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Taming the Fox: A furry, steamy, cozy, gay romance
Centuries of interbreeding with humans has weakened shifter magic. These days, they can barely shift, only producing partial animal forms: fuzzy humans with an animal edge. Those who can manage to sprout some fur stick together in tight clans, focused on strengthening their bloodlines.
Harlan is a fox shifter who's supposed to settle down with a vixen and make a litter of fox kits. But he longs for a male partner, and he refuses to live a lie - a stance for which his clan ostracizes him. Alone and hurt, Harlan resigns himself to a life without love, and moves into the woods where he spends his days hunting, reading, and painting in his ramshackle cabin.
Shane is a gay wolf shifter longing for a mate. He decides to move into his wealthy family’s luxurious hunting lodge…which just happens to be right next door to Harlan’s place.
When the two meet, they develop a friendship with a strong sexual attraction. But Harlan’s insecurity about his poverty, and his fear of being hurt again, keeps them from being the partners they both need.
A wolf who has everything. A fox who’s lost it all. Will they take a chance on love?
A spicy contemporary m/m Romance with two fuzzy, sweet shifters who have a bad habit of snuggling by the fire.
*Revised version! An earlier version of this story was released in 2010. It was much shorter, and included some spanking kink. This work is heavily revised and expanded. Contains no spanking, but still has lots of sexy heat.*
Harlan is a fox shifter who's supposed to settle down with a vixen and make a litter of fox kits. But he longs for a male partner, and he refuses to live a lie - a stance for which his clan ostracizes him. Alone and hurt, Harlan resigns himself to a life without love, and moves into the woods where he spends his days hunting, reading, and painting in his ramshackle cabin.
Shane is a gay wolf shifter longing for a mate. He decides to move into his wealthy family’s luxurious hunting lodge…which just happens to be right next door to Harlan’s place.
When the two meet, they develop a friendship with a strong sexual attraction. But Harlan’s insecurity about his poverty, and his fear of being hurt again, keeps them from being the partners they both need.
A wolf who has everything. A fox who’s lost it all. Will they take a chance on love?
A spicy contemporary m/m Romance with two fuzzy, sweet shifters who have a bad habit of snuggling by the fire.
*Revised version! An earlier version of this story was released in 2010. It was much shorter, and included some spanking kink. This work is heavily revised and expanded. Contains no spanking, but still has lots of sexy heat.*
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2013
6 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 17, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
First of all, this book was previously written as a short gay erotica and re-written as this full cozy, gay romance. I was hooked by the blurb and signed up for arc so fast ;P
I enjoyed the writing it was mostly detailed and easy to catch up with the plot. The story of Shane and Harlan was basically insta lust, (I didn’t expect), low angst and slowburn. Also, take note that this story focuses entirely on the romance between MCs rather than shifters, world building etc etc.
I really enjoyed their dynamics. Harlan being “closed off” and Shane being the sweet golden retriever hahahah one of the reasons this book was quite difficult to put down. I also enjoy their dynamic because they actually discussed their expectations on the sexual relationship they had. And they actually take their time to recognise their own feelings. ☝🏻 BUT one issue I had with this book is that they took a really looooooong time and there was no angst (which makes the story a bit dull too) between them which can be a bit tiring finishing the book in the end :’)
This was sweet overall. Thanks GRR for the ARC! ;)
First of all, this book was previously written as a short gay erotica and re-written as this full cozy, gay romance. I was hooked by the blurb and signed up for arc so fast ;P
I enjoyed the writing it was mostly detailed and easy to catch up with the plot. The story of Shane and Harlan was basically insta lust, (I didn’t expect), low angst and slowburn. Also, take note that this story focuses entirely on the romance between MCs rather than shifters, world building etc etc.
I really enjoyed their dynamics. Harlan being “closed off” and Shane being the sweet golden retriever hahahah one of the reasons this book was quite difficult to put down. I also enjoy their dynamic because they actually discussed their expectations on the sexual relationship they had. And they actually take their time to recognise their own feelings. ☝🏻 BUT one issue I had with this book is that they took a really looooooong time and there was no angst (which makes the story a bit dull too) between them which can be a bit tiring finishing the book in the end :’)
This was sweet overall. Thanks GRR for the ARC! ;)
April 17, 2013
Not a bad story, but not a great one either. I felt like events, and changes in the characters came a bit too quickly to feel authentic. The sex was steamy in parts, but I would have liked some more character, and relationship development. I did like the idea of shifters in this book. It was different, and really well thought out. I liked the look at the supernatural society, and the pressure it placed on its members.
April 14, 2013
In spite of the title, which is appropriate but can make one think about those cheaply written but -oh, so- expensive shifter stories written a dime a dozen by unimaginative lady-authors for undemanding lady-readers, this M/M short romance is well constructed and enjoyable.
Ms Bishop seems to have this taste for downtuning the supernatural to make it as little exotic as possible. See
a book I left aside after a couple of pages because it did not seem interesting enough.
She seems far more interested in portraying circumstances and that she does well, depicting how suffocating and stuffy the shifter society can be.
The story of Harlan and Shane is consistent, tight and well outlined. Characterization could have been more detailed. The doubts of the two leads are clear enough but more details (and pages) would have made for a more satisfying read.
There is a couple of plot related sex-scenes and the required happily ever after.
Ms Bishop seems to have this taste for downtuning the supernatural to make it as little exotic as possible. See
a book I left aside after a couple of pages because it did not seem interesting enough.
She seems far more interested in portraying circumstances and that she does well, depicting how suffocating and stuffy the shifter society can be.
The story of Harlan and Shane is consistent, tight and well outlined. Characterization could have been more detailed. The doubts of the two leads are clear enough but more details (and pages) would have made for a more satisfying read.
There is a couple of plot related sex-scenes and the required happily ever after.
April 7, 2013
It was short but really enjoyed this was something different from my usual read :)
The dynamics of the story were good and it did make me chuckle in places :)
The dynamics of the story were good and it did make me chuckle in places :)
August 26, 2023
Taming the Fox
I'm rounding this up from 3.5. While I did enjoy the story, it took quite a while for me to really get into it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I'm rounding this up from 3.5. While I did enjoy the story, it took quite a while for me to really get into it.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
to-read-ebook
March 30, 2016Free on Amazon
August 17, 2023
TAMING THE FOX was originally an erotic short story but has been revised and re-released.
Harlan is a fox shifter, with no family and no clan, as he doesn't want to breed with a vixen. He has his family's cabin and lives alone, only going into town when necessary. Shane is a wolf shifter, from a rather well-to-do family, who visits his mother's old house and decides to live there, for reasons the same as Harlan's. These two meet and a spark of attraction is there immediately but, for 'reasons', Harlan won't do anything.
Now... I loved the premise of this book, and the characters are all great - apart from those that aren't meant to be. It is a long book, with plenty of time for you to sink into the story. BUT it didn't have to be. One of the reasons it is so long is because there is a constant back and forth as Harlan fights his feelings. For me, this went on too long, as it eventually took away from the story and made the impact of his feelings and the situation less than it should have been. After all that, the ending and the epilogue are done in just a couple of pages. Okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the meaning.
The focus of this story was definitely our two MCs, so enjoy what world-building you can. What is there, is done very well. There is angst here, but it is mainly internal by just one of the MCs.
A different story and one I enjoyed. Definitely recommended by me. Take a read for yourself and see what you think.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 17, 2023
Harlan is a fox shifter, with no family and no clan, as he doesn't want to breed with a vixen. He has his family's cabin and lives alone, only going into town when necessary. Shane is a wolf shifter, from a rather well-to-do family, who visits his mother's old house and decides to live there, for reasons the same as Harlan's. These two meet and a spark of attraction is there immediately but, for 'reasons', Harlan won't do anything.
Now... I loved the premise of this book, and the characters are all great - apart from those that aren't meant to be. It is a long book, with plenty of time for you to sink into the story. BUT it didn't have to be. One of the reasons it is so long is because there is a constant back and forth as Harlan fights his feelings. For me, this went on too long, as it eventually took away from the story and made the impact of his feelings and the situation less than it should have been. After all that, the ending and the epilogue are done in just a couple of pages. Okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the meaning.
The focus of this story was definitely our two MCs, so enjoy what world-building you can. What is there, is done very well. There is angst here, but it is mainly internal by just one of the MCs.
A different story and one I enjoyed. Definitely recommended by me. Take a read for yourself and see what you think.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 17, 2023
September 8, 2023
***3 stars***
I always appreciate reading a novella that gets expanded into a book because generally, you get expanded world-building and an opportunity to build the MC’s relationship with greater depth. Unfortunately, Taming the Fox seems to be a situation where the expanded story dragged the book down overall.
I really liked Shane and Harlan; immediate lust and boning within 24 hours of meeting isn’t exactly my favorite way for MC’s to come together, but I think it worked. It was interesting to see the way the two shifters' dynamics came through as they slowly navigated into a relationship. The world the author creates is different than any shifter novel I’ve read, which immediately made me add an extra half a star to the rating.
But when I say they slowly navigate to a relationship, I literally mean SLOWLY. It’s like the two of them smacked so hard together when they first met and fell into bed, that they bounced off of each other and had to find their way back. I do like a slow burn, but this burn flamed bright and then immediately went to embers. I can’t say for sure it’s the expansion into an entire novel that made it drag, as I think the lack of angst contributed to it a lot. I put it down a few times and came back because the story wasn’t catching my interest. Harlan’s roadblocks to the relationship just became frustrating, so they finally got together, it was “Yay!” but also “FINALLY.”
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, but it had trouble keeping my interest. I recommend it, but only if you’re in the mood for a slow, slow burn.
***I recieved this as an ARC and this has been my honest review***
I always appreciate reading a novella that gets expanded into a book because generally, you get expanded world-building and an opportunity to build the MC’s relationship with greater depth. Unfortunately, Taming the Fox seems to be a situation where the expanded story dragged the book down overall.
I really liked Shane and Harlan; immediate lust and boning within 24 hours of meeting isn’t exactly my favorite way for MC’s to come together, but I think it worked. It was interesting to see the way the two shifters' dynamics came through as they slowly navigated into a relationship. The world the author creates is different than any shifter novel I’ve read, which immediately made me add an extra half a star to the rating.
But when I say they slowly navigate to a relationship, I literally mean SLOWLY. It’s like the two of them smacked so hard together when they first met and fell into bed, that they bounced off of each other and had to find their way back. I do like a slow burn, but this burn flamed bright and then immediately went to embers. I can’t say for sure it’s the expansion into an entire novel that made it drag, as I think the lack of angst contributed to it a lot. I put it down a few times and came back because the story wasn’t catching my interest. Harlan’s roadblocks to the relationship just became frustrating, so they finally got together, it was “Yay!” but also “FINALLY.”
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, but it had trouble keeping my interest. I recommend it, but only if you’re in the mood for a slow, slow burn.
***I recieved this as an ARC and this has been my honest review***
August 27, 2023
For clarity: I read and am reviewing the revised novel, not the short story.
Harlan and Shane are an unexpected couple in their world. On top of their different clans, their financial situations are very different as well, and Harlan has a lot of concerns about his suitability as a result. There’s a lot of back and forth, where it seems like maybe they can advance, and then something happens that makes Harlan retreat once more. It was a little frustrating at times, and I wish the two of them had actually communicated more often. (Harlan often decides what would be best for Shane. I do believe he genuinely means well, but it’s annoying, lol.)
That being said, I liked both of them, and I liked what they were like when they were together. When they weren’t second guessing themselves or one another, they were warm, kind, and happily building a life together. I liked how Shane pushed Harlan a bit out of his comfort zone and Harlan taught Shane how to survive (mostly) on his own. I liked how much time they spent together in “cuddle therapy” (lol) and how they enough time passed that it really felt like they got to know one another (even if there were still secrets and uncertainties until the end). I enjoyed the details of Harlan’s painting and Shane figuring out what he wanted to do and how to involve Harlan. These two did not want a traditional partnership by their clans’ rules, but they clearly found what they really wanted and needed in one another.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
Harlan and Shane are an unexpected couple in their world. On top of their different clans, their financial situations are very different as well, and Harlan has a lot of concerns about his suitability as a result. There’s a lot of back and forth, where it seems like maybe they can advance, and then something happens that makes Harlan retreat once more. It was a little frustrating at times, and I wish the two of them had actually communicated more often. (Harlan often decides what would be best for Shane. I do believe he genuinely means well, but it’s annoying, lol.)
That being said, I liked both of them, and I liked what they were like when they were together. When they weren’t second guessing themselves or one another, they were warm, kind, and happily building a life together. I liked how Shane pushed Harlan a bit out of his comfort zone and Harlan taught Shane how to survive (mostly) on his own. I liked how much time they spent together in “cuddle therapy” (lol) and how they enough time passed that it really felt like they got to know one another (even if there were still secrets and uncertainties until the end). I enjoyed the details of Harlan’s painting and Shane figuring out what he wanted to do and how to involve Harlan. These two did not want a traditional partnership by their clans’ rules, but they clearly found what they really wanted and needed in one another.
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
September 3, 2023
This is an interesting take on a shifter romance, I liked both characters and their journey was pretty endearing. I did like the couple, Harlan and Shane ultimately have a fulfilling story and I enjoyed their happy ending. I did feel like it was unnecessarily long, their relationship struggles drag on too much. I liked side characters Ryker and Todd, they have such a wonderful connection and their struggles to be together were quite poignant. But, I did not like adding Shane to mix, it felt out of place or an unnecessary distraction. Harlan and Shane have a lovely chemistry and it was a bit of a shame to keep them apart so long, especially as the reasons behind the delay were lackluster. A mixed bag for me, I liked the couple but they just weren’t together enough for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 5, 2023
Harlan and Shane are one of those odd couples that nobody saw coming. Since they come from vastly different families and social classes, Harlan is understandably anxious about his appropriateness. There is a lot of back and forth, with periods of seeming progress followed by Harlan's subsequent retreats. At times, I wished they had talked more regularly; it would have eased some of my frustration.
However, I found them both appealing, and I really enjoyed watching them interact as a couple. They were a kind, compassionate, and happy couple establishing a life together when they weren't doubting themselves and one another. These two may not have desired a traditional partnership according to the norms of their own tribes, but they definitely found in one another what they were missing.I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
However, I found them both appealing, and I really enjoyed watching them interact as a couple. They were a kind, compassionate, and happy couple establishing a life together when they weren't doubting themselves and one another. These two may not have desired a traditional partnership according to the norms of their own tribes, but they definitely found in one another what they were missing.I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
September 4, 2023
Slow burn shifter romance
Harlan and Shane are outliers from their clans because they don’t want to marry and produce more baby shifters because they are gay. They both retreat to the country and end up as neighbors. This is a very slow burn/back and forth type of story and the only thing I have much trouble with is that Amelia Bishop has this go on for a bit long. Maybe this is because this is a rewrite of a short story? There are some hints of how the overall story might go and maybe more of that could be brought in? I actually ended up skipping through bits because it became repetitive. I couldn’t decide whether to give this three stars or four but it was generally a fun read so I gave it four.
Harlan and Shane are outliers from their clans because they don’t want to marry and produce more baby shifters because they are gay. They both retreat to the country and end up as neighbors. This is a very slow burn/back and forth type of story and the only thing I have much trouble with is that Amelia Bishop has this go on for a bit long. Maybe this is because this is a rewrite of a short story? There are some hints of how the overall story might go and maybe more of that could be brought in? I actually ended up skipping through bits because it became repetitive. I couldn’t decide whether to give this three stars or four but it was generally a fun read so I gave it four.
September 7, 2023
So first this book somehow felt very long and very short at the same time. Probably because it covers a lot of time, but it takes awhile for things to really progress.
Harlan was very sweet and cute, but I got frustrated with him many times. Every time he got close to telling Shane how he felt, he would back off again and pull away.
Shane was also very sweet, and I think my favorite out of the two. I found it hard to believe that he couldn’t figure out why Harlan was so insecure and kept pulling away, but I did like how he didn’t handle it by babying Harlan.
Overall it was sweet and cute, while they have some sexy times while still “friends” I would say it’s more of a slow burn, because by the time they actually figure themselves out most of the book has gone by. 2.5/5 ✨
Harlan was very sweet and cute, but I got frustrated with him many times. Every time he got close to telling Shane how he felt, he would back off again and pull away.
Shane was also very sweet, and I think my favorite out of the two. I found it hard to believe that he couldn’t figure out why Harlan was so insecure and kept pulling away, but I did like how he didn’t handle it by babying Harlan.
Overall it was sweet and cute, while they have some sexy times while still “friends” I would say it’s more of a slow burn, because by the time they actually figure themselves out most of the book has gone by. 2.5/5 ✨
September 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Good world building. I liked that shifters in this world couldn't fully shift anymore and only gain some attributes from their animal- like some fur, or eye color changes, or fangs. This is the first shifter book I've ever read that had that. I liked both fox Harlan and wolf Shane. They met and became friends and it grew into more and I enjoyed seeing how it would play out. Harlan lost his family because he wanted a male mate not a female. Shane didn't want a mate and if he didn't have one in the next year when he turned thirty, his pack would cut him off. I wasn't crazy about the strictness of their respective clan/packs. The story was interesting and kept my focus. This was the first book I've read by this author. 4 stars.
August 29, 2023
This was an interesting book. The shifters in this world have lost some of the knowledge and the magic and can only partially shift, never fully losing their humanoid shape. The clan society is awfully rigid. I did enjoy the story but the semi casualness of Harlan and Shane’s relationship bothered me some. I have no problem with polyamory but this wasn’t that. This was Shane trying to find the best of both worlds while trying to woo Harlan at the same time. Trying to make him jealous isn’t a very good strategy. It was an ok book but not one of the best I have read lately. They do finally figure things out and work their way to their HEA but Harlan almost throws it away.
September 5, 2023
Harlan and Shane are both misfits in their own ways. Which wound up making them a good fit for one another. Harlan was standing his ground, waiting for a mate that fit him, a male mate, which cost him his pack but led him to a male that he could love. It was so cool that they became really good friends as they worked their way towards becoming a couple. They found fit with one another, even though they were economically on different footing and I am glad that Shane hung in there when Harlan worried about his poverty. This was sweet.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2023
2.5 stars
I just realized that I promised to post my review of this story weeks ago, but I'm not surprised that I forgot. This romance was hyped up to be much more than it ended up being for me. Harlan, the fox shifter, and Shane, the wolf shifter, take an excruciatingly long time -- well, Harlan does -- to admit to real, deep feelings, and the whole push-pull, 'he loves me, he loves me not' vibe becomes increasingly tiresome. Aside from the suffocating rules that govern all shifters' lives, Harlan doesn't make himself any more desirable with all his hesitating and second-guessing, nor does Shane fare any better with his casual attitude to sex ... I can't say more without spoilers.
I just realized that I promised to post my review of this story weeks ago, but I'm not surprised that I forgot. This romance was hyped up to be much more than it ended up being for me. Harlan, the fox shifter, and Shane, the wolf shifter, take an excruciatingly long time -- well, Harlan does -- to admit to real, deep feelings, and the whole push-pull, 'he loves me, he loves me not' vibe becomes increasingly tiresome. Aside from the suffocating rules that govern all shifters' lives, Harlan doesn't make himself any more desirable with all his hesitating and second-guessing, nor does Shane fare any better with his casual attitude to sex ... I can't say more without spoilers.
September 5, 2023
Loved the characters of Harlan and Shane and their stubborn determination to live life and find love on their own terms even if that ostracizes them from their respective packs. I'm also a fan of stories where there is class division between the main characters. I enjoy seeing how the author has them work that out. The feel of The Island of Dr. Moreau in this one, but the shifters have done the experimenting on themselves by interbreeding with humans and we get to see how they are dealing with that (or failing to deal with it).
September 13, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I did enjoy it. The idea that shifters have lost so much of their magic they can't shift any longer is an interesting view. Harlan and Shane were both sweet characters, with a lot expected from them both. I think they only thing I wasn't a fan of in this story was the fact that they referred to each other by their animals, instead of their names. That was a little weird to me, especially during spicy times. Otherwise, a decent story, and well worth the read.
August 31, 2023
Sweet and enjoyable
Shane and Harlan were both filled with insecurities because they fell outside of the "norm," but they were perfect for each other. Once Harlan faced the fact that the only things holding him back were fears made of smoke and mirrors, he could finally accept the love Shane had been offering all along. A really sweet, low angst read.
Shane and Harlan were both filled with insecurities because they fell outside of the "norm," but they were perfect for each other. Once Harlan faced the fact that the only things holding him back were fears made of smoke and mirrors, he could finally accept the love Shane had been offering all along. A really sweet, low angst read.
August 31, 2023
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. It is a revised, reworked short erotic story turned into a full length novel that while ok and the steam remains, I think it’s lost something by adding in the extra length but as I hadn’t read the short I couldn’t tell you want that something is.
However this is an enjoyable and cosy read that is worth the time.
However this is an enjoyable and cosy read that is worth the time.
September 1, 2023
Opposites attract or just wolf and fox? Either way these two have found one another and, though it isn’t always smooth sailing, the connection is there. This book is a fun story with ups and downs, highs and lows. The m/c’s struggle to find their balance, well Harlan does, but they do find it and the story has a nice HeA. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this story.
August 26, 2023
This was a sweet, low angst read. Even though there are "shifter" aspects, it really isn't a large portion of this read and reads more like a romance. It was overall a cute read, I just didn't love it.
September 1, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, the story is about two men trying to sort through their insecurities to be able to have a secure relationship they do get there in the end and get their hea.
September 1, 2023
This was a more traditional story and I loved it. Harlan, an Omega was so insecure but I just loved how Shane, an Alpha never gave up. Super good read and I loved it! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
September 1, 2023
I didn’t connect with the characters. I picked up and put it down several times and ended skimming a little bit of it. I ended up not finishing it.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Review, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Review, and this is my honest opinion.
September 4, 2023
Even though I didn’t like how the story was written (too much telling, less seeing; a bit repetitive), there was something in it, which made it a pleasant read altogether. Both characters were sweet and caring and I loved seeing them reach their HEA.
September 4, 2023
He is fox shifter and a loner which is just how he likes it. It is all going to change when he gets a new neighbor who is a wolf shifter. They want to be friends which will put his quiet life in jeopardy. What is going to happen? How will it all go? See just what is going to happen for them both
September 5, 2023
Harlan and Shane. In their world, shifter races don’t mix and same sex matings are taboo, so they embark in a friendship that doesn’t last long as romance prevails. It’s an interesting approach to the mating scene. A fox and a wolf, lovely.
September 4, 2023
This was the first book that I've read by this author. It was very interesting! It was ok. I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
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