Tokoro’s Reviews > Werewolf in Denver > Status Update

I guess that amounts to some good writing, right? Getting invested in the relationship and then feeling the same drop in confidence and frustration for this transition to 2nd act tension.

"Hurrying over to him, she gave him a quick kiss. 'For luck.' He smiled and gave her a return kiss. 'For the wisdom to navigate this day.' 'Yes, that's probably better than depending on luck.' "

We get a reader trope! Teasing banter over bookmarks vs dog-earing. And historical romance genre reference!

"She glanced up, as if surprised to find the author himself, an aroused author at that, standing by her bed...'You fancy a tumble? That sounds as if you're about to throw me down on a pile of hay and flip up my petticoats...So that was a tumble. I liked it. Even without the hay and petticoats.' "

'I just hope shifting in this condition doesn't cause me to break something important.' 'If I thought you were in danger of breaking something important, I wouldn't be encouraging you. I do care what happens to you and your important parts.'

Is it weird I like the world-building and theories on were-shifting and the intimacy in Were communication (telepathy) from a romance over secondhand gleaned fantasy attempts?

Ah, good point in the argumentation for Were-Were only relations, citing male myopia, that the male experience in being in a greater relative position of power societally dismisses the female experience, and dangers---in this case, of cross-mating and risk of exposure. They are really making the blending of their two statements toward neutrality way more difficult than it should be with either of their wording.

lol how the spicy is put: "He tried valiantly to look at her surroundings as a casual visitor might, but instead he saw everything in terms of whether it would be a good spot for sex...His body grew hard as he catalogued the possibilities.

'You think that will work?' 'I don't know, but I can hardly remember my own name, let alone what we're supposed to be doing instead of having sex.'...Clothes flew everywhere..."

Lots of fun quips and characterizations.

"Their assignment might work better than an old-fashioned chastity belt.

She preferred to dress in jewel tones and loose garments that floated around her when she moved.

'[T]hat Were has the moral fiber of a dry martini minus the olive.'

'Besides, it's good to maintain a certain mystique by absenting oneself now and then.'

'To tough broads like you who can take the heat.'

Not sure I like Duncan's acting in jealousy, and some details are a little confusing, which seem to disregard the just-mentioned or built-up context. And who interrupts people and preventing them from entering into the room for hors d'oeuvres---the entire purpose of that is to talk and mingle *while* eating and drinking. There's limited time here.

That's nice the two rival bosses of their respective were sides had a little bit of a changed perspective in their reactions to the usual at their entrance to the conference. People grow and change with context and greater exposure; it's nice to see that represented. Nice touch for Duncan in having the Scottish/Celt tribe sentiments against formalities of royalty, remembering the history of subjugation and rebellion.

"She hadn't been prepared for a setup that bordered on sinful decadence. Edith could have at least hinted that the bedroom was a tad . . . erotic.
...
[I}/Duncan MacDowell enjoys looking into mirrors. #egotoobigforcabin /[I} "---a giant down-facing bed canopy mirror!
Then comes the test, and he remembers more about details in her book than she does. Her tone at the end of the chapter, I can picture the soft warmth.

Too early to say yet, but I think this has elements I will likely enjoy for/in any further romance reading I would stumble into. Kind of reminds of the Emma Holly romance I had started last year, and that of 90s writing.

'You're good at this, Duncan.' She ruined the mood he'd worked so hard to create...'Building an argument, tightening the noise, making others see things your way. No wonder you're the champion...'