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For most people, summer barbecues are nothing to be afraid of. But Anita isn’t exactly plain vanilla—and neither is her love life. So it takes a special kind of courage to attend a barbecue thrown by her friend Sergeant Zerbrowski. Walking into a backyard full of cops and their families with wereleopards Micah and Nathaniel both looking gorgeous on her arm won’t be easy, even with almost-four-year-old Matthew Vespucci to break the ice…
Anita is determined to have a good time with her family, just like everyone else. But it doesn’t take long for tensions to rise among the adults and kids. And Anita will learn that gossip and innuendo can be just as dangerous as anything the undead can throw at her…
Includes a preview of Affliction, the new Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novel.
Anita is determined to have a good time with her family, just like everyone else. But it doesn’t take long for tensions to rise among the adults and kids. And Anita will learn that gossip and innuendo can be just as dangerous as anything the undead can throw at her…
Includes a preview of Affliction, the new Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novel.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
371 people are currently reading
6594 people want to read
About the author
Laurell K. Hamilton
422 books25.7k followersLaurell K. Hamilton is one of the leading writers of paranormal fiction. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Hamilton writes the popular Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels and the Meredith Gentry series. She is also the creator of a bestselling comic book series based on her Anita Blake novels and published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton is a full-time writer and lives in the suburbs of St. Louis with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
January 11, 2014
This story just emphasized how out of touch Hamilton seems with her audience, or at least with me and all of the women and men that I'm acquainted with. Who goes to a party and announces intimate details of your personal history and sex life? Nathaniel isn't a social nincompoop, he would use expressions when talking to Katie Zerbrowski that were less awkward but still described their relationship accurately. Oh yeah, except for Hamilton wanting to be a bull in a china shop about their relationship. Making Nathaniel act rude or stupid doesn't make the stories more fun to read.
And there might be one or two obnoxious woman at a party who wouldn't leave Nathaniel alone or would so incredibly obviously crowd the kitchen to gawk at him, but five to ten? Don't they have any pride? They're all married, Anita is the only single woman there, so none of them are happy in their relationships except Anita and Katie apparently or care what their husbands think about them. Or are respectful enough to just leave him alone. Hamilton has a really screwed up idea about "regular" women and very little respect for her readers. As usual, only Anita is a cool woman (with the exception this time of Katie except with she's being judgmental of Anita's PDA). I certainly don't consider myself one of that crowd of losers that Hamilton created.
And lastly, to base a significant part of the story on the outdated idea that boys get teased about being in dance class is just so out of touch. My best friend's boys have been in dance for 8 years. Their school has about a quarter as many boys as girls and they dance hip hop, tap, jazz, modern, and ballet have a great time. Then they go to basketball or baseball practice or whatever else they're interested in. No one cares except maybe their grandmas and grandpas. The four to ten year-olds who've been raised on Disney and Nickelodeon shows full of dancers and singers certainly don't give a darn. The assumption that dance class means only ballet is so completely out of touch it's nuts. I can't imagine a dance school being able to survive if it only taught ballet to little kids, they'd never fill up their classes. I don't watch that Dance Moms show, but it does showcase what kids out there are doing, and from the ads it's not just ballet. And look at the terrific So You Think You Can Dance, the variety of training that the kids who come out of dance schools have is exactly what I'm talking about. And I'll tell you what, my kids are big hits at parties when they know all of the dance moves and are confident enough to get out on the flor and have a good time.
I just get really tired of the belligerence in the tone of these stories and I know it comes right back in my tone in this review, but it's hard not to respond in kind. It's one thing to want to be able to kiss your boyfriends in public, it's another to expect to be able to do "tonsil-cleaning" kisses in public. I don't want to see that from anyone, ever, I don't care what orientation or how cute they are, just do it at home please. Cute PDA involves keeping your tongues to yourselves, always. Then I'm perfectly glad to cheer on the happy couple or family or group or whatever. And this constant theme that Anita is the perfect woman, though she constantly claims insecurity, and every other woman is hopelessly weak and flawed is just so incredibly disrespectful to a reading audience primarily full of women. These stories should be full of women who are as strong, capable, smart and brave and Anita. Hamilton is completely out of touch with her readers.
And there might be one or two obnoxious woman at a party who wouldn't leave Nathaniel alone or would so incredibly obviously crowd the kitchen to gawk at him, but five to ten? Don't they have any pride? They're all married, Anita is the only single woman there, so none of them are happy in their relationships except Anita and Katie apparently or care what their husbands think about them. Or are respectful enough to just leave him alone. Hamilton has a really screwed up idea about "regular" women and very little respect for her readers. As usual, only Anita is a cool woman (with the exception this time of Katie except with she's being judgmental of Anita's PDA). I certainly don't consider myself one of that crowd of losers that Hamilton created.
And lastly, to base a significant part of the story on the outdated idea that boys get teased about being in dance class is just so out of touch. My best friend's boys have been in dance for 8 years. Their school has about a quarter as many boys as girls and they dance hip hop, tap, jazz, modern, and ballet have a great time. Then they go to basketball or baseball practice or whatever else they're interested in. No one cares except maybe their grandmas and grandpas. The four to ten year-olds who've been raised on Disney and Nickelodeon shows full of dancers and singers certainly don't give a darn. The assumption that dance class means only ballet is so completely out of touch it's nuts. I can't imagine a dance school being able to survive if it only taught ballet to little kids, they'd never fill up their classes. I don't watch that Dance Moms show, but it does showcase what kids out there are doing, and from the ads it's not just ballet. And look at the terrific So You Think You Can Dance, the variety of training that the kids who come out of dance schools have is exactly what I'm talking about. And I'll tell you what, my kids are big hits at parties when they know all of the dance moves and are confident enough to get out on the flor and have a good time.
I just get really tired of the belligerence in the tone of these stories and I know it comes right back in my tone in this review, but it's hard not to respond in kind. It's one thing to want to be able to kiss your boyfriends in public, it's another to expect to be able to do "tonsil-cleaning" kisses in public. I don't want to see that from anyone, ever, I don't care what orientation or how cute they are, just do it at home please. Cute PDA involves keeping your tongues to yourselves, always. Then I'm perfectly glad to cheer on the happy couple or family or group or whatever. And this constant theme that Anita is the perfect woman, though she constantly claims insecurity, and every other woman is hopelessly weak and flawed is just so incredibly disrespectful to a reading audience primarily full of women. These stories should be full of women who are as strong, capable, smart and brave and Anita. Hamilton is completely out of touch with her readers.
October 31, 2013
Anita, Micah and Nathaniel go to a BBQ at Zerbrowski’s house. People are mean to them. Anita explains the error of their ways.
And that’s not a euphemism for her shooting them.
There are a lot of major prejudices displayed in this book. The homophobia of forcing affection between two men to be hidden. The sexism, homophobia and rigid gender roles in declaring certain activities for girls or boys. The treatment of sex workers as objects, not as people and of assuming all strippers are prostitutes. The idea that women are inherently weaker than men.
There’s a lot that are addressed here, all lined up and knocked down.
So what is my problem?
My first problem is the simplicity of it. People were mean prejudiced arseholes, Anita & co responded with some awkward PSAs to which everyone reacted with almost magical understanding. The bad prejudiced people either left having received their full comeuppance or were duly shamed and contrite.
The kids bullying the boy who dances for being gay all gather together and dance ballet by the end of the BBQ.
The parent who was happy with his son throwing gay as an insult has Anita say all sexualities are valid to him and then decides to be all ashamed and back down.
The women who were treating Nathaniel like meat all feel duly ashamed when Anita kisses him and make their apologies.
The one spreading lies about Nathaniel gets her comeuppance and goes home in a blazing row while everyone lines up to say how mean she is.
Anita even gets to tell a little girl that women can defend themselves as well, just randomly shoe-horned in there by a passing comment.
Nathaniel and Micah kiss – but keep it in the kitchen so as not to shock anyone while Zerbrowski says they’re cute together – the fact Zerbrowski isn’t offended is supposed to be a resolve here and there’s not even an attempt to address the fact that they need to confine themselves to the kitchen or any negative feelings or shame or anger – hey they get the kitchen and 2 out of the dozens of guests aren’t angry! YAY!
It’s shallow. It’s empty. It’s ridiculously simplistic. Every single issue is resolved after a paragraph of dialogue, massive, commonly held prejudices magically disperse. Bigots swallow their bigotry, their outrage vanishes, their anger just fades away. The whole crowd agrees with Anita. It’s too easy.
Read More
And that’s not a euphemism for her shooting them.
There are a lot of major prejudices displayed in this book. The homophobia of forcing affection between two men to be hidden. The sexism, homophobia and rigid gender roles in declaring certain activities for girls or boys. The treatment of sex workers as objects, not as people and of assuming all strippers are prostitutes. The idea that women are inherently weaker than men.
There’s a lot that are addressed here, all lined up and knocked down.
So what is my problem?
My first problem is the simplicity of it. People were mean prejudiced arseholes, Anita & co responded with some awkward PSAs to which everyone reacted with almost magical understanding. The bad prejudiced people either left having received their full comeuppance or were duly shamed and contrite.
The kids bullying the boy who dances for being gay all gather together and dance ballet by the end of the BBQ.
The parent who was happy with his son throwing gay as an insult has Anita say all sexualities are valid to him and then decides to be all ashamed and back down.
The women who were treating Nathaniel like meat all feel duly ashamed when Anita kisses him and make their apologies.
The one spreading lies about Nathaniel gets her comeuppance and goes home in a blazing row while everyone lines up to say how mean she is.
Anita even gets to tell a little girl that women can defend themselves as well, just randomly shoe-horned in there by a passing comment.
Nathaniel and Micah kiss – but keep it in the kitchen so as not to shock anyone while Zerbrowski says they’re cute together – the fact Zerbrowski isn’t offended is supposed to be a resolve here and there’s not even an attempt to address the fact that they need to confine themselves to the kitchen or any negative feelings or shame or anger – hey they get the kitchen and 2 out of the dozens of guests aren’t angry! YAY!
It’s shallow. It’s empty. It’s ridiculously simplistic. Every single issue is resolved after a paragraph of dialogue, massive, commonly held prejudices magically disperse. Bigots swallow their bigotry, their outrage vanishes, their anger just fades away. The whole crowd agrees with Anita. It’s too easy.
Read More
September 14, 2018
Anita, Micah and Nathaniel bring little Matthew to a barbecue at Zembrowski’s house. Lots of cops are there so there are a few dustups. But it ends with ballet and ballroom dancing...as most barbecues do. 🤷🏼♀️
September 18, 2013
Ok, so- Anita, Nate and Micah walk into a barbecue... (rim shot!)
Maybe I shouldn't use terms like that... might give Hamilton ideas.
Anyways, Anita & the boys are attending a cookout at Zerbrowski's house- along with their recurring guest star: Monica's four-year old son, Matthew- and it's the first time she's bringing them all 'round, which means a story about a whole lotta wangst, pure and simple. Why there's a four-year old child involved with all this, I've no idea- and apparently neither does Hamilton. With all the rampant misogyny and misandry, plus a gratuitous M/M/F make out session (with the child watching, no less) what purpose does having a child around serve, except to make scenes even more off-putting than usual? Nate even reveals to everyone that he'd spent years trying to get Anita to sleep with him, while Matthew is standing there listening! And the point of this is... to lead us into a ham-fisted piece of wtf-ery about teaching our children the redeeming social value of being polyamorous/heteroflexible and how it's ok to be a dancer since all teh girlz will like it. Hence the title.
Sandwiched between the same old same old- endless repetitions of Micah and Nate's physical descriptions- comes the same old same old- pissing contests about Anita's love life, teh married skankz and haterz trying to get with Nate, jellus hubbies of teh skankz, and so on. With no baddies to chase after, you'll be getting forty pages worth of it. Oh, and an excerpt from the barely released Affliction- which really makes it seem more like a Beauty redux: an outtake wrenched into something and tacked on with more unnecessary fluff to justify the price. And with the kid around, you feel kinda dirty for it.
Maybe I shouldn't use terms like that... might give Hamilton ideas.
Anyways, Anita & the boys are attending a cookout at Zerbrowski's house- along with their recurring guest star: Monica's four-year old son, Matthew- and it's the first time she's bringing them all 'round, which means a story about a whole lotta wangst, pure and simple. Why there's a four-year old child involved with all this, I've no idea- and apparently neither does Hamilton. With all the rampant misogyny and misandry, plus a gratuitous M/M/F make out session (with the child watching, no less) what purpose does having a child around serve, except to make scenes even more off-putting than usual? Nate even reveals to everyone that he'd spent years trying to get Anita to sleep with him, while Matthew is standing there listening! And the point of this is... to lead us into a ham-fisted piece of wtf-ery about teaching our children the redeeming social value of being polyamorous/heteroflexible and how it's ok to be a dancer since all teh girlz will like it. Hence the title.
Sandwiched between the same old same old- endless repetitions of Micah and Nate's physical descriptions- comes the same old same old- pissing contests about Anita's love life, teh married skankz and haterz trying to get with Nate, jellus hubbies of teh skankz, and so on. With no baddies to chase after, you'll be getting forty pages worth of it. Oh, and an excerpt from the barely released Affliction- which really makes it seem more like a Beauty redux: an outtake wrenched into something and tacked on with more unnecessary fluff to justify the price. And with the kid around, you feel kinda dirty for it.
October 8, 2013
My Thoughts:
♦ Same ol same ol Anita and Micah and Nathaniel but the story was sweet.
♦ Nathaniel seems to be taking on a bigger role than Micah...makes me wonder what's going on in LKH's life! ;)
♦ I really do hate when a book stops at 85% so they can put excerpts of "prior" books...I really do.
Favorite Quote:
♥ "Life is like dancing, sometimes one of you leads, sometimes the other, and if you do it right it’s beautiful, even when it’s hard."
January 9, 2017
Although this very short novella was bogged down with the typical of Hamilton minutia, this was eventually a very cute story. I do think that Ms Hamilton writes these stories about the everyday lives of her characters, to mimic what may be going on with her own life.
Micah, Nathaniel and Anita are invited to a picnic given by long time friend and partner Zerbrowski and his wife Katie. The trio is babysitting Matthew and the story ends with a dance that shows how little boys can be ballet dancers without being 'gay'. Anita also finds herself in an uncomfortable situation that pits Nathaniel against another party goer who has been to one of the parties in which Nathaniel pulled a 'Full Monty'. There is more to the story but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.
What I will say is that Ms Hamilton again ruins a perfectly good story with the over detailing of Anita's lovers hair, eyes, bodies and back-stories. It is an annoying habit at best. One could almost make an argument that she (the author) does it to pad the word count so you don't feel cheated by paying three dollars for less than 100 pages.
Micah, Nathaniel and Anita are invited to a picnic given by long time friend and partner Zerbrowski and his wife Katie. The trio is babysitting Matthew and the story ends with a dance that shows how little boys can be ballet dancers without being 'gay'. Anita also finds herself in an uncomfortable situation that pits Nathaniel against another party goer who has been to one of the parties in which Nathaniel pulled a 'Full Monty'. There is more to the story but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.
What I will say is that Ms Hamilton again ruins a perfectly good story with the over detailing of Anita's lovers hair, eyes, bodies and back-stories. It is an annoying habit at best. One could almost make an argument that she (the author) does it to pad the word count so you don't feel cheated by paying three dollars for less than 100 pages.
September 19, 2013
I don't understand why people drop $3 on a short story only to turn around and complain about the length of the story. HELLO Laurell makes it very clear that this Dearies is a short story a novella a little something to hold us over during the year or so that we wait for the next Anita book. I REALLY like Nathainel and Micah and had no issues dropping $3 for this fix. It's a nice story showing them in a "normal" setting. No gun fights, no crazy orgies, no psycho enemy. This is proof that Anita has a life outside of the adventures. It makes her and her boys more real. It also shows how uncomfortable social settings can be for everyone human or otherwise. I wished that LKH did more novella's between books.
September 17, 2013
Hardcore fans only, if they don't mind paying 3 bucks for a short story.
It's nice, but you can't get the idea off your mind this is a cut-off scene. There's nothing new in it, nothing really worth it, except of course Z and his wife.
It's nice, but you can't get the idea off your mind this is a cut-off scene. There's nothing new in it, nothing really worth it, except of course Z and his wife.
November 18, 2021
Una linda historia corta de la parrillada en casa de Zerbrowski, donde Anita pudo compartir con varios de sus "companeros" policias y sus familias.
April 28, 2015
Take away the sex and violence, and this novella shows what the Anita Blake series is now all about -- complaining, posturing, and hating people who are different from you.
Aside from those things, there's not really much of a reason for "Dancing: An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Novella" to exist. I can only assume that Laurell K. Hamilton and her husband went to a barbecue that they didn't enjoy, and that she subsequently turned that mundane activity into a short story where Anita whines, picks fights and makes out with her boytoys.
"Dancing" is difficult to summarize because... nothing really happens. Yep, no attacking zombies, vampires, weres, ghouls or anything else. Instead, the Zerbrowskis have invited Anita, Micah and Nathaniel to their annual summer barbecue -- and naturally, they tailor the guest list to Anita's comfort. After all, a sullen, violent, antisocial, aggressive woman is a MUST at any party.
Anita doesn't want to go because there will be heterosexual monogamous people there ("not our people"), but Nathaniel and Micah drag her there, along with four-year-old Matthew. And during the barbecue, she gets into fights with jealous husbands, fends off annoying blonde women who want her precious Nathaniel, and lectures everyone on homophobia after the kids gets into fights.
"Dancing" confirms an important fact about Laurell K. Hamilton -- she is apparently a clueless space alien who does not understand the hoo-mahn emotions. There is no other explanation for the depiction of human beings in this novella, from the creepy robot child Matthew to the cop who is just fine with Nathaniel molesting his wife when she was passed out.
But to read THAT, you have to slog through dozens of pages of Anita describing EVERYTHING in detail, from the veggie tray to the Zerbrowskis' home renovations. Hamilton also adds to the creepy, bizarre subplot wherein Nathaniel seems to be grooming a pre-schooler to be Anita's "type" -- especially when it's revealed that Anita and her boytoys' sexual behavior is causing him to act inappropriately around other children. Ew.
As usual, her writing is ghastly (Anita and Nathaniel's "lush" thighs and "lavender eyes, not blue...") and the dialogue is horrendously written ("I can do it, you talk cop stuff"). And, of course, several pages are devoted to every detail about her favorite boytoys' appearances, as well as her usual naked misogyny, heterophobia, cop cliches and hatred of monogamists (all married people are depicted as shallow cheaters).
It also reveals an interesting fact about Hamilton's alter ego: she now quakes in fear at the idea of spending time around people who aren't brainwashed slaves. Even though the other partygoers are perfectly pleasant for most of the party, Anita is reduced to sniveling and whining pathetically because she has to be civil around people who aren't "our people." It sounds like Hamilton wants to live in a blanket fort with her stuffed animals forever.
"Dancing: An Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novella" has no vampires, no hunting, and nothing happening except a lot of whining and contrived friction at a barbecue. It sounds like it could be cute, but instead it's another monument to Hamilton's many personal issues.
Aside from those things, there's not really much of a reason for "Dancing: An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Novella" to exist. I can only assume that Laurell K. Hamilton and her husband went to a barbecue that they didn't enjoy, and that she subsequently turned that mundane activity into a short story where Anita whines, picks fights and makes out with her boytoys.
"Dancing" is difficult to summarize because... nothing really happens. Yep, no attacking zombies, vampires, weres, ghouls or anything else. Instead, the Zerbrowskis have invited Anita, Micah and Nathaniel to their annual summer barbecue -- and naturally, they tailor the guest list to Anita's comfort. After all, a sullen, violent, antisocial, aggressive woman is a MUST at any party.
Anita doesn't want to go because there will be heterosexual monogamous people there ("not our people"), but Nathaniel and Micah drag her there, along with four-year-old Matthew. And during the barbecue, she gets into fights with jealous husbands, fends off annoying blonde women who want her precious Nathaniel, and lectures everyone on homophobia after the kids gets into fights.
"Dancing" confirms an important fact about Laurell K. Hamilton -- she is apparently a clueless space alien who does not understand the hoo-mahn emotions. There is no other explanation for the depiction of human beings in this novella, from the creepy robot child Matthew to the cop who is just fine with Nathaniel molesting his wife when she was passed out.
But to read THAT, you have to slog through dozens of pages of Anita describing EVERYTHING in detail, from the veggie tray to the Zerbrowskis' home renovations. Hamilton also adds to the creepy, bizarre subplot wherein Nathaniel seems to be grooming a pre-schooler to be Anita's "type" -- especially when it's revealed that Anita and her boytoys' sexual behavior is causing him to act inappropriately around other children. Ew.
As usual, her writing is ghastly (Anita and Nathaniel's "lush" thighs and "lavender eyes, not blue...") and the dialogue is horrendously written ("I can do it, you talk cop stuff"). And, of course, several pages are devoted to every detail about her favorite boytoys' appearances, as well as her usual naked misogyny, heterophobia, cop cliches and hatred of monogamists (all married people are depicted as shallow cheaters).
It also reveals an interesting fact about Hamilton's alter ego: she now quakes in fear at the idea of spending time around people who aren't brainwashed slaves. Even though the other partygoers are perfectly pleasant for most of the party, Anita is reduced to sniveling and whining pathetically because she has to be civil around people who aren't "our people." It sounds like Hamilton wants to live in a blanket fort with her stuffed animals forever.
"Dancing: An Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novella" has no vampires, no hunting, and nothing happening except a lot of whining and contrived friction at a barbecue. It sounds like it could be cute, but instead it's another monument to Hamilton's many personal issues.
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September 28, 2013Can someone please tell me, why I have absolutely no desire to read this? Maybe Im wrong and Ill find out sooner or later, but is this going to be the same repetitive mess from the last books? Anita Blake has become a character that defends her lifechoices every-5-freakin-pages to everyone she meets. And its pretty much the same conversation each time. I might experiment and write how I think this story will go and then see how it compares just to see if Laurell K. has anything original left in her.
March 9, 2017
I really enjoyed this simple view into Anita's social and love life. I like how she was both comfortable and uncomfortable with Mathew. Maybe their will actually be a kid in the future although I expect not. lol. I liked how Zebrowski was so cool with Micah and Nathaniel and a little disappointed with Katie. I expected her to be more open and defending than she was.
November 7, 2020
A sweet short tale about some of the characters common interactions when they are off duty in a more family friendly surroundings. It was a nice treat to delve into after some time from the major works of the series. Definitely going to try and catch up with any mislaid nugget such as this.
September 19, 2013
The first story I’ve read from this series—I didn’t read Beauty—that didn’t include police work, zombies, vampire or lycanthrope politics, magic or the ardeur. What we get, in a very short story, is a BBQ at Zebrowski’s house.
I can’t imagine that this story would be read by anyone but someone who follows the series, so the real estate taken up by character descriptions of those we already know, along with back story, just adds padding to the length of the “novelette.” Also adding about 11% to the length of the eBook is an excerpt from Affliction.
I did enjoy the glimpse into the Zebrowski’s life, and was amazed that he and his wife kiss as often as Anita and her guys. They’re babysitting Matthew for the week and bring him along so he can spend time with other kids. This is apparently important as we see Anita being a lot more interested and accepting of a child in her life than what we’d seen before, and Nathaniel is pushing for a baby. We also get how difficult it can be for others to see a stripper as a real person.
Matthew is being taught that “No sexual orientation is bad, it’s just the way that people come into this world.” He’s not seeing anything but kissing, but he’s only 4 and inquisitive and the issue is raised during the party.
The story itself is decent once you get past all the padding. I knew it would be too short for what I’m comfortable paying, but hey, it’s a chance to learn about Zebrowski.
What I don’t understand is what the cover is supposed to stand for. There’s nothing in the story that the cover would relate to.
I can’t imagine that this story would be read by anyone but someone who follows the series, so the real estate taken up by character descriptions of those we already know, along with back story, just adds padding to the length of the “novelette.” Also adding about 11% to the length of the eBook is an excerpt from Affliction.
I did enjoy the glimpse into the Zebrowski’s life, and was amazed that he and his wife kiss as often as Anita and her guys. They’re babysitting Matthew for the week and bring him along so he can spend time with other kids. This is apparently important as we see Anita being a lot more interested and accepting of a child in her life than what we’d seen before, and Nathaniel is pushing for a baby. We also get how difficult it can be for others to see a stripper as a real person.
Matthew is being taught that “No sexual orientation is bad, it’s just the way that people come into this world.” He’s not seeing anything but kissing, but he’s only 4 and inquisitive and the issue is raised during the party.
The story itself is decent once you get past all the padding. I knew it would be too short for what I’m comfortable paying, but hey, it’s a chance to learn about Zebrowski.
What I don’t understand is what the cover is supposed to stand for. There’s nothing in the story that the cover would relate to.
November 28, 2014
I really glad I didn't pay the $2.99 for this ebook. It is extremely short. I've read many stories from authors at the same level for only $0.99 and would've paid that for this book. I learned my lesson after the last ebook that was put out for $3 and only 33 pages. Luckily, I was able to get this from my library.
I was looking forward to this story because of Zerbrowski and his wife. They both have very little page time, even though the story takes place at their house. The entire story read as Anita explaining polyamory lifestyle to Zerbrowski. Then they go on to explain the double standard of how people look at men and women. Plus how people look at Nathaniel as a stripper.
While I was reading, I felt like my morals were being judged. I felt like maybe I needed therapy or that maybe this was part of a therapy session.
I was looking forward to this story because of Zerbrowski and his wife. They both have very little page time, even though the story takes place at their house. The entire story read as Anita explaining polyamory lifestyle to Zerbrowski. Then they go on to explain the double standard of how people look at men and women. Plus how people look at Nathaniel as a stripper.
While I was reading, I felt like my morals were being judged. I felt like maybe I needed therapy or that maybe this was part of a therapy session.
January 8, 2017
This was another throwaway Anita Blake novella. I found it cute because it featured a lot Nathaniel dancing, and interesting kid dynamics. Only hard core fans need to bother with this one because nothing important that impacts the ongoing storyline happens.
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June 6, 2024Spoilers: I can’t believe I missed this short novella when it was first published! How cute and sweet. Anita, Nathaniel, and Micah attend a barbeque at Zebrowski’s one weekend with lots of cops and their families. Nobody dies, everyone has a good time (mostly). Very sweet.
January 1, 2020
Nice sweet little short in the Anita Blake universe. Anita, Nathaniel, & Micah attend a late summer picnic/BBQ at Zerbrowski's house. They bring Monica's son Matthew along, as Monica is out of town on business.
What I liked most about this short was that I didn't feel like I was drowning in characters. Always loved the big cast of the Anita Blake series, but lately I've been wanting to kill off a few characters, just to thin the herd out. (And, yes, I have a particular list in mind. Luckily none of them were even mentioned in this short.)
While it was a cop BBQ, Zerbrowski and his wife Katie were the only familiar faces on that front. And, besides the mention of Monica, Jean-Claude and Jason are the only characters mentioned, but not present. (Well, Robert was mentioned in passing, but as he's deceased that doesn't count.)
Timeline wise, aside from Matthew's age and the fact that Micah and Nathaniel kiss openly, this could have been set shortly after "Bullet", as Matthew's dance recital is the only semi-recent event that is mentioned.
No mystery component. No guns pulled. No guns even mentioned. Gasp! Only some minor relationship drama, some awkward small talk, and a sweet little ending I won't spoil beyond pointing at the title.
The part of Anita Blake's St. Louis I miss -- certain key characters -- without any of the recent muddiness I don't particularly favor.
P.S. No mention of the ardeur either. And no sex scenes.
What I liked most about this short was that I didn't feel like I was drowning in characters. Always loved the big cast of the Anita Blake series, but lately I've been wanting to kill off a few characters, just to thin the herd out. (And, yes, I have a particular list in mind. Luckily none of them were even mentioned in this short.)
While it was a cop BBQ, Zerbrowski and his wife Katie were the only familiar faces on that front. And, besides the mention of Monica, Jean-Claude and Jason are the only characters mentioned, but not present. (Well, Robert was mentioned in passing, but as he's deceased that doesn't count.)
Timeline wise, aside from Matthew's age and the fact that Micah and Nathaniel kiss openly, this could have been set shortly after "Bullet", as Matthew's dance recital is the only semi-recent event that is mentioned.
No mystery component. No guns pulled. No guns even mentioned. Gasp! Only some minor relationship drama, some awkward small talk, and a sweet little ending I won't spoil beyond pointing at the title.
The part of Anita Blake's St. Louis I miss -- certain key characters -- without any of the recent muddiness I don't particularly favor.
P.S. No mention of the ardeur either. And no sex scenes.
April 11, 2014
Meh....
This is coming from a true Anita Blake follower. Meh... that's all this gets.
Felt like I was being lectured that I should be open minded about a polyamourous lifestyle...
I don't like being lectured to by my favorite characters. Fact is, If I had a problem with that kind of thing, I wouldn't be reading Anita Blake. I don't know what Laurell K. Hamilton does in her real life - and if she lives like this... so be it, have fun... .But I want to read about the supernatural and their bonds and how they deal with supernatural stuff.
Babysitting a kid who's mom you don't like, I don't want to hear your story about WHY and wose-is-me about the whole thing.
Staking claim on your men.. OMG, this is just trite and catty. Not what I paid to read.
Sorely disappointed in the author - and as how Anita is her creation - I feel sorry for Anita... Get it together Laurell - this is boring and condescending to your loyal readers. People who have issues with this lifestyle, AREN'T READING your books to begin with.
This is coming from a true Anita Blake follower. Meh... that's all this gets.
Felt like I was being lectured that I should be open minded about a polyamourous lifestyle...
I don't like being lectured to by my favorite characters. Fact is, If I had a problem with that kind of thing, I wouldn't be reading Anita Blake. I don't know what Laurell K. Hamilton does in her real life - and if she lives like this... so be it, have fun... .But I want to read about the supernatural and their bonds and how they deal with supernatural stuff.
Babysitting a kid who's mom you don't like, I don't want to hear your story about WHY and wose-is-me about the whole thing.
Staking claim on your men.. OMG, this is just trite and catty. Not what I paid to read.
Sorely disappointed in the author - and as how Anita is her creation - I feel sorry for Anita... Get it together Laurell - this is boring and condescending to your loyal readers. People who have issues with this lifestyle, AREN'T READING your books to begin with.
September 17, 2013
A short novella from Laurell K. Hamilton. Not a bad little story, but not a great one either. Nothing much is moved forward in regards to the overall plot of the series, but we do get to see Anita, Micah and Nathaniel in a situation that involves no guns, blood, fighting or vampire/wereanimal politics.
Anita does seem to be growing up and growing more comfortable in her own skin and that is lovely to see. She is clearly becoming more at ease with her lifestyle choices and with her loves, which is also a nice addition to the more recent books.
Recommended for people who have read the current Anita Blake series, but not for those who want either an introduction to the series or an attempt to come back to it after a break.
Anita does seem to be growing up and growing more comfortable in her own skin and that is lovely to see. She is clearly becoming more at ease with her lifestyle choices and with her loves, which is also a nice addition to the more recent books.
Recommended for people who have read the current Anita Blake series, but not for those who want either an introduction to the series or an attempt to come back to it after a break.
February 7, 2025
OMG! Anita and "family" at a family bar-b-que at the Zerbrowski's? Just the thought is mind boggling. But, Nathaniel kind of tricks her into going and it just happens to be the week they are keeping Matthew. So off they go, Anita, Nathaniel, Micah, and Matthew. This book was a fun look at Anita being "normal" - well for her anyway. It is fun! It is entertaining! Anyone will enjoy this. It is written so that you won't be lost if you are not familiar with the world of Anita Blake. A brief snapshot of calm in Anita's usual world of chaos. There is no murder, but mayhem... Well, it is Anita and Zerbrowski. I recommend this for anyone!
September 24, 2013
Rather generic day in the life. It's always nice to get a little glimpse into the day to day of favorite characters, but it also wasn't anything special. In fact after them living together for three years you'd think a lot of the tension points regarding them being together and affectionate with each otheri n public would be old news by now.
Perhaps I've just spent an entire life of "loud and proud," and taking it on the chin for it, such that I don't understand why others turn stuff like that into a big deal.
Perhaps I've just spent an entire life of "loud and proud," and taking it on the chin for it, such that I don't understand why others turn stuff like that into a big deal.
October 8, 2013
ok the only thing that is beginning to bother me is that in every book she give a background on the main characters i would understand the ones that are hardly mention but the main ones ? . all i'm saying is we are on the 22 book in the series every one know the main guys , if someone pick up the 22 book to start on the series the are just plain dumb . other than re telling the background of the characters i loved the short story actually i loved all her book and can't wait for the next one I AM AN ANITA FAN AND A MERRY FAN
January 13, 2019
This was a sweet little snippet of as normal a life as Anita and her boyfriends can get. No vamps in this one. A nice little cop cookout. I pulled a lot of good quotes from this short story. But I do feel like it was unnecessary to go through minutiae that is already repeated in every regular novel. It doesn't need to be reiterated in the short stories because no one is going to start the Anita Blake series with novella #21.5!
September 7, 2019
This story is so sweet. Usually I am not a fan of Matthew, but he is so cute in this short story! And we get to see more of Zerbrowski around, he and his family, so yay!
And let me tell you that Zerbowski family is just the cutest ever!
And let me tell you that Zerbowski family is just the cutest ever!
April 13, 2018
Ok, quick read.
Read
February 14, 2020Laurel managed to make the paranormal world of Anita Blake mesh seamlessly with the normal world. I do enjoy these books and find them very entertaining. I would say adult only though.
November 20, 2024
Amazing little side quest! Loved it😍
November 26, 2023
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5
Heat Rating: 🔥
Narrator Performance: 🎧🎧🎧🎧.5
Heat Rating: 🔥
Narrator Performance: 🎧🎧🎧🎧.5
August 14, 2020
Couple goals!
I love this small stop between the novels, it fills in more gaps and brings more out of the couple.
A beautiful and very realistic story while keeping to the series storylines.
Bravo
Ultimate couple goals
I love this small stop between the novels, it fills in more gaps and brings more out of the couple.
A beautiful and very realistic story while keeping to the series storylines.
Bravo
Ultimate couple goals
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