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Surviving the Change
A shifter without a mate—a man who's afraid to trust. Time is against them and even love might not be enough to survive the change.
Dan Bailey is a loner, a shifter without a pack that no pack will accept unless he has a mate. He's only looking for work and a few beers with friends when he meets Blythe Kenner, and suddenly his priorities change.
Blythe doesn't trust anyone—especially shifters. All he wants to do is bide his time working behind the bar while getting his law degree. That is until Dan walks in and makes it his sole vocation to get under Blythe's skin…and his covers. Blythe never counted on having a shifter as a lover, and complicated doesn't begin to describe how he feels.
Dan knows how he feels and he's not going to let Blythe go without a fight. But time is running out. A rival pack isn't happy with Dan's living arrangements, and if Dan can't win Blythe's trust soon, their very lives will be at stake.
Dan Bailey is a loner, a shifter without a pack that no pack will accept unless he has a mate. He's only looking for work and a few beers with friends when he meets Blythe Kenner, and suddenly his priorities change.
Blythe doesn't trust anyone—especially shifters. All he wants to do is bide his time working behind the bar while getting his law degree. That is until Dan walks in and makes it his sole vocation to get under Blythe's skin…and his covers. Blythe never counted on having a shifter as a lover, and complicated doesn't begin to describe how he feels.
Dan knows how he feels and he's not going to let Blythe go without a fight. But time is running out. A rival pack isn't happy with Dan's living arrangements, and if Dan can't win Blythe's trust soon, their very lives will be at stake.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2011
9 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
133 books536 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 14, 2011
Dan Bailey is a shifter without a pack. He cannot stay in one place for long because his loner status makes him a target for other pack members to attack him; and he cannot get a priviledge of pack protection until he is mated. And he has his eyes on a handsome young bartender. Blythe Kenner is a young law student, who struggles with family baggage and night job -- he definitely does not need complication of a shifter in his life, not when he has a terrible memory regarding shifters. Dan is able to chip down Blythe's wall little by little and become friends. Unfortunately, the time is running out and Dan might not survive the threat that hangs over both him and Blythe.
Oh, I LOVE this story ... it has EVERYTHING that I expect in a romance. It has courting (yes, when you write romance, write about the courting! at least for me *grin*); Dan cannot win Blythe's trust easily, he works for it, and it's really wonderful to read how Blythe slowly succumb to Dan's charm, patience, and love. The real reason on how Blythe hates shifters is unraveled in the right pace; so I can see why he is trying so hard not to let Dan in.
Then there's the "threat"; it's urban fantasy, so there's bad villain, and the threat feels real and intense. The way the threat is handled is a perfection, in terms of elevating the romance and emotion between Dan and Blythe ... and it totally makes the conclusion of this story so sweet and satisfying.
The only niggle I have, is probably the structure of the story -- while I don't mind that Blythe's family story is kept in the middle, there is this one scene (it's Dan and Blythe's first love making) written as flash back. It bothers me a bit. Maybe because I feel it's pretty significant and the flash back gives sense as an 'after thought'.
But over all, this is a satisfying novella from an author I never read before.
Oh, I LOVE this story ... it has EVERYTHING that I expect in a romance. It has courting (yes, when you write romance, write about the courting! at least for me *grin*); Dan cannot win Blythe's trust easily, he works for it, and it's really wonderful to read how Blythe slowly succumb to Dan's charm, patience, and love. The real reason on how Blythe hates shifters is unraveled in the right pace; so I can see why he is trying so hard not to let Dan in.
Then there's the "threat"; it's urban fantasy, so there's bad villain, and the threat feels real and intense. The way the threat is handled is a perfection, in terms of elevating the romance and emotion between Dan and Blythe ... and it totally makes the conclusion of this story so sweet and satisfying.
The only niggle I have, is probably the structure of the story -- while I don't mind that Blythe's family story is kept in the middle, there is this one scene (it's Dan and Blythe's first love making) written as flash back. It bothers me a bit. Maybe because I feel it's pretty significant and the flash back gives sense as an 'after thought'.
But over all, this is a satisfying novella from an author I never read before.
September 28, 2021
A Slightly different take on werewolves... But still awesome love!
I love the world building in this one... And am impressed how much the author squeezed in just over 80 pages. This is about my 8 or ninety book by this author in a row and I am happy to say she has delivered in each and every one!
I love the world building in this one... And am impressed how much the author squeezed in just over 80 pages. This is about my 8 or ninety book by this author in a row and I am happy to say she has delivered in each and every one!
July 11, 2013
4.5
I loved this!! I've read a few shifter stories these last weeks and this one was definitely one of the best! The writing is good, the build up is slow and thorough, there is no instant bonding (although Dan falls fast and hard and Blythe is just too scared to allow himself the same), some pack policies were original and interesting, and, most of all, I adored Dan and Blythe.
Dan is a shifter without a pack - he's gay and as a gay man he needs a mate to find allegiance. Shifter packs are a macho culture and a free-roaming gay man revealing his attraction to other males only leads to trouble. So Dan has been wandering around for years, having fun and seeking out odd jobs. But then, he comes to Denver to his old friend and pack alpha Zeph and sees Blythe, bartender, law student, and surprisingly not interested. Getting to Blythe is far more difficult than Dan imagined and he has to work harder than ever in his life, but he knows it will be worth it.
The longer Dan stays though the more antsy the packs get about the unaffiliated shifter. Dan will have to convince Blythe soon that his interest and love is genuine or his time will run out much quicker than even he realises.
The things I loved most:
If you like shifter stories, go for it! Definitely recommended!
I loved this!! I've read a few shifter stories these last weeks and this one was definitely one of the best! The writing is good, the build up is slow and thorough, there is no instant bonding (although Dan falls fast and hard and Blythe is just too scared to allow himself the same), some pack policies were original and interesting, and, most of all, I adored Dan and Blythe.
Dan is a shifter without a pack - he's gay and as a gay man he needs a mate to find allegiance. Shifter packs are a macho culture and a free-roaming gay man revealing his attraction to other males only leads to trouble. So Dan has been wandering around for years, having fun and seeking out odd jobs. But then, he comes to Denver to his old friend and pack alpha Zeph and sees Blythe, bartender, law student, and surprisingly not interested. Getting to Blythe is far more difficult than Dan imagined and he has to work harder than ever in his life, but he knows it will be worth it.
The longer Dan stays though the more antsy the packs get about the unaffiliated shifter. Dan will have to convince Blythe soon that his interest and love is genuine or his time will run out much quicker than even he realises.
The things I loved most:
If you like shifter stories, go for it! Definitely recommended!
February 18, 2012
Different sort of shifter story, not immediate "my mate, mine!!" but a slower build up, and a little bit different take on the pack dynamics of being mated. It suffered a bit from the short length, but an enjoyable read.
October 20, 2018
Human and Heartbreaking
Cari Z never fails to bring the humanity into her supernatural stories. Her characters have issues like paying for college and dealing with work-related stress the same as anyone and I deeply appreciate this since there are far too many paranormal books out there which perpetuate the "supernaturals are perfect" trope. It's nice to be able to read about the creatures of fantasy having the same issues I have in reality. It's just nice to have that connection for me since I've always loved monsters and monster movies yet never wanted to give up my own humanity for their world.
Dan may be a shifter who embodies everything there is to say about the supernatural world, but he's so gloriously human in his feelings for Blythe I cannot even imagine thinking of him as "other." I loved his slow movement from swaggering stalker to patient presence. He realized his feelings for Blythe in a way which resonated for me; I could feel his confusion, sadness, and yearning. I really loved how he came to accept he may not actually get what he wants from a man for the first time.
Blythe was a wonderful surprise for me. He's a human who doesn't want to be with a supernatural partner. He doesn't even like shifters. He isn't impressed with Dan's looks or power or otherworldly nature. Blythe isn't impressed by much of anything at all. He is a very self-contained individual whose affection is won through true devotion rather than instalust or instalove. I really enjoyed how Cari Z allowed him to be more than just some fawning human with a hot shifter lover. He's a whole character every bit as much as Dan is and I loved getting to know him at the same pace Dan managed since it made the story richer on the whole.
I absolutely love the dynamic of this world Cari Z has created. The pack laws are fascinating; human interactions with the supernatural world are even more interesting. I'd love to see more fiction in this set-up. I'd recommend this love story to anyone who wanted a hot read with a bit of bite. I read it in October -as part of my Halloween celebration reading- but it's a story which could be enjoyed any time of year. 5 Stars from me for being real and unreal all at the same time while making me cry just a little for how love should be between mates of any species.
Cari Z never fails to bring the humanity into her supernatural stories. Her characters have issues like paying for college and dealing with work-related stress the same as anyone and I deeply appreciate this since there are far too many paranormal books out there which perpetuate the "supernaturals are perfect" trope. It's nice to be able to read about the creatures of fantasy having the same issues I have in reality. It's just nice to have that connection for me since I've always loved monsters and monster movies yet never wanted to give up my own humanity for their world.
Dan may be a shifter who embodies everything there is to say about the supernatural world, but he's so gloriously human in his feelings for Blythe I cannot even imagine thinking of him as "other." I loved his slow movement from swaggering stalker to patient presence. He realized his feelings for Blythe in a way which resonated for me; I could feel his confusion, sadness, and yearning. I really loved how he came to accept he may not actually get what he wants from a man for the first time.
Blythe was a wonderful surprise for me. He's a human who doesn't want to be with a supernatural partner. He doesn't even like shifters. He isn't impressed with Dan's looks or power or otherworldly nature. Blythe isn't impressed by much of anything at all. He is a very self-contained individual whose affection is won through true devotion rather than instalust or instalove. I really enjoyed how Cari Z allowed him to be more than just some fawning human with a hot shifter lover. He's a whole character every bit as much as Dan is and I loved getting to know him at the same pace Dan managed since it made the story richer on the whole.
I absolutely love the dynamic of this world Cari Z has created. The pack laws are fascinating; human interactions with the supernatural world are even more interesting. I'd love to see more fiction in this set-up. I'd recommend this love story to anyone who wanted a hot read with a bit of bite. I read it in October -as part of my Halloween celebration reading- but it's a story which could be enjoyed any time of year. 5 Stars from me for being real and unreal all at the same time while making me cry just a little for how love should be between mates of any species.
September 10, 2012
A pretty enjoyable m/m shifter romance about Dan, a lone wolf shifter who falls for a prickly bartender, and the challenges they face from the town’s shifter packs.
This was the first book I’ve read by Cari Z and I liked her style a lot. One thing I really appreciated was her fast, no frills world-building that she does in the beginning. It’s a world like ours, but shifters, vampires, and other paranormals exist, and it’s laid out quickly and then sped by to go along with the story. She did a good job of throwing you into the pool without being confusing.
Blythe, the bartender and recipient of Dan’s affection, was both sympathetic and funny, and Dan’s tenacious efforts to get his attention were fun to read. Their romance was a nice slow build.
I also liked that even though this novella is less than a hundred pages, it still felt like a good complete story. I didn’t feel a big sense of lacking, and even though I could always read more, what was there felt satisfying.
My only niggle was that at one point, Blythe goes to the law school library on Christmas Day to study, and I was thinking, “What law library is open on CHRISTMAS?” I know, I know—why am I questioning that point in a book with lion, snake, and wolf shifters, like maybe in this AU world, libraries never close, but it stuck out to me. I kind of wish the author had him go someplace to study that might realistically be open on that day, like his favorite Chinese restaurant or something. In a world of territorial shifters and cranky vampires, that one point stuck out to me as weirdly false and a poor set-up for the events that followed.
But besides that, it was a fun, fast, yet satisfying read. If you’re a fan of shifter romance, you might enjoy this novella a lot. I’m looking forward to checking out more from this author.
This was the first book I’ve read by Cari Z and I liked her style a lot. One thing I really appreciated was her fast, no frills world-building that she does in the beginning. It’s a world like ours, but shifters, vampires, and other paranormals exist, and it’s laid out quickly and then sped by to go along with the story. She did a good job of throwing you into the pool without being confusing.
Blythe, the bartender and recipient of Dan’s affection, was both sympathetic and funny, and Dan’s tenacious efforts to get his attention were fun to read. Their romance was a nice slow build.
I also liked that even though this novella is less than a hundred pages, it still felt like a good complete story. I didn’t feel a big sense of lacking, and even though I could always read more, what was there felt satisfying.
My only niggle was that at one point, Blythe goes to the law school library on Christmas Day to study, and I was thinking, “What law library is open on CHRISTMAS?” I know, I know—why am I questioning that point in a book with lion, snake, and wolf shifters, like maybe in this AU world, libraries never close, but it stuck out to me. I kind of wish the author had him go someplace to study that might realistically be open on that day, like his favorite Chinese restaurant or something. In a world of territorial shifters and cranky vampires, that one point stuck out to me as weirdly false and a poor set-up for the events that followed.
But besides that, it was a fun, fast, yet satisfying read. If you’re a fan of shifter romance, you might enjoy this novella a lot. I’m looking forward to checking out more from this author.
January 16, 2011
This story is a look at a slightly different shifter reality with tough guys, rules about mating that prevent loners from joining packs, and a touch of 'reality' that is absent in many other were stories.
Dan is an interesting were hero: while he is normally as dominant as they come, when he meets Blythe and realizes he is interested in him, he shifts gears, so to speak. Understanding that he needs to be very careful with the distrustful bartender, he adapts to the other man's needs. I thought that was a nice change, and done without making Dan appear weaker at all. His ultimate sacrifice, when the crisis hits, was very touching and made me like him even more.
Blythe is a wounded soul, and it takes the best part of the book to reveal all the details. I liked that there was some mystery around him and his reasons for being so tough on Dan; there was always just enough of a reveal to keep my interest. I hated that it took him so long to realize what Dan meant to him, but it was very realistic in the scheme of what had happened to him.
This is a love story with two strong characters butting heads and wills - but without some of the more macho elements I've seen in many other books. The fact that Dan is a shifter adds to the 'feel' of the story and the tension between him and Blythe. I really liked this shifter world and the weres that inhabit it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review at Queer Magazine Online.
Dan is an interesting were hero: while he is normally as dominant as they come, when he meets Blythe and realizes he is interested in him, he shifts gears, so to speak. Understanding that he needs to be very careful with the distrustful bartender, he adapts to the other man's needs. I thought that was a nice change, and done without making Dan appear weaker at all. His ultimate sacrifice, when the crisis hits, was very touching and made me like him even more.
Blythe is a wounded soul, and it takes the best part of the book to reveal all the details. I liked that there was some mystery around him and his reasons for being so tough on Dan; there was always just enough of a reveal to keep my interest. I hated that it took him so long to realize what Dan meant to him, but it was very realistic in the scheme of what had happened to him.
This is a love story with two strong characters butting heads and wills - but without some of the more macho elements I've seen in many other books. The fact that Dan is a shifter adds to the 'feel' of the story and the tension between him and Blythe. I really liked this shifter world and the weres that inhabit it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review at Queer Magazine Online.
January 12, 2011
A very well written story that I really did enjoy. While not overly long (I read it in one sitting before bed) it had a nicely paced plot and good character development. I particularly liked the fact that Cari Z managed to avoid the whole insta-love temptation and gave a lovely slow build up to a good, solid relationship before plunging the reader into the real action and angst of the piece. It's not as easy as it looks, but was thoroughly well done in this story IMO. Double thumbs up too for the plot and world building. I was able to lose myself without any "Hey, wait a minute!" moments which can plaugue an ill conceived paranomal romance. I felt the author gave real thought and attention to the little details and connections in this one. Overall a great story that probably deserves more like 4.5 stars from me. I will definitely be looking into more by this author. :)
March 13, 2011
Very good paranormal m/m romance about a lone wolf shifter who can only stay in one place for a few weeks before other shifters force him to move on. Right after he arrives in Denver, he becomes fascinated with an elusive law student bartending in a shifter bar.
February 4, 2011
It's good till the rescue scene and I said to myself 'wth!'
December 12, 2013
I enjoyed this take on shifters and mates. This story isn't very long but it doesn't feel rushed or clipped. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
May 15, 2011
Blythe is a student who works nights in a bar to support himself. It's a shifter bar and he hasn't much use for shifters but it pays the bills. One night a new wolf shows up and decides to follow him home. He is NOT impressed and even though Dan is flirty and non-threatening, Blythe is not interested. However there are two rival packs in town (not all wolves, Dan's friend the one alpha is a lion and the rival alpha is a snake). Dan offers to fix Blythe's car in exchange for space on the couch as he's kind of homeless. They become friends but Blythe doesn't give in. You do eventually find out that Blythe had his reasons for being anti-shifter, it wasn't just to be contrary. There are problems though. As an unbonded male, Dan can't stick around too long as packs see him as a threat, however Blythe isn't coming around as quickly as would be useful to allow him to stay around. After a fight breaks out between the two groups at the bar and Dan saves Blythe but injures himself, Blythe finally gets with the problem, but when Dan kills the rival alpha's brother saving Blythe, Dan gives himself up to save Blythe, leading Blythe to band together with the good alpha to get Dan back, although they are nearly too late. I think those who enjoy shifter stores (aka me) will enjoy this. It started out kind of slow (not in a negative way) but with you getting to know Blythe and Dan and them becoming kind of friends and then flips into high gear once the other pack goes on the attack and Blythe has to make a stand. So if you like furry boys, a good read.
February 12, 2011
Really good novella. It was more intense than I had anticipated. Blythe was such a hard nut to crack. Both times it took something major to push him to move forward.
I felt kind of bad for Dan just being content with scraps. It peeved me a little with Blythe being so unbending. Okay, I like it that Blythe didn't roll over for Dan but jeeze Dan worked it really hard...
I did feel that everything was wrapped up real fast, roses and sunshine like. Generalized. I would have liked to have had a lot more.
I felt kind of bad for Dan just being content with scraps. It peeved me a little with Blythe being so unbending. Okay, I like it that Blythe didn't roll over for Dan but jeeze Dan worked it really hard...
I did feel that everything was wrapped up real fast, roses and sunshine like. Generalized. I would have liked to have had a lot more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
Surviving the Change by Cari Z.
Rating: 3.5 stars
While I did enjoy the story, I felt like there was something missing. Blythe spent so much time pushing Dan away that it was hard to feel an emotional connection between the two of them at the end. I thought it a shame that Dan didn’t belong to the pack for the majority of the book because I would have loved to have more interaction with the pack. All in all, it was enjoyable but it just felt a bit lacking
Rating: 3.5 stars
While I did enjoy the story, I felt like there was something missing. Blythe spent so much time pushing Dan away that it was hard to feel an emotional connection between the two of them at the end. I thought it a shame that Dan didn’t belong to the pack for the majority of the book because I would have loved to have more interaction with the pack. All in all, it was enjoyable but it just felt a bit lacking
August 21, 2012
Surviving the Change is a solid shifter romance. Cari Z. is a competent writer and I like her overall style. That said, the world building in this novella doesn't break any new ground, and its short length doesn't allow much space for believable character growth or relationship development. I'm still pretty new to this author's work, but I have come to expect a bit more from her than this.
Both main characters have potential. Blythe is broody and damaged. He's got all kinds of family baggage and barely-repressed rage. He's not cuddly, but he could have been fascinating with better development. Dan is also a likable character, but it's not very clear why he chooses to pursue Blythe. Blythe is so prickly and stand-offish that it's hard to believe that Dan could fall for him. I needed to see more of a connection between these two characters to believe in their romance. Blythe in particular seems to do a 180 at the end of the book, from emotionally unavailable to deeply in love overnight. It felt very sudden and made it harder for me to accept the giddy happiness of the reunited couple at the end of the story.
Although I am a bit disappointed, Surviving the Change isn't a bad way to spend a few hours. It just didn't quite live up to my hopes. I'm definitely not giving up on this author, though.
Both main characters have potential. Blythe is broody and damaged. He's got all kinds of family baggage and barely-repressed rage. He's not cuddly, but he could have been fascinating with better development. Dan is also a likable character, but it's not very clear why he chooses to pursue Blythe. Blythe is so prickly and stand-offish that it's hard to believe that Dan could fall for him. I needed to see more of a connection between these two characters to believe in their romance. Blythe in particular seems to do a 180 at the end of the book, from emotionally unavailable to deeply in love overnight. It felt very sudden and made it harder for me to accept the giddy happiness of the reunited couple at the end of the story.
Although I am a bit disappointed, Surviving the Change isn't a bad way to spend a few hours. It just didn't quite live up to my hopes. I'm definitely not giving up on this author, though.
February 7, 2011
This was a very well written short story about a lone shifter who finds and needs to woo his mate. I loved Dan - he's such an interesting, emotional character that was strong when he needed to be but soft as a cloud when it came to Blythe. I loved the patience and restraint he showed while he was giving Bly the time and space he needed to understand his feelings.
Chapter 5 almost killed me, it totally got up in my grill and brought out all kinds of overwhelming emotions. I swear I had to look away from my e-reader because I had a moment of panic. To me, the emotion I felt means I was highly invested in the characters that the author brought to life. I think I would have given it a 4.5 or higher had it been longer. Wonderful read.
Chapter 5 almost killed me, it totally got up in my grill and brought out all kinds of overwhelming emotions. I swear I had to look away from my e-reader because I had a moment of panic. To me, the emotion I felt means I was highly invested in the characters that the author brought to life. I think I would have given it a 4.5 or higher had it been longer. Wonderful read.
April 20, 2014
3.5 Stars
This book has been on my TBR forever and I've been hesitant to read it ... partly because of the ratings ... partly because I'm not familiar with this author's work. Happily, I can report I enjoyed it. I've read quite a few PNR shifter stories. This book was refreshing insofar as there wasn't insta-love or even insta-lust. This was a slow burn without proclamations of '"Mine!" Who woulda thunk it? Well, I liked it. Although Dan wasn't a fearsome name, I enjoyed his character. Blythe was a bit of a turd but redeemed himself in the end.
Bottom line: A short, easy read that was surprisingly good. I wish this was a series. I'd love to revisit with this couple and Zeph's pack.
This book has been on my TBR forever and I've been hesitant to read it ... partly because of the ratings ... partly because I'm not familiar with this author's work. Happily, I can report I enjoyed it. I've read quite a few PNR shifter stories. This book was refreshing insofar as there wasn't insta-love or even insta-lust. This was a slow burn without proclamations of '"Mine!" Who woulda thunk it? Well, I liked it. Although Dan wasn't a fearsome name, I enjoyed his character. Blythe was a bit of a turd but redeemed himself in the end.
Bottom line: A short, easy read that was surprisingly good. I wish this was a series. I'd love to revisit with this couple and Zeph's pack.
June 27, 2015
Blythe is a human who does not like or trust shifters, and for good reason. Then he met Dan, a wolf shifter. Dan likes Bly from the start, but their courting is being complicated with pack politics and Bly's reluctance to trust a shifter.
The story was quite enjoyable. Dan was perfect - sexy as hell, and also kind, patient and sweet-natured. Once or twice I wanted to hit Blythe over the head and tell him to get over himself, but I understand where his actions came from, it was just frustrating.
Cari Z is quickly becoming a must-read author for me.
The story was quite enjoyable. Dan was perfect - sexy as hell, and also kind, patient and sweet-natured. Once or twice I wanted to hit Blythe over the head and tell him to get over himself, but I understand where his actions came from, it was just frustrating.
Cari Z is quickly becoming a must-read author for me.
January 3, 2014
I do love m/m shifter romance and this one was an enjoyable read about a confident shifter who doesn't wish to take a mate and join a pack who is trying to win the affection of a human who has dislike for shifters and distrusts them.
My only complaint is that I wish their first love scene, which I think was a pretty important scene, wasn't told in a flashback.
My only complaint is that I wish their first love scene, which I think was a pretty important scene, wasn't told in a flashback.
November 14, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
For a shifter book there's no shifting until 65% and beyond politics it didn't seem a big deal.
The story was ok but never particularly cared about the characters or felt any chemistry between then. Love came from nowhere.
The ever so thoughtful Christmas gift didn't have any special significance.
The whole rescue was ridiculous.
For a shifter book there's no shifting until 65% and beyond politics it didn't seem a big deal.
The story was ok but never particularly cared about the characters or felt any chemistry between then. Love came from nowhere.
The ever so thoughtful Christmas gift didn't have any special significance.
The whole rescue was ridiculous.
July 3, 2023
Wow this did not work for me. I had to double check this was indeed a Cari Z book - and then wondered if it was her first. It’s stilted, all tell no show, then telling again when you switch perspectives. DNF at 60%.
If you’re looking for a solid shifter book, her other one Off the Beaten Path is great.
If you’re looking for a solid shifter book, her other one Off the Beaten Path is great.
August 29, 2017
This author never fails to deliver!
October 30, 2013
It was quite good. There was development and a sort of slow seduction that was nice to read. And then it explodes into melodrama.
The beginning is so blatantly info-dump I almost didn't quite know what to say.
"Holy" is not the same as "holey." I suppose it's possible that Dan has divinely blessed ripped jeans, though.
I'm pretty sure the author said "human" when she actually meant "shifter" when referring to Rebecca. Either that or the following reply is extremely poorly phrased.
After about the half-way point, relationship development is told in summary. The actual "mating moment" isn't explicitly written, which made it seem a bit anticlimactic. Kind of like porn that omitted the "money shot."
We get the aftermath and when Dan realizes, but that's, following the porn analogy, like it cutting out right before the orgasms, then coming back in when they're still basking in afterglow or whatever. I dunno. It prolly wasn't a good analogy to begin with *shrug
The other characters operate as if they know Blythe's backstory. It's weird because the reader doesn't even really know Blythe's backstory by that point. It's eluded to and the reader can make assumptions as to what happened, but it's never actually explicitly stated, I don't think.
Either way, the shifters shouldn't be acting as if they know.
It gets especially melodramatic after about the 3/4 point.
La-dee-dah, random bullshit that makes very little sense, blah, blah, blah, random sex.
In between, many, many time skips.
The last quarter or so - the parts that weren't rife with melodrama - were half-formed, badly-formed caricature of a story, which makes me sad. It's like the author ran out of time to write the story and just included her outline as the last part of the story.
There was something mentioned in the final scene that seemed random and inexplicable. I even flipped through the ending again in hopes that it was something mentioned in passing before that would explain the allusion, to no avail. I can think of a possible explanation, but it's tenuous at best. The author throws out points, but doesn't bother connect them. There were other tidbits that seemed like plot bunnies and/or random plot brainstorms, but which also weren't developed or tied into anything.
The beginning is so blatantly info-dump I almost didn't quite know what to say.
"Holy" is not the same as "holey." I suppose it's possible that Dan has divinely blessed ripped jeans, though.
I'm pretty sure the author said "human" when she actually meant "shifter" when referring to Rebecca. Either that or the following reply is extremely poorly phrased.
After about the half-way point, relationship development is told in summary. The actual "mating moment" isn't explicitly written, which made it seem a bit anticlimactic. Kind of like porn that omitted the "money shot."
We get the aftermath and when Dan realizes, but that's, following the porn analogy, like it cutting out right before the orgasms, then coming back in when they're still basking in afterglow or whatever. I dunno. It prolly wasn't a good analogy to begin with *shrug
The other characters operate as if they know Blythe's backstory. It's weird because the reader doesn't even really know Blythe's backstory by that point. It's eluded to and the reader can make assumptions as to what happened, but it's never actually explicitly stated, I don't think.
Either way, the shifters shouldn't be acting as if they know.
It gets especially melodramatic after about the 3/4 point.
La-dee-dah, random bullshit that makes very little sense, blah, blah, blah, random sex.
In between, many, many time skips.
The last quarter or so - the parts that weren't rife with melodrama - were half-formed, badly-formed caricature of a story, which makes me sad. It's like the author ran out of time to write the story and just included her outline as the last part of the story.
There was something mentioned in the final scene that seemed random and inexplicable. I even flipped through the ending again in hopes that it was something mentioned in passing before that would explain the allusion, to no avail. I can think of a possible explanation, but it's tenuous at best. The author throws out points, but doesn't bother connect them. There were other tidbits that seemed like plot bunnies and/or random plot brainstorms, but which also weren't developed or tied into anything.
October 20, 2012
This is a different kind of shifter book than I'm used to. There's no 'You're my mate and you have to love me' kind of mentality here. No, it's more a gentle falling in love and therefore you are my mate kind of thing.
Dan is a lone-wolf shifter, not belonging to any pack due to his being gay and mateless. Blythe is a man with trust issues, especially where shifters are concerned. So of course Dan goes and falls in love with him.. Blythe resists though and things start going bad because a lone-wolf is not really tolerated by the packs for very long.
I loved the fact that it wasn't an insta-love kind of thing. Problems arose and needed to be solved and weren't swept under the carpet. For a 'shortish' story it was very well handled and didn't feel rushed.
Dan is a lone-wolf shifter, not belonging to any pack due to his being gay and mateless. Blythe is a man with trust issues, especially where shifters are concerned. So of course Dan goes and falls in love with him.. Blythe resists though and things start going bad because a lone-wolf is not really tolerated by the packs for very long.
I loved the fact that it wasn't an insta-love kind of thing. Problems arose and needed to be solved and weren't swept under the carpet. For a 'shortish' story it was very well handled and didn't feel rushed.
April 22, 2015
Just wow. I am thoroughly impressed. Not only did this book show a more accurate representation of character than I have seen in a long time within this genre but it was damn sexy to boot. I love the equality in this relationship, how the power casually shifts between the two characters as each deals with their own unique issues and desires. A short but well told story, the writing set the scenes simply and kept me enthralled through to the end. Will have to check out this author's other works.
May 28, 2011
This book was a surprise, since it is the first thing I ever purchased by this author and the reviews
on it were not all positiv.
I loved that it was not intant love and Dan had to work to bring Blythe around to take him as a mate
and the courting process was quite sweet.
Also the book had a plot, which is not always the case if you read shifters stories, and it was well written.
on it were not all positiv.
I loved that it was not intant love and Dan had to work to bring Blythe around to take him as a mate
and the courting process was quite sweet.
Also the book had a plot, which is not always the case if you read shifters stories, and it was well written.
January 15, 2011
I really loved this book! It was well written and really stuck out as being a great paranormal werewolf story. I really liked the pacing and that the guys just didn't jump in bed together. Highly recommended!
May 17, 2011
Aftertaste: positive
January 23, 2022
Mating on a deadline
This was an interesting book but it had a feel about it of being very rushed by grace of the particular set up it gave its characters.
In this world shifters exist, though they are a small fraction of the population. As with anything, gay shifters also exist, though they are then an even smaller fraction of that already small population. Because their population is so small shifters are very much about procreation and gay shifters are rather hated, unless they are already mated and not a threat to the pack. Dan is such a wolf shifter and so has spent much of his adult life drifting between packs, staying for a month or so until the pack gets him to move along. This is starting to wear on him but shifters don't have fated mates and he has never found a man that he loved to bond with. That is until he meets surly bartender Blythe, who is physically attracted to him but constantly rejects him. This contradiction intrigues Dan and he ends up pursuing Blythe, despite the fact that Blythe doesn't really want that.
This causes a few problems for the story as a whole. First of all is the fact that Dan can only stay in each place for one month. At one month it is awfully hard to meet someone and fall in love, especially since the person meets has to be human. Falling for someone tends to take longer than that, so the very restrictions the packs have placed make it highly difficult for gay shifters to ever have the chance of settling down with a mate. Then there is the relationship with Blythe. It felt rather antagonistic for a good chunk at the beginning. Blythe really doesn't like shifters because of an event in his past, so having it be that a shifter is pursuing him makes him downright afraid at times. This doesn't at all feel romantic, but instead a bit forced and almost stalking and u comfortable. While there is an event that breaches that and makes Blythe comfortable with Dan and interested, there is still after that the insane time limit to fall for each other. It makes it all very rushed at the end which doesn't feel great for what is to be a permanent relationship.
This was an interesting book but it had a feel about it of being very rushed by grace of the particular set up it gave its characters.
In this world shifters exist, though they are a small fraction of the population. As with anything, gay shifters also exist, though they are then an even smaller fraction of that already small population. Because their population is so small shifters are very much about procreation and gay shifters are rather hated, unless they are already mated and not a threat to the pack. Dan is such a wolf shifter and so has spent much of his adult life drifting between packs, staying for a month or so until the pack gets him to move along. This is starting to wear on him but shifters don't have fated mates and he has never found a man that he loved to bond with. That is until he meets surly bartender Blythe, who is physically attracted to him but constantly rejects him. This contradiction intrigues Dan and he ends up pursuing Blythe, despite the fact that Blythe doesn't really want that.
This causes a few problems for the story as a whole. First of all is the fact that Dan can only stay in each place for one month. At one month it is awfully hard to meet someone and fall in love, especially since the person meets has to be human. Falling for someone tends to take longer than that, so the very restrictions the packs have placed make it highly difficult for gay shifters to ever have the chance of settling down with a mate. Then there is the relationship with Blythe. It felt rather antagonistic for a good chunk at the beginning. Blythe really doesn't like shifters because of an event in his past, so having it be that a shifter is pursuing him makes him downright afraid at times. This doesn't at all feel romantic, but instead a bit forced and almost stalking and u comfortable. While there is an event that breaches that and makes Blythe comfortable with Dan and interested, there is still after that the insane time limit to fall for each other. It makes it all very rushed at the end which doesn't feel great for what is to be a permanent relationship.
November 25, 2019
3.5 stars! When I read a Cari Z book I expect sharp edges to the storytelling. Here, her shifters mean business. They may be cuddly for their own people, but, when the violence happens, it's real. Which makes things horribly poignant at times in this tale.
Dan was problematic for me at first. He gave off these creepy stalker vibes. But when he took no for an answer with grace, I was able to warn to him. I even ended up liking him better than Bly. Bly, on the other hand, impressed me when push came to shove -- he went all in for Dan. That and his unquestioning acceptance and love in spite of Dan's injuries really made the character for me.
This was an enjoyable read that I didn't rate higher because I wanted more depth in the world and the secondary characters. I'd like to see more!
Dan was problematic for me at first. He gave off these creepy stalker vibes. But when he took no for an answer with grace, I was able to warn to him. I even ended up liking him better than Bly. Bly, on the other hand, impressed me when push came to shove -- he went all in for Dan. That and his unquestioning acceptance and love in spite of Dan's injuries really made the character for me.
This was an enjoyable read that I didn't rate higher because I wanted more depth in the world and the secondary characters. I'd like to see more!
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