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cspoe's reviews
166 reviews
A Christmas Hex: Winter Wonderland Collection by Jordan L. Hawk
5.0
Previous reviews of Jordan L. Hawk's absolutely phenomenal Hexworld series would have you know I'm a little... emotionally invested. I have loved the short stories offered (The 13th Hex and Wild, Wild, Hex) and A Christmas Hex was a little different in all the best ways. Unlike previous stories, which are focused on a familiar, their witch, and work done for the Metropolitan Witch Police in New York City, this one was unrelated to the MWP. It was refreshing to experience what 'average joes' across the city are up to within the series arc.
Post the events of Hexmaker, certain familiars considered to be dangerous animals are now living precarious lives, in fear that at any moment the government may snatch them and claim they are a "danger to society." Roland understands this. He's a wolf, and since being thrown out by his own family, who were terrified of his claws and teeth, Roland has made a quiet, unassuming life for himself as the author of dime novels. He never shifts in public, and has come to the heartbreaking conclusion he will never find love or an understanding witch.
Of course, no tale is so simple. He meets Augustus Cao, a private detective hot on the heels of thieves utilizing a dangerous, mesmerizing hex to in order to steal and kill. Roland, in a state of panic, saves Gus from certain death, and tags along with his witch, too afraid to share the truth of his animal nature, of their magical connection, but unwilling to let Gus face danger alone.
It's a sweet, sad, adventurous short set in turn-of-the-century New York during the holidays. Death and danger are at every corner, per any good Hawk story, but at the core is a romance true and beautiful and worthy of a read.
Post the events of Hexmaker, certain familiars considered to be dangerous animals are now living precarious lives, in fear that at any moment the government may snatch them and claim they are a "danger to society." Roland understands this. He's a wolf, and since being thrown out by his own family, who were terrified of his claws and teeth, Roland has made a quiet, unassuming life for himself as the author of dime novels. He never shifts in public, and has come to the heartbreaking conclusion he will never find love or an understanding witch.
Of course, no tale is so simple. He meets Augustus Cao, a private detective hot on the heels of thieves utilizing a dangerous, mesmerizing hex to in order to steal and kill. Roland, in a state of panic, saves Gus from certain death, and tags along with his witch, too afraid to share the truth of his animal nature, of their magical connection, but unwilling to let Gus face danger alone.
It's a sweet, sad, adventurous short set in turn-of-the-century New York during the holidays. Death and danger are at every corner, per any good Hawk story, but at the core is a romance true and beautiful and worthy of a read.
Slay Ride by Josh Lanyon
5.0
I absolutely devour any historical that Josh Lanyon writes. They are such a sweet treat when she shares them with us, and I know they're a labor-intensive project like no other. Lanyon fully immersed the reader in another place and time, successfully painting a great backdrop of historical detail that we never felt confused or bogged down by--a particular challenge for authors when it comes to lingo and technology of a begone era.
I was really taken with the decision to write a suspenseful-romantic short set during World War II (yes, this is inspired by a true event, per the author's note, but still.) That is a hell of a difficult time period to work with. There are so many moving parts, so much history, so much sadness, and yet like every Lanyon story, she manages to give us hope and happiness in that subtle, gorgeous manner only Lanyon is known for.
Police Chief Robert Garrett is home from the Pacific after being wounded in action. He ends up on a wild car chase on Christmas Day through the untamed countryside of Montana with no one at his side by Jamie Jameson, Robert's kid brother's best friend. The only trouble besides a killer on the loose is the fact that Jamie has not once stopped loving Robert since he was a teenager, and Robert has no idea how to handle this reality in a society that does not welcome 'men like them.'
I really loved Jamie. His youth and passion can be summed up in a single line that I laughed out loud at: that was just a redhead's temper talking. He was an incredibly strong character, despite a physical limitation that kept him from serving his country. A bit reckless, yes, but Jamie was never willing to let go of his feelings for Robert, no matter the danger to his person or his heart, and I was so deeply touched by that.
We've waited a while for this story, but I'm so glad we finally got it.
I was really taken with the decision to write a suspenseful-romantic short set during World War II (yes, this is inspired by a true event, per the author's note, but still.) That is a hell of a difficult time period to work with. There are so many moving parts, so much history, so much sadness, and yet like every Lanyon story, she manages to give us hope and happiness in that subtle, gorgeous manner only Lanyon is known for.
Police Chief Robert Garrett is home from the Pacific after being wounded in action. He ends up on a wild car chase on Christmas Day through the untamed countryside of Montana with no one at his side by Jamie Jameson, Robert's kid brother's best friend. The only trouble besides a killer on the loose is the fact that Jamie has not once stopped loving Robert since he was a teenager, and Robert has no idea how to handle this reality in a society that does not welcome 'men like them.'
I really loved Jamie. His youth and passion can be summed up in a single line that I laughed out loud at: that was just a redhead's temper talking. He was an incredibly strong character, despite a physical limitation that kept him from serving his country. A bit reckless, yes, but Jamie was never willing to let go of his feelings for Robert, no matter the danger to his person or his heart, and I was so deeply touched by that.
We've waited a while for this story, but I'm so glad we finally got it.
Hexhunter by Jordan L. Hawk
5.0
Ever since Bill Quigley was introduced as Tom's copper best friend in Hexbreaker, I—and I suspected a great deal of other readers—have been waiting for this book. Bill has been a player in every major novel of the Hexworld series. He's been ready to put his well being and career on the line every time to help the Metropolitan Witch Police and their familiar counterparts, but his personal life has always remained elusive. Even when it became clear throughout the overarching plot that Bill had developed feelings toward Isaac, Cicero's best friend who had been kidnapped and horribly abused in Hexbreaker, nothing ever progressed between the two. They kept one another at arm's length.
Until now.
As it turns out, Bill has been in love with Isaac for two years. But because of the trauma Isaac has experienced, his refusal to shift, and even the way he visibly cringes in fear, Bill has done nothing to pursue the sweet familiar. And it's become clear at this point, whatever chance Bill may have once upon a time had, he's lost it. It's been too long between them, and if Isaac were to develop any feelings for Bill, surely it'd have happened at this point?
I love Bill as a leading character because he's very much an Everyday Man and is able to be a practical counterbalance to the rest of the cast. He doesn't have rare and powerful magic like Tom, nor is he a millionaire like Owen. He's not an ex-solider like Jamie... he's just a regular New York detective, not even a great one at that, whose boss dislikes him, whose love life is nothing more than his own hand in an empty bed, whose schooling isn't even that good, as subtle moments throughout the book suggest by Bill's messy penmanship and lack of understanding toward certain, famous myths and stories. But what makes Bill remarkable is his humbleness. He's a down to earth good man, looking to do the right thing in a tough world, and whose capacity to respect and listen to a significant other is a rare commodity to be cherished.
And that is the sort of person Isaac deserves to have at his side. Isaac, like Bill, has been seen throughout the plot. He's been through the meat grinder, having been brutalized by the witch his magic desired to bond with, kidnapped, siphoned of his magic until it nearly killed him, and now that he's returned to the safety of the MWP, the clock is ticking for him to bond. Isaac has been unable to shift to his dog form—the magic feels wrong. Tainted. The reason his life has been flipped upside down. He honestly wants to forget that part of himself and be stuck in human form forever. But there is a connection between him and Bill, a gentle patience, love, persistence, and belief that Isaac is none of these things. That he is a survivor. Strong. Capable of love. And deserving of life.
Add to this uncertain back and forth between our heroes, nearly a dozen orphans of familiar potential have gone missing, a nun has been murdered, and previous plots to control and manipulate the familiar population have not been forgotten.
Every single book that Jordan L. Hawk writes is a damn masterpiece of character studies, romance, and vivid imagination beyond the potential of most people. I've said it in every review and I'll say it again: read the Hexworld series. Read it again and again, and again for good measure.
Until now.
As it turns out, Bill has been in love with Isaac for two years. But because of the trauma Isaac has experienced, his refusal to shift, and even the way he visibly cringes in fear, Bill has done nothing to pursue the sweet familiar. And it's become clear at this point, whatever chance Bill may have once upon a time had, he's lost it. It's been too long between them, and if Isaac were to develop any feelings for Bill, surely it'd have happened at this point?
I love Bill as a leading character because he's very much an Everyday Man and is able to be a practical counterbalance to the rest of the cast. He doesn't have rare and powerful magic like Tom, nor is he a millionaire like Owen. He's not an ex-solider like Jamie... he's just a regular New York detective, not even a great one at that, whose boss dislikes him, whose love life is nothing more than his own hand in an empty bed, whose schooling isn't even that good, as subtle moments throughout the book suggest by Bill's messy penmanship and lack of understanding toward certain, famous myths and stories. But what makes Bill remarkable is his humbleness. He's a down to earth good man, looking to do the right thing in a tough world, and whose capacity to respect and listen to a significant other is a rare commodity to be cherished.
And that is the sort of person Isaac deserves to have at his side. Isaac, like Bill, has been seen throughout the plot. He's been through the meat grinder, having been brutalized by the witch his magic desired to bond with, kidnapped, siphoned of his magic until it nearly killed him, and now that he's returned to the safety of the MWP, the clock is ticking for him to bond. Isaac has been unable to shift to his dog form—the magic feels wrong. Tainted. The reason his life has been flipped upside down. He honestly wants to forget that part of himself and be stuck in human form forever. But there is a connection between him and Bill, a gentle patience, love, persistence, and belief that Isaac is none of these things. That he is a survivor. Strong. Capable of love. And deserving of life.
Add to this uncertain back and forth between our heroes, nearly a dozen orphans of familiar potential have gone missing, a nun has been murdered, and previous plots to control and manipulate the familiar population have not been forgotten.
Every single book that Jordan L. Hawk writes is a damn masterpiece of character studies, romance, and vivid imagination beyond the potential of most people. I've said it in every review and I'll say it again: read the Hexworld series. Read it again and again, and again for good measure.
The Mage on the Hill by Angel Martinez
5.0
I adore Angel Martinez, both as a person and author. Her writing is full of mythology and lore, humor, and heavy doses of humanity that inspires the reader to learn more and love more. Her books always leave me with a warm spot in my chest and an impressive hangover! The Mage on the Hill, though? I think it's the best Martinez title I've read to date.
The story is about a young man whose inability to control his magic is killing him. Tobias "Toby" Jones cannot find where he is meant to reside on the magic web of Arcana, which makes him a dangerous and unstable mage. At any moment he may literally explode with magic, and if the power he releases is strong enough, people will get hurt. A lot of people. Maybe even the entire city of Pittsburgh! Every guild has given up on helping Toby, leaving him to reside in hospice, drugged and unable to cast magic, until his body starves and dies.
The only hope Toby has of rescue resides within himself. He is unwilling to lie down, to give up, to let himself be killed humanely because the guilds are too afraid to deter from the rules and come up with an unconventional way to save his life. So Toby escapes the latest hospital he's ended up in and goes in search of a mysterious mage who was once known to help the "unplaceables." Darius Valstad has had his status with the guilds revoked after a terrible magical disaster that nearly destroyed Pittsburgh and left him disfigured. His reclusive behavior is interrupted when Toby shows up at his doorstep begging for help. He says Darius is the only man with the ability and knowledge and courage to help him find his Arcana before it's too late.
This story is full of self-exploration, both for Toby and Darius. The men each complement one another so well. Where one has a hole in their heart, having lost joy or belief after life beat them down, the other is there to help them rediscover the positive trait. There is a gentleness between them that begins as a teacher and student, blossoms to a friendship, and eventually blooms into a long-lasting, powerful love. The healing that these men discover, especially Darius, is beautiful. Darius is definitely on my list of Characters I'll Never Forget. He is complex and three-dimensional, and the way that Martinez built his personality, from the cocky, sure-fire professor, to a man who lost faith in life, to his second chance at happiness without belittling his trauma, makes him the sort of lead character authors should strive to create.
Everything about this book I recommend. The world building, side characters, May/December romance, and adventure will leave you aching for the next story in The Web of Arcana series. I do hope Darius and Toby return in the next book, even as cameos, simply because I selfishly love them. Brilliant urban fantasy and a hell of a read!
The story is about a young man whose inability to control his magic is killing him. Tobias "Toby" Jones cannot find where he is meant to reside on the magic web of Arcana, which makes him a dangerous and unstable mage. At any moment he may literally explode with magic, and if the power he releases is strong enough, people will get hurt. A lot of people. Maybe even the entire city of Pittsburgh! Every guild has given up on helping Toby, leaving him to reside in hospice, drugged and unable to cast magic, until his body starves and dies.
The only hope Toby has of rescue resides within himself. He is unwilling to lie down, to give up, to let himself be killed humanely because the guilds are too afraid to deter from the rules and come up with an unconventional way to save his life. So Toby escapes the latest hospital he's ended up in and goes in search of a mysterious mage who was once known to help the "unplaceables." Darius Valstad has had his status with the guilds revoked after a terrible magical disaster that nearly destroyed Pittsburgh and left him disfigured. His reclusive behavior is interrupted when Toby shows up at his doorstep begging for help. He says Darius is the only man with the ability and knowledge and courage to help him find his Arcana before it's too late.
This story is full of self-exploration, both for Toby and Darius. The men each complement one another so well. Where one has a hole in their heart, having lost joy or belief after life beat them down, the other is there to help them rediscover the positive trait. There is a gentleness between them that begins as a teacher and student, blossoms to a friendship, and eventually blooms into a long-lasting, powerful love. The healing that these men discover, especially Darius, is beautiful. Darius is definitely on my list of Characters I'll Never Forget. He is complex and three-dimensional, and the way that Martinez built his personality, from the cocky, sure-fire professor, to a man who lost faith in life, to his second chance at happiness without belittling his trauma, makes him the sort of lead character authors should strive to create.
Everything about this book I recommend. The world building, side characters, May/December romance, and adventure will leave you aching for the next story in The Web of Arcana series. I do hope Darius and Toby return in the next book, even as cameos, simply because I selfishly love them. Brilliant urban fantasy and a hell of a read!
Gravitational Attraction by Angel Martinez
5.0
I'm not typically a seeker of sci-fi. To me, it's one of the hardest genres to write, (sincere appreciation for those who have imagination that ticks in this way) but it's also difficult as a reader to become enveloped in another world, somewhere typically in the far-out future, and not feel wildly out of place or lost in a barrage of details.
But this book? I love it. I absolutely love it to death. Every time I re-read it, it's an action-packed, wild thrill through space with unique and believable characters, nail-biting drama, and world-building that Angel Martinez deserves an in-person applause for. At no point in this book am I overwhelmed with too much information about alien species, languages, or customs. Every element Martinez includes is woven into the narrative in such a way that the reader is capable of learning alongside Isaac, appreciating his confusion, but without experiencing it themselves. An incredibly difficult endeavor, I must imagine.
Isaac Ozawa is comm operator onboard the Hermes, an independent vessel hired for run-of-the-mill jobs throughout space. Once trained to be a pilot, Isaac's implant that made it possible to meld with the fighters didn't take quite right, and the neural damage took his dream away. But still, at least he has a job in space-- right? The Hermes comes upon what seems to be an abandoned vessel, and once the (incredibly diverse and lovable) crew board to inspect the situation, they find a lone survivor of an alien massacre. Turk is Corzin, a warrior from a planet that has remained isolated. Tentative communications with ESTO fleets has allowed Turk off-world access to live among outsiders as part of an exchange program. But mix a power-hungry admiral, a people misunderstood and assumed to be barbarians, and incredible technologies known by the mysterious Drak'tar, and you've got a treaty-breaking situation edging on all-out war.
And in the midst of this incredibly fun and amazing plot, there is a tender, beautiful romance blossoming between Isaac and Turk. The two are so polar opposite, and yet at the same time, so terribly similar in their struggles to find a place within the world, that they really are the missing pieces in one another. There are also a few low-key side romances that were very fulfilling. I selfishly wish certain Hermes crew members got little short stories, simply due to being so adorable!
Gravitational Attraction is a fantastic read that always leaves me a little hungover in the best way. I highly recommend this book, even if you're not terribly keen on sci-fi. Because neither was I, and Martinez has introduced me to a genre I didn't think I'd quite get, and now appreciate so much.
But this book? I love it. I absolutely love it to death. Every time I re-read it, it's an action-packed, wild thrill through space with unique and believable characters, nail-biting drama, and world-building that Angel Martinez deserves an in-person applause for. At no point in this book am I overwhelmed with too much information about alien species, languages, or customs. Every element Martinez includes is woven into the narrative in such a way that the reader is capable of learning alongside Isaac, appreciating his confusion, but without experiencing it themselves. An incredibly difficult endeavor, I must imagine.
Isaac Ozawa is comm operator onboard the Hermes, an independent vessel hired for run-of-the-mill jobs throughout space. Once trained to be a pilot, Isaac's implant that made it possible to meld with the fighters didn't take quite right, and the neural damage took his dream away. But still, at least he has a job in space-- right? The Hermes comes upon what seems to be an abandoned vessel, and once the (incredibly diverse and lovable) crew board to inspect the situation, they find a lone survivor of an alien massacre. Turk is Corzin, a warrior from a planet that has remained isolated. Tentative communications with ESTO fleets has allowed Turk off-world access to live among outsiders as part of an exchange program. But mix a power-hungry admiral, a people misunderstood and assumed to be barbarians, and incredible technologies known by the mysterious Drak'tar, and you've got a treaty-breaking situation edging on all-out war.
And in the midst of this incredibly fun and amazing plot, there is a tender, beautiful romance blossoming between Isaac and Turk. The two are so polar opposite, and yet at the same time, so terribly similar in their struggles to find a place within the world, that they really are the missing pieces in one another. There are also a few low-key side romances that were very fulfilling. I selfishly wish certain Hermes crew members got little short stories, simply due to being so adorable!
Gravitational Attraction is a fantastic read that always leaves me a little hungover in the best way. I highly recommend this book, even if you're not terribly keen on sci-fi. Because neither was I, and Martinez has introduced me to a genre I didn't think I'd quite get, and now appreciate so much.
Potato Surprise by Angel Martinez
5.0
I wax poetic about Angel Martinez in pretty much every review I write, but honestly I have so much fun with her books I can't help it! Her stories are funny, witty, wacky, and with plenty of heart and honesty at the core of each character. The Brimstone series is a comfort read, and it was technically my first of Martinez's backlist. Luckily for us, another title is releasing soon, so what better time to do a re-read, right?
Before we meet other heroes like Ness and Corny, it was just Shax and Verin on the run from Earth. They stole a spaceship (as to be expected of demons) and with the help of their drag queen AI, take on the universe! Sort of. Not really. This is before Shax and Ver have any crew, concept, or money. And money turns out to be a big issue— what with needing things like fuel, food, clothes... So Shax agrees to taking on a load of cargo and making a delivery as their first freelance job and attempt at making business connections. But nothing is simple for the Demon Prince of Thieves and a Demon of Impatience!
This prequel is the perfect taster to the series. It gives new readers an idea of what to expect in this humorous, lighthearted sci-fi, while those already familiar with the titles have an opportunity to go back and fully enjoy just how completely out of depth our dear demons were. Side characters were absolutely charming—looking at you, Miss Ivana—and the plot excited me all the more to continue on enjoying the rest of the series for the umpteenth time!
I highly recommend this book for those looking for a good laugh, a wild adventure, and some heated bedroom moments. I'd even say, despite some folks skipping prequels, you'd enjoy Shax and Verin all the more in future titles if you take a moment to read about their humble beginnings.
Before we meet other heroes like Ness and Corny, it was just Shax and Verin on the run from Earth. They stole a spaceship (as to be expected of demons) and with the help of their drag queen AI, take on the universe! Sort of. Not really. This is before Shax and Ver have any crew, concept, or money. And money turns out to be a big issue— what with needing things like fuel, food, clothes... So Shax agrees to taking on a load of cargo and making a delivery as their first freelance job and attempt at making business connections. But nothing is simple for the Demon Prince of Thieves and a Demon of Impatience!
This prequel is the perfect taster to the series. It gives new readers an idea of what to expect in this humorous, lighthearted sci-fi, while those already familiar with the titles have an opportunity to go back and fully enjoy just how completely out of depth our dear demons were. Side characters were absolutely charming—looking at you, Miss Ivana—and the plot excited me all the more to continue on enjoying the rest of the series for the umpteenth time!
I highly recommend this book for those looking for a good laugh, a wild adventure, and some heated bedroom moments. I'd even say, despite some folks skipping prequels, you'd enjoy Shax and Verin all the more in future titles if you take a moment to read about their humble beginnings.
Hell for the Company by Angel Martinez
5.0
The Brimstone series never fails to be charming, hilarious, wacky beyond belief, and still boast one of the most fun ensemble casts I've ever read. In the prequel, we were introduced to our anti-heroes Shax and Verin, demons on the run from Earth after ahem— a disagreement with management. The mysterious Julian made his debut among the gunfire, but when we return to Hell for the Company, it's just our demons and their drag queen AI, Miss Ivana.
Still trying to make a somewhat honest living by taking on various jobs delivering cargo, Verin agrees to haul some antigrav cows (think, cow balloons!) while Shax ends up in trouble for stealing synthetic sapphires. He can't help it. He is the Prince of Thieves, after all. When the demons realize they're short on feed for their weightless companions, they make a quick stop at a totally psychedelic planet to harvest some flora.
That's when they come upon an angel in an escape pod. Ness left Heaven after refusing orders to kill. Demon or no, he is unwilling to take a life. It goes against every fiber of his being. Ness isn't a angel warrior like Michael or Raphael. He's a healer with a sincere and tender heart. And to say that Shax is smitten after rescuing Ness, is most definitely an understatement. Ness represents the ultimate challenge—bedding a gorgeous and virgin angel. Not to mention the pretty gold feathers on his wings...
Shax and Ness are such wonderful compliments for each other. Neither is wholly good or bad, and their elements of moral grayness touch together to fill the missing pieces of a puzzle. They help each other grow and ease deep-rooted sadness. Plus, Ness doesn't take any of Verin's bad attitude, which is always amusing. After some radical dealings over Shax's sapphires and an angel-posse run-in, the crew is three men strong and ready for the next space adventure aboard the Brimstone!
Angel Martinez doesn't disappoint. Period. Treat yourself to this amazing series. It's bound to lighten any mood after a rough day.
Still trying to make a somewhat honest living by taking on various jobs delivering cargo, Verin agrees to haul some antigrav cows (think, cow balloons!) while Shax ends up in trouble for stealing synthetic sapphires. He can't help it. He is the Prince of Thieves, after all. When the demons realize they're short on feed for their weightless companions, they make a quick stop at a totally psychedelic planet to harvest some flora.
That's when they come upon an angel in an escape pod. Ness left Heaven after refusing orders to kill. Demon or no, he is unwilling to take a life. It goes against every fiber of his being. Ness isn't a angel warrior like Michael or Raphael. He's a healer with a sincere and tender heart. And to say that Shax is smitten after rescuing Ness, is most definitely an understatement. Ness represents the ultimate challenge—bedding a gorgeous and virgin angel. Not to mention the pretty gold feathers on his wings...
Shax and Ness are such wonderful compliments for each other. Neither is wholly good or bad, and their elements of moral grayness touch together to fill the missing pieces of a puzzle. They help each other grow and ease deep-rooted sadness. Plus, Ness doesn't take any of Verin's bad attitude, which is always amusing. After some radical dealings over Shax's sapphires and an angel-posse run-in, the crew is three men strong and ready for the next space adventure aboard the Brimstone!
Angel Martinez doesn't disappoint. Period. Treat yourself to this amazing series. It's bound to lighten any mood after a rough day.
Fear of Frogs by Angel Martinez
5.0
Is Fear of Frogs my favorite of all the Brimstone titles? Maybe. Probably. Okay, call me out why don't you. It is my absolute favorite and I'll tell you why.
Verin. I love Verin with all of my heart and soul. I could (and do) wax poetic about this grumpy, grumpy demon and frankly, I think Angel Martinez is too nice of a human to tell me to can it when it gets old. But honestly, he's a terrific side character that keeps Shax and the crew on their toes, and he has a really wonderful backstory and in-depth personality that I could read about for 500 pages. I know that's a strange thing to say about the guy who snorts steam and sparks and lovingly refers to the Brimstone's captain as "idiot," "dumbass" "bonehead" etc. but I have a weak heart for the ill-tempered characters.
As the title suggests, we've got frogs. Another one of those cargo run jobs that Ness and Verin agree to take on for a university, along with a Totally Not Dangerous black matter generator. At least, it wasn't dangerous until the frogs escaped their crates, got down and dirty on the mechanics, and accidentally sent the crew back in time to when before space travel existed. In fact, they got tossed all the way to 1800s Earth, Wyoming, and cowboys. And unless they want to be stuck in orbit on the Brimstone without fuel, the crew has to go down to the planet and collect supplies for Miss Ivana to utilize.
Shax, Ness, and Verin decide to stay with a group of cowboys on a ranch while waiting for the local blacksmith to return so they can buy copper. And when Shax learns of a rodeo event being promoted by a wealthy widow in town, known for having a number of "pretties," he's got an ulterior motive for spending time with humans. Verin, initially unwilling to stick around and get found out for what they were, kinda changes his mind upon meeting Cornelius de Groot.
I get so mushy over this book because Verin finally gets a real romance and I just love that he literally doesn't know what to do about having emotions. Corny is so easy-going, down to Earth, 100% Verin's physical type, and so sweet that Verin forgets his steam and bluster half the time. And when trouble on Earth sends the crew racing back to the Brimstone to return to their own time period, Verin and Corny have to make some hard and fast choices about a future together.
I am the Captain of the Verin and Corny Ship. Put it on my tombstone.
Verin. I love Verin with all of my heart and soul. I could (and do) wax poetic about this grumpy, grumpy demon and frankly, I think Angel Martinez is too nice of a human to tell me to can it when it gets old. But honestly, he's a terrific side character that keeps Shax and the crew on their toes, and he has a really wonderful backstory and in-depth personality that I could read about for 500 pages. I know that's a strange thing to say about the guy who snorts steam and sparks and lovingly refers to the Brimstone's captain as "idiot," "dumbass" "bonehead" etc. but I have a weak heart for the ill-tempered characters.
As the title suggests, we've got frogs. Another one of those cargo run jobs that Ness and Verin agree to take on for a university, along with a Totally Not Dangerous black matter generator. At least, it wasn't dangerous until the frogs escaped their crates, got down and dirty on the mechanics, and accidentally sent the crew back in time to when before space travel existed. In fact, they got tossed all the way to 1800s Earth, Wyoming, and cowboys. And unless they want to be stuck in orbit on the Brimstone without fuel, the crew has to go down to the planet and collect supplies for Miss Ivana to utilize.
Shax, Ness, and Verin decide to stay with a group of cowboys on a ranch while waiting for the local blacksmith to return so they can buy copper. And when Shax learns of a rodeo event being promoted by a wealthy widow in town, known for having a number of "pretties," he's got an ulterior motive for spending time with humans. Verin, initially unwilling to stick around and get found out for what they were, kinda changes his mind upon meeting Cornelius de Groot.
I get so mushy over this book because Verin finally gets a real romance and I just love that he literally doesn't know what to do about having emotions. Corny is so easy-going, down to Earth, 100% Verin's physical type, and so sweet that Verin forgets his steam and bluster half the time. And when trouble on Earth sends the crew racing back to the Brimstone to return to their own time period, Verin and Corny have to make some hard and fast choices about a future together.
I am the Captain of the Verin and Corny Ship. Put it on my tombstone.
Terror by Moonlight by Hank Edwards
5.0
Plain and simple, I’m absolutely head over heels in love with every single aspect of this series. I devoured the entire thing in a week—woke up extra early to read, stayed up too late, read while walking, eating, and frankly—instead of writing! Hank Edwards created such a quirky, hilarious, terrifying, and desperately romantic series that it is now going to be one of my comfort re-reads forever. I’ve never been a huge fan of slow burns (I am impatient) or friends to lovers (there never seems to be enough focus on the importance of the friendship) but wow… Edwards did both tropes justice and blew me away.
Our adventure begins with Terror by Moonlight. Cody Bower and Demetrius Singleton are best friends. Have been for nearly their entire lives. Despite polar opposite looks and personalities—Cody the athletic straight guy, and Demmy the quiet thinker who is gay—they have gone into business together after holding down uninteresting, lackluster jobs in their small town of Parson’s Hollow. They’ve opened Critter Catchers, an animal control company with heart. But so far, they’re in the red and have next to no customers.
Their first call is to remove a raccoon from the house of a cranky old man, and during that process both the raccoon and man end up… well… very dead. Bloody and torn apart, as if attacked by a very big and very vicious animal. And to make matters worse, one of Cody’s many ex-girlfriends is a cop on the local force and she smells something hinky about Cody and Demmy’s presence at the crime scene. Add to this a new reporter for the local paper, Oliver, being romantically interested in Demmy, and Cody trying to understand his jealousy—no, it’s just annoyance, really—the guys are in for a wild adventure.
Because what makes this series outrageously fun and scary? Monsters are real and the Critter Catchers are on the case. Cody and Demmy have to face the reality that something very dangerous is lurking in the woods around town and they’re the only ones who can stop it before more citizens are slaughtered.
I’d read this first book a while ago and loved it, but somehow life got in the way and I’d forgotten to read the rest. So when I returned to this title a second time, howling with laughter and freaking out over the chaos that ensued, I dropped off the face of the planet to read the rest of the series. Cody’s uncertainty around his best friend, his confusion and hesitancy over why he finds himself occasionally taking a look at Demmy’s backside, and dealing with his intense dislike of Oliver, is heart wrenching. He’s stumbling around in the dark, trying to make sense of his own sexuality, and is too baffled and afraid to say anything to anyone. Edwards does such an amazing job at crafting Demmy and Cody’s friendship. The depth of their relationship, even in Book One, makes both their inner struggles so profound and believable. Incredible character construction, from positive to negative traits, dialogue, reactions, and everything in between.
Our adventure begins with Terror by Moonlight. Cody Bower and Demetrius Singleton are best friends. Have been for nearly their entire lives. Despite polar opposite looks and personalities—Cody the athletic straight guy, and Demmy the quiet thinker who is gay—they have gone into business together after holding down uninteresting, lackluster jobs in their small town of Parson’s Hollow. They’ve opened Critter Catchers, an animal control company with heart. But so far, they’re in the red and have next to no customers.
Their first call is to remove a raccoon from the house of a cranky old man, and during that process both the raccoon and man end up… well… very dead. Bloody and torn apart, as if attacked by a very big and very vicious animal. And to make matters worse, one of Cody’s many ex-girlfriends is a cop on the local force and she smells something hinky about Cody and Demmy’s presence at the crime scene. Add to this a new reporter for the local paper, Oliver, being romantically interested in Demmy, and Cody trying to understand his jealousy—no, it’s just annoyance, really—the guys are in for a wild adventure.
Because what makes this series outrageously fun and scary? Monsters are real and the Critter Catchers are on the case. Cody and Demmy have to face the reality that something very dangerous is lurking in the woods around town and they’re the only ones who can stop it before more citizens are slaughtered.
I’d read this first book a while ago and loved it, but somehow life got in the way and I’d forgotten to read the rest. So when I returned to this title a second time, howling with laughter and freaking out over the chaos that ensued, I dropped off the face of the planet to read the rest of the series. Cody’s uncertainty around his best friend, his confusion and hesitancy over why he finds himself occasionally taking a look at Demmy’s backside, and dealing with his intense dislike of Oliver, is heart wrenching. He’s stumbling around in the dark, trying to make sense of his own sexuality, and is too baffled and afraid to say anything to anyone. Edwards does such an amazing job at crafting Demmy and Cody’s friendship. The depth of their relationship, even in Book One, makes both their inner struggles so profound and believable. Incredible character construction, from positive to negative traits, dialogue, reactions, and everything in between.
Chasing the Chupacabra by Hank Edwards
5.0
Critter Catchers recently basked in the glory of business after they helped rid Parson’s Hollow of a werewolf—no, wolfman— but the phone isn’t ringing nearly as much these days, and Cody and Demmy are once again stressed out about the longevity of their business. It really doesn’t help that Demmy is seeing Oliver romantically, Cody doesn’t like the reporter one bit, and a woman named Agatha wants to hire them to look into a most unusual situation…. A local farmer’s goats are turning up dead overnight, and what’s even weirder—their blood has been sucked dry.
After seeing the gentle progression in Book One that Hank Edwards was taking with Cody and Demmy trying to figure themselves (and each other) out, I knew I needed to be mentally prepared for inner longings and inappropriate fantasies quickly being squashed out of conscious thought, but geez… it was rough. I adore Demmy. Adore him! And his moments of self-doubt or loathing utterly destroy my heart, but from the beginning, I was pulled toward Cody’s much more in-your-face character growth. He’s loud, inappropriate, and obnoxious sometimes, but even though he doesn’t quite understand himself yet, he loves Demmy. And his 110% commitment to his best friend—as that and nothing more—is just some of the most beautiful development I’ve ever read in a book, let alone one that intends to be a humorous paranormal! Cody Bower is most certainly character envy for any author.
In between more run-ins with Cody’s exes (a cop, a doctor, a librarian) who all begrudgingly help Demmy out as he sets to uncover the mystery of the giant monster lurking in the woods outside of Farmer Wilkes property, the poor man is also dealing with feelings for Oliver that might not be as… strong as he thought. Sure, Demmy likes Oliver. But does he love him? Does he see forever when he thinks of Oliver? And when Oliver uses ‘Demmy,’ a nickname only Cody has used, things aren’t feeling so… certain.
Edwards creates some really memorable side characters in this series, one being Demmy’s Aunt Amelia. I have such a soft spot and adoration for when a main character has at least one close, older family member he can lean on, and that’s Amelia in spades. No nonsense, but caring, gentle, so proud of her nephew and never judgmental of him being gay, and she’s got an adorable habit of swearing—but utilizing tree names instead of curses.
Oh birch trees! This was such a phenomenal addition to Critter Catchers.
After seeing the gentle progression in Book One that Hank Edwards was taking with Cody and Demmy trying to figure themselves (and each other) out, I knew I needed to be mentally prepared for inner longings and inappropriate fantasies quickly being squashed out of conscious thought, but geez… it was rough. I adore Demmy. Adore him! And his moments of self-doubt or loathing utterly destroy my heart, but from the beginning, I was pulled toward Cody’s much more in-your-face character growth. He’s loud, inappropriate, and obnoxious sometimes, but even though he doesn’t quite understand himself yet, he loves Demmy. And his 110% commitment to his best friend—as that and nothing more—is just some of the most beautiful development I’ve ever read in a book, let alone one that intends to be a humorous paranormal! Cody Bower is most certainly character envy for any author.
In between more run-ins with Cody’s exes (a cop, a doctor, a librarian) who all begrudgingly help Demmy out as he sets to uncover the mystery of the giant monster lurking in the woods outside of Farmer Wilkes property, the poor man is also dealing with feelings for Oliver that might not be as… strong as he thought. Sure, Demmy likes Oliver. But does he love him? Does he see forever when he thinks of Oliver? And when Oliver uses ‘Demmy,’ a nickname only Cody has used, things aren’t feeling so… certain.
Edwards creates some really memorable side characters in this series, one being Demmy’s Aunt Amelia. I have such a soft spot and adoration for when a main character has at least one close, older family member he can lean on, and that’s Amelia in spades. No nonsense, but caring, gentle, so proud of her nephew and never judgmental of him being gay, and she’s got an adorable habit of swearing—but utilizing tree names instead of curses.
Oh birch trees! This was such a phenomenal addition to Critter Catchers.