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Strays
Kyle Anderson grew up with the lie that he was one of the last humans born. Then Kyle’s quiet, lonely life as a research assistant and student is shattered when he discovers the government has been lying to the world for more than twenty years. Now on the run from authorities who would kill for his silence, Kyle is taken in by Daniel Shanks, a member of a militia group dedicated to discovering the truth. Daniel has seen death and violence in this new, radically changed society, and the closer he gets to Kyle, the harder his fears ride him. They will need to stop listening to the lies told by the government and start facing the lies they’ve been telling themselves, because the only place strays like them may be safe in this uncertain world is in each other’s hearts.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 14, 2012
4 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Kyle has escaped from the government who decided that he saw something that he shouldn’t have and has made plans for him to disappear…forever. Daniel is a member of the militia and takes Kyle in to help him out. They both feel an attraction to the other but Daniel is wary of getting too close. He knows just how quickly friends can die in the militia. Kyle is still trying to overcome the horror of being kidnapped by his own government to embark on a relationship.
As these two work, together their feelings for each other become more pronounced. Just as they have acted on those feelings a disaster strikes the militia and Daniel flees as he realizes that he is in danger of being hurt emotionally if anything happened to Kyle.
I thought this book had a very good story line with solid characters, the development of their relationship wasn’t rushed and they were interesting characters who meshed quite well. The story itself seemed a little choppy at first but smoothed out beautifully and the subject of it being a post plague setting where the government was lying to the world was great and made for interesting reading.
I enjoyed this book so what would I recommend… well if you like futuristic/post apocalypse, hot sex and a good story line…what are you waiting for…an engraved invitation?
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Kyle has escaped from the government who decided that he saw something that he shouldn’t have and has made plans for him to disappear…forever. Daniel is a member of the militia and takes Kyle in to help him out. They both feel an attraction to the other but Daniel is wary of getting too close. He knows just how quickly friends can die in the militia. Kyle is still trying to overcome the horror of being kidnapped by his own government to embark on a relationship.
As these two work, together their feelings for each other become more pronounced. Just as they have acted on those feelings a disaster strikes the militia and Daniel flees as he realizes that he is in danger of being hurt emotionally if anything happened to Kyle.
I thought this book had a very good story line with solid characters, the development of their relationship wasn’t rushed and they were interesting characters who meshed quite well. The story itself seemed a little choppy at first but smoothed out beautifully and the subject of it being a post plague setting where the government was lying to the world was great and made for interesting reading.
I enjoyed this book so what would I recommend… well if you like futuristic/post apocalypse, hot sex and a good story line…what are you waiting for…an engraved invitation?
February 26, 2014
While the wording of the blurb led me to believe this was paranormal or sci-fi (I think it was the use of the word human combined with the title strays - screams shifter to me), it is really just a dystopian future. Which is fine, I like dystopian novels, I just kept expecting shifters to pop out at some point. But that's my fault.
The story itself was ok. For never picking up strays, and definitely not falling for them, Daniel did so rather quickly. We don't really see what the two MCs have in common and other than the fact that he rescues Kyle, and has been hurt before, we don't learn much about Daniel. We also don't have a solution to what Kyle discovers at the beginning, it's used as a plot point then left hanging.
As well, there are weird repetitions of information in the book, like recaps, that make it feel disjointed.
The story itself was ok. For never picking up strays, and definitely not falling for them, Daniel did so rather quickly. We don't really see what the two MCs have in common and other than the fact that he rescues Kyle, and has been hurt before, we don't learn much about Daniel. We also don't have a solution to what Kyle discovers at the beginning, it's used as a plot point then left hanging.
As well, there are weird repetitions of information in the book, like recaps, that make it feel disjointed.
January 26, 2020
I liked the action and the dystopian nature of the story. It was a very quick read, and I did find myself eager to turn the page. Where the story fails, in my opinion, is two-fold. 1. The romance. The MCs get together, but the only thing they have in common is that they live in this dystopian world. There’s zero chemistry or actual romance. 2. The world building. Of which, there was very little. I get that it’s a novella, so there’s only so much you can pack in there, but I had more questions than answers about the world the MCs lived in.
May 5, 2022
Unique world, great read!
February 27, 2021
Likeable read, good story too
That was a good read. The government against the militia, a pandemic, trying to find a cure, a young man saw something he shouldn't and somehow he survives the kidnapping. He's found, joins the militia, falls in love, etc. To say anymore would give it away, no errors and a good story.
That was a good read. The government against the militia, a pandemic, trying to find a cure, a young man saw something he shouldn't and somehow he survives the kidnapping. He's found, joins the militia, falls in love, etc. To say anymore would give it away, no errors and a good story.
June 7, 2021
Enjoyed reading this short story--Kyle and Daniel were great characters and the story was memorable. Recommend.
September 27, 2011
I have a real soft spot for strays. I find them irresistible. True to form I picked up Elizabeth Noble's 'Strays' and don't regret it for a moment. What I found fascinating about this story is how closely it parallels my own experiences with strays. Daniel Shanks is about to discover for himself what I have always known... Getting attached to a stray is a risky proposition. You never know if someone is going to show up unexpectedly to claim them. They tend to love their rescuers quickly and unconditionally but trust comes more slowly. Trust has to be earned and it's all too easy to lose it with one harshly spoken word or one misguided action. If you lose that trust, second chances are are even harder to come by. Once bitten twice shy applies to both rescuer and stray alike in this heartwarming homage to the author's own four legged stray, Heidi.
I really liked Daniel. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy and a bit of a hard ass. I found his dry sense of humor very attractive and he has some amusing tag lines that always made me laugh out loud. Even though Daniel is strongly attracted to the younger, less experienced Kyle; he never takes advantage of his position to pressure him into a more intimate relationship. He patiently waits for Kyle to make the first move. Daniel may sound like the perfect man but he's only human and just as capable of making mistakes as the next guy. What makes him the better man is that he immediately owns it.
Kyle is real sweetheart. His easy going, affectionate nature is a nice contrast to Daniel's more serious and somewhat gruff personality. Considering all that he's been through and the threat still hanging over his head you'd think him incapable of the trust he places in Daniel's hands. But, he's young, extremely intelligent and eager to prove himself worthy of the second chance Daniel is offering. Kyle's transformation as he settled into his new life was pretty amazing. His trust and love once given are unconditional. I was never more proud of him then when he demands nothing less for himself in return.
This novella is a quick and enjoyable read but by no means short on content. The ending is sweetly sentimental, reflecting on memorable moments in the story which gave it the feel of having come full circle. There were a few loose ends in the subplot that I felt needed tying up but it didn't affect the overall story in any way. I wanted more and that is a good thing. I'm hoping the author was just leaving the door open and maybe another stray will wander in. If you have ever considered taking in a stray but hesitated for whatever reason, this is your chance to see what you've been missing. Elizabeth's 'Strays' might just find a way into your heart and stay there.
NOTE: This review was written for Queer Magazine Online.
I really liked Daniel. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy and a bit of a hard ass. I found his dry sense of humor very attractive and he has some amusing tag lines that always made me laugh out loud. Even though Daniel is strongly attracted to the younger, less experienced Kyle; he never takes advantage of his position to pressure him into a more intimate relationship. He patiently waits for Kyle to make the first move. Daniel may sound like the perfect man but he's only human and just as capable of making mistakes as the next guy. What makes him the better man is that he immediately owns it.
Kyle is real sweetheart. His easy going, affectionate nature is a nice contrast to Daniel's more serious and somewhat gruff personality. Considering all that he's been through and the threat still hanging over his head you'd think him incapable of the trust he places in Daniel's hands. But, he's young, extremely intelligent and eager to prove himself worthy of the second chance Daniel is offering. Kyle's transformation as he settled into his new life was pretty amazing. His trust and love once given are unconditional. I was never more proud of him then when he demands nothing less for himself in return.
This novella is a quick and enjoyable read but by no means short on content. The ending is sweetly sentimental, reflecting on memorable moments in the story which gave it the feel of having come full circle. There were a few loose ends in the subplot that I felt needed tying up but it didn't affect the overall story in any way. I wanted more and that is a good thing. I'm hoping the author was just leaving the door open and maybe another stray will wander in. If you have ever considered taking in a stray but hesitated for whatever reason, this is your chance to see what you've been missing. Elizabeth's 'Strays' might just find a way into your heart and stay there.
NOTE: This review was written for Queer Magazine Online.
June 17, 2012
Elizabeth Noble’s Strays is a fast-paced novella that kept me reading from page one to the last word. If you’ve seen a few of my reviews, you already know I enjoyed Strays, because if I don’t like a book I don’t review it. I’ve read two other books by Ms. Noble, both in her Sentries series, and reviewed one of them (haven't made the time to review the second. is a bit of a departure from the style of , but not a departure in quality. I’m giving this golden, action-packed book 5 stars.
A little summary, no spoilers:
This is sci-fi, but only by a slim margin, set in a not-too-distant future where an earth-wrecking disaster is still in process. That future, post-disaster basis is where the similarity between this and Nobles’ other books ends. This story opens with Kyle, a very young man who’s on the run and hiding and just about sick of wondering whether he’s going to eat, or who’s going to hurt him next. Enter Daniel—Kyle’s captor and/or savior. The story is about their romance, of course, but it’s also about taking a stand against… well, can I say, “the man”? The establishment? I’m sure you understand. Their fight as soldiers in the Freedom Militia is a struggle for life and death and hope and dignity for humankind—big, meaningful stuff. But the war each of them is waging inside—for different reasons—is for the freedom to trust. To trust each other, specifically.
One of the things I have most admired and enjoyed about Elizabeth Noble’s work is her ability to place a well-drawn character on the page and then blow into him the breath of life—sort of like magical animation. A few words into the opening, and I was feeling Kyle’s scrappy, cornered-cat courage. Not more than a paragraph after meeting Daniel I lived with him in his jaded, wounded, rock-solid strength. Noble’s secondary characters lend depth and support, her action scenes held me rapt, and steam rose from my e-reader during the sexy scenes. If there is a fault, I’d say I would love to have this book, only deeper and longer. Know what I mean? I do recommend this book for those that like action, combat, hot/sweet m/m love—or just to be entertained by a great story.
A little summary, no spoilers:
This is sci-fi, but only by a slim margin, set in a not-too-distant future where an earth-wrecking disaster is still in process. That future, post-disaster basis is where the similarity between this and Nobles’ other books ends. This story opens with Kyle, a very young man who’s on the run and hiding and just about sick of wondering whether he’s going to eat, or who’s going to hurt him next. Enter Daniel—Kyle’s captor and/or savior. The story is about their romance, of course, but it’s also about taking a stand against… well, can I say, “the man”? The establishment? I’m sure you understand. Their fight as soldiers in the Freedom Militia is a struggle for life and death and hope and dignity for humankind—big, meaningful stuff. But the war each of them is waging inside—for different reasons—is for the freedom to trust. To trust each other, specifically.
One of the things I have most admired and enjoyed about Elizabeth Noble’s work is her ability to place a well-drawn character on the page and then blow into him the breath of life—sort of like magical animation. A few words into the opening, and I was feeling Kyle’s scrappy, cornered-cat courage. Not more than a paragraph after meeting Daniel I lived with him in his jaded, wounded, rock-solid strength. Noble’s secondary characters lend depth and support, her action scenes held me rapt, and steam rose from my e-reader during the sexy scenes. If there is a fault, I’d say I would love to have this book, only deeper and longer. Know what I mean? I do recommend this book for those that like action, combat, hot/sweet m/m love—or just to be entertained by a great story.
February 14, 2020
MMy Thoughts and Review:
This lil novie is a re-release complete with a dark foreboding cover, much different than the original.
I enjoyed this little tale of the future. Young Kyle is one of the last to be born before the infertility plague swept the planet. Now at 22, Kyle is on the run from the government, because of a secret regarding the plague.
Militia agent, Daniel finds the young man wounded during one of his area checks and decides to help him. Knowing if he doesn’t take him back to base the young man will die, but if he does, what might this mean for him?
One might imagine in this type of world romance evolves into something different than what we know or are comfortable with. However, in places of hardship and war, I would imagine stolen moments of happiness and love do look quite different. So when Daniel and Kyle fall into love it comes as no surprise, and is believable…at least to me.
The story is filled with action and dangerous moments, as well as a bit of humor here and there. There is an age-gap relationship, first time sexually explicit scenes, and tender moments to off set the danger and even sadness.
Quite a bit is packed into this short read and I am glad it got a reboot! If you enjoy sci-fi/ fantasy, dystopian reads with MM pairings give this one a shot.
4.00 i-will-shoot-you-twice-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.💋
This lil novie is a re-release complete with a dark foreboding cover, much different than the original.
I enjoyed this little tale of the future. Young Kyle is one of the last to be born before the infertility plague swept the planet. Now at 22, Kyle is on the run from the government, because of a secret regarding the plague.
Militia agent, Daniel finds the young man wounded during one of his area checks and decides to help him. Knowing if he doesn’t take him back to base the young man will die, but if he does, what might this mean for him?
One might imagine in this type of world romance evolves into something different than what we know or are comfortable with. However, in places of hardship and war, I would imagine stolen moments of happiness and love do look quite different. So when Daniel and Kyle fall into love it comes as no surprise, and is believable…at least to me.
The story is filled with action and dangerous moments, as well as a bit of humor here and there. There is an age-gap relationship, first time sexually explicit scenes, and tender moments to off set the danger and even sadness.
Quite a bit is packed into this short read and I am glad it got a reboot! If you enjoy sci-fi/ fantasy, dystopian reads with MM pairings give this one a shot.
4.00 i-will-shoot-you-twice-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.💋
October 12, 2011
I enjoyed this story although I felt as though it wasn't complete, that there is more of Daniel and Kyle's story to be told, and perhaps something between them getting back together and then the epilogue. I'd love a sequel to fill in those gaps and to find out what is going to happen to their world with the revelation that is revealed in this story.
September 22, 2011
Kyle and Daniel were a good fit the world building left alot to be desired. I didn't really get why the Militia was fighting the government, what had happened to the world, who/what had caused whatever had happened to happen, it was all pretty fuzzy and detracted from the story.
October 17, 2016
Fairly predictable novella, but still thoroughly enjoyable.
September 11, 2023
Short but sweet
You can’t look away from reading this story from Noble or you’ll get lost in the constant chaos and growing love between two people scarred from different events in their lives that have actually brought them together. I love instant and quick found love so it was a perfect novella for me to read. Hope you decide to pick it up also because short or long Nobel never disappoints in their writing and telling of found love in unexpected places or circumstances.
You can’t look away from reading this story from Noble or you’ll get lost in the constant chaos and growing love between two people scarred from different events in their lives that have actually brought them together. I love instant and quick found love so it was a perfect novella for me to read. Hope you decide to pick it up also because short or long Nobel never disappoints in their writing and telling of found love in unexpected places or circumstances.
September 18, 2023
Unusual story with slot of suspense.
The story wasn't what I suspected it to be. The suspense was good but it left a little of intrigue (?) as to why or where certain players got involved and wht were the repercussions.
The story wasn't what I suspected it to be. The suspense was good but it left a little of intrigue (?) as to why or where certain players got involved and wht were the repercussions.
June 19, 2023
I loved this! It was different and entertaining
October 29, 2021
I’m normally a bit apprehensive about dystopia trope stories but gave this one a chance, and glad I did. This was well written and enjoyable. Daniel and Kyle make a likable couple and you can’t help root for them. There were a few scenes that felt disjointed or didn’t quite add up, but hey, it is fantasy, isn’t it?
September 12, 2011
This is an interesting book that puts together two of my favorite genres, m/m romance, and post-apocalyptic fiction. Although the post-apocalyptic side of things seemed like more of an afterthought. The story could just as easily taken place in a modern day military setting.
The description of the book put out by the publisher speaks to the protagonist, Kyle, being one of youngest humans left in existence, which led me to think that his love interest, Daniel, would turn out to be something other than human. He is human though, and again, this part of the story line is minimal at best. It a most seemed as though the story started out in one direction and then veered off into another.
It was enjoyable enough, but I may have to read more from this author to see what her other books are like. Maybe it's the publisher's blurbs that are misleading, not the author's fault.
Oh, the best line in the book? One of the characters describes rescue divers as the guys "with the flappy things on their feet" ! I love it!
The description of the book put out by the publisher speaks to the protagonist, Kyle, being one of youngest humans left in existence, which led me to think that his love interest, Daniel, would turn out to be something other than human. He is human though, and again, this part of the story line is minimal at best. It a most seemed as though the story started out in one direction and then veered off into another.
It was enjoyable enough, but I may have to read more from this author to see what her other books are like. Maybe it's the publisher's blurbs that are misleading, not the author's fault.
Oh, the best line in the book? One of the characters describes rescue divers as the guys "with the flappy things on their feet" ! I love it!
November 23, 2011
Reviewed by Kristen: Elizabeth Nobel creates a unique tale set in the future where infertility is the norm and few young humans exist.
Kyle is one of the last humans born, but when he stumbles across a well-hidden secret of the government, he suddenly becomes the prey and is hunted.Daniel, a fighter for the Freedom Militia picks him up and Kyle slowly worms his way into Daniel's life.
There's a lot of plot fit into this novella, but the author pulls it off.
The love isn't as easy as it first appears to be; there are some obstacles that need to be overcome, before Kyle and Daniel can finally get their HEA, but this is what makes it more believable for me.
I just wish this novella had been a little bit longer, but maybe there'll be a sequel?Who knows, it definitely has potential in my opinion!
B+
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.com/2...
Kyle is one of the last humans born, but when he stumbles across a well-hidden secret of the government, he suddenly becomes the prey and is hunted.Daniel, a fighter for the Freedom Militia picks him up and Kyle slowly worms his way into Daniel's life.
There's a lot of plot fit into this novella, but the author pulls it off.
The love isn't as easy as it first appears to be; there are some obstacles that need to be overcome, before Kyle and Daniel can finally get their HEA, but this is what makes it more believable for me.
I just wish this novella had been a little bit longer, but maybe there'll be a sequel?Who knows, it definitely has potential in my opinion!
B+
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.com/2...
May 31, 2013
I loved these characters. Kyle is a sweet breath of sunshine and Daniel is growly and grouchy and all alpha. I hated the middle where they were apart but it made sense to me because Kyle felt betrayed and hurt but it takes a truly strong man to forgive and Kyle is that. Daniel's an ass but in a good way and he loves hard so we forgive him. I hope we revisit these guys soon, I would be on board for further adventures.
September 10, 2011
"Daniel Shanks didn't do strays. He didn’t! Except apparently he did." - Okay, this sentence was really annoying, full of bragging, and exaggerating. And I have to admit, that just little sentences like upper one, made me think, blah, what a irritating writing style... I couldn't connect to both main characters and for my piece of mind, if the character is to weak or to bland the story is the same...
May 31, 2013
A neat little novella. Set in a dystopian ( or possibly post apocalyptic) world where a pandemic has rendered most people sterile, children or young people are rare. Not a lot of world building involved, basically what we have is a sweet love story between young Kyle , who is on the run from the govt. and, Daniel a resistance fighter. Simple premise, simply told, but well done for all that.
September 6, 2015
Solid, short story. The overall plot is fairly predictable but the writing was good and the characters very believable. The writer put a lot of action into this short story and did a good job and making it all enjoyable.
July 17, 2023
Loved it! Great story!
June 13, 2016
a fine story, that would have been better if it were longer.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews