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Primal Need: Wolf in King's Clothing\The Alpha's Claim\Dark Water
A sexy male/male paranormal romance anthology that will leave you hungry for more…
An exiled wolf shifter meets his mate and experiences a desire so intense it could be the death of them both.
A coyote pack alpha must convince a human to let down his guard and accept him—the man and the beast.
And a Kelpie naval officer discovers that the man marked for sacrifice is the man he's crossed oceans to find.
This anthology includes:
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent
Dark Water by K.L. White
This book is approximately 105,000 words
An exiled wolf shifter meets his mate and experiences a desire so intense it could be the death of them both.
A coyote pack alpha must convince a human to let down his guard and accept him—the man and the beast.
And a Kelpie naval officer discovers that the man marked for sacrifice is the man he's crossed oceans to find.
This anthology includes:
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent
Dark Water by K.L. White
This book is approximately 105,000 words
444 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2017
About the author
Parker Foye
18 books32 followersParker Foye writes queer speculative romance and believes in happily ever after, although sometimes their characters make achieving this difficult. An education in Classics nurtured a love of heroes, swords, monsters, and beautiful people doing foolish things while wearing only scraps of leather. You’ll find those things in various guises in Parker’s stories, along with kissing (very important) and explosions (very messy). And more shifters than you can shake a stick at.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 22, 2017
THREE HEARTS--For a shifter anthology, this didn't deliver as expected. (avg. doesn't include the 2nd story)
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye - 3.5-3.75 Hearts
They call him "Prince".
A half breed, small assassin that has had the worst life ended up being my favorite of the anthology, go figure?
The unlikely hero who has been shat on, exiled and doesn't speak due to lacking social manners? My toes couldn't stop curling. Set in alternate Victorian period where werewolves are known, "Prince" aka Kent doesn't really know his true name. He's been collared and kept as a witch's assassin as an adult. He's been bartered over and kept like trash, exiled from wolf packs, he has no kind to call his own. His owner tasks him to do one more retrieval and he will have his freedom, Kent agreed before she even finished her sentence. Kent goes to the highlands to rescue an alpha who isn't like any alpha Kent's met.
But he doesn't care for the alpha, Hadrian's peculiar nature, he just needs to make sure he brings Hadrian back in one piece to his master. The road trip back to York is eventful, as the rival pack that kept Hadrian wants him back. The reasons why Hadrian needed to be retrieved are a little murky.
However personable Hadrian who has his own magical secret was a good choice as a foil to Kent's surly silence. The chip is mega wide on Kent's shoulder and Hadrian's steady persistence to at first befriend Kent was fun to read. The camaraderie, bodyguard/ward relationship takes a romantic turn. And it's subtle, which worked one hand and didn't on the other. The romance is pretty subtle, too subtle in the primal need department. Hadrian is alpha? He read like a beta which I can be down with. But when push comes to shove, he didn't claim his mate.
Kent still has to go through trials during this novella. And it endeared me to him. The story has a nice action/suspense twist and the reader gets to slowly learn about Kent's past and why he's so special.
I thought the reason why Kent is badass was cool. I haven't read about his type much in urban fantasy I've read.
The sex? One scene and no penetration for the smutsters keeping score. The story is interesting and evenly paced. I enjoyed the world building, pretty close to Victorian period with magical/paranormal exceptions.
Out of all the stories, this was the one that showed the most promise. If it's ever re-edited and lengthened, I'm there. Definitely would read more from this author!
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent - DNF Delight
A lot of anthologies have a stink bomb or two in their arsenal... this is Primal Need's
The writing style leaves a lot to be desired. Telling, shallow and none of the characters have substance. Then the setting bungle. It's supposed to be set in New York but the setting seemed like it was an internet search and find deal.
If a customer stiffs you repeatedly from tips for weeks... you end up in his bed to get the money you earned?
For what I've read, it's definitely stink face inducing.
Shifter fail. Plot fail.
NOPE.
Save yourself the time.
Dark Water by K.L. White - 2.5 Hearts
If you read the anthology, after the reading the previous stink bomb, Dark Water might read as manna from heaven.
Kelpie shifter lead is definitely on the unusual side of go to shifters.
Being as I didn't suffer through that, I read this without fume-weary eyes. This story is from a debut author... and it reads like it's from a new author. Not a bad thing, I love newbie authors. But the story, while more unusual due to the kelpie shifter mythology brought to the table, the execution has some hits and misses.
Benjamin is on the brink. He's a former naval officer in Maryland who leaves the hospital to kill himself. Trigger warning: attempted suicide. He's blind, has no friends or family other than a racist dementia diagnosed father who wouldn't recognize Benjamin on a good day. He best friend Rez was killed in front of him while trying to save his fellow officers. It's one of the last images in Benjamin's mind. He goes to the beloved beach to die.
At that beach, a kelpie marks him for sacrifice. The kelpie turns out to be Rez, Benjamin's best friend thought to have died on that deadly mission. The mark means Benjamin must die but Rez can't do it. And tries to save his friend. This mission of saving Benjamin gets buried under repetition, different threads to a plot that would've be best kept simple and an underwhelming chemistry.
The length could have been longer to tackle the heavy topics such as a veteran battling depression suicidal thoughts, a new permanent disability, PTSD. The items are touched on, but those are weighty topics that deserved more meat.
And to add more issues: sexuality. Benajimn identifies as heterosexual and never had any sexual feelings toward his friend. Being savd, learning his friend is actually alive and hearing his friend kiss another man helps him discover a part of sexuality he's never questioned?
I'm leaning toward that camp of questioning Benjamin's motives as Rez seemed like he wasn't attracted then he was, then he kissed another man even tough he shot the persistent guy down. And now he wants to mate for life to Benjamin.
The kelpie population is dying and the men are charged to mate and make new kelpie foals with female kelpies. Another factor that makes me question the entire relationship factor as Rez wants to do his duty but needs to save his friend more.
And when they have sex, it was "I'm not attracted to males" vs. "but I have to sleep with you to save your life". I'm not liking the way the chips are stacked. It read forced and not sexy. Rough sex for an anal virgin? The possessive streak is usually my go to hot factor but I wasn't feeling it in this context. And the suicidal thoughts were still there close to the end. I get why the need to mate was needed to keep Benjamin alive but I'm not liking the reasons.
And then way everything is neatly tied up? Uh-uh. Right. Sure.
The ideas are good. The execution is questionable. The story would have been better for me both men had an inkling of shared passion prior to meeting, the suicide and killing didn't happen and the plot remained simple.
My rating is for the kelpie folklore mostly and the premise.
The title of this anthology is Primal Need and not one story addressed that factor. So if you're a reader looking for primal shifters, look somewhere else. The good thing about this anthology is the stories are also sold separately. I'd read samples before getting any of the titles.
So, 1 1/2 out of 3?
A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye - 3.5-3.75 Hearts
They call him "Prince".
A half breed, small assassin that has had the worst life ended up being my favorite of the anthology, go figure?
The unlikely hero who has been shat on, exiled and doesn't speak due to lacking social manners? My toes couldn't stop curling. Set in alternate Victorian period where werewolves are known, "Prince" aka Kent doesn't really know his true name. He's been collared and kept as a witch's assassin as an adult. He's been bartered over and kept like trash, exiled from wolf packs, he has no kind to call his own. His owner tasks him to do one more retrieval and he will have his freedom, Kent agreed before she even finished her sentence. Kent goes to the highlands to rescue an alpha who isn't like any alpha Kent's met.
But he doesn't care for the alpha, Hadrian's peculiar nature, he just needs to make sure he brings Hadrian back in one piece to his master. The road trip back to York is eventful, as the rival pack that kept Hadrian wants him back. The reasons why Hadrian needed to be retrieved are a little murky.
However personable Hadrian who has his own magical secret was a good choice as a foil to Kent's surly silence. The chip is mega wide on Kent's shoulder and Hadrian's steady persistence to at first befriend Kent was fun to read. The camaraderie, bodyguard/ward relationship takes a romantic turn. And it's subtle, which worked one hand and didn't on the other. The romance is pretty subtle, too subtle in the primal need department. Hadrian is alpha? He read like a beta which I can be down with. But when push comes to shove, he didn't claim his mate.
Kent still has to go through trials during this novella. And it endeared me to him. The story has a nice action/suspense twist and the reader gets to slowly learn about Kent's past and why he's so special.
I thought the reason why Kent is badass was cool. I haven't read about his type much in urban fantasy I've read.
The sex? One scene and no penetration for the smutsters keeping score. The story is interesting and evenly paced. I enjoyed the world building, pretty close to Victorian period with magical/paranormal exceptions.
Out of all the stories, this was the one that showed the most promise. If it's ever re-edited and lengthened, I'm there. Definitely would read more from this author!
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent - DNF Delight
A lot of anthologies have a stink bomb or two in their arsenal... this is Primal Need's
The writing style leaves a lot to be desired. Telling, shallow and none of the characters have substance. Then the setting bungle. It's supposed to be set in New York but the setting seemed like it was an internet search and find deal.
If a customer stiffs you repeatedly from tips for weeks... you end up in his bed to get the money you earned?
For what I've read, it's definitely stink face inducing.
Shifter fail. Plot fail.
NOPE.
Save yourself the time.
Dark Water by K.L. White - 2.5 Hearts
If you read the anthology, after the reading the previous stink bomb, Dark Water might read as manna from heaven.
Kelpie shifter lead is definitely on the unusual side of go to shifters.
Being as I didn't suffer through that, I read this without fume-weary eyes. This story is from a debut author... and it reads like it's from a new author. Not a bad thing, I love newbie authors. But the story, while more unusual due to the kelpie shifter mythology brought to the table, the execution has some hits and misses.
Benjamin is on the brink. He's a former naval officer in Maryland who leaves the hospital to kill himself. Trigger warning: attempted suicide. He's blind, has no friends or family other than a racist dementia diagnosed father who wouldn't recognize Benjamin on a good day. He best friend Rez was killed in front of him while trying to save his fellow officers. It's one of the last images in Benjamin's mind. He goes to the beloved beach to die.
At that beach, a kelpie marks him for sacrifice. The kelpie turns out to be Rez, Benjamin's best friend thought to have died on that deadly mission. The mark means Benjamin must die but Rez can't do it. And tries to save his friend. This mission of saving Benjamin gets buried under repetition, different threads to a plot that would've be best kept simple and an underwhelming chemistry.
The length could have been longer to tackle the heavy topics such as a veteran battling depression suicidal thoughts, a new permanent disability, PTSD. The items are touched on, but those are weighty topics that deserved more meat.
And to add more issues: sexuality. Benajimn identifies as heterosexual and never had any sexual feelings toward his friend. Being savd, learning his friend is actually alive and hearing his friend kiss another man helps him discover a part of sexuality he's never questioned?
Benjamin loved Rez as a friend, and while they'd kissed and touched, he didn't know if he was seeking comfort in blindness.
I'm leaning toward that camp of questioning Benjamin's motives as Rez seemed like he wasn't attracted then he was, then he kissed another man even tough he shot the persistent guy down. And now he wants to mate for life to Benjamin.
The kelpie population is dying and the men are charged to mate and make new kelpie foals with female kelpies. Another factor that makes me question the entire relationship factor as Rez wants to do his duty but needs to save his friend more.
And when they have sex, it was "I'm not attracted to males" vs. "but I have to sleep with you to save your life". I'm not liking the way the chips are stacked. It read forced and not sexy. Rough sex for an anal virgin? The possessive streak is usually my go to hot factor but I wasn't feeling it in this context. And the suicidal thoughts were still there close to the end. I get why the need to mate was needed to keep Benjamin alive but I'm not liking the reasons.
And then way everything is neatly tied up? Uh-uh. Right. Sure.
The ideas are good. The execution is questionable. The story would have been better for me both men had an inkling of shared passion prior to meeting, the suicide and killing didn't happen and the plot remained simple.
My rating is for the kelpie folklore mostly and the premise.
The title of this anthology is Primal Need and not one story addressed that factor. So if you're a reader looking for primal shifters, look somewhere else. The good thing about this anthology is the stories are also sold separately. I'd read samples before getting any of the titles.
So, 1 1/2 out of 3?
A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
March 18, 2017
Wolf in King's Clothing- 1 star
The Alpha's Claim- 2 stars
Dark Water- 4 stars
The fact that Dark Water is the last in this anthology makes me sad, mostly for the fact that I almost gave up on the book without reading that story. And that would have been a mistake.
Wolf in King's Clothing had an interesting idea but the writing was terrible. There was no sense of time or setting. The fight scenes were confusing and the dialogue was choppy. Which is disappointing because the set-up with collared shifters and wardings had a lot of potential.
The Alpha's Claim was better, at least the beginning was. But that quickly fell apart as well. See full review
Dark Water. Ah Dark Water!
The shining light in this anthology. The writing was incredible and the story was romantic and sweet. This story alone is worth reading the anthology!! See full review
Thank you Netgalley and Carina Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Now one more gratuitous image of Tyler Hoechlin
May 15, 2017
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye 2 stars
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent 4 stars
Dark Water by K.L. White 5 stars
Two out of three good stories isn't bad I guess.
3.5 stars overall
I haven't read a lot of M/M shifter stories so I was happy to pick this one up to review via NetGalley.
The first story, Wolf in King's Clothing, was just plain confusing to me. It's set in York, England, 1912 but that wasn't the problem. I've read several historical M/M stories and loved them. (I highly recommend the Society of Gentlemen series by KJ Charles and The Innocent series by Victoria Sue.) I didn't want to DNF this story so I persevered until I finished it (it took me way longer than it should have to read a 32,000-word story. I will say the story got better as it went along but I just couldn't totally overcome my confusion. It's kind of strange to me because I really liked the book's blurb. The story itself seemed to be too difficult to understand; things just weren't clear for me and I didn't like that I felt confused and had to re-read portions more than once.
The Alpha's Claim was much better. Teddy, a server in a pancake house, is upset with Jim and his friends because of their crappy tipping. They day they leave him only 73 cents, after tying up his table for over 2 hours, is the last straw; he runs out of the restaurant to confront them. Jim is the Alpha of his coyote pack and they don't know that he is bi-sexual. Teddy is attracted to Jim but he doesn't know what he is and Jim isn't sure how to tell him. There's another problem – Teddy is terrified of dogs. This story had a lot of good point and made me laugh and cry a bit – always a sign that I'm enjoying a story.
Dark Water, by debut author K. L. White, was by far my favorite story. I've never read a shifter story about Kelpies before and it was really interesting. It was also heartbreaking in places and very HOT. I guess because this is an anthology the full book blurb isn't shown on Amazon. Normally I wouldn't add the blurb to a review but this one explains the story much better than I can and I think it's worth reading:
I'm a sucker for stories about veterans and this one tore me up in all the best ways. I found the writing compelling and I didn't put it down until I finished the whole story. I think it takes an extremely talented writer to construct a story with as much depth to it as this one has in only 29,000 words. I will be looking for more books by this new author.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent 4 stars
Dark Water by K.L. White 5 stars
Two out of three good stories isn't bad I guess.
3.5 stars overall
I haven't read a lot of M/M shifter stories so I was happy to pick this one up to review via NetGalley.
The first story, Wolf in King's Clothing, was just plain confusing to me. It's set in York, England, 1912 but that wasn't the problem. I've read several historical M/M stories and loved them. (I highly recommend the Society of Gentlemen series by KJ Charles and The Innocent series by Victoria Sue.) I didn't want to DNF this story so I persevered until I finished it (it took me way longer than it should have to read a 32,000-word story. I will say the story got better as it went along but I just couldn't totally overcome my confusion. It's kind of strange to me because I really liked the book's blurb. The story itself seemed to be too difficult to understand; things just weren't clear for me and I didn't like that I felt confused and had to re-read portions more than once.
The Alpha's Claim was much better. Teddy, a server in a pancake house, is upset with Jim and his friends because of their crappy tipping. They day they leave him only 73 cents, after tying up his table for over 2 hours, is the last straw; he runs out of the restaurant to confront them. Jim is the Alpha of his coyote pack and they don't know that he is bi-sexual. Teddy is attracted to Jim but he doesn't know what he is and Jim isn't sure how to tell him. There's another problem – Teddy is terrified of dogs. This story had a lot of good point and made me laugh and cry a bit – always a sign that I'm enjoying a story.
Dark Water, by debut author K. L. White, was by far my favorite story. I've never read a shifter story about Kelpies before and it was really interesting. It was also heartbreaking in places and very HOT. I guess because this is an anthology the full book blurb isn't shown on Amazon. Normally I wouldn't add the blurb to a review but this one explains the story much better than I can and I think it's worth reading:
Debut author K. L. White takes readers into the watery depths of the Celtic Otherworld in this male/male paranormal romance
The magnificent Kelpies who haunt the waters, shape-shifting from horse to human, are disappearing into legend. Their numbers are dwindling, and they must take a human sacrifice twice a year to survive. So when Rez, a Kelpie stallion and former navy officer, spots a desperate man about to offer himself to the waves, Rez marks him for sacrifice.
The most talented diver the navy had ever seen, Benjamin D’Arcy has always lived on the edge of death; he's a crazy kind of brave. But now he’s blind and broken, his last sight that of his best friend, Rez, blown apart by shrapnel. All Benjamin wants is to join him in death.
Too late, Rez discovers that the man he so hastily marked is Benjamin—the man he loves, the man he’s crossed oceans to find. Overwhelming joy is tempered by the knowledge that their reunion must be short—the mark of sacrifice has set Benjamin's path. Facing a near-impossible obstacle, Rez must find a way to overcome the mark's power and prove to Benjamin that theirs is a love worth fighting—and living—for.
I'm a sucker for stories about veterans and this one tore me up in all the best ways. I found the writing compelling and I didn't put it down until I finished the whole story. I think it takes an extremely talented writer to construct a story with as much depth to it as this one has in only 29,000 words. I will be looking for more books by this new author.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
May 29, 2017
I am not usually a fan of anthologies so that may be the root of the dissatisfaction I felt with this book.
April 14, 2017
Primal Need: Sexy Male/Male Shifter Anthology contains the following full length stories, Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye, The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent, and Dark Water by K.L. White. Each story is very unique and also release on its own. We have already reviewed Ms. Trent's book, and it is a must read for any paranormal shifter lover.
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye is 32,000 words long. I found myself very drawn to this story. It is the first in the anthology. We meet Kent a pack outcast. He has a collar that prevents him from shifting. He is mostly silent only speaking when necessary. When his mistress offers to free him if he gets Hadrin an alpha wolf for her, well that is an offer he cannot refuse. He would love to be free. He has never had that in his life.
Hadrin at first cannot fathom why Kent would be “rescuing him” from his own people. After all a wolf is safest with their own kind. But he does go along with the savage but silent Kent. The more he gets to know him though the more Hadrin realizes that Kent is much more than he first though. He could be his mate.
The ending to this story is a happy for now one. I would love to read more in this world. This story had me wanting more. I loved it.
Over all each story in this anthology is unique and has characters I loved and would like more of in the future. There is contemporary, paranormal, historical, a little something for everyone. I highly recommend this one. I know I even found some new to me authors that I will be looking for more of in the future.
Five Shooting Stars
May 15, 2017
Title: The Alpha's Claim
Author: Holley Trent
My Rating: B+
My Review:
Um, okay? Did I read the same book as everyone else (looking at all the really low rated reviews) because I really, really enjoyed this one.
This story is about Teddy, a human waiter/actor who is tired of getting stiffed by the local motorcycle guys when they sit in his section of iHop super late at night. Jim is a coyote shifter and alpha of his pack. He's also super-rich. He's only been stiffing Teddy's tip because he's hoping to get a rise out of him. That works because Teddy has finally had enough of the crappy tips so he follows Jim out of the restaurant and confronts him. And things progress from there.
Teddy has no idea that shifters are a thing. Jim knows that Teddy is his mate and that he needs him, but Teddy is obviously leery of him, so he decides to slowly integrate Teddy into his life and even into the idea of being boyfriends. Teddy is really leery of relationships. His past has proven that he's not the best at choosing guys to date. To make things even more complicated, at some point in his life Teddy was attacked by a dog/coyote and he's absolutely terrified by them now. Jim is aware that finding out he can shift into a canine form is NOT going to go over well.
I like how naturally Teddy and Jim fit together. At first that isn't obvious, but it quickly becomes apparent that Teddy is a caregiver and Jim needs one of those in the worst way because he's too busy to take care of basic details of his life.
The story felt very natural to me...you know, or as natural as a book about paranormal shifters can be. I liked the story and how things played out in both the pack and the females in Jim's family. That final scene at iHop was perfect and left me with a smile on my face.
Like I said, I truly did enjoy this one. I was in the mood for a quick fun, m/m story and am always good with shifter romances so this one worked for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Title: Wolf in King's Clothing
Author: Parker Foye
My Rating: A-
My Review:
I am NOT a reader who generally enjoys reading historical, but I gave this one a try and really liked it.
Kent is a captive half-wolf. He has a magical collar that keeps him bound. I'll admit to a little confusion about this because at first I thought the collar kept him from shifting, but later in the story it seemed like he didn't have the ability to shift at all. He's in a midway form...halfway between beast and man and it sounded like he's always been that form.
Despite the confusion (and I'll admit, this wasn't the only thing I was confused about in the overall background events happening in the story) I did really like this story. I was intrigued by Kent and his history. Honestly this book would have really benefited from being expanded and fully fleshed out because the story was awesome. I would love to know more. The explanation of what Kent is made so much sense to how he is. I'd love to see how his and Hadrian's relationship evolves after he's freed from the binding. Just from the background conflict within the packs, I can't see smooth sailing for the two of them and would LOVE to see more for them...when Hadrian is fully Alpha and Kent as his guard. I would buy that book, no questions asked, despite it being historical. I loved them so much and simply wanted MORE!!
As it is though, this book intrigued and entertained me. I hurt for Kent's difficulties. The majority of the story is told from his point of view, so the reader automatically attaches to him more. But there's some intrigue in Hadrian's story, too. Please...I hope there's more to come from these two...
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Title: Dark Water
Author: K.L. White
My Rating: A
My Review:
ooh, this one was great. I love a tough, vulnerable military hero and this one featured two of them.
In this book, Benjamin is suicidal. He's lost everything...he lost his sight and the last thing he ever saw was his best friend, Rez, dying. His father is senile and hospitalized and Benjamin is virtually alone...dealing with this new horrible disability and PTSD with no one to help support him. He can't envision a future where he wants to live so he decides to end it all...the same place he lost it all...in the ocean.
The only reason Rez survived is because he's supernatural. He's a kelpie...part sea horse, part man. His magic saved him from his mortal wounds, and it's just been his own healing and his responsibilities to his people that have kept him from going to Benjamin. He also has no idea the extent of Benjamin's injuries. Part of being a kelpie is that twice a year they have to sacrifice a human. Usually they can do this through humans who are suicidal. It's an exchange that works for both of them. So when he sees a human man committing to his death in the ocean, Rez doesn't realize it's Benjamin until he's already been irreversibly marked as the sacrifice. Rez has two days to figure something else out.
This book is painful just in that Benjamin is so depressed and overwhelmed by his new world. Also, he's so relieved to find Rez and sensory deprived (at least that's what he thinks) he has unprecedented reactions to Rez's close proximity. Benjamin has never shown an inkling of being gay before. As far as Rez, his people are sexually fluid although he never told Benjamin that before.
The story is incredibly sexy even with all the emotional trauma. I've never in my life read a story featuring kelpies before and I loved getting to read more about these mythical creatures. I totally loved the story. Both of these guys were SEALS and went through battle together. They're already closer than most lovers are so the gay for you flavor of the story really worked for me. I like it...a lot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Author: Holley Trent
My Rating: B+
My Review:
Um, okay? Did I read the same book as everyone else (looking at all the really low rated reviews) because I really, really enjoyed this one.
This story is about Teddy, a human waiter/actor who is tired of getting stiffed by the local motorcycle guys when they sit in his section of iHop super late at night. Jim is a coyote shifter and alpha of his pack. He's also super-rich. He's only been stiffing Teddy's tip because he's hoping to get a rise out of him. That works because Teddy has finally had enough of the crappy tips so he follows Jim out of the restaurant and confronts him. And things progress from there.
Teddy has no idea that shifters are a thing. Jim knows that Teddy is his mate and that he needs him, but Teddy is obviously leery of him, so he decides to slowly integrate Teddy into his life and even into the idea of being boyfriends. Teddy is really leery of relationships. His past has proven that he's not the best at choosing guys to date. To make things even more complicated, at some point in his life Teddy was attacked by a dog/coyote and he's absolutely terrified by them now. Jim is aware that finding out he can shift into a canine form is NOT going to go over well.
I like how naturally Teddy and Jim fit together. At first that isn't obvious, but it quickly becomes apparent that Teddy is a caregiver and Jim needs one of those in the worst way because he's too busy to take care of basic details of his life.
The story felt very natural to me...you know, or as natural as a book about paranormal shifters can be. I liked the story and how things played out in both the pack and the females in Jim's family. That final scene at iHop was perfect and left me with a smile on my face.
Like I said, I truly did enjoy this one. I was in the mood for a quick fun, m/m story and am always good with shifter romances so this one worked for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Title: Wolf in King's Clothing
Author: Parker Foye
My Rating: A-
My Review:
I am NOT a reader who generally enjoys reading historical, but I gave this one a try and really liked it.
Kent is a captive half-wolf. He has a magical collar that keeps him bound. I'll admit to a little confusion about this because at first I thought the collar kept him from shifting, but later in the story it seemed like he didn't have the ability to shift at all. He's in a midway form...halfway between beast and man and it sounded like he's always been that form.
Despite the confusion (and I'll admit, this wasn't the only thing I was confused about in the overall background events happening in the story) I did really like this story. I was intrigued by Kent and his history. Honestly this book would have really benefited from being expanded and fully fleshed out because the story was awesome. I would love to know more. The explanation of what Kent is made so much sense to how he is. I'd love to see how his and Hadrian's relationship evolves after he's freed from the binding. Just from the background conflict within the packs, I can't see smooth sailing for the two of them and would LOVE to see more for them...when Hadrian is fully Alpha and Kent as his guard. I would buy that book, no questions asked, despite it being historical. I loved them so much and simply wanted MORE!!
As it is though, this book intrigued and entertained me. I hurt for Kent's difficulties. The majority of the story is told from his point of view, so the reader automatically attaches to him more. But there's some intrigue in Hadrian's story, too. Please...I hope there's more to come from these two...
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Title: Dark Water
Author: K.L. White
My Rating: A
My Review:
ooh, this one was great. I love a tough, vulnerable military hero and this one featured two of them.
In this book, Benjamin is suicidal. He's lost everything...he lost his sight and the last thing he ever saw was his best friend, Rez, dying. His father is senile and hospitalized and Benjamin is virtually alone...dealing with this new horrible disability and PTSD with no one to help support him. He can't envision a future where he wants to live so he decides to end it all...the same place he lost it all...in the ocean.
The only reason Rez survived is because he's supernatural. He's a kelpie...part sea horse, part man. His magic saved him from his mortal wounds, and it's just been his own healing and his responsibilities to his people that have kept him from going to Benjamin. He also has no idea the extent of Benjamin's injuries. Part of being a kelpie is that twice a year they have to sacrifice a human. Usually they can do this through humans who are suicidal. It's an exchange that works for both of them. So when he sees a human man committing to his death in the ocean, Rez doesn't realize it's Benjamin until he's already been irreversibly marked as the sacrifice. Rez has two days to figure something else out.
This book is painful just in that Benjamin is so depressed and overwhelmed by his new world. Also, he's so relieved to find Rez and sensory deprived (at least that's what he thinks) he has unprecedented reactions to Rez's close proximity. Benjamin has never shown an inkling of being gay before. As far as Rez, his people are sexually fluid although he never told Benjamin that before.
The story is incredibly sexy even with all the emotional trauma. I've never in my life read a story featuring kelpies before and I loved getting to read more about these mythical creatures. I totally loved the story. Both of these guys were SEALS and went through battle together. They're already closer than most lovers are so the gay for you flavor of the story really worked for me. I like it...a lot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 6, 2017
3 Stars - Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye was a good read. I would have liked more for Kent’s character but overall, I did enjoy the story.
2 Stars The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent. I felt I was missing something with this book and the story seemed to drag at times. I hoped for more from this book
4 Stars Dark Water by K.L. White. I really enjoyed this one. From the unique world building to the character interaction this one was a joy to read. I look forward to reading more by this author
2 Stars The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent. I felt I was missing something with this book and the story seemed to drag at times. I hoped for more from this book
4 Stars Dark Water by K.L. White. I really enjoyed this one. From the unique world building to the character interaction this one was a joy to read. I look forward to reading more by this author
February 28, 2017
Reviews were done under the separate stories.
Story 1 3 stars
Story 2 1 star
Story 3 5 stars
ARC rec'd from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Story 1 3 stars
Story 2 1 star
Story 3 5 stars
ARC rec'd from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2017
I HATE rating anthologies, I've said this a dozen times! But I adored the second story in this one, definitely looking forwarded to more from that author. The first story was super interesting and I hope there's more set in that world but it took me a bit to get into it, it started out weird but idk how best to explain what I mean. And the third had butt loads of potential but probably should have either been a full novel or had one or two plot threads taken out. There was just a lot happening in a very short amount of time.
July 5, 2018
2.5
Well...I finished it.
Well...I finished it.
May 10, 2017
3.5/5 - this was a pretty good anthology, though I wish it were a little longer. Since this includes three stories, I'll review them separately.
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye - 3/5
I really loved the premise of this book, but it could have been written better. I know the blurb says "desire so intense it could be the death of them both" but I didn't feel that at all. There was a little bit of lust floating around, but neither one of them really made it apparent until the end and any lusty internal dialogue was either left out or extremely mild.
I expected hot and steamy from this one but instead I got a stellar plot and a loyal pup. Not exactly disappointing, but it just wasn't what I thought I was getting when I started the book. I would still recommend it, but you should take the blurb with a grain of salt.
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent - 3.5/5
Ah, Jim and Teddy. I liked this one, but again, it could've been better. Jim was basically the definition of Alpha and Teddy was the caring and nurturing mate with a side of sass and spice. They were a good fit for each other.
The build up, in this story, was pretty great. The first few pages had me grinning from ear to ear because Jim is one slick mf. I liked his character, but somewhere along the way he gets a little wishy washy and loses a few points from me. Teddy was a little too pliable. He let Jim do pretty much anything he wanted to him and he basically moved in on day one.
It was a little weird. Like a cross between instalove and unrequited love, and I just didn't understand Teddy's motivation for moving in with Jim when he was so on the fence about their relationship (or really lack thereof). Maybe I would've liked it more if this were a full length novel and I had more time to get to know the characters, but it seemed a little rushed to me.
Still, 3.5 stars means that I did like it. Jim was a good character and all in all, it was a pretty good read.
Dark Water by K.L. White - 4.5/5
All I can say is that I need more of this book. I don't know if it was the unconventional type of shifter (kelpie, whoa!) or the superb character building, but this book was exactly what I wished the rest of the anthology was. Despite this being a really short story, there was so much love and friendship between the MC's that it wasn't hard to make the jump to lovers.
And this one was so hot I almost had to pull out a fan. It had some pretty great tropes too, shifters, friends to lovers, gay for you... it was basically christmas wrapped up into a little bow. I don't want to say too much and spoil the plot, but I will say this: If you like shifter books, read this. The entire anthology is worth it just for this little gem right here.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
Wolf in King's Clothing by Parker Foye - 3/5
I really loved the premise of this book, but it could have been written better. I know the blurb says "desire so intense it could be the death of them both" but I didn't feel that at all. There was a little bit of lust floating around, but neither one of them really made it apparent until the end and any lusty internal dialogue was either left out or extremely mild.
I expected hot and steamy from this one but instead I got a stellar plot and a loyal pup. Not exactly disappointing, but it just wasn't what I thought I was getting when I started the book. I would still recommend it, but you should take the blurb with a grain of salt.
The Alpha's Claim by Holley Trent - 3.5/5
Ah, Jim and Teddy. I liked this one, but again, it could've been better. Jim was basically the definition of Alpha and Teddy was the caring and nurturing mate with a side of sass and spice. They were a good fit for each other.
The build up, in this story, was pretty great. The first few pages had me grinning from ear to ear because Jim is one slick mf. I liked his character, but somewhere along the way he gets a little wishy washy and loses a few points from me. Teddy was a little too pliable. He let Jim do pretty much anything he wanted to him and he basically moved in on day one.
It was a little weird. Like a cross between instalove and unrequited love, and I just didn't understand Teddy's motivation for moving in with Jim when he was so on the fence about their relationship (or really lack thereof). Maybe I would've liked it more if this were a full length novel and I had more time to get to know the characters, but it seemed a little rushed to me.
Still, 3.5 stars means that I did like it. Jim was a good character and all in all, it was a pretty good read.
Dark Water by K.L. White - 4.5/5
All I can say is that I need more of this book. I don't know if it was the unconventional type of shifter (kelpie, whoa!) or the superb character building, but this book was exactly what I wished the rest of the anthology was. Despite this being a really short story, there was so much love and friendship between the MC's that it wasn't hard to make the jump to lovers.
And this one was so hot I almost had to pull out a fan. It had some pretty great tropes too, shifters, friends to lovers, gay for you... it was basically christmas wrapped up into a little bow. I don't want to say too much and spoil the plot, but I will say this: If you like shifter books, read this. The entire anthology is worth it just for this little gem right here.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
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