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Were Menagerie #1
Snakeskin Boots
Jeff Cordata has always known wolves can be dangerous. Not that his luck with snakes has been any better. It's not easy being a wereboa constrictor in a world that worships werewolves.
When the customer he's been watching for months turns out to be an interested wolf, his first instinct is to flee, but his attraction to Brad Cannidy is undeniable despite the strained relations between their families. Then Jeff’s anaconda ex-boyfriend re-enters his life as a pair of snakeskin boots, the hunt begins for the murderer who is turning weres into accessories, and Jeff will have to decide if a boa and a wolf can really mate for life.
Read an excerpt here
When the customer he's been watching for months turns out to be an interested wolf, his first instinct is to flee, but his attraction to Brad Cannidy is undeniable despite the strained relations between their families. Then Jeff’s anaconda ex-boyfriend re-enters his life as a pair of snakeskin boots, the hunt begins for the murderer who is turning weres into accessories, and Jeff will have to decide if a boa and a wolf can really mate for life.
Read an excerpt here
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2011
3 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Xara X. Xanakas
22 books118 followersXara X. Xanakas decided years ago to embrace her weirdness. A friend first described her that way to the man who’s been her husband for over twenty years. That formula fits her, and she figures if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Being Texan, her crush on cowboys comes natural, but the techie in her loves to show nerds a good time. She relishes all things different, and brings saucy style to her writing. Whether wrangling a wayward ranch hand or adding another critter to her were-menagerie, Xara strives to make the outlandish appealing. She’ll make you quirk a brow and snort with laughter, and that’s all right by her. Xara believes that unique is best and happily ever after is the icing on the cookies.
Give her a shout out at her website, orstalk follow her on twitter and Facebook.
She writes M/M Romances. You can probably tell by her initials (~xxx~) that her stories trend toward the very graphic, NSFW, not for minors category.
If that's not your thing, you are excused. Otherwise, howdy! Come on in, put your feet up, and hang out for a while. There's some excerpts of works in progress, and a few finished short stories under "My Writing".
Give her a shout out at her website, or
She writes M/M Romances. You can probably tell by her initials (~xxx~) that her stories trend toward the very graphic, NSFW, not for minors category.
If that's not your thing, you are excused. Otherwise, howdy! Come on in, put your feet up, and hang out for a while. There's some excerpts of works in progress, and a few finished short stories under "My Writing".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
April 3, 2013
*Warning: NSFW, especially if your workplace does not condone veggiephillia
Meet Brad, the resident Eggplant.
"There's the eggplant he's got to be smuggling in those jeans."
"He drops a hand to his lap and adjusts himself to make more room in his pants for that eggplant."
"I can feel the eggplant rubbing against my ass."
"He tilts his head and deepens the kiss. I can feel the eggplant ripening."
"Eggplant never tasted so good."
Also, the estimation of the size of his Eggplant is "...Eight pounds, nine ounces, twenty two inches."
Which is the length of two subway sandwiches.
*Brad Trivia: Eggplant was mentioned at least 20 times.
Facts on Jeff:
- He has two penis
- His boyfriend names his penises
- They are called Abbott and Costello
- Here's a diagram to illustrate where they are:
- His boyfriend gives him nicknames like Q, chupacabra, goatsucker, bone crusher, and crush.
- More importantly, he does not break up with said boyfriend.
Meet Brad, the resident Eggplant.
"There's the eggplant he's got to be smuggling in those jeans."
"He drops a hand to his lap and adjusts himself to make more room in his pants for that eggplant."
"I can feel the eggplant rubbing against my ass."
"He tilts his head and deepens the kiss. I can feel the eggplant ripening."
"Eggplant never tasted so good."
Also, the estimation of the size of his Eggplant is "...Eight pounds, nine ounces, twenty two inches."
Which is the length of two subway sandwiches.
*Brad Trivia: Eggplant was mentioned at least 20 times.
Facts on Jeff:
- He has two penis
- His boyfriend names his penises
- They are called Abbott and Costello
- Here's a diagram to illustrate where they are:
- His boyfriend gives him nicknames like Q, chupacabra, goatsucker, bone crusher, and crush.
- More importantly, he does not break up with said boyfriend.
didnt-finish
October 6, 2011i made it to 38% before giving up i tried but just couldn't get into it and it was too gross for me. At first I thought it was supposed to be a parody of other books since it was making fun of them so much but now i am not sure
October 29, 2011
I really like that it's an uncommon shifter & how she used the boa's anatomy. I'm excited to read more new shifters. I've been thinking lately that I'm bored of just reading about wolfs and cats, that I want new shifters and voila :)
It also made me think of this:
It also made me think of this:
October 6, 2011
I Love You. Don't Touch Me. - A Solid 3 Stars
I Love You (Things I Liked)
A wolf shifter and a snake shifter meet in a bookstore...
No, that's not the start of a joke. It's the start of a really cute and funny book.
Jeff is a boa constrictor snake shifter and the narrator of the story. I liked Jeff quite a bit. He's self-deprecating and at times he's hilarious. Xanakas wrote him in a way that made his self-deprecation palatable. He never comes across as a whiner.
I liked that his physical appearance as a human reflected his appearance as a snake. He's "monochromatic". He's not fantastically, model gorgeous but the man who loves him thinks he's gorgeous because of what's inside. High-five on that one, Xanakas. High-five on that one.
Brad is the burly wolf shifter and the object of Jeff's affections. Brad was devoted to Jeff right from the beginning. That whole wolves mate for like schtick? It worked beautifully in this book. It was okay that Brad was devoted because it was balanced by the fact that Jeff was unsure in the beginning. It was half insta-love, so it wasn't overwhelming.
Oh, Xanakas, you're a clever and witty one. There were some great lines and some awesome concepts in this book. I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times and that's always a good thing. A were-chicken? Fabulously amusing.
Don't Touch Me (What I Didn't Like)
Okay, I love laughing so of course I love books that make me laugh. I've already said that there were some really clever and funny things in this book. So why not four stars?
For me, this book never made it to the four star mark because Less Is More. There was too much funny which means that by the time I was about 75% of the way into the book I was tired of constant push for laughter.
Xanakas has a massive amount of comedic potential. I think she just needs to know when to turn it off a little more often than she does in this book.
Overall: I kind of adored this book. It was good stuff and I look forward to more. I would recommend this book too and I don't recommend much. This book, though, this book deserves it.
I Love You (Things I Liked)
A wolf shifter and a snake shifter meet in a bookstore...
No, that's not the start of a joke. It's the start of a really cute and funny book.
Jeff is a boa constrictor snake shifter and the narrator of the story. I liked Jeff quite a bit. He's self-deprecating and at times he's hilarious. Xanakas wrote him in a way that made his self-deprecation palatable. He never comes across as a whiner.
I liked that his physical appearance as a human reflected his appearance as a snake. He's "monochromatic". He's not fantastically, model gorgeous but the man who loves him thinks he's gorgeous because of what's inside. High-five on that one, Xanakas. High-five on that one.
Brad is the burly wolf shifter and the object of Jeff's affections. Brad was devoted to Jeff right from the beginning. That whole wolves mate for like schtick? It worked beautifully in this book. It was okay that Brad was devoted because it was balanced by the fact that Jeff was unsure in the beginning. It was half insta-love, so it wasn't overwhelming.
Oh, Xanakas, you're a clever and witty one. There were some great lines and some awesome concepts in this book. I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times and that's always a good thing. A were-chicken? Fabulously amusing.
Don't Touch Me (What I Didn't Like)
Okay, I love laughing so of course I love books that make me laugh. I've already said that there were some really clever and funny things in this book. So why not four stars?
For me, this book never made it to the four star mark because Less Is More. There was too much funny which means that by the time I was about 75% of the way into the book I was tired of constant push for laughter.
Xanakas has a massive amount of comedic potential. I think she just needs to know when to turn it off a little more often than she does in this book.
Overall: I kind of adored this book. It was good stuff and I look forward to more. I would recommend this book too and I don't recommend much. This book, though, this book deserves it.
September 25, 2012
I'm a sucker for shifters and I just couldn't pass up reading about a snake and a wolf. I really liked this one. Jeff, a boa, is extremely snarky and funny. I was laughing so hard at times. I really enjoyed him as a character. Brad is the big bad wolf and I liked his possessiveness and unwillingness to give Jeff up even though it causes a lot of trouble for everyone. I especially liked that Brad "stalked" Jeff for weeks before making his move.
It was cool to see all the characteristics of a snake come out in Jeff's mannerisms. He was usually good at hiding them but when he was really agitated or horny, a few slipped by. I liked that he was such a sun worshiper and the references to how he felt by vibrations and scenting the air with his tongue.
The plot is interesting and I was kind of happy Jeff's ex came back in a pair of boots (although it is sad). You pretty much know who the bad guys are and what's happening but it was still fun to watch it all unravel and see how everyone comes to the rescue when the time comes.
My only problems with the story were the overuse of the word "eggplant" to describe Brad's cock. I have no problems with the word but after the sixth reference it grew tiresome. Although I found "Abbott and Costello" quite hilarious. I also felt like there was way too much sex for my tastes but that's probably just me.
All in all, I really liked the book. It was definitely entertaining and there are plenty of secondary characters I'll be anxiously awaiting stories on!
It was cool to see all the characteristics of a snake come out in Jeff's mannerisms. He was usually good at hiding them but when he was really agitated or horny, a few slipped by. I liked that he was such a sun worshiper and the references to how he felt by vibrations and scenting the air with his tongue.
The plot is interesting and I was kind of happy Jeff's ex came back in a pair of boots (although it is sad). You pretty much know who the bad guys are and what's happening but it was still fun to watch it all unravel and see how everyone comes to the rescue when the time comes.
My only problems with the story were the overuse of the word "eggplant" to describe Brad's cock. I have no problems with the word but after the sixth reference it grew tiresome. Although I found "Abbott and Costello" quite hilarious. I also felt like there was way too much sex for my tastes but that's probably just me.
All in all, I really liked the book. It was definitely entertaining and there are plenty of secondary characters I'll be anxiously awaiting stories on!
November 4, 2011
I have to admit that the only reason I read this book was because of Bubbles very scathing review lol. The review sounded to crazy to be true.
So I started this story with a smile on my face and I guess the book just suited my light hearted mood. Instead of getting irritated at the Eggplant dick it made me smile.
I found the entire book both humorous and interesting enough to hold my attention. This authors take on were animals was both quirky and refreshingly different.
And the sex....hoo boy... the sex was some of the kinkiest I have read (and i love mpreg books) so when I am impressed with the kinkiness then you know its good.
I recommend this to anyone who is in funny and silly mood because the book should not be taken seriously - it should be enjoyed for its laughs.
So I started this story with a smile on my face and I guess the book just suited my light hearted mood. Instead of getting irritated at the Eggplant dick it made me smile.
I found the entire book both humorous and interesting enough to hold my attention. This authors take on were animals was both quirky and refreshingly different.
And the sex....hoo boy... the sex was some of the kinkiest I have read (and i love mpreg books) so when I am impressed with the kinkiness then you know its good.
I recommend this to anyone who is in funny and silly mood because the book should not be taken seriously - it should be enjoyed for its laughs.
October 8, 2011
3.5238463 - This was yummy all over. On top of Crush and Lobo being so perfect for each other, Xara has a wicked sense of humor....Chupacabra....damn, nearly peed myself laughing at some of the lines in this book.
October 6, 2011
3.5 stars
On one hand, I love the whole bunch of were menageries. Canines and felines are too common :p. The idea of having a bunch of weres, from boas, anaconda, monkey, chicken, elephant, scorpion, those are fun.
I think Jeff is adorable and strong, while Brad is pure ♥. Brad knows what makes Jeff uncomfortable, and he doesn't push it, even if he knows he doesn't have a chance once he acknowledges that Jeff is his mate (yes, wolves mate for life!). The climax towards finding out who's behind the snakeskin boots is good. And how Brad reacts (his words) to Jeff's condition, wel, he's just one of the best boyfriends EVER!
On the other hand, the whole different wereboas anatomy thingy is a bit weird. The funny terms that are funny the first time (eggplant, Abbott and Costello) are annoying when they're repeated so many times over. Don't even start on "baby" as terms of endearment (my pet peeves, my problem, I know). And I'm a bit ambivalent on the writing, at times I feel like it doesn't flow smoothly, while other times, I quite like Xara's style.
However, I believe this is the first book in a series? I'd love to read more about these bunch of weres. Are Deacon and Rand will be next? Scorpion and Cougar?
On one hand, I love the whole bunch of were menageries. Canines and felines are too common :p. The idea of having a bunch of weres, from boas, anaconda, monkey, chicken, elephant, scorpion, those are fun.
I think Jeff is adorable and strong, while Brad is pure ♥. Brad knows what makes Jeff uncomfortable, and he doesn't push it, even if he knows he doesn't have a chance once he acknowledges that Jeff is his mate (yes, wolves mate for life!). The climax towards finding out who's behind the snakeskin boots is good. And how Brad reacts (his words) to Jeff's condition, wel, he's just one of the best boyfriends EVER!
On the other hand, the whole different wereboas anatomy thingy is a bit weird. The funny terms that are funny the first time (eggplant, Abbott and Costello) are annoying when they're repeated so many times over. Don't even start on "baby" as terms of endearment (my pet peeves, my problem, I know). And I'm a bit ambivalent on the writing, at times I feel like it doesn't flow smoothly, while other times, I quite like Xara's style.
However, I believe this is the first book in a series? I'd love to read more about these bunch of weres. Are Deacon and Rand will be next? Scorpion and Cougar?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2011
I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I first read this book in my critique group, then I reread because I loved it, then I reread it again, and again, and again. XXX's writing paints a huge smile on my face. I can't wait until people are introduced to this shifter series. Easily one of my favorite books I ever read.
Jeff is a wereboa working at a local bookstore. The eye candy he has been admiring for weeks turns out to be Brad, a sexy, confident, and cocky (eggplant) wolf shifter.
Their newfound relationship starts off well, until Jeff's ex walks back into his life, literally. You have to read this book to find out the rest, I don't want to give too much away. How can you not want to read more about a were-scorpion, were-chicken, or a were-spider monkey, to name a few!
Funny, well written and will have you begging for more!
Jeff is a wereboa working at a local bookstore. The eye candy he has been admiring for weeks turns out to be Brad, a sexy, confident, and cocky (eggplant) wolf shifter.
Their newfound relationship starts off well, until Jeff's ex walks back into his life, literally. You have to read this book to find out the rest, I don't want to give too much away. How can you not want to read more about a were-scorpion, were-chicken, or a were-spider monkey, to name a few!
Funny, well written and will have you begging for more!
November 7, 2011
I really liked this book for a few reasons:
1. It’s a shifter book where the characters retain some of their animal qualities while in human form. I love that! The MC is a were-boa (snake) and he has a nervous habit of licking his lips (to scent the air). He also likes to sun himself on a big flat rock to relax.
2. There is an entire eco-system of shifters all interacting together – snakes, wolves, elephants, bears, donkeys and even a scorpion! The variety keeps things interesting.
3. There’s a lot of humor. Shifters are often so serious; it’s nice to meet two big goofballs who have embarrassing “pet” names for each other (their genitals!).
4. There is a fairly gory mystery to unravel, so the book isn't just about the "relationship".
The book is not perfect, but it is well done. Recommended! (especially for shifter fans)
1. It’s a shifter book where the characters retain some of their animal qualities while in human form. I love that! The MC is a were-boa (snake) and he has a nervous habit of licking his lips (to scent the air). He also likes to sun himself on a big flat rock to relax.
2. There is an entire eco-system of shifters all interacting together – snakes, wolves, elephants, bears, donkeys and even a scorpion! The variety keeps things interesting.
3. There’s a lot of humor. Shifters are often so serious; it’s nice to meet two big goofballs who have embarrassing “pet” names for each other (their genitals!).
4. There is a fairly gory mystery to unravel, so the book isn't just about the "relationship".
The book is not perfect, but it is well done. Recommended! (especially for shifter fans)
July 10, 2013
Okay, I'm a little bit conflicted here. On the one hand, you have a sometimes really funny story with pretty inventive if sometimes slightly disturbing imagery and great twists and ideas (the were boa thing was brilliant, as was the part about the special anatomy bits. And, common, the part about meeting your ex in the form of Snakeskin Boots? Awesome!!)
On the other hand, the writing seemed a bit immature sometimes, and so did the characters - at least Jeff. I didn't really see any great depth here. We don't get to know all that much about the world either, how it works exactly, what it all entails. And Jeff was a bit too much for me. Too perfect. Shy and insecure, but also strong and resilient and courageous. He takes charge and finds solutions, but he's also oh so nice. And he's also gorgeous, even though he thinks he is totally ugly. I think, you get what I mean.
And yes, this book was really funny at times, but sometimes the humour was a little bit too forced, trying too hard. As if Jeff, whose perspective we're served here, wanted to show how funny and cool he is, even in moments where that just seems slightly pathetic. It reminded me a bit too much of my teenager years I guess.
I really liked Brad though, straightforward, clear in his intentions, and no-bullshitting around. Calling them as he sees them and completely smitten from the beginning to the end.
So, yes, a different take on the whole shifter thing, funny and entertaining for the most part, but nothing I'll remember for very long.
On the other hand, the writing seemed a bit immature sometimes, and so did the characters - at least Jeff. I didn't really see any great depth here. We don't get to know all that much about the world either, how it works exactly, what it all entails. And Jeff was a bit too much for me. Too perfect. Shy and insecure, but also strong and resilient and courageous. He takes charge and finds solutions, but he's also oh so nice. And he's also gorgeous, even though he thinks he is totally ugly. I think, you get what I mean.
And yes, this book was really funny at times, but sometimes the humour was a little bit too forced, trying too hard. As if Jeff, whose perspective we're served here, wanted to show how funny and cool he is, even in moments where that just seems slightly pathetic. It reminded me a bit too much of my teenager years I guess.
I really liked Brad though, straightforward, clear in his intentions, and no-bullshitting around. Calling them as he sees them and completely smitten from the beginning to the end.
So, yes, a different take on the whole shifter thing, funny and entertaining for the most part, but nothing I'll remember for very long.
October 18, 2011
I have been waiting for this to come out ever since it was mentioned on the Unusual Shape-shifter Creatures list. I can't wait to read this!!
Review
This started out really well, and it was a cute, fun read overall. Jeff as a boa shifter was great; he was quirky, fun and adorable. I also liked learning about the other kinds of shifters and all of the dynamics and politics. I'm looking forward to reading about the other shifters in the upcoming books.
As it went on though, a few things started to bother me. The jokes and witty remarks were funny at first, but after being repeated over and over again and being alluded to in different ways, it all just became kinda stupid and annoying. This may not bother others like it did me because I know we all have different ideas on humor. Another thing that pulled me out of the story
Review
This started out really well, and it was a cute, fun read overall. Jeff as a boa shifter was great; he was quirky, fun and adorable. I also liked learning about the other kinds of shifters and all of the dynamics and politics. I'm looking forward to reading about the other shifters in the upcoming books.
As it went on though, a few things started to bother me. The jokes and witty remarks were funny at first, but after being repeated over and over again and being alluded to in different ways, it all just became kinda stupid and annoying. This may not bother others like it did me because I know we all have different ideas on humor. Another thing that pulled me out of the story
October 30, 2011
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay. Come by and check it out for more reviews..
Jeff Cordata is a wereboa with a bit of a dislike for werewolves. Not only does he think they are jealous and territorial, but many of the local wolves are at odds with the rest of the area shifters. His opinion quickly changes when he meets sexy wolf Brad Cannidy -- tall, muscular, and according to Jeff, hung like he is smuggling an eggplant in his pants.
Jeff is worried at first about the reactions of his nest and the other weres to him taking up with a wolf. But he can't stop his attraction and growing feelings for Brad. However, just as things are moving along between them, Jeff's ex suddenly appears in the form of some snakeskin boots worn by one of Brad's wolf friends. Everyone goes on high alert to figure out who killed Jeff's ex and what kind of threat is looming against the nest.
There were things about this book that worked for me and others that didn't quite come together. First, I really enjoyed the humorous tone and Jeff's inner voice. There is definitely a bit of a tongue-in-cheek feel to a lot of the story that kept me amused.
There were some occasions, however, when the humor went a bit over the edge for me. Referring to Brad's cock as "the eggplant" was funny the first few times but got a little much after too many repetitions. ("I can feel the eggplant ripening.") And Brad naming Jeff's dual penises "Abbot and Costello" was a bit too cute, especially when they were in the middle of hot and heavy sex. And I definitely didn't need the mental image of Brad "hung like a baby boy."
I did like Jeff and Brad together though and thought they were a very hot couple. I worried going in that I would have trouble with a romantic hero that was a snake, but I think Xanakas made it work quite well. Brad is golden and lean, sinuous and slinky. His snake traits are incorporated well into his human form -- basking in the sun, flicking his tongue to smell, feeling vibrations through his body (which is a great trait to have around a growly wolf!).
A few things were a bit uneven for me in the story. First, I found myself confused about the politics of the were structure. There were a variety of were creatures - elephants, monkeys, chickens, etc. They seemed to meet together to address the problem of the wolf threat, but I wasn't completely clear if they were all part of the same political body and whether Jeff's dad was in charge of it all or just the snakes. And I was confused where exactly the wolves fit into it. I also got thrown by what was going on with Tucker. I feel like the idea of his resentment and anger is introduced, but I never really understood why he was picking fights and it seemed there was more to the story that was left unexplained.
I was also confused about the discussion of candles that came up throughout the book-- "Mental note--light a black and white candle later" -- as well as the healing herbs that are used to cure Jeff's panic attack, as well as treat injuries. I wasn't clear if this was some sort of religious thing common to the weres, or confined to Jeff and the healer specifically, or something else entirely. I could never follow what the different candles were supposed to mean.
I'd also have liked to have a bit more showing than telling. We hear the story from Jeff's point of view and in some cases I felt like he was narrating too much rather than letting us see what was happening and how he was feeling.
My last issue was the uneven tone. Most of the book is very light and humorous, which I quite enjoyed. But as we start to learn about the nature of the crimes against the snakes that have been going on (and continue to occur during the book) they are quite horrific and one scene in particular is quite gruesome. I don't really have a problem with a darker turn, but it felt so at odds in a story where someone names his partners penises after a comedy troop.
Looking through my review, I actually enjoyed the book a lot more than it probably sounds like I did. I really liked the author's voice and I was entertained by the idea of more than the usual werewolf shifter. I really liked Jeff and Brad and many of the secondary characters. It appears that Xanakas has more were-menagerie books planned with other animals that I would definitely be interested in reading despite my problems with this story. Overall I think it was a really good first novel and one that has the potential to grow into a really interesting and fun series with a little bit of fine tuning.
Jeff Cordata is a wereboa with a bit of a dislike for werewolves. Not only does he think they are jealous and territorial, but many of the local wolves are at odds with the rest of the area shifters. His opinion quickly changes when he meets sexy wolf Brad Cannidy -- tall, muscular, and according to Jeff, hung like he is smuggling an eggplant in his pants.
Jeff is worried at first about the reactions of his nest and the other weres to him taking up with a wolf. But he can't stop his attraction and growing feelings for Brad. However, just as things are moving along between them, Jeff's ex suddenly appears in the form of some snakeskin boots worn by one of Brad's wolf friends. Everyone goes on high alert to figure out who killed Jeff's ex and what kind of threat is looming against the nest.
There were things about this book that worked for me and others that didn't quite come together. First, I really enjoyed the humorous tone and Jeff's inner voice. There is definitely a bit of a tongue-in-cheek feel to a lot of the story that kept me amused.
There were some occasions, however, when the humor went a bit over the edge for me. Referring to Brad's cock as "the eggplant" was funny the first few times but got a little much after too many repetitions. ("I can feel the eggplant ripening.") And Brad naming Jeff's dual penises "Abbot and Costello" was a bit too cute, especially when they were in the middle of hot and heavy sex. And I definitely didn't need the mental image of Brad "hung like a baby boy."
I did like Jeff and Brad together though and thought they were a very hot couple. I worried going in that I would have trouble with a romantic hero that was a snake, but I think Xanakas made it work quite well. Brad is golden and lean, sinuous and slinky. His snake traits are incorporated well into his human form -- basking in the sun, flicking his tongue to smell, feeling vibrations through his body (which is a great trait to have around a growly wolf!).
A few things were a bit uneven for me in the story. First, I found myself confused about the politics of the were structure. There were a variety of were creatures - elephants, monkeys, chickens, etc. They seemed to meet together to address the problem of the wolf threat, but I wasn't completely clear if they were all part of the same political body and whether Jeff's dad was in charge of it all or just the snakes. And I was confused where exactly the wolves fit into it. I also got thrown by what was going on with Tucker. I feel like the idea of his resentment and anger is introduced, but I never really understood why he was picking fights and it seemed there was more to the story that was left unexplained.
I was also confused about the discussion of candles that came up throughout the book-- "Mental note--light a black and white candle later" -- as well as the healing herbs that are used to cure Jeff's panic attack, as well as treat injuries. I wasn't clear if this was some sort of religious thing common to the weres, or confined to Jeff and the healer specifically, or something else entirely. I could never follow what the different candles were supposed to mean.
I'd also have liked to have a bit more showing than telling. We hear the story from Jeff's point of view and in some cases I felt like he was narrating too much rather than letting us see what was happening and how he was feeling.
My last issue was the uneven tone. Most of the book is very light and humorous, which I quite enjoyed. But as we start to learn about the nature of the crimes against the snakes that have been going on (and continue to occur during the book) they are quite horrific and one scene in particular is quite gruesome. I don't really have a problem with a darker turn, but it felt so at odds in a story where someone names his partners penises after a comedy troop.
Looking through my review, I actually enjoyed the book a lot more than it probably sounds like I did. I really liked the author's voice and I was entertained by the idea of more than the usual werewolf shifter. I really liked Jeff and Brad and many of the secondary characters. It appears that Xanakas has more were-menagerie books planned with other animals that I would definitely be interested in reading despite my problems with this story. Overall I think it was a really good first novel and one that has the potential to grow into a really interesting and fun series with a little bit of fine tuning.
October 12, 2011
This is one of those rare books that is not only really funny, but also offers an unusual perspective on the world of wereshifters. I mean - a wereboa constrictor? Snake shifters in general? Not the easiest thing to imagine and pull off at least semi-credibly. I loved the idea; and the world of snakes versus other weres that Xara Xanakas builds is full of tension and credible (if somewhat human) politics.
Jeff, the wereboa, is hilarious in the way he looks at the world. He works in a bookstore and doesn't seem to get out a lot. He is also somewhat depressed about not having a boyfriend, but his view on the world is somewhere between sarcastic and insightful. He isn't quick to warm to Brad (other than sexually), but when he does, he holds on with all he has.
Brad, the werewolf, is a great guy. He is extremely patient with Jeff, and utterly determined to ignore what everyone thinks about a wolf and a snake getting together. Building trust slowly seems to be natural to him, and the way he stands by Jeff and supports him when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan is just perfect.
If you like unusual shifter stories that are likely to make you laugh out loud, and you don't mind a bit of parody in your reading, you will probably enjoy this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
Jeff, the wereboa, is hilarious in the way he looks at the world. He works in a bookstore and doesn't seem to get out a lot. He is also somewhat depressed about not having a boyfriend, but his view on the world is somewhere between sarcastic and insightful. He isn't quick to warm to Brad (other than sexually), but when he does, he holds on with all he has.
Brad, the werewolf, is a great guy. He is extremely patient with Jeff, and utterly determined to ignore what everyone thinks about a wolf and a snake getting together. Building trust slowly seems to be natural to him, and the way he stands by Jeff and supports him when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan is just perfect.
If you like unusual shifter stories that are likely to make you laugh out loud, and you don't mind a bit of parody in your reading, you will probably enjoy this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.
December 8, 2011
This was a quirky fun read. I really enjoyed the unique senses of humor Xara gives to her characters. I also appreciated how well she balanced giving the humans characteristics of the animals they shift into. It would have been easy for this fall into two dimensional characterization but it did NOT in this book. Additionally, this book was not limited to just the quirky and fun, there was a serious plot involving kidnapping and old rivalries. Throughout, we also get glimpses of other shifter characters and little cameos of their past. I can't wait for more books in the Were Menagerie series to come out so that I can delve further into the world Xara has created. 4 stars. =)
July 10, 2012
Oh my! So many things to like about this. First, Jeff is hilarious. I LOVED his voice - he was a hoot. Second Brad - YUM! Then the whole were menagerie - bear, elephant, chicken, spider monkey - too much. I really hope there will be more stories in this world, but this was too funny. Oh yeah, and there were the sweet parts also. Brad and Jeff - awwwwwwe. They are a fun couple - and lots of good smexin' too!
February 8, 2012
4.25 stars I think paranormal and m/m readers should all read this one for the pure entertainment value. It's funny, irreverent, and you'll learn things about snake anatomy you never knew. Simply a fun, sexy and engaging read.
September 21, 2012
3.75 stars
This was hilarious at times, which is why it is getting more than 3 stars.
This was hilarious at times, which is why it is getting more than 3 stars.
February 16, 2018
Can I join the Were Menagerie?
Shifter stories bring me a great deal of joy. I love the magic in them. I love how they combine the human aspects with the animal ones to create something unique. I've read a lot of shifter novels so I wasn't too sure what to expect from Xara X. Xanakas in her Were Menagerie series, but now that I've read Snakeskin Boots? I seriously want to know if I can join the Were Menagerie! I'd make a great friend for a wereboa since I do love snakes.
Snakes rarely get a good showing which thrilled me to see Jeff Cordata as not only a boa shifter, but a wereboa who is a good guy! That's all kinds of unique! I loved that Xanakas worked the dual-penis/hemipenis native to snakes into the story with Jeff's unique anatomy. I really loved how he tasted the air with his tongue. It set a great vibe for believing he's still somewhat ruled by his snake tendencies even when in human form.
Brad was a great werewolf boyfriend. I loved how he took it in stride they commented on the eggplant he was smuggling in his pants. His devotion to Jeff was believable and I could absolutely see him as a wolf who mates for life. His position as an enforcer wasn't a surprise though I was impressed with how he got his pack to work so well with the nest Jeff belonged to and by his willingness to work with the Were Council.
There's so much good stuff in this book! I loved all the secondary characters -an elephant doctor who works at a zoo with her bear husband, Jeff's brother and father and other members of his nest, a chicken shifter, and a scary-impressive scorpion cousin- which added so much richness to the story. I'd recommend this read to anyone who enjoys were-creatures or shifter stories or anyone open-minded to trying something a little on the wild side.
Shifter stories bring me a great deal of joy. I love the magic in them. I love how they combine the human aspects with the animal ones to create something unique. I've read a lot of shifter novels so I wasn't too sure what to expect from Xara X. Xanakas in her Were Menagerie series, but now that I've read Snakeskin Boots? I seriously want to know if I can join the Were Menagerie! I'd make a great friend for a wereboa since I do love snakes.
Snakes rarely get a good showing which thrilled me to see Jeff Cordata as not only a boa shifter, but a wereboa who is a good guy! That's all kinds of unique! I loved that Xanakas worked the dual-penis/hemipenis native to snakes into the story with Jeff's unique anatomy. I really loved how he tasted the air with his tongue. It set a great vibe for believing he's still somewhat ruled by his snake tendencies even when in human form.
Brad was a great werewolf boyfriend. I loved how he took it in stride they commented on the eggplant he was smuggling in his pants. His devotion to Jeff was believable and I could absolutely see him as a wolf who mates for life. His position as an enforcer wasn't a surprise though I was impressed with how he got his pack to work so well with the nest Jeff belonged to and by his willingness to work with the Were Council.
There's so much good stuff in this book! I loved all the secondary characters -an elephant doctor who works at a zoo with her bear husband, Jeff's brother and father and other members of his nest, a chicken shifter, and a scary-impressive scorpion cousin- which added so much richness to the story. I'd recommend this read to anyone who enjoys were-creatures or shifter stories or anyone open-minded to trying something a little on the wild side.
October 19, 2011
I'd like to take this time to warn y'all of the possible spoilers in this review.
About a month and a half ago I hit a slump. There were a couple of factors which brought on a massive decrease in the amount of books I've been reading, and I thought that I wouldn't be able to get back into the groove until I got a vacation. Well, fortunately enough, this book just brought me back into the game!
This book was different and fun and quirky all rolled into one hot package. Our narrator, Jeff Cordata, has a distinct voice but remains very casual. Immediately I became fond of him and his internal dialogue. I love that the author managed to incorporate his animal qualities into his human form - like how he is able to unhinge his jaw. (Although I did find the sex organs to be a bit odd. However, I didn't really mind that much.) His self-deprecation is actually very amusing rather than miserable and irritating. Nice to see a main character who can pick on themselves without sounding so annoying.
Obviously Brad wasn't as well-developed because we only get to see him through Jeff's eyes, but even still, we get to learn a lot about him and the reader experiences it at the same time as Jeff. That provides for a really nice reading experience because we are able to sympathize and empathize better with Jeff. I thought the chemistry between the two main characters was really palpable and when they came together, they were really hot.
I did have a couple of problems with the book though, but to me they didn't really take away from my enjoyment of the book. First of all, the sex was a bit too frequent for my tastes, and they usually came in twos. Like, they'd have sex, then rest, then have sex again before they run off to their meetings. Obviously, as I've said before, it was really hot but I struggled in stopping myself from counting how many times they did it.
Secondly, the pacing was a bit uneven. I get that we needed to have the two main characters establish their relationship first before we head over to the mystery part of the plot, but a bit of foreshadowing could've made the mystery plot a bit more effective. It seemed like all the action was condensed to the last third of the book. I might have paid too much attention on the character interaction, though, so please forgive me if I missed something in the early chapters. Jeff did, however, keep me entertained and it was because of him that I was able to disregard these niggles and enjoy the story.
All in all, a really fun read and I definitely liked it!
About a month and a half ago I hit a slump. There were a couple of factors which brought on a massive decrease in the amount of books I've been reading, and I thought that I wouldn't be able to get back into the groove until I got a vacation. Well, fortunately enough, this book just brought me back into the game!
This book was different and fun and quirky all rolled into one hot package. Our narrator, Jeff Cordata, has a distinct voice but remains very casual. Immediately I became fond of him and his internal dialogue. I love that the author managed to incorporate his animal qualities into his human form - like how he is able to unhinge his jaw. (Although I did find the sex organs to be a bit odd. However, I didn't really mind that much.) His self-deprecation is actually very amusing rather than miserable and irritating. Nice to see a main character who can pick on themselves without sounding so annoying.
Obviously Brad wasn't as well-developed because we only get to see him through Jeff's eyes, but even still, we get to learn a lot about him and the reader experiences it at the same time as Jeff. That provides for a really nice reading experience because we are able to sympathize and empathize better with Jeff. I thought the chemistry between the two main characters was really palpable and when they came together, they were really hot.
I did have a couple of problems with the book though, but to me they didn't really take away from my enjoyment of the book. First of all, the sex was a bit too frequent for my tastes, and they usually came in twos. Like, they'd have sex, then rest, then have sex again before they run off to their meetings. Obviously, as I've said before, it was really hot but I struggled in stopping myself from counting how many times they did it.
Secondly, the pacing was a bit uneven. I get that we needed to have the two main characters establish their relationship first before we head over to the mystery part of the plot, but a bit of foreshadowing could've made the mystery plot a bit more effective. It seemed like all the action was condensed to the last third of the book. I might have paid too much attention on the character interaction, though, so please forgive me if I missed something in the early chapters. Jeff did, however, keep me entertained and it was because of him that I was able to disregard these niggles and enjoy the story.
All in all, a really fun read and I definitely liked it!
November 6, 2011
Not quite 4 stars.
Jeff Cordata is a wereboa that works in a bookstore with his best friend, Kim. Brad Cannidy, a werewolf, comes into the store often and they strike up a conversation and eventually they start dating.
I liked Jeff and Brad - especially Brad - and there were a lot of positive points of this book for me. I liked their relationship and Brad's courtship of Jake. There were some decent peripheral characters like Kim and Jeff's brother Eddy, Deacon the scorpion, Gracie the elephant - and other members of the menagerie. I can see where the series is possibly going with other weres being featured. I think if the book were a little longer, I would have enjoyed it more with additional secondary character development. I think I would have also liked to learn more about his relationship with his ex. Is Jake traumatized from it? Maybe some flashbacks of the abuse so we can really understand where Jake is coming from?
Some niggles and did not likes:
Okay - despite those minor did not likes, overall I liked the story and will read more of the series.
Jeff Cordata is a wereboa that works in a bookstore with his best friend, Kim. Brad Cannidy, a werewolf, comes into the store often and they strike up a conversation and eventually they start dating.
I liked Jeff and Brad - especially Brad - and there were a lot of positive points of this book for me. I liked their relationship and Brad's courtship of Jake. There were some decent peripheral characters like Kim and Jeff's brother Eddy, Deacon the scorpion, Gracie the elephant - and other members of the menagerie. I can see where the series is possibly going with other weres being featured. I think if the book were a little longer, I would have enjoyed it more with additional secondary character development. I think I would have also liked to learn more about his relationship with his ex. Is Jake traumatized from it? Maybe some flashbacks of the abuse so we can really understand where Jake is coming from?
Some niggles and did not likes:
Okay - despite those minor did not likes, overall I liked the story and will read more of the series.
November 14, 2011
3.5 stars.
If you like snakes, than that's your book.
Strangely enough I don't find a boa all that cuddly and and scorpion-shifter just gives me the creeps but there is something for everyone and this is basicly the idea of the book.
It is writen well enough but there is some instant love, which is a minus point. Still a lot of times I found myself lauphing about some inner monologue or comments, so all in all it is an entertaining read with a bit of drama but more focused on the relationship.
What made me take away some stars:
The family of the boa is first against the union but not beyond the first argument.
Intant love or lust.
Horrible pet names, even for genitalia.
A bit simplistic without much of a conflict and even the one there was solved pretty fast and easy.
If you like snakes, than that's your book.
Strangely enough I don't find a boa all that cuddly and and scorpion-shifter just gives me the creeps but there is something for everyone and this is basicly the idea of the book.
It is writen well enough but there is some instant love, which is a minus point. Still a lot of times I found myself lauphing about some inner monologue or comments, so all in all it is an entertaining read with a bit of drama but more focused on the relationship.
What made me take away some stars:
The family of the boa is first against the union but not beyond the first argument.
Intant love or lust.
Horrible pet names, even for genitalia.
A bit simplistic without much of a conflict and even the one there was solved pretty fast and easy.
November 27, 2011
I'm going to give this one 4.5 stars. I enjoyed it and thought the combination of personalities and abilities worked very well together. And there are lots of subtle things worked into the story, like Jeff's last name, or references to Abbott and Costello. The only real gripe I have with it is the references to burning colored candles and herbs which were never explained. They obviously meant something very particular, but no explanation was ever given for why those things were desired or needed. Other than that, it was a fun read and a good start to what I expect to be a fun series of a variety of interesting shifters.
June 25, 2012
Reading this book is a bit like what I imagine reading an acid trip would be like. It was vivid, multicolored, entertaining, fascinatingly scary, and all over the fucking place. Like a high school grope session that I could never seem to put a halt to though it felt just as bad as it felt good. This book was hard to put down though I spent most of the book going huh, what, I don’t get it! Even though I enjoyed the hell out of the characters and humor, I walked away more confused than impressed which totally sucked because I really do see potential here and if I were ever asked to read this author for a review I’d do it in a hot second.
November 17, 2011
I liked this book,I was a little worried after reading some of the reviews, but the blurb just caught my attention!
It wasn't perfect( for me) the pet names (ha!) for the genitals got a bit old after a while, and Jeff and Brad were a bit like kids some of the time, but that said, it was funny, interesting, and a bit out of the ordinary shifter book! And that's a good thing!
I can't wait for the next one!
It wasn't perfect( for me) the pet names (ha!) for the genitals got a bit old after a while, and Jeff and Brad were a bit like kids some of the time, but that said, it was funny, interesting, and a bit out of the ordinary shifter book! And that's a good thing!
I can't wait for the next one!
October 4, 2011
*critique group member*
There's something really spectacular about Xara's writing! She makes you laugh and then WHAM takes it to a whole other level of action and drama. Jeff and Brad are awesome characters, and even though the idea of a snake shifter gave me the shivers, I fell in love with Jeff's snark and humor.
There's something really spectacular about Xara's writing! She makes you laugh and then WHAM takes it to a whole other level of action and drama. Jeff and Brad are awesome characters, and even though the idea of a snake shifter gave me the shivers, I fell in love with Jeff's snark and humor.
November 24, 2011
Endearing characters, original plot, and some hilarious lines. The vegetable reference? Not so much. I can visualize a cucumber but, an eggplant? Nah...
The saving grace in this story is the clever use of some very unique shifter anatomy. Oh, and the sex scenes are beyond hot. Just for that, this is worth buying and reading.
The saving grace in this story is the clever use of some very unique shifter anatomy. Oh, and the sex scenes are beyond hot. Just for that, this is worth buying and reading.
October 6, 2011
I loved this!!! Very funny, with a cute couple, some intense drama and so well-written that for once I didn't even mind it was in present tense. She did a great job of working a snake's physiology into it. A dislocatable jaw and a breathing tube made the blow jobs very intestering and the two penises? Fantastic!
October 6, 2011
Wow, really fresh wind into shifters world. I really liked it. Jeff and Brad were funny couple, okay... a bit strange picture to mate a snake and a wolf, but otherwise, both of them were warm, comical characters. Overall it was well written story, with a bit strange humor and interesting characters. I liked this plotted story and will definitely look forward for other books in this series.
October 12, 2011
It's been a while when I've laughed as much as I did reading this book.
This book was SO much fun I can't even begin to describe it properly. If you like shifters and are open-minded enough, you might just like this one, a lot.
I know I did.
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