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Mountain Spirit Mysteries #1
Eagle's Blood
Mountain Book One
Brock Summers is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer with a heart of gold. When he discovers a video of golden eagles being shot and learns of a nest in trouble, not even a blizzard can stop him from trekking up the mountain in an attempt to rescue them.
When Brock returns with the one eaglet he manages to save, Landon Weir, the local wildlife rehabilitator, patches up the bird and the injury Brock suffered during the rescue. Though they have been friends and colleagues for years, their shared passion for protecting wildlife and the feeling of Brock’s body under his hands makes Landon see Brock differently. For the first time, Landon wonders if they can be more than friends.
To Landon’s surprise, Brock asks him out to dinner to thank him for his aid, but before they manage their first date, another video of eagles being killed surfaces. Neither man will let inclement weather, a dangerous mountain, or armed poachers stop them from rescuing the eagles—or each other.
Brock Summers is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer with a heart of gold. When he discovers a video of golden eagles being shot and learns of a nest in trouble, not even a blizzard can stop him from trekking up the mountain in an attempt to rescue them.
When Brock returns with the one eaglet he manages to save, Landon Weir, the local wildlife rehabilitator, patches up the bird and the injury Brock suffered during the rescue. Though they have been friends and colleagues for years, their shared passion for protecting wildlife and the feeling of Brock’s body under his hands makes Landon see Brock differently. For the first time, Landon wonders if they can be more than friends.
To Landon’s surprise, Brock asks him out to dinner to thank him for his aid, but before they manage their first date, another video of eagles being killed surfaces. Neither man will let inclement weather, a dangerous mountain, or armed poachers stop them from rescuing the eagles—or each other.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2014
1 person is currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Marcus
132 books34 followersA.J. Marcus grew up in Texas. He’s always had a fascination with cowboys, comic books and the great outdoors. He started writing in high school and at times spent more time writing than he did reading, and he’s a voracious reader. Maybe it was growing up in Texas, but his love of rugged men showed up even before he realized what was going on. He likes his men manly, hard, tough and caring, men with hearts, and other parts, as big as Texas.
A.J. currently lives near Colorado Springs, Colorado with his loving partner and several horses. The men here are still men.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AJ-Marc...
A.J. currently lives near Colorado Springs, Colorado with his loving partner and several horses. The men here are still men.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AJ-Marc...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 22, 2014
This was a lovely look at two boys with similar interests finding each other. It is very romantic and well written.
The wildlife subplot is extremely detailed and interesting. But the bit about trying to stop people killing the birds is just sad.
It builds to quite a action-packed climax. So even though in my mind, I remember it as quiet and thoughtful, there is a strong kinda violent bit too. But it also has a very nice resolution.
I will be interested to see how this develops as a series.
The wildlife subplot is extremely detailed and interesting. But the bit about trying to stop people killing the birds is just sad.
It builds to quite a action-packed climax. So even though in my mind, I remember it as quiet and thoughtful, there is a strong kinda violent bit too. But it also has a very nice resolution.
I will be interested to see how this develops as a series.
June 11, 2014
1.5 stars (for a couple of solid action scenes and a few breathtaking descriptions of scenery)
Far too little interpersonal or even personal conflict. Wait. Was there any? Nope. Personal growth? Wassat?
If there was, it happened at the crossroad of a hamlet--easy to drive through, eyes straight ahead. The two MCs were in love, and it was a be-a-u-ti-ful thing. Blah. But, that's my preference for where I want the struggle.
If you wanna keep it simple--good men (and women) fighting to stop (and punish) bad men doing bad things; bad guys painted with a basic, indistinguishably brush stroke--in order to focus on your love for details about wildlife preservation (thoroughly and impressively researched!), then have at 'er.
Far too little interpersonal or even personal conflict. Wait. Was there any? Nope. Personal growth? Wassat?
If there was, it happened at the crossroad of a hamlet--easy to drive through, eyes straight ahead. The two MCs were in love, and it was a be-a-u-ti-ful thing. Blah. But, that's my preference for where I want the struggle.
If you wanna keep it simple--good men (and women) fighting to stop (and punish) bad men doing bad things; bad guys painted with a basic, indistinguishably brush stroke--in order to focus on your love for details about wildlife preservation (thoroughly and impressively researched!), then have at 'er.
July 14, 2025
I won't repeat the synopsis which is already printed above, just give my opinions here.
I loved the wildlife rehabilitation aspect. I'm a sucker for wildlife and the natural sciences, what can I say? And I learned some new things about some of my favorite wildlife, as well as ones that I'm not familiar with, such as the golden eagles that form the centerpiece of the story.
I also enjoyed the romance. While conflict in a romance can be fun to read, sometimes I just want good, mature people to fall in love and be happy from the get-go. That's how this story happened – they both were old enough and had known each other long enough to be confident in themselves and their relationship. I very much enjoyed that aspect of this book.
The sex scenes were OK. I would have preferred more emotion written into them, especially considering how in love the two protagonists were. The first sex scene happened too soon for my taste, and the second one required more stamina than most middle-aged guys have, even if they're physically fit. I have no qualms about erotica (poke around my profile and that becomes obvious), but in this case I felt the book would have been just as good without it, or with sex scenes that had less physical detail and more emotional detail.
The story got more violent than I expected it to, but not overly graphic on that front. Nothing made my stomach churn, and the violence was necessary for the plot.
Overall, a very enjoyable read.
I loved the wildlife rehabilitation aspect. I'm a sucker for wildlife and the natural sciences, what can I say? And I learned some new things about some of my favorite wildlife, as well as ones that I'm not familiar with, such as the golden eagles that form the centerpiece of the story.
I also enjoyed the romance. While conflict in a romance can be fun to read, sometimes I just want good, mature people to fall in love and be happy from the get-go. That's how this story happened – they both were old enough and had known each other long enough to be confident in themselves and their relationship. I very much enjoyed that aspect of this book.
The sex scenes were OK. I would have preferred more emotion written into them, especially considering how in love the two protagonists were. The first sex scene happened too soon for my taste, and the second one required more stamina than most middle-aged guys have, even if they're physically fit. I have no qualms about erotica (poke around my profile and that becomes obvious), but in this case I felt the book would have been just as good without it, or with sex scenes that had less physical detail and more emotional detail.
The story got more violent than I expected it to, but not overly graphic on that front. Nothing made my stomach churn, and the violence was necessary for the plot.
Overall, a very enjoyable read.
May 9, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
There was something about Eagle's Blood by A.J. Marcus that struck me by surprise: it was such a solid and confident piece of visual read. Maybe it is because the author is a naturalist at heart, or maybe because he was writing about something he was passionate about, or maybe he just wrote something about a piece of his life and the words just kept flowing.
I have never read Mr. Marcus, I don't even know what he looks like, and yet through this one piece of work, I saw him in it. His passion for the survival of the endangered and the trampled upon animals around us was very obvious in this spirited work that not many would connect with: poaching.
In this first installment of the Mountain Spirit series, we see two men who had known each other for quite a while finally realizing that maybe they could have a relationship that did not just involve the injured critters they stumble upon and care for. We have Brock Summers, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer, is a gentle giant of a man. He may be physically huge but his love for the animals he guards was just as huge. Then we have Landon Weir, a wildlife rehabilitator whose mental focus was mainly for the creatures brought to his care. Saying the attraction developing between the two men was slow on the onset is an understatement as when the book opens, it was established that these two had known each other for a long time. It was Landon's caring for Brock's mild injuries after rescuing an eaglet that sort of opened Landon's eyes and made him realize that he was no longer caring for a critter, but for a firm and solid man. Brock. Thing is, neither man could confirm the other was gay. As both were not 'out' in the open, they were hesitant to ask the other out on a date.
Well, Brock finally found his voice, and what do you know? That was the beginning of a beautiful romance.
Eagle's Blood is a highly visual book and there were times when the author went a bit further and made it auditory. His descriptive word of the wildlife and the territory the creatures claimed never stepped on the encyclopedic, it was written from a very personal level. This is a type of writing I could relate to, the type of work I could honestly say I had no heart to put down for fear of missing out on a good scene. The romance factor was a bonus for me, with both Brock's and Landon's developing feelings for each other not made the main focus but just the icing on a beautifully baked cake.
This may be an MM story, but this was really a story about how each individual can have an impact on the environment, even the poachers. This is a story that makes us even more aware that despite all of the laws implemented, poachers will rise to the front and claim their right to kill and destroy for money. This is the story of the brave and determined few who are misunderstood for their love of the wild creatures. A highly visual read I could not put down.
P.S. Awesome action scene!!!!
There was something about Eagle's Blood by A.J. Marcus that struck me by surprise: it was such a solid and confident piece of visual read. Maybe it is because the author is a naturalist at heart, or maybe because he was writing about something he was passionate about, or maybe he just wrote something about a piece of his life and the words just kept flowing.
I have never read Mr. Marcus, I don't even know what he looks like, and yet through this one piece of work, I saw him in it. His passion for the survival of the endangered and the trampled upon animals around us was very obvious in this spirited work that not many would connect with: poaching.
In this first installment of the Mountain Spirit series, we see two men who had known each other for quite a while finally realizing that maybe they could have a relationship that did not just involve the injured critters they stumble upon and care for. We have Brock Summers, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer, is a gentle giant of a man. He may be physically huge but his love for the animals he guards was just as huge. Then we have Landon Weir, a wildlife rehabilitator whose mental focus was mainly for the creatures brought to his care. Saying the attraction developing between the two men was slow on the onset is an understatement as when the book opens, it was established that these two had known each other for a long time. It was Landon's caring for Brock's mild injuries after rescuing an eaglet that sort of opened Landon's eyes and made him realize that he was no longer caring for a critter, but for a firm and solid man. Brock. Thing is, neither man could confirm the other was gay. As both were not 'out' in the open, they were hesitant to ask the other out on a date.
Well, Brock finally found his voice, and what do you know? That was the beginning of a beautiful romance.
Eagle's Blood is a highly visual book and there were times when the author went a bit further and made it auditory. His descriptive word of the wildlife and the territory the creatures claimed never stepped on the encyclopedic, it was written from a very personal level. This is a type of writing I could relate to, the type of work I could honestly say I had no heart to put down for fear of missing out on a good scene. The romance factor was a bonus for me, with both Brock's and Landon's developing feelings for each other not made the main focus but just the icing on a beautifully baked cake.
This may be an MM story, but this was really a story about how each individual can have an impact on the environment, even the poachers. This is a story that makes us even more aware that despite all of the laws implemented, poachers will rise to the front and claim their right to kill and destroy for money. This is the story of the brave and determined few who are misunderstood for their love of the wild creatures. A highly visual read I could not put down.
P.S. Awesome action scene!!!!
November 19, 2014
C+
I loved the premise of this book. I thought it was a unique plot line and it felt new and interesting. The story unfortunately didn’t appeal to me as much as I wanted it to.
Brock is a wildlife officer. We meet him trying desperately to save a little baby eagle. He has a passion for his job, and the wildlife of Colorado. Sometimes it causes tension because he pushes what is prudent in his job, for the good of the animals. I liked his relationship with his friend and work partner and also his love for his doggy. Come on, a man who loves and spoils his dog is a huge turn on.
Landon is a more spiritual man. He works hard to care for the wildlife rescued. He is careful and intentional in his care for them. One of the things I liked about him in this story was the realism of the constant care. He wasn’t able to miss feedings, cage cleaning, and his volunteers were all trained and acted like it.
Although they had known each other, working in similar environments, it wasn’t until they were brought into a mystery about a poacher that they spent real time together and sparks hit.
Here is where I struggled with the book. Things just snapped into place too perfectly. Brock was beautiful and manly and the perfect wildlife officer. Landon, perfect lean body with perfect rehabilitation center. And together they perfectly come together perfectly. The sex was perfect, the way they communicated was perfect and of course the mystery was perfectly solved. It was too much. I need a flaw or two so they seem human, and these men just didn't have one.
It’s still a cute story. And I stand by my stance that the premise was unique. A simple sweet story. If you are looking for easy and don’t want complex and angst then this is a book for you.
Reviewed by Beans
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
I loved the premise of this book. I thought it was a unique plot line and it felt new and interesting. The story unfortunately didn’t appeal to me as much as I wanted it to.
Brock is a wildlife officer. We meet him trying desperately to save a little baby eagle. He has a passion for his job, and the wildlife of Colorado. Sometimes it causes tension because he pushes what is prudent in his job, for the good of the animals. I liked his relationship with his friend and work partner and also his love for his doggy. Come on, a man who loves and spoils his dog is a huge turn on.
Landon is a more spiritual man. He works hard to care for the wildlife rescued. He is careful and intentional in his care for them. One of the things I liked about him in this story was the realism of the constant care. He wasn’t able to miss feedings, cage cleaning, and his volunteers were all trained and acted like it.
Although they had known each other, working in similar environments, it wasn’t until they were brought into a mystery about a poacher that they spent real time together and sparks hit.
Here is where I struggled with the book. Things just snapped into place too perfectly. Brock was beautiful and manly and the perfect wildlife officer. Landon, perfect lean body with perfect rehabilitation center. And together they perfectly come together perfectly. The sex was perfect, the way they communicated was perfect and of course the mystery was perfectly solved. It was too much. I need a flaw or two so they seem human, and these men just didn't have one.
It’s still a cute story. And I stand by my stance that the premise was unique. A simple sweet story. If you are looking for easy and don’t want complex and angst then this is a book for you.
Reviewed by Beans
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
May 16, 2014
Madam Aus reviews Eagle’s Blood by AJ Marcus
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: I never would have thought it but I just love a story where the two MC’s actually date and go through stuff that the rest of us do. Brock and Landon are working friends when this story opens, and have been for a few years. Something quite innocuous happens and they both start to see each other in a new, ‘dating material’ light. Of course we have the whole MM ‘is he gay?’ and the more universal, ‘Does he like me THAT way?’ until someone takes a chance and it takes off.
Now this story has an added twist in that they are both trying to stop some illegal trade in feathers, which has resulted in the deaths of nesting eagles and in some cases their chicks. The difference with this kind of suspense is that Brock and Landon are not in immediate danger, ie THEY are not being targeted, rather they are trying to stop these poachers who are also posting their kills on the internet. Intermingled ,these two elements, (dating and a common cause) actually balance each other out.
It does take a while but these guys together are explosively hot. They switch it up and do not have trouble doing so. Their first time in bed is a fantastic scene.. In fact my quote comes from the end of that scene… Incredibly compatible indeed… I enjoyed reading these two, AJ Marcus has hit a great balance with the ecological and natural information actually supporting and moving the story onwards n not bogging it down. I did find that in one or two places the pace slowed down but that wasn’t to say it was too detrimenta,l cause I didn’t skim, which is what I do when things get too technical or I am told too much.
This is another one I picked on blurb alone, which I find I like doing more and more cause I love to discover a new (for me or even a first time writer) author who I enjoy the ‘voice’ of. And Eagle’s Blood did that for me. Two hot MC’s and their besties were women… Yay I love to see good strong female secondary characters. I really enjoyed this and know that if you pick it up you will too.
http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
REVIEW: I never would have thought it but I just love a story where the two MC’s actually date and go through stuff that the rest of us do. Brock and Landon are working friends when this story opens, and have been for a few years. Something quite innocuous happens and they both start to see each other in a new, ‘dating material’ light. Of course we have the whole MM ‘is he gay?’ and the more universal, ‘Does he like me THAT way?’ until someone takes a chance and it takes off.
Now this story has an added twist in that they are both trying to stop some illegal trade in feathers, which has resulted in the deaths of nesting eagles and in some cases their chicks. The difference with this kind of suspense is that Brock and Landon are not in immediate danger, ie THEY are not being targeted, rather they are trying to stop these poachers who are also posting their kills on the internet. Intermingled ,these two elements, (dating and a common cause) actually balance each other out.
It does take a while but these guys together are explosively hot. They switch it up and do not have trouble doing so. Their first time in bed is a fantastic scene.. In fact my quote comes from the end of that scene… Incredibly compatible indeed… I enjoyed reading these two, AJ Marcus has hit a great balance with the ecological and natural information actually supporting and moving the story onwards n not bogging it down. I did find that in one or two places the pace slowed down but that wasn’t to say it was too detrimenta,l cause I didn’t skim, which is what I do when things get too technical or I am told too much.
This is another one I picked on blurb alone, which I find I like doing more and more cause I love to discover a new (for me or even a first time writer) author who I enjoy the ‘voice’ of. And Eagle’s Blood did that for me. Two hot MC’s and their besties were women… Yay I love to see good strong female secondary characters. I really enjoyed this and know that if you pick it up you will too.
May 21, 2016
Eagle’s Blood is Mountain Spirit Mysteries Book 1. A.J. Marcus introduces us to Brock Summers, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer and Landon Weir, a wildlife rehabilitator. Both men are dedicated, determined and capable. Even a blizzard does not stop Brock from saving a baby golden eagle and bringing it to Landon for care. Someone is shooting eagles and both men are determined to put a stop to it, even if it means facing danger.
The two heroes of this story are quite admirable in their determination to help Colorado’s wildlife. For them, their job is not just a job but a calling. Although they knew each other for years, working together to find the eagle poachers have them looking at each other differently and soon romance blossoms. The book is slow to start but builds in intensity and soon you do not want to put it down. The plot was realistic and the setting made for some delicious visions. It was amazing to watch the growing relationship of Brock and Landon and how many of the secondary characters contributed. A.J. Marcus has created an amazing cast of characters. Each one makes the story richer. So, pick up Eagle’s Blood, sit back, relax and prepare to be entertained.
The two heroes of this story are quite admirable in their determination to help Colorado’s wildlife. For them, their job is not just a job but a calling. Although they knew each other for years, working together to find the eagle poachers have them looking at each other differently and soon romance blossoms. The book is slow to start but builds in intensity and soon you do not want to put it down. The plot was realistic and the setting made for some delicious visions. It was amazing to watch the growing relationship of Brock and Landon and how many of the secondary characters contributed. A.J. Marcus has created an amazing cast of characters. Each one makes the story richer. So, pick up Eagle’s Blood, sit back, relax and prepare to be entertained.
May 18, 2020
A fairly slow and steady start, with the story gathering some momentum as it got to the end.
Landon and Brock have known each other for a while so this is not a fast moving romance! They do get together but their relationship is not the main story focus - that is saved for the bird killing.
The nasty evidence of the killings is posted online, giving our intrepid duo clues but usually too late. The criminals are eventually identified and all is resolved in a dramatic ending.
The development of Landon and Marcus’ characters is a bit lacking so I don’t feel I have a great handle on them. But I shall get the next book to see how they develop.
I did greatly enjoy the scenery and the animals (though I appreciate it is a colloquialism, I did get a bit fed up of the critters reference) and there is obviously a lot of knowledge there.
Landon and Brock have known each other for a while so this is not a fast moving romance! They do get together but their relationship is not the main story focus - that is saved for the bird killing.
The nasty evidence of the killings is posted online, giving our intrepid duo clues but usually too late. The criminals are eventually identified and all is resolved in a dramatic ending.
The development of Landon and Marcus’ characters is a bit lacking so I don’t feel I have a great handle on them. But I shall get the next book to see how they develop.
I did greatly enjoy the scenery and the animals (though I appreciate it is a colloquialism, I did get a bit fed up of the critters reference) and there is obviously a lot of knowledge there.
April 26, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
There is so much goodness going on in this story! From the very first page, I was hooked in. Brock is repelling down a cliff in a blizzard to save an eaglet, which sounds completely crazy, but it really shows you the heart of the man. He’s a Park and Wildlife officer because he believes whole-heartedly that people have to protect wild animals. I loved him. I loved his huge heart and his dedication to the job. I loved his determination. I cheered for him, and was completely invested in both his personal life and his professional one.
Read Kris' review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
There is so much goodness going on in this story! From the very first page, I was hooked in. Brock is repelling down a cliff in a blizzard to save an eaglet, which sounds completely crazy, but it really shows you the heart of the man. He’s a Park and Wildlife officer because he believes whole-heartedly that people have to protect wild animals. I loved him. I loved his huge heart and his dedication to the job. I loved his determination. I cheered for him, and was completely invested in both his personal life and his professional one.
Read Kris' review in its entirety here.
April 2, 2016
This is a story about a wildlife rehabber and a Parks/Wildlife officer. The story is mostly about poachers who are killing eagle's for illegal sales. I found this all really interesting and the author seems to have a good knowledge of all things related to wildlife, care and laws. (Some I know from a rehabber friend and some I googled). If you find this kind of stuff interesting you will probably enjoy this book. If not........yeah I don't know. There is romance in this but it's not the main focus and it's not as well done as the mystery part of the plot. There is a lot of telling about the guy's feelings and very little showing. I didn't really feel their connection at all. I will keep reading these though cuz I love all the animal stuff.
July 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It all seemed to just flow together perfectly. The information sprinkled in amongst the rest of the plot did not take away from the story - it enhanced it. Sometimes that is hard to do and can completely throw the story off.
The relationship between the MCs did develop a little quickly but if you take into account that they've known each other for years, it's not as fast developing as you first think. The poachers' There were a few things that had me wondering but it's nit picking at this point.
The relationship between the MCs did develop a little quickly but if you take into account that they've known each other for years, it's not as fast developing as you first think. The poachers' There were a few things that had me wondering but it's nit picking at this point.
May 6, 2014
3.5 rounded to 4
Good writing and the information about wildlife protection and rehab was great. I enjoyed that part more than the characters; they were a combination of rugged and sappy but it worked. Good story, not overloaded with sex.
Good writing and the information about wildlife protection and rehab was great. I enjoyed that part more than the characters; they were a combination of rugged and sappy but it worked. Good story, not overloaded with sex.
August 11, 2015
this is the first book I've read by this author and I really liked it. I love the main characters and the supporting characters compliment the main ones perfectly. I've already bought the second book and can't wait to read it.
maybe
May 16, 2017Um, what? This was published a few months ago and is already no longer available on Dreamspinner's website? You can still get the paperback at Amazon, probably offloading their stock. Weird.
May 13, 2015
Great story! AJ Marcus just so knowledgeable about different birds in the wild.
June 4, 2016
That is very boring writing style so story plot can not be more than boring.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews