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Saint Lakes #1
Leave It All
Lucas just wanted to be a normal human being, but normal is highly over-rated. Lucas Speck had been just some guy who worked at an office supply store and house-sat for his snowbird parents. He was nobody special. Or that's what he thought before the headaches start and weird things start to happen to him. When people start chasing him his whole life gets turned upside down.
Bennett Somerset is a dragon shifter, who likes his quiet life in his quiet town. He isn't looking for complications. He already has a family that defines the words, weird and crazy, to perfection. Good thing they live in a small town where nothing ever happens. That is until he smells the most delicious thing in the world and realizes it's his mate. His little witch of a mate just made things way more complicated.
196 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2015
414 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
April Kelley
116 books221 followersLiving in Southwest Michigan, April resides with her husband and two kids. She has been an avid reader for several years. Writing her first story at the age of ten, the characters in her head still won't stop telling their stories. If April isn't reading or writing she can be found outside playing with the animals or taking a long walk in the woods.
If you wish to contact her email authoraprilkelley@gmail.com.
Please visit her website at authoraprilkelley.com
If you wish to contact her email authoraprilkelley@gmail.com.
Please visit her website at authoraprilkelley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 9, 2015
I gave this book 2 stars because even though the storyline was pretty good, the writing was very weak. While I was reading I felt like I was watching a low budget movie where the script was kind of bad, but the plot was actually good. There were times when I didn't really understand why some characters were acting the way they did. Sometimes they did things really randomly. So I finished the book because I was curious as to how it would end, but I don't think I'll be reading the next book though.
March 13, 2018
Sigh. Another book written by computer dictation without the slightest attempt at checking it. I have noted at least one blatantly obvious error per page, and I’m only at 9%. I’m giving up and moving on to a less lazy author.
August 8, 2024
This book is a hot mess. The prose is working so hard and yet accomplishes nothing. It’s the literary equivalent of watching a drunk try to pole dance. In a way, it is still mesmerizing. You feel kind of bad for reading it, and quite a bit dumber for enjoying any of it, but I would not pay to read any more of it.
August 3, 2017
1.5
I'm glad I've got it on instafreebie. This was a disaster, the fic someone in high school with bad marks in English would write: very short sentences with mixed mistakes and no idea of punctuation, simplistic dialogues, stilted interactions. The 67 occurrences of ''baby'' didn't help. Nor the 148 for ''mate''. The idea could have been good, but then the plot had holes and the characters had reactions you couldn't explain, for ex. Lucas finds out that vampires exist and accept it, just like this...
I'm glad I've got it on instafreebie. This was a disaster, the fic someone in high school with bad marks in English would write: very short sentences with mixed mistakes and no idea of punctuation, simplistic dialogues, stilted interactions. The 67 occurrences of ''baby'' didn't help. Nor the 148 for ''mate''. The idea could have been good, but then the plot had holes and the characters had reactions you couldn't explain, for ex. Lucas finds out that vampires exist and accept it, just like this...
April 12, 2024
This series is perfect for in-between stressy books. I've decided they're my soap operas....so bad they're good 🤭
I NEED to know what happens with poor Sage (TW) and lil dude that's too young to mate the vampy.
I NEED to know what happens with poor Sage (TW) and lil dude that's too young to mate the vampy.
July 30, 2016
I was offered this eBook in exchange for an honest review; well, this is not what I would normally read. I do love anything about the paranormal and shapeshifters, and with witchcraft added, it’s a must read for me! I absolutely loved the story. The plot was new, but the whole mating thing and how shapeshifters feel about their mates definitely is not a new concept. It does help with the story, and explain the shifters actions though, so I can understand why it’s in every book. This IS the first time I’ve read a book with dragon shifters mixed in with every other kind of shifters, so that part was awesome.
It was a quick read and the action and suspense was great! With that said, I must inform readers that this is a gay novel. I don’t usually get into the details of male on male intimacy, and I learned way more than I ever planned to know from reading this book. I don’t have a problem with it, to each his own, I am all about gay rights and equality; I just don’t need the details. If that’s your thing, you’ll love this book! I just want to let potential readers know so they wouldn’t be surprised; as the synopsis doesn’t include anything about intimacy aspect of the story.
Overall, the story was great, the characters were awesome and the imagery was spot on; however, because of the “over sharing” in the story, this is a 4 Boundless Star book for me....Beth
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It was a quick read and the action and suspense was great! With that said, I must inform readers that this is a gay novel. I don’t usually get into the details of male on male intimacy, and I learned way more than I ever planned to know from reading this book. I don’t have a problem with it, to each his own, I am all about gay rights and equality; I just don’t need the details. If that’s your thing, you’ll love this book! I just want to let potential readers know so they wouldn’t be surprised; as the synopsis doesn’t include anything about intimacy aspect of the story.
Overall, the story was great, the characters were awesome and the imagery was spot on; however, because of the “over sharing” in the story, this is a 4 Boundless Star book for me....Beth
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June 14, 2016
OK... yes, this story has some grammatical issues. I will not deny that... but, dang it, it is just so darn cute! *sigh* A big, lovable dragon... a witch that doesn't know he is a witch? What's not to love? Let me add that the secondary characters are just as interesting as the MCs and leave you chomping at the bit for their stories as well... which I hope will be just as entertaining as this one was!
February 11, 2024
Huh. This was... OK? I'll go with 3.5 stars rounded up, because the story and world were definitely fun, but omg the writing was... choppy. Enough that I paused to check the publication date and was happy (??) to see that I'm reading it 9 years after it was first published 😂 which gives me hope, since the series is so long, that the author's storytelling skill and writing craft gets better as we go. I'm moving on to the next one to find out!
July 24, 2023
Woof, this book was a dog.
Disjointed story telling, banal/annoying characters, way too much sex (all of it mindless) and way too much gibberish regarding fated mates. (I am not averse to fated mates; I AM averse to gibberish about fated mates.) If I had paid for this, I would have wanted my money back.
Would not recommend.
Disjointed story telling, banal/annoying characters, way too much sex (all of it mindless) and way too much gibberish regarding fated mates. (I am not averse to fated mates; I AM averse to gibberish about fated mates.) If I had paid for this, I would have wanted my money back.
Would not recommend.
Want to read
May 29, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/2/2021)! 🎁
August 31, 2022
3.75 stars
wthdidijustread
August 5, 2023Not finishing this at 32%. Is it possible to find a mate book that doesn't use the mate smell good - mate lust activated trope? You know where the MCs have an actual conversation BEFORE mating and get to know each other first? This is getting BOring. sigh.
June 6, 2024
Very fun story, kept me hooked! I enjoyed the world and the characters. A witch who didn’t know he was one, chased by vampires who want to use his powers, finds his mate in a dragon shifter! Had found family, hurt/comfort, protective dragon mate, powerful witch, world building, and spice!
Read
June 13, 2025This was like a fever dream. Just messy and hazy.
January 12, 2025
This review covers all 13 books in the series. The only one that I felt might need a separate review was the last. I read them back to back through the purchase of 4 bundles. I would not have completed this series if they did not come bundled; mostly because there wasn't much that separated them from each other than different m/c's and progression through the story arc.
There are people who should not consider reading these books. Anyone even mildly sensitive to proofing and/or editing issues should avoid. There is not improvement as the books progress. Also, anyone that struggles to "go with the flow" when timelines are muddy to nonsensical should probably avoid. But for the laid back reader, who is looking for easy "brain candy" to pass the time - It's worth a look.
My comments while reading:
Transitions very choppy. Chapters or symbols not used consistently to denote a jump in time, POV, etc... This was very disruptuve to the reading flow and common throughout all the books.
Multiple editing and proofing issues often and throughout, from mild to severe:
Examples -
Minor ="because he kept tried to adopt" (100s like this.)
Moderate = "Tim saw the human before anyone else. He was in the pig barn... but it worked in their favor because Fane was in the rafters , watching. (The full context makes it even more obvious that if the human was already in the barn (as stated) Fane would see too if not 1st. At best, it's unclear. Plus, Tim's mission was to go find 2 others to get to his injured mate, not look for the human like it implied above. )
Just BAD = "...scrambled to find a way out of the shitstorm Jeff had just brought to his doorstep but he didn't know enough to see one about what was really happening to see one. " (No, I did not forget punctuation or mistype. I tripled check)
Just stupid = "And capturing Harold needs to be planned out. We can't make a mistake and have him reporting back to Harold." (No, there are not 2 characters named Harold.)
REALLY? THERE WAS AN EDITOR?
Timelines are the worst (amount of time elapsed was unclear or the implied lapse was not consistent from scene to scene.) At times, it is nonsensical, but often it's unclear to flat out Muddy.
With that said, I was able to go with it and just infer the author's intent. I enjoyed the stories and characters though none of it is fully developed (world, characters, etc...) . Just a few books in, and I was already forgetting who is paired with whom, but the author did a good job of keying my memory.
Fane and the kitten are about the only 2 things that were memorable immediately after finishing, so that doesn't bode well for anything sticking with me in a week much less a month.
A laid back reader, that enjoys this genre, and just wants to kill time is who should consider these books but in bundle form.
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March 18, 2018
An opener with promise
This story was felt a bit choppy in the plot and had some annoying grammar and spelling mistakes, but the more it developed the better it became. By the end I found myself quite interested in this world and its characters, it it could use a bit of polishing moving forward.
Lucas has lived an entirely normal life, other than hiding some small off things that have happened to him. Lately though things have really ratcheted up the weird, leading up to him shooting out magical balls of light, and almost getting kidnapped by vampires because his best friend is a blood whore. Having never known the paranormal, life becomes a whirlwind with Lucas on the run, hoping to find a safe haven. Landing in the small town of Saint Lakes, which turns out to be a paranormal town, Lucas finds that safety with his mate, a dragon shifter named Bennett. With the immediate heat between them the two just have to figure how they fit into each others lives.
The relationship between Bennett and Lucas felt a bit choppy. Because of The mating pull between them the two did things that didn't really seem like them, and put major tensions in the relationship. From weird jealousy posturing, to refusals about orders, nothing seemed to go smoothly at first. At the same time however, they had a habit of making up without ever truly resolving things which felt a bit irksome. Near the end of the book as things really got moving the two became much better, truly talking about problems, explaining concerns on both sides, and making It clear that they were in this relationship together and would work to keep it alive.
As the town becomes more involved and we learn more about the coven hunting Lucas, a whole world really opens up. With a variety of supernatural beings as well as some interesting histories and interactions, it promises to being more intriguing stories while still involving all of the players in the town. It will be an intriguing series to look in on, especially if the stories progress with a bit more finesse.
This story was felt a bit choppy in the plot and had some annoying grammar and spelling mistakes, but the more it developed the better it became. By the end I found myself quite interested in this world and its characters, it it could use a bit of polishing moving forward.
Lucas has lived an entirely normal life, other than hiding some small off things that have happened to him. Lately though things have really ratcheted up the weird, leading up to him shooting out magical balls of light, and almost getting kidnapped by vampires because his best friend is a blood whore. Having never known the paranormal, life becomes a whirlwind with Lucas on the run, hoping to find a safe haven. Landing in the small town of Saint Lakes, which turns out to be a paranormal town, Lucas finds that safety with his mate, a dragon shifter named Bennett. With the immediate heat between them the two just have to figure how they fit into each others lives.
The relationship between Bennett and Lucas felt a bit choppy. Because of The mating pull between them the two did things that didn't really seem like them, and put major tensions in the relationship. From weird jealousy posturing, to refusals about orders, nothing seemed to go smoothly at first. At the same time however, they had a habit of making up without ever truly resolving things which felt a bit irksome. Near the end of the book as things really got moving the two became much better, truly talking about problems, explaining concerns on both sides, and making It clear that they were in this relationship together and would work to keep it alive.
As the town becomes more involved and we learn more about the coven hunting Lucas, a whole world really opens up. With a variety of supernatural beings as well as some interesting histories and interactions, it promises to being more intriguing stories while still involving all of the players in the town. It will be an intriguing series to look in on, especially if the stories progress with a bit more finesse.
December 31, 2015
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review.***
Lucas has been having awful, incapacitating headaches for a while that force him to remain secluded at his parents' home while they are away. Never mind that very strange things seem to happen before the headaches end. It isn't until his friend Shawn invites him to go out and they're pursued by vampires that want to kidnap Lucas that he starts getting a clue of why those things have been happening to him.
After a very narrow escape, he ends up at Saint Lakes where he meets Bennett, who turns out to be a dragon shifter and his mate. Lucas doesn't really know anything about shifters or vampires or being a witch, as it turns out he's the only male witch that exists and that's the reason they are trying to kidnap him. And while Bennett and his family are willing to protect him, will they be enough to stop a very determined vampire?
The story itself was entertaining, it involves vampires, witches and different kinds of shifters all interacting together, which was a fairly original idea. I liked Bennett and Lucas and they had good chemistry. Having multiple POVs was a bit off-putting at times, but it gave me a different perspective to what was happening with the villain as well as with the main characters. Another thing that I didn't particularly cared about, and that might be because I'm very nitpicky, is the editing, there were lots of misplaced commas, and frankly that was very distracting as I tried to discern the meaning of some sentences and it broke the flow of the reading. I'm aware this is an ARC, and this might be a before final edits copy, so I hope the problem was resolved before publishing. Other than that, this was a good, interesting read.
Rating: 3.75 Stars (Rounded up to 4).
Lucas has been having awful, incapacitating headaches for a while that force him to remain secluded at his parents' home while they are away. Never mind that very strange things seem to happen before the headaches end. It isn't until his friend Shawn invites him to go out and they're pursued by vampires that want to kidnap Lucas that he starts getting a clue of why those things have been happening to him.
After a very narrow escape, he ends up at Saint Lakes where he meets Bennett, who turns out to be a dragon shifter and his mate. Lucas doesn't really know anything about shifters or vampires or being a witch, as it turns out he's the only male witch that exists and that's the reason they are trying to kidnap him. And while Bennett and his family are willing to protect him, will they be enough to stop a very determined vampire?
The story itself was entertaining, it involves vampires, witches and different kinds of shifters all interacting together, which was a fairly original idea. I liked Bennett and Lucas and they had good chemistry. Having multiple POVs was a bit off-putting at times, but it gave me a different perspective to what was happening with the villain as well as with the main characters. Another thing that I didn't particularly cared about, and that might be because I'm very nitpicky, is the editing, there were lots of misplaced commas, and frankly that was very distracting as I tried to discern the meaning of some sentences and it broke the flow of the reading. I'm aware this is an ARC, and this might be a before final edits copy, so I hope the problem was resolved before publishing. Other than that, this was a good, interesting read.
Rating: 3.75 Stars (Rounded up to 4).
January 7, 2024
Honest review: So I’m in a PNR romance era and after reading some really great books so far, my expectations and standards are really high.
•
While the story line for this book was good and I enjoy fated mates trope, something was lacking. I didn’t feel the excitement of Lucas and Bennett meeting. I didn’t have any screaming moments when cute or possessive things were said or happened.
•
The antagonists POV was confusing at first and then I don’t know what he became, but it didn’t feel anything like an antagonist should when you get more into the book. Also there were too many side characters with no explanation of who they were or where they came from nor any kind of backstory. I’m sure it happens in future books but this one kind of deters me from wanting to read them.
•
The story was good but it kind of felt like the writing just wasn’t all there. Like holes in the plot? The characters stayed stagnant and Lucas lacked foundation for me. For example, he said he wanted to date slowly because he’s used to the human ways and BAM, temporarily mates like a second later. Just didn’t make any sense to me.
•
I still enjoyed reading it! Just not as much as I thought I would enjoy it.
•
Rate: 3/5
•
While the story line for this book was good and I enjoy fated mates trope, something was lacking. I didn’t feel the excitement of Lucas and Bennett meeting. I didn’t have any screaming moments when cute or possessive things were said or happened.
•
The antagonists POV was confusing at first and then I don’t know what he became, but it didn’t feel anything like an antagonist should when you get more into the book. Also there were too many side characters with no explanation of who they were or where they came from nor any kind of backstory. I’m sure it happens in future books but this one kind of deters me from wanting to read them.
•
The story was good but it kind of felt like the writing just wasn’t all there. Like holes in the plot? The characters stayed stagnant and Lucas lacked foundation for me. For example, he said he wanted to date slowly because he’s used to the human ways and BAM, temporarily mates like a second later. Just didn’t make any sense to me.
•
I still enjoyed reading it! Just not as much as I thought I would enjoy it.
•
Rate: 3/5
March 26, 2025
DNF @ 28%
With the voice actor making Lucas sound 12 and the awkward, downright BAD dialog, I just couldn't do it.
"Hes looking at me like I'm a cheeseburger."
"Please don't eat me. Please don't eat me."
Lucas meant these lines, not as snark, but with his whole chest, and I just CAN'T.
Also, Lucas is so naive, it's gone into stupid territory, and y'all know how I feel about stupid characters.
With the voice actor making Lucas sound 12 and the awkward, downright BAD dialog, I just couldn't do it.
"Hes looking at me like I'm a cheeseburger."
"Please don't eat me. Please don't eat me."
Lucas meant these lines, not as snark, but with his whole chest, and I just CAN'T.
Also, Lucas is so naive, it's gone into stupid territory, and y'all know how I feel about stupid characters.
May 18, 2018
The bones of this book are great but this author needs to stop depending on a spell checker. The grammar is faulty, wrong words are used on a regular basis and sentence structure is faulty. I'm comfortable with a few mistakes but this goes way beyond. I'll keep reading this series because I like the stories but I can't give a good rating when I'm continually distracted.
November 13, 2015
ohhhhh. ..I really enjoyed that! !! I'm just a tad bit upset that I don't have the next book in the series yet! !!
December 25, 2015
More like 1.55-ish really. But what the heck, it's holiday - am feeling generous! ^^
May 11, 2019
Editing
The story and characters are okay but the grammar is atrocious. Shuttering instead of shuddering for example! Many more examples throughout the story.
The story and characters are okay but the grammar is atrocious. Shuttering instead of shuddering for example! Many more examples throughout the story.
February 23, 2016
4.5 stars...This was a great start to a series. I really enjoyed it.
July 27, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4 hearts
Lucas was a natural introvert. All he wanted was to be a normal human being. However, weird events, a betrayal and a lucky encounter with a passerby sent Lucas on the run. His eyes were opened, making him realize that there was much to learn. Yet, while alone, there was no one to teach him. Then Lucas encountered Bennett, which threw up a new load of questions and emotions. But it had the possibility of giving Lucas everything he ever wanted.
Leave It All is a tale that turned out to be different than I expected. Nevertheless, I kept turning pages, eagerly anticipating what was to follow.
The story is told in the third person from three viewpoints – The witch Lucas, Bennett, the dragon shifter/fated mate to Lucas, and Nicolono, the vampire coven leader. Worldbuilding is restricted to the areas of action, the emotions associated with discovering the paranormal world and everything that it entails.
Lucas believed he was a regular guy who loved playing his guitar. Lucas thought everyone could read people somehow but had no idea he was a rare male witch. So, when weird things began happening to him, Lucas kept quiet. Not long after, he had what most would call a rude awakening.
Nicolono is the new leader of a vampire coven. He knows there’s a new male witch who is unaware of his powers, and he wants him at any cost. Nicolono has problems within the ranks, though, that exacerbate his goals.
Bennet is a dragon shifter. One of a large family of non-blood brothers and sisters, all of whom are shifters of one animal or another. Their bond is strong, born out by the easy banter between them, and they are all well-versed in the dos and don’ts of the paranormal world. So, when Lucas comes into Bennet’s life, their relationship must navigate questions and emotions that Bennet are second nature to Bennet but completely new to Lucas.
There are pockets of high-octane drama where I was eager to read faster. Also, a large portion of the story is spent traversing the transition between the human way and the paranormal world, discovering, and controlling powers, fated mates, and all the insecurities associated with coming to terms with everything being different. Let's not forget the fear that a vampire coven is after Lucas. This, too, was page-turning reading of a different nature. Some parts were a touch cookie-cutter, but the vampire action balanced the narrative.
I’d have liked the story to be a little longer so that a few extra things could be added. E.g., Lucas leaves his parents’ home in a rush. And, while his life is topsy-turvy, he quite rightly can’t contact them due to safety issues. But they aren’t even a passing thought until the end. However, as this is the first book of a series, I hope details like these are taken care of in the next book.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Lucas was a natural introvert. All he wanted was to be a normal human being. However, weird events, a betrayal and a lucky encounter with a passerby sent Lucas on the run. His eyes were opened, making him realize that there was much to learn. Yet, while alone, there was no one to teach him. Then Lucas encountered Bennett, which threw up a new load of questions and emotions. But it had the possibility of giving Lucas everything he ever wanted.
Leave It All is a tale that turned out to be different than I expected. Nevertheless, I kept turning pages, eagerly anticipating what was to follow.
The story is told in the third person from three viewpoints – The witch Lucas, Bennett, the dragon shifter/fated mate to Lucas, and Nicolono, the vampire coven leader. Worldbuilding is restricted to the areas of action, the emotions associated with discovering the paranormal world and everything that it entails.
Lucas believed he was a regular guy who loved playing his guitar. Lucas thought everyone could read people somehow but had no idea he was a rare male witch. So, when weird things began happening to him, Lucas kept quiet. Not long after, he had what most would call a rude awakening.
Nicolono is the new leader of a vampire coven. He knows there’s a new male witch who is unaware of his powers, and he wants him at any cost. Nicolono has problems within the ranks, though, that exacerbate his goals.
Bennet is a dragon shifter. One of a large family of non-blood brothers and sisters, all of whom are shifters of one animal or another. Their bond is strong, born out by the easy banter between them, and they are all well-versed in the dos and don’ts of the paranormal world. So, when Lucas comes into Bennet’s life, their relationship must navigate questions and emotions that Bennet are second nature to Bennet but completely new to Lucas.
There are pockets of high-octane drama where I was eager to read faster. Also, a large portion of the story is spent traversing the transition between the human way and the paranormal world, discovering, and controlling powers, fated mates, and all the insecurities associated with coming to terms with everything being different. Let's not forget the fear that a vampire coven is after Lucas. This, too, was page-turning reading of a different nature. Some parts were a touch cookie-cutter, but the vampire action balanced the narrative.
I’d have liked the story to be a little longer so that a few extra things could be added. E.g., Lucas leaves his parents’ home in a rush. And, while his life is topsy-turvy, he quite rightly can’t contact them due to safety issues. But they aren’t even a passing thought until the end. However, as this is the first book of a series, I hope details like these are taken care of in the next book.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
August 20, 2017
This short piece by April Kelley is an interesting take on the supernatural romance genre, having some familiar elements and some fairly unique (at least to me) elements. The tale centers on a young male witch as he discovers not only who and what he is, but also who his destined partner is. As readers, we join him on his introduction to an unusual small town and an unusual world that lies under what we consider reality. I personally found the story worth reading, with only two reservations.
The first is one that I find myself saying more and more as I read what’s out in this new internet market: I want more within the story. This statement isn’t really a criticism as I found the piece worth my time and attention…and if I want more details I know I’ve found something that intrigues me. I guess I’m used to reading longer works, and I like lots of backstory and history as well as lots of description at this stage of my life. Parts of this story seemed a little rushed, but I did get a complete story with beginning, middle, and end…and while that seems like an obvious progression for any story, I like the fact that I wasn’t left dangling at the end.
The second thing was the presence of dragon shifters, who are a very important element to the story. I just haven’t read many stories with this idea in them, and while I have no issues accepting vampires, werewolves, witches, and other lycanthropes the dragon element just made me pause and go “Okay….” Don’t mistake me, there’s nothing -wrong- with this idea…it just seemed a little out of place without some explanation about where they came from, how rare they are, and so forth.
These two things said, I found plenty of very good things in the story as well. I found the characters to be likable and interesting, the ideas behind magic in this world intriguing, and the male/male action involved in the story quite enjoyable. I do still want more, and I hope that there are or will be more stories set in this world. I definitely recommend this story for someone looking for a short diversion involving gay romance in the field of supernatural fiction.
(Independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock)
The first is one that I find myself saying more and more as I read what’s out in this new internet market: I want more within the story. This statement isn’t really a criticism as I found the piece worth my time and attention…and if I want more details I know I’ve found something that intrigues me. I guess I’m used to reading longer works, and I like lots of backstory and history as well as lots of description at this stage of my life. Parts of this story seemed a little rushed, but I did get a complete story with beginning, middle, and end…and while that seems like an obvious progression for any story, I like the fact that I wasn’t left dangling at the end.
The second thing was the presence of dragon shifters, who are a very important element to the story. I just haven’t read many stories with this idea in them, and while I have no issues accepting vampires, werewolves, witches, and other lycanthropes the dragon element just made me pause and go “Okay….” Don’t mistake me, there’s nothing -wrong- with this idea…it just seemed a little out of place without some explanation about where they came from, how rare they are, and so forth.
These two things said, I found plenty of very good things in the story as well. I found the characters to be likable and interesting, the ideas behind magic in this world intriguing, and the male/male action involved in the story quite enjoyable. I do still want more, and I hope that there are or will be more stories set in this world. I definitely recommend this story for someone looking for a short diversion involving gay romance in the field of supernatural fiction.
(Independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock)
June 17, 2023
After much contemplation, I finally decided to give "Leave It All" a chance, despite my preference for book series centered around a single character. The experience proved to be worthwhile, albeit with some reservations.
The story revolves around Lucas, an ordinary guy who discovers he possesses magical powers and is thrust into a paranormal world previously unknown to him. Fleeing from his parents' home early on due to a vampire clan's pursuit, he finds himself in a city inhabited by shifters, one of whom becomes his "mate." The rest of the story unfolds with its share of twists and turns.
While the plot may not offer anything remarkably new, it manages to hold its ground. The narrative strikes a decent balance between action, inner conflicts, and romance. The reading experience flows smoothly, and the conclusion is satisfactory. Lucas is well-described and exhibits depth, making it enjoyable to witness his growth throughout the book.
However, there are certain aspects that significantly impact the overall experience. Firstly, the abrupt disappearance of Lucas from his parents' house, with no real mention of them actively seeking him out or the vampires exploiting them as bait, feels unrealistic. Secondly, the descriptions of the mating bond between Lucas and Bennett lean more toward being an uncontrollable curse rather than a natural connection. While it was refreshing to see Lucas briefly contemplate its implications, he quickly succumbs to acceptance without further exploration. Lastly, the perpetuation of heteronormative stereotypes in an MM romance, where the smaller, weaker, and more fragile individual bottoming while the bigger, grumpy, and stable character topping, is disappointing.
In conclusion, "Leave It All" is not a groundbreaking book, but it offers light and entertaining reading. If you decide to embark on this journey, I recommend approaching it with tempered expectations and a willingness to embrace its flaws.
The story revolves around Lucas, an ordinary guy who discovers he possesses magical powers and is thrust into a paranormal world previously unknown to him. Fleeing from his parents' home early on due to a vampire clan's pursuit, he finds himself in a city inhabited by shifters, one of whom becomes his "mate." The rest of the story unfolds with its share of twists and turns.
While the plot may not offer anything remarkably new, it manages to hold its ground. The narrative strikes a decent balance between action, inner conflicts, and romance. The reading experience flows smoothly, and the conclusion is satisfactory. Lucas is well-described and exhibits depth, making it enjoyable to witness his growth throughout the book.
However, there are certain aspects that significantly impact the overall experience. Firstly, the abrupt disappearance of Lucas from his parents' house, with no real mention of them actively seeking him out or the vampires exploiting them as bait, feels unrealistic. Secondly, the descriptions of the mating bond between Lucas and Bennett lean more toward being an uncontrollable curse rather than a natural connection. While it was refreshing to see Lucas briefly contemplate its implications, he quickly succumbs to acceptance without further exploration. Lastly, the perpetuation of heteronormative stereotypes in an MM romance, where the smaller, weaker, and more fragile individual bottoming while the bigger, grumpy, and stable character topping, is disappointing.
In conclusion, "Leave It All" is not a groundbreaking book, but it offers light and entertaining reading. If you decide to embark on this journey, I recommend approaching it with tempered expectations and a willingness to embrace its flaws.
February 7, 2024
Ohhh boy.
I like the fact that Bennett and his family is all adopted. I don't see that to often in books and it's nice to read about it. His mom seems like a good person and she never turns away someone in trouble, even if a coven a vampires is after them.
However, this book is 200ish pages, and there are 6 other siblings and there are hints about their backstory's, and honestly we kinda just learn their names and what they can turn into. I'm sure in the other books we learn more about them as the series goes on as of now though, I don't remember any of their names. So. At the end of the book, when someone from Bennett's past comes I had no idea who he was. I had to search the book to find out he was Bennett's father best friend and everyone is like 'oh my gosh Garrett's hurt, we have to help them' and I'm so lost on why I should care. The only one who we kinda now about is the baby brother who is jealous that he's losing Bennett to Lucas (the other male lead).
There's a scene in this book were Bennett's Mom says she needs to see Bennett and the Alpha of the town (also Bennett's brother) in the study for a meeting about Lucas. Lucas is upset about the fact that he's not going to the meeting that is ABOUT HIMSELF and storms off.
And then afterwords Bennett tells Lucas what happened anyway.
I want to throw this book against a wall, but I can't because it's my Kindle.
Anyway, we get chapters from the bad guys point of view. Apparently his wife is a bitch who cursed him into being impotent, then he found his true mate, then his true mate is no longer his mate, instead its two of his subordinates and at some point makes those two have sex in front of him and his not-anymore-true-mate. Its like reading a fever dream. Why. Oh and he doesn't like his not-anymore-true-mate but wants his wife because he got cursed by a warlock. I didn't really leave anything out about the warlock. Boom warlock.
And then my favorite part. Lucas get's kidnapped at a group event full of shifters that can smell people a mile away. Granted, every single person could have been distracted but either way the kidnapping happens with no one noticing until Bennett realizes that something is wrong.
Now. Bennett can shift into a dragon. A firebreathing dragon. He sees the taillights of the car and started to go after it. But his brother, the Alpha, says no we need to plan our strategy, you can get killed.
He's a dragon. The bad guys are vampires. I'm just, I get that the brother could be concerned, but again Dragon.
So there's also a character who gets some screen time called Sage. We first meet Sage who is a waiter and hits on Bennett a little while taking his order. Lucas flips out on the waiter and while Bennett and one of his brothers didn't really stop him, they did say he needs to apologize because Sage didn't know that Bennett found his mate. Lucas decides to do the silent treatment and then reluctantly agrees.
I despise this troupe were waiters/waitress flirt with someone because these people only want to get a paycheck.
Anyway the next time we meet Sage he's in the cell with Lucas and then gets sexually assaulted by a guard. Lucas heals him and they become closer.
This left such a bad taste in my mouth and is the reason for this rating. It feels... a little like he was punished for daring to flirt with someone that he didn't know was in a relationship. It is disturbing that the next time we see Sage, that happens. I really wish that instead of.. that happening, it could have been anything else. And the thing is we are constantly told how bloody his pants are after this.
This series has 12 books as of this review and maybe it will get better, but no. This book series is not for me.
I like the fact that Bennett and his family is all adopted. I don't see that to often in books and it's nice to read about it. His mom seems like a good person and she never turns away someone in trouble, even if a coven a vampires is after them.
However, this book is 200ish pages, and there are 6 other siblings and there are hints about their backstory's, and honestly we kinda just learn their names and what they can turn into. I'm sure in the other books we learn more about them as the series goes on as of now though, I don't remember any of their names. So. At the end of the book, when someone from Bennett's past comes I had no idea who he was. I had to search the book to find out he was Bennett's father best friend and everyone is like 'oh my gosh Garrett's hurt, we have to help them' and I'm so lost on why I should care. The only one who we kinda now about is the baby brother who is jealous that he's losing Bennett to Lucas (the other male lead).
There's a scene in this book were Bennett's Mom says she needs to see Bennett and the Alpha of the town (also Bennett's brother) in the study for a meeting about Lucas. Lucas is upset about the fact that he's not going to the meeting that is ABOUT HIMSELF and storms off.
And then afterwords Bennett tells Lucas what happened anyway.
I want to throw this book against a wall, but I can't because it's my Kindle.
Anyway, we get chapters from the bad guys point of view. Apparently his wife is a bitch who cursed him into being impotent, then he found his true mate, then his true mate is no longer his mate, instead its two of his subordinates and at some point makes those two have sex in front of him and his not-anymore-true-mate. Its like reading a fever dream. Why. Oh and he doesn't like his not-anymore-true-mate but wants his wife because he got cursed by a warlock. I didn't really leave anything out about the warlock. Boom warlock.
And then my favorite part. Lucas get's kidnapped at a group event full of shifters that can smell people a mile away. Granted, every single person could have been distracted but either way the kidnapping happens with no one noticing until Bennett realizes that something is wrong.
Now. Bennett can shift into a dragon. A firebreathing dragon. He sees the taillights of the car and started to go after it. But his brother, the Alpha, says no we need to plan our strategy, you can get killed.
He's a dragon. The bad guys are vampires. I'm just, I get that the brother could be concerned, but again Dragon.
So there's also a character who gets some screen time called Sage. We first meet Sage who is a waiter and hits on Bennett a little while taking his order. Lucas flips out on the waiter and while Bennett and one of his brothers didn't really stop him, they did say he needs to apologize because Sage didn't know that Bennett found his mate. Lucas decides to do the silent treatment and then reluctantly agrees.
I despise this troupe were waiters/waitress flirt with someone because these people only want to get a paycheck.
Anyway the next time we meet Sage he's in the cell with Lucas and then gets sexually assaulted by a guard. Lucas heals him and they become closer.
This left such a bad taste in my mouth and is the reason for this rating. It feels... a little like he was punished for daring to flirt with someone that he didn't know was in a relationship. It is disturbing that the next time we see Sage, that happens. I really wish that instead of.. that happening, it could have been anything else. And the thing is we are constantly told how bloody his pants are after this.
This series has 12 books as of this review and maybe it will get better, but no. This book series is not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2022
2.5* It wasn't bad, and I didn't notice the errors that many people pointed out so maybe it's been changed, but I didn't really like the third POV form the bad guy. I found he seemed to be in there more for torture (mild) porn than anything and just him abusing, killing, being generally awful. I didn't need to see it, to know he was a bad guy. So I mostly just skimmed those parts a bit, although from what I see some of the people in those chapters will pop up as mates later.
The whole idea of a guy who had no clue he's a witch (the last of his kind) is on the run and finds his mate in a dragon (whose part of a family of foster shifters - I assume that's explained later) was cute. He's betrayed by his friend to the vamps and the bad guy wants him to lift an erectile dysfunction curse. Really. He's kidnapped, he's rescued, sort of the usual.
You don't really find out what happened to the bad guy so maybe he's still alive and shows up in later book. The next book though has a snake shifter and sorry, despite maybe some curiosity about how it works out for the overall story, I simply can't even read about snakes, so ... Nope.
Also, he was housesitting for his a parents, then just vanishes, once he mentioned he wanted to talk to them, but he never seems concerned that they'll wonder what happened to him. *shrug* I sometimes get hung up on those little details.
The whole idea of a guy who had no clue he's a witch (the last of his kind) is on the run and finds his mate in a dragon (whose part of a family of foster shifters - I assume that's explained later) was cute. He's betrayed by his friend to the vamps and the bad guy wants him to lift an erectile dysfunction curse. Really. He's kidnapped, he's rescued, sort of the usual.
You don't really find out what happened to the bad guy so maybe he's still alive and shows up in later book. The next book though has a snake shifter and sorry, despite maybe some curiosity about how it works out for the overall story, I simply can't even read about snakes, so ... Nope.
Also, he was housesitting for his a parents, then just vanishes, once he mentioned he wanted to talk to them, but he never seems concerned that they'll wonder what happened to him. *shrug* I sometimes get hung up on those little details.
November 15, 2024
While I enjoyed aspects of this book, some parts just felt odd and not explained properly so felt very jumpy as goes between povs. I did adore Luca's though and the concept was interesting, the magic was great.
The romance was lacking and pretty insta lust, fated mates usual. Bennett was annoying at points and I liked that Luca's didn't let him get away with things. Plenty of charm between them and some spice, but I do think needed more time to develop their relationship.
Also the plot with the vampires wasn't well explained or developed, it felt pretty random never felt knew Nicolonos true origins. His wife's curses, why? What happened? What's his motivation? Why captured dragon? It was all over the place and seemed to change with each time met him, just not very well explored.
It was all so very messy so while there was potential in the plot it didn't really work for me, I did enjoy the action scenes though. The magic is fascinating, the variety of shifters and world building intriguing.
Overall it was entertaining and has a happy ending for Bennett & Luca's while leaving open towards future pairings. I'll give another chance with the next in series some time ☺️
The romance was lacking and pretty insta lust, fated mates usual. Bennett was annoying at points and I liked that Luca's didn't let him get away with things. Plenty of charm between them and some spice, but I do think needed more time to develop their relationship.
Also the plot with the vampires wasn't well explained or developed, it felt pretty random never felt knew Nicolonos true origins. His wife's curses, why? What happened? What's his motivation? Why captured dragon? It was all over the place and seemed to change with each time met him, just not very well explored.
It was all so very messy so while there was potential in the plot it didn't really work for me, I did enjoy the action scenes though. The magic is fascinating, the variety of shifters and world building intriguing.
Overall it was entertaining and has a happy ending for Bennett & Luca's while leaving open towards future pairings. I'll give another chance with the next in series some time ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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