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Werewolves of Chernobyl
Quinn
If Quinn wants to get the best photos for his travel blog, no gate is too tall, and no ‘do not enter’ sign actually means he won’t go in. What he finds in a hidden exclusion zone by Chernobyl blows his mind. Mutants? Monsters? He doesn’t know, but he is bound to find out when not one but two of them break into his hotel.
Too bad the rules and attitudes they have toward sex don’t match Quinn’s at all.
Dima
Born with a disabled hand, smaller than the other werewolves, Dima is the lowest of the low in his pack, but when he meets the loveliest human he’s ever seen, he knows his luck has changed.
The last thing he expects though is his beloved friend Nazar turning on him once Dima’s affection for Quinn deepens, and he refuses to be mounted by Nazar anymore.
Nazar
Nazar is a high ranking soldier in his pack, but in his powerful body hides a gentle soul, and all he wants is to escape the pack with Dima. But once Dima claims Quinn as his, secrets Nazar has so far kept hidden rear their ugly head.
The werewolf language doesn’t have words to describe what they crave, so Quinn might be the only one to help them solve the puzzle of the desires that go against the rules of their pack.
If Quinn wants to get the best photos for his travel blog, no gate is too tall, and no ‘do not enter’ sign actually means he won’t go in. What he finds in a hidden exclusion zone by Chernobyl blows his mind. Mutants? Monsters? He doesn’t know, but he is bound to find out when not one but two of them break into his hotel.
Too bad the rules and attitudes they have toward sex don’t match Quinn’s at all.
Dima
Born with a disabled hand, smaller than the other werewolves, Dima is the lowest of the low in his pack, but when he meets the loveliest human he’s ever seen, he knows his luck has changed.
The last thing he expects though is his beloved friend Nazar turning on him once Dima’s affection for Quinn deepens, and he refuses to be mounted by Nazar anymore.
Nazar
Nazar is a high ranking soldier in his pack, but in his powerful body hides a gentle soul, and all he wants is to escape the pack with Dima. But once Dima claims Quinn as his, secrets Nazar has so far kept hidden rear their ugly head.
The werewolf language doesn’t have words to describe what they crave, so Quinn might be the only one to help them solve the puzzle of the desires that go against the rules of their pack.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2016
130 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
130 books3,021 followers(Goodreads profile run by Kat)
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
June 29, 2016
4 Stars.
Quinn is a travel blogger.He's a bit hip,a bit nerdy and totally adorable.
He's on a tour of Chernobyl and his curiosity gets the better of him and he finds himself kidnapped by two Bodarks( Russian werewolves ).
Nazar and Dima are at completely different ends of the pecking order in their pack.
Nazar is one of the highest ranking.A dominant but he has desires he doesn't share with anyone.
Dima is the lowest in the pack.Born with a disfigurement and one of the smallest werewolves he's a constant source of ridicule from the other werewolves.
They have been close since they were young and Nazar is fiercely protective of Dima.So when Dima becomes fixated with a human ( Quinn ), Nazar is happy to take Quinn back to their lair......he only wants Dima to be happy.
I absolutely loved these three characters but it was definitely Dima who stole my heart.
Because of the cultural differences between them,as well as being extremely hot,this was very funny at times as they all try to understand each others world.
Sex scenes...
I'd read a few reviews so knew what to expect with the whole shifting into animal/bodark form during sex and it actually didn't freak me out at all and I think it was because I identified with Nazar and Dima as being more human than animal.I did have a bit of a problem with Nazar as he only shifted into his human form once and I had trouble visualizing him as a bodark.
Now,let's get onto the Knotting.I've read a few M/M shifter books but have never come across this...
Thank God for Google,that's all I can say!!
Definitely a different M/M/M book without doubt but one I really enjoyed.My only negative was that the ending felt a bit rushed and I would have liked a bit more of an explanation about certain aspects in the Epilogue...
Quinn is a travel blogger.He's a bit hip,a bit nerdy and totally adorable.
He's on a tour of Chernobyl and his curiosity gets the better of him and he finds himself kidnapped by two Bodarks( Russian werewolves ).
Nazar and Dima are at completely different ends of the pecking order in their pack.
Nazar is one of the highest ranking.A dominant but he has desires he doesn't share with anyone.
Dima is the lowest in the pack.Born with a disfigurement and one of the smallest werewolves he's a constant source of ridicule from the other werewolves.
They have been close since they were young and Nazar is fiercely protective of Dima.So when Dima becomes fixated with a human ( Quinn ), Nazar is happy to take Quinn back to their lair......he only wants Dima to be happy.
I absolutely loved these three characters but it was definitely Dima who stole my heart.
Because of the cultural differences between them,as well as being extremely hot,this was very funny at times as they all try to understand each others world.
Sex scenes...
I'd read a few reviews so knew what to expect with the whole shifting into animal/bodark form during sex and it actually didn't freak me out at all and I think it was because I identified with Nazar and Dima as being more human than animal.I did have a bit of a problem with Nazar as he only shifted into his human form once and I had trouble visualizing him as a bodark.
Now,let's get onto the Knotting.I've read a few M/M shifter books but have never come across this...
Thank God for Google,that's all I can say!!
Definitely a different M/M/M book without doubt but one I really enjoyed.My only negative was that the ending felt a bit rushed and I would have liked a bit more of an explanation about certain aspects in the Epilogue...
May 25, 2016
I am a depraved human being.
Because the wicked bodark (Russian werewolf) & human sexy scenes? Yeah, they didn't bother me. At all.
This book is hellaciously hot, the very definition of animalistic sex. WOWZA!
I get why the half-wolf/human mating wouldn't work for some readers. (Trust: beastiality is most definitely not my thing.) But I saw Nazar and Dima as HUMAN. They have a human mind even when they're in their bodark form.
Plus: KNOTTING.
Chernobyl was a tragedy. This book in no way diminishes that tragedy. Instead, it spins a tale of WHAT IF? What if the catastrophic nuclear accident caused some male wolves to mutate into bodarks? And what if the bodarks were a secret weapon of the government, used to assassinate the "undesirables" or political activists? (This really isn't so far-fetched considering the current political climate in Russia.)
Nazar is an alpha bodark, but he yearns to submit. In bodark society that's a no-go. Only bitches submit, and most of the bitches are female wolves. The bodarks are all about hierarchy; this breeds power and control.
Dima, born small and with a mutated arm, is one of the weaker bodarks. The other bodarks treat him like garbage. Except Nazar.
What Nazar and Dima have is love, but it takes Quinn, a blogger/traveler, to show them that in a real relationship the power differential ebbs and flows; bottoming doesn't make you a bitch.
The book focuses on the ménage à trois between Nazar, Dima, and Quinn. After Quinn reveals the truth about the outside world, the men (or one man and two bodarks, as the case may be) decide to escape the bodark camp where Nazar and Dima live (and where they brought Quinn after Dima decided he wanted the curious human who gave him a chocolate treat—finally someone Dima can top!).
I was enamored with this book until the last couple chapters. My complaints:
1. Quinn's actions at the end were abhorrent (not to mention stupid) and felt out of character. His betrayal was immense, and the explanation for it inadequate. Likewise, the thing with Lev ... I'm not sure I believed the change of heart.
2. The ending felt rushed. Romantic Dani loved the fluffy epilogue, but OCD/Practical Dani had QUESTIONS.
Even so, I couldn't put this book down. I was anxious the entire time the three MCs were planning their escape, just waiting for something to go wrong. I expected violence and wolfy angst, but I got mostly romance and sweetness set against a backdrop of intrigue and suspense.
Recommended for fans of highly charged, sexy urban fantasy!
Because the wicked bodark (Russian werewolf) & human sexy scenes? Yeah, they didn't bother me. At all.
This book is hellaciously hot, the very definition of animalistic sex. WOWZA!
I get why the half-wolf/human mating wouldn't work for some readers. (Trust: beastiality is most definitely not my thing.) But I saw Nazar and Dima as HUMAN. They have a human mind even when they're in their bodark form.
Plus: KNOTTING.
Chernobyl was a tragedy. This book in no way diminishes that tragedy. Instead, it spins a tale of WHAT IF? What if the catastrophic nuclear accident caused some male wolves to mutate into bodarks? And what if the bodarks were a secret weapon of the government, used to assassinate the "undesirables" or political activists? (This really isn't so far-fetched considering the current political climate in Russia.)
Nazar is an alpha bodark, but he yearns to submit. In bodark society that's a no-go. Only bitches submit, and most of the bitches are female wolves. The bodarks are all about hierarchy; this breeds power and control.
Dima, born small and with a mutated arm, is one of the weaker bodarks. The other bodarks treat him like garbage. Except Nazar.
What Nazar and Dima have is love, but it takes Quinn, a blogger/traveler, to show them that in a real relationship the power differential ebbs and flows; bottoming doesn't make you a bitch.
The book focuses on the ménage à trois between Nazar, Dima, and Quinn. After Quinn reveals the truth about the outside world, the men (or one man and two bodarks, as the case may be) decide to escape the bodark camp where Nazar and Dima live (and where they brought Quinn after Dima decided he wanted the curious human who gave him a chocolate treat—finally someone Dima can top!).
I was enamored with this book until the last couple chapters. My complaints:
1. Quinn's actions at the end were abhorrent (not to mention stupid) and felt out of character. His betrayal was immense, and the explanation for it inadequate. Likewise, the thing with Lev ... I'm not sure I believed the change of heart.
2. The ending felt rushed. Romantic Dani loved the fluffy epilogue, but OCD/Practical Dani had QUESTIONS.
Even so, I couldn't put this book down. I was anxious the entire time the three MCs were planning their escape, just waiting for something to go wrong. I expected violence and wolfy angst, but I got mostly romance and sweetness set against a backdrop of intrigue and suspense.
Recommended for fans of highly charged, sexy urban fantasy!
July 21, 2016
3.75 Hearts--
Me when KNOTTING is mentioned:
All right, who are we kidding? This is me:
After reading who knows how many KNOTTING fics/stories, I can happily say KNOTTING is one of my favorite things about shifter stories. There's a (unicorn) scientific list of...requisites that makes for good KNOTTING.
This definitely covered the list.
A sample of KNOTTING winners:
Fat KNOTS forced inside tight holes
Biting (back of the neck is #1) while pumping semen into said hole
Tears and/or exclamations of the KNOT "not fitting"
"Werewolves of Chernobyl" isn't all about KNOTTING, but KNOT enthusiasts would appreciate the details.
Urban explorer and blogger Quinn is in the Ukraine on a Chernobyl tour. He lives for danger and adventure, sneaks off onto forbidden territory and gets the fright of his life. A living breathing werewolf. After a cute exchange (minus an injury), he think it'll be a lifetime experience. Wrong! Quinn leaves a bigger impression on the werewolf (bodark), Dima.
Dima is crippled due to a birth deformity, an arm doesn't fully function but it doesn't stop his determination to have that human be his "bitch". He recruits one of the strongest bodarks who also happens to be his childhood friend and lover, Nazar. Dima is small to Nazar's hulking bodark frame. But Nazar, has a little secret:
He's not happy with his assigned sexual role.
Neither is another certain isolated bodark, pair that with their newly acquired human who comes from the outside world and the cultural differences are explosive.
I really love the idea of this novel. There are a lot of things going on, I mean just look at the blurb. The hierarchy, kidnapping, sexual roles, isolation, disability...it oddly worked for where the story went. Each guy brought something different to the table and for the most part, they had some depth to carry these emotions and issues out.
I like my triangles as equal as possible. And with these three, I think their dynamics are as equal as they could be. Each man has a role and they represent it - top, bottom, or switch to the best of their ability.
Though, if I could keep 2 out of the 3 together, I'd love it. Nazar and Dima wormed their way into my pocket.
Dima - the outcast due to his birth deformity, size and underdeveloped bodark skills (namely not being able to speak while in bodark form). He's the underdog and you can't help but root for him. He's hotheaded, rash and has a loyal heart. He's a true friend to Nazar, even when he got what he wanted, Nazar was never far from his heart nor brain - though bodarks have no time for feelings.
Nazar - the big guy who is supposed be alpha, used for his fighting skills and owns a gentle heart. He always put Dima first. That devotion is everlasting, you can see it when Dima would go off on a wild tangent. Nazar hovered in the background and let his Dima, his "bitch" test his claws, so to speak.
These friends had emotions to add to their sexy times. And the sex was rocking with those two and with Quinn.
But...
Quinn - I tried to like him but I was ambivalent toward the end. He was obnoxious in a way. He didn't follow orders, even when he was told more than one time to follow the bodark custom with collars and he still didn't get it. He didn't listen to authorities...anyone really. He was too headstrong for my liking. Do I think he deserves Nazar and Dima? Not really. but he's the one for them (though I might be the only hoping that in the future they find someone who isn't as wishy washy) Quinn is a nice guy, he means well but sometimes he read disingenuous and the bodarks are all heart and truth.
There was some action and violence also added. But the ending was rushed. There were loose ends and major plot threads left unanswered or forgotten: such as who the Directorate was? What with the sudden change of heart from the alleged villain/top dog? What are these missions that Nazar went on? How did the escape exactly happen?
There were personality transplants here and there, which didn't make for consistent read. The last chapter or so was rushed, the epilogue wasn't any better. The sentiments are nice. There is an implied HEA/ strong HFN ending but there was room for more and areas that needed tightening up. The plot could have been stellar if the suspense angle was stronger and more defined. It was like reading 10th draft mixed in with 2nd drafts in spots. There were a couple of typos but it didn't detract from the story.
Overall, good story. Pretty good. I thought it was going to be sex-a-palooza and it wasn't the plot ideas with cultural differences were the biggest draw for me. (Yes, even over the KNOTTING). I was fascinated by the bodark culture. I wanted to know all the ins and outs, the hierarchy, maybe deeper knowledge of the main players.
I like these authors playing together in the sandbox. I think they played to each others strengths, for the most part.
I would definitely read another story based in this world, this trio of authors created. Isolated bodarks make for interesting stories.
Oh and KNOTTING.
Lots more KNOTTING please?
*This message has been approved by the KNOTTING Fans Association.
A copy provided for an honest review.
"Did I...did I just get fucked by a werewolf?
Yes.
Yes I did.
Technically I'm still being fucked by a werewolf.
Because this hasn't been the weirdest leg of my journey."
Me when KNOTTING is mentioned:
All right, who are we kidding? This is me:
After reading who knows how many KNOTTING fics/stories, I can happily say KNOTTING is one of my favorite things about shifter stories. There's a (unicorn) scientific list of...requisites that makes for good KNOTTING.
This definitely covered the list.
A sample of KNOTTING winners:
Fat KNOTS forced inside tight holes
Biting (back of the neck is #1) while pumping semen into said hole
Tears and/or exclamations of the KNOT "not fitting"
"Werewolves of Chernobyl" isn't all about KNOTTING, but KNOT enthusiasts would appreciate the details.
Urban explorer and blogger Quinn is in the Ukraine on a Chernobyl tour. He lives for danger and adventure, sneaks off onto forbidden territory and gets the fright of his life. A living breathing werewolf. After a cute exchange (minus an injury), he think it'll be a lifetime experience. Wrong! Quinn leaves a bigger impression on the werewolf (bodark), Dima.
Dima is crippled due to a birth deformity, an arm doesn't fully function but it doesn't stop his determination to have that human be his "bitch". He recruits one of the strongest bodarks who also happens to be his childhood friend and lover, Nazar. Dima is small to Nazar's hulking bodark frame. But Nazar, has a little secret:
He's not happy with his assigned sexual role.
That feeling deep inside, making his cock hot and rigid as if he were about to come without even his dick being touched, made him realize in a half second that this was exactly what he wanted to be. Mounted, and serving another man with his body, and the pleasure originating inside him was proof of that.
Neither is another certain isolated bodark, pair that with their newly acquired human who comes from the outside world and the cultural differences are explosive.
I really love the idea of this novel. There are a lot of things going on, I mean just look at the blurb. The hierarchy, kidnapping, sexual roles, isolation, disability...it oddly worked for where the story went. Each guy brought something different to the table and for the most part, they had some depth to carry these emotions and issues out.
I like my triangles as equal as possible. And with these three, I think their dynamics are as equal as they could be. Each man has a role and they represent it - top, bottom, or switch to the best of their ability.
Though, if I could keep 2 out of the 3 together, I'd love it. Nazar and Dima wormed their way into my pocket.
Dima - the outcast due to his birth deformity, size and underdeveloped bodark skills (namely not being able to speak while in bodark form). He's the underdog and you can't help but root for him. He's hotheaded, rash and has a loyal heart. He's a true friend to Nazar, even when he got what he wanted, Nazar was never far from his heart nor brain - though bodarks have no time for feelings.
Nazar - the big guy who is supposed be alpha, used for his fighting skills and owns a gentle heart. He always put Dima first. That devotion is everlasting, you can see it when Dima would go off on a wild tangent. Nazar hovered in the background and let his Dima, his "bitch" test his claws, so to speak.
These friends had emotions to add to their sexy times. And the sex was rocking with those two and with Quinn.
But...
Quinn - I tried to like him but I was ambivalent toward the end. He was obnoxious in a way. He didn't follow orders, even when he was told more than one time to follow the bodark custom with collars and he still didn't get it. He didn't listen to authorities...anyone really. He was too headstrong for my liking. Do I think he deserves Nazar and Dima? Not really. but he's the one for them (though I might be the only hoping that in the future they find someone who isn't as wishy washy) Quinn is a nice guy, he means well but sometimes he read disingenuous and the bodarks are all heart and truth.
There was some action and violence also added. But the ending was rushed. There were loose ends and major plot threads left unanswered or forgotten: such as who the Directorate was? What with the sudden change of heart from the alleged villain/top dog? What are these missions that Nazar went on? How did the escape exactly happen?
There were personality transplants here and there, which didn't make for consistent read. The last chapter or so was rushed, the epilogue wasn't any better. The sentiments are nice. There is an implied HEA/ strong HFN ending but there was room for more and areas that needed tightening up. The plot could have been stellar if the suspense angle was stronger and more defined. It was like reading 10th draft mixed in with 2nd drafts in spots. There were a couple of typos but it didn't detract from the story.
Overall, good story. Pretty good. I thought it was going to be sex-a-palooza and it wasn't the plot ideas with cultural differences were the biggest draw for me. (Yes, even over the KNOTTING). I was fascinated by the bodark culture. I wanted to know all the ins and outs, the hierarchy, maybe deeper knowledge of the main players.
I like these authors playing together in the sandbox. I think they played to each others strengths, for the most part.
I would definitely read another story based in this world, this trio of authors created. Isolated bodarks make for interesting stories.
Oh and KNOTTING.
Lots more KNOTTING please?
*This message has been approved by the KNOTTING Fans Association.
A copy provided for an honest review.
Read
May 2, 2016
We have a blurb! :)
--- Being kidnapped by two werewolves is an adventure after all, right? Right?! ---
Quinn
If Quinn wants to get the best photos for his travel blog, no gate is too tall, and no ‘do not enter’ sign actually means he won’t go in. What he finds in a hidden exclusion zone by Chernobyl blows his mind. Mutants? Monsters? He doesn’t know, but he is bound to find out when not one but two of them break into his hotel.
Too bad the rules and attitudes they have toward sex don’t match Quinn’s at all.
Dima
Born with a disabled hand, smaller than the other werewolves, Dima is the lowest of the low in his pack, but when he meets the loveliest human he’s ever seen, he knows his luck has changed.
The last thing he expects though is his beloved friend Nazar turning on him once Dima’s affection for Quinn deepens, and he refuses to be mounted by Nazar anymore.
Nazar
Nazar is a high ranking soldier in his pack, but in his powerful body hides a gentle soul, and all he wants is to escape the pack with Dima. But once Dima claims Quinn as his, secrets Nazar has so far kept hidden rear their ugly head.
The werewolf language doesn’t have words to describe what they crave, so Quinn might be the only one to help them solve the puzzle of the desires that go against the rules of their pack.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: shifter, werewolf, menage, knotting, urban exploration, cultural differences, disability, hierarchy, USSR, isolated from the world, society of men, PTSD, military, secret organization
Genre: M/M/M romance, suspense, paranormal, urban fantasy
Length: ~75,000 words
WARNING: This book contains steamy content and graphic violence.
***
What the fresh hell is this you might ask :). This is a little something we've been cooking up in an author threeway with L.A. Witt.
And yes, it's a 'shifter' book, since it's werewolves, but there will surely be things to surprise you in the world of these werewolves (lol, not mpreg ;D).
PINTEREST board <3 - https://uk.pinterest.com/KAMerikan/we...
Read
June 13, 2016ooop! this just released!
I wonder if I can skip that meeting later and go home to read
***
I've been promised knotting.
My body is ready.
I wonder if I can skip that meeting later and go home to read
***
I've been promised knotting.
My body is ready.
May 5, 2016
YASSSSS! Now that's how you write a KNOTTING book!
I loved every one of the characters - even the 'bad' guys. The writing was seamless. The Merikans need to write more with Witt. That was a joy to read!
My only disappointment was the ending. There was so much opportunity that was missed. As I was discussing with Red over our thousands of emails back and forth about this book, I feel there is a whole 'nother book's worth of stuff that could be written about that ending.
Maybe if I beg hard enough the authors will give it a go? Maybe a story about Ruslan and Vasily (or however you spell his name)?
May 5, 2016
~3.75 stars~
“So… you’re gay werewolves?”
Werewolves of Chernobyl was quite an experience for me and I enjoyed it a lot. It also came to solidify the fact that I'm not a fan of shifters/werewolves. Because if K.A.Merikan can't make me love it, then nobody can. That said, this is a good story, fresh, original, sexy, with an unexpected sweetness to it. I'm pretty sure that fans of shifter romance are going to LOVE this. Because:
Shifters/Werewolves+MMM+knotting+amazing setting+great epilogue.
My favorite thing in the story is the setting. There's something horrifying and, at the same time, fascinating, about post-accident Chernobyl. It's a dystopian/post-apocalyptic scenery, that exists in real life. I think it can provide a great setting for many stories. This book takes place in a hidden exclusion zone by Chernobyl.
I loved the complexity of the characters; the MCs are so different, but they complement each other. Quinn is a free spirit, an adventure junkie. He just can't stay away from danger. But being kidnapped by two werewolves, is not as dangerous as one might think. Nazar is a gentle giant. He is the alpha male, because that's what everyone is expecting from him. But he has hidden desires that he can't admit to anyone. My personal favorite, though, was Dima. Smaller than the other werewolves and with a disability, he's the lowest in his pack. I just wanted to hug him through the entire story.
There' s plenty of sex and it's pretty hot, if you like that sort of thing. Knotting freaked me the hell out! And having sex while transforming into werewolf mode, freaked me the hell out! I know, I know, that's the whole point. And that's why I think that shifter fans will absolutely love this. But I think I prefer it when all of them are in human form, you know?
My favorite thing about this three-way relationship was the playfulness, the tenderness and the sweetness among the characters. I didn't expect it at all. They 're constantly petting, licking, or touching each other. They keep each other close. There is also humour and funny moments as well.
Keep in mind that this is not your typical MMM story, meaning that it's not just three men trying to work things out and be together. There are cultural differrences to overcome, which can be both hilarious and challenging. Dima and Nazar live in a world where calling someone a "bitch" is a perfectly normal thing, and bottoming has everything to do with where you rank in the pack.
I would have liked a little more closure in the end. It felt like unfinished business how things turned out with the pack.
But this has nothing to do with the men. They get their HEA and it is glorious. We even get an epilogue that fits the three of them perfectly.
Overall, this was a great story. I think that someone who loves and has more experience with shifter romance, will love it way more than me.
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
May 23, 2016
I'll begin by saying I deeply appreciate the effort the authors put into the werewolf erotica (even if it's verging on bestiality). I read the thread in which they gauged what their readers want in their sex scenes, and it shows. It's fantastically smutty. However, that's the only highlight of this book because the world- and character-building is so atrocious I had to block it out to enjoy the smut.
Brief background: I was born in the Soviet Union, Ukraine to be specific. I came to the U.S. when I was five, so I grew up very Americanized. But when your entire ancestry gets traumatized by the USSR regime, that shit sticks. With that said, this novel feels like the authors didn't bother with any research into language or culture beyond "Chernobyl = radiation" and "big, burly Russian guys = Mmm." It's extremely frustrating because if this is how Romance authors treat WHITE non-English societies, I have even less faith in PoC depictions.
Yes, bodarks are a type of Russian werewolf. However, the bodarks in this book are nothing like the bodarks of Russian folklore. Considering how we allow many variations for werewolves, in general, I'll let this detail slide.
That's the only thing I'm letting slide.
When Quinn meets the bodarks, he quickly learns they only understand Russian. All the dialogue in the book is in English, but we're supposed to imagine it's happening in Russian. I'm OK with that editorial choice, except I can smell the bullshit. I'm going to be very nitpicky about this because after Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts, I have very high standards for language barrier scenes.
1) Where did Quinn learn his Russian? He speaks with an accent, but there's no background for why he knows the language at all. At one point he mentions his mother is Russian, but it doesn't mean shit. My parents speak fluent Russian while my Russian is rudimentary at best. I don't believe Quinn can have as many complex conversations as he does without extensive practice and training. I'm64% into done with the story and I have no fucking clue where Quinn's fluent Russian comes from.
2) It feels like the authors forget the conversations are in Russian. When Quinn explains to Nazar relationships in the outside world, Nazar understands what 'females' are but gets confused by 'women.' Listen, in Russian there is no sex and gender differentiation (which is really a shame). A female and a woman are both called zhenshchina, from the root 'feminine' (zhenskiy). Unless Quinn is plugging in English words (there is no indication of this), Nazar's confusion is playing into a trope that has no place in the conversation.
Additionally, there's a moment earlier when Quinn asks if the bodark base has Wifi. Nazar has no idea what Wifi is, responding "we have food." Uh, no. There's no F sound in 'food' (or 'meal' for that matter) in Russian, and there's no indication that Nazar is assuming Quinn is referring to a specific type of food.
3) What word is Quinn using when he says "werewolves"? We've established Russian werewolves are bodarks and that all conversations happening with bodarks are in Russian, so when Quinn says "werewolf" is he using the English word or is he using the Russian equivalent of "oborot"? It's bothering me because of all the times the bodarks go out of their way to correct him, to the point that he starts doing the "were...bodark" thing, which makes me float back to point #2. I think a sweet nuance was missed because "ob...bodark" flows way better.
4) When Dima takes a "peeler off the knife rack" for the potatoes, I wanted to yell "you mean a KNIFE off the knife rack!?" Russians peel with knives. It's a thing. Only Americanized softies like myself need actual peelers.
5) Not related to Russian but there is a side character whose name keeps changing between Vasily and Vasyli (with one case of Vassily). It's an inconsistency the editor should have caught if neither author noticed the other was using a different spelling.
Sadly, the thing that almost made me rage-quit wasn't about Russian or editing or anything like that. It was the authors choosing to put "love" on a romantic pedestal:
And I suppose Dima and Nazar being the greatest of friends doesn't qualify as love. I suppose this is a society that doesn't have love at all, not even military-style brotherly love. No one ever says they love their pups. There is no love for the great Soviet Union. Love does not exist unless it is romantic love.
It would literally take one extra line to remedy this, to maybe have Dima huff out how he knows what love is but the way Quinn is using it makes no sense. But, nope, why do that when it's way more romantic for Quinn to be the one to teach LOVE to his beastly companions.
*takes a calming breath*
Anyway, that's literally the page I'm stuck on. Maybe I'll have more to say once I actually finish this thing.
--
Aaaaand I finished this thing!
Or rather, I forced myself to finish this thing. Sort of. After 75% I started skimming because the conflict deflated, then things perked up a bit, and then the non-sex plot resolution was anti-climactic. I started pretending everyone was speaking English because otherwise I'd get a rage headache.
*sigh* I'm too tired of this book to make this half of the review as elaborate as my In-Progress Vent.
Things that bothered me about the last quarter of the story:
- Dima is supposedly the underdog dominant/leader, but it's Quinn who assembles everything, who manages everything, who is the actual pack leader.
- There's a scene where Nazar gets infuriated with Dima and leaves to cool his head, except he returns, immediately after Dima and Quinn have a convenient sex scene, still hotheaded and starting a fight.
- Apparently none of the other bodarks could smell that Dima mounted Nazar instead of the other way around. So all those years fretting about it, and it's this easy to get away with it? Oversight or laziness, it was still frustrating.
- That sex scene in the snow between Dima and Nazar was such PWP. No suspense, no conflict. And it was at the 80% mark, so I was expecting the second shoe to fall the entire time. By the time it did, I was on the verge of dropping the book yet again.
- Every person set up as antagonist ends up either helping the trio or gets easily pushed to the side. It's way too cozy and convenient after all the angst involved in building it up.
I'm just... ugh. Two stars because the smut was good.
Brief background: I was born in the Soviet Union, Ukraine to be specific. I came to the U.S. when I was five, so I grew up very Americanized. But when your entire ancestry gets traumatized by the USSR regime, that shit sticks. With that said, this novel feels like the authors didn't bother with any research into language or culture beyond "Chernobyl = radiation" and "big, burly Russian guys = Mmm." It's extremely frustrating because if this is how Romance authors treat WHITE non-English societies, I have even less faith in PoC depictions.
Yes, bodarks are a type of Russian werewolf. However, the bodarks in this book are nothing like the bodarks of Russian folklore. Considering how we allow many variations for werewolves, in general, I'll let this detail slide.
That's the only thing I'm letting slide.
When Quinn meets the bodarks, he quickly learns they only understand Russian. All the dialogue in the book is in English, but we're supposed to imagine it's happening in Russian. I'm OK with that editorial choice, except I can smell the bullshit. I'm going to be very nitpicky about this because after Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts, I have very high standards for language barrier scenes.
1) Where did Quinn learn his Russian? He speaks with an accent, but there's no background for why he knows the language at all. At one point he mentions his mother is Russian, but it doesn't mean shit. My parents speak fluent Russian while my Russian is rudimentary at best. I don't believe Quinn can have as many complex conversations as he does without extensive practice and training. I'm
2) It feels like the authors forget the conversations are in Russian. When Quinn explains to Nazar relationships in the outside world, Nazar understands what 'females' are but gets confused by 'women.' Listen, in Russian there is no sex and gender differentiation (which is really a shame). A female and a woman are both called zhenshchina, from the root 'feminine' (zhenskiy). Unless Quinn is plugging in English words (there is no indication of this), Nazar's confusion is playing into a trope that has no place in the conversation.
Additionally, there's a moment earlier when Quinn asks if the bodark base has Wifi. Nazar has no idea what Wifi is, responding "we have food." Uh, no. There's no F sound in 'food' (or 'meal' for that matter) in Russian, and there's no indication that Nazar is assuming Quinn is referring to a specific type of food.
3) What word is Quinn using when he says "werewolves"? We've established Russian werewolves are bodarks and that all conversations happening with bodarks are in Russian, so when Quinn says "werewolf" is he using the English word or is he using the Russian equivalent of "oborot"? It's bothering me because of all the times the bodarks go out of their way to correct him, to the point that he starts doing the "were...bodark" thing, which makes me float back to point #2. I think a sweet nuance was missed because "ob...bodark" flows way better.
4) When Dima takes a "peeler off the knife rack" for the potatoes, I wanted to yell "you mean a KNIFE off the knife rack!?" Russians peel with knives. It's a thing. Only Americanized softies like myself need actual peelers.
5) Not related to Russian but there is a side character whose name keeps changing between Vasily and Vasyli (with one case of Vassily). It's an inconsistency the editor should have caught if neither author noticed the other was using a different spelling.
Sadly, the thing that almost made me rage-quit wasn't about Russian or editing or anything like that. It was the authors choosing to put "love" on a romantic pedestal:
“‘Love’ him?”
The plate almost fell from Quinn’s hands, and he looked up. “You’re kidding me. You don’t know what that means?”
Dima huffed. “You didn’t know what a bitch is, or that bodarks exist, so don’t be such a smartass.”
Quinn raised his hands and nodded. “My bad. You’re right. Love is a feeling. A bit like friendship, but more intense. When you see the person you love, your skin is tingly, and your heart beats fast, and you feel like you don’t want to ever be apart from them.”
And I suppose Dima and Nazar being the greatest of friends doesn't qualify as love. I suppose this is a society that doesn't have love at all, not even military-style brotherly love. No one ever says they love their pups. There is no love for the great Soviet Union. Love does not exist unless it is romantic love.
It would literally take one extra line to remedy this, to maybe have Dima huff out how he knows what love is but the way Quinn is using it makes no sense. But, nope, why do that when it's way more romantic for Quinn to be the one to teach LOVE to his beastly companions.
*takes a calming breath*
Anyway, that's literally the page I'm stuck on. Maybe I'll have more to say once I actually finish this thing.
--
Aaaaand I finished this thing!
Or rather, I forced myself to finish this thing. Sort of. After 75% I started skimming because the conflict deflated, then things perked up a bit, and then the non-sex plot resolution was anti-climactic. I started pretending everyone was speaking English because otherwise I'd get a rage headache.
*sigh* I'm too tired of this book to make this half of the review as elaborate as my In-Progress Vent.
Things that bothered me about the last quarter of the story:
- Dima is supposedly the underdog dominant/leader, but it's Quinn who assembles everything, who manages everything, who is the actual pack leader.
- There's a scene where Nazar gets infuriated with Dima and leaves to cool his head, except he returns, immediately after Dima and Quinn have a convenient sex scene, still hotheaded and starting a fight.
- Apparently none of the other bodarks could smell that Dima mounted Nazar instead of the other way around. So all those years fretting about it, and it's this easy to get away with it? Oversight or laziness, it was still frustrating.
- That sex scene in the snow between Dima and Nazar was such PWP. No suspense, no conflict. And it was at the 80% mark, so I was expecting the second shoe to fall the entire time. By the time it did, I was on the verge of dropping the book yet again.
- Every person set up as antagonist ends up either helping the trio or gets easily pushed to the side. It's way too cozy and convenient after all the angst involved in building it up.
I'm just... ugh. Two stars because the smut was good.
Read
May 5, 2016I don’t know where to start with this or how to even say what I want to about this book. I mean, when I saw the book it looked good but then I saw the Pinterest board for it and I won’t lie, I drooled. I mean, the image inspiration for Quinn was enough to get me going – I’m a sucker for hipsters – and then you have Nazar and Dima? Yeah, sign me up for this ASAP.
But then… I started reading and I had to stop reading to google a few things and I learned about a new form of werewolf called a bodark and then I had to stop again and consider what I pretty much knew was going to happen. Well, I can tell you I decided to keep reading and holy mother effing cow, what I thought would happen, did happen and oh boy, was it hot. Like ridiculously hot to the point I should probably be ashamed that I found it so hot but screw it, I own all my kinks and this is just a new one I’ve found. Oh and yeah, there is KNOTTING in this book and be prepared, it's pretty hot. Have I mentioned this was hot yet? Just making sure.
Now I have always said that any subject can be read as long as you have a good writer and I didn’t just have one in this story, I had three and I had three different POV’s that I adored.
We meet Quinn while on a tour of Chernobyl, the horrible nuclear power plant in Pripyat (then in Russia which is now Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic of the Soviet Union) that housed on of the worst nuclear accidents in history. The tour guides strongly insist that no one go to black zones on the map but Quinn, he is all about the anarchy and arrogance with being told what to do so… yup, he goes to that area. While there, he comes upon a creature, something he has never seen before as it appears to be a wolf, yet it’s also a biped though strangely, hunched over. But this creature is curious also so Quinn and it, well they have a moment. I am going to say how I really wanted the creature to shift when Quinn shared a treat with him but that’s just because I have seen too many commercials and my brain is a wacked place to be.
Anyway.
We get to meet the creature, aka Dima, and from the first line of his POV I fell hard for him. There is so much in Dima right away that draws you to him, makes you want to champion him, cuddle him and later on, yeah you want to beg him to do things to you. But Dima, he is this soft-hearted bodark who was born with a lame arm that makes him think he is inferior. He is at the bottom of the pack and would be treated worse than he is if not for his friend and protector, Nazar.
Good lord, Nazar. How is it that we get these bodarks, these werewolves who walk on two legs and have tall the characteristics and mannerisms of wolves and yet I fell in love with them? We know from early on that Nazar, he feels more than friendship for Dima, he wants him in every way he can… except the one way he truly wants him but I won’t give that bit away. Nazar is head over heels for Dima and has always wanted to take him out of the hierarchy of wolves and be free. Free to be whom they want to one another without shame and it’s just so heartbreaking to me.
But when Dima tells Nazar he found a human, a human who was nice to him, who wanted him and who Dima now wants of course Nazar will do anything for his friend and off they go to get themselves a hipster to play with.
Goodness. I just adored the hell out of this. It was much sweeter than I had anticipated with the longing between Dima and Nazar and the complications that come into their relationship once they add Quinn to the mix. It was also witty and funny and downright sexy AF but it was also and engaging read that had me doing many searches on wolves of Chernobyl and yeah, imaging that some of the pictures were possible on Quinn’s blog. Don’t look at me like that! I suspended belief that a hipster would take a chance and leave everything he knows to be real when two freaking werewolves – one who talks – come into his room and want to hang out. So yeah, I will imagine it but really, watching the Radioactive Wolves Of Chernobyl, documentary had a different meaning after reading this.
Once again, I have said nothing with a whole lot of words but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love how we learn the dynamics of the bodarks in this seemed forgotten place and how they teach and learn from Quinn. How the three males learn to be with one another, learn to respect one another in a new way and learn to um... get it on with each other. I loved how this book made me take a moment out of a poly romance story to look up an actual horrific event and even after finishing the book, take time to watch and learn more about the effects of the Chernobyl accident. But what I love most, is this book took me out of my comfort zone and wrapped me in warm furred arms and told me to just relax, because it'd be worth it.
Werewolves of Chernobyl was a great read about two bodark wolves who don’t know how to move from being parallel in their emotions until a third shows them a triad is the way to go. It’s a romantic story with bits of realism and slight engagement of humanities and injustices that are carried out without regard. It’s a story about being free, being authentic to your wants and it’s about love.
May 26, 2016
Unique setting, unique story idea, and surprisingly snicker inducing (oh Dima, you adorable bodark, you!), but the horizontal mambos were little too animalistic for my personal tastes.
Read
April 25, 2017I have no idea how to rate this fairly, so I won't. I'll just say this- it's exactly what you expect from K.A. Merikan. These girls can write some seriously fun what-the-fuckery. The story goes a little something like this:
Human, American blogger Quinn goes into a restricted area in the woods, and he runs into a bodark (werewolf) who thinks Quinn likes him because he scratches his ears and gives him a treat. Said bodark and bodark accomplice boyfriend sneak into town, pseudo-kidnap Quinn, and bring him into their isolated-from-society pack that doesn't know the Cold War is over. Then they do the logical thing- spit roast him, do lots of fun, dirty werewolf stuff, and make him their bitch. Literally. Kind of. Still with me?
If that sounds fun to you, and you can read with a sense of humor, check it out. I enjoyed it. Why no rating? This was WAY out of my comfort zone with the werewolf sex. I'm new to Knottingham. It's just knot my kink. Totally fine with fangs, claws, and hair growth, but guys, I'm going to need your penises to stay very distinctly human. Yes, even during orgasm. During the awesomely pornographic (I would expect nothing less from these ladies) sex scenes, I found myself shifting (ha!) between "ohhh yes!" to "ewww no!" repeatedly. It confused my lady bits. That being said, if knotting IS your jam, you will probably enjoy the hell out of those parts. Even when I was weirded out, I was thoroughly entertained.
Sorry knot sorry for all the puns.
Human, American blogger Quinn goes into a restricted area in the woods, and he runs into a bodark (werewolf) who thinks Quinn likes him because he scratches his ears and gives him a treat. Said bodark and bodark accomplice boyfriend sneak into town, pseudo-kidnap Quinn, and bring him into their isolated-from-society pack that doesn't know the Cold War is over. Then they do the logical thing- spit roast him, do lots of fun, dirty werewolf stuff, and make him their bitch. Literally. Kind of. Still with me?
If that sounds fun to you, and you can read with a sense of humor, check it out. I enjoyed it. Why no rating? This was WAY out of my comfort zone with the werewolf sex. I'm new to Knottingham. It's just knot my kink. Totally fine with fangs, claws, and hair growth, but guys, I'm going to need your penises to stay very distinctly human. Yes, even during orgasm. During the awesomely pornographic (I would expect nothing less from these ladies) sex scenes, I found myself shifting (ha!) between "ohhh yes!" to "ewww no!" repeatedly. It confused my lady bits. That being said, if knotting IS your jam, you will probably enjoy the hell out of those parts. Even when I was weirded out, I was thoroughly entertained.
Sorry knot sorry for all the puns.
June 28, 2016
“So weird, but so hot,”
This was really really good! I didn't know alot about this book before going in, except that it had animalistic sex with shifters (bodarks) having sex part way or fully shifted. It definitely had that and I was definitely on the side of the fence that found it hot!
I struggled to visualise what the bodarks looked like, especially Nazar who appeared more 'human' while in his bodark form. I still struggle picturing the wolf like muzzle speaking... They don't have any lips, is that even possible?!?
I was pleasantly surprised by how the story was very relationship focused. For some reason I thought there might be some mystery or adventure that took up most of the story and while that was present it was definitely secondary to Quinn, Dima's and Nazars relationship. Quinn was also quite funny and I really enjoyed his voice throughout the story.
Really everything about this book was better than I anticipated and I'll most likely read it again when I'm after a sexy shifter story with a twist.
For some smoking NSFW threesome lovin, click the spoiler (I won't tell you who would be who because that would ruin the book ;-) ).
This was really really good! I didn't know alot about this book before going in, except that it had animalistic sex with shifters (bodarks) having sex part way or fully shifted. It definitely had that and I was definitely on the side of the fence that found it hot!
I struggled to visualise what the bodarks looked like, especially Nazar who appeared more 'human' while in his bodark form. I still struggle picturing the wolf like muzzle speaking... They don't have any lips, is that even possible?!?
I was pleasantly surprised by how the story was very relationship focused. For some reason I thought there might be some mystery or adventure that took up most of the story and while that was present it was definitely secondary to Quinn, Dima's and Nazars relationship. Quinn was also quite funny and I really enjoyed his voice throughout the story.
Really everything about this book was better than I anticipated and I'll most likely read it again when I'm after a sexy shifter story with a twist.
For some smoking NSFW threesome lovin, click the spoiler (I won't tell you who would be who because that would ruin the book ;-) ).
May 12, 2016
When you pick up a book called Werewolves of Chernobyl a lot of ideas spring to mind. You expect weirdness and oddities and possibly some sexual encounters that push the limits of what you’re comfortable with. But this book is something I definitely did not expect. Something that took me completely by surprise. Something I thought I would never say about a book featuring gay mutant werewolves… and yet, here we are.
This book was ADORABLE as fuck!
And on top of making me audibly swoon at the sheer fucking cuteness of it all, it was FUNNY!
These characters were all so incredibly charming! Nazar was the typical tough guy with the gruff wo is fiercely protective, blindly loyal and very stuck in his ways but he also showed deep emotion and incredible sweetness and would do literally anything to make Dima smile, even if that meant letting a human into their circle. I loved Quinn’s snarky, sarcastic and self-deprecating personality. His confusion and reactions to his new circumstances were hilarious. But it is Dima who stole the entire show. He was so endearingly vulnerable and yet had so much strength and determination that I couldn’t help but to fall in love with him.
The sex in this book didn’t disappoint. It was as strangely erotic as you’d expect from a book like this and there were enough uncomfortable moments to titillate my morbidly curious side but where the sex is usually the highlight for me with books such as these, it was not the case here. These authors created such a wonderful story about love and loyalty and compromise that filled me to overflowing with the warm and happies. These guys were just so impossibly cute together and their connection so beautiful that I dare you to read this and not get the weirdest lady-boner of your life.
Read it because it’s weird.
Read it because it’s funny.
Read it because it’s hot.
Read it because it’s adorable.
Just read it!
(ARC provided by authors in exchange for an honest review)
July 2, 2016
I was going to review this. Really. Then other books happened and then 2 weeks later, I saw that I forgot to even rate it. *sigh*
I loved it. I loved the dynamic and grittiness and intimacy I saw between the MC's. It was a bit weird, I won't lie, but I loved it.
I loved it. I loved the dynamic and grittiness and intimacy I saw between the MC's. It was a bit weird, I won't lie, but I loved it.
May 27, 2016
I really can't make my mind up about this book, the sex scenes were hot, as you would expect in a book by these authors, and Dima the vulnerable werewolf was kind of cute but apart from that there wasn't much of a story and it was inconsistent at times. I also got bored on a couple of occasions.
August 9, 2016
I pretty much knew this was going to be a book I liked. Werewolves, a human, knotting. Sign me up. Here I was surprised that I really enjoyed Dima the most - as a character who has a disability and his struggles with basic life and persevering. The human component was fine – though I did think Quinn was a bit of a weenie. The idea of what might have happened due to the nuclear accident was oddly plausible. I’d read more books set in this universe.
dnf
May 22, 2016DNF at 26%
Am I the only one having a bit of trouble with the fact that Nazar stays in his bodark wolf form during sex scenes? It’s a bit too close to bestiality to my liking…
Am I the only one having a bit of trouble with the fact that Nazar stays in his bodark wolf form during sex scenes? It’s a bit too close to bestiality to my liking…
May 5, 2016
.......I don't know what happened here.
Perhaps I'll write a review after the book is released.
Yup.
That's it.
**whistles and walks away**
(Okay, it's release day, I'm free to express my disappointing thoughts.)
For me, this was a hot mess. I mean......what was this? It didn't even read like a K.A Merikan book, more like an Elloras Cave fan fic.
I felt no connection to the characters and Quinn's actions made no sense. As a human coming into contact with "Bodarks" for the first time his reactions struck me as, not only odd but unrealistic. Here are these two monstrously huge hairy creatures about to kidnap you and carry you off into unknown regions and you're not the least bit hysterical? Just....curious and dumbly accepting?
Then there was the ease at which Quinn (a man of sound mind) barely hesitated to fuck his abnormal captors and although the sex was hot as fuck I just......I.......
So the point is I didn't like this.
Not at all.
However I still have love for the authors and though this wasn't my favorite I'm looking forward to reading other stories from these two.
By the way, to any future readers don't let my thoughts discourage you from picking up a copy, everyone has different tastes and this one just might suit yours.
Anyways, that is all.
Perhaps I'll write a review after the book is released.
Yup.
That's it.
**whistles and walks away**
(Okay, it's release day, I'm free to express my disappointing thoughts.)
For me, this was a hot mess. I mean......what was this? It didn't even read like a K.A Merikan book, more like an Elloras Cave fan fic.
I felt no connection to the characters and Quinn's actions made no sense. As a human coming into contact with "Bodarks" for the first time his reactions struck me as, not only odd but unrealistic. Here are these two monstrously huge hairy creatures about to kidnap you and carry you off into unknown regions and you're not the least bit hysterical? Just....curious and dumbly accepting?
Then there was the ease at which Quinn (a man of sound mind) barely hesitated to fuck his abnormal captors and although the sex was hot as fuck I just......I.......
So the point is I didn't like this.
Not at all.
However I still have love for the authors and though this wasn't my favorite I'm looking forward to reading other stories from these two.
By the way, to any future readers don't let my thoughts discourage you from picking up a copy, everyone has different tastes and this one just might suit yours.
Anyways, that is all.
December 7, 2016
It was mentally impossible for me to pass up a book titled 'Werewolves of Chernobyl'. Why? A couple of reasons, actually. One, my father built nuclear power plants and had he not passed away prior to the disaster at Chernobyl, it's possible his company might have loaned him to the Russians to consult. And two, I was living in Sweden when the reactor shell blew and a huge wave of radiation came across the country. So yes, I have a slightly unhealthy fascination with the world's worst nuclear disaster to date. Oh, and not only do I really like both of these authors but I'm familiar with their work so I knew there was going to be a lot more to this story than what I thought..
Quinn delighted me right away because he really loves the word "why". As in, "why can't I go into the black zone?", and "what kind of animal problems are there?". Quinn has a travel blog and he's gone above and beyond before in order to get pictures and a story for his readers. He really doesn’t expect to find anything in the black zone, so the monstrous, wolf-like creature comes as a really big shock. Well, not nearly as big of a shock as when he wakes during the night to find the same creature in his room and definitely nowhere close to the giant shocker he gets when he's thrown out the window, caught by a much larger animal… who speaks.
“My name is Nazar,” the creature said politely, and smiled, showing off two rows of canines the size of .50 Cal bullets.
What. The fuck. Was this?
Dima and Nazar are bodarks. They spend the majority of their time in that somewhat wolf-like form because changing is very painful and there's no need to because they can speak in this form. Except for Dima, that is. He has to endure changing forms because he can only speak in his human form. Dima is low bodark on the totem pole while Nazar is big, strong, and is sent out on missions often. They both have thoughts that they've never shared with the other, thoughts that, unknowingly, are very similar. In bodark culture two males do not mate with each other (although stronger males will mount weaker ones for relief). That's what the bitches (female wolves) are for. Quinn isn't thrilled to be referred to in that manner.
The world building these authors did is phenomenal. Truly. There's a lot that I can't share but trust me when I say the world the bodarks live in, have been trained in, hasn't existed in a long time. Quinn does his best to educate them but they have no comprehension of how the world really works. They have been indoctrinated with propaganda still believing in a world long gone.
A very exciting urban fantasy! I really enjoyed all the characters and the storyline was fascinating. I'll admit that the ending came across as a little unrealistic to me but I liked the love it showed.
NOTE: This book was provided by the authors for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Quinn delighted me right away because he really loves the word "why". As in, "why can't I go into the black zone?", and "what kind of animal problems are there?". Quinn has a travel blog and he's gone above and beyond before in order to get pictures and a story for his readers. He really doesn’t expect to find anything in the black zone, so the monstrous, wolf-like creature comes as a really big shock. Well, not nearly as big of a shock as when he wakes during the night to find the same creature in his room and definitely nowhere close to the giant shocker he gets when he's thrown out the window, caught by a much larger animal… who speaks.
“My name is Nazar,” the creature said politely, and smiled, showing off two rows of canines the size of .50 Cal bullets.
What. The fuck. Was this?
Dima and Nazar are bodarks. They spend the majority of their time in that somewhat wolf-like form because changing is very painful and there's no need to because they can speak in this form. Except for Dima, that is. He has to endure changing forms because he can only speak in his human form. Dima is low bodark on the totem pole while Nazar is big, strong, and is sent out on missions often. They both have thoughts that they've never shared with the other, thoughts that, unknowingly, are very similar. In bodark culture two males do not mate with each other (although stronger males will mount weaker ones for relief). That's what the bitches (female wolves) are for. Quinn isn't thrilled to be referred to in that manner.
The world building these authors did is phenomenal. Truly. There's a lot that I can't share but trust me when I say the world the bodarks live in, have been trained in, hasn't existed in a long time. Quinn does his best to educate them but they have no comprehension of how the world really works. They have been indoctrinated with propaganda still believing in a world long gone.
A very exciting urban fantasy! I really enjoyed all the characters and the storyline was fascinating. I'll admit that the ending came across as a little unrealistic to me but I liked the love it showed.
NOTE: This book was provided by the authors for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
March 22, 2018
I enjoyed this. All the characters were interesting, especially Dima who was adorable . I enjoyed them together, but I felt like Quinn wasn't necessary. Don't get me wrong, Quinn was great and the three of them were hot. But I felt like Dima and Nazar would have been just fine without him. I usually feel like a couple in an MMM story is incomplete until the third is added, but not in this case. He helped introduce them to the world, but I think they would have been happy together as just the two of them regardless. But I am happy for them.
And I would have liked to see more of them in the end. Their relationship was very unsure and we just got a short glimpse of how happy they were together in the epilogue.
And I would have liked to see more of them in the end. Their relationship was very unsure and we just got a short glimpse of how happy they were together in the epilogue.
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February 5, 2016Coming Soon!
December 10, 2019
This was a wild ride. And, I loved it.
This was a sexy romance between two bodarks and a free spirited tourist who isn't afraid to go the extra mile for some good pictures for his blog....
Quinn. The tourist who has obviously never seen a horror movie. Very good at adjusting to WTF situations very fast. Honestly annoyed me at times but I couldn't really blame him for his thinking with the position he had found himself in. Liked how he was able to close the rift between Dima and Nazar.
Dima. Bottom of the pack. Protect him at ALL costs. I absolutely adored his character and felt frustrated for him a lot of the times. He started out absolutely adorable and it was nice seeing him grow more and more confident.Gotta say I was rooting extra hard for his happy ending. Hated how he acted towards Nazar after Quinn came along but I understand why he did.
Nazar. Top of the pack. Extremely loyal to Dima and eventually Quinn as well. I loved his character a lot...at times more than the other two. I think he was the perfect balance for the three. He was a bit hard for me to picture though since he was always in his bodark form.
I normally avoid MMM books and I actually almost avoided this one as well. I just feel like someone is bound to be left out and tbh I feared that for these three for a short moment. Thankfully everything was resolved and they all fit together beautifully. These three together were wild, sexy and possessive. I felt like I sinned a little reading the steamy scenes but I liked it?? Don't know what that says about me. I thought I would be a bit creeped out since Nazar stayed shifted most of the time and the talk about how bodarks were conceived but I was just reading wide eyed in wonder.
I really enjoyed the world these authors created. I was extremely fascinated by the bodarks and wouldn't be opposed to reading about them again if that option ever arose. The plot was very interesting but I felt like the ending was a little rushed. I really wanted there to be more action and grit.
If you are a fan of werewolves, sexy times that include knotting, first times and reading about three unlikely men coming together and falling in love -- this is definitely a perfect read for you.
four stars
This was a sexy romance between two bodarks and a free spirited tourist who isn't afraid to go the extra mile for some good pictures for his blog....
Quinn. The tourist who has obviously never seen a horror movie. Very good at adjusting to WTF situations very fast. Honestly annoyed me at times but I couldn't really blame him for his thinking with the position he had found himself in. Liked how he was able to close the rift between Dima and Nazar.
Dima. Bottom of the pack. Protect him at ALL costs. I absolutely adored his character and felt frustrated for him a lot of the times. He started out absolutely adorable and it was nice seeing him grow more and more confident.Gotta say I was rooting extra hard for his happy ending. Hated how he acted towards Nazar after Quinn came along but I understand why he did.
Nazar. Top of the pack. Extremely loyal to Dima and eventually Quinn as well. I loved his character a lot...at times more than the other two. I think he was the perfect balance for the three. He was a bit hard for me to picture though since he was always in his bodark form.
I normally avoid MMM books and I actually almost avoided this one as well. I just feel like someone is bound to be left out and tbh I feared that for these three for a short moment. Thankfully everything was resolved and they all fit together beautifully. These three together were wild, sexy and possessive. I felt like I sinned a little reading the steamy scenes but I liked it?? Don't know what that says about me. I thought I would be a bit creeped out since Nazar stayed shifted most of the time and the talk about how bodarks were conceived but I was just reading wide eyed in wonder.
I really enjoyed the world these authors created. I was extremely fascinated by the bodarks and wouldn't be opposed to reading about them again if that option ever arose. The plot was very interesting but I felt like the ending was a little rushed. I really wanted there to be more action and grit.
If you are a fan of werewolves, sexy times that include knotting, first times and reading about three unlikely men coming together and falling in love -- this is definitely a perfect read for you.
four stars
May 4, 2016
3.5 Knotty Stars
I haven't read a shifter book in years and was quite excited for this to come out. It did not disappoint!
Do blowjobs count as bites? Am I going to turn into a werewolf?
Quinn has gotten himself into quite a situation. It turns out to be a sexy, knotty situation at that!
I Loved Nazar!! Such a kind sole in his dominant body. I felt so bad for him when Damir first rejected him. It made it difficult for me to like Damir after that.
What is there to question? I mount you, and since you can't make anyone else here submit, you become my bitch
Damir was born with the heart and mind of a dominant but his body has always held him back. He finds Quinn and finally gets a taste and can't let it go.
This is a great m/m/m love story although it felt like it ended quite abruptly. The reason I didn't give this more stars is because 2/3 of the MCs annoyed me most of the time. Perhaps it was the excellent writing that pulled me towards one more than the others.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I haven't read a shifter book in years and was quite excited for this to come out. It did not disappoint!
Do blowjobs count as bites? Am I going to turn into a werewolf?
Quinn has gotten himself into quite a situation. It turns out to be a sexy, knotty situation at that!
I Loved Nazar!! Such a kind sole in his dominant body. I felt so bad for him when Damir first rejected him. It made it difficult for me to like Damir after that.
What is there to question? I mount you, and since you can't make anyone else here submit, you become my bitch
Damir was born with the heart and mind of a dominant but his body has always held him back. He finds Quinn and finally gets a taste and can't let it go.
This is a great m/m/m love story although it felt like it ended quite abruptly. The reason I didn't give this more stars is because 2/3 of the MCs annoyed me most of the time. Perhaps it was the excellent writing that pulled me towards one more than the others.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 8, 2016
Okay, Wow, I wasn't expecting FEELZ!
51% and my heart was breaking for Nazar.
The story was great, loved it. Why is this not a series? There was a lot to be explored.
I loved the story, I was left questioning how the pack continued on, after Lev found out about the USSR. There were characters, who's story I would love to see.
The hierarchy of the pack, was interesting, and I'd love to see it turned on it's ear a little more.
Loved it.
51% and my heart was breaking for Nazar.
The story was great, loved it. Why is this not a series? There was a lot to be explored.
I loved the story, I was left questioning how the pack continued on, after Lev found out about the USSR. There were characters, who's story I would love to see.
The hierarchy of the pack, was interesting, and I'd love to see it turned on it's ear a little more.
Loved it.
May 6, 2016
This book was... Interesting. Definitely outside of my comfort zone a little with all of the shifted loving. Snaps for a unique premise with the Soviet gay werewolves battling against a staid hierarchy and mixed up with a hippy dippy American blogger. The characters didn't really make sense for me, though. They were a bit all over the place.
Not my bag but definitely might be for some.
Not my bag but definitely might be for some.
April 22, 2022
Oh my goodness...
I was not expecting to like this wolf man book as much as I did. It was really good and the sexytimes were awesome.
I loved both wolfmen. They were both so innocent in real life but still fell in love.
Quinn was ok, but his angsty emo "I need to be free" vibe got old. Seriously, you remove the one thing that keeps you safe?
I was not expecting to like this wolf man book as much as I did. It was really good and the sexytimes were awesome.
I loved both wolfmen. They were both so innocent in real life but still fell in love.
Quinn was ok, but his angsty emo "I need to be free" vibe got old. Seriously, you remove the one thing that keeps you safe?
June 27, 2022
The positives:
Dima, Nazar, the neat setting, bodarks.
The negatives:
Everything else, but especially Quinn.
Quinn is a one dimensional savior type, swooping in to save the poor backwards bodarks from their cultural failures. They don't even save the rest of the pack! Just waltz off being dingdongs. Quinn also does so much dumb shit like taking his collar off for dumb reasons with obvious consequences, and flouncing for no reason, etc. He ruined the whole book.
The whole lying about the world and secret missions and maybe-government stuff is barely addressed, and that could have been a great actual plot. Instead of the no plot.
Why did some of the bigger villain wolves turn around and be all nice and useful at the end?? No consistency. It felt like the book was rushed at the end because there was so much page space wasted on meandering discussions of porn and such. Or suggesting that the bodarks are too animalistic and backwards to know what love is. Come on. Such gross vibes.
Overall, this started off a neat idea and then was not.
Dima, Nazar, the neat setting, bodarks.
The negatives:
Everything else, but especially Quinn.
Quinn is a one dimensional savior type, swooping in to save the poor backwards bodarks from their cultural failures. They don't even save the rest of the pack! Just waltz off being dingdongs. Quinn also does so much dumb shit like taking his collar off for dumb reasons with obvious consequences, and flouncing for no reason, etc. He ruined the whole book.
The whole lying about the world and secret missions and maybe-government stuff is barely addressed, and that could have been a great actual plot. Instead of the no plot.
Why did some of the bigger villain wolves turn around and be all nice and useful at the end?? No consistency. It felt like the book was rushed at the end because there was so much page space wasted on meandering discussions of porn and such. Or suggesting that the bodarks are too animalistic and backwards to know what love is. Come on. Such gross vibes.
Overall, this started off a neat idea and then was not.
May 5, 2016
I was excited to read this because, again, I love L.A. Witt and I love polyamorous romance/erotica. I have lukewarm feelings about K.A. Merikan; their books have been more of a miss than hit with me. But I like the werewolf/shapeshifter genre, so what the hell, right?
The actual premise was interesting. Quinn is doing some travel journalism in the Ukraine and gets kidnapped by two bodarks, Dima and Nazar. Hot sex happens.
The world-building was lacking, quite honestly. Yes, we’re told about/shown the hierarchy of the pack and how starkly different it was with regards to modernized western culture. Haha, good job on that. But nothing is explained as to how the bodarks came to be: government experiments? (How) were they effected by the nuclear fallout since they seem to be living in a restricted area? I assume Dima’s arm is could be a result of the nuclear exposure. But who is the Directorate? What “military” was Nazar apart of and who was he really taking orders from? How could they live for 20+ years not knowing the USSR wasn’t a thing anymore? Especially when Nazar seems to go out into the world for his “missions.” What ARE those missions???
These are the things I wanted to know! Also, Nazar and Dima wanted to leave, but how would they have gotten around without documentation to travel around the world with Quinn? Do bodarks have birth certificates? There’s only so much suspension of belief that I can endure.
The sex was hot and steamy. Gentle giants are my jam, especially when they’re submissive like Nazar was. Yes, please. Dima was still too whiny and childish for me to take him seriously as a dominant, but his eagerness had my glasses fogging up. Nazar and Quinn’s chemistry was amazing and the three of them together were off the charts. But partially transformed animal sex isn’t my kink at all and I’m glad my imagination just turned them into hairy guys instead of the man-beasts they were. I like an animal in the sack, but figuratively, not actually. I’m also not down for being called someone’s bitch and they would’ve done it one time before I put my foot down. Customs and culture differences I guess, but still.
The book is set in an area where creepy sci-fi could’ve been a good subplot. The story mostly focuses on the relationship development between Dima, Quinn, and Nazar. It all kind of happens too fast, but that’s to be expected for this genre. Nothing wrong with that, really, that’s what this book was about after all. However, the overall plot felt shallow. There was superficial melodrama and everything ended quite nicely and easy with very little fanfare and a nice bow on top. Considering what we’re told about bodark culture, I expected a huge clash with the MCs having to fight their way out tooth and claw. And I was disappointed when that isn’t what happened. And is is bad that I was more disappointed that Nazar didn’t get pregnant at the end?
But at least the boys get a HEA.
2.5 Stars
An arc was given by the authors in return for an honest review.
The actual premise was interesting. Quinn is doing some travel journalism in the Ukraine and gets kidnapped by two bodarks, Dima and Nazar. Hot sex happens.
The world-building was lacking, quite honestly. Yes, we’re told about/shown the hierarchy of the pack and how starkly different it was with regards to modernized western culture. Haha, good job on that. But nothing is explained as to how the bodarks came to be: government experiments? (How) were they effected by the nuclear fallout since they seem to be living in a restricted area? I assume Dima’s arm is could be a result of the nuclear exposure. But who is the Directorate? What “military” was Nazar apart of and who was he really taking orders from? How could they live for 20+ years not knowing the USSR wasn’t a thing anymore? Especially when Nazar seems to go out into the world for his “missions.” What ARE those missions???
These are the things I wanted to know! Also, Nazar and Dima wanted to leave, but how would they have gotten around without documentation to travel around the world with Quinn? Do bodarks have birth certificates? There’s only so much suspension of belief that I can endure.
The sex was hot and steamy. Gentle giants are my jam, especially when they’re submissive like Nazar was. Yes, please. Dima was still too whiny and childish for me to take him seriously as a dominant, but his eagerness had my glasses fogging up. Nazar and Quinn’s chemistry was amazing and the three of them together were off the charts. But partially transformed animal sex isn’t my kink at all and I’m glad my imagination just turned them into hairy guys instead of the man-beasts they were. I like an animal in the sack, but figuratively, not actually. I’m also not down for being called someone’s bitch and they would’ve done it one time before I put my foot down. Customs and culture differences I guess, but still.
The book is set in an area where creepy sci-fi could’ve been a good subplot. The story mostly focuses on the relationship development between Dima, Quinn, and Nazar. It all kind of happens too fast, but that’s to be expected for this genre. Nothing wrong with that, really, that’s what this book was about after all. However, the overall plot felt shallow. There was superficial melodrama and everything ended quite nicely and easy with very little fanfare and a nice bow on top. Considering what we’re told about bodark culture, I expected a huge clash with the MCs having to fight their way out tooth and claw. And I was disappointed when that isn’t what happened. And is is bad that I was more disappointed that Nazar didn’t get pregnant at the end?
But at least the boys get a HEA.
2.5 Stars
An arc was given by the authors in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2019
If you want to tie a real place into your fantasy world, make sure to do your research. Otherwise, come up with your own fantasy world, that way you’ll get more stars and offend less people.
One star, with another half for Dima.
——————
So... “Chernobyl” is a name of a mugwort plant and it means “black stem”, also known in Russia as “polyn’”. There is a creepy double meaning here: black/dark space, void. You can be looking at miles and miles of illusion of black void, despite the abundance of plants: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
Considering that Chernobyl is an official “settlement without population” or ghost town, despite almost 500 people still living in the area, it is indeed very chilling.
Bodark is not a Russian werewolf or even a Russian word. It was introduced by Tom Clancy (as far as I know) and is now a popular English name for a volkolak or volkodlak.
One star, with another half for Dima.
——————
So... “Chernobyl” is a name of a mugwort plant and it means “black stem”, also known in Russia as “polyn’”. There is a creepy double meaning here: black/dark space, void. You can be looking at miles and miles of illusion of black void, despite the abundance of plants: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...
Considering that Chernobyl is an official “settlement without population” or ghost town, despite almost 500 people still living in the area, it is indeed very chilling.
Bodark is not a Russian werewolf or even a Russian word. It was introduced by Tom Clancy (as far as I know) and is now a popular English name for a volkolak or volkodlak.
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