Love's Baggage

Preters #3

by T.A. Chase

Things have gotten pretty exciting in Bandit Canis's world. Non-Preters trying to kill any lycan or Preternatural they can find, and his youngest brother falling in love with a human. Plus finding out there's a spell in a book that could destroy every Preternatural in the world. Yeah, "exciting" is a pale word for what Bandit’s life has become. Yet instead of searching for the book, Bandit finds himself escorting twin lycans back to their home pack. While he's not happy about it, at least he gets to spend time with Allen Dow.

Allen is reluctant to return to his home pack to regain control, especially after being sold to a human freak show years ago by his Alpha. He has no choice, though, once he learns how far the pack had fallen in his absence. The only good thing about the entire trip is spending time with Bandit.

As their mission turns deadly, Bandit and Allen cling to each other, their love growing stronger as they both leave the baggage of the past behind them. While their future is unclear in the dangerous world in which they live, they also come to realize that, together, they may be able to weather whatever happens next...

This story is part of The Preternaturals series..

Gay / Dark Fantasy / Werewolf / Shapeshifter / Action / Adventure / Suspense / Thriller / Series

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2011

About the author

There is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.

Reviews

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed following this series (Preters) and knowing the different players but this seems just a transition between the second book ("Nick of Time") and the one coming next. I like that Bandit got a lot more space in this though. He is engaging and appealing. He is honorable, brave, and at peace with his place in the grand scheme of things... the type of person who accepts himself without going through a lot of tiresome angst. Compared to Bandit, Allen failed to evoke enough or the same feelings of affinity that will make me root for him to become Bandit's love partner (which is really a shame). There was a lot of stuff introduced in this book that could have been elaborated or further explored. For instance, I wish there was more information about Raze's and Ba'el's kind (angels and demons) and how their kind fit in the mythology and design of the world this series exists in... (Both were awesome, by the way.) This book seems lacking and felt like an episode. The second book, "Nick of Time", is the best one so far. It was meatier in its handling of the characters, the relationships, and the events that transpire. Hopefully, the next one will have more or as much meat as (Nick of Time), specially if it is the culmination.

[Jimmy Hanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than Preters #2, but far from a great novel.

I really liked the view of Bandit we got from the first Preters novel, and was excited to read about his relationship with Allen. I got that, but to a flimsy degree. I didn't feel any depth to the attraction or the personal internal conflicts. Add to that a whole new cast of random-shot characters that are automatically trusted because their 'instincts' tell them they can be, and a rather disappointing view on the characters previous built up in the previous two novels, and all in all I was pretty disappointed.

One of my biggest frustrations had to do with Suzanne [the Alpha of Bandit's pack, and his mom] ... in the first novel she's formed in the light of being a tough woman, but a nice and fair one. Someone that you're warned about and sure as hell don't want to cross, but that will defend you come hell and high water if you're one of 'hers'. In the second novel, I was startled for how quickly she was/let herself be over-run by Nick - a seeming human who just traipsed into her territory and started telling her and her pack what they needed to do.

Then here: she's talked back to, over-ridden, corrected ... all by others and by Allen who, to this point, is described as being a weak, wounded man.

High points: um ... well ... honestly, the only high point I truly found entertaining was when the angel came running around the corner, covered in blood with two shining swords in his hands, and the demon was so 'OMFG SCHMEXY!!!!1' that he grabbed and kissed the shit out of him right there in the hallway. ^_~;;

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars if it would let me. I thought it was a very good tale and really enjoyed it especially as I had read Allergies and In The Nick of Time. I had been looking forward to more of the Canis family and their histories and this time it is Bandit's story. Mostly. It also moves the plot along that was started in The Nick of Time and includes many characters of that book. This is just a part of a continuing sage and you need to start with the first books or the multitude of characters will have you lost in no time as their backstories are not included here. That is one of the problems I had with this story. Even though I had read the other books, it took me a while to remember who was who and how they were all connected.

It was a quick read. I finished it in a couple of hours and enjoyed it. I am looking forward to the next installment, which I believe is Rover's story. I don't know how many books TA has planned for this saga but as the story gets more complicated with each book, I can see this lasting for a while.

[M'rella · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think I will continue with the series.

All three books are so different from each other, different speed, different dynamics, from too much sex in the first one to almost none in the third, new gay characters multiplying by the chapter which makes it seem like there will be no end to new pairings (and as a result no end to new volumes) cropping up left and right.

The third book is extremely slow, lots of driving, lots of talking and unnecessary puffing up every time someone lifts their eyes off the floor.
In the end, we have a change of power in one of the lycan tribes and a semi-rescue (Pavel is still missing). That's about it. All two chapters worth, stretched out to the length of a book.

I do like TA Chase, but this series has been a great disappointment to me.

1 star.

[Sui Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting patiently ... okay not so patiently for this book and now I can't wait for the next. I love Bandit and knew he had a story behind him. We didn't find out all his secrets but I'm so happy he has a love in his life now. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book. I hope it comes out soon!!

[Rachel Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with a couple of the others who left reviews saying they liked it, but it wasn't quite up to the potential of Allergies and Nick of Time. I enjoyed seeing the characters again, but there were a bunch of new characters introduced I would like to know more about too! Still, enjoyable series from one my favorite authors!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but it didn't quite live up to Allergies and Nick of Time for me.

[Sylvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I want Rover's story...

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay I was a bit lost when reading this book, but then I realized I was reading #3 of a series I've never read yet. Other than the fact I was lost (my own fault) I enjoyed it.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars