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The Larson Legacy #1
Trials of Tam
Tam's genius IQ has let him have his way in most everything in life. That all comes to a halt when his family petitions to join a new pack and the Alpha's price of admission is a chance to call Tam his own.
Tam is willing to play by the Alpha's rules, but he won't be pushed. Valko has some strong opinions about who's in charge. And it's not Tam.
Not about to roll over and show his belly for any man, Tam soon learns he might be the smartest person in the pack, but sometimes it's the sneakiest wolf who wins in the end.
Tam is willing to play by the Alpha's rules, but he won't be pushed. Valko has some strong opinions about who's in charge. And it's not Tam.
Not about to roll over and show his belly for any man, Tam soon learns he might be the smartest person in the pack, but sometimes it's the sneakiest wolf who wins in the end.
114 pages, ebook
First published November 5, 2011
17 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Amber Kell
179 books1,282 followersAmber Kell has made a career out of daydreaming. It has been a lifelong habit she practices diligently as shown by her complete lack of focus on anything not related to her fantasy world building.
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 8, 2013
Tam annoyed - excuse my French - the fucking crap out of me. He was just...so full of himself and he's a fucking genius and all, and ooh isn't he great? His family, oh they're crazy, but he still loves them.
He just seemed to be looking down at the world in general. I don't even know if his few supposedly redeeming traits really were redeeming since they all seemed to be geared towards goading others, mostly Valko.
Tam's just too much the epitome-of-perfection-and-everything-he-does-and-says-must-be-perfect. He needs some sort of character flaw other than overweening pride.
I dunno, maybe some people like this kind of character. All in all, definitely not my cup of tea. I spent the book hoping poor Valko would come to his senses and find someone else to fall in love with because honestly, I could already see the seeds of an abusive relationship forming. I get that Kell was trying to do this "he gets his just desserts because he just assumes Tam's gonna love him" kind of thing, but honestly, I was too busy disliking Tam for his "I'm the best thing since sliced bread - no, even before sliced bread" thing to resent Valko on Tam's behalf.
I think it was the entire premise of the circumstances. Kell really shouldn't have - for whatever odd reason - made the entire world out to get Tam. It made me annoyed of Tam and resentful towards Kell for forcing the other characters into the antagonist roles so that Tam would - supposedly - come out smelling like roses.
Honestly, I get it. Tam is a control freak with a nice palette of Cluster B personality disorders going on. That's his "thing."
But still, I really didn't/don't want Valko to be stuck with him.
Words cannot describe how happy I felt when I finally reached the end. Followed soon after by guilt because I always feel guilty about criticizing authors. *shrugs
Also, I notice the author used "piss ant" when I'm sure she meant "piss-poor." And pissant seems to be a very often misused word. *snort "Piss ant"...
He just seemed to be looking down at the world in general. I don't even know if his few supposedly redeeming traits really were redeeming since they all seemed to be geared towards goading others, mostly Valko.
Tam's just too much the epitome-of-perfection-and-everything-he-does-and-says-must-be-perfect. He needs some sort of character flaw other than overweening pride.
I dunno, maybe some people like this kind of character. All in all, definitely not my cup of tea. I spent the book hoping poor Valko would come to his senses and find someone else to fall in love with because honestly, I could already see the seeds of an abusive relationship forming. I get that Kell was trying to do this "he gets his just desserts because he just assumes Tam's gonna love him" kind of thing, but honestly, I was too busy disliking Tam for his "I'm the best thing since sliced bread - no, even before sliced bread" thing to resent Valko on Tam's behalf.
I think it was the entire premise of the circumstances. Kell really shouldn't have - for whatever odd reason - made the entire world out to get Tam. It made me annoyed of Tam and resentful towards Kell for forcing the other characters into the antagonist roles so that Tam would - supposedly - come out smelling like roses.
Honestly, I get it. Tam is a control freak with a nice palette of Cluster B personality disorders going on. That's his "thing."
But still, I really didn't/don't want Valko to be stuck with him.
Words cannot describe how happy I felt when I finally reached the end. Followed soon after by guilt because I always feel guilty about criticizing authors. *shrugs
Also, I notice the author used "piss ant" when I'm sure she meant "piss-poor." And pissant seems to be a very often misused word. *snort "Piss ant"...
November 13, 2011
2.5 stars
My favorite thing about the book you ask, well that would have to be when it ended at 93% of the file. It started out ok but I got pretty bored with it and distracted by the writing. I guess Kell is kind of hit and miss with me and although this one I didn’t completely hate it wasn’t that great.
My favorite thing about the book you ask, well that would have to be when it ended at 93% of the file. It started out ok but I got pretty bored with it and distracted by the writing. I guess Kell is kind of hit and miss with me and although this one I didn’t completely hate it wasn’t that great.
November 6, 2011
Grammar mistakes, childish writing and butchered phrases galore. Yowch!
I can't believe that's the inner voice of a genius who got his university degree at 15. Not even the inner voice of a grown-up.
"Tam spent the next day on his computer trying to solve a problem that kept giving him an error. All of his calculations said it should work. (...) He barely resisted the strong temptation to toss the computer against the wall just to hear the happy cracking sound."
Doesn't sound like a mature genius. Try a hormonal teenage girl. Also, I'd believe the MC is in fact a computer whiz if he said something more concrete than "trying to solve a problem that kept giving him an error". That's something my 80 year old granny would say, who can barely use Windows.
Also, the shifter lore introduced in Supernatural Mates and Moon Pack books keeps changing without notice. Kinda hard to stay focused on the story with these mistakes.
All in all, I'm pretty disappointed. I just hope the upcoming Supernatural Mates book will be much better.
I can't believe that's the inner voice of a genius who got his university degree at 15. Not even the inner voice of a grown-up.
"Tam spent the next day on his computer trying to solve a problem that kept giving him an error. All of his calculations said it should work. (...) He barely resisted the strong temptation to toss the computer against the wall just to hear the happy cracking sound."
Doesn't sound like a mature genius. Try a hormonal teenage girl. Also, I'd believe the MC is in fact a computer whiz if he said something more concrete than "trying to solve a problem that kept giving him an error". That's something my 80 year old granny would say, who can barely use Windows.
Also, the shifter lore introduced in Supernatural Mates and Moon Pack books keeps changing without notice. Kinda hard to stay focused on the story with these mistakes.
All in all, I'm pretty disappointed. I just hope the upcoming Supernatural Mates book will be much better.
November 27, 2012
Wow, I was surprised how good I found this book.
All Larson brothers were so funny and interesting that I didn't expect much and mostly not such turn in shifters sphere. A lot of todays shifters books are plotted around sex, sex, and more sex, but here we have got a mix of romance, attitude, comic and really interesting pulling plot. Tam was a bit annoying with his genius behavior, but then it's logical he would behave like that. I'm definitely looking forward for new books in this series. And I hope next one will be out soon!
All Larson brothers were so funny and interesting that I didn't expect much and mostly not such turn in shifters sphere. A lot of todays shifters books are plotted around sex, sex, and more sex, but here we have got a mix of romance, attitude, comic and really interesting pulling plot. Tam was a bit annoying with his genius behavior, but then it's logical he would behave like that. I'm definitely looking forward for new books in this series. And I hope next one will be out soon!
November 6, 2011
Another Amber Kell's formulaic shifter stories. You know her work, you know what to expect :). Bratty younger/smaller man with his overprotective Alpha - with some fun in between. It's always nice to see the smaller man can put the bigger man on his place, though. The brothers are fun to read -- and I definitely want to see what will happen with Lewis (who is NOT gay - he claims) and Tam's vampire boss. That should be fun.
November 12, 2011
This is the first book in a new series from Amber Kell, it was written well and very funny. I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book in the series.
October 3, 2015
This was a fun little romp of a typical shifter story. It was fun and funny and there was a bit of a twist and a switch up that really made me love it. I liked all the characters loads. Tam is a wee bit immature for his age, but that probably come from always getting what he wants because he's so super smart. But when he makes a significant life decision just to spite someone he actually cares about, it gets ridiculously juvenile.
I had a couple of issues like when Tam's father is sitting eating dinner with his new (to him) Alpha:
Now I'm not one for the whole D/s thing at all, but in a werewolf pack in traditional shifter stories, it's different; the Alpha needs to be respected. Earlier the alpha even tells the man's wife that she can call him by name but only in private. The alpha has to maintain authority. For the father to talk to the alpha like he would to a boy of a younger generation is completely inappropriate and he does this in front of a bunch of people at a dinner table. He should ask politely if he could speak to the alpha in private. I mean, you wouldn't say anything like that to your boss, would you? And this is so much more than that. Would you talk like this to the commanding officer of your platoon?
On top of all this, Tam hates being controlled and sees himself as the caretaker to the family. He would be furious if his father tried to talk to Tam's potential mate without Tam being there. Instead Tam is amused.
Nitpicks:
Continuity: Guy is sitting on the desk and then stands up from his chair.
A lawyer uses adjectives in place of adverbs. "I'll look it over really careful." Seriously?
Everyone is surprised and a little weirded out when a mom makes Tacos for dinner. This is the west coast. Doesn't everyone make tacos regularly? Everyone I know does and most of my friends are upper middle class whites, unfortunately.
Here's another positive thing; I loved this line:
Frankly, with that part of Seattle, you never know. :)
When compared to other mainstream shifter stories, this is excellent. I'm talking about the M/M equivalent of Harlequin romances, that shifter story with the big brawny alpha male and his fated scrawny but hot and feisty little mate, the ones where it's a stereotypical heterosexual romance with the woman changed to a man. Compared to those this is a 4.5. But since I really should be comparing it with all shifter stories, I'll round down.
I had a couple of issues like when Tam's father is sitting eating dinner with his new (to him) Alpha:
Mr. Valko tossed down his napkin and pierced Valko with blue eyes eerily like his mate's. "I'd like to talk to you about your plans for a mating bond with my son. If you don't mind joining me in the library?"
Now I'm not one for the whole D/s thing at all, but in a werewolf pack in traditional shifter stories, it's different; the Alpha needs to be respected. Earlier the alpha even tells the man's wife that she can call him by name but only in private. The alpha has to maintain authority. For the father to talk to the alpha like he would to a boy of a younger generation is completely inappropriate and he does this in front of a bunch of people at a dinner table. He should ask politely if he could speak to the alpha in private. I mean, you wouldn't say anything like that to your boss, would you? And this is so much more than that. Would you talk like this to the commanding officer of your platoon?
On top of all this, Tam hates being controlled and sees himself as the caretaker to the family. He would be furious if his father tried to talk to Tam's potential mate without Tam being there. Instead Tam is amused.
Nitpicks:
Continuity: Guy is sitting on the desk and then stands up from his chair.
A lawyer uses adjectives in place of adverbs. "I'll look it over really careful." Seriously?
Everyone is surprised and a little weirded out when a mom makes Tacos for dinner. This is the west coast. Doesn't everyone make tacos regularly? Everyone I know does and most of my friends are upper middle class whites, unfortunately.
Here's another positive thing; I loved this line:
And Tam didn't think Seattle was ready for eight werewolves prancing through Pioneer Square all wolfed out.
Frankly, with that part of Seattle, you never know. :)
When compared to other mainstream shifter stories, this is excellent. I'm talking about the M/M equivalent of Harlequin romances, that shifter story with the big brawny alpha male and his fated scrawny but hot and feisty little mate, the ones where it's a stereotypical heterosexual romance with the woman changed to a man. Compared to those this is a 4.5. But since I really should be comparing it with all shifter stories, I'll round down.
December 14, 2011
I loved reading this book. With a wonderfully different slant to the mating aspect, it surprised and delighted me to see Valko, a true Alpha, really having to fight for his mate. The banter between the two, the devilish machinations Tam comes up with to challenge his Alpha and future mate and the way Tam resists gave the story an extra edge. The sense of humor that comes across made me laugh out loud in places.
Tam has an IQ that is off the charts. He has manipulated his family and his environment as long as he can remember, so meeting Valko, and knowing he is his mate, has him reeling. Out of control is not a situation he deals with easily. Add to that the issues he has with his university and the need to find a job, and he could easily get overwhelmed. Interestingly, he has the intelligence to deal with it all, but he isn’t emotionally as well equipped as he’d want to believe. Learning to deal with that side of himself while accepting Valko as his mate is an interesting challenge for Tam.
Valko is an Alpha used to people respecting and obeying him. The Larson family, and Tam in particular, are an interesting challenge for him. He adapts amazingly well, while not giving in – at least not on everything. I loved how supportive he is of Tam while not letting him have his way in everything. The one thing that is most difficult for Valko to learn is that Tam can defend himself mentally and physically – and the latter is put to a severe test when a neighboring pack issues a challenge to Tam.
If you like shifter stories with a twist, if two strong-willed males battling it out are what you are looking for and if you want some very hot sex (an I mean scorching!) on top of all of that, you will most likely be very happy with this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
Tam has an IQ that is off the charts. He has manipulated his family and his environment as long as he can remember, so meeting Valko, and knowing he is his mate, has him reeling. Out of control is not a situation he deals with easily. Add to that the issues he has with his university and the need to find a job, and he could easily get overwhelmed. Interestingly, he has the intelligence to deal with it all, but he isn’t emotionally as well equipped as he’d want to believe. Learning to deal with that side of himself while accepting Valko as his mate is an interesting challenge for Tam.
Valko is an Alpha used to people respecting and obeying him. The Larson family, and Tam in particular, are an interesting challenge for him. He adapts amazingly well, while not giving in – at least not on everything. I loved how supportive he is of Tam while not letting him have his way in everything. The one thing that is most difficult for Valko to learn is that Tam can defend himself mentally and physically – and the latter is put to a severe test when a neighboring pack issues a challenge to Tam.
If you like shifter stories with a twist, if two strong-willed males battling it out are what you are looking for and if you want some very hot sex (an I mean scorching!) on top of all of that, you will most likely be very happy with this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
March 25, 2013
Tam’s one of the more devious among the author’s heroes. He has the deceptively small and mild, yet super-powerful bottom part down pat, with the addition of an evil, ruthless streak. I like how even being super-powered does not mean he has no flaws or needs or weaknesses. <3 It’s especially fun how he always bursts out laughing after successfully teasing, annoying or manipulating someone. XD While his morals are questionable in a wider sense, his loyalty is solid.
Romantically this followed the usual pattern as per the author, although there was more actual relationship development than in, say, Vampire Wanted by the same author.
Fact is, the only thing I regret is that it ends when I want more. These books certainly never overdo their stories. They end, leaving you pining for more. (Sometimes the main event, such as the claiming in this case, is not even part of the narrative.) Luckily for me, even if it’s not the same thing, I do have the second volume lined up.
Romantically this followed the usual pattern as per the author, although there was more actual relationship development than in, say, Vampire Wanted by the same author.
Fact is, the only thing I regret is that it ends when I want more. These books certainly never overdo their stories. They end, leaving you pining for more. (Sometimes the main event, such as the claiming in this case, is not even part of the narrative.) Luckily for me, even if it’s not the same thing, I do have the second volume lined up.
November 18, 2011
2.5 stars. I never really warmed up to Tam, which is a shame since almost the whole book was through his POV. He was supposed to be this big genius, but I felt like he just manipulated everyone to his own end and no one really gave him any grief over it. (it's like everyone knows he does this, but no one cares because he knows what's best for everyone) His mate, the alpha, was stereotypical. I was more interested over the brother meeting (and running away from) the vampire boss.
February 3, 2012
3.5/4 stars.
Tam is a werewolf and the runt of his litter. With 5 ginormous brothers, Tam's lithe frame makes him feel downright petite. Luckily, he has more than enough gray matter to compensate with an IQ well into the genius range. Tam also has a secret - he's not as frail and unassuming as his human and wolf form lead other wolves to believe.
When the Larsons move to a new area, they petition the local Alpha to join his pack. When Valko sees Tam, however, he knows he has met his mate.
While this book was rather short, I really enjoyed the author's voice. It was humorous and quirky and I was smiling widely at a lot of the interaction between the characters. I absolutely loved Tam's entire family. The love and protectiveness of his brothers and family as well as the snarky but affectionate banter. This book is full of secondary characters I can't wait to get to know better. I have a hunch who the next book will feature, and appreciate the little taste that the author gave us.
I do wish the book was a little longer. I was just beginning to get to know the Larsons and Valko and Tam were just accepting their mating when it seemed to be over. It did have a decent plot and the characters were developed enough for me to love them, but I would have enjoyed maybe a little longer courtship between Tam and Valko. Tam talked a big game about making Valko work for the mating, but it was pretty much over before it began. This could have easily been a 5 star read for me because I enjoyed the writing style a lot, but it just lacked a little additional content. Hopefully the next one will be longer and give us more Larsons to love!
Tam is a werewolf and the runt of his litter. With 5 ginormous brothers, Tam's lithe frame makes him feel downright petite. Luckily, he has more than enough gray matter to compensate with an IQ well into the genius range. Tam also has a secret - he's not as frail and unassuming as his human and wolf form lead other wolves to believe.
When the Larsons move to a new area, they petition the local Alpha to join his pack. When Valko sees Tam, however, he knows he has met his mate.
While this book was rather short, I really enjoyed the author's voice. It was humorous and quirky and I was smiling widely at a lot of the interaction between the characters. I absolutely loved Tam's entire family. The love and protectiveness of his brothers and family as well as the snarky but affectionate banter. This book is full of secondary characters I can't wait to get to know better. I have a hunch who the next book will feature, and appreciate the little taste that the author gave us.
I do wish the book was a little longer. I was just beginning to get to know the Larsons and Valko and Tam were just accepting their mating when it seemed to be over. It did have a decent plot and the characters were developed enough for me to love them, but I would have enjoyed maybe a little longer courtship between Tam and Valko. Tam talked a big game about making Valko work for the mating, but it was pretty much over before it began. This could have easily been a 5 star read for me because I enjoyed the writing style a lot, but it just lacked a little additional content. Hopefully the next one will be longer and give us more Larsons to love!
February 28, 2012
This is a pretty standard werewolf story, which I picked up mostly for the name thing. Tam and his family have moved and have asked acceptance by the new pack. The alpha instantly knows younger genius son Tam is his mate and only agrees to accept the family if Tam agrees to take a job nearby, or at least consider it. (This all happens within 10 min. of meeting) Tam is one of those people that if you tell him to go right, he'll go left just on principle. He applies for a job and realizes his boss would be a vampire, so when the alpha says no, Tam says yes. Tam's family is fine when he comes out as gay and is all into hooking up with the alpha and Tam seems to accept that it's inevitable but holds him off more for the hell of it than any good reason. The only conflict is Tam's university is is shifter-phobic and tries to not give him his degree which he quickly solves by sabotaging their computer system until they cry uncle. I found Tam a bit annoying and perfect, gets his brother and his girlfriend back together, gets his degree and teaches the university a lesson, seems to be hooking his younger brother up with the vamp boss, eh. Sure he was bratty, but perfect in his brattyness. Sometimes I'm in the mood for this kind of read, light, quick, entertaining, but pretty much brain fluff for me. I suppose the brother/vamp story is coming.
November 5, 2011
I have to say if it weren't for the editing errors and name error, this would have been a 5. I really enjoyed the story here. It was hilarious and so very tongue in cheek, the author had me laughing most of the way through this book. I was a little disappointed at the ending as the couple never actually claims each other. They get close but the alpha forgets to bite his mate during sex. Hard to believe but there it is. They never actually bond. Tam wins a challenge that is never in question to anyone but the alpha who doesn't know Tam's secret wolf, and the story ends. It's a bit unsatisfying, but because of the hilarity during the rest of the story, I couldn't mark this lower.
I can see myself reading this over whenever I need a lift, just for the over the top comedy. The story is rather short, the ending could have been better, and it's painfully obvious this is just the first book in a series. Even so it could have been ended much more satisfyingly and still left an element open for books to come.
I can see myself reading this over whenever I need a lift, just for the over the top comedy. The story is rather short, the ending could have been better, and it's painfully obvious this is just the first book in a series. Even so it could have been ended much more satisfyingly and still left an element open for books to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2014
3.5 Stars
I REALLY liked Tam :) I loved how he was the 'runt' of the family, but he was no pushover. I loved how protective his brothers were of him in his human form, but in wolf form they know he can protect himself.
Valko though I am glad that Tam put him in his place, but I actually thought he gave in too easily. He was all set to make Valko work for his mating, but one kiss and he's weak.
I did want to know more about the schooling. Did the picketers come? What about the pulling of funding? Did Tam get his inventions? I didn't like the whole "I'm going to sue then for all of werekin" then the next minute he's doing some computer mastermind thing.
What about the trust thing? Did Valko really not trust Tam to take care of himself? Not cool.
Overall, I liked it. I wished it was longer. I wanted more of a relationship/courtship between Valko and Tam.
I REALLY liked Tam :) I loved how he was the 'runt' of the family, but he was no pushover. I loved how protective his brothers were of him in his human form, but in wolf form they know he can protect himself.
Valko though I am glad that Tam put him in his place, but I actually thought he gave in too easily. He was all set to make Valko work for his mating, but one kiss and he's weak.
I did want to know more about the schooling. Did the picketers come? What about the pulling of funding? Did Tam get his inventions? I didn't like the whole "I'm going to sue then for all of werekin" then the next minute he's doing some computer mastermind thing.
What about the trust thing? Did Valko really not trust Tam to take care of himself? Not cool.
Overall, I liked it. I wished it was longer. I wanted more of a relationship/courtship between Valko and Tam.
June 5, 2016
¿Qué decir de la familia Larson? Estos lobos son geniales, la familia por sí misma parece una pequeña manada que se cuida las espaldas a cada momento.
En este primer libro podemos ver la historia del más pequeño, inteligente y manipulador de la familia, Tam, este chico se sale con la suya en cualquier momento hasta que llega el destino a interponerse en su camino y darle algo más con lo que divertirse.
El Alfa Valko es un espécimen de macho a tener en cuenta y su amor por Tam se nota a cada instante, particularmente me hubiera gustado que tuviera un poco más de mano dura con el travieso, pero de todas formas son una pareja ideal.
Una historia más que recomendable.
En este primer libro podemos ver la historia del más pequeño, inteligente y manipulador de la familia, Tam, este chico se sale con la suya en cualquier momento hasta que llega el destino a interponerse en su camino y darle algo más con lo que divertirse.
El Alfa Valko es un espécimen de macho a tener en cuenta y su amor por Tam se nota a cada instante, particularmente me hubiera gustado que tuviera un poco más de mano dura con el travieso, pero de todas formas son una pareja ideal.
Una historia más que recomendable.
November 6, 2011
Solid three stars. A pleasant, enjoyable read with likeable characters. I liked Tam's deviousness, the dynamics of the Larson family, and the banter found throughout the book. Can't wait for the next book, and the fireworks that are sure to fly in the next relationship hinted at in this book.
November 11, 2011
Cute, sweet, read. didn't really get to know Valko that well, Tam was 90% of the book I think. If you enjoyed Jaynell's Wolf you'll probably enjoy this one too. Jaynell and Tam are alot alike.
November 11, 2011
frightfully childish, never again AmberKell books
March 16, 2013
2nd time I've read this book.
Tam and Valko are a guilty pleasure! I love the banter between the Larson family members.
"I don't have to be subtle, I gave birth to you".... Brilliant :-P
Tam and Valko are a guilty pleasure! I love the banter between the Larson family members.
"I don't have to be subtle, I gave birth to you".... Brilliant :-P
February 26, 2021
A ton of these reviews were shitting on Tam, so I went in expecting myself to hate him. I just finished the book and I ended up loving him. Yes, he was cocky but he had a right to be lol. He was also hilarious. I almost didn't read the book because the way people described him made me instantly annoyed with him.
If you don't like novellas, you probably won't like this. I personally love shorter stories like trials of tam, I feel like it makes it so the conflict isn't so drawn out and forced. There isn't a ton of steam because it's so short, but it didn't make me dislike/or take away from the story. The amount of steam felt right. If you are looking for hot smut, this won't satisfy you.
I'm glad I read this. If you are looking for a cute and funny book, you'll like this.:)
If you don't like novellas, you probably won't like this. I personally love shorter stories like trials of tam, I feel like it makes it so the conflict isn't so drawn out and forced. There isn't a ton of steam because it's so short, but it didn't make me dislike/or take away from the story. The amount of steam felt right. If you are looking for hot smut, this won't satisfy you.
I'm glad I read this. If you are looking for a cute and funny book, you'll like this.:)
January 22, 2020
Sometimes funny, most of the time annoying. Tam was egoistic and really just acted like a child most of the time. I guess it would have been okay if there was a spark between him and Valko (there really wasn't) or if there was some cool story (there also really wasn't). It was over too quickly, there was no world building and the only "scary" part was done super quickly. The only good thing was Lewis and the vampire, because they were at least kind of funny.
August 10, 2018
Tam Super Wolf
Didn't see that coming; smallest wolf in family is the scariest of all. Has three forms was very big surprise to his Alpha Mate.
Didn't see that coming; smallest wolf in family is the scariest of all. Has three forms was very big surprise to his Alpha Mate.
March 5, 2021
Another lost review by goodreads
March 8, 2012
I have got to admit; I read this on Amber Kell’s blog and fell in love with the entire Larson family. Tam was funny, endearing and very loyal to his family plus he had that wicked side that had me grinning in delight. The writing was good, the characters well defined and the sexual tension between Tam and Valko made me grin as I reached for the ice cubes. There was more than one moment where I was laughing out loud over something Tam said or did to Valko. The characters are what make this book. The wild and madcap Larson family, Valko and his pack, a vampire boss and add them all together-BAM-instant chaos and pure entertainment. I was trying to figure out who I enjoyed more-Tam, Valko, Larson siblings, etc-when it hit me that I enjoyed them all. It’s a rare treat to find a story where I can enjoy all the characters equally and unabashedly.
Tam has a genius IQ who knows how to push back against anyone and anything that tries to hurt himself or his family. Valko is an alpha determined to win Tam over as his mate. Two strong willed men who find that both will need to compromise in order to get what they want. Both these two characters are perfect for one another. Amber Kell gives enough intriguing aspects to hook you and then adds in vulnerabilities, meddling families and more to keep the romance between Valko and Tam from getting stale. The sexual tension between these two is smoking hot and I swore sparks were flying off my nook reader. The secondary characters were as equally well written and just as intriguing. I can’t wait to see more of them in future books.
THE TRIALS OF TAM introduces the readers to a family of wolves who are loyal, protective of their own and love to meddle but you can feel the love they have for one another as well. Amber Kell delivers a wonderful story that though I felt could have been a bit more fleshed out and longer, was a satisfying read all the same on a cold winter’s afternoon. I am really eager to see what this author does for the rest of the Larson family siblings and who may be next in the love department. If you are looking for a light hearted and fun paranormal story. Then grab THE TRIALS OF TAM. I guarantee you will be giggling one minute and sighing the next.
Tam has a genius IQ who knows how to push back against anyone and anything that tries to hurt himself or his family. Valko is an alpha determined to win Tam over as his mate. Two strong willed men who find that both will need to compromise in order to get what they want. Both these two characters are perfect for one another. Amber Kell gives enough intriguing aspects to hook you and then adds in vulnerabilities, meddling families and more to keep the romance between Valko and Tam from getting stale. The sexual tension between these two is smoking hot and I swore sparks were flying off my nook reader. The secondary characters were as equally well written and just as intriguing. I can’t wait to see more of them in future books.
THE TRIALS OF TAM introduces the readers to a family of wolves who are loyal, protective of their own and love to meddle but you can feel the love they have for one another as well. Amber Kell delivers a wonderful story that though I felt could have been a bit more fleshed out and longer, was a satisfying read all the same on a cold winter’s afternoon. I am really eager to see what this author does for the rest of the Larson family siblings and who may be next in the love department. If you are looking for a light hearted and fun paranormal story. Then grab THE TRIALS OF TAM. I guarantee you will be giggling one minute and sighing the next.
November 22, 2011
3.5 stars.
Trials of Tam was a fun, light and humorous read. While deeply entrenched in the paranormal genre with a strong and dominant Alpha and his smaller mate, this book takes a decided turn with one of the main protagonists being a genius who outwits the Alpha at nearly every turn.
Tam is a doctorate student. He and his crazy family have just moved to a new area and when they go to meet the new Alpha, Tam is marked as this man’s potential mate. Tam, however, is having none of that. So he leads his prospective werewolf mate on a merry chase, vowing not to roll over and submit until Valko has proven himself worthy. Throw in Tam’s too funny brothers, a vampire boss and a interfering, but loving mother and you have a recipe for a light-hearted paranormal romance.
Amber Kell’s Trials of Tam was everything I was looking for in a werewolf novel. It was a great afternoon read and I am eagerly looking forward to book two in this series.
Dark Divas Reviews
Trials of Tam was a fun, light and humorous read. While deeply entrenched in the paranormal genre with a strong and dominant Alpha and his smaller mate, this book takes a decided turn with one of the main protagonists being a genius who outwits the Alpha at nearly every turn.
Tam is a doctorate student. He and his crazy family have just moved to a new area and when they go to meet the new Alpha, Tam is marked as this man’s potential mate. Tam, however, is having none of that. So he leads his prospective werewolf mate on a merry chase, vowing not to roll over and submit until Valko has proven himself worthy. Throw in Tam’s too funny brothers, a vampire boss and a interfering, but loving mother and you have a recipe for a light-hearted paranormal romance.
Amber Kell’s Trials of Tam was everything I was looking for in a werewolf novel. It was a great afternoon read and I am eagerly looking forward to book two in this series.
Dark Divas Reviews
November 8, 2011
Good story with a lot of promise but too fast paced. The book is well written and amusing. As usual Amber Kell's characters and plot are well designed. The Trials of Tam has a lot of area to cover in just 115 pages. The story is well designed but the writing barely touches on any of the topics that are raised. As such, there is hardly any time to focus on the relationship between Tam and Valko. I think we get two kisses, one fast blowjob and a rushed sex scene where the mating does not even take place. The official mating never takes place because the story ends too quickly. I get the feeling that Tam is so busy that he never gets time to really explore his feelings about the relationship. For most of the book I was convinced that he did not feel the same mating pull that Valko did. In all I enjoyed what I read but I was left wanting more. I felt that the whole experience was rushed and that the story could have used a second pass to flesh things out a little more.
February 24, 2015
This was my first and last shifter novel by Amber Kell. I did try to read Wooing Master Jones but could not finish. No chemistry between MCs. No relationship development even after the shifter instant love. Sex was so bad it makes the book one star by itself. Tad was a very passive aggressive alpha for his family and they supported and flaunted it for their own benefit. Tad did have the ability to be a physical alpha too, but he and his family hid it as their secret weapon. Tad's human side never felt anything for his mate Valko - it was only his inner wolf that responded. Valko showed more concern and caring and compromised more for his mate than Tad. Tad told Valko that he needed to come to him as an equal. Unfortunately, Tad did not meet Valko at the half way mark himself. So I did not get my HEA. Sorry, I will not continue with this author.
November 9, 2011
So far this looks really good. One of the best traditional shifter stories I have read. It flows smoothly, characters are both male and not weak.
Relationship feels natural. Not too rushed even with the mate thing. That's usual the biggest problem in shifter books.
I like that not everything is settled, revealed at once. The book has a nice pace. definitely favorite of Amber Kell. Can't wait for the next one.
It's really interesting that for once even being fated mates it's not an immediate mating and life together. And not because of some evil doer, some problems or anything. It's just natural pace.
It's still an easy read, but a good one.
Shifters, vampires are a part of society in this world.
Relationship feels natural. Not too rushed even with the mate thing. That's usual the biggest problem in shifter books.
I like that not everything is settled, revealed at once. The book has a nice pace. definitely favorite of Amber Kell. Can't wait for the next one.
It's really interesting that for once even being fated mates it's not an immediate mating and life together. And not because of some evil doer, some problems or anything. It's just natural pace.
It's still an easy read, but a good one.
Shifters, vampires are a part of society in this world.
September 10, 2013
I loved Tam, after meeting Valko he doesn't roll over since his mate is Alpha and makes him work to be his mate and shows Valko he won't be controlled or told what to do. I also liked how protective he was of his family from outsiders. Also since Tam has a genius IQ and usually gets what he wants in life he gets a wake up call in his mate, who is a Alpha male used to getting what he wants.Tam also has a few suprises for Valko up his sleeve too.
Valko's not sure what to make of his mate but he wants him and plans to keep him forever. Valko wants to protect his mate but his mate keeps suprising him and keeping him on his toes.
This was a great read, had some steamy scenes and some that had me cracking up.
Valko's not sure what to make of his mate but he wants him and plans to keep him forever. Valko wants to protect his mate but his mate keeps suprising him and keeping him on his toes.
This was a great read, had some steamy scenes and some that had me cracking up.
May 29, 2015
I loved the dynamic between Tam&Valko. It was too fun how they kept each other on their toes! They both needed a mate who challenged them and Tam's mischievousness and Valko's overconfidence made them perfect for each other. I also enjoyed the idea of an world where shape-shifters were known by everyone. It was a new one in my shape-shifters usual readings and interesting the type of prejudice and injustices the MCs were subjected because of that. Good thing Tam was an expertise in not letting people get away with their doings. Now I can't wait to to read Lewis book and learn how it's going to work the mating of a wolf and a vampire with they being natural enemies and Lewis horrified his mate is male!
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