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Solitary Shifters #1
Bander zähmen für Anfänger
Als Leiter der Tierstation "Die Arche" hat Gestaltwandler Jake Bander alles, was er braucht: Ruhe, Abgeschiedenheit und genug Auslauf für das Tier in ihm – bis sich Vaughn Prentiss auf seinen Hof verirrt. Als stinkreicher Weltenbummler mit losem Mundwerk geht er Jake nicht nur auf die Nerven, sondern auch viel zu sehr unter die Haut.
Als Vaughns Vermögen von seinem eigenen Finanzberater gestohlen wird und er einen Job bei der "Arche" annimmt, kommt er dem Tier in Jake gefährlich nahe. Denn Vaughn hat längst erkannt, dass Jake nicht ganz menschlich ist – und mit diesem Wissen ist er nicht allein…
Entspricht 210 Romanseiten.
Als Vaughns Vermögen von seinem eigenen Finanzberater gestohlen wird und er einen Job bei der "Arche" annimmt, kommt er dem Tier in Jake gefährlich nahe. Denn Vaughn hat längst erkannt, dass Jake nicht ganz menschlich ist – und mit diesem Wissen ist er nicht allein…
Entspricht 210 Romanseiten.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2013
10 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Summer Devon
62 books226 followersSummer Devon is the pen name writer Kate Rothwell often uses. Whether the characters are male or female, human or dragon, her books are always romance.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 25, 2013
4.75
Bander is Jake’s last name, but it’s also what he is. Banders are rare; for all he knows, Jake is the last of his kind. Which, as he tells himself, is just fine, he likes being on his own best anyway. After all, he needs to protect the secret of his dual nature in order to be able to live his life in peace. So he cultivates the grumpy misanthropic image he has copied from his friend and mentor Walton, avoiding to form bonds of any kind to anyone, and has built walls around his heart as thick as Fort Knox’s ever since the only man whom he ever trusted turned out to be more interested in the bander than in Jake.
It works for Jake.
Until he meets Vaughn, that is, a man who looks like the spitting image of the man who betrayed him once and yet couldn’t be more different.
Vaughn used to live for pleasure, traveling the world for fun and only doing what catches his fancy at any given moment, his only care in life avoiding boredom. He was born rich and thought he’d always be. But one day, all his wealth is gone, and suddenly Vaughn needs to earn his living. By chance more than anything, Vaughn gets a hold on a job as a manual laborer at the Ark, the animal sanctuary run by Jake, and he’s determined to do anything in his power to keep it. For one, he finds to his surprise that he likes the physical work. And for another, the Ark is where Jake is, and that’s where Vaughn wants to be.
Vaughn and Jake have met before, mutual disconcertment rapidly turning into equally mutual fascination. But while Vaughn throws himself wholeheartedly into the novel experience of working hard and getting under Jake’s skin, Jake shies away, along the lines of once bitten, twice shy. However, Jake can’t resist Vaughn’s charm for long.
This story in and of itself followed many oft-walked paths of (m/m) romance , but it was told in such a lighthearted tone that it flowed easily and smoothly, and yet never turned fluffy or trivial. It was a delight to see Jake interact with the teenage volunteers, the animals and with his mentor Walton, all gruff and bristles and golden heart. And with Vaughn, of course, who was just a breath of fresh air. Sparks started to fly between those two almost right from the beginning, but once they got to know each other (and got over the obligatory cross-purposes-talking-induced misunderstanding) there was a lot more between them than mere physical attraction.
Both main characters were nicely drawn. Vaughn, on first sight a quite superficial never-do-well, turned out to be courageous, surprisingly resourceful and faithful to both his airhead cousin and of course, to Jake. And Jake, whom Vaughn initially calls a sourpuss, and quite appropriately so, shows undreamt-of devotion to Vaughn and emotional depths that motivate him to go out of his way in order to make Vaughn happy.
The actual plot was a bit far-fetched, but imaginative and consistent… and really, it was a fun story where everybody got what they deserved in the end. Well, almost everybody.
This was a refreshing change from the usual shifter fare, and not only for the fact that Jake turned into something a lot more original than a wolf, and there wasn’t a fated mate in sight.
Plus, no one growled “mine” during sex, another nice bonus point.
Instead, I got a wonderful pairing of tall, dark and silent with bright, vivid and chatty. Flintstone and spark. Rock and wind. Jake and Vaughn complement each other beautifully, even though it takes both of them a while to see that, and I had a great time being a fly on their wall. Warmly recommended.
review originally written for www.reviewsbyjessewave.com
Bander is Jake’s last name, but it’s also what he is. Banders are rare; for all he knows, Jake is the last of his kind. Which, as he tells himself, is just fine, he likes being on his own best anyway. After all, he needs to protect the secret of his dual nature in order to be able to live his life in peace. So he cultivates the grumpy misanthropic image he has copied from his friend and mentor Walton, avoiding to form bonds of any kind to anyone, and has built walls around his heart as thick as Fort Knox’s ever since the only man whom he ever trusted turned out to be more interested in the bander than in Jake.
It works for Jake.
Until he meets Vaughn, that is, a man who looks like the spitting image of the man who betrayed him once and yet couldn’t be more different.
Vaughn used to live for pleasure, traveling the world for fun and only doing what catches his fancy at any given moment, his only care in life avoiding boredom. He was born rich and thought he’d always be. But one day, all his wealth is gone, and suddenly Vaughn needs to earn his living. By chance more than anything, Vaughn gets a hold on a job as a manual laborer at the Ark, the animal sanctuary run by Jake, and he’s determined to do anything in his power to keep it. For one, he finds to his surprise that he likes the physical work. And for another, the Ark is where Jake is, and that’s where Vaughn wants to be.
Vaughn and Jake have met before, mutual disconcertment rapidly turning into equally mutual fascination. But while Vaughn throws himself wholeheartedly into the novel experience of working hard and getting under Jake’s skin, Jake shies away, along the lines of once bitten, twice shy. However, Jake can’t resist Vaughn’s charm for long.
This story in and of itself followed many oft-walked paths of (m/m) romance , but it was told in such a lighthearted tone that it flowed easily and smoothly, and yet never turned fluffy or trivial. It was a delight to see Jake interact with the teenage volunteers, the animals and with his mentor Walton, all gruff and bristles and golden heart. And with Vaughn, of course, who was just a breath of fresh air. Sparks started to fly between those two almost right from the beginning, but once they got to know each other (and got over the obligatory cross-purposes-talking-induced misunderstanding) there was a lot more between them than mere physical attraction.
Both main characters were nicely drawn. Vaughn, on first sight a quite superficial never-do-well, turned out to be courageous, surprisingly resourceful and faithful to both his airhead cousin and of course, to Jake. And Jake, whom Vaughn initially calls a sourpuss, and quite appropriately so, shows undreamt-of devotion to Vaughn and emotional depths that motivate him to go out of his way in order to make Vaughn happy.
The actual plot was a bit far-fetched, but imaginative and consistent… and really, it was a fun story where everybody got what they deserved in the end. Well, almost everybody.
This was a refreshing change from the usual shifter fare, and not only for the fact that Jake turned into something a lot more original than a wolf, and there wasn’t a fated mate in sight.
Plus, no one growled “mine” during sex, another nice bonus point.
Instead, I got a wonderful pairing of tall, dark and silent with bright, vivid and chatty. Flintstone and spark. Rock and wind. Jake and Vaughn complement each other beautifully, even though it takes both of them a while to see that, and I had a great time being a fly on their wall. Warmly recommended.
review originally written for www.reviewsbyjessewave.com
February 26, 2013
2013 has been the year of m/m shifter novels for me so far. Authors have been doing a great job of taking the genre in new and exciting directions and this is another one to add to the list. Vaughan, a fickle and fun loving trust fund baby, loses all his money overnight when his financial manager takes off with his and his cousin Maya's money. He gets a job at a local animal sanctuary run by reclusive and cranky shifter Jake.
Plenty of chemistry between these two MC's. None of the often irritating mate/mine dialogue. The first half of the book is really strong but it loses a little steam in the second half as the plot becomes slightly less believable and rushes towards a climax. I would have liked the author to take more time explaining the actions of all the characters in this novel.
Vaughan's friend Danika felt totally extraneous to the story. I was confused as to why she was even in there. Maybe to counterbalance the other female character's bad points? The cousin Maya is as morally reprehensible as her departed husband Dave, and I was annoyed for a while at Jake and Vaughan's passive acceptance of her machinations. But seeing that Vaughan had not forgiven her in the end satisfied me.
Those who are acquainted with Samhain Publishing will be pleasantly surprised to see that this novel doesn't end until 93% on my kindle!
I can't remember seeing that term 'bander' used before to describe shifters. Is it a word the author has made up?
Plenty of chemistry between these two MC's. None of the often irritating mate/mine dialogue. The first half of the book is really strong but it loses a little steam in the second half as the plot becomes slightly less believable and rushes towards a climax. I would have liked the author to take more time explaining the actions of all the characters in this novel.
Vaughan's friend Danika felt totally extraneous to the story. I was confused as to why she was even in there. Maybe to counterbalance the other female character's bad points? The cousin Maya is as morally reprehensible as her departed husband Dave, and I was annoyed for a while at Jake and Vaughan's passive acceptance of her machinations. But seeing that Vaughan had not forgiven her in the end satisfied me.
Those who are acquainted with Samhain Publishing will be pleasantly surprised to see that this novel doesn't end until 93% on my kindle!
I can't remember seeing that term 'bander' used before to describe shifters. Is it a word the author has made up?
March 1, 2013
3.65*
Vaughn is rich and spoiled, but actually a nice guy who has his heart in the right place.
I would have liked a bit more history on him, like the comment about his parents kicking him out, it was mentioned and that's it. We know he wanders but never really settles, until circumstances force him to.
He runs into an intriguing guy at a bar, and the guy is rude and tells Vaughn exactly what he thinks of him, doesn't matter that he doesn't actually know him, he knows the type. Vaughn is actually hurt by it and wants to prove that he isn't useless, and he gets a chance to prove it to himself and to the guy.
He's broke and needs a job, so he manages to get one at the Arc, a safe haven for exotic and not so exotic animals, he gets closer to Jake, the guy from the bar and the manager of the place.
Jake isn't just a grumpy, solitary loner, no he is a Bander, now I could tell you what that is, but that would spoil my fun. ;)
It's actually the first I've read of them in a m/m book, I believe.
Now, there are some side plots, the evil ex of Vaughn's cousin Maya who ran off with all their money, the cousin, I'm still not sure she shouldn't have gotten a job shoveling the stalls just for being such a piece of work, the ex assistant, the vet, who is Jake's ex and sort of creepy.
I enjoyed the story, but I did feel that the last third was rushed, Jake's turnaround was so sudden and complete I would have liked a little more build up to it, but all in all a good read with a believable HEA.
Oh and not a mate or mine in the whole book, if anything Vaughn is the aggressor, so for those who don't like fated mates and growls possessive alpha shifter this is a good book for you, I of course don't mind mates and mines...so..;)
Vaughn is rich and spoiled, but actually a nice guy who has his heart in the right place.
I would have liked a bit more history on him, like the comment about his parents kicking him out, it was mentioned and that's it. We know he wanders but never really settles, until circumstances force him to.
He runs into an intriguing guy at a bar, and the guy is rude and tells Vaughn exactly what he thinks of him, doesn't matter that he doesn't actually know him, he knows the type. Vaughn is actually hurt by it and wants to prove that he isn't useless, and he gets a chance to prove it to himself and to the guy.
He's broke and needs a job, so he manages to get one at the Arc, a safe haven for exotic and not so exotic animals, he gets closer to Jake, the guy from the bar and the manager of the place.
Jake isn't just a grumpy, solitary loner, no he is a Bander, now I could tell you what that is, but that would spoil my fun. ;)
It's actually the first I've read of them in a m/m book, I believe.
Now, there are some side plots, the evil ex of Vaughn's cousin Maya who ran off with all their money, the cousin, I'm still not sure she shouldn't have gotten a job shoveling the stalls just for being such a piece of work, the ex assistant, the vet, who is Jake's ex and sort of creepy.
I enjoyed the story, but I did feel that the last third was rushed, Jake's turnaround was so sudden and complete I would have liked a little more build up to it, but all in all a good read with a believable HEA.
Oh and not a mate or mine in the whole book, if anything Vaughn is the aggressor, so for those who don't like fated mates and growls possessive alpha shifter this is a good book for you, I of course don't mind mates and mines...so..;)
Read
March 14, 2013DNF @ 50%.
The writing is overall fine, and I'm also a sucker for Grouchy MCs, which felt like a total bonus at first. My main issue is that I found everything really dull, and I just couldn't push myself to read anymore.
Your mileage may vary though, and if you like shifter stories, this one may be up your alley. One plus is there is no insta-love/mate thing. For an alternative view, I recommend MandyM's excellent review.
As an aside, I'm going to have to contact Samhaim. Whoever makes their mobi files does it in a way that not all the fonts on the kindle are usable. I end up having to use a smaller font than what I normally want to use. This is the second Samhaim title that I've recently read with this issue. (My Regelence Rake was the other.) It's frustrating.
The writing is overall fine, and I'm also a sucker for Grouchy MCs, which felt like a total bonus at first. My main issue is that I found everything really dull, and I just couldn't push myself to read anymore.
Your mileage may vary though, and if you like shifter stories, this one may be up your alley. One plus is there is no insta-love/mate thing. For an alternative view, I recommend MandyM's excellent review.
As an aside, I'm going to have to contact Samhaim. Whoever makes their mobi files does it in a way that not all the fonts on the kindle are usable. I end up having to use a smaller font than what I normally want to use. This is the second Samhaim title that I've recently read with this issue. (My Regelence Rake was the other.) It's frustrating.
June 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this story more than I thought I was going too. I thought I would be a little more put off by Vaughn than Jake, but it was the other way around.
The characters in this was well developed, but the world building could have used a bit more back ground. One thing I thought off was that Vaughn in passing thought mentions the “new thing” is to see if you can spot shifters in society. Then why is he so surprised that Jake is a shifter, that he thought it was a myth from the tabloids.
Jake also got a bit tiring with the woe is me, I am a beast so therefore can never be with Vaughn who is human.
Anyways I enjoyed the book, and hope the author might visit the word again. I would love to read about the teenager, for the life of me I cannot remember his name. I am horrible with names.
I did like him thought, and would love to hear about him coming out to his family and pursuing his passion for photography.
The characters in this was well developed, but the world building could have used a bit more back ground. One thing I thought off was that Vaughn in passing thought mentions the “new thing” is to see if you can spot shifters in society. Then why is he so surprised that Jake is a shifter, that he thought it was a myth from the tabloids.
Jake also got a bit tiring with the woe is me, I am a beast so therefore can never be with Vaughn who is human.
Anyways I enjoyed the book, and hope the author might visit the word again. I would love to read about the teenager, for the life of me I cannot remember his name. I am horrible with names.
I did like him thought, and would love to hear about him coming out to his family and pursuing his passion for photography.
October 26, 2013
Can I say "I'm not sure" and leave it at that?
Okay, here's the thing. The writing felt sloppy to me--I had a hard time following at times. I had to re-read a lot of it because I was confused. Now it could have just been me?
Anyways, I really liked Jake and Vaughn, but HATED Maya. I didn't see how or why Jake's attitude changed. It was like a flip of the switch. One minute he wanted the distance and the next he's a sappy Bander.
The thing with the money, eh, didn't do anything for me. Could have left that out and dealt with Peter, Tricia, and Dr. Glenn. Also
Overall, eh. It was good, but not sure I would recommend.
Okay, here's the thing. The writing felt sloppy to me--I had a hard time following at times. I had to re-read a lot of it because I was confused. Now it could have just been me?
Anyways, I really liked Jake and Vaughn, but HATED Maya. I didn't see how or why Jake's attitude changed. It was like a flip of the switch. One minute he wanted the distance and the next he's a sappy Bander.
The thing with the money, eh, didn't do anything for me. Could have left that out and dealt with Peter, Tricia, and Dr. Glenn. Also
Overall, eh. It was good, but not sure I would recommend.
February 7, 2013
I don't normally read paranormal or shifter romances, but I got a chance to read this one in advance and I like the author, so I grabbed it. I really enjoyed the two MCs. And since I'm a sucker for animals, I loved the setting of the Ark (an animal shelter). The UST/sparks were flying between these two characters and the development of their physical and romantic relationship was nicely threaded throughout the book. The sub-plot of the entitled cousins losing all their money was unique and interesting. It felt like a good, solid contemporary to me (well, except one MC could, you know, become an animal). Recommended.
May 13, 2013
Despite being an atypical shapeshifter romance and the absence of insta-love, the book was uninspiring. I cared little for the couple. Their relationship lacked that indescribable quality that makes me believe they belong together.
As individuals, the characters were dull. Jake was aloof to the extent of obliviousness; dude was a dope. I found it somewhat difficult scrounging up pity for him when he and his cousin got betrayed, embezzled, and lost their wealth. Vaughn was supposed to be this grouchy, hurting guy, but I found him rude and a shade of selfish. He was also a shade of flaky; dude keep oscillating between like and dislike/distrust/avoidance for Jake.
I breezed through the book without ever once connecting to any character or concern for what would happen. The most I ever felt was that I wanted the crook to be caught and the money be returned to the victims, and that’s only because I dislike the idea of unresolved betrayals.
The world building was a little puzzling. It never gave a clear cut answer as to whether the existence of shapeshifters was this secret everyone knows but doesn’t speak of or if it was truly a secret and would change the entire world if people found out. I tried to grasp Vaughn's concern about hiding his secret but it was hard when he didn’t particularly do much to keep it as a secret. Who the hell shapeshifts in an area that anybody can easily wander across?
In Conclusion
I rate Taming the Bander 2-stars for it was okay. The book was a forgettable read.
As individuals, the characters were dull. Jake was aloof to the extent of obliviousness; dude was a dope. I found it somewhat difficult scrounging up pity for him when he and his cousin got betrayed, embezzled, and lost their wealth. Vaughn was supposed to be this grouchy, hurting guy, but I found him rude and a shade of selfish. He was also a shade of flaky; dude keep oscillating between like and dislike/distrust/avoidance for Jake.
I breezed through the book without ever once connecting to any character or concern for what would happen. The most I ever felt was that I wanted the crook to be caught and the money be returned to the victims, and that’s only because I dislike the idea of unresolved betrayals.
The world building was a little puzzling. It never gave a clear cut answer as to whether the existence of shapeshifters was this secret everyone knows but doesn’t speak of or if it was truly a secret and would change the entire world if people found out. I tried to grasp Vaughn's concern about hiding his secret but it was hard when he didn’t particularly do much to keep it as a secret. Who the hell shapeshifts in an area that anybody can easily wander across?
In Conclusion
I rate Taming the Bander 2-stars for it was okay. The book was a forgettable read.
April 18, 2013
I enjoyed this story, but I would have preferred a bit more world building. I just felt like I didn't have a good handle on how shifters worked or fit into society. I also thought some of the conflict felt a bit too inflated, and silly especially towards the end. On the other hand I really liked Vaughn. He was an interesting guy, and I loved his take it or leave it attitude towards his fortune. Jake was interesting, but his self pitying I'm a monster no one will ever love me did get a bit old at times. I liked the balance between the two characters, and how much time they took to get to know each other before love came into the picture. I think Jake's father figure was my favorite character while the other secondary characters needed some depth and interest. Maya, Vaughn's cousin, and Dave Jake's ex stand out in my mind as characters who could have used a little more complexity to make them more fully formed. It would have gone a long ways towards making them work better in the story, and made the plot feel a bit more coherent. Overall a good story that could have been just a bit better.
March 21, 2013
Great beginning but loses steam too fast.
Pluses:
I really like the Ark animal shelter setting.
Vaughn shoveling shit with such a great attitude was one of my highlights. In fact, his attitude all the way through the book was something I connected to and it makes him a likeable character.
The passion between Jake and Vaughn in the first 60% of this book hit just the right tone—sexy and moreish without overdoing it.
Minuses:
I rarely dislike characters, but Maya really wound me up the wrong way. Her manipulative ways to get what she wants was aggravating and selfish. It was like everything revolved around her and no one else, and honestly, I found myself hoping she wouldn’t get any of her money back. I actually had to put the book down for a while in the middle there.
But perhaps this is a good thing. It shows how much I ended up rooting for Jake and feeling protective of his secret.
Overall, a good read.
Pluses:
I really like the Ark animal shelter setting.
Vaughn shoveling shit with such a great attitude was one of my highlights. In fact, his attitude all the way through the book was something I connected to and it makes him a likeable character.
The passion between Jake and Vaughn in the first 60% of this book hit just the right tone—sexy and moreish without overdoing it.
Minuses:
I rarely dislike characters, but Maya really wound me up the wrong way. Her manipulative ways to get what she wants was aggravating and selfish. It was like everything revolved around her and no one else, and honestly, I found myself hoping she wouldn’t get any of her money back. I actually had to put the book down for a while in the middle there.
But perhaps this is a good thing. It shows how much I ended up rooting for Jake and feeling protective of his secret.
Overall, a good read.
March 10, 2013
3.75 stars.
Normally I don’t read many shifter stories – even though I love them – because most of the time they are a disappointment for me. Not so Taming the Bander! Here you won’t find jealous alpha males and their shy and helpless mates. Instead you get Jake, a sometimes growling bander (and not a really talkative one) and Vaughn, the complete opposite of him.
Although it was a great book, I liked the first half a little bit more than the second. Maybe because the “showdown” wasn’t as exciting as I hoped it would be or because I wanted to know a little bit more about Jake and Vaughn. Still, I really enjoyed it!
Normally I don’t read many shifter stories – even though I love them – because most of the time they are a disappointment for me. Not so Taming the Bander! Here you won’t find jealous alpha males and their shy and helpless mates. Instead you get Jake, a sometimes growling bander (and not a really talkative one) and Vaughn, the complete opposite of him.
Although it was a great book, I liked the first half a little bit more than the second. Maybe because the “showdown” wasn’t as exciting as I hoped it would be or because I wanted to know a little bit more about Jake and Vaughn. Still, I really enjoyed it!
February 9, 2018
The idea of a gruff, very unusual shifter - I mean, what is a bander anyway? - intrigued me from the beginning. The concept that he runs an animal sanctuary was the next thing that appealed to me. The final piece that caught my eye was the "pretty boy". I kept getting this mental picture of Park Avenue meets Duck Dynasty, although I was really hoping it wouldn't be that disparate. *grins*
Vaughn is a trust fund baby. He inherited his millions and pretty much lives life however he pleases. Every once in awhile, like now, he feels as if perhaps he's just floating along and there must be more to life. Unfortunately, it looks like he got what he asked for, even if he didn't know he wanted. He's visiting at his cousin's summer house when they discover her soon-to-be-ex husband made off with her money and Vaughn's which the husband had been managing. Now Vaughn is in a position of having to get rid of a lot of family heirlooms in order to pay off his bills. He also jumps at the chance to work for the strange, but compelling, Jake at the Ark sanctuary.
Jake is a bander. And, no, I'm not about to tell you what that is. Suffice it to say, it's pretty darn interesting. Jake is working hard at being a grumpy curmudgeon. Seems to be working, too, since most people stay away from him, except the kids who come and volunteer at the sanctuary. Jake doesn't like rich, pretty boys, as he's been burned in the past, but something about Vaughn calls to him.
The unfolding of Jake and Vaughn's friendship and romance is a sight to see. Jake barely says twenty words all day and Vaughn just keeps chatting away trying to get a rise out of him, pun intended. Of course, the "camaraderie" can't last very long and Vaughn tells Jake he'll stay away. For you see, Vaughn is afraid of losing his heart to a man who is unable to care for him back, or so he thinks. Jake doesn't know what to do and then Vaughn's cousin steps in threatening to tell about banders, as she's done some research and spoken to the locals, unless Jake helps her get her money back. Now, of course, Jake believes Vaughn told her his secret, not trusting that Vaughn would do as he said. Now there's trouble coming on!
This was a very interesting story. I was drawn more to Jake, I guess, because I like the gruff exterior with the warm gooey inside. Vaughn was a surprise because he didn't come off as a spoiled trust fund baby. The only thing that could have made the story better would have been a little more background history on both of these men as, for me, I could have related to them a little better. Overall this was a fun and different shifter story with enough mystery to keep me entertained.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Vaughn is a trust fund baby. He inherited his millions and pretty much lives life however he pleases. Every once in awhile, like now, he feels as if perhaps he's just floating along and there must be more to life. Unfortunately, it looks like he got what he asked for, even if he didn't know he wanted. He's visiting at his cousin's summer house when they discover her soon-to-be-ex husband made off with her money and Vaughn's which the husband had been managing. Now Vaughn is in a position of having to get rid of a lot of family heirlooms in order to pay off his bills. He also jumps at the chance to work for the strange, but compelling, Jake at the Ark sanctuary.
Jake is a bander. And, no, I'm not about to tell you what that is. Suffice it to say, it's pretty darn interesting. Jake is working hard at being a grumpy curmudgeon. Seems to be working, too, since most people stay away from him, except the kids who come and volunteer at the sanctuary. Jake doesn't like rich, pretty boys, as he's been burned in the past, but something about Vaughn calls to him.
The unfolding of Jake and Vaughn's friendship and romance is a sight to see. Jake barely says twenty words all day and Vaughn just keeps chatting away trying to get a rise out of him, pun intended. Of course, the "camaraderie" can't last very long and Vaughn tells Jake he'll stay away. For you see, Vaughn is afraid of losing his heart to a man who is unable to care for him back, or so he thinks. Jake doesn't know what to do and then Vaughn's cousin steps in threatening to tell about banders, as she's done some research and spoken to the locals, unless Jake helps her get her money back. Now, of course, Jake believes Vaughn told her his secret, not trusting that Vaughn would do as he said. Now there's trouble coming on!
This was a very interesting story. I was drawn more to Jake, I guess, because I like the gruff exterior with the warm gooey inside. Vaughn was a surprise because he didn't come off as a spoiled trust fund baby. The only thing that could have made the story better would have been a little more background history on both of these men as, for me, I could have related to them a little better. Overall this was a fun and different shifter story with enough mystery to keep me entertained.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 11, 2013
Interesting take on shifter lore. This is the first one I've read where the shifter is a solitary creature rather than a pack creature. The discussion of other types of shifters around the world was both interesting and frustrating. I was fascinated at the little bits I was given and wished I could hear more.
The chemistry between Jake and Vaughn was great, and the progression of their relationship was believable. I liked how they both kept trying to push each other away and yet at the same time neither was willing to let go.
The Ark sounds fascinating, and I couldn't help but wish we'd been able to see more of it, or maybe more of the animals there than just the emus (the scene making poems about the emus is one of my favorites, though! totally cracked me up!)
The action scenes near the end were exciting and well-paced.
Very fun, unique story.
Some Favorite Quotes
"You might not toil or spin, but you're far too decorative to be useless."
He promised himself not to grow too addicted to holding the heat and breath of another person.
The chemistry between Jake and Vaughn was great, and the progression of their relationship was believable. I liked how they both kept trying to push each other away and yet at the same time neither was willing to let go.
The Ark sounds fascinating, and I couldn't help but wish we'd been able to see more of it, or maybe more of the animals there than just the emus (the scene making poems about the emus is one of my favorites, though! totally cracked me up!)
The action scenes near the end were exciting and well-paced.
Very fun, unique story.
Some Favorite Quotes
"You might not toil or spin, but you're far too decorative to be useless."
He promised himself not to grow too addicted to holding the heat and breath of another person.
"I want to fuck you," he said.
Vaughn's ... blue eyes laughed up at Jake. "What's the magic word?
"Now." Jake reached down for him and yanked him to his feet. "I want to fuck you now."
"Hey, yeah, that's it! That's the word."
February 28, 2013
This story has an amazing ending, we have HEA, and everything felt perfect, at least for the main coupled pair. I loved their story, seriously. Both MC's, Vaughn and Jake, were perfect for each other. I liked their playful banters. Sure the other side story with Maya's ex husband Dave wasn't really interesting and absolutely pointless, but heck I'll overlook it.
March 19, 2013
This story is a very light paranormal to the point that it seems that this is only a story about a snarky, fun and charismatic trust fund baby who lost his money and hooked up with a bad tempered hero. Period.
I need more paranormal element and basic world building -and because this was missing it didn't give me the enjoyment of a paranormal story.
I need more paranormal element and basic world building -and because this was missing it didn't give me the enjoyment of a paranormal story.
June 1, 2013
A little different shifter story. I actually read without stopping; just couldn't put it down. The writing is tight and the plot interesting & new. I also liked that the HEA didn't include a super easy solution. The MCs are loveable and the female supporting characters are well developed (and good people). An overall enjoyable read.
March 19, 2013
4,5 stars.
A funny and heartwarming read with two likable MCs.
A funny and heartwarming read with two likable MCs.
August 9, 2016
2.5 stars. Eh. When I started this, I really thought it was going to be a DNF. The writing in the early chapters was sloppy. The dialogue was confusing. The characters were okay, but not very well rounded, and not even very likeable. And the conflict...not interested.
Yeah, this was an okay read if you're bored and went to kill a few hours, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Yeah, this was an okay read if you're bored and went to kill a few hours, but I wouldn't recommend it.
March 19, 2013
Wow! I really enjoyed this book. I feel like I have read so many books that have had the same predictable voice lately. But the humor and spin on shifter lore made this an enjoyable read indeed.
I will be looking for other books by this author.
I will be looking for other books by this author.
February 28, 2013
My God what a boring story plot everything is just nonsense.
I guess start was okay but then it got plain boring. As a writer Summer Devon did not impresses me.
I guess start was okay but then it got plain boring. As a writer Summer Devon did not impresses me.
March 5, 2013
3.75
Good story with pretty likable characters. I liked that it broke the shifter molds. I didn't love one of the MC's and I didn't always connect with the MC but I found the story enjoyable.
Good story with pretty likable characters. I liked that it broke the shifter molds. I didn't love one of the MC's and I didn't always connect with the MC but I found the story enjoyable.
January 3, 2014
Summer Devon is a hit-or-miss for me. The hits have been amazing but sad to say this was a miss. I had to skim to even finish it.
April 1, 2013
See Josie Goodread's 4 1/2 sweet pea review on April 2, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
z-dnf
April 4, 2013No rating. There is just something about this book that I stopped at 16%. I do not thing the writing style agreed with me.
July 23, 2016
3.5* This was so much more than the average shifter book. I enjoyed it.
June 8, 2015
DNF 50%
I just could not connect to the book.
I just could not connect to the book.
May 27, 2017
This was pretty great read, (except for Maya I felt like she was too pushy and bitchy and way too forceful to get what she wanted!) besides that's it was good, I loved! The fact that the word mate is not anywhere near this story, and it was built good even with out it actually even better than some shifter's story that I have read before because they actually went through a process to get to where that finished and that, as well as the story development was the icing on my cake!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2017
This was a completely different read than what I was expecting. That is a good thing! Jake Bander is something of an enigma when introduced and you really don't "get him" in the beginning. I liked how he developed further into the book and how Vaughn brought out the person/animal that he could be. This isn't your run-of-the-mill shifter love story, there are quite a few things going on around the main story. I really liked the book and am looking forward to reading the second in the series!!
June 13, 2019
This was just okay for me, there wasn’t really much angst and it was a tad slow moving. When I looked up the definition of the word Bander I was slightly scarred by the Urban Dictionary’s version, and it the end it ended up being a bandersnatch which was much more acceptable. Thought Maya needed to be fed to some of the snakes at the Ark for her stupid plan, and maybe her hubby as a dessert.
December 6, 2017
1.5 stars
The writing was sloppy, The plot holes huge, and the facts unrehearsed. It was illogical on many levels and there were a few contradictions as well. I found it boring and had to read it alongside other books to avoid abandoning it.
The writing was sloppy, The plot holes huge, and the facts unrehearsed. It was illogical on many levels and there were a few contradictions as well. I found it boring and had to read it alongside other books to avoid abandoning it.
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