though I knew who the monster was for most of the book. The scenes we get from the monster's point of view were appropriately descriptive and gory, showcasing the monster as it really is - a monster.
I will admit I was nervous about how the story would end so I was happy that it turned out how I wanted it to but, again, it time jumped and I was left feeling like I missed out on a lot of important stuff.
I can't help but feel that the story would have been a lot more enjoyable for me if it were longer. I needed to see more of the relationship progression between Sam and Thad and maybe a bit more of the day-to-day life of Thad. As it stands now, I can't recommend this one. Shame, since it shows lots of potential.
I had a hard time getting through this story. I would pick it up, read the first chapter, and then put it back down again. For months I did this. Months. I just couldn't find any interest in it at all. I ended up forcing myself to read this more for the obligation than anything.
It wasn't as though the writing was bad or anything like that. I've enjoyed many, many of Mr. Reed's books and consider him a favorite author. And the genre was fine. I like werewolf stories. I don't even mind horror all that much. My problem is simple. I didn't like the main character, Thad. He came off as wishy-washy and shallow and that just annoyed me to no end. He couldn't make up his mind how he felt about the two new men in his life. He seemed weak to me.
Also, I never truly believed in the love between him and Sam. We got to see the immediate attraction between them but I never could figure out why the attraction was there to begin with. We would get a scene with them and then the story would jump to a month later without much description of what went on the past 30 days. I felt that there was a lot missing and it caused me to disconnect from the characters.
As a horror story, this is pretty good, even though I knew who the monster was for most of the book. The scenes we get from the monster's point of view were appropriately descriptive and gory, showcasing the monster as it really is - a monster.
I will admit I was nervous about how the story would end so I was happy that it turned out how I wanted it to but, again, it time jumped and I was left feeling like I missed out on a lot of important stuff.
I can't help but feel that the story would have been a lot more enjoyable for me if it were longer. I needed to see more of the relationship progression between Sam and Thad and maybe a bit more of the day-to-day life of Thad. As it stands now, I can't recommend this one. Shame, since it shows lots of potential.
March 31, 2010
This book is filled with paralyzing suspense and had me sitting at the end of my seat and I was literally yelling: RUN GODAMNIT RUN!! And for your information I read it during the day and not at night. :snorts: After what I've heard about it how stupid do you think I am?
As Rick's books always do it leaves you with a sense of awe, intrigue and quite frankly will his books ever end without you scratching your head and wondering wait a sec you can't just end it like that?
This one will do that to you. So I say turn off all your lights, leave just a little lamp turned on, lock all your doors and prepare to get sucked into this book of very realistic wolves, teeth and fangs, some gory shit, but that's to be expected and delve into Thad's world of fear, destitution, his fears and uncertainties about Sam. The man he believes he loves.
As Rick's books always do it leaves you with a sense of awe, intrigue and quite frankly will his books ever end without you scratching your head and wondering wait a sec you can't just end it like that?
This one will do that to you. So I say turn off all your lights, leave just a little lamp turned on, lock all your doors and prepare to get sucked into this book of very realistic wolves, teeth and fangs, some gory shit, but that's to be expected and delve into Thad's world of fear, destitution, his fears and uncertainties about Sam. The man he believes he loves.
March 15, 2017
I've read the first edition. I'm eager to read the second.
~*~
4.5 stars
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This is not your typical werewolf or shifter story. Most I see out these days show the werewolf in a good light. That is definitely not the case with The Blue Moon Cafe. If you are familiar with this author's work then you know to expect the unexpected. If not, be prepared as this is no sweet and sappy romance. The killings are described and this book has a dark element that some might find disturbing. Me? I absolutely loved it. I am not only a huge fan of this author but I am also a huge fan of horror/thriller books. Add a little romance and hot sex (as this one does) and it was the perfect book for me. Not all will get it. In fact, I had to step away for several hours myself after I finished it to just think a bit before attempting to type my review. You have to look at the larger picture. There are clues to the final outcome scattered throughout the book. Everything is right there in front of you but you have to know to look for it. Saying more than that will give the story away. Once again I have been thrown a bit by how a Rick R. Reed story played out. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Another outstanding book by one of my faves.
~*~
4.5 stars
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This is not your typical werewolf or shifter story. Most I see out these days show the werewolf in a good light. That is definitely not the case with The Blue Moon Cafe. If you are familiar with this author's work then you know to expect the unexpected. If not, be prepared as this is no sweet and sappy romance. The killings are described and this book has a dark element that some might find disturbing. Me? I absolutely loved it. I am not only a huge fan of this author but I am also a huge fan of horror/thriller books. Add a little romance and hot sex (as this one does) and it was the perfect book for me. Not all will get it. In fact, I had to step away for several hours myself after I finished it to just think a bit before attempting to type my review. You have to look at the larger picture. There are clues to the final outcome scattered throughout the book. Everything is right there in front of you but you have to know to look for it. Saying more than that will give the story away. Once again I have been thrown a bit by how a Rick R. Reed story played out. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Another outstanding book by one of my faves.
March 12, 2017
As a horror story, Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe succeeds beautifully. The gruesome murders of gay men in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood are horrifyingly described through the senses of the killer, and scenes with the killer hunting victims are of the "Run, for gawd's sake, RUN!" variety. I don't think I'm giving away too much of the plot to say this story features werewolves, not shifters and alphas and mating and whatnot, just your basic terrifying creature that goes bump in the night ... and then tears someone's lungs out.
Where the story doesn't work for me is in the romance aspect. Thad meets Sam Lupino at his family's Blue Moon Cafe and is charmed by the swarthy Sicilian who makes a mean arancini di riso con ricott and later, is an animal in bed. They soon begin an intense relationship but only a few weeks into dating, Thad becomes very paranoid about Sam going away for a weekend without telling him. Because we only get Thad's POV throughout, Sam feels very much like a mystery and Thad spends a lot of time pondering and obsessing which really slowed down the steady pace created by the suspenseful murder mystery.
As Thad continually worries about Sam, he also vacillates in his feelings for his relatively new friend Jared: "Jared was simple and uncomplicated. He made Thad laugh. He was close to his own age, and in spite of Thad’s passionate entanglement with Sam, Jared was sexy as hell." This shift from the friend zone to a tease of a relationship (and back again, more than once) feels forced IMHO.
While I enjoyed the horror / murder / mystery aspect of this story, the romance was not as successful, IMHO. My rating is 3.25 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Where the story doesn't work for me is in the romance aspect. Thad meets Sam Lupino at his family's Blue Moon Cafe and is charmed by the swarthy Sicilian who makes a mean arancini di riso con ricott and later, is an animal in bed. They soon begin an intense relationship but only a few weeks into dating, Thad becomes very paranoid about Sam going away for a weekend without telling him. Because we only get Thad's POV throughout, Sam feels very much like a mystery and Thad spends a lot of time pondering and obsessing which really slowed down the steady pace created by the suspenseful murder mystery.
As Thad continually worries about Sam, he also vacillates in his feelings for his relatively new friend Jared: "Jared was simple and uncomplicated. He made Thad laugh. He was close to his own age, and in spite of Thad’s passionate entanglement with Sam, Jared was sexy as hell." This shift from the friend zone to a tease of a relationship (and back again, more than once) feels forced IMHO.
While I enjoyed the horror / murder / mystery aspect of this story, the romance was not as successful, IMHO. My rating is 3.25 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
October 23, 2020
2.5 stars
I liked very little about this story or the author’s writing style. I wasn’t invested in any of the characters, I was utterly disappointed at zero reveal on werewolf culture and lore, the world building was weak, and there was entirely too much tell and not enough show. This author is clearly not my cuppa.
I liked very little about this story or the author’s writing style. I wasn’t invested in any of the characters, I was utterly disappointed at zero reveal on werewolf culture and lore, the world building was weak, and there was entirely too much tell and not enough show. This author is clearly not my cuppa.
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February 21, 2017DNF 35% - No rating
I just couldn't get into this story at all. The relationship was too "insta" for my tastes and the time jumps made it difficult for me to even figure out their attraction, much less anything else.
I just couldn't get into this story at all. The relationship was too "insta" for my tastes and the time jumps made it difficult for me to even figure out their attraction, much less anything else.
July 1, 2016
I usually listen to audio books (the unabridged versions) via headphones traveling on hours-long plane rides or driving long trips alone. So when a book I’ve had my eye on was released in audio book format recently, I decided to take a chance and listen while in my car – which proved quite often as I found myself looking for places to go, errands that needed doing so I could listen to Rick R. Reed’s suspenseful, romantic thriller, The Blue Moon Café.
Taken from the blurb for both print and audio format: “Someone–or something–is killing Seattle’s gay men...” Something moves in the dark night at full moon hunting and killing gay men in the places they gather. The protagonist is Thad Matthews, a young gay man done with relationships and certainly not ready–or willing–to take yet another dive for the perfect dream that presents in the form of a sexy, super compassionate, masculine, hairy and handsome Sicilian restaurant owner and chef, Sam Lupino.
Reed begins The Blue Moon Café with his signature terror/horror prose, which he is well-known for delivering, quickly ensnaring the reader–or listener in my case–with heart-racing, pulsating suspense. Vivid detail and full-moon-lit scenery ratchets up anticipation and pushes the listener forward, sans trepidation. Reed tempers the heightened elements of the novel with a strong romance that provides a little distraction from the bloody killings.
Thad Matthews is unemployed and without purpose. He is every guy’s friend, the boy-next-door type you’d introduce to mother, a best friend always there to support you, even if having to take a back seat. Along with his domineering Chihuahua, Edith (don’t let the docile name fool you!), Thad fills his days looking for a new job, taking care of his neurotic friend, and pining about lost love. Edith, however, comes to the rescue in more ways than one, quickly proving dogs are excellent judges of character and man’s best friend.
Thad treats himself to a night out, which he can’t afford of course, in hopes of finding someone to fill his bed for the night. He dresses for notice and sets out for The Blue Moon Café, where he stumbles upon manly, macho, Sam Lupino.
Not only the owner and chef of The Blue Moon Café, Sam is a werewolf in a family of werewolves. He is seduced by Thad’s naive charm, but once drawn to the young man, trouble beings. After a night of hot and heavy love-making, Sam leaves a goodbye note and disappears from Thad’s life. But not for long as Thad can’t seem to stay away from the mysterious man who tells seems to tell lies and hold secrets that prey on Thad’s insecurities.
I can’t divulge more of the story without ruining the mystery behind the killings, the betrayal Thad and Sam both feel at different times in their rocky relationship. What I can share is that listening to the audio book version, the voice of narrator Topher Samuels, is soothing and calming when necessary and ratchets up the suspense with inflection at thrilling scenes that puts the listener “there”, in the moment staring at the beast with yellow eyes, or making love to a most compassionate man with a wounded soul.
The Blue Moon Café is a horror mystery suspense/thriller and gay romance all in one that will pull you in, scare the crap out of you and have you rooting for the unlikely relationship between human and werewolf. Non-traditional in that it strays from modern-day romantic epics and ends with a shocking surprise that just might break your heart.
April 1, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Dinner at The Blue Moon Café is a re-release of an older Rick R. Reed work published several years ago. As such, if you know any of Reed’s wonderful writing of late, you can see how far he has progressed as a novelist. While this book was most definitely a horror story that includes highly visceral and descriptive passages of genuine werewolves stalking and killing their prey, a romance it is not—at least in the conventional HEA sense. Instead the suspense and heightened sense of terror the novel provokes in the reader are incredibly real and forceful. These are not your romantic shifters with an alpha seeking a mate; instead it is about a pack that has come to the American northwest to make a new home and have ready hunting grounds available. Unfortunately, one among them is not content hunting animals and, instead, turns its sights on hunting men—specifically gay men who it literally culls from the pack in the dead of night and eviscerates, destroys and, yes, consumes. Did I mention this is a horror story—and a very, very well done one, at that?
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
May 21, 2015
This was a good story and the narration made it an excellent listening experience. I like Rick R Reed's writing and the narration just gave his writing an extraordinary and deeply enjoyable dimension.
The narration really brought the story to life in a way that reading wouldn't have done. The voices of the characters were just superb and I was drawn into the story in a deep way. I read this while taking my morning walks and it made the time pass by so quickly.
This isn't your usual mm romance with a fluffy ending. It has a kind of HFN ending and had lots of suspense and a twist of mystery. I could guess at the twists and turns but that didn't detract from my enjoyment because the writing, characterisation and the progression of the story really pulled me in.
I bought the ebook a few years ago but bought the audiobook recently because I hadn't got around to reading the ebook and I am glad I did this because of the way the story came to life. Sometimes I wanted to join in and comment out loud as the story progressed and I would have received some strange looks from passers by if I had done so but the story so engrossing that my commenting felt quite natural. It felt as if I could see the events playing out in real life.
I also liked the ending because it was realistic and hopeful. I don't like all my stories to have a happy ending and I sometime like to be left to think that through for myself.
So this was an enjoyable story set in Seattle with werewolves and it left me wanting to visit Seattle and also left me with a desire for some real Italian food!!
The narration really brought the story to life in a way that reading wouldn't have done. The voices of the characters were just superb and I was drawn into the story in a deep way. I read this while taking my morning walks and it made the time pass by so quickly.
This isn't your usual mm romance with a fluffy ending. It has a kind of HFN ending and had lots of suspense and a twist of mystery. I could guess at the twists and turns but that didn't detract from my enjoyment because the writing, characterisation and the progression of the story really pulled me in.
I bought the ebook a few years ago but bought the audiobook recently because I hadn't got around to reading the ebook and I am glad I did this because of the way the story came to life. Sometimes I wanted to join in and comment out loud as the story progressed and I would have received some strange looks from passers by if I had done so but the story so engrossing that my commenting felt quite natural. It felt as if I could see the events playing out in real life.
I also liked the ending because it was realistic and hopeful. I don't like all my stories to have a happy ending and I sometime like to be left to think that through for myself.
So this was an enjoyable story set in Seattle with werewolves and it left me wanting to visit Seattle and also left me with a desire for some real Italian food!!
October 20, 2020
There are quite a few ways to describe this book, and I still don’t know which is the best one. I could call this an “entertaining murder mystery with a paranormal touch” or “a suspenseful romance with elements of horror” or even “a werewolf love story without fated mates”. All of these descriptions only get to part of the truth though, so I am afraid I’ll have to leave it as “an unusual novel” and recommend you read it yourself and come up with your own description. While there are elements of horror in the story, they are not overwhelming (even for someone like me who is not a fan of the horror genre), nor are they gratuitous. Instead, the “monstrous” aspects are an integral part of the progression of events, the reason for the characters’ growth, and, after all, werewolves are usually not “nice” people, right?
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 28, 2017
Not really my cup of tea...it dragged a little and I found Thad to be a bit too wishy washy. Always going back and forth with Sam. The paranormal component wasn't very well done either.
Read
March 13, 2017Someone--or something--is killing Seattle's gay men.
A creature moves through the darkest night, lit only by the full moon, taking them, one by one, from the rain city's gay gathering areas.
Someone--or something--is falling in love with Thad Matthews.
Against a backdrop of horror and fear, young Thad finds his first true love in the most unlikely of places--a new Italian restaurant called The Blue Moon Cafe. Sam is everything Thad has ever dreamed of in a man: compassionate, giving, handsome, and with brown eyes Thad feels he could sink into. And Sam can cook! But as the pair's love begins to grow, so do the questions and uncertainties, the main one being, why do Sam's unexplained disappearances always coincide with the full moon? Prepare yourself for a unique blend of dark suspense and erotic romance with The Blue Moon Cafe, written by the author Unzipped magazine called, 'the Stephen King of gay horror.' You're guaranteed an unforgettable reading experience, one that skillfully blends the hottest romance with the most chilling terror...
(Gay / Dark Fantasy / Shapeshifter / Werewolf / Suspense / Thriller)
A creature moves through the darkest night, lit only by the full moon, taking them, one by one, from the rain city's gay gathering areas.
Someone--or something--is falling in love with Thad Matthews.
Against a backdrop of horror and fear, young Thad finds his first true love in the most unlikely of places--a new Italian restaurant called The Blue Moon Cafe. Sam is everything Thad has ever dreamed of in a man: compassionate, giving, handsome, and with brown eyes Thad feels he could sink into. And Sam can cook! But as the pair's love begins to grow, so do the questions and uncertainties, the main one being, why do Sam's unexplained disappearances always coincide with the full moon? Prepare yourself for a unique blend of dark suspense and erotic romance with The Blue Moon Cafe, written by the author Unzipped magazine called, 'the Stephen King of gay horror.' You're guaranteed an unforgettable reading experience, one that skillfully blends the hottest romance with the most chilling terror...
(Gay / Dark Fantasy / Shapeshifter / Werewolf / Suspense / Thriller)
March 10, 2017
I love a good werewolf story but haven't read any in a while as they are too much the same. I was happily surprised that this one was unique and the werewolves weren't sparkly or watered down.
Sam Lupino has opened a new restaurant in Seatle he and his family has many secrets, and he keeps to himself.
Thad has recently lost his job, living on unemployment and bored. One night he decides to try the new restaurant near him. He is surprised when the owner is so handsome and sparks fly.They begin dating then worries pop into Thad's mind when gay murders are happening on the full moon, and Sam and his family are always gone at this time.
Dinner at Blue Moon Cafe has an interesting storyline with the murders. There are side plots as well.Thad and Sam's romance and also a building friendship with Jared who barely escapes the murderer. There are lots of twists and turns, and the think I liked most was there was none of the werewolf marking Thad and shouting mine. There was no instamate. The the one thing I would have like to saw more of was Sam and Thad's romance it along with the sex scenes were mostly off page.
If you like werewolves, mystery/suspense, a bit of a thriller, and an excellent romance you will like this one.
Sam Lupino has opened a new restaurant in Seatle he and his family has many secrets, and he keeps to himself.
Thad has recently lost his job, living on unemployment and bored. One night he decides to try the new restaurant near him. He is surprised when the owner is so handsome and sparks fly.They begin dating then worries pop into Thad's mind when gay murders are happening on the full moon, and Sam and his family are always gone at this time.
Dinner at Blue Moon Cafe has an interesting storyline with the murders. There are side plots as well.Thad and Sam's romance and also a building friendship with Jared who barely escapes the murderer. There are lots of twists and turns, and the think I liked most was there was none of the werewolf marking Thad and shouting mine. There was no instamate. The the one thing I would have like to saw more of was Sam and Thad's romance it along with the sex scenes were mostly off page.
If you like werewolves, mystery/suspense, a bit of a thriller, and an excellent romance you will like this one.
July 31, 2010
I have been trying to sprinkle in some different things into the mix the last month or so. The paranormal, zombie , fright type novels have been giving me a case of the chills on occasion and I am more of a goose bump, action, adventure, humor, mystery, OCD type guy. So, when I got a hold of The Blue Moon Café I thought, hey give it a whirl, how bad can werewolves be. I was happy to say it contained all of the above.
Rick R. Reed puts a very unique spin on a plotline that could be become old and tiresome very quick, predators stalking their prey. I really enjoyed the twists and turns the novel took and the different viewpoints he had the characters take. His dialogue is funny, pointed and edgy but not self- effacing. I didn’t feel as if I was being spoken at as much as to and included in the story, not kept at arm’s length, but right there in the action as the story unfolded. Good crafting and very good execution, there is not much more one could ask for other than that.
The Blue Moon Café was much more than a paranormal novel for me, and quickly it became a very interesting read. Rick R. Reed has a very nice style and sense of humor. I would include this in my Goodreads –to read list- if you don’t have it there already. Rick has many novels under his belt, check out his Goodreads Author page and check out his different titles.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and also look for our posts on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and the Bucks County Library System. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day.
.
Rick R. Reed puts a very unique spin on a plotline that could be become old and tiresome very quick, predators stalking their prey. I really enjoyed the twists and turns the novel took and the different viewpoints he had the characters take. His dialogue is funny, pointed and edgy but not self- effacing. I didn’t feel as if I was being spoken at as much as to and included in the story, not kept at arm’s length, but right there in the action as the story unfolded. Good crafting and very good execution, there is not much more one could ask for other than that.
The Blue Moon Café was much more than a paranormal novel for me, and quickly it became a very interesting read. Rick R. Reed has a very nice style and sense of humor. I would include this in my Goodreads –to read list- if you don’t have it there already. Rick has many novels under his belt, check out his Goodreads Author page and check out his different titles.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and also look for our posts on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and the Bucks County Library System. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day.
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March 14, 2013
Blue Moon Cafe was such a fun story to read (listen to, actually, as I did this one on audiobook). I think fun is actually the best descriptor of this novel. Though it may be a strange adjective to choose for a book that has a couple scenes with mild descriptions of werewolf killings. It managed to be both cheeky and keep the reader guessing, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Mild spoiler----as for those ratings that give it a low number because they didn’t like the ending, I can’t tell you sick I am of people judging a book simply because it doesn’t do their expected paint-by-number storyline that 90% of books that out there right now. While I wasn’t sure how it would end until the very end (which is rare), I applaud Rick R. Reed for taking the novel the way the story was meant to be instead of forcing it to be something it wasn’t. Made me love it even more!
Mild spoiler----as for those ratings that give it a low number because they didn’t like the ending, I can’t tell you sick I am of people judging a book simply because it doesn’t do their expected paint-by-number storyline that 90% of books that out there right now. While I wasn’t sure how it would end until the very end (which is rare), I applaud Rick R. Reed for taking the novel the way the story was meant to be instead of forcing it to be something it wasn’t. Made me love it even more!
July 28, 2012
WOW!! An amazing thriller that kept me guessing, a sexy love story that doesn’t quiet end the way I hoped, add in werewolves and you have a really great story that is nothing like your normal everyday shifter book. The shifter aspect of the story is secondary, the books focus is on a serial killer who is targeting gay men.
The connection between Thad and Sam was there from the beginning, but their love was not an easy one nor was it instant and forever. So many questions and a whole lot of suspicion made things difficult for Thad but Sam was the one that had my heart breaking. Can anymore happen to one man? This book screams sequel, I don’t think Thad and Sam’s story is over I need my HEA!
The connection between Thad and Sam was there from the beginning, but their love was not an easy one nor was it instant and forever. So many questions and a whole lot of suspicion made things difficult for Thad but Sam was the one that had my heart breaking. Can anymore happen to one man? This book screams sequel, I don’t think Thad and Sam’s story is over I need my HEA!
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March 12, 2017Unfortunately I have to bow out of this one. I've been trying to read it for over a week and made it to about 40% ish and I just can't get into it. I didn't feel any heat between the two MCs. I thought Thad had more chemistry with the side character and his new friend, Jared.
I didn't like the way Sam treated Thad and I thought Thad was kind of all over the place. I was also thrown by Sam's sister. She was so nice at the dinner then all of a sudden she's so cold? I feel like it didn't add up...
I didn't like the way Sam treated Thad and I thought Thad was kind of all over the place. I was also thrown by Sam's sister. She was so nice at the dinner then all of a sudden she's so cold? I feel like it didn't add up...
October 25, 2020
For the record, one of Rick R. Reed’s horror stories is not supposed to include tears. Emotion, sure. Terror, totally expected. Romance, probably. But tears? I in no way expected a story about blood thirsty, vengeful driven werewolves to bring me to tears. *sigh* That’s not a bad thing though. I consider any book that can draw that kind of emotion a worth-while read. It just kind of caught me off guard.
Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe was told by several different POVs. It definitely kept things interesting, especially considering one of the POVs was from the killer. That didn’t surprise me though. Rick R. Reed has a knack for getting inside the heads of his most terrifying characters. I’m not sure what that says about me or him, considering his horror stories are among my favorites that he writes.
Thad and Sam were pretty much attracted to each other from the time that they met. Thad always had feeling that there was something different about Sam. A lot of that came from his self doubt though so it was easy to ignore… until it wasn’t. I think what I liked most about Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe was that there was the possibility that love wasn’t enough. Some things are just too much to overcome and Thad had every right to walk away. That thing that I liked so much? Yeah, it’s what broke me too. It was obvious that Sam really cared about Thad, but…
Yeah, no spoilers here. You’ll just have to read Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe and find out who the real monster was. 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe was told by several different POVs. It definitely kept things interesting, especially considering one of the POVs was from the killer. That didn’t surprise me though. Rick R. Reed has a knack for getting inside the heads of his most terrifying characters. I’m not sure what that says about me or him, considering his horror stories are among my favorites that he writes.
Thad and Sam were pretty much attracted to each other from the time that they met. Thad always had feeling that there was something different about Sam. A lot of that came from his self doubt though so it was easy to ignore… until it wasn’t. I think what I liked most about Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe was that there was the possibility that love wasn’t enough. Some things are just too much to overcome and Thad had every right to walk away. That thing that I liked so much? Yeah, it’s what broke me too. It was obvious that Sam really cared about Thad, but…
Yeah, no spoilers here. You’ll just have to read Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe and find out who the real monster was. 😉
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 30, 2020
When I read the blurb I find the story interesting and I was super excited about, what i got instead of a thrilling story was an over the place story. I didn't liked Sam at all or his and Thad's love story... it was full of lies and half truths and I just didn't see chemistry between them. It was really disappointing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2010
Thad Matthews is between jobs, between boyfriends and trying to pull his self-esteem out of the gutter in Seattle’s gay neighborhood, Capitol Hill. But he has to be careful during his nights out clubbing to find a new love/lust interest because there have been some gruesome deaths in the area, gay men mutilated and half-eaten, and it always seems to happen during a full moon.
When Thad decides to try the new Italian restaurant that opens near his apartment, he encounters more than great food and an authentic Italian atmosphere. He meets the proprietor, Sam Lupino, the man of his dreams. Sam has recently moved to Seattle from Sicily, and his family has opened the Blue Moon Café. Sam is large, rugged, hairy, and an aggressive lover. But regardless of how forceful Sam is in bed (which is fine with Thad), he exudes kindheartedness out of bed, and seems as taken with Thad as Thad is with him.
Thad and Sam’s relationship turns rocky, however, when Thad suspects Sam is hiding something, and it has to do with the fact that once a month Sam disappears for days at a time, which seems to coincide with the murders. Thad begins to suspect that the man of his dreams is a werewolf, but that’s ridiculous. Isn’t it?
Let me state that I’m not a fan of werewolf, vampire or shape-shifter stories. To my thinking these types of tales, for the most part, have become a tired cliché. That said, The Blue Moon Café drew me in from the get-go because of the characters, particularly the protagonist, Thad Matthews. Thad is jobless due to the economic downturn. He kicks around Twitter and Facebook during the day, and the gay clubs at night, trying to overcome his vast loneliness. Sam, on the other hand, is mature and stable but he has family secrets. He is put in a position where he must choose between love and protecting his family. Both main characters dealt with universal themes that I could easily identify with.
There are also some particularly tense and well-written scenes from the werewolf’s point of view while stalking its prey. Reed takes you into the killer’s psyche, and you feel its need, not only to feed, but to relish the terror it causes. Reed knows how to build suspense and keep the reader hanging on the edge of his/her seat. There were parts I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what would happen next.
My only complaint is that I walked away slightly disappointed. The only other Rick Reed story I’ve read was Bashed, and I was very impressed with that book, for both characters and plot. So I picked up The Blue Moon Café with high expectations, and as much as I enjoyed this read, I didn’t think it lived up to the promise that Bashed created.
The Blue Moon Café combines suspense with an erotic love story and moves along at a fast pace. If you like paranormal stories, you will most likely love this one. If you’re like me and shy away from them, you might give this one a try. It has a lot to offer.
When Thad decides to try the new Italian restaurant that opens near his apartment, he encounters more than great food and an authentic Italian atmosphere. He meets the proprietor, Sam Lupino, the man of his dreams. Sam has recently moved to Seattle from Sicily, and his family has opened the Blue Moon Café. Sam is large, rugged, hairy, and an aggressive lover. But regardless of how forceful Sam is in bed (which is fine with Thad), he exudes kindheartedness out of bed, and seems as taken with Thad as Thad is with him.
Thad and Sam’s relationship turns rocky, however, when Thad suspects Sam is hiding something, and it has to do with the fact that once a month Sam disappears for days at a time, which seems to coincide with the murders. Thad begins to suspect that the man of his dreams is a werewolf, but that’s ridiculous. Isn’t it?
Let me state that I’m not a fan of werewolf, vampire or shape-shifter stories. To my thinking these types of tales, for the most part, have become a tired cliché. That said, The Blue Moon Café drew me in from the get-go because of the characters, particularly the protagonist, Thad Matthews. Thad is jobless due to the economic downturn. He kicks around Twitter and Facebook during the day, and the gay clubs at night, trying to overcome his vast loneliness. Sam, on the other hand, is mature and stable but he has family secrets. He is put in a position where he must choose between love and protecting his family. Both main characters dealt with universal themes that I could easily identify with.
There are also some particularly tense and well-written scenes from the werewolf’s point of view while stalking its prey. Reed takes you into the killer’s psyche, and you feel its need, not only to feed, but to relish the terror it causes. Reed knows how to build suspense and keep the reader hanging on the edge of his/her seat. There were parts I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what would happen next.
My only complaint is that I walked away slightly disappointed. The only other Rick Reed story I’ve read was Bashed, and I was very impressed with that book, for both characters and plot. So I picked up The Blue Moon Café with high expectations, and as much as I enjoyed this read, I didn’t think it lived up to the promise that Bashed created.
The Blue Moon Café combines suspense with an erotic love story and moves along at a fast pace. If you like paranormal stories, you will most likely love this one. If you’re like me and shy away from them, you might give this one a try. It has a lot to offer.
June 2, 2017
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I’m not quite sure how to categorise this story. It’s a shifter story narrated by a human who doesn’t know shifters exist. It’s a murder mystery whodunnit but we know who the villain is almost from the start. There are a couple of scenes which might push this into the horror genre - but on some level, this is also an m/m romance. All in all, this story left me a little bewildered.
This story is told from Thad’s perspective. I found Thad likeable but incredibly ordinary. Complete with chihuahua, his life fits every ‘gay in Seattle’ stereotype possible. At times, I enjoyed the way the supernatural/horror/murder mystery storylines play out against Thad’s mundane reality. But there were other points in this story where I was bored, wanting much less of Thad and Jared and much more of Sam and his family. If this were more of a literary novel, I think the unknowing narrator would work as a technique. But in a horror, I need my leading man to be memorable. In a romance, I want reasons to fall in love with my leading man. For me, Thad was entirely forgettable.
Sam fascinated me. There were so many moments where I wanted more of him and his family. I needed details. I wanted to know all about his family dynamics and I wanted to know what he was thinking. I wanted urban fantasy world building. But readers really only get Thad’s fragmented perspective on Sam. For me, this is the most confusing part of this book. I really don’t understand why the writer spends so much time on Thad and the equally mundane Jared when Sam has the potential to be a fabulous and original character.
For me, the shifter/horror/mystery elements of this book work better than the romance elements. I enjoyed the suspense and Thad and Jared’s interactions with the murderer. As for romance, I felt there was too much going on in the book for the central relationships to fully develop or ever feel convincing. I liked the uncertainty as Thad chose between Jared and Sam but I honestly didn’t have a preference by the end.
I’m not quite sure how to categorise this story. It’s a shifter story narrated by a human who doesn’t know shifters exist. It’s a murder mystery whodunnit but we know who the villain is almost from the start. There are a couple of scenes which might push this into the horror genre - but on some level, this is also an m/m romance. All in all, this story left me a little bewildered.
This story is told from Thad’s perspective. I found Thad likeable but incredibly ordinary. Complete with chihuahua, his life fits every ‘gay in Seattle’ stereotype possible. At times, I enjoyed the way the supernatural/horror/murder mystery storylines play out against Thad’s mundane reality. But there were other points in this story where I was bored, wanting much less of Thad and Jared and much more of Sam and his family. If this were more of a literary novel, I think the unknowing narrator would work as a technique. But in a horror, I need my leading man to be memorable. In a romance, I want reasons to fall in love with my leading man. For me, Thad was entirely forgettable.
Sam fascinated me. There were so many moments where I wanted more of him and his family. I needed details. I wanted to know all about his family dynamics and I wanted to know what he was thinking. I wanted urban fantasy world building. But readers really only get Thad’s fragmented perspective on Sam. For me, this is the most confusing part of this book. I really don’t understand why the writer spends so much time on Thad and the equally mundane Jared when Sam has the potential to be a fabulous and original character.
For me, the shifter/horror/mystery elements of this book work better than the romance elements. I enjoyed the suspense and Thad and Jared’s interactions with the murderer. As for romance, I felt there was too much going on in the book for the central relationships to fully develop or ever feel convincing. I liked the uncertainty as Thad chose between Jared and Sam but I honestly didn’t have a preference by the end.
January 19, 2011
Wow, I am not sure what to say. The twist and turns made this book extremely engrossing.
Off the top, I like that this did not revolve around the shifters. Their life and that they exist is not what the story revolves around. The second thing was that the human did not automatically roll over and accept it just because he is or maybe in love.
I flip-flopped between who was better for Thad, Sam or Jared. They both had their merits. I think I was just as indecisive as Thad on this issue. I am happy and not, if that makes any sense whatsoever, with the ending. I think that this more than likely has to do with how well this was written. I found myself happy and sad along with Thad, my personal opinion just seemed to get suspended.
I even went back and forth who the killer was as well which was fun.
There were little things I like about this. The little human touches in the writing. My favorite one is Thad and Sam kissing. "They kissed for what seemed like the next hour, until both of them panted and half their faces were wet with the other's saliva." Good kissing can be sloppy, a detail which most authors ignore. The little touches like that I really enjoyed.
Another thing that I liked was the werewolf view on the death of another werewolf, regardless of the reason or past, it considered that death an assassination. That said so much about the thought differences between humans and werewolves without detail or background.
I really look forward to reading more of Mr. Reed.
Off the top, I like that this did not revolve around the shifters. Their life and that they exist is not what the story revolves around. The second thing was that the human did not automatically roll over and accept it just because he is or maybe in love.
I flip-flopped between who was better for Thad, Sam or Jared. They both had their merits. I think I was just as indecisive as Thad on this issue. I am happy and not, if that makes any sense whatsoever, with the ending. I think that this more than likely has to do with how well this was written. I found myself happy and sad along with Thad, my personal opinion just seemed to get suspended.
I even went back and forth who the killer was as well which was fun.
There were little things I like about this. The little human touches in the writing. My favorite one is Thad and Sam kissing. "They kissed for what seemed like the next hour, until both of them panted and half their faces were wet with the other's saliva." Good kissing can be sloppy, a detail which most authors ignore. The little touches like that I really enjoyed.
Another thing that I liked was the werewolf view on the death of another werewolf, regardless of the reason or past, it considered that death an assassination. That said so much about the thought differences between humans and werewolves without detail or background.
I really look forward to reading more of Mr. Reed.
July 12, 2015
This is a fantastic horror novel -- one that literally had me terrified for the characters on more than one occasion, which is rare for me. But I think it's important to point out this is a horror novel with a romantic thread running through it -- not the other way around. It ends the way a horror novel should, but not necessarily the way a romance novel should. I'm not saying the ending is bad. You'll have to read it. I'm just saying, this is a horror novel. Expect it to be.
I like the way the werewolves are handled. I'm not always fond of werewolf packs in fiction, because frankly I know too much about wolves in the wild, and it makes me cringe when I hear about alphas and omegas and all that crap. That isn't real. However, wolf families are real. And that's what Reed has depicted -- a family with internal conflicts, but no struggle for dominance. Just a family. (I don't recall my father and I ever having to fight to the death to see which one of us was stronger. Just sayin'.) And I have a soft spot for big Italian families, ever since I fell in love with The Catch Trap as a teenager.
I'm not a fan of clubbing and hooking up every night, though I went through that phase, so I can't be too snotty about it. At least it's realistic. And Thad's friend -- and Sam's rival for Thad's affections -- is very likable. Overall, I liked all of the characters, and things wrap up the only way they can, realistically. It was very well-written and I was thoroughly engrossed in it.
I like the way the werewolves are handled. I'm not always fond of werewolf packs in fiction, because frankly I know too much about wolves in the wild, and it makes me cringe when I hear about alphas and omegas and all that crap. That isn't real. However, wolf families are real. And that's what Reed has depicted -- a family with internal conflicts, but no struggle for dominance. Just a family. (I don't recall my father and I ever having to fight to the death to see which one of us was stronger. Just sayin'.) And I have a soft spot for big Italian families, ever since I fell in love with The Catch Trap as a teenager.
I'm not a fan of clubbing and hooking up every night, though I went through that phase, so I can't be too snotty about it. At least it's realistic. And Thad's friend -- and Sam's rival for Thad's affections -- is very likable. Overall, I liked all of the characters, and things wrap up the only way they can, realistically. It was very well-written and I was thoroughly engrossed in it.
March 17, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Thad has been wallowing while he has been on unemployment, with pretty much only his dog for company. When he decides to treat himself and visits the Blue Moon Café he finds much more than he was expecting.
Sam first pushes Thad away despite their connection, but just as Thad begins to look for other options he has to call him while volunteering. Speaking to each other seems to reawaken Sam’s feelings and they decide that even if it isn’t the right time they can try and make it work.
This story is told from Thad’s point of view, so we know what he is thinking and feeling. For the length of this book we don’t see these characters together very often, I felt that we saw his budding friendship with Jared more than we saw Sam. We learned a lot of Thad’s thoughts an doubts, but there was a lot of information that was inferred or was easily assumed. I don’t know when there are big gaps in time and we are only seeing one person a majority of the time it is hard to connect with the story and how their relationship is building in the background. I liked that they were happy in the end, but wasn’t sure about how they got there or the way Sam rationalized his actions throughout the story.
Cover art by Aaron Anderson is wonderful and eye catching.
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Thad has been wallowing while he has been on unemployment, with pretty much only his dog for company. When he decides to treat himself and visits the Blue Moon Café he finds much more than he was expecting.
Sam first pushes Thad away despite their connection, but just as Thad begins to look for other options he has to call him while volunteering. Speaking to each other seems to reawaken Sam’s feelings and they decide that even if it isn’t the right time they can try and make it work.
This story is told from Thad’s point of view, so we know what he is thinking and feeling. For the length of this book we don’t see these characters together very often, I felt that we saw his budding friendship with Jared more than we saw Sam. We learned a lot of Thad’s thoughts an doubts, but there was a lot of information that was inferred or was easily assumed. I don’t know when there are big gaps in time and we are only seeing one person a majority of the time it is hard to connect with the story and how their relationship is building in the background. I liked that they were happy in the end, but wasn’t sure about how they got there or the way Sam rationalized his actions throughout the story.
Cover art by Aaron Anderson is wonderful and eye catching.
October 31, 2018
4-1/2 Stars
I'm going to start by saying that immediate attraction bordering on insta-love is not for everyone and I understand that but when its done right than its amazing. Well, for me Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe is done right. I say "immediate attraction bordering on insta-love" because I think it's pretty instant on Sam's part and for Thad its nearly there but he's afraid to completely embrace it.
I loved seeing inside the mind of the killer in this story, its not something that always works, it can distract from the couple at the heart of the story, but Rick R Reed makes it work here. I get why Sam is leary to reveal everything to Thad and I equally get why this makes Thad hesitant to completely open his heart to Sam but more than once I just wanted to bang their heads together and scream "Communicate!". Throw in Thad's new friend Jared, which some might call an obstacle to the couple being happy but I call just plain awesome. Jared is a fun character that gives Thad some much needed companionship but it also gives him reasons to guard his heart, to grow, and gives his protective side reason to show.
All in all, Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe is a brilliant read that ticked my paranormal, romance, mystery boxes and it also touched on my love of horror as well making this a perfect read for October.
I'm going to start by saying that immediate attraction bordering on insta-love is not for everyone and I understand that but when its done right than its amazing. Well, for me Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe is done right. I say "immediate attraction bordering on insta-love" because I think it's pretty instant on Sam's part and for Thad its nearly there but he's afraid to completely embrace it.
I loved seeing inside the mind of the killer in this story, its not something that always works, it can distract from the couple at the heart of the story, but Rick R Reed makes it work here. I get why Sam is leary to reveal everything to Thad and I equally get why this makes Thad hesitant to completely open his heart to Sam but more than once I just wanted to bang their heads together and scream "Communicate!". Throw in Thad's new friend Jared, which some might call an obstacle to the couple being happy but I call just plain awesome. Jared is a fun character that gives Thad some much needed companionship but it also gives him reasons to guard his heart, to grow, and gives his protective side reason to show.
All in all, Dinner at the Blue Moon Cafe is a brilliant read that ticked my paranormal, romance, mystery boxes and it also touched on my love of horror as well making this a perfect read for October.
August 2, 2011
The werewolves in this story truly are werewolves. Except for one thing. A bite will not "change" someone, being a werewolf is an hereditary thing. The wolf only comes out during a full moon and they usually restrict themselves to hunting animals.
But someone is hunting humans. Gay, male humans.
Thad is at loose ends in his life. He lost his job and hasn't had any luck finding another. He is a likable fellow trying to find his way. I liked Thad. I felt his excitment when he met Sam and his need for a friend when he met Jared.
Sam seemed a little aloof. Guess he needed to be. I loved that he was older and actually (GASP!) had hair on his chest!!! I longed to be Thad's fingers playing with that hairy chest.....
Jared was fun. A light-hearted soul who managed to grow up. He was still fun, but I was rooting for him from the moment I realized he was waiting for Thad to notice him as more than a friend.
There were some nail-biting moments, but overall this was a story about love. In all it's forms.
But someone is hunting humans. Gay, male humans.
Thad is at loose ends in his life. He lost his job and hasn't had any luck finding another. He is a likable fellow trying to find his way. I liked Thad. I felt his excitment when he met Sam and his need for a friend when he met Jared.
Sam seemed a little aloof. Guess he needed to be. I loved that he was older and actually (GASP!) had hair on his chest!!! I longed to be Thad's fingers playing with that hairy chest.....
Jared was fun. A light-hearted soul who managed to grow up. He was still fun, but I was rooting for him from the moment I realized he was waiting for Thad to notice him as more than a friend.
There were some nail-biting moments, but overall this was a story about love. In all it's forms.
February 17, 2012
Reed is at his best when describing a scene in such vivid detail that the reader is transported into the story. He does a particularly good job of this in Blue Moon when describing the Italian cuisine served at the cafe - he had me salivating Pavlovian-style.
I loved the perfect blend of culinary delights, eroticism, suspense, and terror. While the plot does not always go where you expect, I was able to anticipate the next immediate event most of the time; this didn't detract from my enjoyment at all though - the ending in particular was a pleasant and unexpected surprise.
There was only once that I encountered one of those "bad slasher movie moments" as I thought, "OMG - there's a full moon! Why are you going out tonight after what's happened so far? Can't you wait until next weekend?" But my reaction was more one of comic relief - I needed a break from the suspense!
All in all, a great read worth checking out if you like sex or food or werewolves - and who doesn't like ONE of those?
I loved the perfect blend of culinary delights, eroticism, suspense, and terror. While the plot does not always go where you expect, I was able to anticipate the next immediate event most of the time; this didn't detract from my enjoyment at all though - the ending in particular was a pleasant and unexpected surprise.
There was only once that I encountered one of those "bad slasher movie moments" as I thought, "OMG - there's a full moon! Why are you going out tonight after what's happened so far? Can't you wait until next weekend?" But my reaction was more one of comic relief - I needed a break from the suspense!
All in all, a great read worth checking out if you like sex or food or werewolves - and who doesn't like ONE of those?
June 2, 2010
I didn't particularly care for the writing style. It was a bit too conspicuous for me. I kept thinking of this book as a B horror flick written as a novel. It wasn't bad, but the emotions were a little over-acted and I could see what was coming from a long way off.
I found the interludes of the monster's thoughts a distraction and really dropped any sort of intensity level that had been building. I never connected with the main character, Thad, finding him to be silly, wishy-washy, and shallow, and not in an endearing way. I did enjoy the supporting character, Jared, though, quite a bit. I hope he dumps his longing for Thad and has his own awesome story. I have no thoughts for Sam, the love interest. At most, I found him to be a prop for Thad's angst. He just didn't have a real presence in the story for me, even with as much as Thad waxed on about him.
This is my first book by Reed, but I'm up to trying his work again.
I found the interludes of the monster's thoughts a distraction and really dropped any sort of intensity level that had been building. I never connected with the main character, Thad, finding him to be silly, wishy-washy, and shallow, and not in an endearing way. I did enjoy the supporting character, Jared, though, quite a bit. I hope he dumps his longing for Thad and has his own awesome story. I have no thoughts for Sam, the love interest. At most, I found him to be a prop for Thad's angst. He just didn't have a real presence in the story for me, even with as much as Thad waxed on about him.
This is my first book by Reed, but I'm up to trying his work again.
October 30, 2014
I didn't quite enjoy this book as much as I'd like. I didn't really like the style of writing. The only parts I did like was the parts in the pov of the monster in the beginning (that was really nice and creepy), the way the author would describe things and the fact that there isn't a HEA. I didn't like the couple anyway. I didn't fall in love with them so I was confused when Ted suddenly admitted that he was in love with Sam.
The main reason why I didn't like Ted was because I felt that he talked way too much...to himself, in his head. But then he would just skip whatever he was thinking of and say something else, which is probably the reason why the relationship didn't work out.
The main reason why I didn't like Ted was because I felt that he talked way too much...to himself, in his head. But then he would just skip whatever he was thinking of and say something else, which is probably the reason why the relationship didn't work out.
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