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Warders #6
Cherish Your Name
As a warder, Malic Sunden knows hell—it’s in the job description—but that was before he agreed to spend the holidays with his hearth’s family.
Turns out that decision will be a special kind of hell all its own.
Malic loves Dylan, without question. But the Shaws, Dylan’s family, they’re another story altogether. It seems the warmth of the season doesn’t extend to their son’s much older boyfriend. They think Malic is a cradle-robber and that Dylan can’t possibly be serious about this relationship, especially when they see their son spending much more time with his friends than he does with Malic.
Knowing that he’s been excluded and will have to confront some truths with Dylan sooner rather than later, Malic retreats, offering to do odd jobs around the house, anything that will keep him from having to interact with the family. When he meets Brad, the guy next door, it gives Malic an excuse to have a little fun of his own. But Brad may have more than a friendly night out in mind. And Dylan has a few opinions about that.
The bond between a warder and his hearth is sacred, it is soul deep. As Malic is pulled into a web of danger and deceit, the one thing that will save him, the only thing, is the name of the man he cherishes.
Turns out that decision will be a special kind of hell all its own.
Malic loves Dylan, without question. But the Shaws, Dylan’s family, they’re another story altogether. It seems the warmth of the season doesn’t extend to their son’s much older boyfriend. They think Malic is a cradle-robber and that Dylan can’t possibly be serious about this relationship, especially when they see their son spending much more time with his friends than he does with Malic.
Knowing that he’s been excluded and will have to confront some truths with Dylan sooner rather than later, Malic retreats, offering to do odd jobs around the house, anything that will keep him from having to interact with the family. When he meets Brad, the guy next door, it gives Malic an excuse to have a little fun of his own. But Brad may have more than a friendly night out in mind. And Dylan has a few opinions about that.
The bond between a warder and his hearth is sacred, it is soul deep. As Malic is pulled into a web of danger and deceit, the one thing that will save him, the only thing, is the name of the man he cherishes.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2011
57 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
127 books5,024 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
February 22, 2023
4 Stars
Cherish Your Name is the final book in the wildly romantic and supernaturally kickass Warder series, and I must admit I’m kind of bummed to see it all end!
This is the first and only story in the series that revisits one of the main Warder couples for a second time. I’m certainly not complaining because Malic and Dylan were one of the best pairings and totally deserved a second showing.
This time around, Malic is a fish out of water, going with Dylan to visit Dylan’s family for Christmas. Malic seems extremely out of place, at first not feeling very welcomed by Dylan’s parents and sister, and feeling like a bit of a boring old man whenever Dylan goes out with his young friends. Their age gap continues to be a point of contention for Malic, but he simply needs to be reminded that Dylan is his absolute perfect match and the best, most loyal hearth a warder could dream of having by his side, regardless of age.
So, there’s a little bit of emotional angst as Malic comes to terms again with just how right for each other he and Dylan are. And to throw some action and suspense into the mix, Malic also finds himself calling in favours from his fellow warders and requiring backup when a demon situation presents itself next door.
It was fun to revisit Malic and Dylan a few years into their relationship and it was even better to catch a glimpse of the other warders, all of whom made brief but memorable appearances here.
Although, for me, this series got off to a rocky start, I quickly grew to love all the warders and their hearths, growing more fond of the group as the series progressed. It’s a shame there aren’t more stories in this series because the concept is a pretty cool one, but I guess I should just be grateful for the six fun and sexy romps we’ve already got, shouldn’t I!?!
Cherish Your Name is the final book in the wildly romantic and supernaturally kickass Warder series, and I must admit I’m kind of bummed to see it all end!
This is the first and only story in the series that revisits one of the main Warder couples for a second time. I’m certainly not complaining because Malic and Dylan were one of the best pairings and totally deserved a second showing.
This time around, Malic is a fish out of water, going with Dylan to visit Dylan’s family for Christmas. Malic seems extremely out of place, at first not feeling very welcomed by Dylan’s parents and sister, and feeling like a bit of a boring old man whenever Dylan goes out with his young friends. Their age gap continues to be a point of contention for Malic, but he simply needs to be reminded that Dylan is his absolute perfect match and the best, most loyal hearth a warder could dream of having by his side, regardless of age.
So, there’s a little bit of emotional angst as Malic comes to terms again with just how right for each other he and Dylan are. And to throw some action and suspense into the mix, Malic also finds himself calling in favours from his fellow warders and requiring backup when a demon situation presents itself next door.
It was fun to revisit Malic and Dylan a few years into their relationship and it was even better to catch a glimpse of the other warders, all of whom made brief but memorable appearances here.
Although, for me, this series got off to a rocky start, I quickly grew to love all the warders and their hearths, growing more fond of the group as the series progressed. It’s a shame there aren’t more stories in this series because the concept is a pretty cool one, but I guess I should just be grateful for the six fun and sexy romps we’ve already got, shouldn’t I!?!
February 23, 2023
Christmas in February and I am not complaining one bit! I forgot how this one started, kill me now! Gah! But how it ended? Perfection.
I'm so happy for Malic, he deserves all the good.
Adding a star.
Re-Read 2023
Nice new cover!
Doing a quick re-read of the series in anticipation of Trick Of Light coming out on the 28th!
*******
Jeez Mary! For a Christmas story you really had me worried there at the beginning!
Knowing their story and giving me that start had me not feeling the Christmas Spirit at all!
Luckily I knew you wouldn't let me down! Not only did you bring the sweet and the hot you gave me demons too.
I am guessing this is it for the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. Pretty cool timing on my part to read the last of the series now and have it be a Christmas story.
I'm so happy for Malic, he deserves all the good.
Adding a star.
Re-Read 2023
Nice new cover!
Doing a quick re-read of the series in anticipation of Trick Of Light coming out on the 28th!
*******
Jeez Mary! For a Christmas story you really had me worried there at the beginning!
Knowing their story and giving me that start had me not feeling the Christmas Spirit at all!
Luckily I knew you wouldn't let me down! Not only did you bring the sweet and the hot you gave me demons too.
I am guessing this is it for the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. Pretty cool timing on my part to read the last of the series now and have it be a Christmas story.
January 19, 2012
OKay-- I've got a soft spot for the older guy, younger guy romance, and I love Malic and Dylan as an established couple. Dylan is young--and he makes the mistakes of youth--but he's not a pushover, and he's not weak and I love that. I loved seeing the other warders, and I loved the family at Christmas--I'm a sucker for that as well. Mary's trademark fast pace and heated love scenes make this a fun, happy read:-)
March 27, 2016
Dylan and Malic. Sigh. I love this book. It was such a nice holiday read. Sweet and fun.
Reread March 26, 16
5*
It's still so frothy and bubbly. Mimosas for everybody.
Reread March 26, 16
5*
It's still so frothy and bubbly. Mimosas for everybody.
August 12, 2012
Malic is exactly who he was in Tooth and Nail: willfully blind and self-sabotaging. He is very lucky that Dylan is smart enough for the both of them, and rescues both Malic and their relationship.
September 12, 2017
Davvero una storia dolcissima degna di questa bellissima serie.
December 30, 2011
What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet
That's what Shakespeare said. But, name is important in all major religious traditions. It's not just a marker of something. In this book, we'll see how important a name is.
Now, if someone asks, "What is a blurb?" I'd say its a short summary of a book. It has to represent the book correctly. Which the above blurb fails to do.
This book is sweet but not tooth-ache sweet, since there is a high tension especially at the beginning of the book.
1. A 'realistic' conflict. Dylan was so busy with his family and high school friends, that Malic felt left out. I could identify myself with Malic, when the significant other was busy with other people. Unintentionally, but the hurt is there. Good thing they talk.
2. There are characters that seem to be suitors for Dylan and also for Malic. I like the jealousy and possessiveness that the MCs show to their partner, particularly because they actually are faithful to each other.
3. The emphasis on being family is really nice. .
4. We get to see the other Warders, which led me to believe (or hope) that there will be more books in the future, with one of them become a Sentinel and a new Warder comes in. Plus, some of them seem to acquire new abilities.
5.
This is still a Christmas-theme book after all. It's nice to see Malic becomes part of Dylan's family. The ending is really sweet.
Mahalo nui loa, Ms. Calmes! Hau ‘oli Makahiki Hou.
Now, the Warders has become my favorite among Mary Calmes' series (three others beside this one: A matter of time, Change of hearts, and Timing).
Reasons:
1. There are various couples, and that one character with different names (Jory-Jin-Steffan) is not here. Yes, IMO, they basically are reincarnation of a same person. In the Warders, Dylan probably is quite similar to them, but since he's only one among five couples, it doesn't feel that way.
2. Because there are many equal characters, we feel the camaraderie among the men, which I enjoy. In other series, there's some kind of stratification among main characters and others.
3. There is no quasi-forced separation between the main couple that one main character is only appears in 25% of the book. This plot device unfortunately has become formulaic in her series that she was forced to differentiate them by adding a plot that is my next point:
4. The main character doesn't date other people while his partner is missing in action (even to the point of borderline with being slut) or making them doing something that's not their stuff (like competing in rodeo).
By any other name would smell as sweet
That's what Shakespeare said. But, name is important in all major religious traditions. It's not just a marker of something. In this book, we'll see how important a name is.
Now, if someone asks, "What is a blurb?" I'd say its a short summary of a book. It has to represent the book correctly. Which the above blurb fails to do.
This book is sweet but not tooth-ache sweet, since there is a high tension especially at the beginning of the book.
1. A 'realistic' conflict. Dylan was so busy with his family and high school friends, that Malic felt left out. I could identify myself with Malic, when the significant other was busy with other people. Unintentionally, but the hurt is there. Good thing they talk.
2. There are characters that seem to be suitors for Dylan and also for Malic. I like the jealousy and possessiveness that the MCs show to their partner, particularly because they actually are faithful to each other.
3. The emphasis on being family is really nice. .
4. We get to see the other Warders, which led me to believe (or hope) that there will be more books in the future, with one of them become a Sentinel and a new Warder comes in. Plus, some of them seem to acquire new abilities.
5.
This is still a Christmas-theme book after all. It's nice to see Malic becomes part of Dylan's family. The ending is really sweet.
Mahalo nui loa, Ms. Calmes! Hau ‘oli Makahiki Hou.
Now, the Warders has become my favorite among Mary Calmes' series (three others beside this one: A matter of time, Change of hearts, and Timing).
Reasons:
1. There are various couples, and that one character with different names (Jory-Jin-Steffan) is not here. Yes, IMO, they basically are reincarnation of a same person. In the Warders, Dylan probably is quite similar to them, but since he's only one among five couples, it doesn't feel that way.
2. Because there are many equal characters, we feel the camaraderie among the men, which I enjoy. In other series, there's some kind of stratification among main characters and others.
3. There is no quasi-forced separation between the main couple that one main character is only appears in 25% of the book. This plot device unfortunately has become formulaic in her series that she was forced to differentiate them by adding a plot that is my next point:
4. The main character doesn't date other people while his partner is missing in action (even to the point of borderline with being slut) or making them doing something that's not their stuff (like competing in rodeo).
January 5, 2012
Just as I was mourning the last of the Warder books, here is a warm and lovely Christmas story about Malic and Dylan. I will admit to a certain affection for this couple. Malic was a older hearth; a loner of few words and fewer friends until he found his Hearth in the person of Dylan Shaw. Dylan is young, adorable, loyal and totally in love with his Warder. Now its their first Christmas together as a couple and Dylan has brought Malic home to meet the family.
The opening chapter with its "Christmas with the Kranks" description of the Shaw house will have you snickering. This is deceiving as the Shaw's Christmas cheer does not extend to Malic who they believe is too old for their son. Soon the house is full of holiday discord which Malic takes to heart and hearth, as it were. Soon Malic is beginning to doubt his relationship and Dylan. If you love this couple as I do, this is heartbreaking. Mary Calmes never lets you forget that the Shaws also think they are doing what is best for their son because Malic wants what is best for Dylan too. You will be frustrated and want to grind your teeth along with Malic as he confronts a family aligned against him. And you believe Dylan's youthfulness as he gets involved with seeing old friends also home for the holidays. It will take a demon, a trap and a forgetfulness spell to spell out the truth to Malic about his Hearth.
Its wonderful, warm, and you get to see some of the other Warders as well which is always a bonus for me. But was this the end of the Warders? Hmmmmm.
While I was alternately cheering the couple on or lining people mentally up for stooge slaps, I also noticed that the author was leaving small hints that the series was not at end after all. Warders powers were ramping up...something was going on. So I posed the question to the author. Mary Calmes came back with a yes (but other sequels have to be finished first). So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the fans of the Warders and their Hearths. It looks like we might be seeing them all again.
The opening chapter with its "Christmas with the Kranks" description of the Shaw house will have you snickering. This is deceiving as the Shaw's Christmas cheer does not extend to Malic who they believe is too old for their son. Soon the house is full of holiday discord which Malic takes to heart and hearth, as it were. Soon Malic is beginning to doubt his relationship and Dylan. If you love this couple as I do, this is heartbreaking. Mary Calmes never lets you forget that the Shaws also think they are doing what is best for their son because Malic wants what is best for Dylan too. You will be frustrated and want to grind your teeth along with Malic as he confronts a family aligned against him. And you believe Dylan's youthfulness as he gets involved with seeing old friends also home for the holidays. It will take a demon, a trap and a forgetfulness spell to spell out the truth to Malic about his Hearth.
Its wonderful, warm, and you get to see some of the other Warders as well which is always a bonus for me. But was this the end of the Warders? Hmmmmm.
While I was alternately cheering the couple on or lining people mentally up for stooge slaps, I also noticed that the author was leaving small hints that the series was not at end after all. Warders powers were ramping up...something was going on. So I posed the question to the author. Mary Calmes came back with a yes (but other sequels have to be finished first). So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the fans of the Warders and their Hearths. It looks like we might be seeing them all again.
January 18, 2012
It was great to get back to Dylan and Malic, the main characters of the second book. While all the others have some level of appearance, the story focuses around the two of them.
A variation of the age gap issue appears when Dylan takes Malic home and the effect it has on Malic’s emotions is devastating. But that is just for starters. While Malic loves Dylan with all his heart, he still hasn’t really understood what he means to his lover. When he finally gets it, all seems set for a peaceful Christmas celebration- except some uninvited demon trouble interferes. Interestingly, both Malic and Dylan have finally understood their roles and can stand together in the fight.
Dylan has a hard time reconciling his past with his present and when he finally sees what his family is doing to Malic by ignoring him, he is livid. In typical Dylan-fashion he gets it fixed. I really liked how he stands up for himself and what he wants, even more than in the second book.
This may look like a ‘harmless’ little Christmas story, but make no mistake, the story is emotional, filled with interpersonal drama, has lots of hot sex between loving men, and left me wanting a lot more books set in the Warder universe. If you appreciate the paranormal, and especially if you are a fan of this series, don’t miss this one!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
A variation of the age gap issue appears when Dylan takes Malic home and the effect it has on Malic’s emotions is devastating. But that is just for starters. While Malic loves Dylan with all his heart, he still hasn’t really understood what he means to his lover. When he finally gets it, all seems set for a peaceful Christmas celebration- except some uninvited demon trouble interferes. Interestingly, both Malic and Dylan have finally understood their roles and can stand together in the fight.
Dylan has a hard time reconciling his past with his present and when he finally sees what his family is doing to Malic by ignoring him, he is livid. In typical Dylan-fashion he gets it fixed. I really liked how he stands up for himself and what he wants, even more than in the second book.
This may look like a ‘harmless’ little Christmas story, but make no mistake, the story is emotional, filled with interpersonal drama, has lots of hot sex between loving men, and left me wanting a lot more books set in the Warder universe. If you appreciate the paranormal, and especially if you are a fan of this series, don’t miss this one!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
May 12, 2014
This book worked really well, for the most part. It was nice to see Malic and Dylan again and we got to see Malic adjusting to Dylan's family, etc... But I didn't think it worked as well as it could have. Firstly, with Dylan's family and the way they treated Malic. I was close enough to pissed with them for most of this book and a change in attitude didn't fix it. Honestly, I would have walked out if I had been Malic. It was just... ugh! And then we had Dylan.
I was very shocked with Dylan's treatment of Malic, and while things worked out really well in the end, I just couldn't believe the whole situation. It was all OOC, in my opinion, and I didn't know what to make of it. Luckily Malic was himself and I was able to enjoy his character more than Dylan. Kinda shocked by that, I have to admit. But it really was a nice story and a nice way to finish the series.
Definitely a series I would recommend. It's not really for everyone, but I think fans of this author will enjoy the series.
I was very shocked with Dylan's treatment of Malic, and while things worked out really well in the end, I just couldn't believe the whole situation. It was all OOC, in my opinion, and I didn't know what to make of it. Luckily Malic was himself and I was able to enjoy his character more than Dylan. Kinda shocked by that, I have to admit. But it really was a nice story and a nice way to finish the series.
Definitely a series I would recommend. It's not really for everyone, but I think fans of this author will enjoy the series.
January 3, 2012
I really like the Warder series, and Dylan and Malic are some of my favorites.
It's a sweet cute Christmas story and I enjoyed Malic finally meeting and being accepted into Dylan's family.
I was just a bit disappointed that the blurb was so misleading.
It's a sweet cute Christmas story and I enjoyed Malic finally meeting and being accepted into Dylan's family.
I was just a bit disappointed that the blurb was so misleading.
January 28, 2024
I enjoyed the series, but...
I enjoyed reading this Warders series, but found the quality of the writing uncharacteristic of Mary Calmes. She often sacrificed story for sex scenes throughout these books as the supernatural aspect of the stories, and their characters, screamed for more plot development! Each of the books were enjoyable but not equally so.
I enjoyed reading this Warders series, but found the quality of the writing uncharacteristic of Mary Calmes. She often sacrificed story for sex scenes throughout these books as the supernatural aspect of the stories, and their characters, screamed for more plot development! Each of the books were enjoyable but not equally so.
January 30, 2024
In the first part of this one, I wanted to smack Malic upside the head to knock the obtuseness out. But that's resolved before I got tired of it, and the rest of this one is good, if a little contorted around hiding weapons from normal people, then there's shouting as if they can't also hear. Well, it is a fantasy world.
February 5, 2019
Povero Malic, portato a conoscere la famiglia di Dylan per Natale, e non sta andando per nulla bene. Malic non è abituato a vivere in famiglia quindi sta sulle sue, per contro la famiglia di Dylan crede che lui non vada bene per il figlio perché troppo grande e sono convinti che sia solo una cotta passeggera. Quindi la convivenza familiare si sta rivelando “pesante”, e il non dover fare nulla non aiuta.
Così, Malic, chiede di poter sistemare il giardino, il garage, la siepe, tutti lavori di fatica per essere lontano da loro. Ed è così che conosce Brad, il vicino di casa, che chiacchierando gli chiede se lo può aiutare con alcuni lavori in casa, visto che lui ha un braccio rotto. Il Guardiano accetta volentieri e per ricompensa non vuole soldi ma vanno a cena insieme.
Fino a quel momento Dylan non si è accorto di nulla perché preso da mille impegni familiari. Rivedere i suoi amici, con l’uscita serale di Malic, inizia a far suonare i campanelli d’allarme, e la sua possessività inizia a farsi sentire.
Dopo la cena, Brad invita Malic a casa per un dopo cena hot, ma il Guardiano rifiuta, dicendo di essere fidanzato, così si salutano.
Appena rientrato a casa, Malic ha una discussione pacata con i genitori di D., si spiegheranno e inizieranno così ad accettarsi a vicenda, poiché, dopo la litigata, i genitori hanno capito che Malic è l’uomo giusto per il figlio. Tutto sembra andare per il meglio, fino a quando una telefonata di aiuto da parte di Brad non mette Malic in un vortice demoniaco… si risveglia in un posto ignoto a fianco di un uomo che lo chiama Dylan e amore, e lui non ricorda più niente.
Man mano che passano i minuti, e lo sconosciuto lo tratta come fossero una coppia, ma con un certo timore, Malic si rende conto che non si chiama Dylan, che non conosce l’uomo al suo fianco e che dove si trova non è casa sua, quindi aggredisce l’uomo chiedendogli spiegazioni e… si ritrova nel soggiorno di Brad, riesce a scappare e chiama in aiuto gli altri Guardiani: hanno un demone da affrontare.
In questa novella si affronta il tema dell’amore familiare, del ritrovarsi tutti insieme e condividere l’affetto gli uni con gli altri. Il non essere abituato a vivere tutto ciò, per Malic è impegnativo, infatti, lui è rimasto orfano a dieci anni ed è passato attraverso varie famiglie affidatarie. L’unica vera famiglia da lui conosciuta sono i vari Guardiani, ma abituati a combattere il male non hanno tempo per le affettuosità. Sarà l’amore di Dylan, con l’aiuto involontario di Brad, a far capire alcune cosette al nostro testardo Guardiano.
Così, Malic, chiede di poter sistemare il giardino, il garage, la siepe, tutti lavori di fatica per essere lontano da loro. Ed è così che conosce Brad, il vicino di casa, che chiacchierando gli chiede se lo può aiutare con alcuni lavori in casa, visto che lui ha un braccio rotto. Il Guardiano accetta volentieri e per ricompensa non vuole soldi ma vanno a cena insieme.
Fino a quel momento Dylan non si è accorto di nulla perché preso da mille impegni familiari. Rivedere i suoi amici, con l’uscita serale di Malic, inizia a far suonare i campanelli d’allarme, e la sua possessività inizia a farsi sentire.
Dopo la cena, Brad invita Malic a casa per un dopo cena hot, ma il Guardiano rifiuta, dicendo di essere fidanzato, così si salutano.
Appena rientrato a casa, Malic ha una discussione pacata con i genitori di D., si spiegheranno e inizieranno così ad accettarsi a vicenda, poiché, dopo la litigata, i genitori hanno capito che Malic è l’uomo giusto per il figlio. Tutto sembra andare per il meglio, fino a quando una telefonata di aiuto da parte di Brad non mette Malic in un vortice demoniaco… si risveglia in un posto ignoto a fianco di un uomo che lo chiama Dylan e amore, e lui non ricorda più niente.
Man mano che passano i minuti, e lo sconosciuto lo tratta come fossero una coppia, ma con un certo timore, Malic si rende conto che non si chiama Dylan, che non conosce l’uomo al suo fianco e che dove si trova non è casa sua, quindi aggredisce l’uomo chiedendogli spiegazioni e… si ritrova nel soggiorno di Brad, riesce a scappare e chiama in aiuto gli altri Guardiani: hanno un demone da affrontare.
In questa novella si affronta il tema dell’amore familiare, del ritrovarsi tutti insieme e condividere l’affetto gli uni con gli altri. Il non essere abituato a vivere tutto ciò, per Malic è impegnativo, infatti, lui è rimasto orfano a dieci anni ed è passato attraverso varie famiglie affidatarie. L’unica vera famiglia da lui conosciuta sono i vari Guardiani, ma abituati a combattere il male non hanno tempo per le affettuosità. Sarà l’amore di Dylan, con l’aiuto involontario di Brad, a far capire alcune cosette al nostro testardo Guardiano.
May 2, 2013
Such a comfort read. There’s a bit of drama, a bit of fighting, and a lot of just coasting along.
I liked Dylan before and Malic’s definitely one of my favourite characters in the series.
The beginning provides a great contrast the previous book, where Marcus and Joe were perfectly in tune and Joe’s family loved Marcus like their own. Here? Poor Malic isn’t as winsome, he’s too uncomfortable with family functions, his young boyfriend temporarily abandons him, and Dylan’s family wishes he were gone. It’s so not the usual Mary Calmes deal that I’d be reeling if this series hadn’t already shown more variance than I am used to from the author. Of course by the end things are looking vastly different, heh.
The author’s tendency to reuse common names for throwaway and side characters is tragic since in almost every story people’s names will repeat without any acknowledgement, which makes things a little tricky at times. Here, one of Dylan’s buddies is named Jason, but so’s Brad’s friend a few pages later. In another story an unimportant line referenced a Marcus; later on in the same story another Marcus appeared with a bigger role. Lotsa Marcuses in this author’s books…
What is typical is the protagonist’s tendency to not send out the correct friendship-only vibes, instead waiting until the other person has worked up their courage to make a pass, just to shoot them down. It’s kind of a dickish move and it’s prevalent throughout the author’s stories. Encourage them, get their hopes up, pretend you’re available and into them – just to see them crash and burn for you. That does not justify the guy’s ultimate reaction in this case, but still.
One rather random thing made me wonder. Does a strip club’s business really go down during the holidays? I would have thought it’d go up, what with all the people trying to escape their loneliness and Christmas depression.
Hm. Don’t have anything more to say. Other than that it’s probably necessary to read book two in the series before this one, and definitely better to read them all.
With that, this is a cute end to the series. Although I’d bet the author could continue to revisit people as she did in this one. Ooh, wouldn’t it be so interesting if she actually picked up one of the unused POVs?
I liked Dylan before and Malic’s definitely one of my favourite characters in the series.
The beginning provides a great contrast the previous book, where Marcus and Joe were perfectly in tune and Joe’s family loved Marcus like their own. Here? Poor Malic isn’t as winsome, he’s too uncomfortable with family functions, his young boyfriend temporarily abandons him, and Dylan’s family wishes he were gone. It’s so not the usual Mary Calmes deal that I’d be reeling if this series hadn’t already shown more variance than I am used to from the author. Of course by the end things are looking vastly different, heh.
The author’s tendency to reuse common names for throwaway and side characters is tragic since in almost every story people’s names will repeat without any acknowledgement, which makes things a little tricky at times. Here, one of Dylan’s buddies is named Jason, but so’s Brad’s friend a few pages later. In another story an unimportant line referenced a Marcus; later on in the same story another Marcus appeared with a bigger role. Lotsa Marcuses in this author’s books…
What is typical is the protagonist’s tendency to not send out the correct friendship-only vibes, instead waiting until the other person has worked up their courage to make a pass, just to shoot them down. It’s kind of a dickish move and it’s prevalent throughout the author’s stories. Encourage them, get their hopes up, pretend you’re available and into them – just to see them crash and burn for you. That does not justify the guy’s ultimate reaction in this case, but still.
One rather random thing made me wonder. Does a strip club’s business really go down during the holidays? I would have thought it’d go up, what with all the people trying to escape their loneliness and Christmas depression.
Hm. Don’t have anything more to say. Other than that it’s probably necessary to read book two in the series before this one, and definitely better to read them all.
With that, this is a cute end to the series. Although I’d bet the author could continue to revisit people as she did in this one. Ooh, wouldn’t it be so interesting if she actually picked up one of the unused POVs?
December 12, 2016
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Con questa storia a tema natalizio incontriamo nuovamente quella che era una delle mie coppie preferite, tra i Guardiano di San Francisco, ovvero Malic e Dylan. Mi aveva colpito l’estrema innocenza e caparbietà di Dylan nel desiderare l’amore di Malic che a tutti pareva spaventoso, ma che per lui era come un eroe. Quello che mi era piaciuto meno e che qui vediamo amplificato, è il continuo sminuirsi di Malic e la sua paura nel privare Dylan della sua spensierata giovinezza.
Dylan porta Malic a casa per le feste natalizie, ma poi lo lascia in balia della sua famiglia che lo accoglie molto freddamente e va a far festa, notte dopo notte, con vecchi amici di scuola.
Malic si lamenta solo con Marcus, temendo di ferire i sentimenti del suo amore, ma nel clima di festa si sente più solo che mai in mezzo a così tante persone che lo vedono solamente come una variante temporanea e poco idonea nella vita del giovane Dylan.
Ovviamente poi, in puro stile Mary Calmes, Malic riuscirà a rovesciare la situazione passando da persona poco desiderata a super star con Dylan che gli rimarrà abbarbicato addosso come un koala, la “suocera” che lo tratterà come un figlio e il Sig. Shaw che gli farà il “discorsetto” da padre quando scoprirà che il figlio lo vuole sposare. La gelida sorella Tina, invece, deciderà di usarlo come spalla su cui piangere e a cui confidare i suoi segreti. Insomma, un cambiamento di registro notevole che permetterà a Malic di rivalutare le vacanze natalizie.
Aggiungendo un vicino di casa gay e sexy, un demone e altri guardiani in “visita”, si ottiene un mix coinvolgente che presenta il Natale sotto una prospettiva totalmente diversa. Come dice Marcus “Niente sa di Natale come l’uccisione di un demone.”
Insomma, un capitolo della serie dei Guardiani degli Abissi che gli appassionati non possono perdersi e che allieta in maniera alternativa il clima natalizio tradizionale.
Con questa storia a tema natalizio incontriamo nuovamente quella che era una delle mie coppie preferite, tra i Guardiano di San Francisco, ovvero Malic e Dylan. Mi aveva colpito l’estrema innocenza e caparbietà di Dylan nel desiderare l’amore di Malic che a tutti pareva spaventoso, ma che per lui era come un eroe. Quello che mi era piaciuto meno e che qui vediamo amplificato, è il continuo sminuirsi di Malic e la sua paura nel privare Dylan della sua spensierata giovinezza.
Dylan porta Malic a casa per le feste natalizie, ma poi lo lascia in balia della sua famiglia che lo accoglie molto freddamente e va a far festa, notte dopo notte, con vecchi amici di scuola.
Malic si lamenta solo con Marcus, temendo di ferire i sentimenti del suo amore, ma nel clima di festa si sente più solo che mai in mezzo a così tante persone che lo vedono solamente come una variante temporanea e poco idonea nella vita del giovane Dylan.
Ovviamente poi, in puro stile Mary Calmes, Malic riuscirà a rovesciare la situazione passando da persona poco desiderata a super star con Dylan che gli rimarrà abbarbicato addosso come un koala, la “suocera” che lo tratterà come un figlio e il Sig. Shaw che gli farà il “discorsetto” da padre quando scoprirà che il figlio lo vuole sposare. La gelida sorella Tina, invece, deciderà di usarlo come spalla su cui piangere e a cui confidare i suoi segreti. Insomma, un cambiamento di registro notevole che permetterà a Malic di rivalutare le vacanze natalizie.
Aggiungendo un vicino di casa gay e sexy, un demone e altri guardiani in “visita”, si ottiene un mix coinvolgente che presenta il Natale sotto una prospettiva totalmente diversa. Come dice Marcus “Niente sa di Natale come l’uccisione di un demone.”
Insomma, un capitolo della serie dei Guardiani degli Abissi che gli appassionati non possono perdersi e che allieta in maniera alternativa il clima natalizio tradizionale.
January 24, 2012
This was a good follow-up to Malic and Dylan's story, and definitely story #6 in the Warder series. (Not 2.5 just because it's about Malic and Dylan.) It'll spoil some things in Nexus (book 5) if you haven't read it first.
There is a LOT of needy Dylan in this story. (Perhaps a bit too much, IMO.) And the first half is mostly build-up (and sex) before you get to more action (and sex) in the second half. So fair warning on all of that.
Even though it's about Malic visiting Dylan's family for the first time, we do get to see all of the warders at some point, much to their chagrin at being pulled away from their other halves right before Christmas. But of course no one stays mad for long since they all love each other as family.
The first half of the story is much more calm, as Malic and Dylan have to remind each other just why they belong to each other (Needy Dylan #1). Then there's dealing with something from Dylan's past (Needy Dylan #2). And then there's dealing with the demon that Malic was sacrificed to toward the end (Needy Dylan #3). Okay, truth be told it really is not as bad as I'm making it sound, but it did feel like a LOT of Needy Dylan this time around. It wasn't badly done, there was just a lot of it. It is probably why it got 4 stars from me instead of more.
[On a personal note, for those who know Thorny and Jazz, I could absolutely see the two of them in Malic and Dylan, especially at the end. Totally cute. No, I don't think Thorny is that needy, just that adorable and rambunctious (and quite possibly that insatiable). ;) ]
There is a LOT of needy Dylan in this story. (Perhaps a bit too much, IMO.) And the first half is mostly build-up (and sex) before you get to more action (and sex) in the second half. So fair warning on all of that.
Even though it's about Malic visiting Dylan's family for the first time, we do get to see all of the warders at some point, much to their chagrin at being pulled away from their other halves right before Christmas. But of course no one stays mad for long since they all love each other as family.
The first half of the story is much more calm, as Malic and Dylan have to remind each other just why they belong to each other (Needy Dylan #1). Then there's dealing with something from Dylan's past (Needy Dylan #2). And then there's dealing with the demon that Malic was sacrificed to toward the end (Needy Dylan #3). Okay, truth be told it really is not as bad as I'm making it sound, but it did feel like a LOT of Needy Dylan this time around. It wasn't badly done, there was just a lot of it. It is probably why it got 4 stars from me instead of more.
[On a personal note, for those who know Thorny and Jazz, I could absolutely see the two of them in Malic and Dylan, especially at the end. Totally cute. No, I don't think Thorny is that needy, just that adorable and rambunctious (and quite possibly that insatiable). ;) ]
March 6, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Story 4 Stars
Narration 4.5 Stars
Cherish Your Name takes us back to the warder and hearth we met in book two. Malic and Dylan are an established couple now but when they head to Dylan’s home and family for Christmas there are some glaringly obvious difficulties.
Malic is left feeling alone and out of place and after only a few days vows this will be the only holiday he spends with Dylan’s family. He is made to feel unwelcome by people who don’t understand the depth of their relationship instead they see only the age difference and assume Dylan is just involved in a passing fling. Dylan also makes Malic feel unwanted by spending a lot of time with his old friends but as the story unfolds it becomes clear just why Dylan and his friends are so close.
His loneliness sees him befriending the man next door and the jealousy this causes with Dylan is the start of them fixing things with the family. Dylan’s reactions show his family just how much Malic means to him and they soon realise their mistake in the stand offish behaviour. Malic is made to feel welcome at last and accepts their apologies for what they are.
The neighbour next door though has made a deal with the devil or at least a demon and Malic is sucked into his problems. With his memories gone and only the name Dylan on his mind he must fight to remember and get back to the one he loves.
Narration Review:
As with the previous book Paul Morey’s narration was perfect and a pleasure to listen to.
Story 4 Stars
Narration 4.5 Stars
Cherish Your Name takes us back to the warder and hearth we met in book two. Malic and Dylan are an established couple now but when they head to Dylan’s home and family for Christmas there are some glaringly obvious difficulties.
Malic is left feeling alone and out of place and after only a few days vows this will be the only holiday he spends with Dylan’s family. He is made to feel unwelcome by people who don’t understand the depth of their relationship instead they see only the age difference and assume Dylan is just involved in a passing fling. Dylan also makes Malic feel unwanted by spending a lot of time with his old friends but as the story unfolds it becomes clear just why Dylan and his friends are so close.
His loneliness sees him befriending the man next door and the jealousy this causes with Dylan is the start of them fixing things with the family. Dylan’s reactions show his family just how much Malic means to him and they soon realise their mistake in the stand offish behaviour. Malic is made to feel welcome at last and accepts their apologies for what they are.
The neighbour next door though has made a deal with the devil or at least a demon and Malic is sucked into his problems. With his memories gone and only the name Dylan on his mind he must fight to remember and get back to the one he loves.
Narration Review:
As with the previous book Paul Morey’s narration was perfect and a pleasure to listen to.
May 13, 2022
I liked this a lot more than I thought. I was worried a lot of the book would take place on the demon-plain, so I wasn't looking forward to that, even though I love Mary's writing.
Fortunately the book rotates around Dylan's family Christmas Anyway, Dylan and Malic make a very convincing couple at the end :)
Reread 15 January 2019. Narrated by Michael Pauley. 3.5 stars.
A nice little story that as noted above, I enjoyed more than I thought! I really didn't like Dylan's family much. Too judgemental for my likes. But I liked (preferred) the way MaryC handled the interdimensional plane in this book - short and to the point.
13 May 2022
This was a reread and I wasn't terribly keen on it but it was a long time since I'd last read it. ...I REALLY enjoyed it. The focus is very much on Malik meeting Dylan's family, the poor start to their relationship, and the subsequent realisation by Dylan's family that Malik is exactly the right man. The demon element is pretty limited in terms of time and space in the book *phew*.
Narrated by Paul Morey - I found his tone soothing and easy to listen to. He was great for this book.
Fortunately the book rotates around Dylan's family Christmas Anyway, Dylan and Malic make a very convincing couple at the end :)
Reread 15 January 2019. Narrated by Michael Pauley. 3.5 stars.
A nice little story that as noted above, I enjoyed more than I thought! I really didn't like Dylan's family much. Too judgemental for my likes. But I liked (preferred) the way MaryC handled the interdimensional plane in this book - short and to the point.
13 May 2022
This was a reread and I wasn't terribly keen on it but it was a long time since I'd last read it. ...I REALLY enjoyed it. The focus is very much on Malik meeting Dylan's family, the poor start to their relationship, and the subsequent realisation by Dylan's family that Malik is exactly the right man. The demon element is pretty limited in terms of time and space in the book *phew*.
Narrated by Paul Morey - I found his tone soothing and easy to listen to. He was great for this book.
January 23, 2012
4.5 stars
Okay - this is not my favorite Mary Calmes series by a long shot, and I thought this was going to be a quick Christmas novella with not much substance. Malic with Dylan's family at Christmas, possibly saves the day...3 star at best. But okaaaay, I really liked this one. I think I liked this so much because it really made me like Malic, the big, brooding, badass warder. I didn't even like Malic in his first book with Dylan. He was a bit emotionless for my taste. But what I liked about this book was that he acted like how I think a real man would act in this situation. So his cute, twenty-something boyfriend wants to go out clubbing with his high school friends? Whatever. I'm going to meet the hot dude next door and go play some poker with his pals and smoke cigars. So Dylan's family doesn't like him? Fuck it. I'll go clean the gutters and rake the yard so I don't have to talk to anyone. There was no mooning over the boyfriend who wasn't paying attention to him, or woe is me my boyfriend's family doesn't accept me. Malic is all about - fuck this shit, this is the last Christmas I'm coming here. I. Love. That.
Okay, so don't worry, it does have a happy ending, but I just loved that it wasn't all dancing sugar plums. My favorite book in this series so far.
Okay - this is not my favorite Mary Calmes series by a long shot, and I thought this was going to be a quick Christmas novella with not much substance. Malic with Dylan's family at Christmas, possibly saves the day...3 star at best. But okaaaay, I really liked this one. I think I liked this so much because it really made me like Malic, the big, brooding, badass warder. I didn't even like Malic in his first book with Dylan. He was a bit emotionless for my taste. But what I liked about this book was that he acted like how I think a real man would act in this situation. So his cute, twenty-something boyfriend wants to go out clubbing with his high school friends? Whatever. I'm going to meet the hot dude next door and go play some poker with his pals and smoke cigars. So Dylan's family doesn't like him? Fuck it. I'll go clean the gutters and rake the yard so I don't have to talk to anyone. There was no mooning over the boyfriend who wasn't paying attention to him, or woe is me my boyfriend's family doesn't accept me. Malic is all about - fuck this shit, this is the last Christmas I'm coming here. I. Love. That.
Okay, so don't worry, it does have a happy ending, but I just loved that it wasn't all dancing sugar plums. My favorite book in this series so far.
December 8, 2016
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
Con questo racconto in piena atmosfera natalizia si conclude anche la serie MM-urban fantasy dei Guardiani degli Abissi. Una serie sempre molto carina, con episodi che ho trovato davvero gradevoli, e altri che ho amato molto di più.
Qui ritornano come protagonisti i due del secondo – delizioso - libro “Con le unghie e con i denti”: il giovane adorabile Dylan Shaw e il più maturo Malic, che di giorno è il severo e minaccioso proprietario di uno strip club, e in segreto è anche un Guardiano che protegge il mondo dalle creature demoniache.
Già nel romanzo principale la coppia aveva faticato per superare lo scoglio della differenza di età, e una volta arrivati a casa di Dylan per le feste il problema si ripropone in modo concreto.
La famiglia di Dylan è diffidente, Dylan stesso ritrova i suoi giovanissimi amici con cui ha trascorso l’adolescenza, Malic si sente un po’ un “vecchione” fuori posto.
Per fortuna Dylan è giovane, ma ha le idee chiare in fatto d’amore, e sa come riprendersi il suo grosso guardiano e tenerselo ben stretto. Alla fine, fanno capolino anche gli altri ragazzi, un paio di segreti familiari vengono superati, varie cose si aggiustano, e Malic e Dylan festeggiano le feste a modo loro… tra tanto sudore e dolcezza.
Per chi ha letto la serie, il giusto epilogo per ricordarla.
Con questo racconto in piena atmosfera natalizia si conclude anche la serie MM-urban fantasy dei Guardiani degli Abissi. Una serie sempre molto carina, con episodi che ho trovato davvero gradevoli, e altri che ho amato molto di più.
Qui ritornano come protagonisti i due del secondo – delizioso - libro “Con le unghie e con i denti”: il giovane adorabile Dylan Shaw e il più maturo Malic, che di giorno è il severo e minaccioso proprietario di uno strip club, e in segreto è anche un Guardiano che protegge il mondo dalle creature demoniache.
Già nel romanzo principale la coppia aveva faticato per superare lo scoglio della differenza di età, e una volta arrivati a casa di Dylan per le feste il problema si ripropone in modo concreto.
La famiglia di Dylan è diffidente, Dylan stesso ritrova i suoi giovanissimi amici con cui ha trascorso l’adolescenza, Malic si sente un po’ un “vecchione” fuori posto.
Per fortuna Dylan è giovane, ma ha le idee chiare in fatto d’amore, e sa come riprendersi il suo grosso guardiano e tenerselo ben stretto. Alla fine, fanno capolino anche gli altri ragazzi, un paio di segreti familiari vengono superati, varie cose si aggiustano, e Malic e Dylan festeggiano le feste a modo loro… tra tanto sudore e dolcezza.
Per chi ha letto la serie, il giusto epilogo per ricordarla.
March 6, 2019
'Cherish Your Name' is the final book in Mary Calmes's Warder series and it's Christmas time and Dylan has convinced his Warder, Malic to go home for the holidays with him. Malic's pretty sure this isn't going to go well. As well as being considerably older than Dylan, Malic doesn't really like the whole family holiday scene and when they get there well he's feeling more than a little unwanted as Dylan takes off to catch up with his friends and Dylan's family are less than subtle in their lack of enthusiasm about Dylan and Malic's relationship and then add in a neighbor who seems to be a bit too enthusiastic about Malic's presence.
This one has an interesting convergence of events creating tensions between Malic and Dylan that lead to both men re-evaluating their relationship and while Malic thinks that maybe Dylan's too young to be tied to just one man and especially one who's thirty years old...Dylan knows what he wants and what he wants is his Warder, Malic Sunden.
In the end it's going to take some help from Malic's fellow Warders to help him get back to where he wants to be and ensure the safety of his new found family and give everyone a merry little Christmas.
I really enjoyed my return to the world of the Warders but now it's time to move on...maybe, I need to see how things are going in Mangrove...it's a fun little place that I haven't been to in a while.
This one has an interesting convergence of events creating tensions between Malic and Dylan that lead to both men re-evaluating their relationship and while Malic thinks that maybe Dylan's too young to be tied to just one man and especially one who's thirty years old...Dylan knows what he wants and what he wants is his Warder, Malic Sunden.
In the end it's going to take some help from Malic's fellow Warders to help him get back to where he wants to be and ensure the safety of his new found family and give everyone a merry little Christmas.
I really enjoyed my return to the world of the Warders but now it's time to move on...maybe, I need to see how things are going in Mangrove...it's a fun little place that I haven't been to in a while.
April 25, 2017
Dylan and Malic are my favorite couple from the series but the lack of communication causes both to act immaturely. Malic is being surly, withdrawn and wanting to escape Christmas at the in-laws, and Dylan does not always stop to think about Malic's feelings. Eventually they get on the same page and come together for a sweet Christmas HEA.
I do wish that instead of novellas all six installments in the series had been book length. Also, I wish Calmes would revisit the series and do a final book. It would be nice to pop into the warders/hearths lives a few years down the road.
I do wish that instead of novellas all six installments in the series had been book length. Also, I wish Calmes would revisit the series and do a final book. It would be nice to pop into the warders/hearths lives a few years down the road.
April 13, 2012
Very sweet. I love this series ( I have not read all the books yet, but still...) The demons/warders staff is always thrown in very randomly, it's like a reminder that the books are paranormal. This one was very sweet...a bit of angst at the beginning which was great, because the making up was awesome and intense :)
August 13, 2012
In re-reading both of the Malic/Dylan stories, I noticed an inconsistency. In the first book, Tooth & Nail, Ryan answers that he has one of each, a brother and a sister. In this one, there is just the sister at the family holiday gathering with no mention of a brother.
It obviously didn't detract from the story but....noticed.
___________
Typical for this author but a fun read.
It obviously didn't detract from the story but....noticed.
___________
Typical for this author but a fun read.
December 9, 2013
I liked this story, was a good end to the series, but do think that it ended way too fast. I did love how the Christmas spirit was not lost throughout the story. It was like there were 2 stories compressed into one. One where there are Warders and the other where a guy brings his boyfriend home for the first time. It was nice =)
January 3, 2012
Sweet paranormal m/m holiday romance about Warder Malic visiting his hearth Dylan's family for Christmas and things getting off to a rough start because Dylan's family thinks Malic is too old for their son.
November 28, 2013
I loved it:) Malic and Dylan are just so cute together! A very sweet Christmas story.
August 30, 2020
Reread for Christmas 2013:
Just as good as on the reread. Malic and Dylan are my favs of the Warder couples so it's always great to read them again...
Just as good as on the reread. Malic and Dylan are my favs of the Warder couples so it's always great to read them again...
February 1, 2012
4.5 stars
Based on the blurb I was expecting buckets of angst and for Mailc and Dylan to be separated for much of the story. Luckily that wasn't he case so I ended up loving the story.
Based on the blurb I was expecting buckets of angst and for Mailc and Dylan to be separated for much of the story. Luckily that wasn't he case so I ended up loving the story.
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