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The Shifter Chronicles #1
Unter Dem Wolfsmond
Buch 1 in der Serie - Die Gestaltwandler
Seit zwei Jahren schon, seit Brian O'Donogue als Tierarzt im Tierschutzzentrum angefangen hat, spielt Veterinarbeamter Derek Wiliams mit dem Gedanken, ihn um eine Verabredung zu bitten. Warum also hat er ihn immer noch nicht gefragt? Es ist kompliziert... hat aber etwas damit zu tun, dass Derek gelegentlich lieber auf vier Beinen herumlauft statt auf zwei.
Brian, der nach einer desastrosen Beziehung wieder auf die Beine kommt und seine eigenen ubernaturlichen Fahigkeiten verbirgt, geht das Risiko ein und nimmt Dereks Einladung an. Die Beziehung, die sich daraus entwickelt, ist schoner, als sie beide jemals fur moglich gehalten hatten - bis ein bosartiger Wolfswandler Brian angreift, wahrend er seine Hunde spazieren fuhrt. Der unerwartete Angriff zwingt Derek dazu, seinen Gefuhlen ins Auge zu sehen, aber die Gefahr ist noch nicht voruber. Der bosartige Gestaltwandler ist irgendwo da draussen, und er macht"
Seit zwei Jahren schon, seit Brian O'Donogue als Tierarzt im Tierschutzzentrum angefangen hat, spielt Veterinarbeamter Derek Wiliams mit dem Gedanken, ihn um eine Verabredung zu bitten. Warum also hat er ihn immer noch nicht gefragt? Es ist kompliziert... hat aber etwas damit zu tun, dass Derek gelegentlich lieber auf vier Beinen herumlauft statt auf zwei.
Brian, der nach einer desastrosen Beziehung wieder auf die Beine kommt und seine eigenen ubernaturlichen Fahigkeiten verbirgt, geht das Risiko ein und nimmt Dereks Einladung an. Die Beziehung, die sich daraus entwickelt, ist schoner, als sie beide jemals fur moglich gehalten hatten - bis ein bosartiger Wolfswandler Brian angreift, wahrend er seine Hunde spazieren fuhrt. Der unerwartete Angriff zwingt Derek dazu, seinen Gefuhlen ins Auge zu sehen, aber die Gefahr ist noch nicht voruber. Der bosartige Gestaltwandler ist irgendwo da draussen, und er macht"
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2011
14 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
M.D. Grimm
52 books120 followersM.D. Grimm has wanted to write stories since second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things actually, but not that!).
Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.
Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.
Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.
Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 2, 2017
I had a LOT of problems with this book. While I liked the main characters fine, and it was a pet rescue organization, it was located in Seattle, and there were gobs of wonderful and fun dogs, everything else was a let down.
There was no point in setting it in Seattle, especially since the person knows nothing about Seattle. For example, police officers end up with 8 dogs and cats. Seattle and King County only allow 3 companion animals. It makes no sense that police officers would have no problem with this. Not saying they wouldn't do it, but I think it would occur to them because the area is VERY strict about licensing pets.
Also same police officers allow their large pack of dogs to run loose in a public park. This is illegal for good reason. A hyped up dog may play too ruffly and someone, especially a young child, could get seriously hurt. This is particularly ridiculous in the greater Seattle are where there are a bunch of excellent off-leash dog parks.
Climax unsatisfying because
Vet at an animal rescue:
I know of no animal rescue organizations that don't require pets to be neutered, certainly not around here. Even Purebred Dog Rescue requires it. Anything else is incredibly irresponsible.
Pet rescue employee parks several blocks from the park and lets his exuberant and excited dog walk the whole way off leash. No dog, no matter how well trained, should walk off leash near streets. They are animals and will act on instinct if it's strong enough.
No prep for anal sex for a guy who hasn't had sex in ages. The other guy doesn't want to hurt him and yet doesn't get him ready??
This is personal taste, but I find a guy going to a date with three buttons undone on his shirt without anything underneath extremely tacky. I also had a hard time picturing a slight rather effeminate man (says the text) with a beard. It's described as a light beard and that just screams ick to me. Also, both men are hairy. I'm not big on hairy.
Guy thinks the other guy is a normal human. He notices that other guy's eyes are glowing during sex and he just thinks it's sexy. His reaction is completely absurd.
When one MC is acting werewolfish, the vet (who is still unaware of the man being a shifter) always says the man's acting like a wolf, rather than a dog. The behaviors described this way are typical of aggressive dogs which would make much more sense for a dog/cat rescue vet to think of.
A scene after character is in the ER after being attacked by a wolf. The doctor is talking to an MC:
The doctor is right to be offended as should the vet. It's quite an assumption that the doctor would think that it's a joke. All he did was express that it was hard to believe. And it speaks of how Derek feels about the vet that he would think a doctor was assuming being a vet is a joke. Who thinks like that? He's pretty defensive. It's harder to get into vet school than med school. While there may be doctors who think vet school is a joke, the assumption is ridiculous. Besides, plenty of doctors have companion animals they cherish.
A character is in the ER and has a window in his room. I have never in my life seen an ER where there is a window in the room, and (unfortunately) I have seen many, many ERs in my lifetime, including hospitals that have completely remodeled and relocated the ER. It's in appropriate since it's usually on the ground floor and there often is a lot of blood and gore. There are people trying to get calm and if people can look in the room where they are being poked and prodded, that becomes more difficult. It just makes no sense.
Some timing is off. Someone feels like he is being followed before
One MC willingly
The whole thing felt amateurish; maybe it was the author's first book?
Happy ending?
There was no point in setting it in Seattle, especially since the person knows nothing about Seattle. For example, police officers end up with 8 dogs and cats. Seattle and King County only allow 3 companion animals. It makes no sense that police officers would have no problem with this. Not saying they wouldn't do it, but I think it would occur to them because the area is VERY strict about licensing pets.
Also same police officers allow their large pack of dogs to run loose in a public park. This is illegal for good reason. A hyped up dog may play too ruffly and someone, especially a young child, could get seriously hurt. This is particularly ridiculous in the greater Seattle are where there are a bunch of excellent off-leash dog parks.
Climax unsatisfying because
Vet at an animal rescue:
Derek had threatened to neuter the poor mutt, and the dog took him seriously. Poor thing.
I know of no animal rescue organizations that don't require pets to be neutered, certainly not around here. Even Purebred Dog Rescue requires it. Anything else is incredibly irresponsible.
Pet rescue employee parks several blocks from the park and lets his exuberant and excited dog walk the whole way off leash. No dog, no matter how well trained, should walk off leash near streets. They are animals and will act on instinct if it's strong enough.
No prep for anal sex for a guy who hasn't had sex in ages. The other guy doesn't want to hurt him and yet doesn't get him ready??
This is personal taste, but I find a guy going to a date with three buttons undone on his shirt without anything underneath extremely tacky. I also had a hard time picturing a slight rather effeminate man (says the text) with a beard. It's described as a light beard and that just screams ick to me. Also, both men are hairy. I'm not big on hairy.
Guy thinks the other guy is a normal human. He notices that other guy's eyes are glowing during sex and he just thinks it's sexy. His reaction is completely absurd.
When one MC is acting werewolfish, the vet (who is still unaware of the man being a shifter) always says the man's acting like a wolf, rather than a dog. The behaviors described this way are typical of aggressive dogs which would make much more sense for a dog/cat rescue vet to think of.
A scene after character is in the ER after being attacked by a wolf. The doctor is talking to an MC:
The doctor raised an eyebrow. "You believe his claim that it was a wolf?"
Derek stared the doctor down. "He's a vet. That may seem like a joke to someone like you, but what he does is important. He knows the difference between a domesticated pet dog and a wild wolf."
The doctor narrowed his eyes and looked offended by Derek's tone. Derek could give a rat's ass."
The doctor is right to be offended as should the vet. It's quite an assumption that the doctor would think that it's a joke. All he did was express that it was hard to believe. And it speaks of how Derek feels about the vet that he would think a doctor was assuming being a vet is a joke. Who thinks like that? He's pretty defensive. It's harder to get into vet school than med school. While there may be doctors who think vet school is a joke, the assumption is ridiculous. Besides, plenty of doctors have companion animals they cherish.
A character is in the ER and has a window in his room. I have never in my life seen an ER where there is a window in the room, and (unfortunately) I have seen many, many ERs in my lifetime, including hospitals that have completely remodeled and relocated the ER. It's in appropriate since it's usually on the ground floor and there often is a lot of blood and gore. There are people trying to get calm and if people can look in the room where they are being poked and prodded, that becomes more difficult. It just makes no sense.
Some timing is off. Someone feels like he is being followed before
One MC willingly
The whole thing felt amateurish; maybe it was the author's first book?
Happy ending?
July 24, 2011
3.5 stars
If I can sum up this story, I will go with nice.
Both characters are nice -- the wolf shifter, Derek, who feels strongly for animals and sometimes have a hard time to control his anger when it comes to human that neglects their pets and the shy vet, Brian, who can actually "talk" to animals. The build-up to their relationship is sweet, considering it involves many scenes with animals -- I'm a sucker when it comes to animals in story, so throw me cats or dogs, and I'm a goner. It's definitely cutely evil, when Derek bullies a pitbull by threating him that Brian might takes his ability to have offspring. I have to smile widely on that one.
Everything is pretty happy dory, even if there is that wolf attack near the end, I don't feel it as strong urgency except a way for Brian to know what Derek is (and accept that fact pretty quick, no confrontation).
I guess, story wise, I will give it my usual 3-stars, but all those animals give it an extra 0.5 stars. This one looks like to be the first of a series, though. I'm definitely look forward to the story of other shifters ...
If I can sum up this story, I will go with nice.
Both characters are nice -- the wolf shifter, Derek, who feels strongly for animals and sometimes have a hard time to control his anger when it comes to human that neglects their pets and the shy vet, Brian, who can actually "talk" to animals. The build-up to their relationship is sweet, considering it involves many scenes with animals -- I'm a sucker when it comes to animals in story, so throw me cats or dogs, and I'm a goner. It's definitely cutely evil, when Derek bullies a pitbull by threating him that Brian might takes his ability to have offspring. I have to smile widely on that one.
Everything is pretty happy dory, even if there is that wolf attack near the end, I don't feel it as strong urgency except a way for Brian to know what Derek is (and accept that fact pretty quick, no confrontation).
I guess, story wise, I will give it my usual 3-stars, but all those animals give it an extra 0.5 stars. This one looks like to be the first of a series, though. I'm definitely look forward to the story of other shifters ...
September 8, 2012
This was an extremely cute story that left me with a goofy smile in the end.
I loved that these characters felt like real people. The details surrounding them was great in the way that you understand who and what the characters look like without going into this long monologue of how they came to be but more important these characters felt like individuals and had their own personalities. Derek is so violent. He's filled with rage at humans and ultimately hates them. He wants to avenge every abused animal out there. Brian is so softhearted it's hard to believe he can handle Derek but he's got a little secret that helps him calm Derek when Derek gets into one of his rages. Honestly, these two were adorable together. They don't change who they are in the end but they come together and you see a new side that's sweet.
One of my favorite things about this story is how Derek is able to get animals to reluctantly comply with what he wants. It's funny because he talks to these animals like they are real people and you get the animals response back. On top of that, Brian can 'speak' to animals so while Derek thinks he's being sneaky by telling a pup that he's never going to have babies if he doesn't come along quietly or how Derek 'comes to an understanding' with Brian's pets, Brian gets told just how dirty Derek is willing to play to do his job and make a relationship work with Brian. It's extremely cute.
My only problem with the book is the conflict. It was over too fast, IMO. I was hoping for something a little more violent or elaborate but, while it was cool to meet a member of the Agency, not much is given on the killing wolf or any of that.
Overall, I loved the story. This is no insta-mates book since Derek and Brian have worked together for two years before anything happened which I found interesting. I liked how they got together and the little funny and cute scenes within it. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
I loved that these characters felt like real people. The details surrounding them was great in the way that you understand who and what the characters look like without going into this long monologue of how they came to be but more important these characters felt like individuals and had their own personalities. Derek is so violent. He's filled with rage at humans and ultimately hates them. He wants to avenge every abused animal out there. Brian is so softhearted it's hard to believe he can handle Derek but he's got a little secret that helps him calm Derek when Derek gets into one of his rages. Honestly, these two were adorable together. They don't change who they are in the end but they come together and you see a new side that's sweet.
One of my favorite things about this story is how Derek is able to get animals to reluctantly comply with what he wants. It's funny because he talks to these animals like they are real people and you get the animals response back. On top of that, Brian can 'speak' to animals so while Derek thinks he's being sneaky by telling a pup that he's never going to have babies if he doesn't come along quietly or how Derek 'comes to an understanding' with Brian's pets, Brian gets told just how dirty Derek is willing to play to do his job and make a relationship work with Brian. It's extremely cute.
My only problem with the book is the conflict. It was over too fast, IMO. I was hoping for something a little more violent or elaborate but, while it was cool to meet a member of the Agency, not much is given on the killing wolf or any of that.
Overall, I loved the story. This is no insta-mates book since Derek and Brian have worked together for two years before anything happened which I found interesting. I liked how they got together and the little funny and cute scenes within it. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 2, 2012
This book was a tad too formulaic & predictable to be classed as good. The characters were nice enough. The set-up was pretty predictable...so too was the angst. You get insta-mate/insta-love, (which is always difficult to write well) & a psychic/paranormal police force. There were tantalising hints of a back story (Derek's pack & Brian's ex) but they aren't elaborated on enough. Overall this was an okay read. Takes about 20 minutes to read & you will have a nice time but don't expect too much out of this book.
August 13, 2011
I liked this book a lot. The beginning was a little slow for me, I appreciate how well the author reflected how much some people suck in regards to owning animals I was a little bored and depressed by all of that and wondering where the story was going.
The story was a lot more interesting once the guys started dating and stuff started happening. I really liked the guys together they were sweet and cute. Overall this is a very enjoyable light read
The story was a lot more interesting once the guys started dating and stuff started happening. I really liked the guys together they were sweet and cute. Overall this is a very enjoyable light read
July 30, 2013
Une énorme déception
Une romance complètement gâchée par la médiocrité de la traduction où de la relecture et c'est très dommage.J'avais noté une nette amélioration avec un réel effort de la part de l'éditeur pour offrir un texte de qualité exempt de coquilles et de fautes de français flagrantes mais je dois dire que celui-ci n'est pas une réussite. Le style est trop familier avec beaucoup d'abréviations: j'te, y'a, s'blairer; des phrases entières laissent à désirer d'un point de vue grammatical, des absences de pronoms et désolée mais employer des mots comme gaule,niquer et j'en passe dénaturent complètement ce texte.
Tout était réuni pour une jolie petite histoire, avec deux personnage adorables très crédibles dans leur relation, un contexte intéressant autour du sauvetage des animaux maltraités,un soupçon de drame avec un loup psychopathe , du paranormal car l'un des héros est un loup-garou et le second a un don pour comprendre les animaux mais voilà le texte est vide, désespérément plat.
Pas un zeste d'émotion qui se dégage de la relation entre Derek et Brian, c'est froid, impersonnel et même les scènes sexuelles sont d'une froideur que j'ai rarement rencontrée dans la romance MM, aucun sentiment ne se dégage. En ce qui concerne l'intrigue, l'auteure aurait mieux fait de développer la relation amoureuse des deux héros et d'approfondir certains points comme la meute de Derek par exemple ou encore le passé douloureux de Brian que nous pondre un ersatz d'intrigue avec une conclusion tellement banale que s'en est risible.
Le résultat est pour ma part un ratage complet, je n'ai pris aucun plaisir à lire cette histoire et pourtant amoureuse des animaux et appréciant beaucoup ce genre qu'est la romance MM cette histoire avait tout pour me plaire.
Une romance complètement gâchée par la médiocrité de la traduction où de la relecture et c'est très dommage.J'avais noté une nette amélioration avec un réel effort de la part de l'éditeur pour offrir un texte de qualité exempt de coquilles et de fautes de français flagrantes mais je dois dire que celui-ci n'est pas une réussite. Le style est trop familier avec beaucoup d'abréviations: j'te, y'a, s'blairer; des phrases entières laissent à désirer d'un point de vue grammatical, des absences de pronoms et désolée mais employer des mots comme gaule,niquer et j'en passe dénaturent complètement ce texte.
Tout était réuni pour une jolie petite histoire, avec deux personnage adorables très crédibles dans leur relation, un contexte intéressant autour du sauvetage des animaux maltraités,un soupçon de drame avec un loup psychopathe , du paranormal car l'un des héros est un loup-garou et le second a un don pour comprendre les animaux mais voilà le texte est vide, désespérément plat.
Pas un zeste d'émotion qui se dégage de la relation entre Derek et Brian, c'est froid, impersonnel et même les scènes sexuelles sont d'une froideur que j'ai rarement rencontrée dans la romance MM, aucun sentiment ne se dégage. En ce qui concerne l'intrigue, l'auteure aurait mieux fait de développer la relation amoureuse des deux héros et d'approfondir certains points comme la meute de Derek par exemple ou encore le passé douloureux de Brian que nous pondre un ersatz d'intrigue avec une conclusion tellement banale que s'en est risible.
Le résultat est pour ma part un ratage complet, je n'ai pris aucun plaisir à lire cette histoire et pourtant amoureuse des animaux et appréciant beaucoup ce genre qu'est la romance MM cette histoire avait tout pour me plaire.
September 29, 2013
** Somewhat spoilerish. **
Meh. I wonder if this is a first (or very early) book, since it has that feel to it and that circumstance would mitigate my complaints somewhat.
The book’s just lacking all around; characters, plot, pacing, style.
Then there are some logical blips too. Case in point:
You mean the butt hidden by the long coat?
Also note that “rather impressive figure” tells us exactly nothing except that Derek’s impressed somehow. As a description of Brian it does not work. I actually first thought it meant Brian’s a big, buff guy, but it doesn’t and he isn’t.
On a similar topic, Derek’s Native American heritage just comes out of nowhere pretty late in the story. I don’t recall it ever being mentioned before in his description or some other context. (The sparse mentions of his family had made them sound like an animal rights commune.)
I realize ethnicity or race does not define a person but it seems as though anything the reader would notice just by looking at a character should be included in the way said character is presented.
Let’s stick with Derek for a moment. Mr “I love all animals so much” is surprisingly dismissive towards small dogs and hamsters. I guess all animals are people – but only if they reach a certain size, huh?
He in general strikes me as a jerk. I wanted so much to like him but he kept foiling my intentions at every turn.
Then there’s the question of reality too. Paranormal contents usually require allowances being made in that area, as does romance in general, and that’s fine up to a point.
But I have to wonder why no one at the hospital calls security on Derek when he storms in, raging like a madman (and revelling in his ability to bully and frighten a nurse). Yeah, this guy is so un-endearing it’s not even funny. I also have no clue why they allow him in to see Brian. He has zero grounds for his demands. The very least they should do is ask Brian for permission.
To be honest, Brian and Derek don’t actually seem to get along. They share a passion for animals, find each other sexually appealing, and Brian has this trick of soothing Derek. But half the time when they are talking it feels like Derek is barely able to summon enough interest to bother with an answer.
Sex scenes are off too. They feel more like a summary of events and tend to end really fast. Normally I would not mind that, but, as I said, it feels a bit off in ways I can’t pinpoint. Maybe it seems to be going through the paces rather than conveying emotion and steam.
Oh and on a related note… Okay, Brian. You are in the middle of giving oral and look up into your partner’s face and see that his eyes are glowing. And all you think is “odd, but sexy” and continue? Really?
I wanted to like this book. But while I was reading it I kept asking myself where this was going and now that I’ve finished I still don’t know.
The basic story can be summed up like so many other shifter stories:
And I have seen plenty of books who make this basic premise interesting, quirky or fun. In this case there really is not much beyond that summary, just more words. No real sense of development…
I will still read on. Often enough a series like this improves dramatically after a few volumes.
Meh. I wonder if this is a first (or very early) book, since it has that feel to it and that circumstance would mitigate my complaints somewhat.
The book’s just lacking all around; characters, plot, pacing, style.
Then there are some logical blips too. Case in point:
He was fit, and the long white coat didn’t detract much from his rather impressive figure. Derek also couldn’t help noticing how perky his butt looked in those blue jeans.
You mean the butt hidden by the long coat?
Also note that “rather impressive figure” tells us exactly nothing except that Derek’s impressed somehow. As a description of Brian it does not work. I actually first thought it meant Brian’s a big, buff guy, but it doesn’t and he isn’t.
On a similar topic, Derek’s Native American heritage just comes out of nowhere pretty late in the story. I don’t recall it ever being mentioned before in his description or some other context. (The sparse mentions of his family had made them sound like an animal rights commune.)
I realize ethnicity or race does not define a person but it seems as though anything the reader would notice just by looking at a character should be included in the way said character is presented.
Let’s stick with Derek for a moment. Mr “I love all animals so much” is surprisingly dismissive towards small dogs and hamsters. I guess all animals are people – but only if they reach a certain size, huh?
He in general strikes me as a jerk. I wanted so much to like him but he kept foiling my intentions at every turn.
Then there’s the question of reality too. Paranormal contents usually require allowances being made in that area, as does romance in general, and that’s fine up to a point.
But I have to wonder why no one at the hospital calls security on Derek when he storms in, raging like a madman (and revelling in his ability to bully and frighten a nurse). Yeah, this guy is so un-endearing it’s not even funny. I also have no clue why they allow him in to see Brian. He has zero grounds for his demands. The very least they should do is ask Brian for permission.
To be honest, Brian and Derek don’t actually seem to get along. They share a passion for animals, find each other sexually appealing, and Brian has this trick of soothing Derek. But half the time when they are talking it feels like Derek is barely able to summon enough interest to bother with an answer.
Sex scenes are off too. They feel more like a summary of events and tend to end really fast. Normally I would not mind that, but, as I said, it feels a bit off in ways I can’t pinpoint. Maybe it seems to be going through the paces rather than conveying emotion and steam.
Oh and on a related note… Okay, Brian. You are in the middle of giving oral and look up into your partner’s face and see that his eyes are glowing. And all you think is “odd, but sexy” and continue? Really?
I wanted to like this book. But while I was reading it I kept asking myself where this was going and now that I’ve finished I still don’t know.
The basic story can be summed up like so many other shifter stories:
And I have seen plenty of books who make this basic premise interesting, quirky or fun. In this case there really is not much beyond that summary, just more words. No real sense of development…
I will still read on. Often enough a series like this improves dramatically after a few volumes.
August 13, 2011
This was a pretty good read with yet another spin on shifters. It lacked that wow factor that many shifter books have but I feel like it had more to do with Ms Grimm's writing style than the story itself. Derek is a werewolf who works for a local animal rescue center. His love for animals and his wolf often throw him into fits of anger over how badly some animals are treated. It seems that only the hot veterinarian, Brian, can calm him down. Brian is an animal empath of sorts and is able to communicate with the animals in his care. It takes Derek two years to ask Brian out and wham they are in love. I liked both the characters that Ms Grimm created and their unique gifts as well. I would have enjoyed the story more if she had spent more developing the relationship between Derek and Brian.
September 8, 2012
Derek is a wolf shifter and has some anger issues, IMO, and Brian is a Vet who has some special abilities that help him in his job and with Derek!
I found it interesting that they knew each other two years before going out , so I guess the fast moving relationship after that point was ok, the twist with the rogue felt sort of strange, but I would like to know more about the Agency and Poe.
It w a light quick read.
I found it interesting that they knew each other two years before going out , so I guess the fast moving relationship after that point was ok, the twist with the rogue felt sort of strange, but I would like to know more about the Agency and Poe.
It w a light quick read.
August 25, 2022
This was just ok. Also could have done without the casual misogyny around the middle point. I know it's a pretty old book though, (I have the old Dreamspinner edition that I bought ages ago) and I don't know if the new version has been re-edited. I may or may not continue the series.
September 4, 2017
Mmm, yeah, this didn't work for me on many levels.
The entire novella feels choppy; it honestly reads more like a rough draft (that the author sometimes was in a super hurry on). I feel like a good story could have been here, had it been developed properly, but it wasn't. Uncommon words were often repeated in the same paragraph, which is always a bit jarring to me when reading.
I usually have a problem with most romance novellas, because it almost always feels like the love story is rushed (and yes, I know that's kind of the point, but...I still have issues with it) unless the two characters have known one another for a while already. But this one really takes that to a whole new level.
The story is theoretically set in Seattle area, but I never got a feel of the city. It literally could have been situated in any town in any state in any part of the country. I'm not saying that I need page after page of flowery descriptions of a city's scenery (and that annoys me even more unless they're done EXTREMELY well), but I like to get a small taste of what life is like in that city. All I really know about Seattle is that it's in Washington and it rains a lot and they have a football team called the Seahawks. Where's a popular place to eat? What is the weather like in a particular season? Do they have spectacular autumns when the leaves change? &c. But there is none of that here.
Speaking of which, I don't really know about the animal control laws in Seattle, but I am pretty sure that someone might have something to say about dogs and one cat living in a house. In Denver, for example, you can only have three dogs in any one residence. I can only imagine that Seattle has animal control laws that are at least a bit similar, and I would expect an animal control officer and a veterinarian who works at animal control would KNOW this (I'm not saying that they would necessarily FOLLOW the law, but they'd probably at least have a conversation about it at some point).
Also, Derek is kind of hyped up as someone who has animal instincts and animal senses, but
Finally, I will say it loud and proud, I have read a shit ton of shifter stories (many of which were from the Supernatural fandom, which I will also say loud and proud), I'm talking into the high hundreds, and this is the VERY FEW I have ever read Do not like.
The funny thing is, even though I gave this a fairly low rating, I'm still going to continue with the series, at least for now. I feel like there is a lot of potential in this world, and I want to see if the author gets a handle on it or not.
The entire novella feels choppy; it honestly reads more like a rough draft (that the author sometimes was in a super hurry on). I feel like a good story could have been here, had it been developed properly, but it wasn't. Uncommon words were often repeated in the same paragraph, which is always a bit jarring to me when reading.
I usually have a problem with most romance novellas, because it almost always feels like the love story is rushed (and yes, I know that's kind of the point, but...I still have issues with it) unless the two characters have known one another for a while already. But this one really takes that to a whole new level.
The story is theoretically set in Seattle area, but I never got a feel of the city. It literally could have been situated in any town in any state in any part of the country. I'm not saying that I need page after page of flowery descriptions of a city's scenery (and that annoys me even more unless they're done EXTREMELY well), but I like to get a small taste of what life is like in that city. All I really know about Seattle is that it's in Washington and it rains a lot and they have a football team called the Seahawks. Where's a popular place to eat? What is the weather like in a particular season? Do they have spectacular autumns when the leaves change? &c. But there is none of that here.
Speaking of which, I don't really know about the animal control laws in Seattle, but I am pretty sure that someone might have something to say about dogs and one cat living in a house. In Denver, for example, you can only have three dogs in any one residence. I can only imagine that Seattle has animal control laws that are at least a bit similar, and I would expect an animal control officer and a veterinarian who works at animal control would KNOW this (I'm not saying that they would necessarily FOLLOW the law, but they'd probably at least have a conversation about it at some point).
Also, Derek is kind of hyped up as someone who has animal instincts and animal senses, but
Finally, I will say it loud and proud, I have read a shit ton of shifter stories (many of which were from the Supernatural fandom, which I will also say loud and proud), I'm talking into the high hundreds, and this is the VERY FEW I have ever read Do not like.
The funny thing is, even though I gave this a fairly low rating, I'm still going to continue with the series, at least for now. I feel like there is a lot of potential in this world, and I want to see if the author gets a handle on it or not.
August 10, 2011
Derek is a wolf who has lived outside his pack since he was 18 and it has not been as easy as he thought it would be. He works in Seattle as a humane officer, a job he loves because it is his passion to help and rescue abused pet but it is also torture for him to see such neglect and abuse. It ignites a rage in him and a need to protect these trusting creatures from careless human.
Brian is a vet extraordinaire and the one human that Derek would do anything for. Joining Pet Rescue two years ago, Brian was soon dubbed “the animal shrink” because of the ease in which he can calm and effectively treat the hard case animals. He is also the only person who can pull Derek back from his rages and has stolen Derek’s heart.
I enjoyed this mostly typical shifter story. Typical when it comes to the issue of secrets. Each man has a secret and they are unsure if they can trust the other enough to reveal who they really are. Both men are alphas with their little pet-packs, but there isn’t a dominance/possessive push-pull in their relationship or in their bed making them equal partners which was a nice turn. This is my first story by Ms. Grimm and I look forward to reading more by her.
3.5 Stars bumped up to 4
Brian is a vet extraordinaire and the one human that Derek would do anything for. Joining Pet Rescue two years ago, Brian was soon dubbed “the animal shrink” because of the ease in which he can calm and effectively treat the hard case animals. He is also the only person who can pull Derek back from his rages and has stolen Derek’s heart.
I enjoyed this mostly typical shifter story. Typical when it comes to the issue of secrets. Each man has a secret and they are unsure if they can trust the other enough to reveal who they really are. Both men are alphas with their little pet-packs, but there isn’t a dominance/possessive push-pull in their relationship or in their bed making them equal partners which was a nice turn. This is my first story by Ms. Grimm and I look forward to reading more by her.
3.5 Stars bumped up to 4
April 7, 2021
3.5 Stars ~
Psychic Moon:
As most of you know, I am entranced by all things paranormal, but mostly by shifters. Any type of shifter tends to hold my attention, and whether the story is serious or silly, I love them all. When I discovered 'The Shifter Chronicles' series by M.D. Grimm, I was over the moon. Each book sounded like it was right up my alley, so I couldn't wait to jump into book one.
Derek is a wolf shifter, and a humane officer who works for Pet Rescue. He hates what humans do to so many of their pets, and some days the only thing that keeps him sane is Brian, the veterinarian. Brian has his own gift, however. He can calm and soothe animals in a psychic manner, he just can't figure out why it works so well on Derek. Derek has been waiting two years to ask Brian out, not for fear of rejection, but because he knows he'd eventually need to tell Brian about his wolf, and Derek isn't sure if he wants to.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Psychic Moon:
As most of you know, I am entranced by all things paranormal, but mostly by shifters. Any type of shifter tends to hold my attention, and whether the story is serious or silly, I love them all. When I discovered 'The Shifter Chronicles' series by M.D. Grimm, I was over the moon. Each book sounded like it was right up my alley, so I couldn't wait to jump into book one.
Derek is a wolf shifter, and a humane officer who works for Pet Rescue. He hates what humans do to so many of their pets, and some days the only thing that keeps him sane is Brian, the veterinarian. Brian has his own gift, however. He can calm and soothe animals in a psychic manner, he just can't figure out why it works so well on Derek. Derek has been waiting two years to ask Brian out, not for fear of rejection, but because he knows he'd eventually need to tell Brian about his wolf, and Derek isn't sure if he wants to.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
October 23, 2022
Wow! This book is good. I was finished with it before I realized it. Derek is an animal control officer who happens to be a wolf shifter. He is very good at his job and he takes animal abuse very seriously. He has a nasty temper and everyone around him steers clear if him while he is angry. Brian is a vet who works in the clinic with Derek. He is recovering from being in a abusive relationship and hiding a secret of his own. Brian can communicate with animals and that is why he is such a great vet. But Brian can also calm Derek when his temper flares. Both men are interested in each other but are nervous about revealing their secrets. One night Brian is attacked by a werewolf and the two men make their decisions to be honest with other. But the werewolf is still out there stalking them.
February 9, 2018
3.25 Stars
July 26, 2013
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
Sebbene i romanzi sui mutaforma comincino ad essere numerosi, anche in ambito M/M, la serie di M.D. Grimm presenta comunque notevoli elementi di originalità, a cominciare dal fatto che non si concentra solo sui soliti lupi mannari, per abbracciare parecchie forme di animale (perlomeno quelli che sia in forma bestiale che a due zampe possono risultare parecchio sexy!).
In secondo luogo, se i mutaforma sono sotto costante minaccia (da parte degli esseri umani che li ritengono dei demoni), hanno anche un prezioso allegato nell’Agenzia, una sorte di organizzazione internazionale costituita da agenti con poteri speciali, che li protegge e si assicura di tenere segreta la loro esistenza.
Il primo romanzo della serie è dedicato a Derek, un mutaforma lupino a cui piace correre in mezzo ai boschi con i suoi amati cani, e al suo compagno umano, Brian, un attraente veterinario con il dono psichico di parlare con gli animali. Da tempo le bestiole che ha in cura comunicano al dottore che quel Derek ha un odore strano, quasi “selvaggio”…ma il buon veterinario dovrà scoprirlo sulla sua pelle.
Dio, i suoi occhi. Erano di un marrone profondo, ricco e pieno di vita. Durante la rabbia brillavano come soli e Brian spesso temeva che il fuoco dentro Derek lo avrebbe divorato.
E’ un romanzo introduttivo, quindi si concentra più sulla singola storia d’amore che sull’ambientazione generale, però già nella seconda parte comincia ad entrare in scena l’Agenzia, e soprattutto il biondo Agente Poe sulla sua Harley Davidson nera e rossa.
Le scene d’amore sono molto piacevoli (anche se con un mutaforma lupo si va abbastanza sul sicuro…), e infine, altro punto a favore della serie, le copertine sono davvero stupende.
Sebbene i romanzi sui mutaforma comincino ad essere numerosi, anche in ambito M/M, la serie di M.D. Grimm presenta comunque notevoli elementi di originalità, a cominciare dal fatto che non si concentra solo sui soliti lupi mannari, per abbracciare parecchie forme di animale (perlomeno quelli che sia in forma bestiale che a due zampe possono risultare parecchio sexy!).
In secondo luogo, se i mutaforma sono sotto costante minaccia (da parte degli esseri umani che li ritengono dei demoni), hanno anche un prezioso allegato nell’Agenzia, una sorte di organizzazione internazionale costituita da agenti con poteri speciali, che li protegge e si assicura di tenere segreta la loro esistenza.
Il primo romanzo della serie è dedicato a Derek, un mutaforma lupino a cui piace correre in mezzo ai boschi con i suoi amati cani, e al suo compagno umano, Brian, un attraente veterinario con il dono psichico di parlare con gli animali. Da tempo le bestiole che ha in cura comunicano al dottore che quel Derek ha un odore strano, quasi “selvaggio”…ma il buon veterinario dovrà scoprirlo sulla sua pelle.
Dio, i suoi occhi. Erano di un marrone profondo, ricco e pieno di vita. Durante la rabbia brillavano come soli e Brian spesso temeva che il fuoco dentro Derek lo avrebbe divorato.
E’ un romanzo introduttivo, quindi si concentra più sulla singola storia d’amore che sull’ambientazione generale, però già nella seconda parte comincia ad entrare in scena l’Agenzia, e soprattutto il biondo Agente Poe sulla sua Harley Davidson nera e rossa.
Le scene d’amore sono molto piacevoli (anche se con un mutaforma lupo si va abbastanza sul sicuro…), e infine, altro punto a favore della serie, le copertine sono davvero stupende.
September 15, 2011
Derek is an animal control worker who is also a wolf shifter. He takes his job very seriously and often falls into rages at the cruelty people inflict on the animals he has to rescue. He's been working with Brian, a vet at the shelter the animals go to for a couple of years. He likes that Brian is always cool and he always seems able to calm the animals but he doesn't ask him out because he wants to keep his secret. However Brian has a secret as well, he can communicate with animals and that's show he's good at his job. After another blow-up, Derek finally asks him out and things are going well until Brian is attacked by a wolf out of the blue, then comes in the "who is after him" plot. At first I thought it was going to be Brian's abusive ex, but it wasn't and another character from a special paranormal agency was brought in to capture the wolf. I'd be curious if he's getting a story. It was an okay read, my only issue, which stuck in my mind so much I found myself discussing it with my daughter on the weekend. Brian had 3 dogs, 2 German shepherds and a pug and Derek had 3 dogs, all big, then they moved in together into what I took to be a relatively small house in the city (not a farm house) and they adopted a 3-legged lab. So they had 6 large and one small dog (and a cat) in a house in the city. If I was their neighbour I would be NOT impressed. I like dogs as much as the next person but 7 dogs? Seriously? Isn't there a by-law against that? LOL See, it's still making me shake my head days and days later. :-)
March 13, 2016
Bon alors… Que dire ? Que dire ?
Cette histoire est simple et courte. Ayant lu À la poursuite de Seth de J.R. Loveless, je ne peux m’empêcher d’y voir un fil conducteur. Cependant, l’histoire est intéressante et on aurait aimé un peu plus de profondeur. Les personnages sont bien construits dans leur mentalité mais pas nécessairement à l’image du couple formé :
Je suis entièrement d’accord avec Dereck et sa lutte contre la torture des animaux, mais dans ce cas engage-toi dans une association mon gars !!! Ou mets-toi sous Xanax ! Fais les deux mon vieux XD ! (Oui il fallait une rime ! Na ! u_u) Franchement il est bipolaire non ? Du moins on se le demande ^^
Bref, Brian quant à lui est invisible, il est à la fois réservé et indispensable et c’est là que se trouve le manque de fonds dans le caractère de son personnage.
Autant l’un est bien affirmé, autant l’autre est effacé dans ce couple inattendu.
La fin succincte est « trippante ». Je ne vois pas d’autre mot pour décrire cette finalité à la Petite maison dans la prairie aux allures de SPA ou refuge locale. C’est un big happy end ! Même le cancer se fait la malle ! (Ce qui est bien pour cette pauvre boule de poil qui s’en prend plein la tronche tout du long). Mais… Ouais du tragique aurait rendu cette fin moins « Nian Nian »…
Cette histoire est simple et courte. Ayant lu À la poursuite de Seth de J.R. Loveless, je ne peux m’empêcher d’y voir un fil conducteur. Cependant, l’histoire est intéressante et on aurait aimé un peu plus de profondeur. Les personnages sont bien construits dans leur mentalité mais pas nécessairement à l’image du couple formé :
Je suis entièrement d’accord avec Dereck et sa lutte contre la torture des animaux, mais dans ce cas engage-toi dans une association mon gars !!! Ou mets-toi sous Xanax ! Fais les deux mon vieux XD ! (Oui il fallait une rime ! Na ! u_u) Franchement il est bipolaire non ? Du moins on se le demande ^^
Bref, Brian quant à lui est invisible, il est à la fois réservé et indispensable et c’est là que se trouve le manque de fonds dans le caractère de son personnage.
Autant l’un est bien affirmé, autant l’autre est effacé dans ce couple inattendu.
La fin succincte est « trippante ». Je ne vois pas d’autre mot pour décrire cette finalité à la Petite maison dans la prairie aux allures de SPA ou refuge locale. C’est un big happy end ! Même le cancer se fait la malle ! (Ce qui est bien pour cette pauvre boule de poil qui s’en prend plein la tronche tout du long). Mais… Ouais du tragique aurait rendu cette fin moins « Nian Nian »…
November 2, 2011
Immature writing style, lack of understanding by Grimm in how to build sexual tension. All the sex scenes build explicitly and then climax practically offstage with euphemisms. This kind of disconnect kept me from investing heavily in either the characters or the relationship. The best characterization was of Fenrir the pug. Really, if you’re gonna read this, read it for the pug. The rogue shifter plot was lame, there was enough going on that it just muddied the waters. And it was basically another instalove (yuck) story - except they’d fallen in love soon after they met two years ago, and just never acted on it until now. Overall, meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2011
I think this book had more potential than a 3 but there were just parts of the story that weren't really flushed out and I thought the ending was a little sporadically tied-up. I liked the characters, especially Brian because he was so gentle and his power was amazingly interesting. I enjoyed Derek too but I think more should have been said about his temper and the reason for it - I think it was because he hadn't shifted for a while? Anyhow, I did like the writing and will definitely try this author again.
December 30, 2024
I enjoyed this. I wish we could have seen more of Derek in wolf form and Brian's ability.
Some may say that Derek had a anger problem, but for me, it was he was passionate. He only got pissed when he saw the abused animals. He took that personally and I can't say I blame him. He only wanted to hurt the owners, it's not like he was out starting bar fights. Maybe that's me being naive? I don't know.
I am excited to learn more about The Agency! I'll be reading the rest of this series :)
Some may say that Derek had a anger problem, but for me, it was he was passionate. He only got pissed when he saw the abused animals. He took that personally and I can't say I blame him. He only wanted to hurt the owners, it's not like he was out starting bar fights. Maybe that's me being naive? I don't know.
I am excited to learn more about The Agency! I'll be reading the rest of this series :)
August 1, 2011
The story was enjoyable and writing a bit to ordinary. I liked the characters, or course, and the plotted idea about rescuing pet animals was good, too. But I have to admit, that feelings and emotions were not felt in this story. Everything was blank, like you couldn't feel them at all. Even sex scenes...blank, nothing. This part was disturbing, and I do advice the author, to work on this problem!
March 4, 2015
È una via di mezzo tra un racconto e un libro. È bello e coinvolegente, ma sono di parte del resto adoro gli uomini incazzosi.
Certo Brian ha reagito meglio di quello che Derek pensava. Ma non c'è da stupirsi è unomo dall'animo gentile e poi ama quello zuccone di Derek quindi lo ha accettato ma anche Derek a modo suo lo ha accettato visto che Brian "parla" con gli animali.
Diciamo che si sono trovati e sono anche una bella coppia
Certo Brian ha reagito meglio di quello che Derek pensava. Ma non c'è da stupirsi è unomo dall'animo gentile e poi ama quello zuccone di Derek quindi lo ha accettato ma anche Derek a modo suo lo ha accettato visto che Brian "parla" con gli animali.
Diciamo che si sono trovati e sono anche una bella coppia
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
The Shifters is a series by MD Grimm. Each story loosely ties together in the smae world by the inclusion of two opposing groups, The Agency and The Knights. One for good and one not. It depends who you ask which is which.
For Full review please see: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
September 26, 2016
Yo ! Qui que c'est donc qu'il a fait la traduction ?
Je crois que c'était Joey Starr, wesh !
Impossible de donner une opinion objective sur l'histoire, il faudra que je le lise en VO pour m'en faire une idée. La traduction française ne peut pas vraiment être prise au sérieux, j'ai passé mon temps à ricaner pour le choix des mots.
Je crois que c'était Joey Starr, wesh !
Impossible de donner une opinion objective sur l'histoire, il faudra que je le lise en VO pour m'en faire une idée. La traduction française ne peut pas vraiment être prise au sérieux, j'ai passé mon temps à ricaner pour le choix des mots.
August 21, 2012
I found the story a bit lacking and that some aspects that were introduced were underdeveloped. Neither MC's made an impact, the only thing that really made an impact was the fact that author brought up a real life issue (i.e. animal abuse).
July 5, 2013
Nice quick read w/ barely any angst. MC's romance was cute. I found the introduction of a certain character towards the end a little weird and unnecessary but, I will definitely check out the rest of the series.
April 17, 2015
This story was just meh. The MCs known each other for two years before they finally decided that they like each other and go out on a date. There is no character development. There were quick "I love you's" after on date.
March 31, 2016
Dr. Dolittle meets Werewolf. Nice and smooth, a pleasant read, broke off somewhat suddenly and left me with several unanswered questions. As is proper for the start of a series i suppose. I'd like to read more of this series too.
February 3, 2016
Un livre qui présente un bon potentiel mais qui n’est pas assez développé. Tout est survolé, trop rapide que ce soit l’histoire en elle-même comme le caractère des personnages. Et pour ne rien arranger, la version française souffre d’une traduction bâclée.
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