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Jurassic Heart
When paleontologist Nick Eisenberg learns that someone thinks they have found velociraptor bones in Alberta, his curiosity overrides his desire to stay in London. After all, he’s one of the world’s leading experts on prehistoric predators and has always wanted to look for the velociraptor’s North American cousins. There’s only one problem: eco-conservationist Hunter Joseph. While Nick supervises the dig, Hunter rallies support from the locals to oppose the way the team is destroying the landscape in their search for dinosaur bones.
Nick and Hunter just cannot get along. Hunter is self-righteous and pouty. Nick is narrow-minded and geeky. But they have to figure out how to work on the same site without killing each other, especially since someone else out there seems determined to cause Nick more problems than he could have ever imagined.
Nick and Hunter just cannot get along. Hunter is self-righteous and pouty. Nick is narrow-minded and geeky. But they have to figure out how to work on the same site without killing each other, especially since someone else out there seems determined to cause Nick more problems than he could have ever imagined.
200 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2013
10 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Anna Martin
48 books478 followersAnna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 8, 2020
Enjoyed it, especially the dinosaur-related bits. Nick, the formerly geeky guy who came into his own once he grew up to be a paleontologist, came convincingly to life for me.
His enemies-to-lovers romance with Hunter, and the mystery surrounding the dig site sabotage, weren't as compelling. Still, as my introduction to Anna Martin, this book was a success and I'll be looking for more of her work.
There was one weird glitch that befuddled me:
Imagine you have a best friend. He's been your best friend since you met him in your first year at college, some 14 years ago. And you guys have had sex lots (lots!) of times over the years. You gave dating a try, and it didn't work, but that didn't damage your friends-with-benefits setup. You're the kind of friends who smooch in public and can share a bed, snuggling and cuddling, even sex-free, for week after week after week... Good friends, you get what I'm saying? And...
You don't know his name. Sure, you know his nickname, but his first name? You think it might be George, but you wouldn't put money on that. And his surname? Duh. You don't have a clue. What a surprise it is to discover, 14 years into your best-friendship-with-occasional-benefits relationship, that he has a Greek surname! Who knew?
So... YMMV, but I found that spectacularly WTF-y.
His enemies-to-lovers romance with Hunter, and the mystery surrounding the dig site sabotage, weren't as compelling. Still, as my introduction to Anna Martin, this book was a success and I'll be looking for more of her work.
There was one weird glitch that befuddled me:
Imagine you have a best friend. He's been your best friend since you met him in your first year at college, some 14 years ago. And you guys have had sex lots (lots!) of times over the years. You gave dating a try, and it didn't work, but that didn't damage your friends-with-benefits setup. You're the kind of friends who smooch in public and can share a bed, snuggling and cuddling, even sex-free, for week after week after week... Good friends, you get what I'm saying? And...
You don't know his name. Sure, you know his nickname, but his first name? You think it might be George, but you wouldn't put money on that. And his surname? Duh. You don't have a clue. What a surprise it is to discover, 14 years into your best-friendship-with-occasional-benefits relationship, that he has a Greek surname! Who knew?
So... YMMV, but I found that spectacularly WTF-y.
January 14, 2014
**3.5 stars**
I really like Anna Martin's writing style. She is funny and her characters are a little offbeat, and this book is certainly no different. I mean, paleontology and M/M! It is like my Ross Geller gay fantasies come alive!
What was best about this book was the voice. It was light and low angst with just a touch of sexiness. However, I had a few little issues with it that knocked my rating down a bit. I thought the plot bordered on confusing at times. There was a lot going on with the mystery and the discoveries with the dig and the conservation issues with Hunter. I though the plot got a little murky.
I also thought that Hunter and Nick went from enemies to lover too quickly. I didn't really feel the love between them and wasn't that into them as a couple, I'm afraid. I mean, they were sweet enough but I didn't really get them together.
I loved Boner and the Goth sisters- they had tons of personality and really gave a lot of flavor to the book.
All in all, this was a nice read but not something super memorable. Even if it does have dinosaurs.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I really like Anna Martin's writing style. She is funny and her characters are a little offbeat, and this book is certainly no different. I mean, paleontology and M/M! It is like my Ross Geller gay fantasies come alive!
What was best about this book was the voice. It was light and low angst with just a touch of sexiness. However, I had a few little issues with it that knocked my rating down a bit. I thought the plot bordered on confusing at times. There was a lot going on with the mystery and the discoveries with the dig and the conservation issues with Hunter. I though the plot got a little murky.
I also thought that Hunter and Nick went from enemies to lover too quickly. I didn't really feel the love between them and wasn't that into them as a couple, I'm afraid. I mean, they were sweet enough but I didn't really get them together.
I loved Boner and the Goth sisters- they had tons of personality and really gave a lot of flavor to the book.
All in all, this was a nice read but not something super memorable. Even if it does have dinosaurs.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
January 6, 2014
2.5 disappointed stars
Damn it. What went wrong here? I really liked Tattoos & Teacups and didn't mind the first-person POV in that book. But what worked there did not work here. The narrator of Jurassic Heart is Nick, a paleontologist. Nick flies from London (where's he's working temporarily) to Canada (his home) because another paleontologist has opened a dig on a site; this rival is known for being petty and dishonest, and for taking credit for other people's work. For the first fifth of the book, we have Nick interacting with said asshole rival, who is rather suddenly (and predictably) removed from the narrative.
The remainder of the book centers on Nick's work at the digging site, where he has the potential to discover a new raptor species, and his interactions with his digging team (including Boner, his best friend and once lover), as well as with a gorgeous conservationist named Hunter, who shows up to sniff around the site and make sure the area won't be permanently damaged. There's also a mystery thrown in, as someone is trying to sabotage the dig.
Nick was a really boring narrator. He tells us a lot (very info dumpy), and seems a little immature and selfish. Nick's relationship with Boner was weird and a distraction. We see them making out, and then all of a sudden Boner is interested in a woman, which was totally flip-floppy and unnecessary.
The romance between Nick and Hunter (the center of the story) also felt lacking in chemistry. The two MCs are fighting, and then they're loving, but the jump from enemies to lovers wasn't believable. Their initial clashing was brief (and utterly cliche), so there wasn't a lot of passion to milk from. I didn't really understand what Hunter saw in Nick or why Hunter was so gung-ho on bringing bad publicity to the dig initially. He has a very quick (and unearned) change of heart, though, and becomes sort of an honorary team member. Throughout most of the book, Nick keeps thinking that Hunter likes him more than he likes Hunter (god knows why). Nick's emotional headspace isn't ever delved into beyond the obvious "I've been hurt and am scared to love again" crap, despite the fact that it's his POV we're getting.
Likewise, the mystery was expected and trite. The "villain" is completely obvious from the beginning. I wouldn't mind this so much had the romance been stellar, but it wasn't. The whole thing was lackluster, not a terrible read but forgettable.
Damn it. What went wrong here? I really liked Tattoos & Teacups and didn't mind the first-person POV in that book. But what worked there did not work here. The narrator of Jurassic Heart is Nick, a paleontologist. Nick flies from London (where's he's working temporarily) to Canada (his home) because another paleontologist has opened a dig on a site; this rival is known for being petty and dishonest, and for taking credit for other people's work. For the first fifth of the book, we have Nick interacting with said asshole rival, who is rather suddenly (and predictably) removed from the narrative.
The remainder of the book centers on Nick's work at the digging site, where he has the potential to discover a new raptor species, and his interactions with his digging team (including Boner, his best friend and once lover), as well as with a gorgeous conservationist named Hunter, who shows up to sniff around the site and make sure the area won't be permanently damaged. There's also a mystery thrown in, as someone is trying to sabotage the dig.
Nick was a really boring narrator. He tells us a lot (very info dumpy), and seems a little immature and selfish. Nick's relationship with Boner was weird and a distraction. We see them making out, and then all of a sudden Boner is interested in a woman, which was totally flip-floppy and unnecessary.
The romance between Nick and Hunter (the center of the story) also felt lacking in chemistry. The two MCs are fighting, and then they're loving, but the jump from enemies to lovers wasn't believable. Their initial clashing was brief (and utterly cliche), so there wasn't a lot of passion to milk from. I didn't really understand what Hunter saw in Nick or why Hunter was so gung-ho on bringing bad publicity to the dig initially. He has a very quick (and unearned) change of heart, though, and becomes sort of an honorary team member. Throughout most of the book, Nick keeps thinking that Hunter likes him more than he likes Hunter (god knows why). Nick's emotional headspace isn't ever delved into beyond the obvious "I've been hurt and am scared to love again" crap, despite the fact that it's his POV we're getting.
Likewise, the mystery was expected and trite. The "villain" is completely obvious from the beginning. I wouldn't mind this so much had the romance been stellar, but it wasn't. The whole thing was lackluster, not a terrible read but forgettable.
January 5, 2014
3.5 stars
I have read roughly 2000+ stories since I first discovered the MM romance genre back in 2008 (yes, 2000+, LOTS of short stories, okay?). After awhile, finding something unique and different, especially in the contemporary genre (my main genre) becomes more and more difficult.
That was why, in that sense, I appreciated the paleontology / dinosaur-digging exploration aspect of this book. It definitely made this story stand out among others … simply because I have never found a story with this kind of set-up before. I enjoyed the dinosaur-talk part – it was really fun, even if at times, it also felt a bit of an ‘information dump’, especially related to the dinosaur species.
The mystery about who was planning to ruin the exploration was nice – I enjoyed the twist. It added an adrenaline burst to what could be a humdrum situation about the daily life of the people involved in the exploration.
The romance, unfortunately, was a bit of a let down for me. I felt that Hunter, Nick’s love interest, was having a quick personality change from Mr. Adversary to Mr. Kinky Lover to Mr. Sort-of-Needy in the end. I was having whiplash following it. It felt like he was whining about Nick’s platonic relationship with Boner. The sudden talk about exploring the kink was also coming out of the blue, my reaction was a huge “huh?!” Truthfully, Nick was also slightly bland. I definitely thought the secondary character, Boner, and the Goth girls were more interesting.
Bottom line, I enjoyed this and will remember it for the ‘dinosaur dig’ set-up and the mystery, but not so much on the romance. That one was forgettable.
I have read roughly 2000+ stories since I first discovered the MM romance genre back in 2008 (yes, 2000+, LOTS of short stories, okay?). After awhile, finding something unique and different, especially in the contemporary genre (my main genre) becomes more and more difficult.
That was why, in that sense, I appreciated the paleontology / dinosaur-digging exploration aspect of this book. It definitely made this story stand out among others … simply because I have never found a story with this kind of set-up before. I enjoyed the dinosaur-talk part – it was really fun, even if at times, it also felt a bit of an ‘information dump’, especially related to the dinosaur species.
The mystery about who was planning to ruin the exploration was nice – I enjoyed the twist. It added an adrenaline burst to what could be a humdrum situation about the daily life of the people involved in the exploration.
The romance, unfortunately, was a bit of a let down for me. I felt that Hunter, Nick’s love interest, was having a quick personality change from Mr. Adversary to Mr. Kinky Lover to Mr. Sort-of-Needy in the end. I was having whiplash following it. It felt like he was whining about Nick’s platonic relationship with Boner. The sudden talk about exploring the kink was also coming out of the blue, my reaction was a huge “huh?!” Truthfully, Nick was also slightly bland. I definitely thought the secondary character, Boner, and the Goth girls were more interesting.
Bottom line, I enjoyed this and will remember it for the ‘dinosaur dig’ set-up and the mystery, but not so much on the romance. That one was forgettable.
January 9, 2014
Jurassic Heart was definitely a winner. After reading the premise I was more than excited.
A remarkable dino-cover? Wow!
A M/M romance featuring paleontologists? Double-Wow!
Physically fit and well-built paleontologists? Triple-Wow!
Nick Eisenberg is one of the world’s leading experts on prehistoric predators. In Alberta he starts a dig for velociraptor bones. While Nick is supervising the dig site, he comes up against Hunter Joseph, a first nation descendant. According to him Nick’s digs destroy the landscape. Two world views collide: Narrow minded and geeky paleontologist versus self-righteous and pouty first nation eco-conservationist…
The set-up - science, dinos, sudden incidents - was unique, the mystery and the romance part entertaining and hot.
I’m a sucker for well elaborated secondary characters. Boner… LMAO… what a name… is such a great guy, I couldn’t get enough of him.
All rounded up it was an exceptional story. Recommended! :)
January 3, 2019
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
4.5 stelle
Se siete come me affascinate dai dinosauri e amanti delle storie dove scienza e un pizzico di suspense si intrecciano, questo libro vi conquisterà. Appena iniziato il romanzo mi sono immediatamente sentita coinvolta in un'avventura tra Jurassic Park e Indiana Jones. Il Paleontologo che deve verificare un ritrovamento, l'accuratezza nel descrivere il lavoro e le tipologie di resti, la scienza, la passione e l'amore per la paleontologia che traspare ha contribuito ad appassionarmi e il pizzico di mistero su chi vuole impedire che le ricerche vadano avanti mi ha reso totalmente dipendente a questa lettura scritta e descritta nei minimi dettagli e permeata da quell'ironia e leggerezza tipica delle menti brillanti. Naturalmente la componente romance ha reso il tutto perfetto. Nick e Hunter sono agli antipodi in tutto e le loro ideologie li portano a scontrarsi ed incontrarsi in una danza fatta di litigi, discussioni e punzecchiamenti; entrambi affascinanti ed intelligenti sono attratti mentalmente e fisicamente. Nick è reticente e diffidente nei confronti dell'amore, gli scavi ed i ritrovamenti delle ossa dei dinosauri sono una missione che porta avanti insieme al suo team di colleghi ed amici, una famiglia variegata ed unita. Hunter è un uomo solido, sicuro di sé con a cuore la preservazione dell'ambiente, nulla può fermare la sua missione ed è inarrestabile anche quando la sua missione diventa conquistare il testardo e diffidente Nick. Assolutamente affascinante e divertente l'interazione tra i due, l'intimità è vibrante ed intensa, la profondità e la connessione si avverte in ogni gesto e pensiero. La narrazione è affidata solo a Nick che riesce a farci conoscere sia se stesso completamente che ogni cosa e persona, le descrizioni sono perfette e riusciamo quasi a visualizzare le scene ma soprattutto a conoscere ogni persona che arricchisce il racconto; li amerete e apprezzerete tutti. Lo stile non è mai pesante nonostante la tipologia dell'argomento, la lettura scorre fluida con i tempi giusti e l'evoluzione è interessante e assolutamente non scontata. I miei complimenti sono doverosi alla traduzione perfetta che ha reso la versione italiana assolutamente godibile sotto ogni aspetto…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
4.5 stelle
Se siete come me affascinate dai dinosauri e amanti delle storie dove scienza e un pizzico di suspense si intrecciano, questo libro vi conquisterà. Appena iniziato il romanzo mi sono immediatamente sentita coinvolta in un'avventura tra Jurassic Park e Indiana Jones. Il Paleontologo che deve verificare un ritrovamento, l'accuratezza nel descrivere il lavoro e le tipologie di resti, la scienza, la passione e l'amore per la paleontologia che traspare ha contribuito ad appassionarmi e il pizzico di mistero su chi vuole impedire che le ricerche vadano avanti mi ha reso totalmente dipendente a questa lettura scritta e descritta nei minimi dettagli e permeata da quell'ironia e leggerezza tipica delle menti brillanti. Naturalmente la componente romance ha reso il tutto perfetto. Nick e Hunter sono agli antipodi in tutto e le loro ideologie li portano a scontrarsi ed incontrarsi in una danza fatta di litigi, discussioni e punzecchiamenti; entrambi affascinanti ed intelligenti sono attratti mentalmente e fisicamente. Nick è reticente e diffidente nei confronti dell'amore, gli scavi ed i ritrovamenti delle ossa dei dinosauri sono una missione che porta avanti insieme al suo team di colleghi ed amici, una famiglia variegata ed unita. Hunter è un uomo solido, sicuro di sé con a cuore la preservazione dell'ambiente, nulla può fermare la sua missione ed è inarrestabile anche quando la sua missione diventa conquistare il testardo e diffidente Nick. Assolutamente affascinante e divertente l'interazione tra i due, l'intimità è vibrante ed intensa, la profondità e la connessione si avverte in ogni gesto e pensiero. La narrazione è affidata solo a Nick che riesce a farci conoscere sia se stesso completamente che ogni cosa e persona, le descrizioni sono perfette e riusciamo quasi a visualizzare le scene ma soprattutto a conoscere ogni persona che arricchisce il racconto; li amerete e apprezzerete tutti. Lo stile non è mai pesante nonostante la tipologia dell'argomento, la lettura scorre fluida con i tempi giusti e l'evoluzione è interessante e assolutamente non scontata. I miei complimenti sono doverosi alla traduzione perfetta che ha reso la versione italiana assolutamente godibile sotto ogni aspetto…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
July 23, 2019
4,5 zufriedene Sterne
Darum geht's:
Eigentlich soll der Paläontologe Nick Eisenberg nur einen Dinosaurierfund in Kanada begutachten, doch als der Grabungsleiter ausfällt, übernimmt Nick selbst die Ausgrabungen. Das Areal scheint vielversprechend zu sein, denn es gibt mehrere interessante Funde. Wenn da nicht der Umweltaktivist Hunter Joseph wäre, der bekannt dafür ist, den Paläontologen grundsätzlich Umweltzerstörung vorzuwerfen und die Ausgrabungen zu behindern. Und vielleicht schreckt er auch vor Einbruch, Drohungen und Sabotage nicht zurück, denn Nick und sein Team bekommen genau das zu spüren.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Darum geht's:
Eigentlich soll der Paläontologe Nick Eisenberg nur einen Dinosaurierfund in Kanada begutachten, doch als der Grabungsleiter ausfällt, übernimmt Nick selbst die Ausgrabungen. Das Areal scheint vielversprechend zu sein, denn es gibt mehrere interessante Funde. Wenn da nicht der Umweltaktivist Hunter Joseph wäre, der bekannt dafür ist, den Paläontologen grundsätzlich Umweltzerstörung vorzuwerfen und die Ausgrabungen zu behindern. Und vielleicht schreckt er auch vor Einbruch, Drohungen und Sabotage nicht zurück, denn Nick und sein Team bekommen genau das zu spüren.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
January 3, 2019
Hunter ignorò il bicchiere che aveva versato per sé e mi diede una spinta al petto, poi mi afferrò per la camicia, mi strattonò in avanti e premette le labbra contro le mie in un brusco bacio. Mi aggrappai alla sua camicia e ricambiai con la stessa moneta. Dato che era più alto di me, fui costretto a inclinare il mento e a sollevarmi sulle punte dei piedi per incontrare le sue labbra. Mi godetti il suo sapore virile e sensuale sulla lingua e lasciai che esplorasse la mia bocca mentre ci spintonavamo a vicenda; poi ci scambiammo baci e ci mordicchiammo le labbra, i lobi delle orecchie e la curva delicata di una mascella. Se volevo fare qualcosa con quest’uomo, non poteva essere né semplice né gentile. Non ci comportavamo mai bene l’uno con l’altro. Lui non tirava fuori il meglio di me. Eppure, per qualche ragione, non aveva importanza. Non mi preoccupava il fatto che Hunter non potesse essere definito un ‘brav’uomo’. A dirla tutta, era una delle cose che mi eccitavano della situazione.
Questo romanzo mi è piaciuto parecchio e non tanto (o, meglio, non solo) per l'aspetto romantico, ma soprattutto per la storia. Se l'autrice rivela di avere un'anima nerd e amante dei dinosauri, devo averla anch'io, perché sono sempre stata affascinata dalle ricerche, dalle mostre e dai libri dedicate a queste bestie ancora sconosciute e dal favoloso lavoro dei paleontologi.
La Martin ricostruisce alla perfezione l'attività di una delle tante squadre di ricercatori alle prese con uno scavo, quindi impegnata a combattere contro polvere, fango, impazienza di disotterrare e interferenze esterne.
Ore e ore di lavoro per riportare alla luce un singolo frammento di osso, e poi analizzarlo, classificarlo, capire a quale specie attribuirlo. Si tratta di un'attività faticosa che molto spesso fornisce qualche risultato soltanto dopo anni e tentativi infruttuosi.
Proprio in questo ambiente si muovono i personaggi, meravigliosamente delineati: Nick Eisenberg, il ricercatore coscienzioso e ancora alla ricerca della svolta del carriera; il suo delizioso amico del cuore Bomer (Alzabandiera, e dovete leggerne il motivo...); gli altri componenti della squadra e... lui, il muscoloso e affascinante Joseph Hunter, discendente dei Piedi Neri e ambientalista, nonché nemico giurato (almeno all'inizio) dei paleontologi.
Tra incomprensioni e colpi di scena la narrazione fila via che è un piacere, arricchita dal giusto corredo di scene hot e (perché no?) pure romantiche.
Siccome, appena concluso, avevo già voglia di rileggerlo, per me il giudizio è 5 stelline piene.
Questo romanzo mi è piaciuto parecchio e non tanto (o, meglio, non solo) per l'aspetto romantico, ma soprattutto per la storia. Se l'autrice rivela di avere un'anima nerd e amante dei dinosauri, devo averla anch'io, perché sono sempre stata affascinata dalle ricerche, dalle mostre e dai libri dedicate a queste bestie ancora sconosciute e dal favoloso lavoro dei paleontologi.
La Martin ricostruisce alla perfezione l'attività di una delle tante squadre di ricercatori alle prese con uno scavo, quindi impegnata a combattere contro polvere, fango, impazienza di disotterrare e interferenze esterne.
Ore e ore di lavoro per riportare alla luce un singolo frammento di osso, e poi analizzarlo, classificarlo, capire a quale specie attribuirlo. Si tratta di un'attività faticosa che molto spesso fornisce qualche risultato soltanto dopo anni e tentativi infruttuosi.
Proprio in questo ambiente si muovono i personaggi, meravigliosamente delineati: Nick Eisenberg, il ricercatore coscienzioso e ancora alla ricerca della svolta del carriera; il suo delizioso amico del cuore Bomer (Alzabandiera, e dovete leggerne il motivo...); gli altri componenti della squadra e... lui, il muscoloso e affascinante Joseph Hunter, discendente dei Piedi Neri e ambientalista, nonché nemico giurato (almeno all'inizio) dei paleontologi.
Tra incomprensioni e colpi di scena la narrazione fila via che è un piacere, arricchita dal giusto corredo di scene hot e (perché no?) pure romantiche.
Siccome, appena concluso, avevo già voglia di rileggerlo, per me il giudizio è 5 stelline piene.
February 20, 2014
I loved loved LOVED this!
Nick Eisenberg has spent years searching for evidence that raptors had once inhabited North America. After finishing up a job in London, Nick gets a call from a slimy paleontologist saying he has uncovered velociraptor bones in Canada and needs Nick to verify the identification. Nick immediately hops a plane to Alberta, not knowing that this will last longer than just a quick consultation. What he finds: a disorganized dig, sabotage, his old best friend, and love with a hated eco-conservationist.
I soooo loved everything about this story…even stayed up until 3am reading it even though I was sick as a dog! This is only my second read from this author; had previously read Tattoos & Teacups and also stayed up ’til the wee hours of the morning finishing it. Why? I think its just the way the author delivers a story…keeps me intrigued and hooked until the very end.
Why was this so perfect for me?
There’s dinosaurs! Okay, not real alive dinosaurs, but dinosaur bones still buried in the ground just waiting to be discovered! I can’t even imagine how much research the author must have had to do for this. Of course I know NOTHING about paleontology and archeology, but it all seemed very well done to me.
It’s enemies-to-lovers! Okay, I admit I did not read the blurb for this book and went in completely blind…I started to get a little freaked out when I couldn’t figure out who Nick’s love interest would be. Eventually, I gave in and had to take a peek, but was still freaking out because Hunter was NOWHERE to be seen! BE PATIENT because Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome finally appears at 20% and Oh.My.God do they HATE each other!! Umm, there are even punches thrown! There’s a bit of sexual tension but it gets VERY smexy, very soon after. Yeah, Nick’s a snarky prick and Hunter’s and arrogant asshole…but when all that tension collides… Gah, I loved Nick and Hunter together.
There’s a ‘Boner’. And I adored him with all of my heart!!
There’s very little angst. Probably not any at all. No, just a sweet, building romance between two men who have careers that aren’t known to working together.
There’s mystery. Honestly, the mystery was the weakest part of the story for me…seemed too simple for something so elaborate. I wasn’t too worried about who the bad guys were, but I wasn’t able to figure it out either. Hmm.
It’s slower paced. Yeah, there’s a lot of digging and a lot of dirt, and some may feel that its just too much digging and too much dirt, but I LOVED all of that…even felt liked I learned a bit about the world of dinosaurs.
Now you see why I loved this…
4.5 stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Nick Eisenberg has spent years searching for evidence that raptors had once inhabited North America. After finishing up a job in London, Nick gets a call from a slimy paleontologist saying he has uncovered velociraptor bones in Canada and needs Nick to verify the identification. Nick immediately hops a plane to Alberta, not knowing that this will last longer than just a quick consultation. What he finds: a disorganized dig, sabotage, his old best friend, and love with a hated eco-conservationist.
I soooo loved everything about this story…even stayed up until 3am reading it even though I was sick as a dog! This is only my second read from this author; had previously read Tattoos & Teacups and also stayed up ’til the wee hours of the morning finishing it. Why? I think its just the way the author delivers a story…keeps me intrigued and hooked until the very end.
Why was this so perfect for me?
There’s dinosaurs! Okay, not real alive dinosaurs, but dinosaur bones still buried in the ground just waiting to be discovered! I can’t even imagine how much research the author must have had to do for this. Of course I know NOTHING about paleontology and archeology, but it all seemed very well done to me.
It’s enemies-to-lovers! Okay, I admit I did not read the blurb for this book and went in completely blind…I started to get a little freaked out when I couldn’t figure out who Nick’s love interest would be. Eventually, I gave in and had to take a peek, but was still freaking out because Hunter was NOWHERE to be seen! BE PATIENT because Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome finally appears at 20% and Oh.My.God do they HATE each other!! Umm, there are even punches thrown! There’s a bit of sexual tension but it gets VERY smexy, very soon after. Yeah, Nick’s a snarky prick and Hunter’s and arrogant asshole…but when all that tension collides… Gah, I loved Nick and Hunter together.
There’s a ‘Boner’. And I adored him with all of my heart!!
There’s very little angst. Probably not any at all. No, just a sweet, building romance between two men who have careers that aren’t known to working together.
There’s mystery. Honestly, the mystery was the weakest part of the story for me…seemed too simple for something so elaborate. I wasn’t too worried about who the bad guys were, but I wasn’t able to figure it out either. Hmm.
It’s slower paced. Yeah, there’s a lot of digging and a lot of dirt, and some may feel that its just too much digging and too much dirt, but I LOVED all of that…even felt liked I learned a bit about the world of dinosaurs.
Now you see why I loved this…
4.5 stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
February 2, 2022
It's me, not you.
February 14, 2019
Come le precedenti storie di Anna Martin che ho letto finora, anche questa è stata una bella lettura.
Sono rimasta piacevolmente colpita dall’argomento portante – la paleontologia – e dall’ambientazione sicuramente originale e poco sfruttata per un m/m romance.
L’autrice è stata bravissima – e lo dico con cognizione di causa – a rendere tutte le spiegazioni comprensibili, mediando i termini specifici e complicati con un linguaggio adatto ai profani, incuriosendo e spiegando il giusto, senza esagerare o, al contrario, essere superficiale. Tutte le informazioni fornite sono corrette, ma non cattedratiche. Per esempio, la spiegazione su come approcciare i neofiti o le scolaresche è perfettamente verosimile e accessibile al lettore, così come le varie attività complesse e le riflessioni degli esperti del settore.
Tutta questa parte svolge un ruolo fondamentale nell’economia della trama, rendendola giustamente diversa dal solito, mentre le parti amorose s’innestano e s’intrecciano agli scavi e ai problemi connessi a quest’attività, facendo diventare il libro un buon mix di azione e introspezione ben tradotto.
Ci sono anche un paio di punti, però, che per mio gusto personale avrei preferito diversi: uno è il personaggio di Brad, che sembrava avere del potenziale, ma poi è caduto nel dimenticatoio. Secondariamente, mi sarebbe piaciuto veder approfondito un po’ di più certi passaggi, tipo il passato amoroso traumatico di Nick, visto che lo condiziona nelle sue relazioni nel presente. E anche le motivazioni dei cattivi e la loro perseveranza, a mio parere, sono spiegate un po’ troppo in maniera semplicistica e non mi hanno convinta del tutto.
A parte questo, confermo che la storia, in generale, mi è piaciuta molto e ci sono dei personaggi davvero interessanti da scoprire: il paleontologo Nick Eisenberg ama il proprio lavoro e ci impiega passione, devozione e spirito di sacrificio che traspaiono lungo il testo. Non è un accademico bacchettone, ama sporcarsi le mani e scavare, cercando di portare in vita antichi fossili e, possibilmente, realizzare il sogno di ogni esperto del settore: trovare nuove specie ancora sconosciute.
Nick parte da Londra per offrire un consulto veloce in uno scavo in Canada, ma finisce per rimanerci come capo spedizione e responsabile.
A mettergli i bastoni fra le ruote compare Hunter Joseph, convinto ambientalista che non vuole che si facciano scavi perché rovinano l’ecosistema e creano danni all’ambiente.
Fra i due volano scintille e battibecchi quotidiani ma, con l’andar dei giorni, e soprattutto cercando di non uccidersi a vicenda, i due uomini imparano ad ascoltarsi e a conoscersi vicendevolmente. Anche se non abbracceranno mai il punto di vista dell’altro in toto, Nick e Hunter capiscono finalmente che tutti e due hanno ragione almeno in parte e che, a certi patti, si potrebbe anche collaborare per salvare capra e cavoli. È così che i due cominciano a frequentarsi, regalandoci momenti piacevoli e, col progredire della conoscenza, anche delle scene erotiche coinvolgenti e ben descritte, non troppo numerose, ma funzionali alla storia.
Questo, però, non è solo un romanzo d’amore infarinato nella ricerca preistorica, c’è anche un’innaffiata di giallo che movimenta la vita di tutti, sia dei protagonisti sia del team di supporto, con spunti drammatici fino alla risoluzione del caso.
Il team di Nick merita due parole per sé: è composto da un gruppo eterogeneo di persone, da semplici appassionati a laureati o laureandi nel settore e formano tutti insieme una simpatica, stramba famiglia. Nick ha già lavorato con molti di loro in passato, quindi li considera degli amici fidati e, nel caso di Boner, anche qualcosina di più. Ogni spazio che si ricaveranno nella storia è divertente, irriverente o comunque interessante e arricchiscono la trama al meglio.
Non mi resta che consigliarvi questa storia, diversa dal solito e piacevole da leggere.
Sono rimasta piacevolmente colpita dall’argomento portante – la paleontologia – e dall’ambientazione sicuramente originale e poco sfruttata per un m/m romance.
L’autrice è stata bravissima – e lo dico con cognizione di causa – a rendere tutte le spiegazioni comprensibili, mediando i termini specifici e complicati con un linguaggio adatto ai profani, incuriosendo e spiegando il giusto, senza esagerare o, al contrario, essere superficiale. Tutte le informazioni fornite sono corrette, ma non cattedratiche. Per esempio, la spiegazione su come approcciare i neofiti o le scolaresche è perfettamente verosimile e accessibile al lettore, così come le varie attività complesse e le riflessioni degli esperti del settore.
Tutta questa parte svolge un ruolo fondamentale nell’economia della trama, rendendola giustamente diversa dal solito, mentre le parti amorose s’innestano e s’intrecciano agli scavi e ai problemi connessi a quest’attività, facendo diventare il libro un buon mix di azione e introspezione ben tradotto.
Ci sono anche un paio di punti, però, che per mio gusto personale avrei preferito diversi: uno è il personaggio di Brad, che sembrava avere del potenziale, ma poi è caduto nel dimenticatoio. Secondariamente, mi sarebbe piaciuto veder approfondito un po’ di più certi passaggi, tipo il passato amoroso traumatico di Nick, visto che lo condiziona nelle sue relazioni nel presente. E anche le motivazioni dei cattivi e la loro perseveranza, a mio parere, sono spiegate un po’ troppo in maniera semplicistica e non mi hanno convinta del tutto.
A parte questo, confermo che la storia, in generale, mi è piaciuta molto e ci sono dei personaggi davvero interessanti da scoprire: il paleontologo Nick Eisenberg ama il proprio lavoro e ci impiega passione, devozione e spirito di sacrificio che traspaiono lungo il testo. Non è un accademico bacchettone, ama sporcarsi le mani e scavare, cercando di portare in vita antichi fossili e, possibilmente, realizzare il sogno di ogni esperto del settore: trovare nuove specie ancora sconosciute.
Nick parte da Londra per offrire un consulto veloce in uno scavo in Canada, ma finisce per rimanerci come capo spedizione e responsabile.
A mettergli i bastoni fra le ruote compare Hunter Joseph, convinto ambientalista che non vuole che si facciano scavi perché rovinano l’ecosistema e creano danni all’ambiente.
Fra i due volano scintille e battibecchi quotidiani ma, con l’andar dei giorni, e soprattutto cercando di non uccidersi a vicenda, i due uomini imparano ad ascoltarsi e a conoscersi vicendevolmente. Anche se non abbracceranno mai il punto di vista dell’altro in toto, Nick e Hunter capiscono finalmente che tutti e due hanno ragione almeno in parte e che, a certi patti, si potrebbe anche collaborare per salvare capra e cavoli. È così che i due cominciano a frequentarsi, regalandoci momenti piacevoli e, col progredire della conoscenza, anche delle scene erotiche coinvolgenti e ben descritte, non troppo numerose, ma funzionali alla storia.
Questo, però, non è solo un romanzo d’amore infarinato nella ricerca preistorica, c’è anche un’innaffiata di giallo che movimenta la vita di tutti, sia dei protagonisti sia del team di supporto, con spunti drammatici fino alla risoluzione del caso.
Il team di Nick merita due parole per sé: è composto da un gruppo eterogeneo di persone, da semplici appassionati a laureati o laureandi nel settore e formano tutti insieme una simpatica, stramba famiglia. Nick ha già lavorato con molti di loro in passato, quindi li considera degli amici fidati e, nel caso di Boner, anche qualcosina di più. Ogni spazio che si ricaveranno nella storia è divertente, irriverente o comunque interessante e arricchiscono la trama al meglio.
Non mi resta che consigliarvi questa storia, diversa dal solito e piacevole da leggere.
December 28, 2013
Wonderful! Personally, this was one of the most satisfying books I've come across.
For me this was fulfilling in many ways - I always loved dinosaurs =)
Now just add a slowly growing and wonderful *hate you - want you* romance between a bit geeky-clever-as-fuck dino bones digger and a tough sexy "I'm gonna stop you from digging if you mess up my trees" hunky guy who's very much into kinky rough sex. Uh. Add also the beloved isolated weekend in the mountains bonding time, let it cook and sizzle to slow perfection.
Some scenes were all business, other absolutely sweet, others incredibly fun (and funny), some kinky and sexy ... A bit of everything!
It doesn't all go well though - theres also bit of mystery, attacks and lots of police disturbing their work....
Then... - spoiler alert :)
This big, strong guy used his strength in a way that enhanced my own, complementing me perfectly. I never felt like I was less than him. Hunter put me on a pedestal when we were alone together, quietly worshipping my body in the same way I adored his. He was my equal in every way that was important to me.
So really, with love able characters and their (personally) truly felt sexy chemistry and nothing over the top mushy or needy ( no sudden fuck I love you declarations etc. ) I just really love this.
Since I find dinosaur digging most interesting, I was really pleased with the background info refreshing my dusty memory of dino related knowledge as well as "spending the time" with the cast at an actual dig.
Oh yeah, the supporting cast was absolutely loveable as well !!! (I often find myself bored and not very interested in sub casts)
I've been anticipating its release, without even properly reading the description (which I admit don't always do anyways) - anyhow my gut feeling was more than purrrrfect this time - I absolutely adore this novel! :)
Thank you so much for writing this wonderful piece !! Im so happy =D
For me this was fulfilling in many ways - I always loved dinosaurs =)
Now just add a slowly growing and wonderful *hate you - want you* romance between a bit geeky-clever-as-fuck dino bones digger and a tough sexy "I'm gonna stop you from digging if you mess up my trees" hunky guy who's very much into kinky rough sex. Uh. Add also the beloved isolated weekend in the mountains bonding time, let it cook and sizzle to slow perfection.
Some scenes were all business, other absolutely sweet, others incredibly fun (and funny), some kinky and sexy ... A bit of everything!
It doesn't all go well though - theres also bit of mystery, attacks and lots of police disturbing their work....
Then... - spoiler alert :)
This big, strong guy used his strength in a way that enhanced my own, complementing me perfectly. I never felt like I was less than him. Hunter put me on a pedestal when we were alone together, quietly worshipping my body in the same way I adored his. He was my equal in every way that was important to me.
So really, with love able characters and their (personally) truly felt sexy chemistry and nothing over the top mushy or needy ( no sudden fuck I love you declarations etc. ) I just really love this.
Since I find dinosaur digging most interesting, I was really pleased with the background info refreshing my dusty memory of dino related knowledge as well as "spending the time" with the cast at an actual dig.
Oh yeah, the supporting cast was absolutely loveable as well !!! (I often find myself bored and not very interested in sub casts)
I've been anticipating its release, without even properly reading the description (which I admit don't always do anyways) - anyhow my gut feeling was more than purrrrfect this time - I absolutely adore this novel! :)
Thank you so much for writing this wonderful piece !! Im so happy =D
January 7, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great blend of science and characters and heat. I have a serious love for dinos and well, digging for dinos so it was lovely to see that worked into a book. All in all, a very entertaining read and I truly had a great time reading it.
Thanks!
Thanks!
December 9, 2019
When I was a little girl, I was a science nerd. The love of it never went away, the ability to pass the classes, especially in college, just got harder. I had these two books my mom gave me when I was about seven. One was about sharks and the other was about dinosaurs. I devoured those books and knew them backwards and forwards. Apparently the author, Anna Martin, and I shared the same love, except she's made it a lifelong one and I let it slip away. Since I'm already a fan of this author's work, it wasn't too hard to add this book to my list of "gotta reads", and I'm so glad that I did.
Nick is a paleontologist who is called in as a consultant to authenticate bones located on a dig in Alberta, Canada. The "colleague", Eric, and I use that term very loosely, who was sure he'd found velociraptor remains, was wrong. However, there were marks on the bones that indicated a predator attack that could have been a raptor, so Nick decides to stay on site for a few days. Unfortunately that means dealing with Eric, but since Eric doesn't actually do any work, Nick figures he can skate under the radar. A few days turns into longer and then Eric gets attacked one night and brutally beaten almost half to death. Eric's people come in and pack up the site, but Nick's boss, Sam, gets him funding to take over running the site because the lab found some very interesting things from the bones that were pulled out already.
Enter Hunter, a conservationist, who had been watching Eric's shoddy work, but now decides to focus on Nick's dig. For obvious reasons, these two do not get along, in any way, shape or form, and they butt heads immediately, although they do acknowledge (to themselves) that the other is attractive. Nick has to continue to deal with someone who seems to have an issue with the dig and is sending Nick threatening letters. Although, this does open up a peaceful line of communication between Nick and Hunter which is good and bad. They agree to disagree regarding their feelings about the dig, but it also makes Nick see Hunter as a person and not some evil do-gooder out to destroy his dig. What's the saying about making strange bedfellows? Huh.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Nick is a paleontologist who is called in as a consultant to authenticate bones located on a dig in Alberta, Canada. The "colleague", Eric, and I use that term very loosely, who was sure he'd found velociraptor remains, was wrong. However, there were marks on the bones that indicated a predator attack that could have been a raptor, so Nick decides to stay on site for a few days. Unfortunately that means dealing with Eric, but since Eric doesn't actually do any work, Nick figures he can skate under the radar. A few days turns into longer and then Eric gets attacked one night and brutally beaten almost half to death. Eric's people come in and pack up the site, but Nick's boss, Sam, gets him funding to take over running the site because the lab found some very interesting things from the bones that were pulled out already.
Enter Hunter, a conservationist, who had been watching Eric's shoddy work, but now decides to focus on Nick's dig. For obvious reasons, these two do not get along, in any way, shape or form, and they butt heads immediately, although they do acknowledge (to themselves) that the other is attractive. Nick has to continue to deal with someone who seems to have an issue with the dig and is sending Nick threatening letters. Although, this does open up a peaceful line of communication between Nick and Hunter which is good and bad. They agree to disagree regarding their feelings about the dig, but it also makes Nick see Hunter as a person and not some evil do-gooder out to destroy his dig. What's the saying about making strange bedfellows? Huh.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
August 12, 2019
Interessante Idee
Bei einer Ausgrabung in Alberta wird ein vermuteter Velociraptor-Knochen gefunden. Das wäre in dieser Gegend ungewöhnlich und sensationell. Als der Paläontologe Dr. Nick Eisenberg davon erfährt, lässt er alles stehen und liegen und reist an den Ort des Geschehens. Als er dort angekommen ist, wird überraschend der Leiter der Ausgrabung zusammengeschlagen und landet im Krankenhaus. Nick wird der neue Ausgrabungsleiter und stellt das Team neu zusammen.
Vor Ort befindet sich auch der Umweltschützer Hunter Joseph. Er ist nach Alberta gekommen, um dafür zu sorgen, dass die Paläontologen die Spuren ihrer Arbeit am Ende wieder beseitigen.
Nick und Hunter stehen auf gegensätzlichen Seiten und es kracht gewaltig zwischen ihnen. Doch als sie sich schließlich besser kennen lernen, merken sie, dass sie doch mehr Gemeinsamkeiten haben, als vermutet. Als dann jemand versucht, die Ausgrabung zu boykottieren, arbeiten sie sogar zusammen, um den Täter zu finden.
Die Story hat mir gefallen, es war interessant über die Dinosaurier-Funde zu lesen. Auch Nick und Hunter als Paar waren sympathisch und glaubwürdig. Ihr Start war holprig, schließlich hatten sie sehr unterschiedliche Ansichten. Doch als beide endlich über den Tellerrand gesehen haben, konnten sie schnell Verständnis für die Sichtweise des jeweils anderen aufbringen. Die verschiedenen Nebencharaktere, allen voran Nicks bester Freund Ständer, sorgten für manch amüsante Szene. Lediglich der enthaltene Krimiplot konnte mich nicht wirklich überzeugen. Allerdings war der Täter dann doch eine Überraschung, mit der ich nicht gerechnet habe und als Pluspunkt werte.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar
Bei einer Ausgrabung in Alberta wird ein vermuteter Velociraptor-Knochen gefunden. Das wäre in dieser Gegend ungewöhnlich und sensationell. Als der Paläontologe Dr. Nick Eisenberg davon erfährt, lässt er alles stehen und liegen und reist an den Ort des Geschehens. Als er dort angekommen ist, wird überraschend der Leiter der Ausgrabung zusammengeschlagen und landet im Krankenhaus. Nick wird der neue Ausgrabungsleiter und stellt das Team neu zusammen.
Vor Ort befindet sich auch der Umweltschützer Hunter Joseph. Er ist nach Alberta gekommen, um dafür zu sorgen, dass die Paläontologen die Spuren ihrer Arbeit am Ende wieder beseitigen.
Nick und Hunter stehen auf gegensätzlichen Seiten und es kracht gewaltig zwischen ihnen. Doch als sie sich schließlich besser kennen lernen, merken sie, dass sie doch mehr Gemeinsamkeiten haben, als vermutet. Als dann jemand versucht, die Ausgrabung zu boykottieren, arbeiten sie sogar zusammen, um den Täter zu finden.
Die Story hat mir gefallen, es war interessant über die Dinosaurier-Funde zu lesen. Auch Nick und Hunter als Paar waren sympathisch und glaubwürdig. Ihr Start war holprig, schließlich hatten sie sehr unterschiedliche Ansichten. Doch als beide endlich über den Tellerrand gesehen haben, konnten sie schnell Verständnis für die Sichtweise des jeweils anderen aufbringen. Die verschiedenen Nebencharaktere, allen voran Nicks bester Freund Ständer, sorgten für manch amüsante Szene. Lediglich der enthaltene Krimiplot konnte mich nicht wirklich überzeugen. Allerdings war der Täter dann doch eine Überraschung, mit der ich nicht gerechnet habe und als Pluspunkt werte.
Mein Dank geht an Dreamspinner Press für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar
January 13, 2014
I loved this book. I loved the great characters, I loved the romance and the bromance, and since I really love dinosaurs, I loved the fact that the story took place on a dinosaur dig. This is the first book I've read by Anna Martin. Now I guess I'll have to go unearth (see what I did there?) all the other books she's written. Well done, Anna, and thanks. I really enjoyed Jurassic Heart.
October 30, 2019
“Cuore fossile” è un romanzo che ho amato tanto. Ben scritto, avvincente, ricco di dettagli e descrizioni del mondo dei fossili e della paleontologia (un mondo che l’autrice sembra conoscere molto bene) che hanno impreziosito la lettura senza renderla pesante, innestandosi perfettamente nella narrazione. Con una storia d’amore sorprendente tra il paleontologo Nick Eisenberg e l’ambientalista Hunter Joseph, che si ritrovano inizialmente a essere nemici considerato che Hunter cerca di contrastare gli scavi di Nick in Alberta, temendo che il suo sito possa distruggere il paesaggio circostante.
Ma il rapporto burrascoso tra Nick e Hunter si trasforma dapprima in una forte attrazione e poi in un rapporto più profondo in cui i due imparano a conoscersi, a rispettarsi, ad amarsi. Romanzo davvero particolare in cui, oltre ai due indimenticabili protagonisti, spiccano anche i personaggi secondari, amici e collaboratori di Nick che affrontano con lui gli accadimenti misteriosi che li vedono coinvolti. Da non perdere.
Ma il rapporto burrascoso tra Nick e Hunter si trasforma dapprima in una forte attrazione e poi in un rapporto più profondo in cui i due imparano a conoscersi, a rispettarsi, ad amarsi. Romanzo davvero particolare in cui, oltre ai due indimenticabili protagonisti, spiccano anche i personaggi secondari, amici e collaboratori di Nick che affrontano con lui gli accadimenti misteriosi che li vedono coinvolti. Da non perdere.
October 30, 2022
Too much going on.
Talk of fisting, no action.
Dinosaurs! but dull.
Talk of fisting, no action.
Dinosaurs! but dull.
January 10, 2014
This book is much better than the blurb would lead you to believe with the whole “pouty” and “geeky” thing. Yes, it is about opposites attract and enemies-to-lovers, but it is done believably within the situation of two men butting heads through their chosen professions. Nick is a high-strung paleontologist who is used to getting his own way in a specialized field that is shrinking because there are fewer and fewer real discoveries to be made. Hunter, probably due to his First Nations heritage, is an eco-conservation who has no problems with persistently monitoring and blowing the whistle on any paleontologists that might be destroying the landscape with their digging.
The story takes Nick and Hunter from enemies to sex buddies to friendship to love, and their initial sex scenes are especially good because it’s all just hot lust and rough sex with no sentimentality. Only gradually do their feelings start to develop toward romance. Again, very realistic.
Meanwhile, someone is trying to sabotage the dig, and is escalating toward violence. Maybe an opportunity for suspense is missed here in that Hunter never seems like a possible suspect. But the subplot does lend good touches of danger to an otherwise light-hearted story. Mostly, though, the story centers around the hot Nick and Hunter romance, and the detailed and believable workings of a scientific work site filled with eccentric academics. The writing is smooth, the pace is strong and even, and the story is long enough to get really involved with. I enjoyed it. (Free copy of book was provided for an honest review. Review written for Hearts on Fire Reviews.)
The story takes Nick and Hunter from enemies to sex buddies to friendship to love, and their initial sex scenes are especially good because it’s all just hot lust and rough sex with no sentimentality. Only gradually do their feelings start to develop toward romance. Again, very realistic.
Meanwhile, someone is trying to sabotage the dig, and is escalating toward violence. Maybe an opportunity for suspense is missed here in that Hunter never seems like a possible suspect. But the subplot does lend good touches of danger to an otherwise light-hearted story. Mostly, though, the story centers around the hot Nick and Hunter romance, and the detailed and believable workings of a scientific work site filled with eccentric academics. The writing is smooth, the pace is strong and even, and the story is long enough to get really involved with. I enjoyed it. (Free copy of book was provided for an honest review. Review written for Hearts on Fire Reviews.)
September 2, 2016
Not sure exactly what I think about this one. I like Nick a lot. He has flaws, but his loyalty to characters like Boner and Mim is a credit to him. He does a lot of ranting and raving when things don't go his way, and luckily he has Sam, his agent, on his side.
All the dinosaur stuff is really interesting, but at times, I felt I was told a bunch of information that then didn't serve any purpose or move the narrative along.
Hunter is an enigmatic character. He wanders into the dig full of brimfire and bluster, but then turns into Mr Needy and a little bit, Mr Kinky if you don't mind.
The two boys together are quite lovely, even if it takes Nick a long time to settle into accepting their relationship.
The twisty who's-ruining-the-dig mystery is resolved nicely. I had sort of figured it out, but Martin did a good job of distracting me so I hadn't put all the pieces together.
It was absorbing. It is well written, and there was some lovely imagery. So, I guess I did like it.
All the dinosaur stuff is really interesting, but at times, I felt I was told a bunch of information that then didn't serve any purpose or move the narrative along.
Hunter is an enigmatic character. He wanders into the dig full of brimfire and bluster, but then turns into Mr Needy and a little bit, Mr Kinky if you don't mind.
The two boys together are quite lovely, even if it takes Nick a long time to settle into accepting their relationship.
The twisty who's-ruining-the-dig mystery is resolved nicely. I had sort of figured it out, but Martin did a good job of distracting me so I hadn't put all the pieces together.
It was absorbing. It is well written, and there was some lovely imagery. So, I guess I did like it.
June 10, 2014
A very enjoyable paleontology-based romp. There's a sentence you don't get to type enough. Really enjoyed the push-pull between the heroes, and the background was hugely convincing and interesting. Lots of humour, lots of banter, liked the punch in the face to start with, all great stuff.
I didn't quite buy in to Boner's plot role. Liked him as a character but there seemed to be a rather nebulous quality to what he was there for, in plot terms, so that didn't quite spring into focus for me. And I felt the external threat could have been bigger or more menacing, it kind of slid out of sight in the middle of the book.
Quibble, quibble. I really enjoyed this and will be looking out for others by this author!
I didn't quite buy in to Boner's plot role. Liked him as a character but there seemed to be a rather nebulous quality to what he was there for, in plot terms, so that didn't quite spring into focus for me. And I felt the external threat could have been bigger or more menacing, it kind of slid out of sight in the middle of the book.
Quibble, quibble. I really enjoyed this and will be looking out for others by this author!
January 10, 2019
3.5 - Voto
.
Nick è un paleontologo molto conosciuto, sempre in giro per il mondo, alla ricerca di fossili. Ed è grazie alla sua fama che viene interpellato da un suo collega: si devono autenticare delle ossa che si pensa potrebbero essere di un Velociraptor, la grande passione di Nick.
Eric White, a capo della spedizione, al contrario di Nick, ha una reputazione tutt’altro che cristallina, spesso è stato accusato di appropriarsi del lavoro di altri, e adora prendersi meriti non suoi. Nick lo detesta cordialmente e non vorrebbe assolutamente prestarsi al suo gioco, ma l’idea che possano aver trovato davvero un Velociraptor, in un luogo dove non ve ne sono mai stati, lo attira come una calamita, al punto da farsi convincere. Giunto sul posto, si rende conto che Eric non ha perso nessuna delle sue peggiori caratteristiche, e sono gli aiutanti e gli studenti che ha con sé a fare tutto il lavoro sporco sul campo. Nonostante le ossa non siano quelle che lui sperava, Nick si rende conto che quel sito di scavi sembra incredibilmente promettente e, quando Eric viene messo inaspettatamente fuori gioco, si trova a prendere il comando del sito. La fortuna sembra sorridergli e i ritrovamenti si susseguono, ma tutto sembra cambiare quando si trova a doversi confrontare con Hunter Joseph.
Hunter è un ecologista che lotta da anni contro i vari siti di scavi che rovinano paesaggi e allontanano la fauna locale. Inoltre, minacce e incidenti cominciano a rovinare parte del lavoro di Nick.
Nonostante la scrittura dell’autrice sia davvero molto bella, e le nozioni che apprendiamo sul mondo dei dinosauri siano interessanti, questo libro non è riuscito a prendermi in modo particolare. La caratterizzazione dei personaggi è buona, ma Nick purtroppo non è un protagonista che riesce ad avvincere il lettore: come voce narrante è monotona e poco briosa. La trama inizialmente ha momenti di grande rallentamento, che vengono mitigati dall’arrivo di Boner, che ha con Nick una amicizia con benefit che lascia perplessi. Si conoscono da più di dieci anni, vanno a letto insieme, tempo addietro hanno anche provato, senza successo, ad avere una relazione seria, lavorano insieme agli scavi, ma Nick non ricorda esattamente il suo nome e cognome.
" Che ci crediate o no, Boner era un soprannome. Mi scordavo sempre il suo nome vero, e per questa ragione preparare la sua busta paga era sempre uno spasso. La parte del mio cervello dedicato alle quisquilie inutili suggeriva che fosse George, ma quel ricordo era inaffidabile nella migliore delle ipotesi e pericoloso nella peggiore. In ogni caso, io e il resto della comunità paleontologica lo conoscevamo con il soprannome che Miriam gli aveva affibbiato anni prima, durante il nostro primo anno di college. Significava alzabandiera e se l’era guadagnato gironzolando nudo decisamente troppo spesso. Boner era decisamente dotato. Avevamo legato dopo aver scoperto che a entrambi piacevano gli uomini, e giocavamo al gatto e al topo da quasi dieci anni."
Si coccolano, si confidano, sono migliori amici, ma il fatto che non sia sicuro di come si chiami, personalmente, lo ritengo abbastanza assurdo, così come la fretta con cui viene messo da parte non appena Hunter si profila all’orizzonte. Purtroppo neanche l’arrivo dell’intransigente Hunter, con i loro battibecchi che li vede su due linee contrapposte, riesce a dare una sferzata alla storia. Il loro diventare amanti è fin troppo veloce: si passa da un pugno dato per rabbia, all’amore in pochissimo tempo. Davvero non sono stata in grado di vedere nessuna complicità e neppure percepire sentimenti passionali fra di loro.
L’unica nota positiva è data dall’ultima parte del libro, in cui le minacce e gli incidenti si moltiplicano dando una leggera connotazione gialla che però sul finale risulta abbastanza deludente. Insomma, i personaggi secondari risultano quasi più interessanti della coppia principale che, per quanto mi riguarda, non mi ha convinta del tutto. Non è un brutto libro, ma manca di azione e di personaggi che coinvolgano e, pur se non scritto male, non è un libro che ricorderò a lungo. È un vero peccato perché c’erano tanti spunti davvero originali, che sono stati sprecati.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
.
Nick è un paleontologo molto conosciuto, sempre in giro per il mondo, alla ricerca di fossili. Ed è grazie alla sua fama che viene interpellato da un suo collega: si devono autenticare delle ossa che si pensa potrebbero essere di un Velociraptor, la grande passione di Nick.
Eric White, a capo della spedizione, al contrario di Nick, ha una reputazione tutt’altro che cristallina, spesso è stato accusato di appropriarsi del lavoro di altri, e adora prendersi meriti non suoi. Nick lo detesta cordialmente e non vorrebbe assolutamente prestarsi al suo gioco, ma l’idea che possano aver trovato davvero un Velociraptor, in un luogo dove non ve ne sono mai stati, lo attira come una calamita, al punto da farsi convincere. Giunto sul posto, si rende conto che Eric non ha perso nessuna delle sue peggiori caratteristiche, e sono gli aiutanti e gli studenti che ha con sé a fare tutto il lavoro sporco sul campo. Nonostante le ossa non siano quelle che lui sperava, Nick si rende conto che quel sito di scavi sembra incredibilmente promettente e, quando Eric viene messo inaspettatamente fuori gioco, si trova a prendere il comando del sito. La fortuna sembra sorridergli e i ritrovamenti si susseguono, ma tutto sembra cambiare quando si trova a doversi confrontare con Hunter Joseph.
Hunter è un ecologista che lotta da anni contro i vari siti di scavi che rovinano paesaggi e allontanano la fauna locale. Inoltre, minacce e incidenti cominciano a rovinare parte del lavoro di Nick.
Nonostante la scrittura dell’autrice sia davvero molto bella, e le nozioni che apprendiamo sul mondo dei dinosauri siano interessanti, questo libro non è riuscito a prendermi in modo particolare. La caratterizzazione dei personaggi è buona, ma Nick purtroppo non è un protagonista che riesce ad avvincere il lettore: come voce narrante è monotona e poco briosa. La trama inizialmente ha momenti di grande rallentamento, che vengono mitigati dall’arrivo di Boner, che ha con Nick una amicizia con benefit che lascia perplessi. Si conoscono da più di dieci anni, vanno a letto insieme, tempo addietro hanno anche provato, senza successo, ad avere una relazione seria, lavorano insieme agli scavi, ma Nick non ricorda esattamente il suo nome e cognome.
" Che ci crediate o no, Boner era un soprannome. Mi scordavo sempre il suo nome vero, e per questa ragione preparare la sua busta paga era sempre uno spasso. La parte del mio cervello dedicato alle quisquilie inutili suggeriva che fosse George, ma quel ricordo era inaffidabile nella migliore delle ipotesi e pericoloso nella peggiore. In ogni caso, io e il resto della comunità paleontologica lo conoscevamo con il soprannome che Miriam gli aveva affibbiato anni prima, durante il nostro primo anno di college. Significava alzabandiera e se l’era guadagnato gironzolando nudo decisamente troppo spesso. Boner era decisamente dotato. Avevamo legato dopo aver scoperto che a entrambi piacevano gli uomini, e giocavamo al gatto e al topo da quasi dieci anni."
Si coccolano, si confidano, sono migliori amici, ma il fatto che non sia sicuro di come si chiami, personalmente, lo ritengo abbastanza assurdo, così come la fretta con cui viene messo da parte non appena Hunter si profila all’orizzonte. Purtroppo neanche l’arrivo dell’intransigente Hunter, con i loro battibecchi che li vede su due linee contrapposte, riesce a dare una sferzata alla storia. Il loro diventare amanti è fin troppo veloce: si passa da un pugno dato per rabbia, all’amore in pochissimo tempo. Davvero non sono stata in grado di vedere nessuna complicità e neppure percepire sentimenti passionali fra di loro.
L’unica nota positiva è data dall’ultima parte del libro, in cui le minacce e gli incidenti si moltiplicano dando una leggera connotazione gialla che però sul finale risulta abbastanza deludente. Insomma, i personaggi secondari risultano quasi più interessanti della coppia principale che, per quanto mi riguarda, non mi ha convinta del tutto. Non è un brutto libro, ma manca di azione e di personaggi che coinvolgano e, pur se non scritto male, non è un libro che ricorderò a lungo. È un vero peccato perché c’erano tanti spunti davvero originali, che sono stati sprecati.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
February 3, 2019
Recensione a cura di NoOne per Feel The Book
"Cuore fossile" è stata la mia prima lettura di questo nuovo anno, 2019, e la mia "nerditudine" ringrazia, ma proprio tanto.
È un libro diverso dal solito, meno incentrato sulla parte romance al suo inizio, dove invece ci si trova catapultati nel mondo affascinante di Nick Eisenberg, un paleontologo alle prese con i suoi scavi alla ricerca di fossili di dinosauro. La passione per il suo lavoro lo coinvolge in modo totale e - quello che da studente lo rendeva strano e magari lo isolava dagli altri - adesso invece è la sua realtà, la sua normalità. Si è circondato nel tempo di persone che lo capiscono e comprendono questo suo amore per le "vecchie ossa", perché fanno parte anche loro di quel mondo e sono diventati per Nick come una vera famiglia: Sam, l'uomo che si occupa della burocrazia e di reperire i fondi per le sue ricerche, Mim che è stata la sua mentore, Boner il suo migliore amico, che è tutto un programma, così come fa intuire il suo soprannome (Boner significa "alzabandiera" e non quello a cui si assiste durante le cerimonie ufficiali...).
Questa parte del racconto, quella sugli scavi di Nick, mi ha appassionato molto, le pagine sono volate via, anche se devo ammettere di essere stata aiutata dal fatto di essere in un periodo della mia vita in cui dinosauri, giurassico, cretaceo, ecc... sono diventati il mio pane quotidiano, tra giochi dei figli, cartoni animati e mie letture del passato.
La trama di questa storia è resa poi ancora più avvincente dal mistero legato ai vari tentativi di sabotaggio subiti da Nick e dal suo gruppo, e fino alla fine non si riesce a intuire che esito avranno le indagini. In un primo momento uno dei principali sospettati sarà proprio l'ambientalista Hunter Joseph, la nemesi di Nick, che sarà per lui una vera e propria spina nel fianco, ma anche l'uomo verso il quale si sentirà attratto in modo inevitabile.
I loro scontri verbali sono divertenti, pungenti, a tratti esilaranti, non si sopportano proprio, sono l'opposto l'uno dell'altro, in tutto e per tutto, eppure avviene l'inimmaginabile: nasce tra di loro una forte attrazione fisica a cui non riescono a resistere.
Ripensandoci il modo di essere di Nick lo fa sembrare quasi un adolescente a volte, un ragazzino, invece sia lui che Hunter sono uomini adulti, la passione che li lega è bruciante, intensa, ma Nick non ama mettersi in gioco in relazioni che possano andare al di là del semplice sesso.
Con Hunter vive una situazione che è completamente al di fuori del suo controllo, e questo lo spaventa e rende tutto più difficile.
L'unica eccezione di sempre nella vita di Nick è il suo rapporto con Boner, il suo migliore amico. Il loro legame è profondo, affascinante, molto fisico, però agli occhi di Nick è "catalogato" come un rapporto sicuro, da cui non possono provenire sorprese che non si aspetti.
Mi sarebbe piaciuto poter leggere la loro storia anche attraverso il POV di Hunter, scoprire cosa ha fatto scattare in lui quel qualcosa che ha cambiato tutto, nel momento in cui ha incontrato Nick.
Si intuisce che per lui la consapevolezza di volere qualcosa di più dal suo rapporto con Nick è arrivata molto prima, e mi sarebbe piaciuto molto scoprire cosa gli passava per la testa.
Con Nick e Hunter il mio nuovo anno è iniziato in buona compagnia, ed è una lettura che vi consiglio.
VOTO: 4.5 STELLE
Editing della recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel The Book
"Cuore fossile" è stata la mia prima lettura di questo nuovo anno, 2019, e la mia "nerditudine" ringrazia, ma proprio tanto.
È un libro diverso dal solito, meno incentrato sulla parte romance al suo inizio, dove invece ci si trova catapultati nel mondo affascinante di Nick Eisenberg, un paleontologo alle prese con i suoi scavi alla ricerca di fossili di dinosauro. La passione per il suo lavoro lo coinvolge in modo totale e - quello che da studente lo rendeva strano e magari lo isolava dagli altri - adesso invece è la sua realtà, la sua normalità. Si è circondato nel tempo di persone che lo capiscono e comprendono questo suo amore per le "vecchie ossa", perché fanno parte anche loro di quel mondo e sono diventati per Nick come una vera famiglia: Sam, l'uomo che si occupa della burocrazia e di reperire i fondi per le sue ricerche, Mim che è stata la sua mentore, Boner il suo migliore amico, che è tutto un programma, così come fa intuire il suo soprannome (Boner significa "alzabandiera" e non quello a cui si assiste durante le cerimonie ufficiali...).
Questa parte del racconto, quella sugli scavi di Nick, mi ha appassionato molto, le pagine sono volate via, anche se devo ammettere di essere stata aiutata dal fatto di essere in un periodo della mia vita in cui dinosauri, giurassico, cretaceo, ecc... sono diventati il mio pane quotidiano, tra giochi dei figli, cartoni animati e mie letture del passato.
La trama di questa storia è resa poi ancora più avvincente dal mistero legato ai vari tentativi di sabotaggio subiti da Nick e dal suo gruppo, e fino alla fine non si riesce a intuire che esito avranno le indagini. In un primo momento uno dei principali sospettati sarà proprio l'ambientalista Hunter Joseph, la nemesi di Nick, che sarà per lui una vera e propria spina nel fianco, ma anche l'uomo verso il quale si sentirà attratto in modo inevitabile.
I loro scontri verbali sono divertenti, pungenti, a tratti esilaranti, non si sopportano proprio, sono l'opposto l'uno dell'altro, in tutto e per tutto, eppure avviene l'inimmaginabile: nasce tra di loro una forte attrazione fisica a cui non riescono a resistere.
Ripensandoci il modo di essere di Nick lo fa sembrare quasi un adolescente a volte, un ragazzino, invece sia lui che Hunter sono uomini adulti, la passione che li lega è bruciante, intensa, ma Nick non ama mettersi in gioco in relazioni che possano andare al di là del semplice sesso.
Con Hunter vive una situazione che è completamente al di fuori del suo controllo, e questo lo spaventa e rende tutto più difficile.
L'unica eccezione di sempre nella vita di Nick è il suo rapporto con Boner, il suo migliore amico. Il loro legame è profondo, affascinante, molto fisico, però agli occhi di Nick è "catalogato" come un rapporto sicuro, da cui non possono provenire sorprese che non si aspetti.
Mi sarebbe piaciuto poter leggere la loro storia anche attraverso il POV di Hunter, scoprire cosa ha fatto scattare in lui quel qualcosa che ha cambiato tutto, nel momento in cui ha incontrato Nick.
Si intuisce che per lui la consapevolezza di volere qualcosa di più dal suo rapporto con Nick è arrivata molto prima, e mi sarebbe piaciuto molto scoprire cosa gli passava per la testa.
Con Nick e Hunter il mio nuovo anno è iniziato in buona compagnia, ed è una lettura che vi consiglio.
VOTO: 4.5 STELLE
Editing della recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel The Book
March 14, 2019
"Cuore Fossile" di Anna Martin, edito da Dreamspinner Press, ci trasporta in un mondo poco esplorato nel genere M/M, e lo fa con grande attenzione e minuzia di particolari. Mi complimento quindi con l’autrice, che ha compiuto delle ricerche approfondite per introdurci nell’affascinante universo della paleontologia e del lavoro duro ma, allo stesso tempo, entusiasmante degli uomini e delle donne che ne fanno parte.
Un amore che possiamo percepire nel protagonista, il dottor Nick Eisenberg, e in tutti suoi colleghi impegnati con lui nelle attività archeologiche.
Chiamato nella provincia canadese dell’Alberta, dopo il ritrovamento di uno scheletro di un dinosauro, Nick diventa il supervisore degli scavi a causa di un’aggressione violenta ai danni del vecchio responsabile, ed è, di conseguenza, il nuovo bersaglio di ignoti desiderosi che gli scavi vengano interrotti. Nick vede in Hunter Joseph il principale sospettato.
Recensione completa su: https://bit.ly/2JdqVrW
Un amore che possiamo percepire nel protagonista, il dottor Nick Eisenberg, e in tutti suoi colleghi impegnati con lui nelle attività archeologiche.
Chiamato nella provincia canadese dell’Alberta, dopo il ritrovamento di uno scheletro di un dinosauro, Nick diventa il supervisore degli scavi a causa di un’aggressione violenta ai danni del vecchio responsabile, ed è, di conseguenza, il nuovo bersaglio di ignoti desiderosi che gli scavi vengano interrotti. Nick vede in Hunter Joseph il principale sospettato.
Recensione completa su: https://bit.ly/2JdqVrW
September 21, 2022
I think I have read something by Anna Martin previously, but nothing that made a lasting impression.
This is about Nick, who is a paleontologist. That field is so interesting that I couldn't resist reading this book. I get excited about common fossils, so to imagine finding dinosaur bones. That would be awesome.
Basically, this book describes Nick's work in a dig. Not everything is working as it should...there is sabotage, and there is an eco-conservationist who wants to not only shut down Nick's dig but also wants to date Nick.
I did expect a bit more conflict between Nick and Hunter. I would have thought that there is more drama.
It was a nice book. I thought all the bits about dinosaurs were awesome. Will I read it again? Nah, not likely though. It was nice. I read it in one go, but something was missing. I am a tad bit obsessed with fossils, so that might have been keeping me reading.
This is about Nick, who is a paleontologist. That field is so interesting that I couldn't resist reading this book. I get excited about common fossils, so to imagine finding dinosaur bones. That would be awesome.
Basically, this book describes Nick's work in a dig. Not everything is working as it should...there is sabotage, and there is an eco-conservationist who wants to not only shut down Nick's dig but also wants to date Nick.
I did expect a bit more conflict between Nick and Hunter. I would have thought that there is more drama.
It was a nice book. I thought all the bits about dinosaurs were awesome. Will I read it again? Nah, not likely though. It was nice. I read it in one go, but something was missing. I am a tad bit obsessed with fossils, so that might have been keeping me reading.
July 15, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
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January 11, 2021
I'll rate this 4.5*.
Remember, this is actually Anything Could Happen. An excellent story that gives plenty of information about a dig, and I wish this field of study had been offered when I was in school.
I do wish we learned more about what happened to Eric. *eg*
Remember, this is actually Anything Could Happen. An excellent story that gives plenty of information about a dig, and I wish this field of study had been offered when I was in school.
I do wish we learned more about what happened to Eric. *eg*
January 20, 2014
I've read three books by Anna Martin before this one and I liked them all, heck, some I even loved. And when I saw that she wrote a book about dinosaurs and about palaeontologists - well, I had to grab that one and read it fast. No way around it.
So with all these perfect preconditions I had really high expectations - and, to be honest, I was a bit disappointed at first to see that this story didn't only start out slow, but pretty dry as well. Nick isn't the most charismatic or enthusiastic of narrators and seeing the world from his perspective didn't exactly evoke the biggest excitement.
And then around the middle of it, I realised he had still managed to win me over. Completely. And mostly through his interactions with Hunter Joseph. Hunter is Nick's nemesis in many ways - he's an eco-conservationist who seems to like strict categorising as much as Nick. Nick sees that Hunter and his work cost him research money and funding and threaten his excavation, never mind that Hunter actually has a point in doing what he does. And Hunter sees the digging as a threat that needs to be reduced, not very cautious in lumping the black and white sheep together in one unhappy barn. So, yeah, there's reason enough for them not to like the other. But the thing is they still do. They punch each other, argue with each other, they nag and they growl, but both can't deny their chemistry and the attraction. Or that they both may be quirky, judgmental little bastards, but genuinely nice guys all the same.
But the main reason why I loved them so much is actually how they talked to each other. How they talked about sex, especially. Unembarrassed, candid, and completely unapologetic. And of course, the dry, humorous needling, particularly on Nick's side, didn't hurt either.
The sciency aspect of this story was pretty awesome - I loved the details about the bones that were excavated and the background. It made it seem like Anna Martin really did her research which is always something I appreciate. Of course, I have no idea about that field of science, so who am I to judge?
Finally, there was the suspense part, and I really enjoyed that one. There was a nice twist to it, and while it wasn't overpowering the rest of the story - it really was more of a subplot than the main thing - it still made me wonder what could be going on and it made the whole thing much more interesting.
The secondary characters were pretty cool as well - River, Raven, and of course the infamous Boner. Boner's relationship with Nick was pretty amazing, because it was so openly affectionate (to the point of crossing every "normal" border of friendship), but it was still absolutely clear to each of them where they stood and what they mean to each other. I loved that!
So, yeah, I really enjoyed this read, especially after the first third. It was all in all a pretty slow and quiet read, entertaining, but not rambunctious or action-driven or adrenaline-filled or blockbustery. If you don't mind that, then this book is definitely recommended!
So with all these perfect preconditions I had really high expectations - and, to be honest, I was a bit disappointed at first to see that this story didn't only start out slow, but pretty dry as well. Nick isn't the most charismatic or enthusiastic of narrators and seeing the world from his perspective didn't exactly evoke the biggest excitement.
And then around the middle of it, I realised he had still managed to win me over. Completely. And mostly through his interactions with Hunter Joseph. Hunter is Nick's nemesis in many ways - he's an eco-conservationist who seems to like strict categorising as much as Nick. Nick sees that Hunter and his work cost him research money and funding and threaten his excavation, never mind that Hunter actually has a point in doing what he does. And Hunter sees the digging as a threat that needs to be reduced, not very cautious in lumping the black and white sheep together in one unhappy barn. So, yeah, there's reason enough for them not to like the other. But the thing is they still do. They punch each other, argue with each other, they nag and they growl, but both can't deny their chemistry and the attraction. Or that they both may be quirky, judgmental little bastards, but genuinely nice guys all the same.
But the main reason why I loved them so much is actually how they talked to each other. How they talked about sex, especially. Unembarrassed, candid, and completely unapologetic. And of course, the dry, humorous needling, particularly on Nick's side, didn't hurt either.
The sciency aspect of this story was pretty awesome - I loved the details about the bones that were excavated and the background. It made it seem like Anna Martin really did her research which is always something I appreciate. Of course, I have no idea about that field of science, so who am I to judge?
Finally, there was the suspense part, and I really enjoyed that one. There was a nice twist to it, and while it wasn't overpowering the rest of the story - it really was more of a subplot than the main thing - it still made me wonder what could be going on and it made the whole thing much more interesting.
The secondary characters were pretty cool as well - River, Raven, and of course the infamous Boner. Boner's relationship with Nick was pretty amazing, because it was so openly affectionate (to the point of crossing every "normal" border of friendship), but it was still absolutely clear to each of them where they stood and what they mean to each other. I loved that!
So, yeah, I really enjoyed this read, especially after the first third. It was all in all a pretty slow and quiet read, entertaining, but not rambunctious or action-driven or adrenaline-filled or blockbustery. If you don't mind that, then this book is definitely recommended!
February 23, 2015
This is the fourth book I’ve read from the author and again, I’m duly impressed by her unique writing style. I loved her very realistic approach towards her characters and the natural flow of her stories from start to finish.
Here, we have Dr. Nick Eisenberg, a paleontologist summoned to Alberta to assist a team who thinks they have discovered bones of a velociraptor. If there is one thing that interest Nick more than anything else, it is prehistoric animals’ esp. dinosaurs and this project once more ignites his passion to dig even further. What he didn’t expect to find getting in the way is eco-conservationist Hunter Joseph who opposes the way their team was destroying the landscape of the place. Despite their differences, mutual attraction ensues and they have to figure out how to “co-exist” without trying to kill each other – that is before someone after Nick does the job.
I just loved how Anna Martin spins stories around her characters. Jurassic Heart has that easy vibe that lets its reader enjoy the story without unnecessary drama and excessive characterization. With story development similar to her novels Tattoos & Teacups and Cricket, I knew I just have to read all of her works! I absolutely adore her style!
I loved Nick’s character – there’s something so human about him (like Rob of Tattoos and Henry of Cricket) that you could easily relate with. Halfway through the story, I’ve to say though that I was more in love with Nick’s bestfriend Boner than Hunter. Nick has great chemistry with Boner and I just adore their easy relationship. With Hunter, I loved how Nick doesn’t use much of his brain – I mean, I loved how he’s trying to keep his emotion in place but he’s also going with the flow at the same time. I loved that kind of relationship. I was sorely disappointed though that Boner ends up getting engage with Raven - yeah, yeah, I’m a jealous bitch. LOL
The little action at the end was anti-climactic at least for me since I was already expecting the person behind the attacks. The ending was great though I was expecting maybe more about the development of their relationship – like some sort of weddings or babies or something but yeah – I enjoyed a hell lot of it regardless. Another beautiful story from Anna Martin. Thank you!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Here, we have Dr. Nick Eisenberg, a paleontologist summoned to Alberta to assist a team who thinks they have discovered bones of a velociraptor. If there is one thing that interest Nick more than anything else, it is prehistoric animals’ esp. dinosaurs and this project once more ignites his passion to dig even further. What he didn’t expect to find getting in the way is eco-conservationist Hunter Joseph who opposes the way their team was destroying the landscape of the place. Despite their differences, mutual attraction ensues and they have to figure out how to “co-exist” without trying to kill each other – that is before someone after Nick does the job.
I just loved how Anna Martin spins stories around her characters. Jurassic Heart has that easy vibe that lets its reader enjoy the story without unnecessary drama and excessive characterization. With story development similar to her novels Tattoos & Teacups and Cricket, I knew I just have to read all of her works! I absolutely adore her style!
I loved Nick’s character – there’s something so human about him (like Rob of Tattoos and Henry of Cricket) that you could easily relate with. Halfway through the story, I’ve to say though that I was more in love with Nick’s bestfriend Boner than Hunter. Nick has great chemistry with Boner and I just adore their easy relationship. With Hunter, I loved how Nick doesn’t use much of his brain – I mean, I loved how he’s trying to keep his emotion in place but he’s also going with the flow at the same time. I loved that kind of relationship. I was sorely disappointed though that Boner ends up getting engage with Raven - yeah, yeah, I’m a jealous bitch. LOL
The little action at the end was anti-climactic at least for me since I was already expecting the person behind the attacks. The ending was great though I was expecting maybe more about the development of their relationship – like some sort of weddings or babies or something but yeah – I enjoyed a hell lot of it regardless. Another beautiful story from Anna Martin. Thank you!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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