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Kontra's Menagerie #6
Swimming with Penguins
Yuma Batacan didn’t mean to reveal that he was a penguin shifter to the human, Hunter Driscoll. But between the pain caused by a gunshot wound, the disorientation of waking in a strange place, and the thrilling scent that told him the human was his mate, Yuma couldn’t find it in him to stop the change. Now he has to convince the abused and injured human that he isn’t some kind of monster. And Yuma has to do it quick, before Hunter’s attackers come back to finish him off.
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2012
17 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 19, 2012
3.25*
I like this series, I like the shifters, sure there are lions, but there are spiders and long horn bulls and hyenas and even a boa and a buffalo!
This one is about Yuma the penguin, I've been wanting a penguin book, although I have to mention I would love one paired with a skunk shifter, but that's not what happened here.
Nope,Yuma the sweet little penguin shifter gets a big strong slightly battered human.
Hunter is a vet tech and helps give a penguin first aid after his father accidentally shot him.
Imagine his surprise when finding a cute naked guy in his bed and not the arctic companion he fell asleep with.
As with all of these, it's a fast paced short with little conflict. Hunter quickly accepts Yuma is a shifter and accepts that they are mates, a little drama with the ex and I have my fix till the next one comes out!
Of no importance at all but this is definitely one of the better covers of this series.I like it a lot!
I like this series, I like the shifters, sure there are lions, but there are spiders and long horn bulls and hyenas and even a boa and a buffalo!
This one is about Yuma the penguin, I've been wanting a penguin book, although I have to mention I would love one paired with a skunk shifter, but that's not what happened here.
Nope,Yuma the sweet little penguin shifter gets a big strong slightly battered human.
Hunter is a vet tech and helps give a penguin first aid after his father accidentally shot him.
Imagine his surprise when finding a cute naked guy in his bed and not the arctic companion he fell asleep with.
As with all of these, it's a fast paced short with little conflict. Hunter quickly accepts Yuma is a shifter and accepts that they are mates, a little drama with the ex and I have my fix till the next one comes out!
Of no importance at all but this is definitely one of the better covers of this series.I like it a lot!
October 28, 2012
I am always amazed each time I get to read a story from Kontra's Menagerie Series just how true the 'menagerie' part is and how it makes for a fun story.
This time the hero is Yuma, the penguin shifter who had small bit roles in the other stories, but now its his turn to find his mate. Yuma and some of the gang are in Minnesota renting a lake cabin for a month of R&R. Yuma, being a penguin, decides to enjoy the benefits of the lake, but next thing he knows he's been shot twice and at the mercy of the human hunter. He drops out of consciousness before he learns his ultimate fate.
Hunter is holed up with his dad at his dad's lake cabin hiding and recovering from terribly injuries inflicted on him by his ex-boyfriend and his cronies. Next thing he knows, his dad is hollering for the first-aid supplies because he shot a penguin mistaking it for the ex's mean dog come to hunt them down. Hunter can't help the shock he feels when he puts his veterinary knowledge to work stitching up the unconscious penguin and the hits just keep on coming when the penguin turns out to be an even bigger shock in the morning.
The plot of this one was fast even by Charlie Richards' standards. I usually don't mind the quick attractions and declarations of love in the series, but in this instance, I was not completely sold probably because Yuma himself even seemed conflicted about his feelings for Adam at one point and it was treated with the 'we knew it would end someday' bit.
Not to say, I hated the story or the characters or even the romance between Hunter and Yuma, let's just say I wanted it to have more time to develop so that I would feel convinced about Yuma's switch from Adam to Hunter. And Hunter, really jumped on the idea of leaving his job and his dad behind pretty quickly. So yes, just a bit more development and I would have liked it all that much more.
I enjoyed the installment and look forward to whose turn it will be next in Kontra's group.
This time the hero is Yuma, the penguin shifter who had small bit roles in the other stories, but now its his turn to find his mate. Yuma and some of the gang are in Minnesota renting a lake cabin for a month of R&R. Yuma, being a penguin, decides to enjoy the benefits of the lake, but next thing he knows he's been shot twice and at the mercy of the human hunter. He drops out of consciousness before he learns his ultimate fate.
Hunter is holed up with his dad at his dad's lake cabin hiding and recovering from terribly injuries inflicted on him by his ex-boyfriend and his cronies. Next thing he knows, his dad is hollering for the first-aid supplies because he shot a penguin mistaking it for the ex's mean dog come to hunt them down. Hunter can't help the shock he feels when he puts his veterinary knowledge to work stitching up the unconscious penguin and the hits just keep on coming when the penguin turns out to be an even bigger shock in the morning.
The plot of this one was fast even by Charlie Richards' standards. I usually don't mind the quick attractions and declarations of love in the series, but in this instance, I was not completely sold probably because Yuma himself even seemed conflicted about his feelings for Adam at one point and it was treated with the 'we knew it would end someday' bit.
Not to say, I hated the story or the characters or even the romance between Hunter and Yuma, let's just say I wanted it to have more time to develop so that I would feel convinced about Yuma's switch from Adam to Hunter. And Hunter, really jumped on the idea of leaving his job and his dad behind pretty quickly. So yes, just a bit more development and I would have liked it all that much more.
I enjoyed the installment and look forward to whose turn it will be next in Kontra's group.
November 14, 2012
Charlie Richards writes unique, sexy stories that I really enjoy. Ms. Richards has become one of those authors whose books I am starting to actively seek out when I’m in the mood for a sweet and romantic tale.
I loved both of these heroes and thought they were a great match together. Sweet and sexy Yuma was my favorite of the two. Even though he is older than he seems, he still has an innocence about him that I really enjoyed reading. I’ve never read a story about a penguin shifter before, and I thought he was creatively written and really brought something special to the world of shifters that Ms. Richards has created.
Hunter is recovering from an abusive partner. Both physically and emotionally hurt, the sweet Yuma sweeps him off of his feet and quickly captivates him and brings him into the lives of the other shifters.
The story itself moves very quickly. There is an insta-love factor that often comes with shifter romances, but since I DO believe in love at first sight, this did not bother me. I also liked the relationship Hunter had with his father as well as Yuma’s bond and kinship with the other members of his pack. Every character brought something interesting to the story and I enjoyed it immensely.
I do wish the book had been longer. I would have liked to have seen how Yuma and Hunter really integrate themselves into each other’s lives. I also thought it was a little rushed at the end, but the steamy chemistry between Yuma and Hunter and the fast paced storyline, Swimming with Penguins, was definitely a great guilty pleasure read for me and gave me an hour or so of much needed escapism. Although I do believe that this book could easily be read as a stand-alone book, I do recommend reading the entire series to fully understand the dynamics between the other shifters and their relationships. Recommended!
I loved both of these heroes and thought they were a great match together. Sweet and sexy Yuma was my favorite of the two. Even though he is older than he seems, he still has an innocence about him that I really enjoyed reading. I’ve never read a story about a penguin shifter before, and I thought he was creatively written and really brought something special to the world of shifters that Ms. Richards has created.
Hunter is recovering from an abusive partner. Both physically and emotionally hurt, the sweet Yuma sweeps him off of his feet and quickly captivates him and brings him into the lives of the other shifters.
The story itself moves very quickly. There is an insta-love factor that often comes with shifter romances, but since I DO believe in love at first sight, this did not bother me. I also liked the relationship Hunter had with his father as well as Yuma’s bond and kinship with the other members of his pack. Every character brought something interesting to the story and I enjoyed it immensely.
I do wish the book had been longer. I would have liked to have seen how Yuma and Hunter really integrate themselves into each other’s lives. I also thought it was a little rushed at the end, but the steamy chemistry between Yuma and Hunter and the fast paced storyline, Swimming with Penguins, was definitely a great guilty pleasure read for me and gave me an hour or so of much needed escapism. Although I do believe that this book could easily be read as a stand-alone book, I do recommend reading the entire series to fully understand the dynamics between the other shifters and their relationships. Recommended!
probably-not
October 5, 2012Penguin shifter! Penguin!
October 16, 2012
It could have been longer as the story was too short and pretty abrupt. I have been looking forward to Yuma's story though and it was pretty cute!
June 18, 2022
Uhm...
... die Charaktere haben leider so gut wie keine Tiefe, ich hab gar keine richtige „Verbindung“ aufbauen können. Grade als ich dachte jetzt kommt Story... war das Buch zu Ende. 🤷🏻♀️
Selbst für eine Kurzgeschichte erschreckend wenig Inhalt 😕 Schade.
Die expliziten Szenen sind gut geschrieben und gefallen mir. Ich hoffe einfach auf den nächsten Teil der Reihe 😉
⭐️⭐️⭐️
... die Charaktere haben leider so gut wie keine Tiefe, ich hab gar keine richtige „Verbindung“ aufbauen können. Grade als ich dachte jetzt kommt Story... war das Buch zu Ende. 🤷🏻♀️
Selbst für eine Kurzgeschichte erschreckend wenig Inhalt 😕 Schade.
Die expliziten Szenen sind gut geschrieben und gefallen mir. Ich hoffe einfach auf den nächsten Teil der Reihe 😉
⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 4, 2014
Cute penguin shifter who gets to help him mate by catching the abusive ex-boyfriend and his crew. Loved the human mate's dad in this one - pretty much took everything in stride :)
July 15, 2017
First time I've heard an affectionate mention of squirrel stew
Yuma gets to meet his mate Hunter under some pretty unfortunate circumstances. Hunter is hiding out from his psychotic ex who beat him up, and his father is staying with him. Hunter's dad shoots what he thinks is the ex's dog (a black and white dog admittedly, also he has poor eyesight) but is actually Yuma in penguin form. As a vet Hunter takes Yuma in and nurses him, but to havea the penguin transform in front of him and say they are mates. Pretty tricky circumstances, both for introducing a human to shifters, and for convincing Hunter about the whole 'mates' thing.
Hunter is a good guy, just seems to have bad luck on love. He loves animals and has channeled that into his job as a vet, as well as having a bit of a connection to them. He is a good support for Yuma and does a good job having his life turned upside down and going with it.
Yuma has long been the sweetest member of the gang so it was nice to see him meet someone. His story with his old clutch was sad because they were so cruel, not kicking him out so much for his sexuality as for acting on it and, well, not doing sex so well the first time. And really, who does? Yet they sent enforcers after him and banished him from the clutch. It was amazing to see how he was still so sweet after all that and that he was such a people person. Another cute match.
Yuma gets to meet his mate Hunter under some pretty unfortunate circumstances. Hunter is hiding out from his psychotic ex who beat him up, and his father is staying with him. Hunter's dad shoots what he thinks is the ex's dog (a black and white dog admittedly, also he has poor eyesight) but is actually Yuma in penguin form. As a vet Hunter takes Yuma in and nurses him, but to havea the penguin transform in front of him and say they are mates. Pretty tricky circumstances, both for introducing a human to shifters, and for convincing Hunter about the whole 'mates' thing.
Hunter is a good guy, just seems to have bad luck on love. He loves animals and has channeled that into his job as a vet, as well as having a bit of a connection to them. He is a good support for Yuma and does a good job having his life turned upside down and going with it.
Yuma has long been the sweetest member of the gang so it was nice to see him meet someone. His story with his old clutch was sad because they were so cruel, not kicking him out so much for his sexuality as for acting on it and, well, not doing sex so well the first time. And really, who does? Yet they sent enforcers after him and banished him from the clutch. It was amazing to see how he was still so sweet after all that and that he was such a people person. Another cute match.
September 13, 2020
I thought Hunter and Yuma were cute, and Adam is a nice guy with Hunter, but old boyfriends or sexfriends who are part of the same menagerie, and who we talk about just before he claim their mate that they've been waiting so long annoys me a little, and it also surprised me that Yuma is already returning her feelings to Hunter it's a little too fast a few days or a few more weeks would have been necessary for the declaration. In short even without yuma's words before he and Hunter talk about yuma's fear of being on top and sleeping together, adam who is a guy too extra tands out too much when it's the story of Yuma and Hunter it spoils the romance.
September 14, 2024
reread - While each of these stories is an interesting short story or novella, each in their own little series, they become much more if they are read in the suggested reading order by Charlie Richards as a whole. https://charlie-richards.com/reading-...
While they are still not a 5/5, at least they become a bit more than okay and are much more interesting as characters mesh across and around individual series. Individually they are a 3/5 so that is where I mark them.
While they are still not a 5/5, at least they become a bit more than okay and are much more interesting as characters mesh across and around individual series. Individually they are a 3/5 so that is where I mark them.
January 5, 2019
I'm so happy that Yuma (penguin) finally got his human mate, Hunter. I loved the beginning of the story when the penguin disappears from Hunter's bed, and in his place a man appears, my favorite aspect of the story next to Hunter learning the truth about shifters. The story was excellent and came with its share of danger and love. I enjoyed it, and I'm on to the next. =)
May 13, 2017
Past and present lovers
Hunter was recouping at his dad's house. Yuma was enjoying a swim in the cold lake in penguin form. Yuma get shot and ends up recouping with hunter. They are mates and the gang handles hunters ex
Hunter was recouping at his dad's house. Yuma was enjoying a swim in the cold lake in penguin form. Yuma get shot and ends up recouping with hunter. They are mates and the gang handles hunters ex
August 25, 2017
Cute and sweet
Really liked this book. Same criticisms as always, but Yuma and Hunter were well written and interesting.
I am at a point where I wish the author had a public character chart someplace, as it's getting a little difficult to keep track of so many.
Really liked this book. Same criticisms as always, but Yuma and Hunter were well written and interesting.
I am at a point where I wish the author had a public character chart someplace, as it's getting a little difficult to keep track of so many.
April 30, 2019
Swimming with Penguins (Kontra's Menagerie Book 6)
Another great book i loved it and I can't wait to read more of this series and I will be reading it next too...
Another great book i loved it and I can't wait to read more of this series and I will be reading it next too...
October 11, 2019
Veterinarian Hunter and Sugar Daddy Yuma
May 26, 2022
This one was sweet, I guess, but somehow one of the most cringiest thing I've ever read
January 28, 2024
Quick shifter smut. Cute short story with just the right amount of intrigue and danger.
March 9, 2017
Well, that was about as daft as I expected it to be. I probably shouldn't have read this book. I find the idea of erotic fiction about shape shifters frankly ridiculous. If you like this kind of thing (and fair play to you), best look away from this review now.
Man/penguin finds his Mate, sex and true love follow. Very quickly. This is a short book and the "plot" moves as fast as these two lovers take to orgasm (hint, that's not long, which I think is supposed to show how lustful they're both feeling, but it doesn't make for great reading).
I haven't read any other books in the series, that wasn't a problem for understanding what was going on. I only read this one because I couldn't actually believe it existed. I doubt I'll read any more.
But hey, it takes all sorts, right, so if shape shifting penguin gay sex turns you on, this could be the book for you.
Man/penguin finds his Mate, sex and true love follow. Very quickly. This is a short book and the "plot" moves as fast as these two lovers take to orgasm (hint, that's not long, which I think is supposed to show how lustful they're both feeling, but it doesn't make for great reading).
I haven't read any other books in the series, that wasn't a problem for understanding what was going on. I only read this one because I couldn't actually believe it existed. I doubt I'll read any more.
But hey, it takes all sorts, right, so if shape shifting penguin gay sex turns you on, this could be the book for you.
February 19, 2016
TRICK OR TREAT PENGUIN
I was finally glad to read this story about the Emperor Penguin Yuma. He was often mentioned by never discussed. It's nice when mate's are not perfect people and/or can really need the help of their shifter & friends. In Yuma's case he himself was injured and nursed back to health by his wheelchair bound mate, Hunter.
Yuma was very angry to learn about how his mate's twinky Ex along with a couple of friends armed with baseball bats, had badly hurt Hunter; a story the wheelchair bound man had not even shared with father. They were hiding out in a cabin near where Kontra's men had rented a lodge for a few weeks. Yuma loved swimming in the chilly waters of a nearby lake. Since the police weren't having any luck tracking down the men who had assaulted Hunter. His father felt this would be a great place to recuperate.
Yuma's friends had been very scared the whereabouts of their little friend. They hurried over to the lodge to retrieve Yuma, ecstatic that he was both okay and especially that he'd found his mate. Adam was also a bit saddened to loose his close friend knowing a mate would never tolerate their closeness. Not even a Human mate. Usually a shifter has a hard time telling his Human mate - he's one - but not Yuma. And Hunter's acceptance of the gorgeous man that pushed all his buttons wasn't better than most.
White Tiger Adam and Sam, a Texas Longhorns bull shifter went to retrieve their little buddy. This was one of the few memories of this Sam. He was delighted to learn of the large pumpkins Walter, Hunter's father planned to carve for Halloween. Since I love big shifters I was interested to learn about as much as I could about this Texas Longhorn, Sam. He seems to be trusted by Kontra to handle certain operations alone. And the intrigue grows! Speaking of Kontra, Hunter is a bit uneasy about meeting the gang leader and the other shifters. What if they find him lacking? Not good enough especially since he is a Human for one of their members.
There was a lot for Hunter to learn about shifters, but what he knew he liked. Then he was told he could no longer see his own doctor since Yuma's bite had altered his DNA, meaning he'd be healing faster. And that was a problem how? Now will Yuma stay with Hunter & his Dad? Or will Hunter join Yuma on the road? What happens when Hunter hosts an impromptu Halloween party?
I was finally glad to read this story about the Emperor Penguin Yuma. He was often mentioned by never discussed. It's nice when mate's are not perfect people and/or can really need the help of their shifter & friends. In Yuma's case he himself was injured and nursed back to health by his wheelchair bound mate, Hunter.
Yuma was very angry to learn about how his mate's twinky Ex along with a couple of friends armed with baseball bats, had badly hurt Hunter; a story the wheelchair bound man had not even shared with father. They were hiding out in a cabin near where Kontra's men had rented a lodge for a few weeks. Yuma loved swimming in the chilly waters of a nearby lake. Since the police weren't having any luck tracking down the men who had assaulted Hunter. His father felt this would be a great place to recuperate.
Yuma's friends had been very scared the whereabouts of their little friend. They hurried over to the lodge to retrieve Yuma, ecstatic that he was both okay and especially that he'd found his mate. Adam was also a bit saddened to loose his close friend knowing a mate would never tolerate their closeness. Not even a Human mate. Usually a shifter has a hard time telling his Human mate - he's one - but not Yuma. And Hunter's acceptance of the gorgeous man that pushed all his buttons wasn't better than most.
White Tiger Adam and Sam, a Texas Longhorns bull shifter went to retrieve their little buddy. This was one of the few memories of this Sam. He was delighted to learn of the large pumpkins Walter, Hunter's father planned to carve for Halloween. Since I love big shifters I was interested to learn about as much as I could about this Texas Longhorn, Sam. He seems to be trusted by Kontra to handle certain operations alone. And the intrigue grows! Speaking of Kontra, Hunter is a bit uneasy about meeting the gang leader and the other shifters. What if they find him lacking? Not good enough especially since he is a Human for one of their members.
There was a lot for Hunter to learn about shifters, but what he knew he liked. Then he was told he could no longer see his own doctor since Yuma's bite had altered his DNA, meaning he'd be healing faster. And that was a problem how? Now will Yuma stay with Hunter & his Dad? Or will Hunter join Yuma on the road? What happens when Hunter hosts an impromptu Halloween party?
October 10, 2013
3.5 stars
I do enjoy shifter stories and I really like following a good series. Sometimes with these series the stories can become rather predictable but not so with Charlie Richards' Wolves of Stoneridge Mountains and Kontra's Menagerie series.
This story is from the Kontra's Menagerie series and focuses on penguin shifter Yuma and his human mate Hunter. Of course there is the usual instant attraction and the challenge of introducing a human to the shifter world but in this story there are also ex-lovers, one of whom is dangerous and who threatens the newly found happiness of the mated pair.
I like the way the two series can be read separately or together. I find that I have enjoyed all the books in these series although some more than others. This has to be one of my favourites probably because I really like penguins and I also really liked the main characters. Another great episode and thankfully lots more ahead to enjoy.
I do enjoy shifter stories and I really like following a good series. Sometimes with these series the stories can become rather predictable but not so with Charlie Richards' Wolves of Stoneridge Mountains and Kontra's Menagerie series.
This story is from the Kontra's Menagerie series and focuses on penguin shifter Yuma and his human mate Hunter. Of course there is the usual instant attraction and the challenge of introducing a human to the shifter world but in this story there are also ex-lovers, one of whom is dangerous and who threatens the newly found happiness of the mated pair.
I like the way the two series can be read separately or together. I find that I have enjoyed all the books in these series although some more than others. This has to be one of my favourites probably because I really like penguins and I also really liked the main characters. Another great episode and thankfully lots more ahead to enjoy.
August 29, 2014
OMG I loved this book, I am a massive fan of this series oh who am I kidding I am a huge fan of Charlie Richards full stop. I have to say I was a really looking forward to Yuma's story and I was not disappointed. Yuma is sweet and a little fragile and I love Hunter was incapacitated so we assume he will be weaker but find he is strong and capable. I am really looking forward to the next one I am hoping it is Kontra's story.
October 28, 2012
This one felt even shorter but it was a cute little book. Yuma especially was a sweetie.
Also, points for creativity. “Bazaar” for “bizarre” is one misspelling I hadn’t come across yet. Too lazy to catalogue the others, though.
Now that I think about it, though, this could have made a really nice full book. Put some time into developments and issues instead of having everything instantly working out and it could have been really good.
Also, points for creativity. “Bazaar” for “bizarre” is one misspelling I hadn’t come across yet. Too lazy to catalogue the others, though.
Now that I think about it, though, this could have made a really nice full book. Put some time into developments and issues instead of having everything instantly working out and it could have been really good.
June 15, 2013
If this one had been longer, I might have given it a five. Still, it's the best one of Kontra's Menagerie so far. I love Yuma, the penguin, with his sweet yet spunky personality. And the description of what he would look like had me intrigued. The accidental way the two meet is cute, plus Hunter, the human had great potential as a vet tech. His father is awesome too, wish my dad was like him. It's a short, sweet read if that's what you're looking for.
November 4, 2012
There are only so many mate/shifter books an author can write before they become repetitive and unfortunately Charlie Richards seems to have fallen into that trap. There was no depth whatsoever to this story and the characters were one dimensional, which is a shame because I was looking forward to Yuma’s story.
March 16, 2015
even though, to me there are somethings still missing,I just can't stop reading this series....(-o0)o is kind of addictive....
this story was very short but cute the start is understandable yet once more I felt like they slept together too fast, even if it was for the sake of healing hunter...
but it was an ok read...(-o-)0
this story was very short but cute the start is understandable yet once more I felt like they slept together too fast, even if it was for the sake of healing hunter...
but it was an ok read...(-o-)0
April 22, 2015
I've said it before, and I'll say it again; Charlie Richards is a bad writer. Her understanding of commas is laughable, she often gets words confused ('bazaar' instead of 'bizarre', 'viral' instead of 'virile', etc.), her characters are simplistic, and her formula never deviates... But damn if I don't enjoy finding out what happens to all these hunky, gay shifters.
October 21, 2012
3.5 stars
As much as I love this series, I found this one pretty bland and way too short. I was looking forward to Yuma's story (almost as much as I'm looking forward to Kontra's) and even though the premise was good, it came across too hurried.. Publisher's fixed word count in force maybe?
As much as I love this series, I found this one pretty bland and way too short. I was looking forward to Yuma's story (almost as much as I'm looking forward to Kontra's) and even though the premise was good, it came across too hurried.. Publisher's fixed word count in force maybe?
September 26, 2025
Best one yet
This is my favorite so far. I adore Yuma. Yes it's formulaic, fated mates solved all quickly and easily. No I don't care. Short, sweet, sexy and a penguin shifter... what's not to love
This is my favorite so far. I adore Yuma. Yes it's formulaic, fated mates solved all quickly and easily. No I don't care. Short, sweet, sexy and a penguin shifter... what's not to love
October 28, 2012
3.5
don't get me wrong, I really did like it, I did, it just wasn't as great as the other ones.
don't get me wrong, I really did like it, I did, it just wasn't as great as the other ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews