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L'Ange #2
Fighting Instinct
L' Book Two
Only a privileged few know L’Ange’s head of security Arman de Soto is a shifter, and even fewer know he’s been systematically killing off a pack of werewolves. The reason for this vengeance is a secret Arman trusts with no one, quite the opposite of his obvious longtime pursuit of the château’s overseer, Linus Hobbes. Despite Arman’s reputation as a loner, the only thing he needs to complete his life is Linus. Predator and prey just don’t mix—but Arman won’t give him up.
Linus has lived alone for more than seven years, sheltered at L’Ange under an assumed name and hiding secrets of his own, including his terrifying attraction to the most dangerous man he’s ever met. Arman knows Linus should be afraid of the predator stalking him, but Linus is still drawn to him like a moth to a flame, no matter how much he tries to deny his instincts. It’s not until Linus’s past and Arman’s crusade exposes their secrets and opens L’Ange to attack that Arman realizes waiting any longer is a risk he just can’t take. So he’ll have to take his quest to the source of the threat in a gamble to protect L’Ange, Linus, and any future they might have together.
Only a privileged few know L’Ange’s head of security Arman de Soto is a shifter, and even fewer know he’s been systematically killing off a pack of werewolves. The reason for this vengeance is a secret Arman trusts with no one, quite the opposite of his obvious longtime pursuit of the château’s overseer, Linus Hobbes. Despite Arman’s reputation as a loner, the only thing he needs to complete his life is Linus. Predator and prey just don’t mix—but Arman won’t give him up.
Linus has lived alone for more than seven years, sheltered at L’Ange under an assumed name and hiding secrets of his own, including his terrifying attraction to the most dangerous man he’s ever met. Arman knows Linus should be afraid of the predator stalking him, but Linus is still drawn to him like a moth to a flame, no matter how much he tries to deny his instincts. It’s not until Linus’s past and Arman’s crusade exposes their secrets and opens L’Ange to attack that Arman realizes waiting any longer is a risk he just can’t take. So he’ll have to take his quest to the source of the threat in a gamble to protect L’Ange, Linus, and any future they might have together.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2014
147 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
124 books4,989 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
January 25, 2016
i am perverse.
how to explain my feelings?
let me try this way:
i had terrible dreams for many years.
i was grieving, and afraid of more pain.
but when a true catastrophe finally arrived, and there was nothing left to fear because it had all happened already—
i stopped dreaming at all.
i didn't rest; it wasn't peace i had.
i was numb.
terribly wounded, but not afraid anymore.
i felt a kind of release. "there," i thought, "it's done; the loss has occurred, and the pain i was afraid of is here; i will have no more nightmares, and i can move on with my life."
it was true. i had no more bad dreams.
for about five days.
...and then i had the worst nightmare of all.
oh, well!
but i'm thinking of that now because the sheer insanity of that nightmare, the staggering number of poisonous ideas feasting on my mind on that single night—
they were as nothing compared to the crazy in this book.
i must have 30 passages highlighted. at least 30 examples* of things that appalled me, or pissed me off, or made me slightly afraid for the destiny of our great nation. stuff that is really par for the course as far as a mary calmes novel is concerned: horrible tortures and murders, possessiveness-as-love, vile acts of revenge as love-tokens—
silly stuff, too, like entire conversations that are mostly people saying each other's name at one another significantly.
all, "linus!"
and, "arman!"
and, "...linus."
and, "...arman?"
and hot sex, which calmes is really very good at.
but if you've read my review of old loyalty, new love, the previous book in this series, you know i recoil from the bitter heart of such themes.
i am not a vengeful person, and i do not believe in "an eye for an eye," and i do not believe that the only way a person can truly tell you love them is when you wrap a hand around their throat and squeeze a little while growling "mine!"
...and yet.
i want someone to be mine.
mary calmes deals in fairy tales, and anyone who has truly revisited some of our culture's favorites knows that every fondly-remembered tale has at its core a terrible darkness.
because fairy tales were not meant to be entertainments—they were meant to be parables. to teach us what to value.
and what to fear.
of late i've been so angry with the values in calmes's books—the darkness in her fairy tales—because the perversity in them made me uncomfortable. the messages—there is only one true love for you, revenge killing is okay if the victim made you feel really bad that one time, ain't nothin better than a huge dick up your butt—those messages are legit vile.
but i wonder, now, if i have been unfair to these books.
because disaster happened, and the monsters in my own head came for me, and in the midst of this terrible suffering i found that i wanted nothing more than to be stilled by a hand on my throat and a huuuuuuge dick up my ass and my one true love growling into my ear that i belonged to him and no other.
and so...
...as it happens, i...
...kinda enjoyed the fuck outta this book.
and i feel oddly grateful to mary calmes.
for feeding the darkness in me, when the light of my soul was all but crumbs of monster kibble.
i am clearly deranged.
__________________
*
how to explain my feelings?
let me try this way:
i had terrible dreams for many years.
i was grieving, and afraid of more pain.
but when a true catastrophe finally arrived, and there was nothing left to fear because it had all happened already—
i stopped dreaming at all.
i didn't rest; it wasn't peace i had.
i was numb.
terribly wounded, but not afraid anymore.
i felt a kind of release. "there," i thought, "it's done; the loss has occurred, and the pain i was afraid of is here; i will have no more nightmares, and i can move on with my life."
it was true. i had no more bad dreams.
for about five days.
...and then i had the worst nightmare of all.
oh, well!
but i'm thinking of that now because the sheer insanity of that nightmare, the staggering number of poisonous ideas feasting on my mind on that single night—
they were as nothing compared to the crazy in this book.
i must have 30 passages highlighted. at least 30 examples* of things that appalled me, or pissed me off, or made me slightly afraid for the destiny of our great nation. stuff that is really par for the course as far as a mary calmes novel is concerned: horrible tortures and murders, possessiveness-as-love, vile acts of revenge as love-tokens—
silly stuff, too, like entire conversations that are mostly people saying each other's name at one another significantly.
all, "linus!"
and, "arman!"
and, "...linus."
and, "...arman?"
and hot sex, which calmes is really very good at.
but if you've read my review of old loyalty, new love, the previous book in this series, you know i recoil from the bitter heart of such themes.
i am not a vengeful person, and i do not believe in "an eye for an eye," and i do not believe that the only way a person can truly tell you love them is when you wrap a hand around their throat and squeeze a little while growling "mine!"
...and yet.
i want someone to be mine.
mary calmes deals in fairy tales, and anyone who has truly revisited some of our culture's favorites knows that every fondly-remembered tale has at its core a terrible darkness.
because fairy tales were not meant to be entertainments—they were meant to be parables. to teach us what to value.
and what to fear.
of late i've been so angry with the values in calmes's books—the darkness in her fairy tales—because the perversity in them made me uncomfortable. the messages—there is only one true love for you, revenge killing is okay if the victim made you feel really bad that one time, ain't nothin better than a huge dick up your butt—those messages are legit vile.
but i wonder, now, if i have been unfair to these books.
because disaster happened, and the monsters in my own head came for me, and in the midst of this terrible suffering i found that i wanted nothing more than to be stilled by a hand on my throat and a huuuuuuge dick up my ass and my one true love growling into my ear that i belonged to him and no other.
and so...
...as it happens, i...
...kinda enjoyed the fuck outta this book.
and i feel oddly grateful to mary calmes.
for feeding the darkness in me, when the light of my soul was all but crumbs of monster kibble.
i am clearly deranged.
__________________
*
January 30, 2015
2.5 stars
There isn't enough liquor to make the pain go away.
This was not your typical shifter story. Oh, no.
This was a Calmes shifter story. So it was shifters ON CRACK. In full military gear. With GUNS.
Also included: life-sucking ANGST.
But not logic.
Logic: who needs it?
There is ancompound estate called L'Ange somewhere that houses a giant chateaux with decorations and a museum. All kinds of shifters live on this estate. There are jackals, a lion, a stag, and...wouldn't you like to know?
Arman, the narrator of the story, is a shifter, but he can mask his scent, and what animal he becomes is a big, bad secret. Arman is head of security at the estate andobsessed in love with Linus, a stag shifter. Linus was violated and kicked out of his fain (deer pack). Arman's mission is to own and avenge Linus.
Arman and Linus: their relationship, the way they dance around each other, bully each other. It...made...NO FUCKING SENSE.
Both MCs were full-on schizo and entirely inconsistent in their actions. There was a huge leap from Linus acting like he hated Arman to Linus begging for Arman's cock. It made me kind of dizzy.
Arman is a total and complete douche. He just is. And we're supposed to take it. And like it.
Calmes makes a big point of showing how isolated Arman is, how Linus is his ONLY ONE. Arman loves Linus to the exclusion of everyone and everything else, and he makes no apologies for it.
The story picked up after the halfway mark when Arman finishes what he started. But the plot is muddled and convoluted, and the characters' behavior isn't believable.
I'm not gonna lie. Because I'm a sick puppy, I liked all the hot, growly, alpha males running around. I am a sucker for Mine and Always and Love You and I Will Die if You Don't Fuck Me NOW.
Some of the shifter lore Calmes introduced, like the traditions of the fain and tales of Arman's non-pack, was pretty cool.
But the story bordered on nonsensical and tried too hard to be too many things. There were so many long, windy conversations, so much tortured internal dialogue. It talked round and round itself, with random details and dozens of secondary characters thrown in.
It was work to finish. WORK. I need more pleasure with the pain.
There isn't enough liquor to make the pain go away.
This was not your typical shifter story. Oh, no.
This was a Calmes shifter story. So it was shifters ON CRACK. In full military gear. With GUNS.
Also included: life-sucking ANGST.
But not logic.
Logic: who needs it?
There is an
Arman, the narrator of the story, is a shifter, but he can mask his scent, and what animal he becomes is a big, bad secret. Arman is head of security at the estate and
Arman and Linus: their relationship, the way they dance around each other, bully each other. It...made...NO FUCKING SENSE.
Both MCs were full-on schizo and entirely inconsistent in their actions. There was a huge leap from Linus acting like he hated Arman to Linus begging for Arman's cock. It made me kind of dizzy.
Arman is a total and complete douche. He just is. And we're supposed to take it. And like it.
Calmes makes a big point of showing how isolated Arman is, how Linus is his ONLY ONE. Arman loves Linus to the exclusion of everyone and everything else, and he makes no apologies for it.
The story picked up after the halfway mark when Arman finishes what he started. But the plot is muddled and convoluted, and the characters' behavior isn't believable.
I'm not gonna lie. Because I'm a sick puppy, I liked all the hot, growly, alpha males running around. I am a sucker for Mine and Always and Love You and I Will Die if You Don't Fuck Me NOW.
Some of the shifter lore Calmes introduced, like the traditions of the fain and tales of Arman's non-pack, was pretty cool.
But the story bordered on nonsensical and tried too hard to be too many things. There were so many long, windy conversations, so much tortured internal dialogue. It talked round and round itself, with random details and dozens of secondary characters thrown in.
It was work to finish. WORK. I need more pleasure with the pain.
December 12, 2014
Actually, let me tell you later. Right now I'm going to lay down with a bowl of Nutella and a Sterek.
It's called Sterapy.
I just made that up.
***************************************************
Aaand...I'm back.
I have no idea what to say about this book. Is it a clusterfuck? Is it an enjoyable clusterfuck? Is it a great read and I’m just a nitpicker who has, perhaps, read too much Mary Calmes? Should I just say “fuck this shit” and go read A Matter of Time for the 623rd time? WHAT THE FUCKING FUCK IS GOING ON?!?
I’m at a loss, so in lieu of an actual review, here are some of my thoughts upon reading:
1. Okay, the cover. I’m sure that’s supposed to be Arman’s hairy chest but it looks like a bad case of eczema. Seriously, he needs to get that shit checked out ‘cause I am worried.
2. If the title of your series is “L’Ange” please don’t name a (minor) character Lange. It’s CONFUSING.
3. Oh, lookee here, Mary is trying to prove to us that Arman is a fuckhead from an epic line of fuckheads. Prepare yourself, people, ‘cause you’re gonna be SHOCKED by his epic DOUCHINESS. That’s right, he’s a bad man. First example is his jackassery towards Tucker—for those of you who read the first book and are wondering why this book is about Arman and Linus, not Arman and Tucker, here is your answer: Mary says Arman is a douchenozzle. The end.
4. Stop torturing me with DEETS.
a. When you’re in the middle of a fight for your life do you really need to share that your gun has a nickel finish and was a birthday gift from your employer? Quote: “…I fired the Desert Eagle MK VII with the nickel finish Roman gave me for my birthday two years prior point blank into the [maybe a spoiler]’s head.”
b. When you’re getting some road head do I really need to know exactly what type of sports car you’re getting it in? Quote: “‘You shouldn’t—Linus!’ I yelled, hands braced against the ceiling of my Maserati Ghibli, unable to move as he swallowed down my already seeping dick.”
c. When you’re buying an illegal weapon do I really need to know what kind of coats you and your boyfriend are wearing? Quote: “Linus shed his Burberry mid-length wool and cashmere coat, and I shrugged out of my shearling and brown leather jacket.”
5. 47%. Oh my god, I am. SO. BORED.
Okay, that’s enough. I can't do anymore. Mary has written worse books yet this is the first one I've had to force myself to finish. Everything I just complained about--none of that really matters. The excessive details, the soap opera plots, the repetitive characters--these are the things that make me love books like A Matter of Time, Timing or Change of Heart. They're the very things that make Mary Calmes AWESOME.
But this book? This book started as over the top, became nonsensical and then moved on to chockablock of ridiculousness that left me exhausted and bored. And boredom means I DON'T CARE. I don’t care what kind of shifter Arman is, or what kind of badass Linus turns into or that Arman’s giant dick can apparently create entirely new personalities. I don’t care about the dead people or Linus’ tragic past or all the people who were really, super mean to him. I don’t care that both Arman and Linus are schizophrenic and should probably cut sugar and caffeine from their diets and then get their auras massaged. I don’t care about the 42 new characters that are introduced in the last 25% of the book.
Present me with the worst book in the world and I may give it 3 stars just for entertainment value. But this is not the worst book in the world...this is just meh. And that sucks.
February 13, 2015
Occasionally, Mary Calmes goes way too over the top. This is one of those times.
Spoilers below.
This review is going to be a collection of gifs. Partly because I'm feeling lazy. But mostly because I came across a Buzzfeed article about the 'Real Housewives'. Even though I've never seen any version of that show, that article is gif gold!
First, my feelings regarding Arman:
Seriously, the dude needs help. And so does Linus. I'm not sure in what world serial killing is "romantic."
Yes, I understand that Linus has been through some horrific things, but Linus, you know who's as much of a monster as the people who abused you?
I couldn't help but compare this book to Mary Calmes' Mine. I actually liked 'Mine' a lot. Even though the couple in that book was bonkers as well, at least they actually had chemistry, and their craziness was restricted to each other, it didn't extend to everyone they knew.
So, what about when Linus and Arman weren't doing crazy illegal shit? Well, I was bored.
Really, nothing happened except that the two almost had sex a bunch of times. But, of course, they didn't get to it till way later, because Mary is a master at cockblocking.
Oh, and Linus spent a lot of time trying to convince Arman that he wasn't batshit crazy.
And I've got to give credit to Arman, for not deluding himself. He knows, and accepts, that he's not a good guy. Because as my girl Phaedra said:
Just replace 'slut' with 'psycho' and you'll get my point. Also, I honestly have no idea who Phaedra is.
If I'm being honest, I think I'm jumping off the Calmes train.
Her last few books have just been really disappointing. And I know it's not that I'm tired of her fluff charm, because I still go back and read her earlier books all the time. The problem is that her fluff and over-the-top scenarios have just gotten waaaay too out of control.
And it's also not that I don't like reading dark stuff, because I love dark reads. What I don't like is dark themes being played off as romantic fluff.
So 2 stars for 'Fighting Instinct'. And that's me rounding up from 1.5, because Mary Calmes was one of the main reasons I began reading MM in the first place. I'm hoping her releases in 2015 are much better than the ones from this year.
I'd also like to take a moment to salute the women of 'Real Housewives'. May your weaves/extensions remain luscious. May your bank accounts (or your husband's) grow, and your credit cards never max out. And may your botox injections make your skin as smooth as a baby's bottom, and as dead-looking as a wax statue. Stay classy, ladies.
Spoilers below.
This review is going to be a collection of gifs. Partly because I'm feeling lazy. But mostly because I came across a Buzzfeed article about the 'Real Housewives'. Even though I've never seen any version of that show, that article is gif gold!
First, my feelings regarding Arman:
Seriously, the dude needs help. And so does Linus. I'm not sure in what world serial killing is "romantic."
Yes, I understand that Linus has been through some horrific things, but Linus, you know who's as much of a monster as the people who abused you?
I couldn't help but compare this book to Mary Calmes' Mine. I actually liked 'Mine' a lot. Even though the couple in that book was bonkers as well, at least they actually had chemistry, and their craziness was restricted to each other, it didn't extend to everyone they knew.
So, what about when Linus and Arman weren't doing crazy illegal shit? Well, I was bored.
Really, nothing happened except that the two almost had sex a bunch of times. But, of course, they didn't get to it till way later, because Mary is a master at cockblocking.
Oh, and Linus spent a lot of time trying to convince Arman that he wasn't batshit crazy.
And I've got to give credit to Arman, for not deluding himself. He knows, and accepts, that he's not a good guy. Because as my girl Phaedra said:
Just replace 'slut' with 'psycho' and you'll get my point. Also, I honestly have no idea who Phaedra is.
If I'm being honest, I think I'm jumping off the Calmes train.
Her last few books have just been really disappointing. And I know it's not that I'm tired of her fluff charm, because I still go back and read her earlier books all the time. The problem is that her fluff and over-the-top scenarios have just gotten waaaay too out of control.
And it's also not that I don't like reading dark stuff, because I love dark reads. What I don't like is dark themes being played off as romantic fluff.
So 2 stars for 'Fighting Instinct'. And that's me rounding up from 1.5, because Mary Calmes was one of the main reasons I began reading MM in the first place. I'm hoping her releases in 2015 are much better than the ones from this year.
I'd also like to take a moment to salute the women of 'Real Housewives'. May your weaves/extensions remain luscious. May your bank accounts (or your husband's) grow, and your credit cards never max out. And may your botox injections make your skin as smooth as a baby's bottom, and as dead-looking as a wax statue. Stay classy, ladies.
January 16, 2018
4 Stars
A Mary Calmes shifter story is my absolute favourite kind of Mary Calmes story! She creates such unique, multifaceted shifter worlds, featuring richly complex and wholly original shifter lore, while also keeping true to all the fun, sexy, and possessive tropes that I enjoy so much when reading shifter themed romances. If you’re looking for all the delicious mating and claiming and MINE (!!) moments, then look no further, because the L’Ange series has it all in abundance.
As is Calmes’ way, there seems to be a million things going on at once, keeping the story fast-paced and completely riveting from start to finish. It doesn’t really matter that a lot of what is going on is pure madness and largely nonsensical – part of the fun of reading a story by Calmes is in knowing that the characters are half-mad (even the ones you like), and that the happenings (so, so many happenings) will be outrageous in nature and scope. It all just adds to the entertainment factor, in my opinion.
I think the reason that I love Calmes’ shifter stories so much, is because her rendition of the shifter archetype is most like what I’d actually imagine shifters to be like (should they actually exist). Her shifters are extremely territorial in their environments and towards their mates, and they’re appropriately animalistic in a sense that they often exhibit shows of bloodthirstiness, brutality, protectiveness, and even levels of fear or fearlessness, which are all behaviours apropos of any given shifter's particular animal form, as relating to their status as either predator or prey. I particularly liked how these kinds of innate animal instincts were explored between the MCs, Arman and Linus, as they merged together as a mated couple even though by nature they were at odds.
You seriously never know what will happen next in a Calmes story, either. You’d think the unpredictable-ness would actually help the reader learn to predict better, but alas, I seem to never know what to expect from these stories, except that it will possibly be outrageous and it will possibly be maddening, but in the end it will most definitely always be fun and romantic.
Overall, I enjoyed Linus and Arman’s story, both for the climax of their long-overdue romance, and also for the action and adventure of it all.
Note: The L’Ange books are not standalone reads. Make the smart choice and read them in intended order, or risk having the reaction of perplexed what-the-fuckery.
A Mary Calmes shifter story is my absolute favourite kind of Mary Calmes story! She creates such unique, multifaceted shifter worlds, featuring richly complex and wholly original shifter lore, while also keeping true to all the fun, sexy, and possessive tropes that I enjoy so much when reading shifter themed romances. If you’re looking for all the delicious mating and claiming and MINE (!!) moments, then look no further, because the L’Ange series has it all in abundance.
As is Calmes’ way, there seems to be a million things going on at once, keeping the story fast-paced and completely riveting from start to finish. It doesn’t really matter that a lot of what is going on is pure madness and largely nonsensical – part of the fun of reading a story by Calmes is in knowing that the characters are half-mad (even the ones you like), and that the happenings (so, so many happenings) will be outrageous in nature and scope. It all just adds to the entertainment factor, in my opinion.
I think the reason that I love Calmes’ shifter stories so much, is because her rendition of the shifter archetype is most like what I’d actually imagine shifters to be like (should they actually exist). Her shifters are extremely territorial in their environments and towards their mates, and they’re appropriately animalistic in a sense that they often exhibit shows of bloodthirstiness, brutality, protectiveness, and even levels of fear or fearlessness, which are all behaviours apropos of any given shifter's particular animal form, as relating to their status as either predator or prey. I particularly liked how these kinds of innate animal instincts were explored between the MCs, Arman and Linus, as they merged together as a mated couple even though by nature they were at odds.
You seriously never know what will happen next in a Calmes story, either. You’d think the unpredictable-ness would actually help the reader learn to predict better, but alas, I seem to never know what to expect from these stories, except that it will possibly be outrageous and it will possibly be maddening, but in the end it will most definitely always be fun and romantic.
Overall, I enjoyed Linus and Arman’s story, both for the climax of their long-overdue romance, and also for the action and adventure of it all.
Note: The L’Ange books are not standalone reads. Make the smart choice and read them in intended order, or risk having the reaction of perplexed what-the-fuckery.
January 27, 2020
3.5 Stars
I’ve got to give credit to Calmes. She definitely keeps things interesting when she writes about her shifters, bringing all sorts of new dynamics, new types of animals, and new cultures, lore and legends.
Still strongly connected with MC’s Roman and Quade from Old Loyalty, New Love, this book expands on two prominent side characters. Linus has been through a seriously awful betrayal, one that cost him his family and nearly his very life. When he’s given the opportunity to find sanctuary at L’Ange, he grabs it and doesn’t let go. It doesn’t hurt that the one man sworn to protect Linus instills with him the peace he’d thought he’d never find. He’s just afraid to take that next step towards bliss.
That man is Arman, and the second he lays eyes on Linus he knows Linus is the one for him. It doesn't matter that Linus is a stag and Arman is a predator. Arman is inexplicably drawn to the man and secretly goes about wrecking vengeance on all those who hurt him with a singular purpose.
Now granted, it takes an inordinate amount of time for Arman and Linus to get together in the grand scheme of things, but once they take that fateful step (finally!!) it’s no holds barred when it comes to sealing their mate bond.
All the props to Calmes for writing about the absurd and somehow making the reader accept it as truth. I enjoyed the push pull of predator and prey, as Arman and Linus battle wits and base instincts. They shouldn’t work but of course they do!! Fans should have no problem enjoying this as it has plenty of proprietary claiming, bad guys getting their due (though never gruesome enough for my tastes) and finally, Arman and Linus basking in their lurve like they were always meant to do. I have to say though, this pales in comparison to Change of Heart, which still reigns supreme for indulgent OTT nonsensical shifter shenanigans!
I’ve got to give credit to Calmes. She definitely keeps things interesting when she writes about her shifters, bringing all sorts of new dynamics, new types of animals, and new cultures, lore and legends.
Still strongly connected with MC’s Roman and Quade from Old Loyalty, New Love, this book expands on two prominent side characters. Linus has been through a seriously awful betrayal, one that cost him his family and nearly his very life. When he’s given the opportunity to find sanctuary at L’Ange, he grabs it and doesn’t let go. It doesn’t hurt that the one man sworn to protect Linus instills with him the peace he’d thought he’d never find. He’s just afraid to take that next step towards bliss.
That man is Arman, and the second he lays eyes on Linus he knows Linus is the one for him. It doesn't matter that Linus is a stag and Arman is a predator. Arman is inexplicably drawn to the man and secretly goes about wrecking vengeance on all those who hurt him with a singular purpose.
Now granted, it takes an inordinate amount of time for Arman and Linus to get together in the grand scheme of things, but once they take that fateful step (finally!!) it’s no holds barred when it comes to sealing their mate bond.
All the props to Calmes for writing about the absurd and somehow making the reader accept it as truth. I enjoyed the push pull of predator and prey, as Arman and Linus battle wits and base instincts. They shouldn’t work but of course they do!! Fans should have no problem enjoying this as it has plenty of proprietary claiming, bad guys getting their due (though never gruesome enough for my tastes) and finally, Arman and Linus basking in their lurve like they were always meant to do. I have to say though, this pales in comparison to Change of Heart, which still reigns supreme for indulgent OTT nonsensical shifter shenanigans!
Read
September 28, 2018Umm... WTF?!? I just finished Old Loyalty, New Love and I thought it was pretty fucking obvious that Arman and Tucker were going to be the next couple. So I repeat... W.T.F.
____________________
I guess after 3 years I should take this off my ‘currently reading’ bookshelf?
____________________
I guess after 3 years I should take this off my ‘currently reading’ bookshelf?
March 3, 2015
"Villain of one story, hero of another."
Be still my beating heart. That was so romantic. I am shocked at the emotions I felt while reading this. I laughed and I cried but mostly I just smiled with dreamy eyes. I feel like reading it all over again.
I loved, loved, loved the patience and the care that Arman had with and for Linus. I was bowled over by his conviction. And Linus, he may have to be one of the strongest characters I have ever encountered. The tragedy of his life and his rebirth from it because of trust and safety and love was so beautiful and heartbreaking but so joyful. I loved that once it was decided, once they were both ready they were just together. There was no drama, no games, no angst, they just were.
I love a story about mates but this one I am bumping up as one of my favorites. I felt their connection. It wasn’t normal or even to some, possible, but it was and it was so pretty and perfect and, I will say again, romantic. It was written in the stars and it was destined.
My only complaint was the confusion from the first book. I think everyone expected this book to be about Arman and Tucker. I am glad that it wasn’t but I do feel bad for Tucker. Honestly, I wish it was handled a little different but was jumping with pure joy when I realized it was not at all what I had thought. I am not taking anything away from my rating though, because, romance.
So, I know I am way in the minority with this one. I also know I am a huge Calmes fan but really, I seriously just found this a beautiful love story, one that I want to read again.
Be still my beating heart. That was so romantic. I am shocked at the emotions I felt while reading this. I laughed and I cried but mostly I just smiled with dreamy eyes. I feel like reading it all over again.
I loved, loved, loved the patience and the care that Arman had with and for Linus. I was bowled over by his conviction. And Linus, he may have to be one of the strongest characters I have ever encountered. The tragedy of his life and his rebirth from it because of trust and safety and love was so beautiful and heartbreaking but so joyful. I loved that once it was decided, once they were both ready they were just together. There was no drama, no games, no angst, they just were.
I love a story about mates but this one I am bumping up as one of my favorites. I felt their connection. It wasn’t normal or even to some, possible, but it was and it was so pretty and perfect and, I will say again, romantic. It was written in the stars and it was destined.
My only complaint was the confusion from the first book. I think everyone expected this book to be about Arman and Tucker. I am glad that it wasn’t but I do feel bad for Tucker. Honestly, I wish it was handled a little different but was jumping with pure joy when I realized it was not at all what I had thought. I am not taking anything away from my rating though, because, romance.
So, I know I am way in the minority with this one. I also know I am a huge Calmes fan but really, I seriously just found this a beautiful love story, one that I want to read again.
May 12, 2019
I enjoyed this well enough. I loved Linus. He was sweet and I hurt for him and all he went through.
I was glad to see him grow and become who he was meant to be. Arman was an asshole. Well, to everyone BUT Linus. Which I was glad for. He helped Linus by making him feel safe and he would stop at nothing until everyone who hurt Linus was punished.
But WTF...was all that with Tucker necessary? I feel like MC backed herself into a corner in the last book with making it look like Arman was possessive of Tucker and so she had to make it look like Arman was going to have sex with him but couldn't go through with it since "he didn't want anyone but Linus". Ugh! I hate that shit. Just unnecessary imo...but I'm super picky in mate stories.
And of course, the next one has one mate denying the other which is one of my super pet peeves in mate stories but sadly, I'm going to read it anyway because I want to know how it all plays out. It is Mary Calmes, you see.
I was glad to see him grow and become who he was meant to be. Arman was an asshole. Well, to everyone BUT Linus. Which I was glad for. He helped Linus by making him feel safe and he would stop at nothing until everyone who hurt Linus was punished.
But WTF...was all that with Tucker necessary? I feel like MC backed herself into a corner in the last book with making it look like Arman was possessive of Tucker and so she had to make it look like Arman was going to have sex with him but couldn't go through with it since "he didn't want anyone but Linus". Ugh! I hate that shit. Just unnecessary imo...but I'm super picky in mate stories.
And of course, the next one has one mate denying the other which is one of my super pet peeves in mate stories but sadly, I'm going to read it anyway because I want to know how it all plays out. It is Mary Calmes, you see.
February 14, 2017
"It wasn't that I was some kind of romantic, nothing could be further from the truth, but there was no doubt that Linus was the other half of me."
Did. Not. Enjoy.
I LOVE me some Mary. LOVE. But this one I almost didn't finish. Arman was completely unlikable (his name was kickass though) and it just all felt a bit meh!!
Much preferred the first one and it's highly likely I'll read the next one but this was disappointing.
"Our eyes locked, mine-I knew because I'd had enough lovers tell me-hooded and hot."
Did. Not. Enjoy.
I LOVE me some Mary. LOVE. But this one I almost didn't finish. Arman was completely unlikable (his name was kickass though) and it just all felt a bit meh!!
Much preferred the first one and it's highly likely I'll read the next one but this was disappointing.
"Our eyes locked, mine-I knew because I'd had enough lovers tell me-hooded and hot."
December 15, 2014
Okay, people! Here we go!
I love, love, love me some Mary Calmes crackery! Alas...this one...not as much.
First, I'll say that this book is in no way what I thought it was going to be. At all. I had a bunch of wrongity wrong wrong ideas.
STOP!!! Hammer Time!!! Oh wait. I mean...
MILD SPOILERS ALERT!!! (but no big ones and def not the biggest one)
Soooo, I figured this was going to be a delish triad made up of Arman the mystery shifter, Linus the stag shifter, and Tucker the jackal shifter. Nope. Not at all. Tucker got played, y'all and that is where this book kind of took a sour turn for me. I've come to expect that I'm going to love every character Mary creates, even the rougher and gruffer ones. It's part of what I love about her stuff.
Arman is now the exception to that rule.
I didn't like Arman. I didn't hate him but I also didn't like him. He uses Tucker in a most unfeeling manner, and that I did not like. I kbnow, I know...it's realistic and whatnot but come on people. I don't read Mary's work for the realism. Arman being a dick wasn't expected (though it makes sense later) and I could have done without it.
Since I'm not giving huge spoilers I'm not going to discuss much of the plot. It's kind of a mystery. Kinda. Sorta. It tries. It's Linus' story. Oh, yeah. Linus. Who knew a stag shifter could be kind of a badass. He cries a whoooooole lot but I understood. It managed not to be annoying which surprised me. I liked Linus a lot better than Arman. Then again I liked almost everyone else in the book better than Arman.
Really, that was what screwed this book up for me. Arman. GGGRRrrrrr Arman!!
But! The next book is going to be yummy, I think. My anticipation is almost painful.
I love, love, love me some Mary Calmes crackery! Alas...this one...not as much.
First, I'll say that this book is in no way what I thought it was going to be. At all. I had a bunch of wrongity wrong wrong ideas.
STOP!!! Hammer Time!!! Oh wait. I mean...
MILD SPOILERS ALERT!!! (but no big ones and def not the biggest one)
Soooo, I figured this was going to be a delish triad made up of Arman the mystery shifter, Linus the stag shifter, and Tucker the jackal shifter. Nope. Not at all. Tucker got played, y'all and that is where this book kind of took a sour turn for me. I've come to expect that I'm going to love every character Mary creates, even the rougher and gruffer ones. It's part of what I love about her stuff.
Arman is now the exception to that rule.
I didn't like Arman. I didn't hate him but I also didn't like him. He uses Tucker in a most unfeeling manner, and that I did not like. I kbnow, I know...it's realistic and whatnot but come on people. I don't read Mary's work for the realism. Arman being a dick wasn't expected (though it makes sense later) and I could have done without it.
Since I'm not giving huge spoilers I'm not going to discuss much of the plot. It's kind of a mystery. Kinda. Sorta. It tries. It's Linus' story. Oh, yeah. Linus. Who knew a stag shifter could be kind of a badass. He cries a whoooooole lot but I understood. It managed not to be annoying which surprised me. I liked Linus a lot better than Arman. Then again I liked almost everyone else in the book better than Arman.
Really, that was what screwed this book up for me. Arman. GGGRRrrrrr Arman!!
But! The next book is going to be yummy, I think. My anticipation is almost painful.
January 2, 2016
UPDATED for audio book 5/1/2015
I'm not sure if it's Tristan James' narration, or reading the story again, but I noticed so many new nuances that escaped me last time. Before, I was hung up on certain aspects and I missed the whole. Sort of a seeing only the trees and not the forest thing.
This time around I see the forest. While I still prefer "prettier" shifters, this time around I definitely appreciated the encompassing love Arman and Linus have found together.
I even totally understood the need Arman felt to hunt all those who had participated in harming his mate. I cheered him on this time. Maybe I'm becoming more bloodthirsty? Nah.
Read 01/23/2015
This series just doesn't work for me. I don't know if it's just that I like shifter stories with "pretty" animals (wolf, panther, bear, lion, tiger, etc.) or if there's just a certain je nais se qua missing.
Either way, it's doesn't stoke my fire. Plus, hyenas creep me out. The chuffing "laugh", their ugly faces and bodies...just, creep me out.
Weird thing?
I feel like I need to re-read Jin and Logan's stories again to cleanse my palate. Change of Heart here I come!
I'm not sure if it's Tristan James' narration, or reading the story again, but I noticed so many new nuances that escaped me last time. Before, I was hung up on certain aspects and I missed the whole. Sort of a seeing only the trees and not the forest thing.
This time around I see the forest. While I still prefer "prettier" shifters, this time around I definitely appreciated the encompassing love Arman and Linus have found together.
I even totally understood the need Arman felt to hunt all those who had participated in harming his mate. I cheered him on this time. Maybe I'm becoming more bloodthirsty? Nah.
Read 01/23/2015
This series just doesn't work for me. I don't know if it's just that I like shifter stories with "pretty" animals (wolf, panther, bear, lion, tiger, etc.) or if there's just a certain je nais se qua missing.
Either way, it's doesn't stoke my fire. Plus, hyenas creep me out. The chuffing "laugh", their ugly faces and bodies...just, creep me out.
Weird thing?
I feel like I need to re-read Jin and Logan's stories again to cleanse my palate. Change of Heart here I come!
September 13, 2018
And then there was this one...
'Fighting Instinct' is the second book in the 'L'Ange series' and was also narrated by Tristan James and as with 'Old Loyalty, New Love' and 'Chosen Pride' I was completely enchanted with the arrogant, confident and slightly cocky voices of the alpha men in this series.
So once again a 3 star read that Mr. James's narration made just a little bit more enjoyable and 3 stars became 4 and here's my link to my original review...
Original Review: Fighting Instinct
Sept. 29/30 - What can I say, love this one on audio and I needed a smile...Mary Calmes + Tristan James = smiles for me!
July 11, 2018 - What can I say once I start something I just have to finish it...and there's really nothing new to say here it was Mary Calmes and Tristan James for an afternoon of happiness and my 4 stars I love it even more as an audio book is what it is and I'm already into book 3.
'Fighting Instinct' is the second book in the 'L'Ange series' and was also narrated by Tristan James and as with 'Old Loyalty, New Love' and 'Chosen Pride' I was completely enchanted with the arrogant, confident and slightly cocky voices of the alpha men in this series.
So once again a 3 star read that Mr. James's narration made just a little bit more enjoyable and 3 stars became 4 and here's my link to my original review...
Original Review: Fighting Instinct
Sept. 29/30 - What can I say, love this one on audio and I needed a smile...Mary Calmes + Tristan James = smiles for me!
July 11, 2018 - What can I say once I start something I just have to finish it...and there's really nothing new to say here it was Mary Calmes and Tristan James for an afternoon of happiness and my 4 stars I love it even more as an audio book is what it is and I'm already into book 3.
May 10, 2017
I don't know how to rate Mary Calmes anymore. Is it me? It's her, right?
This book was batshit crazy, and the romantic pair at the centre of it may have been even more psycho than Thingy and Whatshisname from Mine. And shifters!
But I love Mine, so crazy qua crazy doesn't bother me. I think this book seemed more lazy-crazy, like Mary's just phoning it in--it lacks that completely nutso element where Whatshisname wakes up in the middle of the night and Thingy is brooding over him, thinking about carving his name into his skin.
Heh. Good times.
Anyway, if you thought Mine was too over the top, for frack's sake don't read this. Although, if you don't like over the top, Mary Calmes is probably not for you..
This book was batshit crazy, and the romantic pair at the centre of it may have been even more psycho than Thingy and Whatshisname from Mine. And shifters!
But I love Mine, so crazy qua crazy doesn't bother me. I think this book seemed more lazy-crazy, like Mary's just phoning it in--it lacks that completely nutso element where Whatshisname wakes up in the middle of the night and Thingy is brooding over him, thinking about carving his name into his skin.
Heh. Good times.
Anyway, if you thought Mine was too over the top, for frack's sake don't read this. Although, if you don't like over the top, Mary Calmes is probably not for you..
May 13, 2020
2019 Month of Mary reread 5/7/2019: anyone else notice that Mary writes some BRUTAL shifters?
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This started out as a DNF. I made it just past the 50% mark before I gave up. It just wasn't doing anything for me. Then I came across Jennifer's review and decided I might give it another chance. Then I saw that the audio book was out and had Tristan James as the narrator. How could I not? I am very glad I did. Don't get me wrong, I still didn't fall in love like I did with Jory and Sam, but I did enjoy it. So 3* for the story plus an additional star for Tristan James.
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This started out as a DNF. I made it just past the 50% mark before I gave up. It just wasn't doing anything for me. Then I came across Jennifer's review and decided I might give it another chance. Then I saw that the audio book was out and had Tristan James as the narrator. How could I not? I am very glad I did. Don't get me wrong, I still didn't fall in love like I did with Jory and Sam, but I did enjoy it. So 3* for the story plus an additional star for Tristan James.
December 23, 2014
I don't know what is about this author but I basically love everything I read from her to varying degrees. This isn't my favourite from her but not the worst either. Like a few other reviewers I was expecting the romance to be with Tucker, poor guy got the shaft without actually getting the shaft. Still, I liked the characters, the revenge plot, and the romance. Bring on book 3.
January 13, 2019
If I played the drinking game...
You would be reading a review right now that made absolutely no sense. That's right there is a drinking game to accompany this author's books due to the fact that there are some fairly formulaic components to her writing and yet somehow her books are so easy to enjoy. Whether it is because of or in spite of this fact depends on the reader.
This author is a must have for me. Of the 39 titles by her that I own I have 2 remaining to be read. Fighting Instinct is book #2 in her L'Ange series and for me it was slightly better than the first book. I found the relationship between Linus and Arman to be more than a little fascinating.
For anyone not familiar with this series it involves shapeshifters and while shapeshifters aren't my first choice I don't have an issue with the subject and I don't necessarily avoid them. I do however find them a bit done to death. Interestingly enough I also find that people often have the idea that there are some kind of cut and dried rules to writing paranormal stories whether it's vampires, witches, shapeshifters, whatever and this fascinates me because to the best of my knowledge these things aren't real, they don't exist so where did these rules come from and how is it we attribute human morals, values and behaviors to them?
...and this is where I'm going to ramble a bit, so if you'd like to skip this next part feel free. I'll never know, so my feelings won't be hurt in the slightest...
One of my favorite authors and you'll have to forgive me here because it's been years and I'm not 100% sure but I believe it was either MaryJanice Davidson or Charlaine Harris was asked how much research they did when writing their books and basically their response was research? How do you research something that doesn't exist? It's my story so I just decide what is and isn't. This made sense to me. Why do vampires have to be afraid of garlic? As one author's vampires said it doesn't hurt us, it just smells bad (I don't totally agree with that particular vamps viewpoint. I love the smell of garlic when I'm cooking but afterwards when it lingers in the kitchen I get where he's coming from and maybe where the author got that idea from). Why are werewolves weakened by silver? Honestly because somebody somewhere wanted them to be, so they came up with a logical explanation and used it and it stuck because it made sense to people. Why can a wooden stake through the heart kill a vampire? Ok, let's face it a stake through the heart is pretty much going to kill anything, so this one is totally founded in logic except why wood? But in general I get it, I really do. I like things that make sense in real life and in books that reflect real life. But when you throw things like shape shifters and vampires into the mix for me it's time to suspend or at least redefine the rules of logic and reality. And more and more authors are realizing that. Things like the fact that someone else's vampires couldn't walk in daylight because they'd turn into dust, no longer means that theirs have to, maybe it's because they sparkle as if they've been sprinkled with glitter. (I'm sorry, really? I have a hard time being afraid of something that looks like it's covered it glitter, but hey, it worked for the author and it's her story so she gets sparkly, glitter covered vampires).
Ok, I think that's enough rambling hopefully to help me make my next point. Which is why do I find that some things are ok in stories like this and not other stories. Simply it's because when I read a story that isn't set in the real world I've already suspended my perception of what is and isn't real, otherwise how am I suppose to believe in things like vampires and shape shifters I know they don't exist but when I'm reading that book for me to really enjoy the story they have to exist. So in order to do this I have to leave or redefine my moral values and beliefs as well. In the real world would I find what Armand did acceptable...hell no! Would I be ok with the fact that there is an excessive amount of possessiveness in these books. Let's call it 'obsessive possessive' and honestly it's not my thing and again the answer is...hell no! But for this book it was sexy and hot.
So at the end of it, I totally enjoyed this story. I liked Armand and Linus a lot. They were sexy and hot together. I liked that Armand was possessive of Linus and yet, in spite of all he'd been through Linus simply saw it as another facet of the love that Armand had for him and he had no fear of looking at Armand and saying 'no' when Armand's possessiveness was over the top. Which brings me to another thing that I like about Mary Calmes books her characters are frequently over the top, in their looks, behavior, responses, reactions that they garner from people for me it's part of what makes reading her books so much fun. I wait to see just how far over the top things will go and how will she manage to make it ok for that character, in that story.
So if none of this makes any sense, just think of it as the ramblings of someone who may or may not have played the Mary Calmes drinking game and carry on with your day.
3.5 Shots rounded down to 3 in an effort to preserve sobriety ;-)
You would be reading a review right now that made absolutely no sense. That's right there is a drinking game to accompany this author's books due to the fact that there are some fairly formulaic components to her writing and yet somehow her books are so easy to enjoy. Whether it is because of or in spite of this fact depends on the reader.
This author is a must have for me. Of the 39 titles by her that I own I have 2 remaining to be read. Fighting Instinct is book #2 in her L'Ange series and for me it was slightly better than the first book. I found the relationship between Linus and Arman to be more than a little fascinating.
For anyone not familiar with this series it involves shapeshifters and while shapeshifters aren't my first choice I don't have an issue with the subject and I don't necessarily avoid them. I do however find them a bit done to death. Interestingly enough I also find that people often have the idea that there are some kind of cut and dried rules to writing paranormal stories whether it's vampires, witches, shapeshifters, whatever and this fascinates me because to the best of my knowledge these things aren't real, they don't exist so where did these rules come from and how is it we attribute human morals, values and behaviors to them?
...and this is where I'm going to ramble a bit, so if you'd like to skip this next part feel free. I'll never know, so my feelings won't be hurt in the slightest...
One of my favorite authors and you'll have to forgive me here because it's been years and I'm not 100% sure but I believe it was either MaryJanice Davidson or Charlaine Harris was asked how much research they did when writing their books and basically their response was research? How do you research something that doesn't exist? It's my story so I just decide what is and isn't. This made sense to me. Why do vampires have to be afraid of garlic? As one author's vampires said it doesn't hurt us, it just smells bad (I don't totally agree with that particular vamps viewpoint. I love the smell of garlic when I'm cooking but afterwards when it lingers in the kitchen I get where he's coming from and maybe where the author got that idea from). Why are werewolves weakened by silver? Honestly because somebody somewhere wanted them to be, so they came up with a logical explanation and used it and it stuck because it made sense to people. Why can a wooden stake through the heart kill a vampire? Ok, let's face it a stake through the heart is pretty much going to kill anything, so this one is totally founded in logic except why wood? But in general I get it, I really do. I like things that make sense in real life and in books that reflect real life. But when you throw things like shape shifters and vampires into the mix for me it's time to suspend or at least redefine the rules of logic and reality. And more and more authors are realizing that. Things like the fact that someone else's vampires couldn't walk in daylight because they'd turn into dust, no longer means that theirs have to, maybe it's because they sparkle as if they've been sprinkled with glitter. (I'm sorry, really? I have a hard time being afraid of something that looks like it's covered it glitter, but hey, it worked for the author and it's her story so she gets sparkly, glitter covered vampires).
Ok, I think that's enough rambling hopefully to help me make my next point. Which is why do I find that some things are ok in stories like this and not other stories. Simply it's because when I read a story that isn't set in the real world I've already suspended my perception of what is and isn't real, otherwise how am I suppose to believe in things like vampires and shape shifters I know they don't exist but when I'm reading that book for me to really enjoy the story they have to exist. So in order to do this I have to leave or redefine my moral values and beliefs as well. In the real world would I find what Armand did acceptable...hell no! Would I be ok with the fact that there is an excessive amount of possessiveness in these books. Let's call it 'obsessive possessive' and honestly it's not my thing and again the answer is...hell no! But for this book it was sexy and hot.
So at the end of it, I totally enjoyed this story. I liked Armand and Linus a lot. They were sexy and hot together. I liked that Armand was possessive of Linus and yet, in spite of all he'd been through Linus simply saw it as another facet of the love that Armand had for him and he had no fear of looking at Armand and saying 'no' when Armand's possessiveness was over the top. Which brings me to another thing that I like about Mary Calmes books her characters are frequently over the top, in their looks, behavior, responses, reactions that they garner from people for me it's part of what makes reading her books so much fun. I wait to see just how far over the top things will go and how will she manage to make it ok for that character, in that story.
So if none of this makes any sense, just think of it as the ramblings of someone who may or may not have played the Mary Calmes drinking game and carry on with your day.
3.5 Shots rounded down to 3 in an effort to preserve sobriety ;-)
December 21, 2014
Another Mary Calmes winner for me. I'm glad I've had two good ones in a row after one sort of meh one.
I've always enjoyed reading this authors books and I really enjoy her shifter books. The first book in this series was amazing and I loved it! This didn't quite do it for me in the same way, but I still see this as being a 4 star read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Arman and Linus were an awesome couple. I really liked them together. They were both possessive guys, which is awesome for me, and I could tell they really cared about each other. I have a thing for possessive guys in my books, especially when it shows during their sex scenes, which is the case with this book.
The shifter part of the book was awesome. And when everyone found out what type of shifter Arman was, I couldn't stop smiling. The reaction was sort of funny to me and I really enjoyed those scenes. He wasn't what most would call a lovable character. He was a douche, as others have said, but I liked him. I don't even know why, I just did.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but if you're not really a Mary Calmes fan, I would probably avoid this one.
I've always enjoyed reading this authors books and I really enjoy her shifter books. The first book in this series was amazing and I loved it! This didn't quite do it for me in the same way, but I still see this as being a 4 star read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Arman and Linus were an awesome couple. I really liked them together. They were both possessive guys, which is awesome for me, and I could tell they really cared about each other. I have a thing for possessive guys in my books, especially when it shows during their sex scenes, which is the case with this book.
The shifter part of the book was awesome. And when everyone found out what type of shifter Arman was, I couldn't stop smiling. The reaction was sort of funny to me and I really enjoyed those scenes. He wasn't what most would call a lovable character. He was a douche, as others have said, but I liked him. I don't even know why, I just did.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but if you're not really a Mary Calmes fan, I would probably avoid this one.
January 10, 2015
3.5 stars
I am, by no means, an expert in shifter books. This is only my 3rd I've ever read, and if it weren't for a buddy read, I'd probably never have picked this up...despite loving me some Mary Calmes!
So, with my limited experience, and my low-love for our furried friends, I jumped in. And I was pleasantly surprised. There were some classic Calmes in here...there were 100000000 characters, some "mine" loving (though with shifters, apparently since you're "mated", "mine" actually means something!), and lots of name-screaming sex (I wonder how many times "Arman!" was in this book...exclamation point included...)
But I kinda liked how this wasn't her typical insta-love. Arman (a hunky bodyguard with a "killer" instinct and an I'd-do-anything-for-my-man sense of loyalty) had me swooning, as Calmes' alpha MC's tend to do (RAND! SAM!) Linus is the formerly abused, now silghtly battered love of his life. It took 7 years for them to get together. Lots of emotional reasons why. But one that I found most interesting was that Arman's shifter animal (revealed later in the book) is typically a predator and Linus' (a stag) is typically prey. I'd never heard this take before on the animal-lovin'...and I buy into it.
Yet, once they do finally get together...it's kinda beautiful! Not a squick factor at all, which is usually where my face gets all scrunched up and weirded out by the animal thang. Again...the loyalty and love between Arman and Linus is...seriously romantic. I was swimming in sap and loving it. The book really had me engaged.
Now, the story gets a bit convulted in the middle and on it's way to the ending. I think it was interesting, I suppose, all the lore and "world-building" around the various types of shifter clans. But, I was losing interest and the story was a bit all over the place. Speaking of all over the place...Linus was also a hard character to pin down. I'm not quite sure what to think of him. I'll just be happy he's there for Arman to love.
And Arman...yup...me likey. SEXY...though I'll admit, once he revealed what he becomes in shifter form, I googled it immediately and...um...had my reservations. But, I think I can overlook it because he's got guns and knows how to use 'em!
I don't know if I'm now completely sold on shifter stories. But, I'm intrigued by the L'Ange world, and plan to go back and read book 1 (Old Loyalty, New Love)...and definitely read book 3 once it releases.
Not bad...not bad at all...
January 16, 2021
I was really looking forward to reading this book, Arman and Linus's story took my breath away. The predator and the prey brought together by destiny. Their attraction for each other could no longer be denied . Arman has always wanted Linus but Linus due to his past has reservations as to how their relationship would work. There are a lot of surprises in this book, Arman and Tucker being one of them and the suspense of what exactly sort of shifter Arman is, was definitely worth the wait. The power exchange between Arman and Linus albeit only briefly, was also a pleasant surprise. It was nice to see characters from the first book (Old Loyalty, New Love) and we are also introduced to new ones. We got an insight into the horrors that Linus had faced in previous life and how Arman took it upon himself and became his Avenging Angel(That was so hot). They just fit, what more can I say. Looking forward to reading the next instalment in this series, hopefully it would be Jon and Kelvin's story. I solidly recommend this book. 👍👍👍👍👍
February 6, 2017
3.5 stars
This was better than I expected. Yes, Arman was an asshole. Yes, he was also a serial killer. But I melted with how much he loved Linus and how he would do anything for him. That made it better for me to endure him.
Arman is an arrogant ass for this entire book, but never to Linus, just to other people. So I was okay with that.
Arman is a shifter, working as head of security for Roman Howell. He has also been trying to court Linus, a white deer shifter, for the past 7 years. But Linus is broken because of terrible abuse in his past, so he doesn’t let anyone get close.
Except Arman of course.
It is time for Linus to finally give in to Arman. And when he decides that, he jumps in with his whole heart…
I loved the sweetness of the relationship. It was very Mary. Arman was possessive to the max and Linus the sweet blushing man who would do anything for Arman.
I was a bit surprised at the fact that Arman was killing off everyone who hurt Linus in the past. And not as a shifter, no, just with his gun. Like a true serial killer. Alright then.
Unfortunately around halfway through I got the feeling Mary was trying to come up with all this new shifter stuff. I think she pulled all these new rules out of thin air. And the words! I was so confused. Not as much as I was with Change of Heart, but still, it was ridiculous shit.
But overall the relationship gave me all the warm fuzzies, so I ended up enjoying it a lot.
This was better than I expected. Yes, Arman was an asshole. Yes, he was also a serial killer. But I melted with how much he loved Linus and how he would do anything for him. That made it better for me to endure him.
Arman is an arrogant ass for this entire book, but never to Linus, just to other people. So I was okay with that.
Arman is a shifter, working as head of security for Roman Howell. He has also been trying to court Linus, a white deer shifter, for the past 7 years. But Linus is broken because of terrible abuse in his past, so he doesn’t let anyone get close.
Except Arman of course.
It is time for Linus to finally give in to Arman. And when he decides that, he jumps in with his whole heart…
I loved the sweetness of the relationship. It was very Mary. Arman was possessive to the max and Linus the sweet blushing man who would do anything for Arman.
I was a bit surprised at the fact that Arman was killing off everyone who hurt Linus in the past. And not as a shifter, no, just with his gun. Like a true serial killer. Alright then.
Unfortunately around halfway through I got the feeling Mary was trying to come up with all this new shifter stuff. I think she pulled all these new rules out of thin air. And the words! I was so confused. Not as much as I was with Change of Heart, but still, it was ridiculous shit.
But overall the relationship gave me all the warm fuzzies, so I ended up enjoying it a lot.
December 18, 2016
Bumping this up another star because I loved it more this time around.
Everything I want to say about this book can be found in Red's review
September 28, 2016
Wow. So...how to rate this. I guess I'll go with two and a half, rounded up to three, stars since I was relatively entertained and there were some of those really beautiful moments that Mary Calmes is so good at, but...
I pretty much hated the first half of this book. The second half was better, but I had to force myself to forget all the crap from the first half so I could stand the characters.
I pretty much hated the first half of this book. The second half was better, but I had to force myself to forget all the crap from the first half so I could stand the characters.
January 24, 2018
It's been a while since I read Mary Calmes's very special brand of cray-cray. But after I read some recent reviews, I decided it was time to go in again.
Don't get me wrong, I usually love this author's unique craziness. Even though it's OTT AF, I just can't stop reading once I start one of her books, her style is addictive. I'm kind of embarrassed to say that I don't even know the exact number of times I've read her 'Matter of Time' series.
But I also love her other shifters series, so I was optimistic about this one. I'm glad to say that I wasn't wrong, I liked it a lot.
Linus and Arman are classic Calmes MCs. They're beautiful, they're possessive, almost everyone love them, and they loooove each other. Like really, they LOVE each other.
It's totally legit here though, since they're both shifters, everything is more intense. In a totally good way! Most of the time at least...
I dig characters that can't live without each other, so obviously I enjoyed their crazy-yet-hot connection. I also liked the fact that they knew (and wanted) each other for s-e-v-e-n years before they decided to be together, it made sense because Linus had to get over some major trauma.
I really loved the variety of shifters here. I mean, a stag shifter, that's new! And a little refreshing after reading about wolves all the time. I appreciated it.
This book is a little more 'dark' than her other books. Linus has a really fucked up past. Seriously, when he talked about it - I was like...
It's pretty horrific, so prepare yourselves.
But maybe that's why I totally accepted the fact that Arman is some kind of a crazy serial killer. He killed dozens of people/shifters, and it didn't feel as disturbing as it probably should have. I mean, it was a little romantic... right?
I don't want to spoil anything, but Arman had a somewhat justified reason for being a little psychotic.
Overall, this is a very entertaining story with crazy-love, mating, all-kinds of shifters, and addictive as hell OTT storyline. If you're a Calmes fan, you should definitely try this. If you're new, then make sure you're in the mood for OTT and not-so-sane characters that love each other HARD.
Now I'm going to read the next book because I'm curious about the next couple. This book gave us a big teaser for their story.
~ Also posted here ~
Don't get me wrong, I usually love this author's unique craziness. Even though it's OTT AF, I just can't stop reading once I start one of her books, her style is addictive. I'm kind of embarrassed to say that I don't even know the exact number of times I've read her 'Matter of Time' series.
But I also love her other shifters series, so I was optimistic about this one. I'm glad to say that I wasn't wrong, I liked it a lot.
Linus and Arman are classic Calmes MCs. They're beautiful, they're possessive, almost everyone love them, and they loooove each other. Like really, they LOVE each other.
It's totally legit here though, since they're both shifters, everything is more intense. In a totally good way! Most of the time at least...
I dig characters that can't live without each other, so obviously I enjoyed their crazy-yet-hot connection. I also liked the fact that they knew (and wanted) each other for s-e-v-e-n years before they decided to be together, it made sense because Linus had to get over some major trauma.
I really loved the variety of shifters here. I mean, a stag shifter, that's new! And a little refreshing after reading about wolves all the time. I appreciated it.
This book is a little more 'dark' than her other books. Linus has a really fucked up past. Seriously, when he talked about it - I was like...
It's pretty horrific, so prepare yourselves.
But maybe that's why I totally accepted the fact that Arman is some kind of a crazy serial killer. He killed dozens of people/shifters, and it didn't feel as disturbing as it probably should have. I mean, it was a little romantic... right?
I don't want to spoil anything, but Arman had a somewhat justified reason for being a little psychotic.
Overall, this is a very entertaining story with crazy-love, mating, all-kinds of shifters, and addictive as hell OTT storyline. If you're a Calmes fan, you should definitely try this. If you're new, then make sure you're in the mood for OTT and not-so-sane characters that love each other HARD.
Now I'm going to read the next book because I'm curious about the next couple. This book gave us a big teaser for their story.
~ Also posted here ~
Read
December 18, 2016Okay. I know the norm is to associate Mary Calmes with OTT fluffy stories but I think most don't give her credit for these worlds she can create and how truly Tarantino she can make her MC's. This book was so fucking good.
When we met Arman in Old Loyalty, New Love he wasn't really interesting until the end. The deal with Tucker didn't sit right with me as Arman didn't seem that fond of Quade and I couldn't see him mating with someone who had Quade as an Alpha. When we get that last bit with Roman and Quade and who they saw that night I thought I knew WHAT Arman was and who the other shifter was but I was only half right.
Kudos to Mary for making me go out of my mind trying to figure out WTF Arman was! OMG I had it so wrong and who I thought was going to be what type of shifter was torn off the page and tossed out the window. I LOVE what Arman is and how it came into play with what Linus is and them together was simply beautiful.
Arman is pretty bad ass and pretty much has no conscious when it comes to doing what is right by Linus. He is cold and calculated but it's gorgeous to see him bring it all to fruition so Linus knows it's truly over. These two have this dynamic that makes then uber romantic and just a couple that I fell hard for.
Linus has so much character growth in the story from the terrible things that happen to him and what happens when he mates with Arman. I mean, that twist in there was great and I adored that we were given it. The idea of two different shifters being fated mates and all the new things it brings was so interesting to read.
I won't go into detail about what they are because I like the element of surprise in my books and hate spoilers but I will say there are many species of shifters in the series with many different laws and histories of each and the mind of Mary Calmes is a wonderful place. My GOD can the woman create these worlds, these lives of shifters, these challenges and just the way they all live and it's amazing. Truly amazing when I think of what she did with WerePanthers to all that is in this series. None of the pack laws or shifter laws overlap, they are all unique and just kick ass! Phew. Yeah, I think Mary needs to be given more credit when it comes to the world building of her shifters and folks need to just push the pie and coats aside for a minute and really see what she does.
*hops off mini soapbox*
Of course we get more of Quade and Roman in this as both Arman and Linus work for them but then we get Jon Slade and slap me silly, I had no idea. But the set up for his book and who it's with and all that happens at the end? FUCK! I am so glad I have the ARC for his book because I need to know how this is going to work and the when, what, why and just all of it.
I am hooked on this series. I am hooked on Mary Calmes and man, I am an addict.
When we met Arman in Old Loyalty, New Love he wasn't really interesting until the end. The deal with Tucker didn't sit right with me as Arman didn't seem that fond of Quade and I couldn't see him mating with someone who had Quade as an Alpha. When we get that last bit with Roman and Quade and who they saw that night I thought I knew WHAT Arman was and who the other shifter was but I was only half right.
Kudos to Mary for making me go out of my mind trying to figure out WTF Arman was! OMG I had it so wrong and who I thought was going to be what type of shifter was torn off the page and tossed out the window. I LOVE what Arman is and how it came into play with what Linus is and them together was simply beautiful.
Arman is pretty bad ass and pretty much has no conscious when it comes to doing what is right by Linus. He is cold and calculated but it's gorgeous to see him bring it all to fruition so Linus knows it's truly over. These two have this dynamic that makes then uber romantic and just a couple that I fell hard for.
Linus has so much character growth in the story from the terrible things that happen to him and what happens when he mates with Arman. I mean, that twist in there was great and I adored that we were given it. The idea of two different shifters being fated mates and all the new things it brings was so interesting to read.
I won't go into detail about what they are because I like the element of surprise in my books and hate spoilers but I will say there are many species of shifters in the series with many different laws and histories of each and the mind of Mary Calmes is a wonderful place. My GOD can the woman create these worlds, these lives of shifters, these challenges and just the way they all live and it's amazing. Truly amazing when I think of what she did with WerePanthers to all that is in this series. None of the pack laws or shifter laws overlap, they are all unique and just kick ass! Phew. Yeah, I think Mary needs to be given more credit when it comes to the world building of her shifters and folks need to just push the pie and coats aside for a minute and really see what she does.
*hops off mini soapbox*
Of course we get more of Quade and Roman in this as both Arman and Linus work for them but then we get Jon Slade and slap me silly, I had no idea. But the set up for his book and who it's with and all that happens at the end? FUCK! I am so glad I have the ARC for his book because I need to know how this is going to work and the when, what, why and just all of it.
I am hooked on this series. I am hooked on Mary Calmes and man, I am an addict.
April 3, 2016
NOOOO!!!!! It can't be over! Why?!??! Why is the next book not written for me already?!?!?!!? I love this series. I loved this book. It just made me so happy. There's something a little different about these shifters and I enjoy that.
Linus and Arman have been dancing around each other for seven years. Linus' past makes trust difficult, not to mention the reaction of his inner animal as well. His deer recognizes the predator in Arman and he's fighting against his own nature as well his learned fears to be with the man his heart wants. Arman knows what he wants, has always know from day one that Linus was meant to be his, but he knows the fears Linus has are justified. He's willing to be patient and wait for his man to come to him, to finally trust him enough to commit himself to Arman.
The history between these two was really clear. It permeated their current relationship and made their coming together a torrent. The fire just burned between them. The transformation in Linus may have been quick but the logic behind it worked for me so I didn't really question it the way I would have in some other book. I think in large part because the abuse is seven years in the past. He's been working towards this day for years and so it felt more like we were witnessing the final stages of Linus glory. Of course any time he knocked growly alpha man Arman of his center I loved it. :D
There's a strong dark underline to this story and there is a side to Arman that is more animal than man. He's not always an easy man, but whether he knows it or not he's a good man. He has his own code and a more base existence, but he's not a mindless violent beast. He will protect what's his. This story brings about a closure that these two men have been dealing with in different ways for seven years whether the other knew it or not.
And of course the next book that's introduced in this story I WANT IT NOW!
Linus and Arman have been dancing around each other for seven years. Linus' past makes trust difficult, not to mention the reaction of his inner animal as well. His deer recognizes the predator in Arman and he's fighting against his own nature as well his learned fears to be with the man his heart wants. Arman knows what he wants, has always know from day one that Linus was meant to be his, but he knows the fears Linus has are justified. He's willing to be patient and wait for his man to come to him, to finally trust him enough to commit himself to Arman.
The history between these two was really clear. It permeated their current relationship and made their coming together a torrent. The fire just burned between them. The transformation in Linus may have been quick but the logic behind it worked for me so I didn't really question it the way I would have in some other book. I think in large part because the abuse is seven years in the past. He's been working towards this day for years and so it felt more like we were witnessing the final stages of Linus glory. Of course any time he knocked growly alpha man Arman of his center I loved it. :D
There's a strong dark underline to this story and there is a side to Arman that is more animal than man. He's not always an easy man, but whether he knows it or not he's a good man. He has his own code and a more base existence, but he's not a mindless violent beast. He will protect what's his. This story brings about a closure that these two men have been dealing with in different ways for seven years whether the other knew it or not.
And of course the next book that's introduced in this story I WANT IT NOW!
Read
March 14, 2015I won't rate this since I only read to 52%. This just wasn't anything like I was expecting. I'm a Mary Calmes fan, but this just wasn't working for me. Maybe I can come back to this some other time.
February 9, 2021
Re-read February 2021
Re-read May 2017
Re-read May 2017
July 2, 2021
Yes, why do I do it to myself?
Well, fans of Mary Calmes know it's an addiction. Luckily I had Tristan James to help me through it.
Well, fans of Mary Calmes know it's an addiction. Luckily I had Tristan James to help me through it.
December 16, 2014
I liked this rather bloodthirsty story and I am convinced that Arman de Soto is actually Wolverine!! A gay Wolverine right here in a Mary Calmes novel!! I kid you not!
This must be Mary Calmes' darkest shifter story yet. It is wrapped up with love, emotions and attraction but at its heart is violence and vengeance and blood. Lots of it.
It is a bit like reading a mafia story but with shifters, or like reading a Wolverine story (those are always violent) with the brave but distant hero who has blood and vengeance on his hand (claws).
I like Wolverine and so I liked this different kind of take from MC. Much of the pain and violence which needed avenging had taken place in the past and the story was mostly about the vengeance that was taking place in the present. It was simply 'kill them, kill them all' !!!!!
The story has the fluffy comfort feel of traditional MC but with a knife edge that goes for the jugular and I quite enjoyed these two contrasting aspects. This wasn't about wrong or right but about a shifter culture in which violent and cruel things are done and violent and cruel vengeance eventually follows.
Certainly a darker story from MC but with a bit of fluffy feeling to mask the blows and sprinkled with a bit of glitter and tinsel for Christmas (Jingle Bells).
Usually shifter mm stories are all about sex, romance and cuddlies. This had all of that laced with violence, blood, guts and murder. And I enjoyed this dark story which kind of masquerades as sweetness and fluff. I laughed at some of the slicing and dicing but don't worry I am really quite sane, just not on Tuesdays.
So I liked this but I don't want to wait an entire year until the next one.
Well worth the read but only if you have read the first book in the series. And only if you like weapons and dead shifters and a lot of blood with your guts. :)
This must be Mary Calmes' darkest shifter story yet. It is wrapped up with love, emotions and attraction but at its heart is violence and vengeance and blood. Lots of it.
It is a bit like reading a mafia story but with shifters, or like reading a Wolverine story (those are always violent) with the brave but distant hero who has blood and vengeance on his hand (claws).
I like Wolverine and so I liked this different kind of take from MC. Much of the pain and violence which needed avenging had taken place in the past and the story was mostly about the vengeance that was taking place in the present. It was simply 'kill them, kill them all' !!!!!
The story has the fluffy comfort feel of traditional MC but with a knife edge that goes for the jugular and I quite enjoyed these two contrasting aspects. This wasn't about wrong or right but about a shifter culture in which violent and cruel things are done and violent and cruel vengeance eventually follows.
Certainly a darker story from MC but with a bit of fluffy feeling to mask the blows and sprinkled with a bit of glitter and tinsel for Christmas (Jingle Bells).
Usually shifter mm stories are all about sex, romance and cuddlies. This had all of that laced with violence, blood, guts and murder. And I enjoyed this dark story which kind of masquerades as sweetness and fluff. I laughed at some of the slicing and dicing but don't worry I am really quite sane, just not on Tuesdays.
So I liked this but I don't want to wait an entire year until the next one.
Well worth the read but only if you have read the first book in the series. And only if you like weapons and dead shifters and a lot of blood with your guts. :)
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