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Smilodon Pride #1
Softpaw
Connor’s life could have been the dream of any cultured werecat. He is spending his days in Paris’ gay quarter with comfortably little real work, playing the piano, surrounded by art, fine food and good friends. It could have been, if not for a feral vampire preying on the prostitutes of ‘his’ quarter, killing the boys of the Marais one by one.
When Connor invites a newly arrived hooker to stay on his houseboat, the last thing he expects is Michel to be a member of the Brigade Criminelle - a troubled, hunky rookie cop sent undercover to explore Connor’s connection to the murders, picked mostly because he had been a boy of the Marais himself, not so long ago.
Hiding their true nature becomes a problem for both when their realize there maybe is more to their inital attraction. But in order to bring down the serial killer and maybe have a chance at making their relationship work out, one of them will have to
take the first, critical leap...
***
Tags: Romance - Gay - HFN - Paranormal - Paris - France - Shifter - Vampires - Cops - Death - Prostitution - Undercover - Rough Sex - Explicit Sex
When Connor invites a newly arrived hooker to stay on his houseboat, the last thing he expects is Michel to be a member of the Brigade Criminelle - a troubled, hunky rookie cop sent undercover to explore Connor’s connection to the murders, picked mostly because he had been a boy of the Marais himself, not so long ago.
Hiding their true nature becomes a problem for both when their realize there maybe is more to their inital attraction. But in order to bring down the serial killer and maybe have a chance at making their relationship work out, one of them will have to
take the first, critical leap...
***
Tags: Romance - Gay - HFN - Paranormal - Paris - France - Shifter - Vampires - Cops - Death - Prostitution - Undercover - Rough Sex - Explicit Sex
229 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2016
8 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 3, 2016
2.5 Hearts
I wanted to love this book. I kept trying and trying to grab on and take the ride but just when I thought I had it...
I didn't have it.
It would take off in these weird tangents that lost me; shook me off like a bad habit. Everything I was interested in got scuttled to the back burner in favor of on overwhelming amount of aesthetic minutiae that left me bored and oftentimes confused.
Softpaw revolves around a serial killer who is targeting male prostitutes in the Marais arrondissement of Paris. Michel is assigned to the case *seemingly* due to his colorful background which includes prostitution. There is an odd meeting between him, his direct supervisor and some nebulous woman whose role is never clearly defined but we're left with the distinct impression that she has some sort of stake in the investigation and maybe she hand picked Michel for it?
However, Michel is bar none the shittiest cop ever. The prime suspect is Connor who happens to be a sabertoothed werepanther and local piano player. One would think a cop would get close but not too close to the prime suspect and most certainly stay alert. Nope. Michel seems to get a case of narcolepsy every time they're together then once he wakes up proceeds to berate himself extensively for falling asleep and losing track of Connor.
His shoddy investigative skills, and sexual peccadilloes definitely qualify him as peculiar. He's not boring, I'll give him that. He's a danger junkie who enjoys being humiliated and used and not in the kinky way either. He'll take any sort of attention and he's insecure to the point of finding it necessary to get into a verbal fisticuffs with a 15 yr old. So... not exactly likable.
Connor is slightly better but he too is moody and he's got a vicious streak when he's angry that had me all...
How the authors incorporated Paris making it part of the story was what I enjoyed most. They also did a good job constructing these two imperfect characters and I applaud them for the unusual shifter. The overall impression I'm left with is esoteric and unfocused. It's not that I think the narrative is bad it's just clunky. The dialogue never seems natural what with the absence of contractions not to mention the peculiarities. I didn't get the sense of humor. The things that were given precedence were quirky. Everything was just slightly obscure, most especially the bizarre council/government connection that bookends the story.
The sex was eccentric as well. There are probably 3-4 pages of lead up which included buttons being unbuttoned, shoes being taken off and some bossy behavior by one werepanther but the actual sex was glossed over. And it was a marathon with a big guy bottom! I would've liked some focus on that rather than the buttons. Even the hate sex confused me because I didn't understand the level of hate. Then again, I never was convinced of Connor and Michel's connection despite the repetitive internal dialogue each of them have regarding their feels for each other.
One thing I hesitate to even mention mainly because I am super white and 16 different kinds of privileged so my rule of thumb is just to shut my cake hole when it comes to things that may or may not be racist but...in my opinion, if it doesn't push the story forward and serves no purpose with regard to character development then I see no need for things like this and wish they were omitted altogether. It strikes me as unnecessarily inflammatory not to mention divisive.
It probably could've used a final edit to catch the thing with Connor being a neat freak but then suddenly Michel finds black cat hair all over his clothes. I know a neat freak with something like 19 cats and you'd NEVER find a cat hair on you.
Like I said, I didn't hate it and this has an audience; just check the other reviews. The framework of the story is appealing but the final product left a little to be desired for me.
A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
I wanted to love this book. I kept trying and trying to grab on and take the ride but just when I thought I had it...
I didn't have it.
It would take off in these weird tangents that lost me; shook me off like a bad habit. Everything I was interested in got scuttled to the back burner in favor of on overwhelming amount of aesthetic minutiae that left me bored and oftentimes confused.
Softpaw revolves around a serial killer who is targeting male prostitutes in the Marais arrondissement of Paris. Michel is assigned to the case *seemingly* due to his colorful background which includes prostitution. There is an odd meeting between him, his direct supervisor and some nebulous woman whose role is never clearly defined but we're left with the distinct impression that she has some sort of stake in the investigation and maybe she hand picked Michel for it?
However, Michel is bar none the shittiest cop ever. The prime suspect is Connor who happens to be a sabertoothed werepanther and local piano player. One would think a cop would get close but not too close to the prime suspect and most certainly stay alert. Nope. Michel seems to get a case of narcolepsy every time they're together then once he wakes up proceeds to berate himself extensively for falling asleep and losing track of Connor.
His shoddy investigative skills, and sexual peccadilloes definitely qualify him as peculiar. He's not boring, I'll give him that. He's a danger junkie who enjoys being humiliated and used and not in the kinky way either. He'll take any sort of attention and he's insecure to the point of finding it necessary to get into a verbal fisticuffs with a 15 yr old. So... not exactly likable.
Connor is slightly better but he too is moody and he's got a vicious streak when he's angry that had me all...
How the authors incorporated Paris making it part of the story was what I enjoyed most. They also did a good job constructing these two imperfect characters and I applaud them for the unusual shifter. The overall impression I'm left with is esoteric and unfocused. It's not that I think the narrative is bad it's just clunky. The dialogue never seems natural what with the absence of contractions not to mention the peculiarities. I didn't get the sense of humor. The things that were given precedence were quirky. Everything was just slightly obscure, most especially the bizarre council/government connection that bookends the story.
The sex was eccentric as well. There are probably 3-4 pages of lead up which included buttons being unbuttoned, shoes being taken off and some bossy behavior by one werepanther but the actual sex was glossed over. And it was a marathon with a big guy bottom! I would've liked some focus on that rather than the buttons. Even the hate sex confused me because I didn't understand the level of hate. Then again, I never was convinced of Connor and Michel's connection despite the repetitive internal dialogue each of them have regarding their feels for each other.
One thing I hesitate to even mention mainly because I am super white and 16 different kinds of privileged so my rule of thumb is just to shut my cake hole when it comes to things that may or may not be racist but...in my opinion, if it doesn't push the story forward and serves no purpose with regard to character development then I see no need for things like this and wish they were omitted altogether. It strikes me as unnecessarily inflammatory not to mention divisive.
My late husband always said you negros would be the end of us all, but there's just as many rotten apples among you as there is among normal people.
It probably could've used a final edit to catch the thing with Connor being a neat freak but then suddenly Michel finds black cat hair all over his clothes. I know a neat freak with something like 19 cats and you'd NEVER find a cat hair on you.
Like I said, I didn't hate it and this has an audience; just check the other reviews. The framework of the story is appealing but the final product left a little to be desired for me.
A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 21, 2016
This book grabbed me right from the start and didn't let me go. I mean, come on, look at the blurb alone. Cultured,artsy black sabre tooth panther shifter living on a houseboat on the Seine meets hunky former rent-boy turned undercover cop posing as a street hustler while hunting a creepy, bloodsuckin' serial killer in Paris?
Rawr.
Add to that the cover, and I was so in. Right in the middle, at that. Paris is one of my favorite places on earth, and this book transported me right there, drew me into the tastes, smells and sounds of this gorgeous city, her romance, wackiness and diversity, her indifference and greatness, her dirty corners and her heartbreaking beauty.
Then the characters, it was a joy to meet them. Connor (unlikeliest name ever, btw) with his native American roots, his protective, fierce warrior spirit and almost too much heartfor his own good, and Michel with his vanity, quick temper, naivete and low self-esteem whose equally fierce resilience carried him through his sordid past and challenging present. A less than perfect match and yet the perfect couple, I loved them both. The rest of the cast, if a bit sketchier, were just as unique. My only little niggle with this book, if I had one at all, was the villain
To make everything perfect, I got a well-paced, gripping plot that was romantic. laced with humor and yet just scary enough to add a bit of a bite to the mystery.
Highly recommended!
Rawr.
Add to that the cover, and I was so in. Right in the middle, at that. Paris is one of my favorite places on earth, and this book transported me right there, drew me into the tastes, smells and sounds of this gorgeous city, her romance, wackiness and diversity, her indifference and greatness, her dirty corners and her heartbreaking beauty.
Then the characters, it was a joy to meet them. Connor (unlikeliest name ever, btw) with his native American roots, his protective, fierce warrior spirit and almost too much heartfor his own good, and Michel with his vanity, quick temper, naivete and low self-esteem whose equally fierce resilience carried him through his sordid past and challenging present. A less than perfect match and yet the perfect couple, I loved them both. The rest of the cast, if a bit sketchier, were just as unique. My only little niggle with this book, if I had one at all, was the villain
To make everything perfect, I got a well-paced, gripping plot that was romantic. laced with humor and yet just scary enough to add a bit of a bite to the mystery.
Highly recommended!
September 14, 2016
3.5 stars
First of all, there were moments were I was so appalled with the incompetence that Michel showed as a cop. I mean ... Seriously? I was ready to dismiss Michel outright. What a stupid thing to do as a cop. Clearly Michel let his head ruled rather than his brain.
Although, I admit, I wasn't that impressed with Connor either. Considering that he was a shifter, in which he was supposed to have better senses than humans .
In addition, did I miss something or we never really found out the real identity of Jacqueline? I felt like the revelation of the villain wasn't worth the "hype". In any case, let's just say that the investigation part didn't satisfy me as much.
However ... I though the relationship progress to be really good. It was well-paced, the chemistry was there, as well as the emotional conflict between Connor and Michel, with one being the suspect and the other an undercover cop. I loved that part.
The Paris setting was also wonderful. It felt like another character in this book and it elevated the mood to the whole story. Plus there was one moment that felt like a punch to my gut, when the victims ended up being characters that were introduced to readers quite wonderfully before they died.
So despite the complaint above, I can count this as "really liked" :)
Part of my involvement in Joyfully Jay Reading Challenge Month 2016 Week 2: Around the World Challenge
First of all, there were moments were I was so appalled with the incompetence that Michel showed as a cop. I mean ... Seriously? I was ready to dismiss Michel outright. What a stupid thing to do as a cop. Clearly Michel let his head ruled rather than his brain.
Although, I admit, I wasn't that impressed with Connor either. Considering that he was a shifter, in which he was supposed to have better senses than humans .
In addition, did I miss something or we never really found out the real identity of Jacqueline? I felt like the revelation of the villain wasn't worth the "hype". In any case, let's just say that the investigation part didn't satisfy me as much.
However ... I though the relationship progress to be really good. It was well-paced, the chemistry was there, as well as the emotional conflict between Connor and Michel, with one being the suspect and the other an undercover cop. I loved that part.
The Paris setting was also wonderful. It felt like another character in this book and it elevated the mood to the whole story. Plus there was one moment that felt like a punch to my gut, when the victims ended up being characters that were introduced to readers quite wonderfully before they died.
So despite the complaint above, I can count this as "really liked" :)
Part of my involvement in Joyfully Jay Reading Challenge Month 2016 Week 2: Around the World Challenge
July 27, 2016
Rating: 3.75 stars
My View: I had said, multiple times, that I have a soft spot for stories with rentboys and escorts. I like seeing how they evolved through the story and what caused those changes. In this case, we see a different side of the equation. And combined with an undercover investigation and a werecat, this story has the bones to be great.
This story got me more interested in the mystery aspect than the romance. Yes, it was nice to see how Connor's and Michel's feelings developed, but I see them more like a paranormal version of classic superheroes. They want to do good, and both have their secrets. Unknowingly, they're working to get the same killer down and perhaps, and earlier alliance may have added to the suspense.
The secondary characters in this story are multi-dimensional and fit the story arc. Everyone has a reason to be and help the story move forward. It's easy to get attached to them, even those we have only met in passing. The settings are interesting and put together in a way we can see the fictitious areas bloom within the real streets of Paris.
My only complaint about this story is the lack of a strong connection between the reasons for the killer to attack and the end result. Yes, we get to know the police's assumptions and Connor's, but we don't get enough from the killer's perspective. Plus, some of the encounters between Connor and the killer pushed the "reality" boundaries established by the authors.
There's a small setup for the next book in the series, but not enough to entice a reader to continue reading; unless you read the extra content at the end of the book. Then, you'll want to know more about the next installment.
What I liked the most: The amount of detail in the descriptions.
I wanted more: Time between Michel and Connor's cat.
Who should read it: Fans of werecats and humans couples.
My View: I had said, multiple times, that I have a soft spot for stories with rentboys and escorts. I like seeing how they evolved through the story and what caused those changes. In this case, we see a different side of the equation. And combined with an undercover investigation and a werecat, this story has the bones to be great.
This story got me more interested in the mystery aspect than the romance. Yes, it was nice to see how Connor's and Michel's feelings developed, but I see them more like a paranormal version of classic superheroes. They want to do good, and both have their secrets. Unknowingly, they're working to get the same killer down and perhaps, and earlier alliance may have added to the suspense.
The secondary characters in this story are multi-dimensional and fit the story arc. Everyone has a reason to be and help the story move forward. It's easy to get attached to them, even those we have only met in passing. The settings are interesting and put together in a way we can see the fictitious areas bloom within the real streets of Paris.
My only complaint about this story is the lack of a strong connection between the reasons for the killer to attack and the end result. Yes, we get to know the police's assumptions and Connor's, but we don't get enough from the killer's perspective. Plus, some of the encounters between Connor and the killer pushed the "reality" boundaries established by the authors.
There's a small setup for the next book in the series, but not enough to entice a reader to continue reading; unless you read the extra content at the end of the book. Then, you'll want to know more about the next installment.
What I liked the most: The amount of detail in the descriptions.
I wanted more: Time between Michel and Connor's cat.
Who should read it: Fans of werecats and humans couples.
ARC provided by the authors as part of the Goodreads M/M Romance Group Don’t Buy My Love Program.
July 3, 2016
This book had me at the title - how could I resist a smilodon shifter? Connor was everything I hoped he would be and more, a man of culture and a saber-toothed panther. Michel, the hooker turned cop, was equally amazing, with his history, his climb to a better life, and his doubts about himself, his mission, and his new companion.
The prose was beautifully evocative, putting us right into the heart of Paris, from elegant offices to dank alleys, zinc rooftops, and the smoke filled clubs where aging torch singers put on their drag and mesmerize the audience. I felt transported, every bit as much as in the Maigret detective novels. Certain turns of phrase added to the effect, perfectly understandable but just a little strange to the ear, a "foreign language translated" effect. The few words of French make sense in context even if you don't know them as I did not.
There is a murder mystery here too, perfectly mysterious to those who don’t believe in vampires, and chilling to those who do. Connor believes, and his midnight patrols to protect the streetwalkers put him front and center as a suspect. His shifting form is just as unimaginable to the police as the undead.
Connor is a lovely character, with his very mixed heritage (he spent his extreme childhood as a kitten), his dark skin and thin dreads, and beautiful erudition. His music and understanding of art transfix Michel as much as his sensuality. Particularly excellent is that Michel sees him as a complete person, not as a fetishized collection of physical traits. He lives on a houseboat on the Seine, which can't possibly get more romantic.
Michel knows less of the City of Light than does this American transplant: for all that he grew up in Paris, his experiences were of the seamier side rather than high culture. He’s been through the streets, paying for his addictions with his body, and only the intervention of Captain Thierry Plouescat gave him the chance to redirect his life. Now, in his first case, he’s faced with going undercover in the very life he escaped.
The story itself pits the two men against each other in every way—Connor wishes to protect this crazy prostitute from the evil force Michel courts so blatantly, while Michel still cannot rule out the man who’s stealing his heart as a murder suspect. The heat between them is enough to scorch the ereader, while the trust between them is chilly enough to crack the screen. They must come together in spite of their shock at each other's true roles in this dangerous game.
I tried very hard to read this book in one sitting, and I think I’ve found my newest auto-buy authors. Connor's litter has 3 siblings, and I hope they all get stories!
The prose was beautifully evocative, putting us right into the heart of Paris, from elegant offices to dank alleys, zinc rooftops, and the smoke filled clubs where aging torch singers put on their drag and mesmerize the audience. I felt transported, every bit as much as in the Maigret detective novels. Certain turns of phrase added to the effect, perfectly understandable but just a little strange to the ear, a "foreign language translated" effect. The few words of French make sense in context even if you don't know them as I did not.
There is a murder mystery here too, perfectly mysterious to those who don’t believe in vampires, and chilling to those who do. Connor believes, and his midnight patrols to protect the streetwalkers put him front and center as a suspect. His shifting form is just as unimaginable to the police as the undead.
Connor is a lovely character, with his very mixed heritage (he spent his extreme childhood as a kitten), his dark skin and thin dreads, and beautiful erudition. His music and understanding of art transfix Michel as much as his sensuality. Particularly excellent is that Michel sees him as a complete person, not as a fetishized collection of physical traits. He lives on a houseboat on the Seine, which can't possibly get more romantic.
Michel knows less of the City of Light than does this American transplant: for all that he grew up in Paris, his experiences were of the seamier side rather than high culture. He’s been through the streets, paying for his addictions with his body, and only the intervention of Captain Thierry Plouescat gave him the chance to redirect his life. Now, in his first case, he’s faced with going undercover in the very life he escaped.
The story itself pits the two men against each other in every way—Connor wishes to protect this crazy prostitute from the evil force Michel courts so blatantly, while Michel still cannot rule out the man who’s stealing his heart as a murder suspect. The heat between them is enough to scorch the ereader, while the trust between them is chilly enough to crack the screen. They must come together in spite of their shock at each other's true roles in this dangerous game.
I tried very hard to read this book in one sitting, and I think I’ve found my newest auto-buy authors. Connor's litter has 3 siblings, and I hope they all get stories!
July 13, 2016
French, sassy, and sexy, combined with a side dish of a crazed paranormal serial killer. What an eye opening experience this story turned out to be. I was expecting the typical paranormal shifter with a murder mystery thrown in, but what you get is a lot more…and a lot less. The paranormal aspect really isn’t part of the story until much later and the romance develops slowly, as well. So, what do you get? You get a tour of the French gay scene, a safe place for the prostitutes (since prostitution was still legal during this story’s time frame), and an undercover cop with a torrid history trying to find a serial killer by going back on the streets he fought so hard to get off of.
I found I was initially a little lost with all the French words and I had to Google a few things just to see if they were historically correct, which they mostly were, but I was still intrigued and found I couldn’t put the book down. Connor is our American transplant; a super popular piano player and gay prostitute advocate by day and a secret panther shifter slash serial killer hunter by night. He’s a man that seems almost too good to be true. He truly is a nice guy, but also the number one suspect in the murders.
Michel is a past prostitute turned cop and now undercover as a prostitute again. The man worked hard to beat his addictions, get off the streets, and create a better life, so this undercover work is playing a number on him. It doesn’t help that he genuinely likes Connor and really doesn’t want him to be the killer. These two have their work cut out for them…if they live through this.
These two guys really are a mess. Michel especially acted like an arrogant and self centered tool sometimes. They are attracted to one another but they don’t act on it right away, which I really liked. And they are both full of secrets that could destroy any chance of a relationship before one even begins. Too bad the serial killer has his sights on both of them, and too bad he might just be more than either of them can handle.
This was a great story that I definitely recommend if you can look past the little bit of non-con angry sex and the fact that sex for money is not seen as something unusual and is not a deal breaker for these guys. It took some getting used to for me, but it was basically a cultural thing that I accepted for what it was. So this was a great start to the series, and I look forward to seeing Connor’s brother Roan in the next installment.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
The Blogger Girls
I found I was initially a little lost with all the French words and I had to Google a few things just to see if they were historically correct, which they mostly were, but I was still intrigued and found I couldn’t put the book down. Connor is our American transplant; a super popular piano player and gay prostitute advocate by day and a secret panther shifter slash serial killer hunter by night. He’s a man that seems almost too good to be true. He truly is a nice guy, but also the number one suspect in the murders.
Michel is a past prostitute turned cop and now undercover as a prostitute again. The man worked hard to beat his addictions, get off the streets, and create a better life, so this undercover work is playing a number on him. It doesn’t help that he genuinely likes Connor and really doesn’t want him to be the killer. These two have their work cut out for them…if they live through this.
These two guys really are a mess. Michel especially acted like an arrogant and self centered tool sometimes. They are attracted to one another but they don’t act on it right away, which I really liked. And they are both full of secrets that could destroy any chance of a relationship before one even begins. Too bad the serial killer has his sights on both of them, and too bad he might just be more than either of them can handle.
This was a great story that I definitely recommend if you can look past the little bit of non-con angry sex and the fact that sex for money is not seen as something unusual and is not a deal breaker for these guys. It took some getting used to for me, but it was basically a cultural thing that I accepted for what it was. So this was a great start to the series, and I look forward to seeing Connor’s brother Roan in the next installment.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
The Blogger Girls
July 8, 2016
*I received a copy of this book free from the author/s in exchange for an honest review*
Softpaw is a paranormal mystery.
Connor is of American Indian descent with an Aztec tinge (hence his darker skin) and has thin dreadlocks adorning his head. He lives on a large houseboat (apparently houseboat sitting for his sister) on the Seine in Paris and spends his days educating young minds about art and his evenings playing piano at Chez Chantal. He is also a sabre-toothed black panther unhappy that a rogue vampire is killing young male prostitutes in his quarter of Paris.
Michel is an ex-prostitute, now a cop, newly graduated, enticed into going undercover to help the humans catch the serial killer dubbed Josephine the Ripper.
The humans have no idea of their paranormal neighbours existence and fixate on Connor as their main person of interest. Michel is instructed to get close to Connor to confirm their suspicions.
Both our boys have their secrets which threaten their burgeoning relationship and a serial killer/rogue vampire to find.
The book was well written and edited. As I read the descriptions my mind was tracking it's way through Paris, I could even feel the grey drizzle(I was last there New Year 2016) seeping it's way down my collar as it fell.
I loved the cover with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the background and highly recommend this book to all paranormal/shifter lovers. I eagerly await the next in the series.
July 21, 2016
Very engaging story with great, likeable characters and fantastic, vibrant and vivid depictions of Paris. It has some facepalm-y moments but remains gripping to the very end.
April 20, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This story is set in Paris, France and is told in 2 point of views; Michel's and Connor's. It all starts with a number of murders of male prostitutes of the Marais. The police have no leads to who may be the killer and they've become desperate, which is why they've brought in Michel, who because of his background is the best choice for going under cover as one of the prostitutes. He is supposed to keep an eye on Connor who seems to have known all the victims.
I liked the story a lot. It had a bit of a slow build up, but it was definitely necessary to shape the characters and give a bit of background on them. The info on both was a bit spread out through the first half, which means that about every chapter you find out a bit more on the characters. The first half also served to build up the relationship between Connor and Michel which is also why I liked the slow build up. The characters didn't just fall in love at first sight. They really liked each other.
The second part of the book consisted of a lot of action. This is where we learn more about the case and what really is at stake. This part went so fast that before I knew it, I was at the epilogue.
The reason why I didn't rate this book 5 stars was because even though I was able to read it in nearly one sitting, there were a few things that didn't make sense or didn't really seem probable.
1) The constant raining. I live in the Netherlands and it's known to rain quite often here as well, but even when we had a bad week of constant rain, it wasn't always so much that we'd always be drenched in it. I don't know if it was done like that to make Michel seem sexier being wet and all that, but it kind of got old after a while.
2) I was a bit sad that we didn't meet any more supernatural beings other than Connor and . It was like he was on his own to help deal with the killings, or no others like them existed.
3)
I hope number 2 and 3 will be addressed in the 2nd book, which is why I didn't rate this 3 stars. I mean, it should right, because , but the author never addressed it again so hopefully that will come to light in book 2.
So if you want to start with a new promising paranormal series, this is a good one. The next book should be out in the fall of 2016, which is that much longer to wait.
This story is set in Paris, France and is told in 2 point of views; Michel's and Connor's. It all starts with a number of murders of male prostitutes of the Marais. The police have no leads to who may be the killer and they've become desperate, which is why they've brought in Michel, who because of his background is the best choice for going under cover as one of the prostitutes. He is supposed to keep an eye on Connor who seems to have known all the victims.
I liked the story a lot. It had a bit of a slow build up, but it was definitely necessary to shape the characters and give a bit of background on them. The info on both was a bit spread out through the first half, which means that about every chapter you find out a bit more on the characters. The first half also served to build up the relationship between Connor and Michel which is also why I liked the slow build up. The characters didn't just fall in love at first sight. They really liked each other.
The second part of the book consisted of a lot of action. This is where we learn more about the case and what really is at stake. This part went so fast that before I knew it, I was at the epilogue.
The reason why I didn't rate this book 5 stars was because even though I was able to read it in nearly one sitting, there were a few things that didn't make sense or didn't really seem probable.
1) The constant raining. I live in the Netherlands and it's known to rain quite often here as well, but even when we had a bad week of constant rain, it wasn't always so much that we'd always be drenched in it. I don't know if it was done like that to make Michel seem sexier being wet and all that, but it kind of got old after a while.
2) I was a bit sad that we didn't meet any more supernatural beings other than Connor and . It was like he was on his own to help deal with the killings, or no others like them existed.
3)
I hope number 2 and 3 will be addressed in the 2nd book, which is why I didn't rate this 3 stars. I mean, it should right, because , but the author never addressed it again so hopefully that will come to light in book 2.
So if you want to start with a new promising paranormal series, this is a good one. The next book should be out in the fall of 2016, which is that much longer to wait.
July 15, 2016
What do you get when you put together two men with deep, dark secrets, a serial killer who seems too smart for the police to catch, and a whole Parisian neighborhood full of young, vulnerable male prostitutes? A fantastic murder mystery, for sure, but also a slowly developing relationship and several suspenseful moments and situations. ‘Softpaw’ is a wonderful blend of mystery, a paranormal story, and a hard-won romance between lonely werecat, Connor, and ex-prostitute now undercover cop, Michel. Between them and the many entertaining, aggravating, and impressive secondary characters, this is a novel well worth your attention.
Connor is a werecat, but he has to hide his true nature from most. He lives on a houseboat, loves art and playing the piano, and is friends with a man who tries to protect the prostitutes in Paris’s gay quarter. The only thing interfering with his happiness is the serial killer who is out to murder young male prostitutes – a monster Connor cannot seem to catch despite the fact he is out to patrol the entire area every night.
Michel used to sell his body for sex and do drugs, but he is now clean and managed to make something of his life. He became a cop, and since the police have no idea how to catch the killer and Michel’s background makes him the ideal candidate to go undercover to find out more – Michel ends up right back where he came from. This is not an easy situation for him, and I admired the professionalism he keeps going as he gets closer and closer to solving the case.
That Connor and Michel fall for each other may be unavoidable, but the secrets they each hide make a relationship almost impossible - at least one that is built on honesty and trust. The gradual getting-to-know each other was fun to watch, the developing passion fantastic, and the eventual crisis when they discover the truth of who they really are, led to some very real heartbreak. It’s a good thing that both Connor and Michel are old enough to know what they want, and have the determination and drive to get there – even if it takes a while.
If you like intense murder mysteries with well-hidden clues and lots of failed attempts to stop the guilty party, if a touch of the paranormal and an undercover identity are your thing and if you’re looking for a read that is full of suspense, struggling men, and a fantastic setting in Paris, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Connor is a werecat, but he has to hide his true nature from most. He lives on a houseboat, loves art and playing the piano, and is friends with a man who tries to protect the prostitutes in Paris’s gay quarter. The only thing interfering with his happiness is the serial killer who is out to murder young male prostitutes – a monster Connor cannot seem to catch despite the fact he is out to patrol the entire area every night.
Michel used to sell his body for sex and do drugs, but he is now clean and managed to make something of his life. He became a cop, and since the police have no idea how to catch the killer and Michel’s background makes him the ideal candidate to go undercover to find out more – Michel ends up right back where he came from. This is not an easy situation for him, and I admired the professionalism he keeps going as he gets closer and closer to solving the case.
That Connor and Michel fall for each other may be unavoidable, but the secrets they each hide make a relationship almost impossible - at least one that is built on honesty and trust. The gradual getting-to-know each other was fun to watch, the developing passion fantastic, and the eventual crisis when they discover the truth of who they really are, led to some very real heartbreak. It’s a good thing that both Connor and Michel are old enough to know what they want, and have the determination and drive to get there – even if it takes a while.
If you like intense murder mysteries with well-hidden clues and lots of failed attempts to stop the guilty party, if a touch of the paranormal and an undercover identity are your thing and if you’re looking for a read that is full of suspense, struggling men, and a fantastic setting in Paris, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 18, 2016
This was a rather unexpected read for me as I don’t usually go into books with urban fantasy or paranormal elements. I chose to read it just because I wanted something m&m happening in Paris for a change, entertaining and kind of different, from an author I didn’t know yet, getting me surprised. And wow, that was above all my expectations! I like to discover that there are great books in every genres or sub-genres!
The first thing I fell for in this book was the general atmosphere. I was surprised that with a story blurb involving a serial killer in the Paris gay quarter, the authors managed to convey so much tenderness and love for their characters, even the secondary ones, for the daily life and description of a community, the gay one in the ‘Marais’, for the description of the coexistence of different neighbourly people: a tattletale, a butcher, a sort of drag queen and ancient cabaret performer, hustlers, partygoers, etc. It reminded me of a film that everyone who loves Paris or wants to love Paris should see: ‘Chacun cherche son chat’ from Cédric Klapisch. It’s a simple story in which a young woman, going on vacation, gives her cat to an old lady in the Bastille quarter; when she comes back the cat has disappeared, the old lady doesn’t forgive herself, and everybody in the neighborhood helps to find the cat :) It’s the pretext to describe the life of a quarter, the different people, gay or straight, white or black.. and their interactions. It’s just great, and in this book the Paris descriptions are equally good.
Without spoiling anything, the storytelling is superbly done. There is a growing sense of danger involving the chase of the serial killer, the paranormal aspects are elegantly and subtly introduced and when the main character Michel discovers the real identity of the killer, during a breathtaking and frightening final battle, I was delighted also at the sense of humour, in a ‘No it can’t be!’ way, that allows the reader to identify himself with Michel and totally accept the storyline and fantasy aspects.
I absolutely loved the sexy Michel, his immature smirky self-appreciation mixed with his mature, caring and courageous nature. I loved his progressive romance with Connor. I hope we will see them again in the sequels of this great introduction to a new and promising series!
Globally a great entertaining book, beautifully written, covering much more subjects with much more depth than expected when superficially reading the blurb, that I would recommend to just everybody.
The first thing I fell for in this book was the general atmosphere. I was surprised that with a story blurb involving a serial killer in the Paris gay quarter, the authors managed to convey so much tenderness and love for their characters, even the secondary ones, for the daily life and description of a community, the gay one in the ‘Marais’, for the description of the coexistence of different neighbourly people: a tattletale, a butcher, a sort of drag queen and ancient cabaret performer, hustlers, partygoers, etc. It reminded me of a film that everyone who loves Paris or wants to love Paris should see: ‘Chacun cherche son chat’ from Cédric Klapisch. It’s a simple story in which a young woman, going on vacation, gives her cat to an old lady in the Bastille quarter; when she comes back the cat has disappeared, the old lady doesn’t forgive herself, and everybody in the neighborhood helps to find the cat :) It’s the pretext to describe the life of a quarter, the different people, gay or straight, white or black.. and their interactions. It’s just great, and in this book the Paris descriptions are equally good.
Without spoiling anything, the storytelling is superbly done. There is a growing sense of danger involving the chase of the serial killer, the paranormal aspects are elegantly and subtly introduced and when the main character Michel discovers the real identity of the killer, during a breathtaking and frightening final battle, I was delighted also at the sense of humour, in a ‘No it can’t be!’ way, that allows the reader to identify himself with Michel and totally accept the storyline and fantasy aspects.
I absolutely loved the sexy Michel, his immature smirky self-appreciation mixed with his mature, caring and courageous nature. I loved his progressive romance with Connor. I hope we will see them again in the sequels of this great introduction to a new and promising series!
Globally a great entertaining book, beautifully written, covering much more subjects with much more depth than expected when superficially reading the blurb, that I would recommend to just everybody.
June 23, 2016
Paris, France. Captain Thierry Plouescat & Judge Liliane d’Angers Dupont (f), had asked Michel Ghislaine (former male prostitute) to go undercove & keep an eye out on Connor Acothley (student visa).
Captain Thierry Plouescat & Michel’s friendship goes way back per-say.
Chantal la Magnifique (old man, aka Pierre Muskowitz, gay, former Drag Queen) owned/operated the Chez Chantal pub in the heart of Marais (gay district).
Connor had played the piano there often & become quite aquanted with the flamboyant eldely gentleman.
Working for Chantal (gay) full-time his job was to show the boys the ropes of the establishment.
1st. to arrive was Michel.
Horrible things had been happening to the young male prostitutes; 6 had been brutally murdered so far.
The hideous coined term phrase now in Marais is Jacqueline the Ripperess.
The Mayor of Paris & the President of France were very alarmed & concerned.
Michel later moved in with Connor on the Cullinan (houseboat) that he now owned.
Nikita “Niki” & Tarras were both employed as boy prostitutes.
Michel found out later that Connor is a werecat.
Had Jacqueline the Ripperess done this horrible deed?
Saïd Ouaziz (undercover) went to investigate the crime scene.
Will the seriel killer be caught & brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written gay erotica vampire murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great gay erotica vampire murder mystery movie, animated cartoon, or a paid-per-view mini TV series. I’m not gay but I liked it so I will rate it at 4/ 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Captain Thierry Plouescat & Michel’s friendship goes way back per-say.
Chantal la Magnifique (old man, aka Pierre Muskowitz, gay, former Drag Queen) owned/operated the Chez Chantal pub in the heart of Marais (gay district).
Connor had played the piano there often & become quite aquanted with the flamboyant eldely gentleman.
Working for Chantal (gay) full-time his job was to show the boys the ropes of the establishment.
1st. to arrive was Michel.
Horrible things had been happening to the young male prostitutes; 6 had been brutally murdered so far.
The hideous coined term phrase now in Marais is Jacqueline the Ripperess.
The Mayor of Paris & the President of France were very alarmed & concerned.
Michel later moved in with Connor on the Cullinan (houseboat) that he now owned.
Nikita “Niki” & Tarras were both employed as boy prostitutes.
Michel found out later that Connor is a werecat.
Had Jacqueline the Ripperess done this horrible deed?
Saïd Ouaziz (undercover) went to investigate the crime scene.
Will the seriel killer be caught & brought to justice?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written gay erotica vampire murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great gay erotica vampire murder mystery movie, animated cartoon, or a paid-per-view mini TV series. I’m not gay but I liked it so I will rate it at 4/ 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2016
Softpaw (Smilodon Pride Book 1) by Osiris Brackhaus and Beryll Brackhaus
Michel Dupont has a dubious past; he has fought his way back from sex, alcohol, and drug addiction with the help of his arresting officer, Capitaine Thierry Plouescat. Despite Plouescat and Michel’s rough start, Plouescat had become like a father to Michel. As such, after many months of rehab and therapy, Michel has recently graduated from E’cole Nationale de Police at the top of his class.
As his first assignment, Plouescat proposes to send Michel undercover as a male prostitute in Marais. Straight into the pit he has pulled himself out of to get close to Connor Acothley, their prime suspect for the serial killings happening in Marais. Connor, who plays the piano at Chez Chantal, a small but respectable gay pub, likes to think of himself as a sensitive, cosmopolitan, educated soul whose job it is to protect his small corner of gay Paris.
Both Michel and Connor are fully developed intriguing characters. I really liked them both. Connor’s Native American background and love of art drew me in. Michel’s physique made him captivating, his struggles and sharp mind made him likable once you set his ego aside. Neither Connor nor Michel fully trust each other, and this hampers both of their investigations. Their sexual attraction becomes its own story arc and adds a dimension with complications as we are allowed insight into both of their inner thoughts.
I generally love knowing what is going on in the characters heads; however, this time it separated me from the emotion. Sensations got lost in the translation of the action. Weird, huh? So don’t read this story for the sex. Instead enjoy the story for the twists in the plot and the paranormal elements. There is much more going on here than the reader is aware of until the end. Obviously, this book is setting up a series, which I think has promise. Hopefully, Connor and Michel will stop obsessing about sex and go with the flow. It should be interesting to see how this all develops.
FYI: Southpaw is book one in the Smilodon Pride series. This is book meant for adults, it depicts male prostitution, rough and explicit sex, as well as colorful language with several F-bombs. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** September 21, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: I noticed a small number of proofing errors in the file that was submitted for review.
Michel Dupont has a dubious past; he has fought his way back from sex, alcohol, and drug addiction with the help of his arresting officer, Capitaine Thierry Plouescat. Despite Plouescat and Michel’s rough start, Plouescat had become like a father to Michel. As such, after many months of rehab and therapy, Michel has recently graduated from E’cole Nationale de Police at the top of his class.
As his first assignment, Plouescat proposes to send Michel undercover as a male prostitute in Marais. Straight into the pit he has pulled himself out of to get close to Connor Acothley, their prime suspect for the serial killings happening in Marais. Connor, who plays the piano at Chez Chantal, a small but respectable gay pub, likes to think of himself as a sensitive, cosmopolitan, educated soul whose job it is to protect his small corner of gay Paris.
Both Michel and Connor are fully developed intriguing characters. I really liked them both. Connor’s Native American background and love of art drew me in. Michel’s physique made him captivating, his struggles and sharp mind made him likable once you set his ego aside. Neither Connor nor Michel fully trust each other, and this hampers both of their investigations. Their sexual attraction becomes its own story arc and adds a dimension with complications as we are allowed insight into both of their inner thoughts.
I generally love knowing what is going on in the characters heads; however, this time it separated me from the emotion. Sensations got lost in the translation of the action. Weird, huh? So don’t read this story for the sex. Instead enjoy the story for the twists in the plot and the paranormal elements. There is much more going on here than the reader is aware of until the end. Obviously, this book is setting up a series, which I think has promise. Hopefully, Connor and Michel will stop obsessing about sex and go with the flow. It should be interesting to see how this all develops.
FYI: Southpaw is book one in the Smilodon Pride series. This is book meant for adults, it depicts male prostitution, rough and explicit sex, as well as colorful language with several F-bombs. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** September 21, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: I noticed a small number of proofing errors in the file that was submitted for review.
July 15, 2016
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Michel Dupont goes undercover as a male prostitute in Paris to track down a "Jack the Ripper" copy cat the press has labeled "Jacqueline, the Ripper".
Connor Acothley is a piano player for Chez Chantal, a sort of safe haven for prostitutes. He also participates as tour guide for an guided art tours. He's well like in his portion of town but seems to be the police's main suspect since he knew all the victims. When Michel walks into Chez Chantal, Connor is asked to explain the rules to him. Michel is a very good looking man and he knows it. Connor takes notice of him but doesn't want to take advantage of the guy when he starts flirting. Connor does make an offer to let Michel stay at his home if he needs a place to stay. An offer he makes to all the people working the streets. This is perfect for Michel since he's been tasked with tailing Connor and finding evidence that Connor is involved with the murders in the quarter.
After getting know each other the two can't help but to act on their feelings. Both can see themselves in a long term relationship together. Michel is hopeful their relationship will survive his secret and having to dupe Connor. Even when he starts doubting Connor's innocence he can't help still wanting Connor. Connor himself has his secrets and when he discovers what Michel is he can't help but feel betrayed. Things don't look good but with a murderer running free, their relationship will have to stay on the back burner.
There was a lot of focus on character and relationship building and not much on plot. The case involving Jacqueline was maybe 25% of the book maybe less. I did like getting to know Connor and Michel and seeing them interact. The ending did have me curious about what was planned for Connor and why Michel was used. It was pretty vague and it'll be interesting to see what role Roan will have and how he plays into Judge d’Angers plans in the next book.
3.5 stars
Michel Dupont goes undercover as a male prostitute in Paris to track down a "Jack the Ripper" copy cat the press has labeled "Jacqueline, the Ripper".
Connor Acothley is a piano player for Chez Chantal, a sort of safe haven for prostitutes. He also participates as tour guide for an guided art tours. He's well like in his portion of town but seems to be the police's main suspect since he knew all the victims. When Michel walks into Chez Chantal, Connor is asked to explain the rules to him. Michel is a very good looking man and he knows it. Connor takes notice of him but doesn't want to take advantage of the guy when he starts flirting. Connor does make an offer to let Michel stay at his home if he needs a place to stay. An offer he makes to all the people working the streets. This is perfect for Michel since he's been tasked with tailing Connor and finding evidence that Connor is involved with the murders in the quarter.
After getting know each other the two can't help but to act on their feelings. Both can see themselves in a long term relationship together. Michel is hopeful their relationship will survive his secret and having to dupe Connor. Even when he starts doubting Connor's innocence he can't help still wanting Connor. Connor himself has his secrets and when he discovers what Michel is he can't help but feel betrayed. Things don't look good but with a murderer running free, their relationship will have to stay on the back burner.
There was a lot of focus on character and relationship building and not much on plot. The case involving Jacqueline was maybe 25% of the book maybe less. I did like getting to know Connor and Michel and seeing them interact. The ending did have me curious about what was planned for Connor and why Michel was used. It was pretty vague and it'll be interesting to see what role Roan will have and how he plays into Judge d’Angers plans in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2016
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Connor has been living a quiet life in Paris while trying to figure out what he really wants to do with his life. Connor is surprised when Michel takes him up on his open invitation for a place to stay. Both hide important information about themselves from the other while opening their hearts to the other.
This story is told from both of the main characters’ point of view, which helps to understand them a bit better. Connor does everything to be helpful to others and do what he feels is right it personally hurts him when the vampire begins its’ killing spree. Michel wants to do his job, but has trouble believing Connor’s connection to the murders is anything other than coincidental. When Connor uncovers Michel’s duplicity I could feel how betrayed he feels and how much more determined he is to take care of the vampire. Connor and Michel get a wonderful HFN ending that they both deserved. There was a look at the next book in the series and I look forward to reading it in the future.
Cover art is nice and portrays the story setting nicely.
Connor has been living a quiet life in Paris while trying to figure out what he really wants to do with his life. Connor is surprised when Michel takes him up on his open invitation for a place to stay. Both hide important information about themselves from the other while opening their hearts to the other.
This story is told from both of the main characters’ point of view, which helps to understand them a bit better. Connor does everything to be helpful to others and do what he feels is right it personally hurts him when the vampire begins its’ killing spree. Michel wants to do his job, but has trouble believing Connor’s connection to the murders is anything other than coincidental. When Connor uncovers Michel’s duplicity I could feel how betrayed he feels and how much more determined he is to take care of the vampire. Connor and Michel get a wonderful HFN ending that they both deserved. There was a look at the next book in the series and I look forward to reading it in the future.
Cover art is nice and portrays the story setting nicely.
August 18, 2016
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars, and decided to put 4.
I was very interested, and enjoyed most of the story.
I liked the supernatural aspect.
I started falling apart for me, when out of nowhere Conner professed his love. It stopped me cold. WTF? Of course, a few pages later I looked down to realize I was over the 90% or so mark, and realized time had run out, time to jump start the relationship.
The big bad fight was so so. I liked it, but it felt like something was missing, and it was rushed. We never knew WHY the killer focused on people close to Conner. Or if he was put up to it. I'd have like to known why, and maybe had him toy with Conner a little more personally than picking on others, before the big blow out.
The end, wile confusing, did peak my interest. I want to know more. I am a little disappointed that the next book changes MC's. I would have liked Conner and Michael explored more. I think that their story has more to tell, and that it could grow into something big.
I was very interested, and enjoyed most of the story.
I liked the supernatural aspect.
I started falling apart for me, when out of nowhere Conner professed his love. It stopped me cold. WTF? Of course, a few pages later I looked down to realize I was over the 90% or so mark, and realized time had run out, time to jump start the relationship.
The big bad fight was so so. I liked it, but it felt like something was missing, and it was rushed. We never knew WHY the killer focused on people close to Conner. Or if he was put up to it. I'd have like to known why, and maybe had him toy with Conner a little more personally than picking on others, before the big blow out.
The end, wile confusing, did peak my interest. I want to know more. I am a little disappointed that the next book changes MC's. I would have liked Conner and Michael explored more. I think that their story has more to tell, and that it could grow into something big.
July 13, 2016
I was given a copy of this book free by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Michel a cop goes undercover as a prostitute to try to catch a killer who is preying on other prostitutes.
Connor, a local piano player and friend to local male prostitutes offers to take Michel in for the night.
Connor is a werecat also trying to locate the killer.
Neither man knows the others secret. An interesting book based around Paris and telling of another world in which supernatural creatures exist but the real world does not know of its existence.
I enjoyed this book and reading of Connor and Michel's relationship.
The only thing was I was confused by the ending but I thought it was setting up book 2 in the series.
Michel a cop goes undercover as a prostitute to try to catch a killer who is preying on other prostitutes.
Connor, a local piano player and friend to local male prostitutes offers to take Michel in for the night.
Connor is a werecat also trying to locate the killer.
Neither man knows the others secret. An interesting book based around Paris and telling of another world in which supernatural creatures exist but the real world does not know of its existence.
I enjoyed this book and reading of Connor and Michel's relationship.
The only thing was I was confused by the ending but I thought it was setting up book 2 in the series.
October 15, 2016
Excellent story. I hope this duo writes fast as I want more. Dialogue was well developed, and characters were wonderful. Highly recommended.
December 16, 2018
Petite incursion dans Paris pour ce premier volume où l'on suit Connor un ailuranthrope : chat à dents de sabre - garou,qui évolue dans le quartier du Marais. Il navigue entre la musique dans un club Chez Chantal comme pianiste, et les musées en tant que guide pour enfants. La nuit, sous sa forme féline, il traque un meurtrier sanguinaire de prostitués masculins - surnommé Jacqueline - en résonance avec Jack l’éventreur. Connor se met sur la piste de ce monstre afin de mettre fin à ses agissements.
Conjointement, il y a Michel, un jeune flic sous couverture dans le monde de la nuit parisienne en temps que prostitué. De part son passé trouble et chaotique dont il a réussi à se sortir, il devient la personne la mieux placée pour tenter de résoudre cette affaire qui le conduit, en premier lieu, à Connor.
Les auteurs nous content une histoire policière sordide avec des morts sanglantes et violentes dans un Paris romantique. Il n'y a pas de descriptions sur les meurtres, la violence des actes est plus sous-entendue. Cela crée une sorte de décalage entre les meurtres sordides et le découverte des bords de Seine, du Marais par les yeux de Connor - américain de nationalité - mais parisien de cœur. Il vit sur une péniche, il est généreux, agréable et serviable avec tout le monde. Il est entouré de pleins d'amis, de connaissance et connait son quartier comme sa poche. On le suit au-travers de ses activités altruistes qui donnent très envie de redécouvrir la capitale, de se balader dans les rues, de prendre le temps de vivre.... A contrario, la vie de Michel semble un long fleuve tumultueux dont il est sorti en devenant flic, même si on ressent la fragilité sous-jacente au milieu de tant de tentations. Un lien de curiosité va se créer entre les deux jeunes hommes pour les besoins de l'enquête pour l'un, pour assurer une protection pour l'autre, jusqu'à ce que le désir explose et ne complique fortement les choses, créant des suspicions légitimes entre eux.
La construction de l'histoire est haletante, on a très envie de connaitre le responsable de cette série de crimes atroces. On nous tient en haleine car il y a un savant mélange de policier, de surnaturel mais aussi de romance. Une romance sur plusieurs plans : les multiples descriptions de la ville, de ses habitants, de leurs interactions les uns avec les autres. Les personnages sont attachants - plus ou moins violents, torturés - même les secondaires donnent beaucoup de cohérence au récit. La relation entre Michel et Connor passe d'une simple attirance à une explosion de besoins physiques mais aussi amoureux. J'avoue m'être plus attachée à Connor qu'à Michel, je comprends plus sa façon de penser, d'être que celle de Michel. On prend beaucoup de plaisir à suivre tous leurs déboires au fil des pages, ce qui donne envie de découvrir les autres aventures du clan Smilodon.
Rose Taylor
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com/
Conjointement, il y a Michel, un jeune flic sous couverture dans le monde de la nuit parisienne en temps que prostitué. De part son passé trouble et chaotique dont il a réussi à se sortir, il devient la personne la mieux placée pour tenter de résoudre cette affaire qui le conduit, en premier lieu, à Connor.
Les auteurs nous content une histoire policière sordide avec des morts sanglantes et violentes dans un Paris romantique. Il n'y a pas de descriptions sur les meurtres, la violence des actes est plus sous-entendue. Cela crée une sorte de décalage entre les meurtres sordides et le découverte des bords de Seine, du Marais par les yeux de Connor - américain de nationalité - mais parisien de cœur. Il vit sur une péniche, il est généreux, agréable et serviable avec tout le monde. Il est entouré de pleins d'amis, de connaissance et connait son quartier comme sa poche. On le suit au-travers de ses activités altruistes qui donnent très envie de redécouvrir la capitale, de se balader dans les rues, de prendre le temps de vivre.... A contrario, la vie de Michel semble un long fleuve tumultueux dont il est sorti en devenant flic, même si on ressent la fragilité sous-jacente au milieu de tant de tentations. Un lien de curiosité va se créer entre les deux jeunes hommes pour les besoins de l'enquête pour l'un, pour assurer une protection pour l'autre, jusqu'à ce que le désir explose et ne complique fortement les choses, créant des suspicions légitimes entre eux.
La construction de l'histoire est haletante, on a très envie de connaitre le responsable de cette série de crimes atroces. On nous tient en haleine car il y a un savant mélange de policier, de surnaturel mais aussi de romance. Une romance sur plusieurs plans : les multiples descriptions de la ville, de ses habitants, de leurs interactions les uns avec les autres. Les personnages sont attachants - plus ou moins violents, torturés - même les secondaires donnent beaucoup de cohérence au récit. La relation entre Michel et Connor passe d'une simple attirance à une explosion de besoins physiques mais aussi amoureux. J'avoue m'être plus attachée à Connor qu'à Michel, je comprends plus sa façon de penser, d'être que celle de Michel. On prend beaucoup de plaisir à suivre tous leurs déboires au fil des pages, ce qui donne envie de découvrir les autres aventures du clan Smilodon.
Rose Taylor
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com/
November 13, 2018
Très belle découverte. merci pour ce SP qui m a fait découvrir un livre dans un registre différent sur les métamorphes. le suspens est présent et j ai beaucoup aimé le style de l'auteur. a recommander et j ai hâte de découvrir le tome 2 sur le 2 ème frère
July 14, 2016
Softpaw, (Smilodon Pride 1), Beryll Brackhau, Osiris Brackhaus
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, LGBTQIA, Fantasy and paranormal
New to me authors so I had no idea what to expect, but its shifters and romance so I wanted to try.
It was a book I enjoyed, a fun read, but I wasn’t totally invested in it.I put it aside a couple of times and picked up again later. I’m not really sure why it was like that for me – all the elements were there, great characters, a decent plot, some suspense laced with humour and of course the paranormal aspect. Sometimes reading’s like that though, certain books ought to be perfect for you but just aren’t. Could just be the mood you’re in when reading and on another day it would work better – who knows?
Anyway, this is set in Paris, and main leads are undercover cop/former rent boy Michel and Werecat Connor, houseboat inhabitant and informal “protector” in his own mind of the working people in that area.
There’s trouble afoot though, a feral vampire has been on a killing spree of the local prostitutes, and Michel is working as one, undercover, hoping to find out more.
The main suspect is Connor who seems to have been close to so many of the victims, and he’s charged with checking him out. There’s a spark between the two when they meet, and from being Connor’s usual one night on the couch aid to those in need Michel works his way in closer. He doesn’t want Connor to be the killer, but needs to do his job. Connor of course can’t explain how he is so involved but knows he’s the only one who can take out the killer, the cops stand no chance with a vampire, but its a secret that can’t be let out.
Connor and Michel are both hiding secrets, what happens when they come out? Can their romance get past it or is this the end?
Its a fun read, and I really enjoyed the dry, subtle humour, which lightened the novel so well. I also enjoyed the beautiful descriptions, of Paris, of the buildings and parks, and even down to Connor's houseboat. ( I always wanted to live in one of those)
It could have been too much, overdone – this description of every little thing, it seemed like every detail found their way into the story, but it works and makes for a fun, quirky read. Its not a re-reader for me though, but was an enjoyable one off novel.
It does have some very graphic, at times very rough m/m sex scenes, so if that’s not your thing then avoid this story.
Stars: Three, a fun read, beautifully written but didn’t quite hit the spot for me.
ARC supplied by authors
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, LGBTQIA, Fantasy and paranormal
New to me authors so I had no idea what to expect, but its shifters and romance so I wanted to try.
It was a book I enjoyed, a fun read, but I wasn’t totally invested in it.I put it aside a couple of times and picked up again later. I’m not really sure why it was like that for me – all the elements were there, great characters, a decent plot, some suspense laced with humour and of course the paranormal aspect. Sometimes reading’s like that though, certain books ought to be perfect for you but just aren’t. Could just be the mood you’re in when reading and on another day it would work better – who knows?
Anyway, this is set in Paris, and main leads are undercover cop/former rent boy Michel and Werecat Connor, houseboat inhabitant and informal “protector” in his own mind of the working people in that area.
There’s trouble afoot though, a feral vampire has been on a killing spree of the local prostitutes, and Michel is working as one, undercover, hoping to find out more.
The main suspect is Connor who seems to have been close to so many of the victims, and he’s charged with checking him out. There’s a spark between the two when they meet, and from being Connor’s usual one night on the couch aid to those in need Michel works his way in closer. He doesn’t want Connor to be the killer, but needs to do his job. Connor of course can’t explain how he is so involved but knows he’s the only one who can take out the killer, the cops stand no chance with a vampire, but its a secret that can’t be let out.
Connor and Michel are both hiding secrets, what happens when they come out? Can their romance get past it or is this the end?
Its a fun read, and I really enjoyed the dry, subtle humour, which lightened the novel so well. I also enjoyed the beautiful descriptions, of Paris, of the buildings and parks, and even down to Connor's houseboat. ( I always wanted to live in one of those)
It could have been too much, overdone – this description of every little thing, it seemed like every detail found their way into the story, but it works and makes for a fun, quirky read. Its not a re-reader for me though, but was an enjoyable one off novel.
It does have some very graphic, at times very rough m/m sex scenes, so if that’s not your thing then avoid this story.
Stars: Three, a fun read, beautifully written but didn’t quite hit the spot for me.
ARC supplied by authors
October 11, 2016
3.5 stars
A young policeman eager to prove himself. A moody panther shifter trying to protect his territories and his friends. A supernatural serial killer on the loose… There is a lot of trouble brewing in the darkest streets of Paris…
Michel Dupont has left behind his additions and his life as a rentboy in the streets of Marais. Newly graduated from the police academy, he is eager to prove himself to his mentor Captain Plouescat. That's why he accepts an undercover job, posing as rentboy in his old quarter. But he did not gauge the temptation of his old life, and specially the danger of feeling attracted to the object of his investigation, piano player Connor Acothley. Connor is handsome, cultured and gentle, but… Is he the serial killer who is murdering the rentboys of the Marais? As the investigation proceeds, and the bodies pile up, Michel finds he cannot be completely objective when it comes to Connor. There is certainly something odd about the man, but he cannot bring himself to believe he is a murderer. As for Connor, he feels intrigued by the sexy rentboy who is sharing his boat, the Cullinan. He realises Michel is hiding things, but Connor himself has a few secrets of his own: basically, the fact that he is a panther shifter, and that he knows that the murderer who is terrorising the Marais is a rogue vampire. Although he does not truly trust Michel, Connor cannot avoid feeling attracted to him, and starts courting him. But how can he tell Michel the truth about himself? It does not really matter when Connor finds out about Michel's deception…
This is a very readable shifter story, with likeable characters and an incomparable setting (the streets of Paris). Well written, the mystery is enjoyable, and also the relationship which slowly blooms between both MCs. I liked the fact that, although they feel attracted to each other from the beginning, they both take their time to act on it, pondering the pros and cons of starting something (they both have too many secrets). I also enjoyed the fact that none of the characters is perfect. On the one side, Michel is a bit of a bad boy, and he enjoys showing off and behaving like a brat sometimes. As for Connor, he is really cat-like in his sybarite and moody nature. Their chemistry is amazing though, and I'm glad they reached their HEA… Now I'm really intrigued about the secret implied in that last scene…
Very recommendable.
A young policeman eager to prove himself. A moody panther shifter trying to protect his territories and his friends. A supernatural serial killer on the loose… There is a lot of trouble brewing in the darkest streets of Paris…
Michel Dupont has left behind his additions and his life as a rentboy in the streets of Marais. Newly graduated from the police academy, he is eager to prove himself to his mentor Captain Plouescat. That's why he accepts an undercover job, posing as rentboy in his old quarter. But he did not gauge the temptation of his old life, and specially the danger of feeling attracted to the object of his investigation, piano player Connor Acothley. Connor is handsome, cultured and gentle, but… Is he the serial killer who is murdering the rentboys of the Marais? As the investigation proceeds, and the bodies pile up, Michel finds he cannot be completely objective when it comes to Connor. There is certainly something odd about the man, but he cannot bring himself to believe he is a murderer. As for Connor, he feels intrigued by the sexy rentboy who is sharing his boat, the Cullinan. He realises Michel is hiding things, but Connor himself has a few secrets of his own: basically, the fact that he is a panther shifter, and that he knows that the murderer who is terrorising the Marais is a rogue vampire. Although he does not truly trust Michel, Connor cannot avoid feeling attracted to him, and starts courting him. But how can he tell Michel the truth about himself? It does not really matter when Connor finds out about Michel's deception…
This is a very readable shifter story, with likeable characters and an incomparable setting (the streets of Paris). Well written, the mystery is enjoyable, and also the relationship which slowly blooms between both MCs. I liked the fact that, although they feel attracted to each other from the beginning, they both take their time to act on it, pondering the pros and cons of starting something (they both have too many secrets). I also enjoyed the fact that none of the characters is perfect. On the one side, Michel is a bit of a bad boy, and he enjoys showing off and behaving like a brat sometimes. As for Connor, he is really cat-like in his sybarite and moody nature. Their chemistry is amazing though, and I'm glad they reached their HEA… Now I'm really intrigued about the secret implied in that last scene…
Very recommendable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2016
A copy of this book was provided for a fair and honest review through Love Bytes Same Sex Book Reviews.
This story grabbed me by the throat (no pun intended) and did not let me go. The writing is both engaging and comfortable and the suspense that builds as the story evolves was well done.
Michel is not your typical hero. He grew up on the streets as a prostitute with addictions. The friendship of a policeman helps him turn his life around and he is now a policeman himself. But he still has a lot of the same attitudes and reactions that helped him survive on the streets. His new assignment to go undercover back in the life he left behind leaves him unnerved but determined to be successful. He did not count on his growing feelings for their main suspect and the complications that his secret brings.
Connor is happy in his bubble that he has created for himself in Marais. He has good friends, a good job and enjoys looking out for the boys who are working the streets. All this is shattered by the vampire who is hunting the prostitutes. He is spending his nights hunting the killer as only he can as a large cat shifter. Meeting Michel changes all his perceptions about how he is happy being solitary in the middle of one of the most romantic cities in the world. He does not want the complication of a relationship, but Michel gets under his skin and he can’t resist his attraction and instincts.
I really enjoyed the supporting characters as well. Chantal, the owner of the bar that Connor works at is over the top in a completely enjoyable way. Said, Michel’s police contact was funny and important in helping us understand Michel more.
This could have been the typical relationship with secrets story, except for the way that the characters react to those secrets. The same can be said of the shifter aspect of the story. I believe readers would truly be missing out if they were to dismiss this book as more of the same. It clearly is not and I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series due in the fall. I give this review a very solid 4 stars!
This story grabbed me by the throat (no pun intended) and did not let me go. The writing is both engaging and comfortable and the suspense that builds as the story evolves was well done.
Michel is not your typical hero. He grew up on the streets as a prostitute with addictions. The friendship of a policeman helps him turn his life around and he is now a policeman himself. But he still has a lot of the same attitudes and reactions that helped him survive on the streets. His new assignment to go undercover back in the life he left behind leaves him unnerved but determined to be successful. He did not count on his growing feelings for their main suspect and the complications that his secret brings.
Connor is happy in his bubble that he has created for himself in Marais. He has good friends, a good job and enjoys looking out for the boys who are working the streets. All this is shattered by the vampire who is hunting the prostitutes. He is spending his nights hunting the killer as only he can as a large cat shifter. Meeting Michel changes all his perceptions about how he is happy being solitary in the middle of one of the most romantic cities in the world. He does not want the complication of a relationship, but Michel gets under his skin and he can’t resist his attraction and instincts.
I really enjoyed the supporting characters as well. Chantal, the owner of the bar that Connor works at is over the top in a completely enjoyable way. Said, Michel’s police contact was funny and important in helping us understand Michel more.
This could have been the typical relationship with secrets story, except for the way that the characters react to those secrets. The same can be said of the shifter aspect of the story. I believe readers would truly be missing out if they were to dismiss this book as more of the same. It clearly is not and I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series due in the fall. I give this review a very solid 4 stars!
December 18, 2016
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
This story was so much fun. It was a pleasant harken back to the Golden Age of mysteries even if it wasn’t a whodunnit type. I loved the aspect of knowing who the bad guy was the whole time yet unable to solve the mystery of why he was killing and when he would strike next. Bringing the paranormal aspect to the mystery was far more fun than I expected. The way Connor held that from Michel added a fabulous dimension to the story. The tension of “Is Connor going to tell now” or “Will Michel find out here” had me not wanting to stop reading.
The romance between Connor and Michel took a backseat to the mystery and I wouldn’t have wanted the story any other way. The way these two danced around each other at first and then embarked on a relationship where both were lying about something was a blast to watch. Both Michel and Connor were struggling with holding their tongues and attempting to keep their feelings from deepening. It made for emotion filled scenes I thoroughly enjoyed. I was rooting for these two to make it from the beginning. The ending is a sweet happy for now and leaves me with solid hope they’ll make it. I would love to see these two again.
Both Connor and Michel have rich backstories that leave me wanting more details but also having enough given I’m not wondering at the bigger picture. I would love to know more about Connor’s family and what they’re up to now. Plus how Michel’s past will affect his future based on things that happened while he was undercover. I also am desperately curious on the implications of that final scene in the epilogue with ruined 150 year old floors. I had my guesses about those two characters but now I need to know more.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series and the sneak peek given at the end of this book just makes me want it more. I will eagerly be reading each book in this series as it comes out.
Four and a half stars!
This story was so much fun. It was a pleasant harken back to the Golden Age of mysteries even if it wasn’t a whodunnit type. I loved the aspect of knowing who the bad guy was the whole time yet unable to solve the mystery of why he was killing and when he would strike next. Bringing the paranormal aspect to the mystery was far more fun than I expected. The way Connor held that from Michel added a fabulous dimension to the story. The tension of “Is Connor going to tell now” or “Will Michel find out here” had me not wanting to stop reading.
The romance between Connor and Michel took a backseat to the mystery and I wouldn’t have wanted the story any other way. The way these two danced around each other at first and then embarked on a relationship where both were lying about something was a blast to watch. Both Michel and Connor were struggling with holding their tongues and attempting to keep their feelings from deepening. It made for emotion filled scenes I thoroughly enjoyed. I was rooting for these two to make it from the beginning. The ending is a sweet happy for now and leaves me with solid hope they’ll make it. I would love to see these two again.
Both Connor and Michel have rich backstories that leave me wanting more details but also having enough given I’m not wondering at the bigger picture. I would love to know more about Connor’s family and what they’re up to now. Plus how Michel’s past will affect his future based on things that happened while he was undercover. I also am desperately curious on the implications of that final scene in the epilogue with ruined 150 year old floors. I had my guesses about those two characters but now I need to know more.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series and the sneak peek given at the end of this book just makes me want it more. I will eagerly be reading each book in this series as it comes out.
July 28, 2016
I got this for free in exchange for an honest review through the DBML program of the M/M Romance group at goodreads.
Normally this should be up my alley with hot cop a cat shifter mystery. Unfortunately this took forever to build up into a romance and to develop the plotline of the mystery. I was come on already let see something happen. Connor the saber tooth panther shifter is also a piano player and an African American. Michel is undercover as a hustler in the marais district where Conner Lives and protect it. Someone is killing of the street hustler and exsanguination of course us readers know it is a vampire doing this but in this story universe the paranormal is not known to the majority of humans. Connor is the primary suspect of the police and Michel is under orders to keep an eye on him. there is a bunch of mistrust and miscommunication because both men have secrets they cannot reveal. The art tour that Michel tag behind is cute and while not integral to the story should not be missed.
Normally this should be up my alley with hot cop a cat shifter mystery. Unfortunately this took forever to build up into a romance and to develop the plotline of the mystery. I was come on already let see something happen. Connor the saber tooth panther shifter is also a piano player and an African American. Michel is undercover as a hustler in the marais district where Conner Lives and protect it. Someone is killing of the street hustler and exsanguination of course us readers know it is a vampire doing this but in this story universe the paranormal is not known to the majority of humans. Connor is the primary suspect of the police and Michel is under orders to keep an eye on him. there is a bunch of mistrust and miscommunication because both men have secrets they cannot reveal. The art tour that Michel tag behind is cute and while not integral to the story should not be missed.
July 16, 2016
I received a free copy from author in exchange for an honest review.
I had recently read a book by these authors, so was more than happy to find out if this book would be as good as the previous one had been. Actually I think this one was a little better because of the addition of the undercover nature of both main character. It was fun reading how they were both trying to be honest and aboveboard with their feelings for each other whist still trying to keep their secrets hidden. I believe I will be looking for more books by these authors as they do have a wonderful way of giving me a short, sweet, and romantic read that lets me relax and just enjoy.
written_by_me
July 14, 2016Softpaw is now available at all the usual shops! The list of shopping links will be maintained on our site, here: http://www.brackhaus.com/the-books/so...
Also, we have uploaded a free 30-page reading sample to Goodreads. You can find it on the book's page right below the cover image under the link 'read book'.
Reviewers looking for review copies please contact me directly.
Also, we have uploaded a free 30-page reading sample to Goodreads. You can find it on the book's page right below the cover image under the link 'read book'.
Reviewers looking for review copies please contact me directly.
March 6, 2017
Connor loves Paris and revels in his beautiful life in the museums of the city and the streets of Le Marais – and he’s always ready to take in waifs and strays who need shelter, good advice and a warm meal
But when these gay sex workers are targeted by a serial killer, Connor’s not going to stand aside and if he catches the serial killer they’ll find there’s another dangerous predator prowling the rooftops of Paris.
While Michel is an undercover cop, ideally placed to infiltrate the killers victims – being a former sex worker himself. But can he lure in the killer without falling into old, destructive habits?
Like many paranormal romances, I find myself a little frustrated by the fact actually hunting down the serial killer takes a very big back step to the romance. I don’t know how much Michel actually spends investigating the murder at all… I mean other than walking the streets looking sexy I can’t really point to anything Michel does to actually hunt down the serial killer. Michel does little more than move in with Connor and then repeatedly fall asleep instead of doing his job and then destroying evidence. Connor does more, but even he gets heavily distracted.
I do actually like the romance, I think it has a lot of positive elements, is nicely based, has reasonable conflicts and is generally something I appreciate – but it’s hard to be that invested in it when there are men being murdered and that’s pushed into the background.
I am somewhat bemused with the idea that the police are under so much pressure from the powers that be to solve this case right now! The dead are sex workers, homeless street walkers, gay men and, at least some of them, immigrants, possibly undocumented. The powers that be being passionately outraged about this does not match up with actual official reaction to the deaths of any of these groups, let alone men who straddle all of them. I think it would have been much better to focus on Judge d’Angers, a clearly deeply involved woman (in what we don’t know yet) who could be driven by her own moral code (or other motives we’re not yet privy to).
I really like Connor and Michel here – they’re fun characters, they have hobbies, histories and depths. I like how they grow together, I like how they come to realise more depth. I like how Michel relates back to his previous life but is happy about how far he has come and is very confident as to risk everything to prove himself. I like Connor, his life his dedication to art, his existence, community and friends.
I like the unique wereanimal, some very original takes on werecreatures in general and a really interesting take on the supernatural depiction of the Council of Paris. I really really wish we could see more of the supernatural here. The hints of the supernatural are too brief, Connor’s history is too brief, his family too brief and what it means to be a weresmilodon was all pretty abruptly passed over. Which is a shame because not only did I want to see more of these unique elements, but I felt the supernatural wasn’t as big a part of this book as I like
But I really did like to see Connor stalking the houses of Paris. And how that isn’t quite as easy for a big cat as we often see depicted
And we have a book with two gay characters who I actually like and whose relationship doesn’t annoy me! This is wonderful and so beyond rare. I can’t stress enough how very very very few books with gay male protagonists I’ve read for Fangs and how many of them (or books submitted to us we didn’t read) had Problems.
The problem is the focus. I mean, this book takes part in the very gay-friendly neighbourhood of Marais (I’ve been, it’s AWESOME). And most of the characters are gay. Which is great, definitely approving. The characters are also not terrible, generally not troped in MOST ways. There’s a lot of good here. It’s certainly a lot lot lot better than nearly every book with a gay male protagonist we’ve reviewed on this site.
And they’re all sex workers. Oh, one of them runs a club that caters to sex-workers and offers them freebies so long as the elderly owner can get him some under-aged groping and the other, our co-protagonist is guy-with-heart-of-gold who likes to save sex-workers (and the reason you don’t have many romantic relationships Connor is because you don’t seem to have any gay men in your life you don’t view paternalistically as some poor wounded flower for you to save!)
I’m not saying we shouldn’t have sex-workers or gay sex-workers in a book – by all means do, this men exist and are rarely depicted (outside of porn) – but when your gay romance book with nearly all gay characters (with occasional female gossip hangers on and straight colleagues) taking place in one of the gay capitals of France and the only gay culture and gay men we see are sex-worker related? There’s no counter narrative or even parallel narrative. This continues when we look at Michel – an undercover police officer who can’t even attend a professional meeting with his boss without wearing trousers so tight you can tell whether he’s circumcised. I nearly put the book down when he finds evidence and promptly ruins it by masturbating over it. Yes, evidence is inadmissible because the cop finding it couldn’t resist ejaculating all over a blood stained shirt in a serial killer enquiry. I honesly have no idea how to even respond to this?! Yes there’s an attempt to present Michel struggling with his past and demons… but really? Really? We need to make the gay men THIS sexualised and THIS sex obsessed? Throw in Connor’s slut shaming and paternalism and the positive array of vulnerable, exploited damaged gay prostitutes and this… focus is a pretty unpleasant lens
Which is a shame because I like these characters. I like how they grow. I like their romance. I like how Michel battles with some of his old demons and grows to appreciate himself, his life and Connor more. Similarly I like how Connor deals with his issues relating to Michel, his own relationship issues as well as the revelations around Michel and how this affects their relationship. In so many books this would lead to some really ridiculous conflict forced however they can but instead there was a decent level of maturity in handling it.
Connor is a mixed race Man of Colour, with Latino and Native American ancestry. One of the major characters who is Michel’s chief contact in the police is Said, a man of Asian descent. All do reference their culture and ancestry though I suspect Connor’s is going to be used as a way of referencing his woo-woo. There's also a bit of a weird moment where we have an elderly racist woman making an exception for Connor as one of the good ones and... why is this here? He doesn't even call her out or think bad things about it? We didn’t have much real presence of women – we had women there and their brief appearances were all interesting but also really brief. I already mentioned Judge d’Angers who is clearly dedicated and involved – but also brief. Connor has a couple of female friends who may be interesting – but again it’s a really brief appearance
Read More
But when these gay sex workers are targeted by a serial killer, Connor’s not going to stand aside and if he catches the serial killer they’ll find there’s another dangerous predator prowling the rooftops of Paris.
While Michel is an undercover cop, ideally placed to infiltrate the killers victims – being a former sex worker himself. But can he lure in the killer without falling into old, destructive habits?
Like many paranormal romances, I find myself a little frustrated by the fact actually hunting down the serial killer takes a very big back step to the romance. I don’t know how much Michel actually spends investigating the murder at all… I mean other than walking the streets looking sexy I can’t really point to anything Michel does to actually hunt down the serial killer. Michel does little more than move in with Connor and then repeatedly fall asleep instead of doing his job and then destroying evidence. Connor does more, but even he gets heavily distracted.
I do actually like the romance, I think it has a lot of positive elements, is nicely based, has reasonable conflicts and is generally something I appreciate – but it’s hard to be that invested in it when there are men being murdered and that’s pushed into the background.
I am somewhat bemused with the idea that the police are under so much pressure from the powers that be to solve this case right now! The dead are sex workers, homeless street walkers, gay men and, at least some of them, immigrants, possibly undocumented. The powers that be being passionately outraged about this does not match up with actual official reaction to the deaths of any of these groups, let alone men who straddle all of them. I think it would have been much better to focus on Judge d’Angers, a clearly deeply involved woman (in what we don’t know yet) who could be driven by her own moral code (or other motives we’re not yet privy to).
I really like Connor and Michel here – they’re fun characters, they have hobbies, histories and depths. I like how they grow together, I like how they come to realise more depth. I like how Michel relates back to his previous life but is happy about how far he has come and is very confident as to risk everything to prove himself. I like Connor, his life his dedication to art, his existence, community and friends.
I like the unique wereanimal, some very original takes on werecreatures in general and a really interesting take on the supernatural depiction of the Council of Paris. I really really wish we could see more of the supernatural here. The hints of the supernatural are too brief, Connor’s history is too brief, his family too brief and what it means to be a weresmilodon was all pretty abruptly passed over. Which is a shame because not only did I want to see more of these unique elements, but I felt the supernatural wasn’t as big a part of this book as I like
But I really did like to see Connor stalking the houses of Paris. And how that isn’t quite as easy for a big cat as we often see depicted
And we have a book with two gay characters who I actually like and whose relationship doesn’t annoy me! This is wonderful and so beyond rare. I can’t stress enough how very very very few books with gay male protagonists I’ve read for Fangs and how many of them (or books submitted to us we didn’t read) had Problems.
The problem is the focus. I mean, this book takes part in the very gay-friendly neighbourhood of Marais (I’ve been, it’s AWESOME). And most of the characters are gay. Which is great, definitely approving. The characters are also not terrible, generally not troped in MOST ways. There’s a lot of good here. It’s certainly a lot lot lot better than nearly every book with a gay male protagonist we’ve reviewed on this site.
And they’re all sex workers. Oh, one of them runs a club that caters to sex-workers and offers them freebies so long as the elderly owner can get him some under-aged groping and the other, our co-protagonist is guy-with-heart-of-gold who likes to save sex-workers (and the reason you don’t have many romantic relationships Connor is because you don’t seem to have any gay men in your life you don’t view paternalistically as some poor wounded flower for you to save!)
I’m not saying we shouldn’t have sex-workers or gay sex-workers in a book – by all means do, this men exist and are rarely depicted (outside of porn) – but when your gay romance book with nearly all gay characters (with occasional female gossip hangers on and straight colleagues) taking place in one of the gay capitals of France and the only gay culture and gay men we see are sex-worker related? There’s no counter narrative or even parallel narrative. This continues when we look at Michel – an undercover police officer who can’t even attend a professional meeting with his boss without wearing trousers so tight you can tell whether he’s circumcised. I nearly put the book down when he finds evidence and promptly ruins it by masturbating over it. Yes, evidence is inadmissible because the cop finding it couldn’t resist ejaculating all over a blood stained shirt in a serial killer enquiry. I honesly have no idea how to even respond to this?! Yes there’s an attempt to present Michel struggling with his past and demons… but really? Really? We need to make the gay men THIS sexualised and THIS sex obsessed? Throw in Connor’s slut shaming and paternalism and the positive array of vulnerable, exploited damaged gay prostitutes and this… focus is a pretty unpleasant lens
Which is a shame because I like these characters. I like how they grow. I like their romance. I like how Michel battles with some of his old demons and grows to appreciate himself, his life and Connor more. Similarly I like how Connor deals with his issues relating to Michel, his own relationship issues as well as the revelations around Michel and how this affects their relationship. In so many books this would lead to some really ridiculous conflict forced however they can but instead there was a decent level of maturity in handling it.
Connor is a mixed race Man of Colour, with Latino and Native American ancestry. One of the major characters who is Michel’s chief contact in the police is Said, a man of Asian descent. All do reference their culture and ancestry though I suspect Connor’s is going to be used as a way of referencing his woo-woo. There's also a bit of a weird moment where we have an elderly racist woman making an exception for Connor as one of the good ones and... why is this here? He doesn't even call her out or think bad things about it? We didn’t have much real presence of women – we had women there and their brief appearances were all interesting but also really brief. I already mentioned Judge d’Angers who is clearly dedicated and involved – but also brief. Connor has a couple of female friends who may be interesting – but again it’s a really brief appearance
Read More
August 19, 2016
4.5 I enjoyed this on a lot. It has all my favorite plot points: it's a mystery; cops; shifters; romance and good storytelling. Recommended
April 6, 2021
Michel Payet, fraichement sorti major de sa promo de l’école de police de Nîmes, doit prendre ses fonctions dans le sud, un poste bien tranquille. Mais le capitaine Plouescat lui a demandé son aide : les cadavres de jeunes prostitués du quartier du marais sont retrouvés, vidés de leur sang. Aucune piste, aucun indice, le seul dénominateur commun semble être un pianiste qui connait particulièrement bien le quartier et ses habitants et qui, de plus, bénéficie de la confiance des jeunes. Mais l’homme est difficile à approcher…
Plouescat lui propose une mission d’infiltration dans ce milieu que Michel connaît bien ; il y a quelques années, Michel tapinait dans le quartier pour payer ses doses et le capitaine, après une énième arrestation, l’a convaincu qu’une autre vie était possible. Après une cure de désintoxication, Michel a repris ses études et a suivi la même voie que son mentor.
Pianiste au cabaret Chez Chantal, Connor Acothley, américain, considère comme son devoir de protéger le quartier et ses habitants. Occasionnellement, il offre gite et couvert à des jeunes prostitués.
L’arrivée de Michel ne passe pas inaperçue. Le jeune homme est beau, sensuel, animal, séducteur, arrogant et assume totalement ce qu’il est et ce qu’il fait. Et Michel arrive assez facilement à se rapprocher de Connor. Mais le pianiste a aussi un secret, un gros secret : il est un ailuranthrope, une panthère noire aux dents de sabre et vit dans une ville où des êtres surnaturels cohabitent avec les humains, sous la surveillance du Conseil.
Connor et Michel entament une relation amoureuse et continuent, chacun de leur côté, à traquer le meurtrier, l’attitude du métamorphe en faisant un coupable idéal. Mais une confrontation un soir, sur les toits de Paris, pourrait tout changer.
J’ai aimé suivre une histoire avec des métamorphes différents de ce qu’on peut voir habituellement, ce Conseil est intriguant, la plongée dans le quartier parisien du Marais est plutôt réaliste. L’écriture des auteurs est fluide et agréable, les scènes intimes se passent entre deux adules plutôt expérimentés, pas d’hésitations ni de tâtonnements.
J’ai eu beaucoup de mal avec Michel, un peu trop narcissique, et ce qu’il est tout à fait prêt à faire en infiltration me parait vraiment un peu too much pour les méthodes françaises. J’aurais aimé en savoir plus sur le passé de Connor, son parcours et sa famille, le tome suivant est sur son frère ainé Roan, on en saura peut-être plus à ce moment-là, s’il est traduit un jour…L’enquête est transparente, ne servant qu’au rapprochement des deux hommes et le coupable n’est démasqué que parce qu’il le veut bien. Pour finir, les tigres à dents de sabre sont des félins disparus assez connus, mais je n’ai jamais entendu parler de panthère noire à dents de sabre… mais quitte à y aller dans les métamorphes, autant y aller à fond.
Plouescat lui propose une mission d’infiltration dans ce milieu que Michel connaît bien ; il y a quelques années, Michel tapinait dans le quartier pour payer ses doses et le capitaine, après une énième arrestation, l’a convaincu qu’une autre vie était possible. Après une cure de désintoxication, Michel a repris ses études et a suivi la même voie que son mentor.
Pianiste au cabaret Chez Chantal, Connor Acothley, américain, considère comme son devoir de protéger le quartier et ses habitants. Occasionnellement, il offre gite et couvert à des jeunes prostitués.
L’arrivée de Michel ne passe pas inaperçue. Le jeune homme est beau, sensuel, animal, séducteur, arrogant et assume totalement ce qu’il est et ce qu’il fait. Et Michel arrive assez facilement à se rapprocher de Connor. Mais le pianiste a aussi un secret, un gros secret : il est un ailuranthrope, une panthère noire aux dents de sabre et vit dans une ville où des êtres surnaturels cohabitent avec les humains, sous la surveillance du Conseil.
Connor et Michel entament une relation amoureuse et continuent, chacun de leur côté, à traquer le meurtrier, l’attitude du métamorphe en faisant un coupable idéal. Mais une confrontation un soir, sur les toits de Paris, pourrait tout changer.
J’ai aimé suivre une histoire avec des métamorphes différents de ce qu’on peut voir habituellement, ce Conseil est intriguant, la plongée dans le quartier parisien du Marais est plutôt réaliste. L’écriture des auteurs est fluide et agréable, les scènes intimes se passent entre deux adules plutôt expérimentés, pas d’hésitations ni de tâtonnements.
J’ai eu beaucoup de mal avec Michel, un peu trop narcissique, et ce qu’il est tout à fait prêt à faire en infiltration me parait vraiment un peu too much pour les méthodes françaises. J’aurais aimé en savoir plus sur le passé de Connor, son parcours et sa famille, le tome suivant est sur son frère ainé Roan, on en saura peut-être plus à ce moment-là, s’il est traduit un jour…L’enquête est transparente, ne servant qu’au rapprochement des deux hommes et le coupable n’est démasqué que parce qu’il le veut bien. Pour finir, les tigres à dents de sabre sont des félins disparus assez connus, mais je n’ai jamais entendu parler de panthère noire à dents de sabre… mais quitte à y aller dans les métamorphes, autant y aller à fond.
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