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Garoul #2
Ambereye
The thing with the Garouls is you never get quite what you think you will. They really are something else.Hope Glassy loves her job at Ambereye, Inc., despite having Jolie Garoul as her new boss.Jolie is a moody workaholic. She is awkward, contrary, and on occasion just plain mean. Hope is hardworking, popular, and in recovery from a serious illness. She doesn’t need a bizarre boss. She doesn’t need office politics. And she doesn’t need to work over Thanksgiving either. Nevertheless, that’s what she and Jolie end up doing…in Little Dip, home of the Garoul clan.An important meeting brings them to the valley where it’s assumed Jolie has brought her chosen mate to meet her pack. Much to her consternation Jolie finds she likes this idea, but Hope has no time for romance. She is eager to get her life, health, and career back on track, nothing more. Jolie is determined to change her mind, but how does a lycanthrope woo a human? A small and super-efficient, bossy boots human at that?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
16 people are currently reading
1341 people want to read
About the author
Gill McKnight
28 books283 followersGill McKnight is Irish but spends as much time as possible in Lesbos, Greece, which she considers home. She can often be found traveling back and forth between Greece and Ireland in a rusty old camper van with her rusty wee dog. Gill enjoys writing, roses, and by necessity DIY.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 15, 2022
**'Writers should always try to make their storylines say something humanly important and have meaning instead of just showing off with meaningless language or dialogues...'
4.5stars!
A much better written book #2 -- good chemistry and supporting cast. Highly recommended!
4.5stars!
A much better written book #2 -- good chemistry and supporting cast. Highly recommended!
December 24, 2022
Audio review 12/23/22
5.00 Stars! One of my all-time favorite romcoms. Last Friday morning, we were hit by the first snowstorm of the season which unfortunately took out my power until early Tuesday morning. I was able to read a little, but once my Kindle died, I mostly listened to audible when I had any battery or was driving around charging my phone, and what better story to help cheer me up then one I love. And now tonight, only a few days since I got my power back, I’m sitting here as another wicked winter storm barrels down hoping I don’t lose power again, ready to tell you a little bit about that story called Ambereye.
While I have always been a romance fan, when it came to books, I never had the best luck with romcoms (and when I say romcoms I mean a romance that has a good amount of comedy in it, not just a romance that is fluffy and feel good) and I’ve often wondered if my funny book bone if broken. I don’t know what it is about Ambereye, but it actually has that lighthearted comedy component I expect in a romcom, that makes me have a smile on my face most of the book (except during the sexy times and the angsty moments) and makes me laugh out loud multiple times, even knowing what’s coming because I try to read this book every couple of years since I enjoy it so much.
I want to make clear while this is a book 2, you do NOT have to read book one first. Both books have to do with characters in the same family, but you are not missing anything by reading Ambereye first. I know that some people are not big on paranormal books so I would grade the paranormal factor low on this book while other books in the series are higher. Ambereye feels like a romcom that just happens to have a werewolf in it and if anything, it adds to some of my favorite comedic moments.
This book is over a decade old, and it is impressive how well it holds up. There were a couple of really small things I would have edited out now, but that was it. This was a boss/employee romance too and I loved how Gill put the power in the employee, not the boss, which we don’t see very often. This was not perfect, it had a few bumps, but the writing, the dialogue, inner and spoken, was just well done and has made this book hold up over the decade as still one of my favorite romcoms. This was my first time getting to listen to it on audible and it was wonderful. The narrator’s voices and pace was good and listening instead of reading allows the story to continue even if you are laughing too hard. Only con was that narrator didn’t know how to pronounce a few things like lycanthropy or the authors name Gill (Jill).
5.00 Stars! One of my all-time favorite romcoms. Last Friday morning, we were hit by the first snowstorm of the season which unfortunately took out my power until early Tuesday morning. I was able to read a little, but once my Kindle died, I mostly listened to audible when I had any battery or was driving around charging my phone, and what better story to help cheer me up then one I love. And now tonight, only a few days since I got my power back, I’m sitting here as another wicked winter storm barrels down hoping I don’t lose power again, ready to tell you a little bit about that story called Ambereye.
While I have always been a romance fan, when it came to books, I never had the best luck with romcoms (and when I say romcoms I mean a romance that has a good amount of comedy in it, not just a romance that is fluffy and feel good) and I’ve often wondered if my funny book bone if broken. I don’t know what it is about Ambereye, but it actually has that lighthearted comedy component I expect in a romcom, that makes me have a smile on my face most of the book (except during the sexy times and the angsty moments) and makes me laugh out loud multiple times, even knowing what’s coming because I try to read this book every couple of years since I enjoy it so much.
I want to make clear while this is a book 2, you do NOT have to read book one first. Both books have to do with characters in the same family, but you are not missing anything by reading Ambereye first. I know that some people are not big on paranormal books so I would grade the paranormal factor low on this book while other books in the series are higher. Ambereye feels like a romcom that just happens to have a werewolf in it and if anything, it adds to some of my favorite comedic moments.
This book is over a decade old, and it is impressive how well it holds up. There were a couple of really small things I would have edited out now, but that was it. This was a boss/employee romance too and I loved how Gill put the power in the employee, not the boss, which we don’t see very often. This was not perfect, it had a few bumps, but the writing, the dialogue, inner and spoken, was just well done and has made this book hold up over the decade as still one of my favorite romcoms. This was my first time getting to listen to it on audible and it was wonderful. The narrator’s voices and pace was good and listening instead of reading allows the story to continue even if you are laughing too hard. Only con was that narrator didn’t know how to pronounce a few things like lycanthropy or the authors name Gill (Jill).
January 18, 2023
I spotted a recent review from a GR friend and decided it was finally time to read the wildly popular Ambereye. Hilarious book that gave me belly laughs and kept me smiling.
Hope Glassy is the new PA for VP Jolie Garoul and it’s definitely a sunshine and grouch romance. Both characters are strongly drawn and the banter is side splitting. They have great chemistry and all the love from readers is deserved. I thought the ending got a little intense but still loved the book very much. It helps that I am a fan of shifter stories. If you are one of the few who hasn’t read this classic, treat yourself. Melissa Sternenberg’s narration adds to the fun.
Hope Glassy is the new PA for VP Jolie Garoul and it’s definitely a sunshine and grouch romance. Both characters are strongly drawn and the banter is side splitting. They have great chemistry and all the love from readers is deserved. I thought the ending got a little intense but still loved the book very much. It helps that I am a fan of shifter stories. If you are one of the few who hasn’t read this classic, treat yourself. Melissa Sternenberg’s narration adds to the fun.
August 21, 2021
I’ve heard so many good things about the Garoul Series that I was really curious about it. This series has 5 books: Little Dip, a prequel or book 0, Goldenseal (book 1), Ambereye (book 2), Indigo Moon (book 3), and Silver Collar (book 4). As I’m not a paranormal fan, I decided just to sample one of the books in the series, so I jumped straight into Ambereye, because of the number of good reviews. The audio version was recently released so that’s a bonus.
Hope Glassy’s new boss at Ambereye Inc. is Jolie Garoul, a moody workaholic and a contrary lycanthrope. Hope is a hardworking, compassionate cancer survivor who doesn’t need a grumpy boss. Unfortunately, during Thanksgiving, she ends up going on a work trip with her boss to Little Dip, home of the Garoul clan. Jolie’s family assumes Hope is her chosen mate which starts a series of misunderstandings. As feelings and truths are revealed, Hope is adamant that she’s not looking for love but Jolie definitely likes the idea. Is there a way she can seduce Hope?
This was a very entertaining and humorous paranormal romance. Even though this is book 2, effectively the third book in the series, I was able to read it as a standalone without any issues. So if you aren’t a fan of werewolves and you just want to sample the series, this is a good place to start. Having said that, the paranormal parts of the plot are extremely light and the story is more focused on the romance and the Garoul family dynamics, something I personally appreciated.
Talking about romance, this is an opposites-attract combined with the grumpy and sunshine trope. Hope is an upbeat character despite her life difficulties, though she’s guarded and scared to give her heart and Jolie is socially awkward and hides her feelings behind her extreme work ethic. But a meddling family, supportive friends and a cute dog bring them together in a way they can’t deny or avoid. I really enjoyed the humour around Jolie’s lack of tact in social interactions and her general grumpiness. Hope, on the other hand, complements her well and adds a sweet factor though she can also have a take no prisoners attitude. These characters’ nuances give them depth and an authentic feel and make the story really enjoyable.
I’ve listened to the audiobook narrated by Melissa Sternenberg who did an excellent job. I haven’t listened to many of her narrations but I was happy with this one. Her voices were distinct and the performance of the different feelings was superb. It’s a very good story to listen to on audio and I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars.
Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins
Hope Glassy’s new boss at Ambereye Inc. is Jolie Garoul, a moody workaholic and a contrary lycanthrope. Hope is a hardworking, compassionate cancer survivor who doesn’t need a grumpy boss. Unfortunately, during Thanksgiving, she ends up going on a work trip with her boss to Little Dip, home of the Garoul clan. Jolie’s family assumes Hope is her chosen mate which starts a series of misunderstandings. As feelings and truths are revealed, Hope is adamant that she’s not looking for love but Jolie definitely likes the idea. Is there a way she can seduce Hope?
This was a very entertaining and humorous paranormal romance. Even though this is book 2, effectively the third book in the series, I was able to read it as a standalone without any issues. So if you aren’t a fan of werewolves and you just want to sample the series, this is a good place to start. Having said that, the paranormal parts of the plot are extremely light and the story is more focused on the romance and the Garoul family dynamics, something I personally appreciated.
Talking about romance, this is an opposites-attract combined with the grumpy and sunshine trope. Hope is an upbeat character despite her life difficulties, though she’s guarded and scared to give her heart and Jolie is socially awkward and hides her feelings behind her extreme work ethic. But a meddling family, supportive friends and a cute dog bring them together in a way they can’t deny or avoid. I really enjoyed the humour around Jolie’s lack of tact in social interactions and her general grumpiness. Hope, on the other hand, complements her well and adds a sweet factor though she can also have a take no prisoners attitude. These characters’ nuances give them depth and an authentic feel and make the story really enjoyable.
I’ve listened to the audiobook narrated by Melissa Sternenberg who did an excellent job. I haven’t listened to many of her narrations but I was happy with this one. Her voices were distinct and the performance of the different feelings was superb. It’s a very good story to listen to on audio and I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars.
Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins
August 28, 2022
20/08/2021: It’s 7AM and I still haven’t slept, but who needs sleep when this beautiful charming story exists?! I legit couldn’t stop laughing and my cheeks hurt from smiling. This book is just so heartwarming and comforting and I love the dialogues and the thoughts the MCs share. It’s everything I never knew I needed and this beautiful book is definitely going to my favorite list and I will very soon reread this because I’m in love with it 🥰 100% recommend
Reread (audiobook) 25/08/2021: I know I just read this like 5 days ago, but I just saw there was an audiobook available for this one and I just had to listen to it. I’m really in love with this story and after listening to this audiobook, I love it even more. The narrator did a fantastic job and the characters’ voices were just as I had imagined. Just perfection 😍💛 Jolie and Hope are just so adorable 🥺
Reread (28/08/2022): It seems that I get an urge to reread this book around this time 😂 Loved it just as much as I loved it the first time 🥰
Reread (audiobook) 25/08/2021: I know I just read this like 5 days ago, but I just saw there was an audiobook available for this one and I just had to listen to it. I’m really in love with this story and after listening to this audiobook, I love it even more. The narrator did a fantastic job and the characters’ voices were just as I had imagined. Just perfection 😍💛 Jolie and Hope are just so adorable 🥺
Reread (28/08/2022): It seems that I get an urge to reread this book around this time 😂 Loved it just as much as I loved it the first time 🥰
November 26, 2019
Was this supposed to be funny? I truly just giggled most of the time.
Hope's friend and CEO of Ambereye, Inc.(Andre) has convinced her to go back to work early. She had been out on medical leave. She used to be his PA but her peer was put into that role while she was out, so she ends up being assigned to Andre's sister and VP, Jolie. Grumpy, awkward and socially inept, Jolie sticks to her den *ahem* office until Hope invades her space and changes everything. Their work relationship begins with an office chair war. It was very entertaining.
So these two bicker and steal each other's office supplies. You know... the basic equivalent of pulling hair on the playground. But Jolie's brother, Andre, and his life mate, Godfrey, think these two are good for each other and begin to meddle in their lives to push them together.
So many funny things in this. The office antics. Jolie makes a nemesis of Hope's ginger mutt dog, spawned by jealousy. There was a hilarious scene where momma misinterprets how Hope describes how she met Jolie. Love bites. And I laughed out loud when Hope described what she saw down at the river to the family at dinner.
All of the characters were cute and endearing. Hope's attitude was amazing. I loved how she didn't take crap from the enigmatic, Jolie.
This also had a lot of heart. Jolie has always been a loner and different from others. So it is a nice journey to find her come out of her shell with Hope around. Also, Hope is recovering from a serious medical condition and had her own growing to do.
Overall, I really liked this. I'm so happy that it was recommended to me. I wouldn't normally pick a werewolf book, but this was just super cute. The only complaint I had was that I wish we would have had more time to see Hope's feelings deepen. Resolution came pretty swiftly in the end and I felt like I wanted more.
I recommend this to people who like to laugh, read romance, werewolves, ice queen, enemies to lovers, fun banter, dogs, love shacks, and big hickeys.
Hope's friend and CEO of Ambereye, Inc.(Andre) has convinced her to go back to work early. She had been out on medical leave. She used to be his PA but her peer was put into that role while she was out, so she ends up being assigned to Andre's sister and VP, Jolie. Grumpy, awkward and socially inept, Jolie sticks to her den *ahem* office until Hope invades her space and changes everything. Their work relationship begins with an office chair war. It was very entertaining.
So these two bicker and steal each other's office supplies. You know... the basic equivalent of pulling hair on the playground. But Jolie's brother, Andre, and his life mate, Godfrey, think these two are good for each other and begin to meddle in their lives to push them together.
So many funny things in this. The office antics. Jolie makes a nemesis of Hope's ginger mutt dog, spawned by jealousy. There was a hilarious scene where momma misinterprets how Hope describes how she met Jolie. Love bites. And I laughed out loud when Hope described what she saw down at the river to the family at dinner.
All of the characters were cute and endearing. Hope's attitude was amazing. I loved how she didn't take crap from the enigmatic, Jolie.
This also had a lot of heart. Jolie has always been a loner and different from others. So it is a nice journey to find her come out of her shell with Hope around. Also, Hope is recovering from a serious medical condition and had her own growing to do.
Overall, I really liked this. I'm so happy that it was recommended to me. I wouldn't normally pick a werewolf book, but this was just super cute. The only complaint I had was that I wish we would have had more time to see Hope's feelings deepen. Resolution came pretty swiftly in the end and I felt like I wanted more.
I recommend this to people who like to laugh, read romance, werewolves, ice queen, enemies to lovers, fun banter, dogs, love shacks, and big hickeys.
June 6, 2020
This book was a total joy to read.
We have Jolie, the workaholic grump of a VP who is not used to civilized interaction with people in general much less her office staff and Hope, the extroverted bright PA who is clever, underhanded and thoughtful in equal measures. Their personalities are poles apart and their first proper interaction is a sight to behold.
Jolie and Hope both were not even slightly inclined to work together but for reasons revealed further in the story they are begged and prodded into being a temporary team of two and newsflash! It's a match made in heaven. In every sense of the word. But they did resist the inevitable.
The paranormal element in the book just adds in the already almost perfect setting. Just the kind of book I wanted to read. There are hilarious moments and there are sigh worthy moments. Plenty of them. You have your pick.
We have Jolie, the workaholic grump of a VP who is not used to civilized interaction with people in general much less her office staff and Hope, the extroverted bright PA who is clever, underhanded and thoughtful in equal measures. Their personalities are poles apart and their first proper interaction is a sight to behold.
Jolie and Hope both were not even slightly inclined to work together but for reasons revealed further in the story they are begged and prodded into being a temporary team of two and newsflash! It's a match made in heaven. In every sense of the word. But they did resist the inevitable.
The paranormal element in the book just adds in the already almost perfect setting. Just the kind of book I wanted to read. There are hilarious moments and there are sigh worthy moments. Plenty of them. You have your pick.
August 30, 2018
It took me forever to pick this up because I thought Goldenseal was just ‘ok.’ It didn’t inspire me to continue on with the series as I expect books within a series to do. However, I am happy to say that I enjoyed Ambereye a bit more. It had a much lighter feel and the humor was more suited to my tastes. This doesn’t read much like a paranormal/fantasy book, but more a contemporary romance with a slight twist. One of the mains is wolven, but that plays a minor role through most of the book until the end.
Hope returns to work after a life altering surgery to find that her role as Andre’s PA has been temporarily filled for the remaining duration of a current project. Until the project reaches completion, she has, instead, been assigned to be Jolie’s PA; Andre’s cantankerous, demanding, and thieving twin sister. Jolie is, however, the source of most of the humor in this book. Her internal dialogue with herself is quite entertaining and I ended up really liking her character a lot. She was definitely a giant puppy in a lot of ways. Once she lets her walls down she has a ‘love me, love me, love me’ attitude, which was admittedly a bit over the top, but her naivety in how to court someone just endeared her to me.
I didn’t really connect with Hope at all. I honestly found her quite boring and therefore don’t really have much to say in regards to her. She struggles with her confidence because of her recent surgery and she has a dog named Tadpole. I thought that her dog was the most interesting thing about her.
There were a lot of proofing issues scattered throughout ‘Ambereye,’ which I wasn’t really expecting because this comes out of a publishing house, but anyway…
My over all impression here was that this was better than book 1, which I rated 3*, so this is getting 3.5* from me, rounding up because I’m a sucker for cute puppies.
Hope returns to work after a life altering surgery to find that her role as Andre’s PA has been temporarily filled for the remaining duration of a current project. Until the project reaches completion, she has, instead, been assigned to be Jolie’s PA; Andre’s cantankerous, demanding, and thieving twin sister. Jolie is, however, the source of most of the humor in this book. Her internal dialogue with herself is quite entertaining and I ended up really liking her character a lot. She was definitely a giant puppy in a lot of ways. Once she lets her walls down she has a ‘love me, love me, love me’ attitude, which was admittedly a bit over the top, but her naivety in how to court someone just endeared her to me.
I didn’t really connect with Hope at all. I honestly found her quite boring and therefore don’t really have much to say in regards to her. She struggles with her confidence because of her recent surgery and she has a dog named Tadpole. I thought that her dog was the most interesting thing about her.
There were a lot of proofing issues scattered throughout ‘Ambereye,’ which I wasn’t really expecting because this comes out of a publishing house, but anyway…
My over all impression here was that this was better than book 1, which I rated 3*, so this is getting 3.5* from me, rounding up because I’m a sucker for cute puppies.
August 24, 2018
Hope is back from sick leave and instead of returning as Andre's PA at Ambereye Inc, she's been given the position of his twin sister's PA. Jolie is not like her happy-go-lucky brother; she's a temperamental workaholic whose expectations don't make her particularly popular. Hope has her work cut out for her.
This is a wonderful read. Both main characters are complex and interesting. Jolie starts off with the impression on an ice queen but then her social awkwardness starts coming through which then also starts showing fragments of naivety. In her own body she's the wolf and the lamb; primal and puppy dog. Hope is diabolical in a soft shell. I didn't expect her to take on Jolie so overtly and so underhandedly.
There is subtle humour that runs through the novel. Jolie's one-upmanship with the lap dog had me giggling. So did Hope's handling of Jolie.
At the end of book one, which I enjoyed, I thought I would probably read more of the series but it's taken me a long time to get to this one. I enjoyed this one more than the first and I think that it's the wittiness that I really liked.
This is a wonderful read. Both main characters are complex and interesting. Jolie starts off with the impression on an ice queen but then her social awkwardness starts coming through which then also starts showing fragments of naivety. In her own body she's the wolf and the lamb; primal and puppy dog. Hope is diabolical in a soft shell. I didn't expect her to take on Jolie so overtly and so underhandedly.
There is subtle humour that runs through the novel. Jolie's one-upmanship with the lap dog had me giggling. So did Hope's handling of Jolie.
At the end of book one, which I enjoyed, I thought I would probably read more of the series but it's taken me a long time to get to this one. I enjoyed this one more than the first and I think that it's the wittiness that I really liked.
February 14, 2020
Second time reading this. Still hilarious. Read this if you haven't.
July 9, 2017
Another amazing story!
If you are looking for an incredible story, this is it. The familiarity, the humor, the actions, the passion, the impressive and engaging characters, the amazing storyline, it all leave me with a feeling of awe. This fast paced and well written story keep you intrigued until the last word. Without any reservations, I recommend this wonderful series.
If you are looking for an incredible story, this is it. The familiarity, the humor, the actions, the passion, the impressive and engaging characters, the amazing storyline, it all leave me with a feeling of awe. This fast paced and well written story keep you intrigued until the last word. Without any reservations, I recommend this wonderful series.
November 6, 2020
Read this wonderful paranormal funny romance again and loved it as much as the last time I read it. Recommend.
May 18, 2020
How do I love thee let me count the ways
Chair
-A brand-new state-of-the-art ergonomic chair.
- I'm the boss, I deserve better and you can have my worn fabric, the bum groove, the squeaky castor.
-That skinny-assed bitch has stolen my chair!
Name
-Glassy or Glasseye?
- Tadpole or Rathole?
Stapler
-A missing chrome stapler
-Lure the thief with a Walmart's plastic wolf’s paw, a novelty stationery item, more toy than a tool.
-Do I need to superglue everything down?
The Dog
-A bichon first and a dachshund and some other stuffs.
-This little ball of ginger crud, I’m gonna eat him the minute her back’s turned.
-Jolie was probably a dog lover and had fallen head over heels for him.
Nadeem
-I am not allowed to talk to you before the nine a.m. meeting even if the building is on fire.
-Can I have a dozen stud muffins, please?
-I’m gonna kill the little bastard. Too late, he went home sick before you arrived. I think he was in deep trauma that he actually had the nerve to joke with you.
Frisbee
- Tadpole/Rathole vs Garoul
The best place to put a dog when traveling
- Upfront on the owner's knees?
- In the trunk?
The Ganache on The Cake
We met through Andre ➡ I started out with him and he passed me on to Jolie ➡ He said she really needed me…she was ready to go pop [Oh, Patrice sounded a little less confident, Hope sensed her concern] ➡Don’t worry. I figured Jolie out real quick, the trick with her is something hot and sweet first thing in the morning, preferably on her desk.
Hope and Jolie are each other's nemesis. They work together while they plot each other's murder. They play juvenile games, they keep filing complaints to Andre. The transition from enemies to lovers was perfect, gradual, believable, and gave me tons of stomach cramps. They were equal in every possible way, both didn’t give each other an inch and this was refreshing.
Chair
-A brand-new state-of-the-art ergonomic chair.
- I'm the boss, I deserve better and you can have my worn fabric, the bum groove, the squeaky castor.
-That skinny-assed bitch has stolen my chair!
Name
-Glassy or Glasseye?
- Tadpole or Rathole?
Stapler
-A missing chrome stapler
-Lure the thief with a Walmart's plastic wolf’s paw, a novelty stationery item, more toy than a tool.
-Do I need to superglue everything down?
The Dog
-A bichon first and a dachshund and some other stuffs.
-This little ball of ginger crud, I’m gonna eat him the minute her back’s turned.
-Jolie was probably a dog lover and had fallen head over heels for him.
Nadeem
-I am not allowed to talk to you before the nine a.m. meeting even if the building is on fire.
-Can I have a dozen stud muffins, please?
-I’m gonna kill the little bastard. Too late, he went home sick before you arrived. I think he was in deep trauma that he actually had the nerve to joke with you.
Frisbee
- Tadpole/Rathole vs Garoul
The best place to put a dog when traveling
- Upfront on the owner's knees?
- In the trunk?
The Ganache on The Cake
We met through Andre ➡ I started out with him and he passed me on to Jolie ➡ He said she really needed me…she was ready to go pop [Oh, Patrice sounded a little less confident, Hope sensed her concern] ➡Don’t worry. I figured Jolie out real quick, the trick with her is something hot and sweet first thing in the morning, preferably on her desk.
Hope and Jolie are each other's nemesis. They work together while they plot each other's murder. They play juvenile games, they keep filing complaints to Andre. The transition from enemies to lovers was perfect, gradual, believable, and gave me tons of stomach cramps. They were equal in every possible way, both didn’t give each other an inch and this was refreshing.
September 12, 2010
So, my relationship with Gill McKnight's books hasn't exactly been the best. Everyone else seemed to agree though that Ambereye was her best book, so when the chance presented itself, I took it, figuring 'What the heck, it can't really be worse than the others". I was a bit worried that another Garoul book would again rub me the wrong way in regards to the non-consensual sex that bothered me so much in Goldenseal, but went ahead anyway.
And I enjoyed. In its best moments, the book reminded me of both Doris Day movies (before the author even mentioned Doris Day) and 1930s/40s screwball comedies, esp. Bringing Up Baby. Werewolves, leopards... hello?
I cringed a couple times when I feared the non-con issue would come up again, but it was averted and the human reacted in a manner I wish whatshername in Goldenseal had.
The only real issue I have with it is that it stopped way too sudden. It was another lesfic book where I turned the page expecting to find something there and be greeted by nothing. I really wish their complex relationship would have been explored further.
Nice piece of escapist fluff. When I'm not expecting more, it hits the spot just right. In addition, there were little things that set this book a bit apart from the big lesfic sea of sameness. One of the characters, for example, had a disability, and her health issues were an issue throughout the book. Usually the lesfic world is inhabited by healthy, fit women, so this was a nice change.
And I enjoyed. In its best moments, the book reminded me of both Doris Day movies (before the author even mentioned Doris Day) and 1930s/40s screwball comedies, esp. Bringing Up Baby. Werewolves, leopards... hello?
I cringed a couple times when I feared the non-con issue would come up again, but it was averted and the human reacted in a manner I wish whatshername in Goldenseal had.
The only real issue I have with it is that it stopped way too sudden. It was another lesfic book where I turned the page expecting to find something there and be greeted by nothing. I really wish their complex relationship would have been explored further.
Nice piece of escapist fluff. When I'm not expecting more, it hits the spot just right. In addition, there were little things that set this book a bit apart from the big lesfic sea of sameness. One of the characters, for example, had a disability, and her health issues were an issue throughout the book. Usually the lesfic world is inhabited by healthy, fit women, so this was a nice change.
January 15, 2020
Wow!
For someone who found the first book difficult to get into, I'm now firmly a fan. This series so far is awe inspiring, and so well written it's addictive. I can't wait to start on book three. In all seriousness, this book is funny and serious at the same time. It highlights the clumsiness of your first love but it goes deeper because of the family secret. The scenery is wonderful as the author brings it to life in your imagination and the characters are somewhat different but kinda realistic too. It's a great story, enjoy because I certainly changed my mind and I really enjoyed it.
For someone who found the first book difficult to get into, I'm now firmly a fan. This series so far is awe inspiring, and so well written it's addictive. I can't wait to start on book three. In all seriousness, this book is funny and serious at the same time. It highlights the clumsiness of your first love but it goes deeper because of the family secret. The scenery is wonderful as the author brings it to life in your imagination and the characters are somewhat different but kinda realistic too. It's a great story, enjoy because I certainly changed my mind and I really enjoyed it.
December 20, 2023
The book was good and well until they had sex or should i say when the arrived at the Valley?
Everything went downhill from there, bad decisions after bad decisions from both MCs and the SIDE CHARACTER
Jolie ask her parents how to tell Hope she is a werewolf and they doesn’t really give her an answer
And when Hope said she saw a bear by the river everyone thought they could have a laugh about it?
And you Jolie you tell her you’re some if you’re ancestors were a werewolf and you’re as well and thought you would turn in front in her and have sex with her without really explaining anything and she’s terrified out of her mind??????????
I really did like Joile more than Hope even, i felt like she was misunderstood from everyone around her and all those pranks from Hope, her brother and employees, and her family didn’t make me laugh much.
Everytime she try to seek advice or help from her family all the do is give her shit and ignore her!
she made bad decision because of her awkwardness yes, but she deserve so much better!
By 78% of the book I just wanted it to end and save me from the hell i was listening to
Honestly I thought it would be a 4 star read because they really made me laugh at the beginning, but they fucked up things really quick 🙂.
Everything went downhill from there, bad decisions after bad decisions from both MCs and the SIDE CHARACTER
Jolie ask her parents how to tell Hope she is a werewolf and they doesn’t really give her an answer
And when Hope said she saw a bear by the river everyone thought they could have a laugh about it?
And you Jolie you tell her you’re some if you’re ancestors were a werewolf and you’re as well and thought you would turn in front in her and have sex with her without really explaining anything and she’s terrified out of her mind??????????
I really did like Joile more than Hope even, i felt like she was misunderstood from everyone around her and all those pranks from Hope, her brother and employees, and her family didn’t make me laugh much.
Everytime she try to seek advice or help from her family all the do is give her shit and ignore her!
she made bad decision because of her awkwardness yes, but she deserve so much better!
By 78% of the book I just wanted it to end and save me from the hell i was listening to
Honestly I thought it would be a 4 star read because they really made me laugh at the beginning, but they fucked up things really quick 🙂.
December 28, 2019
4.5 stars. This was a really fun read. It features werwolves but is not scary in any way shape or form. Unless you’re not good with eyeballs. But I digress.
The central characters are a socially awkward but hot workaholic boss - Jolie - and socially skilled and recovering from major illness Hope. Hope starts working for Jolie. And the battle between them when they first start out is some of the finest workplace jousting I have seen since maybe His Girl Friday. The pace for me dropped off a bit when Jolie and Hope shack up. But I was really pleased that Hope holds her own against the powerful wolf at all times.
I don’t think you have to like paranormal things to like this. It’s just a really fun story, with people (and, errr, wolven) out of their depth but trying, romance, comedic elements and the sort of story-telling that just makes you smile. It’s a delight, really, even if some of the resolution doesn’t quite match the build up.
The central characters are a socially awkward but hot workaholic boss - Jolie - and socially skilled and recovering from major illness Hope. Hope starts working for Jolie. And the battle between them when they first start out is some of the finest workplace jousting I have seen since maybe His Girl Friday. The pace for me dropped off a bit when Jolie and Hope shack up. But I was really pleased that Hope holds her own against the powerful wolf at all times.
I don’t think you have to like paranormal things to like this. It’s just a really fun story, with people (and, errr, wolven) out of their depth but trying, romance, comedic elements and the sort of story-telling that just makes you smile. It’s a delight, really, even if some of the resolution doesn’t quite match the build up.
July 20, 2018
4.25 - It's a fun read and a change of pace from all of the other urban fantasies out there.
Ambereye is the first I’ve read by Gill McKnight, though clearly not the first in the series. I will note right at the beginning that it easily stands alone since I had no real problems following along.
This novel takes quite a different turn than most urban fantasy books I’ve read. I’m not sure if it’s because of the nature of the characters themselves of it is McKnight’s own brand of humorous writing coming through. Ambereye is quirky, funny, and full of those miscommunication moments which lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and hilarity.
Hope Glassy is an Administrative Assistant who comes back to work part time after a major illness. She is still physically recovering and suffers emotionally and mentally from her ordeal. Rather than be assigned to president of Ambereye Inc, Andre Garoul, she is moved to help his sister. Even though they are twins, Jolie Garoul couldn’t be more different from her gregarious and charismatic brother. She is a workaholic, demanding, emotionally awkward and socially stunted. It doesn’t take Hope long to get the lay of the land where her new boss is concerned and before either of them know it, Hope has Jolie wrapped around her finger. What neither of them realize is the depth of feelings they would develop in such a short time.
When they are forced to head off to the Garoul homestead in Little Dip to do the annual business meeting, the entire family thinks that Jolie is bringing Hope home as her mate instead of her work assistant. Being at the homestead has made Jolie why she is so drawn to her admin and suddenly likes the idea of making a lifetime commitment, but Hope is utterly confused. Her confusion turns to a much darker emotion once the Garoul family secret is revealed. One thing is clear, Jolie doesn’t do anything unless it’s all the way.
I liked the book, especially the way it pulled me along at a fast pace. The characters were a little bit different and the premise of the story was entertaining. McKnight writes a good engaging tale. My only negatives were that I thought the romance was a little too quick as it didn’t seem like a whole lot of time passed between Hope becoming Jolie’s admin and them traveling to Little Dip. (Though that could have been my misunderstanding of the timeline) The other thing was a personal preference item, there is only so much ‘misunderstanding’ humor I can take in a book and this one bordered on slapstick at times. But all in all, it was fun read and certainly a change of pace from all the dark urban fantasies out there.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Ambereye is the first I’ve read by Gill McKnight, though clearly not the first in the series. I will note right at the beginning that it easily stands alone since I had no real problems following along.
This novel takes quite a different turn than most urban fantasy books I’ve read. I’m not sure if it’s because of the nature of the characters themselves of it is McKnight’s own brand of humorous writing coming through. Ambereye is quirky, funny, and full of those miscommunication moments which lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and hilarity.
Hope Glassy is an Administrative Assistant who comes back to work part time after a major illness. She is still physically recovering and suffers emotionally and mentally from her ordeal. Rather than be assigned to president of Ambereye Inc, Andre Garoul, she is moved to help his sister. Even though they are twins, Jolie Garoul couldn’t be more different from her gregarious and charismatic brother. She is a workaholic, demanding, emotionally awkward and socially stunted. It doesn’t take Hope long to get the lay of the land where her new boss is concerned and before either of them know it, Hope has Jolie wrapped around her finger. What neither of them realize is the depth of feelings they would develop in such a short time.
When they are forced to head off to the Garoul homestead in Little Dip to do the annual business meeting, the entire family thinks that Jolie is bringing Hope home as her mate instead of her work assistant. Being at the homestead has made Jolie why she is so drawn to her admin and suddenly likes the idea of making a lifetime commitment, but Hope is utterly confused. Her confusion turns to a much darker emotion once the Garoul family secret is revealed. One thing is clear, Jolie doesn’t do anything unless it’s all the way.
I liked the book, especially the way it pulled me along at a fast pace. The characters were a little bit different and the premise of the story was entertaining. McKnight writes a good engaging tale. My only negatives were that I thought the romance was a little too quick as it didn’t seem like a whole lot of time passed between Hope becoming Jolie’s admin and them traveling to Little Dip. (Though that could have been my misunderstanding of the timeline) The other thing was a personal preference item, there is only so much ‘misunderstanding’ humor I can take in a book and this one bordered on slapstick at times. But all in all, it was fun read and certainly a change of pace from all the dark urban fantasies out there.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2024
5-
HILARIOUS!
OMG...Lex was right! I loved this book. I laughed most of the way through. The relationship between Jolie and Tadpole (aka Rathole) and most of the comments made by Godfrey were hilarious especially at the end. I laughed so hard I couldn't see to read.
HILARIOUS!OMG...Lex was right! I loved this book. I laughed most of the way through. The relationship between Jolie and Tadpole (aka Rathole) and most of the comments made by Godfrey were hilarious especially at the end. I laughed so hard I couldn't see to read.
May 7, 2013
In the second book in the Garoul series, the readers are already 'in' on the Garoul's secret, so the author manages to concentrate on the character development of the leads, which results in a much better and emotionally satisfying read. Ambereye is both funny and heartbreaking at the same time. Actually it was more like Jolie is funny and heartbreaking at the same time. Jolie and Hope's office tussels are unforgettable. And I just love it when the characters' personalities are so far apart but the author manages to make them perfectly complementary to each other.
October 15, 2018
I liked this book better than the first. I am writing this after reading the entire series, and this one is my favorite. I enjoyed them all, but this one I just couldn't put down.
2nd reading: I enjoyed this one so much. It is my favorite in the series. I just love Hope. She is my favorite out of the bunch. Read them in order.
2nd reading: I enjoyed this one so much. It is my favorite in the series. I just love Hope. She is my favorite out of the bunch. Read them in order.
June 30, 2025
Could read it again!
I love that Jolie is so competent at work, but really awkward at (human) social interactions. Also, she's so cute.
However, there is a scene with dubious consent from Hope, where Jolie is in some kind of 'I can't stop it, it's the animal in me'. Hope then reestablished boundaries, but I think that scene could have been handled better. Also I would have loved to read a scene later where Jolie's wolf comes out and she can't control it anymore (with clear consent).
I love that Jolie is so competent at work, but really awkward at (human) social interactions. Also, she's so cute.
However, there is a scene with dubious consent from Hope, where Jolie is in some kind of 'I can't stop it, it's the animal in me'. Hope then reestablished boundaries, but I think that scene could have been handled better. Also I would have loved to read a scene later where Jolie's wolf comes out and she can't control it anymore (with clear consent).
December 14, 2023
What a great book! Extremely funny! It's the first of the series I've read and intending reading the whole series! I not much of a fan of this genre but this might change my mind! 5 stars!
November 1, 2020
It was hilarious like everyone expected it to be. It been awhile since i read a book that made me laugh out loud. Made my day. Thank you!
May 25, 2020
Don't judge a book by its cover! This book is very funny. I feel out of bed laughing. A hate-to-love between boss and the PA. Scramble for a chair, stapler? I love Jolie character. She is really fun, her talk in one's sleep is hilarious.
January 26, 2018
A very fun read.
June 9, 2025
One of my favorite go-to happy place books. The humor is just top notch. The narrator, however, not as great. She mispronounces loads - even common words. And the author's name. She mispronounces the author's name.
January 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It's another one that makes you fervently hope these two get together and have a happy ending. My only complaint is that it ends so abruptly. I like some sort of epilogue in my reading.
February 6, 2021
Probably my favourite of the series and for now of Gill McKnight 's work.
Because both main characters are so endaring, one so delightfully sweetly manipulative and the other so delightfully socially inept.
And the usual awful behaviour of the wolven falling in love is less preeminent by being mostly subconscious.
Because both main characters are so endaring, one so delightfully sweetly manipulative and the other so delightfully socially inept.
And the usual awful behaviour of the wolven falling in love is less preeminent by being mostly subconscious.
May 19, 2021
This one basically ticked all my boxes for FF romance
✅ Steamy sex scenes (no fade to black/closed doors)
✅ Full length novel (not a novella)
✅ Neither woman is in an unhappy marriage with a man, stays with said man, or dies
The bar is on the floor, yet I still struggle finding FF that clears it.
What I liked
I really loved Hope. It was nice having a paranormal romance where her illness wasn't magically healed. It was intersting to read about her adjusting to life post-surgery. In fact I'd have loved to see more of it.
The story actually adressed the reason for so many gay werewolves in a family. Like, this isn't important at all. I've read plenty of "clubhouse" style romance where I idly wonder if no one is going to comment on the 12 gay people and 1 side character straight couple. Still, it was a little nice just have a quick explanation. To prevent them from overbreeding! A biological prevention.
The entire section in Little Dip with all the Garouls was my favourite section.
Then there was the sex. I've read too many "obligatory" FF books in otherwise MM or MF series written by a straight woman. The sex will feel flat and like it's just going through the motions. Oh ho ho, not so here! You could feel the passion and raw desire Hope and especially Jolie had.
What I didn't like
Okay, this is petty AF but Jolie as a boss annoyed me so much. Jolie is one of two leaders. Her brother Andre is the other. All the employees hate Jolie. One of them isn't allowed to talk to her during some of the day because he annoys her. Jolie knows so little about her employees that she doesn't realise one of them had cancer, got an eye removed, and was given a new fancy chair to make her feel better. No, she steals that chair. FROM THE EMPLOYEE THAT JUST HAD CANCER.
I know Jolie and Hope's interactions of "stealing" from each other is meant to be cute, and it does become that with the stapler. I just cannot get past how incredibly bad of a boss Jolie is. Yeah, she's great at work, but a pisspoor leader. That shit should've been dealt with but probably wasn't due to nepotism.
/rant over
Sorry. Anyways, this is romance so I kicked that annoyance as far away as I could. And it was easier forgotten once they got to Little Dip.
The POV jumping also annoyed me. It jumps very suddenly between POVs.
The worst were Andre or Godfrey POVs as they felt more like sports commentators. As if the author didn't trust us to pick up on Jolie's or Hope's changed behaviours, so we'd switch to Andre so he could spell it out even further by thinking about it.
Lastly, while the sex scenes were great, they were too few. I needed way more. Also it felt very focused on Hope's pleasure and I'd have liked to see more going Jolie's way.
Final rating
Pretty solid, especially considering my poor luck with FF. Plus I love the "awkward grump X ray of sunshine" pairing. So 3,5 stars rounded up.
✅ Steamy sex scenes (no fade to black/closed doors)
✅ Full length novel (not a novella)
✅ Neither woman is in an unhappy marriage with a man, stays with said man, or dies
The bar is on the floor, yet I still struggle finding FF that clears it.
What I liked
I really loved Hope. It was nice having a paranormal romance where her illness wasn't magically healed. It was intersting to read about her adjusting to life post-surgery. In fact I'd have loved to see more of it.
The story actually adressed the reason for so many gay werewolves in a family. Like, this isn't important at all. I've read plenty of "clubhouse" style romance where I idly wonder if no one is going to comment on the 12 gay people and 1 side character straight couple. Still, it was a little nice just have a quick explanation. To prevent them from overbreeding! A biological prevention.
The entire section in Little Dip with all the Garouls was my favourite section.
Then there was the sex. I've read too many "obligatory" FF books in otherwise MM or MF series written by a straight woman. The sex will feel flat and like it's just going through the motions. Oh ho ho, not so here! You could feel the passion and raw desire Hope and especially Jolie had.
What I didn't like
Okay, this is petty AF but Jolie as a boss annoyed me so much. Jolie is one of two leaders. Her brother Andre is the other. All the employees hate Jolie. One of them isn't allowed to talk to her during some of the day because he annoys her. Jolie knows so little about her employees that she doesn't realise one of them had cancer, got an eye removed, and was given a new fancy chair to make her feel better. No, she steals that chair. FROM THE EMPLOYEE THAT JUST HAD CANCER.
I know Jolie and Hope's interactions of "stealing" from each other is meant to be cute, and it does become that with the stapler. I just cannot get past how incredibly bad of a boss Jolie is. Yeah, she's great at work, but a pisspoor leader. That shit should've been dealt with but probably wasn't due to nepotism.
/rant over
Sorry. Anyways, this is romance so I kicked that annoyance as far away as I could. And it was easier forgotten once they got to Little Dip.
The POV jumping also annoyed me. It jumps very suddenly between POVs.
The worst were Andre or Godfrey POVs as they felt more like sports commentators. As if the author didn't trust us to pick up on Jolie's or Hope's changed behaviours, so we'd switch to Andre so he could spell it out even further by thinking about it.
Lastly, while the sex scenes were great, they were too few. I needed way more. Also it felt very focused on Hope's pleasure and I'd have liked to see more going Jolie's way.
Final rating
Pretty solid, especially considering my poor luck with FF. Plus I love the "awkward grump X ray of sunshine" pairing. So 3,5 stars rounded up.
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