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Bones #3
Bone Dry by Kim Fielding
Sequel to Buried Bones
Ery Phillips’s muse is MIA. He’s pretty sure his job as a graphic designer is to blame, because let’s face it, what kind of muse wants to draw grocery store logos and catheterized penises?
When Ery’s friends Dylan and Chris head off on a European vacation, Ery jumps at the chance to stay on their farm, hoping a stint in the country will encourage his muse to reappear. To be sure, the farm has attracted a few oddities—Dylan is a werewolf and the place was recently haunted—but Ery isn’t canceling his plans just because his friends warn him that there’s something strange going on in their pond. What he doesn’t expect is Karl, a beautiful naked man who appears at the water’s edge.
With Karl as his inspiration, Ery creates amazing paintings and begins to achieve the success he had previously only dreamed of. But Karl comes with certain challenges, causing Ery to question his own goals. Creating the life of his dreams with an unusual beloved may be more challenge than Ery can handle.
Ery Phillips’s muse is MIA. He’s pretty sure his job as a graphic designer is to blame, because let’s face it, what kind of muse wants to draw grocery store logos and catheterized penises?
When Ery’s friends Dylan and Chris head off on a European vacation, Ery jumps at the chance to stay on their farm, hoping a stint in the country will encourage his muse to reappear. To be sure, the farm has attracted a few oddities—Dylan is a werewolf and the place was recently haunted—but Ery isn’t canceling his plans just because his friends warn him that there’s something strange going on in their pond. What he doesn’t expect is Karl, a beautiful naked man who appears at the water’s edge.
With Karl as his inspiration, Ery creates amazing paintings and begins to achieve the success he had previously only dreamed of. But Karl comes with certain challenges, causing Ery to question his own goals. Creating the life of his dreams with an unusual beloved may be more challenge than Ery can handle.
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First published October 10, 2014
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October 13, 2014
4.5 stars
This third installment in Fielding’s Bones series follows Ery, Dylan’s artist friend whom we met in book 2, as he finds love at the edge of a pond.
Dylan is a werewolf. The Nocks’ big house was haunted by a ghost. This is supernatural country, after all, so Ery’s not all together shocked when a gorgeous naked man with long white hair emerges from the pond and talks to him. Well, he’s freaked out initially, but only for a moment. As Ery gets to know Karl, who is a water spirit or nix, he comes to care for and cherish the soft-spoken, gentle man.
But how can a human who craves the adventures of the city and a supernatural being who can’t survive long out of the water make a relationship work?
They can. Because this is a Kim Fielding story. And no one does fantasy better.
Ery just has to put aside his misconceptions and fears to realize what’s truly important.
I appreciated the quiet scenes between Ery and Karl, as Ery paints and Karl creates music. The sweetness and hotness between these two leapt off the page.
I was going to read this book as a standalone, but I’m glad I didn’t. The first two books in this series are very good, and frankly this one wouldn’t work well as a standalone book, as it refers to characters and events from the first two books.
For one, Ery’s indomitable grandma is back! God, I love that woman!
For another, this story provides an update on Dylan and Chris, who are integral to Ery finding his muse and keeping him. I adore Dylan and Chris, and their bantering here made me very happy.
I was so frustrated with Ery by the end of this book, I wanted Karl to make Ery suffer a little. But of course that would have been completely out of character for Karl, who was giving and selfless.
Between the 85 percent and 95 percent mark, I was crying into my Kindle and silently cursing Ery's stubbornness.
But ultimately I consider the ending Ery and Karl are a forever kind of thing, just like Dylan and Chris.
This third installment in Fielding’s Bones series follows Ery, Dylan’s artist friend whom we met in book 2, as he finds love at the edge of a pond.
Dylan is a werewolf. The Nocks’ big house was haunted by a ghost. This is supernatural country, after all, so Ery’s not all together shocked when a gorgeous naked man with long white hair emerges from the pond and talks to him. Well, he’s freaked out initially, but only for a moment. As Ery gets to know Karl, who is a water spirit or nix, he comes to care for and cherish the soft-spoken, gentle man.
But how can a human who craves the adventures of the city and a supernatural being who can’t survive long out of the water make a relationship work?
They can. Because this is a Kim Fielding story. And no one does fantasy better.
Ery just has to put aside his misconceptions and fears to realize what’s truly important.
I appreciated the quiet scenes between Ery and Karl, as Ery paints and Karl creates music. The sweetness and hotness between these two leapt off the page.
“I’m like the nautilus, Ery. I bring my home with me. And you’re my shell. Wherever you are, I’m home.”
I was going to read this book as a standalone, but I’m glad I didn’t. The first two books in this series are very good, and frankly this one wouldn’t work well as a standalone book, as it refers to characters and events from the first two books.
For one, Ery’s indomitable grandma is back! God, I love that woman!
For another, this story provides an update on Dylan and Chris, who are integral to Ery finding his muse and keeping him. I adore Dylan and Chris, and their bantering here made me very happy.
I was so frustrated with Ery by the end of this book, I wanted Karl to make Ery suffer a little. But of course that would have been completely out of character for Karl, who was giving and selfless.
Between the 85 percent and 95 percent mark, I was crying into my Kindle and silently cursing Ery's stubbornness.
But ultimately I consider the ending Ery and Karl are a forever kind of thing, just like Dylan and Chris.
The kiss tasted of longing and regret, of joy and sadness, of unfulfilled wishes and miso soup. It was a very complex kiss.
June 3, 2018
Come sempre Kim Fielding dimostra maestria nello scrivere. Ametto che la copertina non mi piace molto. Preferivo le precedenti. Ma ho apprezzato l'uso di una creatura diversa dal solito lupo, anche se abbiamo sempre il bel Dyl, fantasma, vedere secondo volume, e vampiro che non c'è in questa serie ma abbondano. Dei Nix non sapevo niente quindi ho pure imparato qualcosa. Sono andata e cercare su Google cosa era un Nix. Immagino sia una cosa che fanno tutti se non si conosce qualcosa.
October 16, 2014
I adore the Bones series. Dylan and Chris have always been favorite characters for me. The addition of Travis and Drew into their universe only made it infinitely better because “Speechless” is a read that I go to again and again and I was thrilled to see the characters interact. I’ve been waiting for Ery’s story since he was mentioned in the first book and showed up in the second. This went in a direction I never expected and I love when authors take you places you never expected to go. I liked that there was a time jump and we see Ery at a place in his life when things aren’t really going how he thought they should and he was disappointed in himself and world. He’s unsettled and feeling down. Then he meets Karl. Karl is such a sweet and innocent character who has endured years of loneliness and isolation but he retains a genuine naivety and kindness that radiates from his core.
Sweet, sweet Karl. You deserved all the things, Karl! All the things.
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure how this was going to end so at its bleakest point for me, when I got all weepy reading it, I had to flip to the end because I was upset enough for the characters that I needed to see how things turned out.
The story was perfect for Ery, for Karl and for me.
There were great cameos from beloved previous characters who both helped Ery come to terms with what was going on his life and who were there to support him. I can’t recommend this series enough. There are unique characters embedded in wonderful paranormal stories and the author is able to surround the reader in emotion and angst in ways that always lead to more than a few tears, but only in the best way.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Sweet, sweet Karl. You deserved all the things, Karl! All the things.
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure how this was going to end so at its bleakest point for me, when I got all weepy reading it, I had to flip to the end because I was upset enough for the characters that I needed to see how things turned out.
The story was perfect for Ery, for Karl and for me.
There were great cameos from beloved previous characters who both helped Ery come to terms with what was going on his life and who were there to support him. I can’t recommend this series enough. There are unique characters embedded in wonderful paranormal stories and the author is able to surround the reader in emotion and angst in ways that always lead to more than a few tears, but only in the best way.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
October 24, 2014
Sigh, so good...
October 11, 2014
I’ve been looking forward to Ery’s story ever since I read the first two Bones books: Good Bones and Buried Bones. I don’t usually like M/M romances with shifters, but this is one series I really enjoy.
Ery Phillips has lost his muse. Hoping she will finally make an appearance, Ery housesits for Dylan and Chris during their two week European vacation. Ery has his own studio and small apartment in the couple’s barn. After painting a horrific multicolored penis, Ery attempts to change the scenery by painting down by the pond. But what comes out of the pond will change Ery’s art…and his heart forever.
I really enjoyed this, even though it had a different “feel” compared to the previous two books. There wasn’t really any suspense and certainly no mystery this time. Just a sweet, building romance between Ery and Karl.
I really liked the uniqueness and vulnerability of Karl’s character. Totally different from anything I’ve ever read before. He was so sweet and adorable, too! I really liked Karl and Ery together, and even though their romance was kinda fast, it wasn’t insta-love because Ery fought the inevitable for so long. The pace worked perfectly for me.
I think the imagery of Ery’s art was very well done. I wish the book cover could have been as beautiful as I imagined the art to be…because I am NOT digging this cover at all.
Some of my favorite scenes actually included Dylan and Chris; they are so funny and sexy together. Now, I wish I would have read the Speechless books, Speechless and The Gig, so I would have already known Travis and Drew since they were also mentioned a few times.
Recommended to everyone who is a fan of Bones.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Ery Phillips has lost his muse. Hoping she will finally make an appearance, Ery housesits for Dylan and Chris during their two week European vacation. Ery has his own studio and small apartment in the couple’s barn. After painting a horrific multicolored penis, Ery attempts to change the scenery by painting down by the pond. But what comes out of the pond will change Ery’s art…and his heart forever.
I really enjoyed this, even though it had a different “feel” compared to the previous two books. There wasn’t really any suspense and certainly no mystery this time. Just a sweet, building romance between Ery and Karl.
I really liked the uniqueness and vulnerability of Karl’s character. Totally different from anything I’ve ever read before. He was so sweet and adorable, too! I really liked Karl and Ery together, and even though their romance was kinda fast, it wasn’t insta-love because Ery fought the inevitable for so long. The pace worked perfectly for me.
I think the imagery of Ery’s art was very well done. I wish the book cover could have been as beautiful as I imagined the art to be…because I am NOT digging this cover at all.
Some of my favorite scenes actually included Dylan and Chris; they are so funny and sexy together. Now, I wish I would have read the Speechless books, Speechless and The Gig, so I would have already known Travis and Drew since they were also mentioned a few times.
Recommended to everyone who is a fan of Bones.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
October 12, 2014
The cover is really awful but the story is really good! Actually the cover is the only thing I can rant about with this book. It's from the same artist as from the other two books, but seriously this cover seems half the effort. Both guys look half dead.
March 10, 2015
This was a good addition to the series although the chemistry between Karl and Ery is not as strong as Chris and Dylan's but it was still enjoyable. I'd love another Chris and Dylan book please.
May 15, 2016
When Ery’s friends Dylan and Chris head off on a European vacation, Ery jumps at the chance to stay on their farm, hoping a stint in the country will encourage his muse to reappear. To be sure, the farm has attracted a few oddities—Dylan is a werewolf and the place was recently haunted—but Ery isn’t canceling his plans just because his friends warn him that there’s something strange going on in their pond. What he doesn’t expect is Karl, a beautiful naked man who appears at the water’s edge.
This is book 3 in Kim Fielding's "Bones" series and they should be read in order, or you are really going to miss out on a lot. In this story we have the return of Ery, Dylan's friend and we get introduced to Karl, let me take you on a journey of The Nyx.
Imagine years and years ago while in the harbor under water a sorcerer creates a species of water-living Fae. They are known as "Stroemkarlen" and most of this species can play beautiful alluring music giving the water a mystical feeling and again most of the Stroemkarlen can shape shift to be fluid with the water or blend in to an environment. I say most because - nobody knows it but The Nock farm has had it's own water Nyx living in the pond one who can't play music and can't shift, one who was shunned from others of his species so he made a life for himself in the Nock Farm Pond.
Ery wakes up to this shockingly gorgeous completely naked man with pale skin and white hair, and a gorgeous ass, looming over him on the banks of the pond, and Ery thinks he has lost his mind when the startled man jumps back in the pond and doesn't come back up. However it isn't long before the man comes back to visit Ery and then Ery heads to the pond in search of the man and to get some answers.
“Who are you?” Ery asked. He sounded more plaintive than demanding. Karl sighed and the corners of his mouth twitched downward. “Nobody. Stroemkarlen. I never do anything interesting and nothing ever happens to me—well, almost never—and I never have anyone to talk to. I don’t have pretty colors like you and I don’t know how to… to make things. Like you do. I don’t think anyone even believes in me anymore.” Overcoming the urge to hug Karl and soothe him, Ery squeezed his eyes tightly closed. When he opened them again, he looked down at the ground. His sneakers were muddy. Karl’s feet were muddy too, but the muck was drying and flaking off. Karl’s feet were as pale as the rest of him and a little short and wide. And his toes were webbed. “You’re not human, are you?” Ery whispered. Karl pulled away. He sat with his shoulders hunched, his head hanging so that his hair hid his face. “No.” “And you’re not a ghost or a vampire or a werewolf, and that about does it for my knowledge of… supernatural beings.” After a moment, Karl raised his head to look at Ery. His fine, pale eyebrows were drawn together. “You don’t seem… I would have expected you to be more surprised. People usually are.” “Well, people usually don’t have a grandmother who sees dead people or a good pal who turns furry once a month.” Karl nodded. “Dylan makes a handsome wolf. Some of my kind can shapeshift too, but I can’t.” He paused and said very quietly, “I can’t play music either,” as if it were a shameful secret. “What is your kind?” “I’ve told you. Stroemkarl. Fossegrim. Nix.” Only the last term sounded familiar. “Nix?” Ery chewed on his lip, trying to remember what that meant. “Water spirit,” Karl supplied helpfully. “Have you heard of us?” “Maybe. A little.” There hadn’t been any nixes on Buffy, so Ery didn’t know the stories. Then a thought occurred to him. “So Stroemkarlen is your, uh, species. But what’s your name?” Karl stood and walked toward the water. With his feet submerged and his bowed back toward Ery, he said, “I don’t have one.”
How is Ery going to tell Dylan and Chris about their Nyx in the Pond? In a text message of course...
A WATER spirit is living in your pond.
???? Water spirit, Ery typed back.
Nix. Name is Karl.
At this point though nothing can surprise those guys who peacefully go on with their vacation and leave Ery and his Nyx to get to know each other...which they do, in the Biblical sense! Thus begins the start if a forbidden romance, again on Nock Farm which at this point really should be made into a Bed & Breakfast because passion runs high on the farm!
..but how can a romance last when one of the participants must be near water and the other wants to live in the big city with dreams of being famous - well you are going to have to read the story to find out and trust me Kim Fielding is quite creative!
I have to admit I really enjoyed this series and I am glad I gave it a chance - the writing is flawless and the creativity and story continuation from book to book is perfect. 4 Stars to book 3 - I would love to see the series continued.
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
This is book 3 in Kim Fielding's "Bones" series and they should be read in order, or you are really going to miss out on a lot. In this story we have the return of Ery, Dylan's friend and we get introduced to Karl, let me take you on a journey of The Nyx.
Imagine years and years ago while in the harbor under water a sorcerer creates a species of water-living Fae. They are known as "Stroemkarlen" and most of this species can play beautiful alluring music giving the water a mystical feeling and again most of the Stroemkarlen can shape shift to be fluid with the water or blend in to an environment. I say most because - nobody knows it but The Nock farm has had it's own water Nyx living in the pond one who can't play music and can't shift, one who was shunned from others of his species so he made a life for himself in the Nock Farm Pond.
Ery wakes up to this shockingly gorgeous completely naked man with pale skin and white hair, and a gorgeous ass, looming over him on the banks of the pond, and Ery thinks he has lost his mind when the startled man jumps back in the pond and doesn't come back up. However it isn't long before the man comes back to visit Ery and then Ery heads to the pond in search of the man and to get some answers.
“Who are you?” Ery asked. He sounded more plaintive than demanding. Karl sighed and the corners of his mouth twitched downward. “Nobody. Stroemkarlen. I never do anything interesting and nothing ever happens to me—well, almost never—and I never have anyone to talk to. I don’t have pretty colors like you and I don’t know how to… to make things. Like you do. I don’t think anyone even believes in me anymore.” Overcoming the urge to hug Karl and soothe him, Ery squeezed his eyes tightly closed. When he opened them again, he looked down at the ground. His sneakers were muddy. Karl’s feet were muddy too, but the muck was drying and flaking off. Karl’s feet were as pale as the rest of him and a little short and wide. And his toes were webbed. “You’re not human, are you?” Ery whispered. Karl pulled away. He sat with his shoulders hunched, his head hanging so that his hair hid his face. “No.” “And you’re not a ghost or a vampire or a werewolf, and that about does it for my knowledge of… supernatural beings.” After a moment, Karl raised his head to look at Ery. His fine, pale eyebrows were drawn together. “You don’t seem… I would have expected you to be more surprised. People usually are.” “Well, people usually don’t have a grandmother who sees dead people or a good pal who turns furry once a month.” Karl nodded. “Dylan makes a handsome wolf. Some of my kind can shapeshift too, but I can’t.” He paused and said very quietly, “I can’t play music either,” as if it were a shameful secret. “What is your kind?” “I’ve told you. Stroemkarl. Fossegrim. Nix.” Only the last term sounded familiar. “Nix?” Ery chewed on his lip, trying to remember what that meant. “Water spirit,” Karl supplied helpfully. “Have you heard of us?” “Maybe. A little.” There hadn’t been any nixes on Buffy, so Ery didn’t know the stories. Then a thought occurred to him. “So Stroemkarlen is your, uh, species. But what’s your name?” Karl stood and walked toward the water. With his feet submerged and his bowed back toward Ery, he said, “I don’t have one.”
How is Ery going to tell Dylan and Chris about their Nyx in the Pond? In a text message of course...
A WATER spirit is living in your pond.
???? Water spirit, Ery typed back.
Nix. Name is Karl.
At this point though nothing can surprise those guys who peacefully go on with their vacation and leave Ery and his Nyx to get to know each other...which they do, in the Biblical sense! Thus begins the start if a forbidden romance, again on Nock Farm which at this point really should be made into a Bed & Breakfast because passion runs high on the farm!
..but how can a romance last when one of the participants must be near water and the other wants to live in the big city with dreams of being famous - well you are going to have to read the story to find out and trust me Kim Fielding is quite creative!
I have to admit I really enjoyed this series and I am glad I gave it a chance - the writing is flawless and the creativity and story continuation from book to book is perfect. 4 Stars to book 3 - I would love to see the series continued.
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
October 13, 2014
Confession Time: I didn't even remember who Ery was 
. Yeah, my memory was that bad.
Anyway, didn't matter, when I saw another installment to this series, I just wanted to read it. I was actually a bit surprised when the story was about Ery (no, I didn't exactly read the blurb, it was Kim Fielding's, I don't exactly need blurb) and not about Dylan and Chris; but I welcomed the change.
The story was sweet, tender, and a bit melancholic. Here was Ery (whom I thought would be filled with energy in the previous book? I dunno, like I said, I couldn't remember!) losing his muse and contemplating his current job that seemed to suck out the inspiration from inside of him. Until he met a water spirit named Karl. Karl was lovely. Karl was another ingenue-kind of characters from Kim Fielding. AND let me tell you this, I think Fielding's ingenue characters are the BEST.
It was a good romance built-up -- it was rather fast considering that Karl didn't seem to even thought about other men -- and it was wonderful. It was lacking the "threat-that-would-kill-you" kind of conflicts, but again, I welcomed the change.
I LOVED Ery's grandmother, by the way. She was just all kind of awesome.
I DID NOT welcome the cover though. With deep apology to the artist...
. Yeah, my memory was that bad. Anyway, didn't matter, when I saw another installment to this series, I just wanted to read it. I was actually a bit surprised when the story was about Ery (no, I didn't exactly read the blurb, it was Kim Fielding's, I don't exactly need blurb) and not about Dylan and Chris; but I welcomed the change.
The story was sweet, tender, and a bit melancholic. Here was Ery (whom I thought would be filled with energy in the previous book? I dunno, like I said, I couldn't remember!) losing his muse and contemplating his current job that seemed to suck out the inspiration from inside of him. Until he met a water spirit named Karl. Karl was lovely. Karl was another ingenue-kind of characters from Kim Fielding. AND let me tell you this, I think Fielding's ingenue characters are the BEST.
It was a good romance built-up -- it was rather fast considering that Karl didn't seem to even thought about other men -- and it was wonderful. It was lacking the "threat-that-would-kill-you" kind of conflicts, but again, I welcomed the change.
I LOVED Ery's grandmother, by the way. She was just all kind of awesome.
I DID NOT welcome the cover though. With deep apology to the artist...
July 12, 2015
4.5 Stars
Bone Dry is the third book in Kim Fielding's Bones series. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and Bone Dry is my favorite.
Ery Philips has always been the colorful one. The life of the party. But, lately, he's lost a bit of his mojo. His muse seems to have left and he's not at all inspired in his art or his life. Evil day job is sucking the creativity out of him. Ery is 31 now, and he just doesn't want the clubbing life, anymore. He looks upon his friends Dylan and Chris and is a bit jealous of what they have found with each other.
When Dylan and Chris go on vacation to Barcelona and Paris, Ery decides to house-sit for them and maybe do some work in his studio. Maybe the country air and the quiet will help him find his Muse again. He doesn't expect, at all, to find a water spirit living in the pond, who goes by the name Karl.
Karl has been around for many hundreds of years. He was created by a sorcerer, but the sorcerer, apparently messed up the spell, because Karl can't shapeshift or play the flute, like others of his species. So he was eventually sent away by others of his kind. He traveled a long time and went many places. At some point, a couple hundred years ago, he stumbled upon the pond on Nock's land and decided it looked nice, and he's been there ever since.
I absolutely LOVED Karl. He's so innocent, in many ways, and genuine. He's drawn to Ery and his art and Ery feels the pull, too. But Ery is stubborn and doesn't think getting involved with Karl is a good idea. But he can't resist. And Ery's Muse seems to have returned, too! Sometimes, Karl made me feel sad because he's been abandoned or cast out so many times. And still, he's mostly positive.
Ery, though; he can't see the forest for the trees. This beautiful man right in front of him, whom he is not only compatible with, but absolutely right for. The more time Ery spends with Karl, the more time he wants to spend. And, the sex is the best he's ever had. But the stubborn man held onto his 'it would never work' mantra for way too long, making me wonder for just a moment, if he was going to let such a good thing slip away.
I definitely recommend this book and this series. It's quirky and colorful and the characters just make me smile.
Bone Dry is the third book in Kim Fielding's Bones series. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and Bone Dry is my favorite.
Ery Philips has always been the colorful one. The life of the party. But, lately, he's lost a bit of his mojo. His muse seems to have left and he's not at all inspired in his art or his life. Evil day job is sucking the creativity out of him. Ery is 31 now, and he just doesn't want the clubbing life, anymore. He looks upon his friends Dylan and Chris and is a bit jealous of what they have found with each other.
When Dylan and Chris go on vacation to Barcelona and Paris, Ery decides to house-sit for them and maybe do some work in his studio. Maybe the country air and the quiet will help him find his Muse again. He doesn't expect, at all, to find a water spirit living in the pond, who goes by the name Karl.
Karl has been around for many hundreds of years. He was created by a sorcerer, but the sorcerer, apparently messed up the spell, because Karl can't shapeshift or play the flute, like others of his species. So he was eventually sent away by others of his kind. He traveled a long time and went many places. At some point, a couple hundred years ago, he stumbled upon the pond on Nock's land and decided it looked nice, and he's been there ever since.
I absolutely LOVED Karl. He's so innocent, in many ways, and genuine. He's drawn to Ery and his art and Ery feels the pull, too. But Ery is stubborn and doesn't think getting involved with Karl is a good idea. But he can't resist. And Ery's Muse seems to have returned, too! Sometimes, Karl made me feel sad because he's been abandoned or cast out so many times. And still, he's mostly positive.
Ery, though; he can't see the forest for the trees. This beautiful man right in front of him, whom he is not only compatible with, but absolutely right for. The more time Ery spends with Karl, the more time he wants to spend. And, the sex is the best he's ever had. But the stubborn man held onto his 'it would never work' mantra for way too long, making me wonder for just a moment, if he was going to let such a good thing slip away.
I definitely recommend this book and this series. It's quirky and colorful and the characters just make me smile.
March 5, 2015
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance****
4.5 Stars - What I love most about this series is it isn’t your typical shifter book. There are no fated mates falling madly in love; there is no strong, alpha males dominating a weak, submissive, but cheeky, omegas; there are no homophobic jerks out to destroy everyone – well, maybe there was one… but overall, what you get is a good strong romance between two people with a paranormal/fantasy twist (the jury is still out as to whether werewolves are paranormal or fantasy, but that’s a topic for another day).
Bone Dry is as good as the previous two, but follows Chris and Dylan’s friend Ery. It took me a little bit to get into the story, I’m not sure what it was, but Ery, like his muse to him, didn’t speak to me. However, as the story progressed, so too did my enjoyment.
I loved Karl’s childlike wonder and felt bad for his isolation. I got a clear picture of him though – he was not human and saw the world differently. Ery, as I said, took a little bit to get used to. He had quite a case of the “poor me”s. As his art flourished, though, his spirit grew and you could see the true person underneath.
If you liked the first two books, you won’t be disappointed in this, and if you haven’t read the first two, you could read this one, but you’d be missing out on some details.
4.5 Stars - What I love most about this series is it isn’t your typical shifter book. There are no fated mates falling madly in love; there is no strong, alpha males dominating a weak, submissive, but cheeky, omegas; there are no homophobic jerks out to destroy everyone – well, maybe there was one… but overall, what you get is a good strong romance between two people with a paranormal/fantasy twist (the jury is still out as to whether werewolves are paranormal or fantasy, but that’s a topic for another day).
Bone Dry is as good as the previous two, but follows Chris and Dylan’s friend Ery. It took me a little bit to get into the story, I’m not sure what it was, but Ery, like his muse to him, didn’t speak to me. However, as the story progressed, so too did my enjoyment.
I loved Karl’s childlike wonder and felt bad for his isolation. I got a clear picture of him though – he was not human and saw the world differently. Ery, as I said, took a little bit to get used to. He had quite a case of the “poor me”s. As his art flourished, though, his spirit grew and you could see the true person underneath.
If you liked the first two books, you won’t be disappointed in this, and if you haven’t read the first two, you could read this one, but you’d be missing out on some details.
October 26, 2014
I love Kim Fielding and I love this series. This was a wonderful story with an unexpected twist. I loved Ery and Karl together, and the HEA...*sigh*
March 9, 2020
This is my 4th Kim Fielding book and although I am don't love the covers, I am enjoying her books. It's not the most complex writing or stories but I like the simplicity. This particular book was really sweet but definitely different from the first two in the series. It had much less angst than those but I enjoyed the characters a great deal. Karl the Nix was such an innocent but by no means dumb and Ery was just a sweet guy. Ery's grandmother was amazing as well.
I am a little sad that the series is done. I enjoyed reading about the paranormal in this series. It was very tasteful and not overdone (not that I mind intensely pnr books either.)
I am a little sad that the series is done. I enjoyed reading about the paranormal in this series. It was very tasteful and not overdone (not that I mind intensely pnr books either.)
October 20, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Bone Dry is part of Kim Fielding’s wonderful Bones series, and it is kind of a sequel, kind of a spin off. The first two books focus on Dylan and Chris meeting, falling in love, and dealing with Dylan’s wolfiness. We meet Ery in the previous book as he helps the guys out with their ghost problem (yes, this farm is pretty much a supernatural hotbed). In Bone Dry, Dylan and Chris make a significant appearance as Ery’s friends and owners of the pond where Karl lives, but the story is really focused on Ery and Karl. I think you could probably get away with reading this one as a stand alone because we really get to know both MCs well here, but you may miss some of the depth about past events that happened in the first two books, as well as the the lovely relationship between Chris and Dylan.
I really enjoyed this story, mostly because Karl and Ery are so incredibly sweet together. Poor Karl, he is so strong, but also clearly has dealt with so much hurt in his life. He was created by a sorcerer who didn’t do a particularly good job. He is not like the other nixes, and they want nothing to do with him. He has lived this isolated life in the pond, never really having anyone. He once fell in love with one of Chris’ ancestors, only to be left when the man went out into the world and found a family of his own. Through it all, Karl is accepting of his fate. He realizes this is what his life will be and doesn’t expect or ask for anything more. It is kind of heartbreaking, to see this combination of pain and acceptance, and it is so wonderful to see him find happiness with Ery.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Bone Dry is part of Kim Fielding’s wonderful Bones series, and it is kind of a sequel, kind of a spin off. The first two books focus on Dylan and Chris meeting, falling in love, and dealing with Dylan’s wolfiness. We meet Ery in the previous book as he helps the guys out with their ghost problem (yes, this farm is pretty much a supernatural hotbed). In Bone Dry, Dylan and Chris make a significant appearance as Ery’s friends and owners of the pond where Karl lives, but the story is really focused on Ery and Karl. I think you could probably get away with reading this one as a stand alone because we really get to know both MCs well here, but you may miss some of the depth about past events that happened in the first two books, as well as the the lovely relationship between Chris and Dylan.
I really enjoyed this story, mostly because Karl and Ery are so incredibly sweet together. Poor Karl, he is so strong, but also clearly has dealt with so much hurt in his life. He was created by a sorcerer who didn’t do a particularly good job. He is not like the other nixes, and they want nothing to do with him. He has lived this isolated life in the pond, never really having anyone. He once fell in love with one of Chris’ ancestors, only to be left when the man went out into the world and found a family of his own. Through it all, Karl is accepting of his fate. He realizes this is what his life will be and doesn’t expect or ask for anything more. It is kind of heartbreaking, to see this combination of pain and acceptance, and it is so wonderful to see him find happiness with Ery.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 13, 2015
3.5 rounded up because most authors can not evoke a response where I want to physically shake a character but yet if Ery was in front of me...well, let's just say he would have one hell of a headache.
I loved Karl, and Dylan & Chris have cemented their place in my heart. This was my first taste of the wonderful fantasy worlds of Kim Fielding and now I am excited that I have found another author who has a back list for me to devour. This was a lovely addition to the series and a fun weekend read.
I loved Karl, and Dylan & Chris have cemented their place in my heart. This was my first taste of the wonderful fantasy worlds of Kim Fielding and now I am excited that I have found another author who has a back list for me to devour. This was a lovely addition to the series and a fun weekend read.
November 13, 2016
4.5 stars
Really enjoyed this one... we get more Chris and Dylan but this time the focus is on Ery, who is an artist--so of course I loved it! And Karl was great. Plus we got to visit with Drew and Travis from Speechless as well... Score!
Really enjoyed this one... we get more Chris and Dylan but this time the focus is on Ery, who is an artist--so of course I loved it! And Karl was great. Plus we got to visit with Drew and Travis from Speechless as well... Score!
July 16, 2015
I preferred the first two books but I enjoyed the series as a whole.
May 21, 2018
"Ery posò le bacchette e si strofinò il viso con le mani. “Si sente davvero solo, nonna. Il suo ultimo amico lo ha mollato, un centinaio di anni fa circa. Ha vissuto una vita triste, credo. Ma è interessante… e dolce. Mi ha fatto dei regali. E in alcune circostanze può dimostrare un’indole assassina. Ha ucciso una donna lupo, ma lo ha fatto solo per salvare Chris. Dice che protegge la terra dei Nock. E Dio, è davvero bello e non indossa vestiti. E ci siamo baciati due volte, ma la prima volta credevo di essere in un sogno. E non può trasformarsi o suonare il flauto come gli altri nix perché lo stregone che lo ha creato ha fatto uno sbaglio, il che è davvero un problema perché i suoi simili non vogliono avere nulla a che fare con lui."
Se non avete letto i precedenti libri di questa serie, vi troverete un poco sconcertati dall’atmosfera particolare che si respira alla fattoria di Chris e Dylan. Dylan è un licantropo, lo è diventato dopo essere stato morso da un occasionale compagno di una notte di sesso. Una volta resosi conto della sua trasformazione e aiutato dal suo incredibile fratello che lo ha sempre supportato, ha cercato un posto dove poter vivere senza la paura che la luna piena lo ponesse sulla strada di gente innocente. Per questo ha comprato una fattoria isolata vicino ad una foresta, dove come unico vicino aveva un giovane solitario di nome Chris, che è diventato il suo compagno. Questa coppia ha dovuto risolvere molti problemi, e nei capitoli precedenti si sono trovati di fronte sia altri lupi ostili che fantasmi del loro passato. Ma ora finalmente sono sereni e il protagonista di questo nuovo libro è il miglior amico di Dylan, Ery, un giovane che, pur conoscendo la verità, è stato disposto, insieme alla sua incredibile nonna grande esperta di spiriti e fantasmi, ad aiutare la coppia con i loro problemi. Ora però, a essere in crisi è proprio lui.
Nei capitoli precedenti della serie, i due protagonisti hanno sempre dovuto lottare contro qualcuno trovandosi in pericolo, ma questo nuovo libro è totalmente diverso. Più romantico e dolce, è una favola leggera e commovente. Ery è un buon amico, un nipote affettuoso, ha dei fantastici genitori, ma non è soddisfatto, da qualche tempo i suoi quadri sono privi di passione e la sua musa lo ha abbandonato. Inoltre, pur essendo felice per i suoi amici, prova anche una piccola punta di invidia per quel loro rapporto così appagante. Anche lui comincia ad essere stanco di avventure fuggevoli. Abituato al mondo soprannaturale grazie a sua nonna e all’amico Dylan, non rimane troppo sconvolto scoprendo che nel laghetto della fattoria abita uno spirito d’acqua bellissimo, un Nix, a cui lui da nome Karl. I due cominciano a conoscersi diventando amici. Karl è ingenuo, amabile e delizioso, e così solo, che mi sono trovata spesso con le lacrime agli occhi durante il racconto della sua lunga solitaria vita. Diverso dai suoi simili, nato per uno scopo preciso dalla bacchetta di un mago, non è mai stato accettato dagli altri Nix, e ha vagato per fiumi e oceani fino ad arrivare in quel laghetto vicino alla fattoria dei Nock, dove, per la prima volta, si è sentito a casa. Nei decenni successivi ha spiato non visto le generazioni della famiglia succedersi e per la prima volta ha avuto contatto con uno di loro, ma dal racconto scopriremo con amarezza che anche quell’uomo lo ha sfruttato, e se n’è andato senza mai voltarsi indietro. Eppure Karl lo giustifica, e lo ringrazia per i pochi bei ricordi che gli ha lasciato. È toccante la sua reazione al primo regalo che riceve nella sua lunga vita, una chitarra da cui in poco tempo riesce a creare bellissime melodie. Provare affetto per lui e facilissimo, ma Ery non riesce a vedere un futuro per loro. Karl accetta con gratitudine ogni attimo che Ery gli concede, spronandolo nel frattempo a cercare un uomo che possa davvero condividere la sua vita, anche se questo vorrebbe dire perderlo. Non vi nascondo che spesso avrei voluto prendere il protagonista e picchiarlo, per la sofferenza che causa al tenero Nix che quando si sente infelice fa piovere per giorni.
È una storia d’amore delicata, il personaggio di Karl è uno dei più straordinari esseri mai incontrati, e se la trama non ha grandi colpi di scena e azione, regala momenti di dolce commozione e tenerezza. L’autrice è stata bravissima nel caratterizzare il Nix, ha creato un personaggio che incanta nella sua struggente solitudine, che si desidera consolare e vedere felice, e io l’ho adorato. Questo libro è una fiaba che racconta che l’amore è più forte delle diversità, ed è la cosa più importante che si possa chiedere alla vita. Un ultimo capitolo che chiude una serie fantasy molto carina, che ha regalato bei personaggi e un poco di magia, e ricorderò il personaggio di Karl con grande tenerezza.
Lucia63 - per RFS
Se non avete letto i precedenti libri di questa serie, vi troverete un poco sconcertati dall’atmosfera particolare che si respira alla fattoria di Chris e Dylan. Dylan è un licantropo, lo è diventato dopo essere stato morso da un occasionale compagno di una notte di sesso. Una volta resosi conto della sua trasformazione e aiutato dal suo incredibile fratello che lo ha sempre supportato, ha cercato un posto dove poter vivere senza la paura che la luna piena lo ponesse sulla strada di gente innocente. Per questo ha comprato una fattoria isolata vicino ad una foresta, dove come unico vicino aveva un giovane solitario di nome Chris, che è diventato il suo compagno. Questa coppia ha dovuto risolvere molti problemi, e nei capitoli precedenti si sono trovati di fronte sia altri lupi ostili che fantasmi del loro passato. Ma ora finalmente sono sereni e il protagonista di questo nuovo libro è il miglior amico di Dylan, Ery, un giovane che, pur conoscendo la verità, è stato disposto, insieme alla sua incredibile nonna grande esperta di spiriti e fantasmi, ad aiutare la coppia con i loro problemi. Ora però, a essere in crisi è proprio lui.
Nei capitoli precedenti della serie, i due protagonisti hanno sempre dovuto lottare contro qualcuno trovandosi in pericolo, ma questo nuovo libro è totalmente diverso. Più romantico e dolce, è una favola leggera e commovente. Ery è un buon amico, un nipote affettuoso, ha dei fantastici genitori, ma non è soddisfatto, da qualche tempo i suoi quadri sono privi di passione e la sua musa lo ha abbandonato. Inoltre, pur essendo felice per i suoi amici, prova anche una piccola punta di invidia per quel loro rapporto così appagante. Anche lui comincia ad essere stanco di avventure fuggevoli. Abituato al mondo soprannaturale grazie a sua nonna e all’amico Dylan, non rimane troppo sconvolto scoprendo che nel laghetto della fattoria abita uno spirito d’acqua bellissimo, un Nix, a cui lui da nome Karl. I due cominciano a conoscersi diventando amici. Karl è ingenuo, amabile e delizioso, e così solo, che mi sono trovata spesso con le lacrime agli occhi durante il racconto della sua lunga solitaria vita. Diverso dai suoi simili, nato per uno scopo preciso dalla bacchetta di un mago, non è mai stato accettato dagli altri Nix, e ha vagato per fiumi e oceani fino ad arrivare in quel laghetto vicino alla fattoria dei Nock, dove, per la prima volta, si è sentito a casa. Nei decenni successivi ha spiato non visto le generazioni della famiglia succedersi e per la prima volta ha avuto contatto con uno di loro, ma dal racconto scopriremo con amarezza che anche quell’uomo lo ha sfruttato, e se n’è andato senza mai voltarsi indietro. Eppure Karl lo giustifica, e lo ringrazia per i pochi bei ricordi che gli ha lasciato. È toccante la sua reazione al primo regalo che riceve nella sua lunga vita, una chitarra da cui in poco tempo riesce a creare bellissime melodie. Provare affetto per lui e facilissimo, ma Ery non riesce a vedere un futuro per loro. Karl accetta con gratitudine ogni attimo che Ery gli concede, spronandolo nel frattempo a cercare un uomo che possa davvero condividere la sua vita, anche se questo vorrebbe dire perderlo. Non vi nascondo che spesso avrei voluto prendere il protagonista e picchiarlo, per la sofferenza che causa al tenero Nix che quando si sente infelice fa piovere per giorni.
È una storia d’amore delicata, il personaggio di Karl è uno dei più straordinari esseri mai incontrati, e se la trama non ha grandi colpi di scena e azione, regala momenti di dolce commozione e tenerezza. L’autrice è stata bravissima nel caratterizzare il Nix, ha creato un personaggio che incanta nella sua struggente solitudine, che si desidera consolare e vedere felice, e io l’ho adorato. Questo libro è una fiaba che racconta che l’amore è più forte delle diversità, ed è la cosa più importante che si possa chiedere alla vita. Un ultimo capitolo che chiude una serie fantasy molto carina, che ha regalato bei personaggi e un poco di magia, e ricorderò il personaggio di Karl con grande tenerezza.
Lucia63 - per RFS
June 28, 2018
4.5
Fra i tanti libri a tematica sovrannaturale che mi è capitato di leggere, i volumi di questa serie hanno un posto speciale, perché l’autrice ha uno stile unico e le sue trame sono sempre originali.
Mi sono affezionata a Dylan e Chris nei primi due, ma stavolta non sono loro i protagonisti, anche se hanno parecchio spazio nel testo e sono preziosi amici.
La vicenda, stavolta, è incentrata su Ery e sui suoi problemi esistenziali. Vi ricordate di Ery? Lo avevamo conosciuto nel secondo libro quando, assieme all’eclettica nonna, aveva aiutato i nostri eroi a risolvere il loro ‘problema’ sovrannaturale.
Questo volume riparte qualche tempo dopo ed Ery sta attraversando una fase difficile, non si sente motivato a produrre nuove opere, malgrado dipingere sia la sua missione di vita, e anche il lavoro con cui paga le bollette è diventato un peso che lo deprime. Il lato sentimentale non è certo migliore, perciò Ery accetta di concedersi una piccola vacanza a casa di Dylan e Chris, facendo da custode alla loro abitazione mentre compiono un breve viaggio in Europa.
Come ben sapete, circolano diverse creature bizzarre da quelle parti, ed Ery conosce il segreto di Dyl, ma non è certo pronto a trovarsi davanti un bellissimo uomo nudo, che si rivela essere uno spirito d’acqua, un nix, da lui ribattezzato Karl.
Ery e Karl socializzano in fretta, diventando amici e tenendosi compagnia in modo piacevole, ma a un certo punto l’attrazione prende piede e, anche se ci sono tutte le premesse perché la loro storia non funzioni, i due si ritrovano a provare dei sentimenti. E questo, ovviamente, complica ulteriormente la vita di Ery, anche se la vicinanza con Karl ha fatto tornare la sua musa ispiratrice bella pimpante.
Devo ammettere che i primi due volumi mi hanno conquistata per le dinamiche fra Dylan e Chris, per il modo unico che hanno di rapportarsi, per l’ironia, gli imprevisti, il dramma, l’amore e la sensualità. Questo libro è impostato diversamente, è forse un po’ sottotono rispetto ai precedenti, ma ha un pregio che pochi romance hanno: fino alla fine, non sapevo come si sarebbe concluso. La vicenda non si svolge in modo prevedibile e la storia di Ery – con le sue scelte, i suoi sentimenti, le rinunce e le vittorie – è più introspettiva e meno ‘plateale’ di quello che ci aveva abituato questa serie, ma mi è piaciuta molto. Ho amato Karl dall’inizio alla fine: è così dolce, premuroso e paziente che si fa presto ad accantonare l’idea che sia un mostro o che sia pericoloso. Lui ed Ery ci regalano dei momenti molto belli, dolci, appassionanti, a tratti anche malinconici.
Fra i vari personaggi, la nonna di Ery merita una menzione speciale, ma è stato bello anche l’accenno a Drew e Travis, che abbiamo già incontrato in “Senza parole” e “L’ingaggio”, altri due libri di quest’autrice già tradotti in Italia.
Non mi resta che chiudere la mia recensione raccomandandovi questa lettura, perché a me è piaciuta molto, anche se per motivi diversi dai precedenti, e la resa italiana è piacevole.
Fra i tanti libri a tematica sovrannaturale che mi è capitato di leggere, i volumi di questa serie hanno un posto speciale, perché l’autrice ha uno stile unico e le sue trame sono sempre originali.
Mi sono affezionata a Dylan e Chris nei primi due, ma stavolta non sono loro i protagonisti, anche se hanno parecchio spazio nel testo e sono preziosi amici.
La vicenda, stavolta, è incentrata su Ery e sui suoi problemi esistenziali. Vi ricordate di Ery? Lo avevamo conosciuto nel secondo libro quando, assieme all’eclettica nonna, aveva aiutato i nostri eroi a risolvere il loro ‘problema’ sovrannaturale.
Questo volume riparte qualche tempo dopo ed Ery sta attraversando una fase difficile, non si sente motivato a produrre nuove opere, malgrado dipingere sia la sua missione di vita, e anche il lavoro con cui paga le bollette è diventato un peso che lo deprime. Il lato sentimentale non è certo migliore, perciò Ery accetta di concedersi una piccola vacanza a casa di Dylan e Chris, facendo da custode alla loro abitazione mentre compiono un breve viaggio in Europa.
Come ben sapete, circolano diverse creature bizzarre da quelle parti, ed Ery conosce il segreto di Dyl, ma non è certo pronto a trovarsi davanti un bellissimo uomo nudo, che si rivela essere uno spirito d’acqua, un nix, da lui ribattezzato Karl.
Ery e Karl socializzano in fretta, diventando amici e tenendosi compagnia in modo piacevole, ma a un certo punto l’attrazione prende piede e, anche se ci sono tutte le premesse perché la loro storia non funzioni, i due si ritrovano a provare dei sentimenti. E questo, ovviamente, complica ulteriormente la vita di Ery, anche se la vicinanza con Karl ha fatto tornare la sua musa ispiratrice bella pimpante.
Devo ammettere che i primi due volumi mi hanno conquistata per le dinamiche fra Dylan e Chris, per il modo unico che hanno di rapportarsi, per l’ironia, gli imprevisti, il dramma, l’amore e la sensualità. Questo libro è impostato diversamente, è forse un po’ sottotono rispetto ai precedenti, ma ha un pregio che pochi romance hanno: fino alla fine, non sapevo come si sarebbe concluso. La vicenda non si svolge in modo prevedibile e la storia di Ery – con le sue scelte, i suoi sentimenti, le rinunce e le vittorie – è più introspettiva e meno ‘plateale’ di quello che ci aveva abituato questa serie, ma mi è piaciuta molto. Ho amato Karl dall’inizio alla fine: è così dolce, premuroso e paziente che si fa presto ad accantonare l’idea che sia un mostro o che sia pericoloso. Lui ed Ery ci regalano dei momenti molto belli, dolci, appassionanti, a tratti anche malinconici.
Fra i vari personaggi, la nonna di Ery merita una menzione speciale, ma è stato bello anche l’accenno a Drew e Travis, che abbiamo già incontrato in “Senza parole” e “L’ingaggio”, altri due libri di quest’autrice già tradotti in Italia.
Non mi resta che chiudere la mia recensione raccomandandovi questa lettura, perché a me è piaciuta molto, anche se per motivi diversi dai precedenti, e la resa italiana è piacevole.
July 29, 2017
Ery Phillips’s muse is dead…and it’s probably the catheterized penises that did it. Turns out that his day job–-which he relies on to do thing like feed him and put a roof over his head–-as a graphic designer just isn’t enough to keep his muse alive and kicking. Not that Ery blames him. Ery is a big fan of penises, but even he has his limits.
Luckily his friends Dylan and Chris are heading off to Europe and offer up their barn/art studio/apartment as a way to breathe some life back into Ery’s muse. He’ll get away from the city, from his soul-sucking job, and paint to his heart’s content. And maybe the fresh air will lure his muse back from the dead.
Or the pond, as it may be.
I admit I was a bit skeptical about the series breaking off from the main pairing of Dylan and Chris. I love Dylan and Chris, and their two stories are some of my favorite werewolf books out there in m/m land. But Ery seemed rather awesome in Buried Bones, so I was willing to trust Fielding to sell me a Bones book, without Dylan and Chris as the MCs.
Turns out that I enjoyed Karl and Ery as much as Chris and Dylan. If not more so.
There is just something about Karl that is just so sad and so innocent, and yet seems to have a sense of age to him. And if you have read any of my reviews on books with vampires and other immortals, you’ll know how often I groan about this being missing. I pretty much spent the whole book wanting to just hug the nix to death. After all that he has been through with us pesky humans, Karl knows how flighty we can be. But he is still willing to take whatever he can get from Ery. Even if he knows it will not last. Because he also knows that being with Ery is unlike any other experience he has ever had-–despite having loved other humans.
And I wanted to shake Ery so badly when he kept questioning whether he could build a life with Karl. Because it was Karl…how could you not want to stay with him. He’s your freaking muse. He’s your freaking heart! And yet…I get why Ery doubts. Because their lives seems to be drawn in separate directions. Karl is tied to the water, and Ery is starting to find a life that might make it impossible for their fairytale romance to reach Disney proportions. Even without the supernatural element, these are two very different people-–though they complement each other so well-–and life is never easy.
I really liked that there was no real villain in this book. Just life pulling both of the MCs apart, even as it threw them together. And while it broke my heart to see Karl and Ery so heartbroken, that ending just made me so happy. Definitely some happy sighing going on there.
I don’t know if Fielding has any plans for these guys, or this world, any further, but I’m all on board for reading whatever she does give us. This book was just a delight to read and I know I will be making time to reread it, and the rest of this series, several times in my future.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Luckily his friends Dylan and Chris are heading off to Europe and offer up their barn/art studio/apartment as a way to breathe some life back into Ery’s muse. He’ll get away from the city, from his soul-sucking job, and paint to his heart’s content. And maybe the fresh air will lure his muse back from the dead.
Or the pond, as it may be.
I admit I was a bit skeptical about the series breaking off from the main pairing of Dylan and Chris. I love Dylan and Chris, and their two stories are some of my favorite werewolf books out there in m/m land. But Ery seemed rather awesome in Buried Bones, so I was willing to trust Fielding to sell me a Bones book, without Dylan and Chris as the MCs.
Turns out that I enjoyed Karl and Ery as much as Chris and Dylan. If not more so.
There is just something about Karl that is just so sad and so innocent, and yet seems to have a sense of age to him. And if you have read any of my reviews on books with vampires and other immortals, you’ll know how often I groan about this being missing. I pretty much spent the whole book wanting to just hug the nix to death. After all that he has been through with us pesky humans, Karl knows how flighty we can be. But he is still willing to take whatever he can get from Ery. Even if he knows it will not last. Because he also knows that being with Ery is unlike any other experience he has ever had-–despite having loved other humans.
And I wanted to shake Ery so badly when he kept questioning whether he could build a life with Karl. Because it was Karl…how could you not want to stay with him. He’s your freaking muse. He’s your freaking heart! And yet…I get why Ery doubts. Because their lives seems to be drawn in separate directions. Karl is tied to the water, and Ery is starting to find a life that might make it impossible for their fairytale romance to reach Disney proportions. Even without the supernatural element, these are two very different people-–though they complement each other so well-–and life is never easy.
I really liked that there was no real villain in this book. Just life pulling both of the MCs apart, even as it threw them together. And while it broke my heart to see Karl and Ery so heartbroken, that ending just made me so happy. Definitely some happy sighing going on there.
I don’t know if Fielding has any plans for these guys, or this world, any further, but I’m all on board for reading whatever she does give us. This book was just a delight to read and I know I will be making time to reread it, and the rest of this series, several times in my future.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 4, 2014
'Bone Dry' is the sequel to 'Buried Bones', a book that I absolutely loved, and even though my primary guys, Dylan and Chris, are relegated to a more secondary status, I wanted to delve into Ery and find out what new paranormal mischief the author would throw at me. Little did I know it was going to be wonderful, and sad, and melancholy, and exciting, and joyous, and a little like a fairy tale.
Ery's muse is gone. She's vamoosed, and he doesn't know what to do to get her back. His life is pretty lackluster these days, and it seems to have spilled over into his art. It's been weeks since he's been out to the studio that Chris and Dylan built for him. Ery's job as a graphic designer is just blah. Blah. Blah. Blah. Seriously. His creativity isn't being challenged working on a supermarkets chain logo, or drawing anatomically correct figures using medical equipment, for a nursing manual. He's thirty-one years old, he's never been in love, and, deep down inside, he's still waiting for Prince Charming, just like his grandma continues to promise him.
When Chris and Dylan head for Europe on vacation, Ery goes out to the country to try to recapture his muse. Instead, what he finds is Karl. Perhaps I should say, in addition to finding his muse, he finds Karl. If you're dying to know what type of supernatural creature Karl is, you need to read the book, because I'm not spoiling the surprise. Let's just say, he wasn't anything I thought he'd be. Ery and Karl's time together is beautiful, in the way a sunset is, or a clear mountain lake. But Ery's life is in the city, and when Chris and Dylan come home, Ery introduces them to Karl, and then Ery goes back to his dreary apartment, and his evil day job.
As much as I've loved all the books written in this world, I think this one was my favorite. There's something magical about it that just transported me away. I can say, with absolute certainty, that if it wasn't for Dylan and Chris, Ery would've made the worst mistake of his life. The ending was fantastic, and brought a hiccup to my heart, and made me tear up, just a little. A beautiful story with a timeless message of love. Thank you, Kim.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Ery's muse is gone. She's vamoosed, and he doesn't know what to do to get her back. His life is pretty lackluster these days, and it seems to have spilled over into his art. It's been weeks since he's been out to the studio that Chris and Dylan built for him. Ery's job as a graphic designer is just blah. Blah. Blah. Blah. Seriously. His creativity isn't being challenged working on a supermarkets chain logo, or drawing anatomically correct figures using medical equipment, for a nursing manual. He's thirty-one years old, he's never been in love, and, deep down inside, he's still waiting for Prince Charming, just like his grandma continues to promise him.
When Chris and Dylan head for Europe on vacation, Ery goes out to the country to try to recapture his muse. Instead, what he finds is Karl. Perhaps I should say, in addition to finding his muse, he finds Karl. If you're dying to know what type of supernatural creature Karl is, you need to read the book, because I'm not spoiling the surprise. Let's just say, he wasn't anything I thought he'd be. Ery and Karl's time together is beautiful, in the way a sunset is, or a clear mountain lake. But Ery's life is in the city, and when Chris and Dylan come home, Ery introduces them to Karl, and then Ery goes back to his dreary apartment, and his evil day job.
As much as I've loved all the books written in this world, I think this one was my favorite. There's something magical about it that just transported me away. I can say, with absolute certainty, that if it wasn't for Dylan and Chris, Ery would've made the worst mistake of his life. The ending was fantastic, and brought a hiccup to my heart, and made me tear up, just a little. A beautiful story with a timeless message of love. Thank you, Kim.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 28, 2016
2.5 Hearts
Ery’s muse is in hiding, and with the offer to house sit for Dylan and Chris, while they are on their honeymoon, Ery hopes to get back to the art he loves.
Meeting Karl at the edge of a pond on Dylan’s property, strange things start to happen, and Ery starts to paint this mysterious man who seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Ery is a college friend and former lover of Dylan’s, and is introduced in Buried Bones. I like him. I like the quirky artist in him. The way he curses his muse for abandoning him. He deserves to become someone great.
Karl is something special, but even so, the story premise was odd to me. Not as developed as Dylan and Chris’ relationship building, nor was the background explored as thoroughly as the previous couple, this story was lacking what I loved about the first two stories. There wasn’t enough depth.
It was definitely interesting, and it held my attention well enough, but it lacked that something extra that made me fall in love with Dylan and Chris as a couple. If this is the end of the series, I am disappointed. I think it needed something more than was delivered.
As an anthology, I enjoyed it. I gobbled up the first two stories eagerly. I can’t say the same for the second two, but it was worth my time to read through them all.
For lovers of paranormal stories with both familiar shifters, and unfamiliar beings, this was an enjoyable read overall and I recommend it for those who enjoy solid stories, with easy plots.
**Review of all three in this series can be read at Boy Meets Boy Reviews
A Copy was provided in exchange for a review
Ery’s muse is in hiding, and with the offer to house sit for Dylan and Chris, while they are on their honeymoon, Ery hopes to get back to the art he loves.
Meeting Karl at the edge of a pond on Dylan’s property, strange things start to happen, and Ery starts to paint this mysterious man who seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Ery is a college friend and former lover of Dylan’s, and is introduced in Buried Bones. I like him. I like the quirky artist in him. The way he curses his muse for abandoning him. He deserves to become someone great.
Karl is something special, but even so, the story premise was odd to me. Not as developed as Dylan and Chris’ relationship building, nor was the background explored as thoroughly as the previous couple, this story was lacking what I loved about the first two stories. There wasn’t enough depth.
It was definitely interesting, and it held my attention well enough, but it lacked that something extra that made me fall in love with Dylan and Chris as a couple. If this is the end of the series, I am disappointed. I think it needed something more than was delivered.
As an anthology, I enjoyed it. I gobbled up the first two stories eagerly. I can’t say the same for the second two, but it was worth my time to read through them all.
For lovers of paranormal stories with both familiar shifters, and unfamiliar beings, this was an enjoyable read overall and I recommend it for those who enjoy solid stories, with easy plots.
**Review of all three in this series can be read at Boy Meets Boy Reviews
A Copy was provided in exchange for a review
July 13, 2015
I've loved Kim Fielding's "Bones" series since the first novel, "Good Bones," and I was really looking forward to this third entry in the series. I confess, when I learned it wasn't about Dylan and Chris, the two characters I'd fallen in love with in books one and two, I was less sure. But once I got over that, I really enjoyed the story.
I have to say Ery is the type of guy who drives me insane, always uncertain about how he feels and afraid to commit. When someone makes you deliriously happy and you still can't decide whether or not you want to be with him, you have a problem -- never mind his lack of imagination when it came to envisioning ways he would things out with Karl. It also never seems to occur to him that .
But Ery's issues aside, the book was sexy and fun, and I wasn't able to stop reading from the moment I picked it up. I hope the author writes more in this series!
I have to say Ery is the type of guy who drives me insane, always uncertain about how he feels and afraid to commit. When someone makes you deliriously happy and you still can't decide whether or not you want to be with him, you have a problem -- never mind his lack of imagination when it came to envisioning ways he would things out with Karl. It also never seems to occur to him that .
But Ery's issues aside, the book was sexy and fun, and I wasn't able to stop reading from the moment I picked it up. I hope the author writes more in this series!
November 30, 2014
3.5 stars
Though the third in the series, this isn't about Dylan and Chris, it's also not really about shifters at all. Ery, an artist, has lost his muse, and goes to stay at the studio Dylan and Chris have built next to their house in the middle of nowhere. With a final warning to take care around the pond, Dylan and Chris head to Europe for a month. Enter Karl, a sorcerer created defective water sprite, who energises Ery into painting again. The pair develop a relationship, but complications arise from Karl's need to immerse himself in water and Ery's job. It looks like they will have to part, but the pair get their happy ending in the end.
I wasn't as sold on this book as I was on the first two in the series.I liked the characters, but the story lacked any real substance and felt very rushed at the end.
Though the third in the series, this isn't about Dylan and Chris, it's also not really about shifters at all. Ery, an artist, has lost his muse, and goes to stay at the studio Dylan and Chris have built next to their house in the middle of nowhere. With a final warning to take care around the pond, Dylan and Chris head to Europe for a month. Enter Karl, a sorcerer created defective water sprite, who energises Ery into painting again. The pair develop a relationship, but complications arise from Karl's need to immerse himself in water and Ery's job. It looks like they will have to part, but the pair get their happy ending in the end.
I wasn't as sold on this book as I was on the first two in the series.I liked the characters, but the story lacked any real substance and felt very rushed at the end.
July 11, 2015
Someone said something disparaging about this book and I almost skipped it.Bad ME! Chris and Dylan invite Ery to house sit while they're traveling enter Karl and he is so interesting. He's amazed by everything with childlike excitement yet has a hundreds of years of experience to know the realities of life.
This is were Fielding has me by the short hairs - Unlike other stories featuring supernatural beings who mix with humans and lose whatever it is that makes them special, she never takes that away from him. Wherever the story goes his wings are not clipped and his magic is not taken away. That's what makes Kim Fielding work for me.
This is were Fielding has me by the short hairs - Unlike other stories featuring supernatural beings who mix with humans and lose whatever it is that makes them special, she never takes that away from him. Wherever the story goes his wings are not clipped and his magic is not taken away. That's what makes Kim Fielding work for me.
October 30, 2014
I enjoyed the book, but didn't find it very believable. I never bonded with Karl or got to the point of seeing him as a real person with feelings. He was too good and that just struck be as being fake and obviously a character in a book. I did like the ending. I kept reading and wondering how this romance was going to work long-term. That was a much better resolution than anything I had come up with.
November 7, 2019
I enjoyed this one but not as much as the first two. Karl was an interesting character but almost childlike in some ways and had absolutely no faults - yes he is a supernatural character but I wanted him to be a more well rounded. I think because of this I found the plot too unbelievable. I did find the resolution fitting and I admit I wondered how they would make things work with the conflict between dreams, career, romance and Karl's need to be near water.
Read
August 14, 2020This is third in a trilogy but actually slants off to follow a secondary character from book 2, Dylan's college friend Ery.
If you read book 2 and wondered what that bit with the werewolf and the pond was, that question will be answered here.
Also connects this series to Astounding!.
If you read book 2 and wondered what that bit with the werewolf and the pond was, that question will be answered here.
Also connects this series to Astounding!.
January 17, 2022
Why isn't this available on audio? I hate it when only half the series is available as audio.
That said, it was worth reading, even if I'd have preferred to listen. I did find myself wishing it were alternating POV - I would have at least like to have seen some of Karl's interactions with Dylan and Chris while Ery was in the city.
That said, it was worth reading, even if I'd have preferred to listen. I did find myself wishing it were alternating POV - I would have at least like to have seen some of Karl's interactions with Dylan and Chris while Ery was in the city.
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February 2, 2022
June 2016: 4.5 stars leaning towards 5 stars
Re-read April 2019: 4 stars.
Re-read April 2019: 4 stars.
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