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L'Ange #3
Chosen Pride
L' Book Three Jon Slade finally met his mate, but instead of it being the happiest day of his life, it became the saddest when wolf shifter Kelvin MacCurdy chose his obligations over their fated bond, leaving Jon to pick up the pieces of his shattered dreams. Lucky for him, Roman Howell, his boss and the owner of L’Ange, saw promise in the forlorn lion and put him to work so he wouldn’t have time to sit around and lick his wounds while he waited for his wounded spirit to heal. Then the wolves make an official visit to L’Ange, and Jon finds out Kelvin’s pining for him is taking its toll on his position as the king’s champion. Though Kelvin’s training and the expectations of others steer him toward an intended mate, Jon has an unbreakable hold on his heart, and it’s no longer possible for Kelvin to keep himself from where he truly belongs. But the conclave brings more than Kelvin to the château. It also brings a challenge to jackal alpha Quade Danas, a threat that Quade and Roman, Arman and Linus, and Jon and Kelvin may have to fight in order to keep L’Ange’s family intact. Jon never wanted to lead a pride, but the loyalty and devotion to one is ingrained in him. Kelvin was raised to punish anyone who questioned his king, but the calling to protect others runs through his veins just as deeply. To come out on the other side of the battle together, Jon and Kelvin will have to hold the darkness of solitary pride and broken hearts at bay―and find strength in belonging to something bigger than themselves.
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2016
129 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,015 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
January 27, 2020
3.5 Stars
Can I just say that I have an absolute love-hate relationship with this book?
Oy.
This gave me a headache, but at the same time I was impressed with the details, the rules, the little twists, and ultimately, the big picture. That big picture, that amazing reveal we get halfway through the book, is what saved this from me losing my mind. As with Calmes’s other equally frustrating but brilliant shifter series, the grand story arc in play and how it unfolds, was nothing short of impressive.
So yes, this drove me absolutely bonkers. I wanted to give up, but again, like with Change of Heart, there's a method to the madness. I just had to push through all the redundant bullshit and non sequiturs and mind boggling circular arguments that made me want to punch someone hard and call it a day.
*deep breath*
I reminded myself that this is Mary fucking Calmes, and despite the absurdity and irrational beliefs and behaviors on almost everybody's part, I told myself to just go with it.
So just know there’s gonna be bad guys. There's gonna be violence. Don't forget the smexy smex and all the freaking mate mojo you can imagine.
All the points go towards the origin story of where this series begins and to a gentle, beast of a giant that not only won Jon’s heart but mine as well. *cheers to Kelvin*
This pales in comparison to Change of Heart in scope and genius, but it still packs a punch.
I won’t say no should there be more to come. Duh.
Can I just say that I have an absolute love-hate relationship with this book?
Oy.
This gave me a headache, but at the same time I was impressed with the details, the rules, the little twists, and ultimately, the big picture. That big picture, that amazing reveal we get halfway through the book, is what saved this from me losing my mind. As with Calmes’s other equally frustrating but brilliant shifter series, the grand story arc in play and how it unfolds, was nothing short of impressive.
So yes, this drove me absolutely bonkers. I wanted to give up, but again, like with Change of Heart, there's a method to the madness. I just had to push through all the redundant bullshit and non sequiturs and mind boggling circular arguments that made me want to punch someone hard and call it a day.
*deep breath*
I reminded myself that this is Mary fucking Calmes, and despite the absurdity and irrational beliefs and behaviors on almost everybody's part, I told myself to just go with it.
So just know there’s gonna be bad guys. There's gonna be violence. Don't forget the smexy smex and all the freaking mate mojo you can imagine.
All the points go towards the origin story of where this series begins and to a gentle, beast of a giant that not only won Jon’s heart but mine as well. *cheers to Kelvin*
This pales in comparison to Change of Heart in scope and genius, but it still packs a punch.
I won’t say no should there be more to come. Duh.
December 13, 2016
I've promised there will be no spoilers here. Because there are no spoilers, I can't tell you much more than the blurb. So what I'll go on is my feelings about the story.
This is my favorite of the L'Ange series.
I loved that there is a plenty of page time for the other MC's from the series, but that the story focuses on Jon and Kelvin.
I loved the community and feeling of family that suffuses the story...but mostly I loved the hell out of Jon and Kelvin.
Mary Calmes sure knows how to deliver a good shifter story. There's no shortage of mates, suspense, and bloody times in this one. The boys work for their HEA, and it makes for an thoroughly entertaining page turner.
This is a great shifter story, and the series just keeps getting better. I can't wait to see what happens next in book 4!
NOTE: This is not a standalone. You need to read the others in the series before attempting to read Chosen Pride.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Chosen Pride (L'Ange, #3) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
This is my favorite of the L'Ange series.
I loved that there is a plenty of page time for the other MC's from the series, but that the story focuses on Jon and Kelvin.
“But you didn’t because you’re not like that. You’re all about honor and duty and doing the right thing.”
He exhaled softly. “And wid ye be wantin’ to keep such a man?”
“Oh hell yeah, you’re mine,” I said, hugging him tight, wanting to be closer, loving that he was clutching me as tight as I was holding him. “And you have no idea the kind of ridiculously possessive mate I’m going to be.”
“I cannae wait.”
Neither could I.
I loved the community and feeling of family that suffuses the story...but mostly I loved the hell out of Jon and Kelvin.
“But right now you gotta understand that you mean the world to me and I could not be any prouder to have you at my side.”
He nodded quickly, inhaling sharply.
“The shit you’ve been through, I’m gonna make you forget all that.”
“Jon—”
“It’s okay that you don’t believe me right now. I don’t care,” I said, yawning, enjoying his attention and simply looking at him. “But I’m gonna kiss you and hug you and keep you and wrap your heart up so tight that one day you’ll wake up and not even remember what it was like to not be treasured.”
“I—”
“You were a fucking idiot to ever run away from me,” I confirmed haughtily. “You better never leave me again.”
Mary Calmes sure knows how to deliver a good shifter story. There's no shortage of mates, suspense, and bloody times in this one. The boys work for their HEA, and it makes for an thoroughly entertaining page turner.
This is a great shifter story, and the series just keeps getting better. I can't wait to see what happens next in book 4!
NOTE: This is not a standalone. You need to read the others in the series before attempting to read Chosen Pride.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Chosen Pride (L'Ange, #3) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 19, 2018
3.5 Stars
Exciting, frustrating, brutal, romantic and definitely sexy, Chosen Pride is another elaborate shifter-themed thrill ride by the ever-illustrious Mary Calmes.
Our MC, Jon Slade, is a lion shifter who lives and works on the L’Ange estate, which is owned by pack leaders and mates Roman Howell and Quade Danas (of Old Loyalty, New Love). A year ago (in Fighting Instinct) Jon met his own fated mate in the form of wolf shifter Kelvin MacCurdy, but due to Kelvin’s significant obligations as the wolf king’s champion, he and Jon couldn’t realistically be together, so they parted ways, heartbroken and devastated.
When this story begins, Jon has been slogging through his days, working hard at L’Ange and trying his best to put his mate out of his mind. But when it is announced that Kelvin’s wolf pack will be officially visiting L’Ange, Jon’s carefully built walls come crashing back down as he prepares for the imminent arrival of his destined other half.
The pull of their mate bond proves too strong to deny this time around, and soon enough Jon and Kelvin find themselves in a bit of a pickle, as their coupling will most certainly cause a major upheaval among Kelvin’s extremely antiquated wolf pack, adversely placing unwanted danger on the members of Quade’s pack of assorted shifters at L’Ange.
Although I mostly enjoyed this story, my inner rage monster came out too many times for me to justify rating this any higher than a 3.5. I became absurdly angry with many of Calmes’ side characters in this story – particularly those who played the roles of “bad guys” or just general psychotic assholes. I like feeling vindicated when bad characters get their comeuppance, but in this particular story, much like in the final book of the Change of Heart series, I was enraged that the instigators of all the hurt and upset that was thrust upon the main cast of characters never paid for their actions. Not to sound like a psycho myself, but I want the bad guys in this kind of surreal fantasy setting to get theirs – preferably in a violent and permanently life ending kind of way! What can I say, I’m vindictive like that. I don’t want them to simply walk away completely scot-free, without at least getting roughed up a bit or possibly facing some kind of verbal smack-down at the very least! I mean, c’mon!!!
But putting aside my aggravation over the lack of justice served at the end of this story, I generally enjoyed the rest of the plot and the overall romance that swiftly developed between Jon and Kelvin. Although, I’m still unsure whether I liked Kelvin’s Scottish brogue as it was translated in the dialogue, but I definitely enjoyed all the Gaelic love confessions he passionately pledged to Jon throughout the story.
I still love the L’Ange setting, too, and I particularly enjoyed the reveals we gleaned in this story regarding Lily Howell’s past (Roman’s mother) and what her dreams for the estate were.
Overall, this was a solid addition to the L’Ange series, but it wasn’t personally a favourite of mine.
Exciting, frustrating, brutal, romantic and definitely sexy, Chosen Pride is another elaborate shifter-themed thrill ride by the ever-illustrious Mary Calmes.
Our MC, Jon Slade, is a lion shifter who lives and works on the L’Ange estate, which is owned by pack leaders and mates Roman Howell and Quade Danas (of Old Loyalty, New Love). A year ago (in Fighting Instinct) Jon met his own fated mate in the form of wolf shifter Kelvin MacCurdy, but due to Kelvin’s significant obligations as the wolf king’s champion, he and Jon couldn’t realistically be together, so they parted ways, heartbroken and devastated.
When this story begins, Jon has been slogging through his days, working hard at L’Ange and trying his best to put his mate out of his mind. But when it is announced that Kelvin’s wolf pack will be officially visiting L’Ange, Jon’s carefully built walls come crashing back down as he prepares for the imminent arrival of his destined other half.
The pull of their mate bond proves too strong to deny this time around, and soon enough Jon and Kelvin find themselves in a bit of a pickle, as their coupling will most certainly cause a major upheaval among Kelvin’s extremely antiquated wolf pack, adversely placing unwanted danger on the members of Quade’s pack of assorted shifters at L’Ange.
Although I mostly enjoyed this story, my inner rage monster came out too many times for me to justify rating this any higher than a 3.5. I became absurdly angry with many of Calmes’ side characters in this story – particularly those who played the roles of “bad guys” or just general psychotic assholes. I like feeling vindicated when bad characters get their comeuppance, but in this particular story, much like in the final book of the Change of Heart series, I was enraged that the instigators of all the hurt and upset that was thrust upon the main cast of characters never paid for their actions. Not to sound like a psycho myself, but I want the bad guys in this kind of surreal fantasy setting to get theirs – preferably in a violent and permanently life ending kind of way! What can I say, I’m vindictive like that. I don’t want them to simply walk away completely scot-free, without at least getting roughed up a bit or possibly facing some kind of verbal smack-down at the very least! I mean, c’mon!!!
But putting aside my aggravation over the lack of justice served at the end of this story, I generally enjoyed the rest of the plot and the overall romance that swiftly developed between Jon and Kelvin. Although, I’m still unsure whether I liked Kelvin’s Scottish brogue as it was translated in the dialogue, but I definitely enjoyed all the Gaelic love confessions he passionately pledged to Jon throughout the story.
I still love the L’Ange setting, too, and I particularly enjoyed the reveals we gleaned in this story regarding Lily Howell’s past (Roman’s mother) and what her dreams for the estate were.
Overall, this was a solid addition to the L’Ange series, but it wasn’t personally a favourite of mine.
May 13, 2019
This entire series has been against my preferences concerning mates. I hate mates pushing each other away or even in this case, being with other people when clearly they know they have a mate. But for some strange reason, I still wanted to read it. But this one was back and forth for me. One minute I loathed what was happening and the next, I was swooning.
As far as couples go, other than Kelvin denying Jon from the last book and Jon and Sheridan's little bj incident, Kelvin and Jon were my favorite couple of this series. I love a gentle giant and Jon was so good to Kelvin. I loved that Quade stepped up for Kelvin after Jon. Kelvin deserved for someone to treat him with kindness and respect and to show him he was a human and not just a beast.
I must say though, I absolutely did NOT like Linus in this book which is a shame since I loved him in his. I mean to be so cold hearted and tell Jon to basically just get over himself and quit pining for his mate was just ridiculous. I don't know if the intent was to make Jon grow-up as a person or what but it sadly missed the mark for me if that was what was supposed to be happening.
And don't even get me started on how the wolves treated Kelvin. What utter bullshit! And Enoch just got to walk away with his mate all sweet and easy-peasy while Kelvin was to be whipped, knifed and hunted to death for wanting to be with his. Boy, all that had me raging like crazy.
But I loved how everyone from L'Ange stepped up for Kelvin and Jon. It almost made it worth it. So clearly, this one was a mixed bag for me. I would rate it 5 stars for Jon and Kelvin but 2 for all the other bullshit fucking drama. I'm going to go with 3 I suppose.
As far as couples go, other than Kelvin denying Jon from the last book and Jon and Sheridan's little bj incident, Kelvin and Jon were my favorite couple of this series. I love a gentle giant and Jon was so good to Kelvin. I loved that Quade stepped up for Kelvin after Jon. Kelvin deserved for someone to treat him with kindness and respect and to show him he was a human and not just a beast.
I must say though, I absolutely did NOT like Linus in this book which is a shame since I loved him in his. I mean to be so cold hearted and tell Jon to basically just get over himself and quit pining for his mate was just ridiculous. I don't know if the intent was to make Jon grow-up as a person or what but it sadly missed the mark for me if that was what was supposed to be happening.
And don't even get me started on how the wolves treated Kelvin. What utter bullshit! And Enoch just got to walk away with his mate all sweet and easy-peasy while Kelvin was to be whipped, knifed and hunted to death for wanting to be with his. Boy, all that had me raging like crazy.
But I loved how everyone from L'Ange stepped up for Kelvin and Jon. It almost made it worth it. So clearly, this one was a mixed bag for me. I would rate it 5 stars for Jon and Kelvin but 2 for all the other bullshit fucking drama. I'm going to go with 3 I suppose.
February 6, 2017
3.5 stars
I like how Mary Calmes writes men who are big, tough, muscular, but cry like babies and turn into goo when they are with their mates. For some reason these men are almost childlike in their new found enthusiasm. I just love that! It feels intense and emotional. Only Mary can pull that off.
Jon Slade is a lion who feels like he doesn’t really belong anywhere. So he is thrilled to finally meet his mate, Kelvin. Unfortunately Kelvin is the champion of the wolf shifters king and therefore cannot be mated to a man. He is betrothed to a woman and must produce offspring.
Jon spents a year pining for Kelvin. But all of a sudden he gets a message that Kelvin and the wolf shifter king are coming to visit the estate of L’Ange.
As soon as Jon and Kelvin see each other they know they cannot live apart…
I liked how Jon and Kelvin just shoved everyone and everything aside to be together. I just love all that possessiveness.
What bothered me in this was that most of this story takes place in one single day. That’s not really enough for me to develop a relationship. I especially rolled my eyes when Jon said to Kelvin that he was going to love him one day, but not yet, and tells Kelvin he loves him several hours later.
Still, it was all very Mary.
I like how Mary Calmes writes men who are big, tough, muscular, but cry like babies and turn into goo when they are with their mates. For some reason these men are almost childlike in their new found enthusiasm. I just love that! It feels intense and emotional. Only Mary can pull that off.
Jon Slade is a lion who feels like he doesn’t really belong anywhere. So he is thrilled to finally meet his mate, Kelvin. Unfortunately Kelvin is the champion of the wolf shifters king and therefore cannot be mated to a man. He is betrothed to a woman and must produce offspring.
Jon spents a year pining for Kelvin. But all of a sudden he gets a message that Kelvin and the wolf shifter king are coming to visit the estate of L’Ange.
As soon as Jon and Kelvin see each other they know they cannot live apart…
I liked how Jon and Kelvin just shoved everyone and everything aside to be together. I just love all that possessiveness.
What bothered me in this was that most of this story takes place in one single day. That’s not really enough for me to develop a relationship. I especially rolled my eyes when Jon said to Kelvin that he was going to love him one day, but not yet, and tells Kelvin he loves him several hours later.
Still, it was all very Mary.
February 9, 2017
I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. The romance, the intrigue, the dialogue, it was everything I could have ever wanted out of a Mary Calmes book. I had a fellow reader ask me about this book on GR which led to me basically writing my review in the comments section. I would like to now share it with you:
Fellow Reader: For some reason I'm skeptical about this series. How does it compare to Change of Heart?"
Well, that's hard to say. Change of Heart was the very first book of hers I read so it will always hold a special place for me in my heart. Objectively, it is a bit different from the CoH series, the main difference in that each book is about a different couple rather than following the same one throughout. They are classic Mary Calmes though. She doesn't veer too far off her normal path. I'd say that in this series she eases you into the world, the world building a bit more organic than CoH. For instance, you don't get nearly as much rules and regulations as CoH and you won't need a glossary for it. The world building gradually increases with each book so you're not thrown in all at once.
The main underlying theme seems (to me) to be about differences, about opposites attracting and not judging a book by its cover so to speak. Also about overcoming obstacles in the sheer face of adversity. One of the things I loved most about them is that each MC actually has a unique voice. They're not all the same, recycled character. This book in particular, the main protagonist Jon is laugh out loud funny. He is the epitome of what kind of animal he shifts into. It was very refreshing to read.
JL: OK, I think Jon will most likely be moving into my pocket. He's such a little shit! He's goading Linus to make him mad because he thinks he looks pretty when he's angry. And what a smartass! I've already fallen in love with him.
Red: I can't wait to start. I loved him at the end when he walked straight up to Arman and touched him but when you find out [SPOILER FOR THE PREVIOUS BOOK] I knew I needed him to be loved and mated.
JL: He is so very heartbroken right now. It made tears come to my eyes already
JL: Oh. My. God. She did NOT just go there! TELL ME WHEN YOU GET TO 8%. I MUST DISCUSS THIS WITH YOU!!!!! She just added gasoline to the fire. HOLY CRAP I'M PISSED!!! Not at Mary, of course, she's a goddess who can do no wrong.
Red: I'm just in the prologue... I have about 9 or so pages to go.
JL: Lemme know when you get to the part where it's October
She also does something in this book that she has never done before in any of her previous books but I can't say what it is without spoiling.
JL: Wow, Mary has never done THIS in her books before. Never has she had [KINDA, MAYBE A BIG SPOILER?], it was only mentioned in past tense, we never saw it.
She also revealed to me what a mastermind she is. If you read these back to back you can actually see the progression in her writing skills. This book really blew me away.
JL: Damn, this story is giving me whiplash with all the twists and turns. I just got to where [POSSIBLY ANOTHER SPOILER]. It's making my head spin...
Red: This is cinematic right here! [HOLY CRAP, WHAT A HUGE SPOILER!] OMG! She is amazing. How are we going to review this???
JL: I have no freaking idea. there's so many spoilers.
I highly recommend this series. I know a lot of people gave lower ratings to the first book and I think that, even though they might not have said so in their reviews, the reason for this IS because it was slightly different from her norm. People expect her books to be a certain way and this series veers off that path a little. This is just my (biased) opinion, of course . I'd say give it a chance.
Another Fellow Reader: "I haven't read the second book. Do I need to read that one before this?"
Yes, these are not standalones. The characters from the first book are still part of the second one and both couples from the first two are an integral part of this book. They all three have an overall story arc.
Yet Another Fellow Reader: "You hit the nail on the head with your explanation. I struggled with CoH because of the initial world building and strange words... I never had that problem with this series."
You see a bit more of it in this book because the wolves have a detailed, rich hierarchy but it is easier to follow along with since you've already got an idea of how this world works from the first two books.
I loved this book so much I honestly didn’t want it to end. I was legitimately sad when I got to the last page. I could feel a sense of finality to the series as I read the ending.
Red: You think there is more in the series???? That was so good and I loved Kelvin's accent! Swoon.
JL: I dunno. it kind of had a sense of finality to it, don't you think? I hope she's not done with this world yet.
Red: it did but I want more. I loved this. It was so good and it was not just the romance/fated mates between Kelvin and Jon, it was the whole FAMILY that they have become.
I had such a HUGE hangover after reading this that the only thing I could do was to read another Mary Calmes book. Thankfully, Mary has plenty more gems out there like this one. Mary, what would I have to do to get you to write more in this series? I don’t want to let them go yet!
Check out Red's review and the rest of our chatty chat on the blog!
January 31, 2017
Where do I start?
My love for Mary knows no bounds. Seriously.
This was no exception, mostly.
I enjoyed it in the way I always enjoy Mary’s books but was put off by some of it in a way I am not used to and it killed me.
First and foremost. Linus pissed me off. I love Linus. I did not love this Linus. I just finished a re-read (listen) of Old Loyalty, New Love and Fighting Instinct so both stories were super fresh in my mind. The Linus presented in this book had my head spinning. I know him. I get his way. Just somewhere in my head, after him having his story told, I thought he’d softened just a bit. This book presented him, at least to Jon, as just plain mean and heartless.
I could be interpreting this all wrong, maybe, but this is how it read to me and I did not like it.
That’s one.
Two. Sheridan.
The fix for this? Abrupt much? OMG!
One more thing and then I’ll quit my bitching. The revelation, the treatment and the back story for the Fenrir. What in the ever loving fuck? This confused me more than anything. I don't know if this is a spoiler or not but just in case.
It sounds like I am unhappy. It sounds like I didn’t like the book. I did like it, quite a bit actually, but favorite author or not, these things bugged the shit out of me.
What I loved, loved, loved? Roman’s Mom. That story, that information, that insight took my breath away. It made my heart sing.
The “Pack” coming together and working together and feeling like a family. Ahhh. Perfection.
Kelvin getting a home, acceptance and so much love. Beautiful.
Taking place totally at the château? Brilliant. I love it there.
ARMAN
So, four stars. This won’t be a favorite of mine but I loved everything it brought to the series. I wanted Jon’s story and I wanted him to get what he wanted, in his personal life and his professional life, and he did, so that I guess is a win.
What's next?
My love for Mary knows no bounds. Seriously.
This was no exception, mostly.
I enjoyed it in the way I always enjoy Mary’s books but was put off by some of it in a way I am not used to and it killed me.
First and foremost. Linus pissed me off. I love Linus. I did not love this Linus. I just finished a re-read (listen) of Old Loyalty, New Love and Fighting Instinct so both stories were super fresh in my mind. The Linus presented in this book had my head spinning. I know him. I get his way. Just somewhere in my head, after him having his story told, I thought he’d softened just a bit. This book presented him, at least to Jon, as just plain mean and heartless.
I could be interpreting this all wrong, maybe, but this is how it read to me and I did not like it.
That’s one.
Two. Sheridan.
The fix for this? Abrupt much? OMG!
One more thing and then I’ll quit my bitching. The revelation, the treatment and the back story for the Fenrir. What in the ever loving fuck? This confused me more than anything. I don't know if this is a spoiler or not but just in case.
It sounds like I am unhappy. It sounds like I didn’t like the book. I did like it, quite a bit actually, but favorite author or not, these things bugged the shit out of me.
What I loved, loved, loved? Roman’s Mom. That story, that information, that insight took my breath away. It made my heart sing.
The “Pack” coming together and working together and feeling like a family. Ahhh. Perfection.
Kelvin getting a home, acceptance and so much love. Beautiful.
Taking place totally at the château? Brilliant. I love it there.
ARMAN
So, four stars. This won’t be a favorite of mine but I loved everything it brought to the series. I wanted Jon’s story and I wanted him to get what he wanted, in his personal life and his professional life, and he did, so that I guess is a win.
What's next?
February 1, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It was a fantastic bonding of two men who are strong-willed but drifting until they find one another. Kelvin and Jon are great star-crossed lovers who when they finally get together, it's like watching a nova go off. Mary Calmes does drama and conflict like no one else. I loved loved loved this book.
Did I mention I loved this book? So much squeeee.
Did I mention I loved this book? So much squeeee.
January 13, 2019
4.5 shifting stars rounded up to 5 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and I just had a hella' good time with this audiobook.
It's Mary Calmes, it's Mary Calmes...I love Mary Calmes!!!
Yeah, I'm back with more Mary Calmes and this times it's on audio. I enjoyed this book the first time around when I read it...I truly did. But I've made a discovery as much as I enjoyed reading the e-book the audio book was just hella' good fun. Here's the link to my review of the e-book...Chosen Pride - my e-book review
So...lets see...I think we've established I love Mary Calmes, I've read this book and really liked it but the audiobook was even funner (yes, that's a word of course it is...ok, I just made it one)
Tristan James did an awesome job on this one for me especially with the voices of the MCs. First off he met my initial requirements of giving me voices that were consistent and conveyed emotion keeping me engaged in the story. But beyond that he gave me voices that gave life to the characters and we're not just talking people here these are shifters and I needed the voices to give me that something more that make me feel like I was being emerged in the world of the paranormal and I was.
John Slade is a lion shifter who for me is just beyond amusing. John's a lion shifter so of course this means he's a predator and pretty much at the top of the food chain. Nothing truly makes him feel threatened so at times he's pretty oblivious to things in his world like Sebastian the shifter who's wanted him practically since they met and John is so secure in his knowledge of his place of in the food chain that he doesn't even realize Sebastian is a shifter for the longest time. John's also stunningly gorgeous and given that he's a lion shifter...this makes sense. I mean really think about it lions are one nature's noblest beast and they are truly beautiful so logic for me says that a lion shifter's going to be beautiful no matter what his form...human or beast. I love that there are things about his world that John just takes for granted and it comes through in his voice and it's almost bland tone of confidence that some things are the way the are and that he knows it without being told. I was more than a little pleased and impressed with how well Tristan James conveyed the personality contained by this character and really helped bring him to life for me.
I was also totally enamored with Kelvin MacCurdy's voice. His thick Scottish brogue was beautiful and totally curled my toes. While not as complex of a character as John. Kelvin is a man who is strong and controlled physically, emotionally and mentally. He knows his world and understands his place in it until John Slade comes along and makes him want more. I loved the emotion and depth that were brought to this character for me by Mr. James.
While I absolutely enjoyed the e-book the audio book gave this story a level of fun and enjoyment that was a wonderfully pleasant surprise and has me thinking that maybe I need to get the audio books for the first two stories in this series.
********************
An audio book of 'Chosen Pride' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sept. 30/Oct. 1 - We interrupt this regularly scheduled reading plan to bring you a Mary Calmes reading break...because...Tristan James wanted to read to me again ;)
July 11/12, 2018 - with this one my visit to L'Ange is complete...for now and really nothing's changed I love Calvin and Jon because well Calvin's just sweet, honorable and awesome and Jon...he may be a bit on the arrogant side but it's unapologetically so he's more than willing to name it and claim it and he's also a bit of a dofuss!!! So really how could I not like him? and now it's time for something new.
It's Mary Calmes, it's Mary Calmes...I love Mary Calmes!!!
Yeah, I'm back with more Mary Calmes and this times it's on audio. I enjoyed this book the first time around when I read it...I truly did. But I've made a discovery as much as I enjoyed reading the e-book the audio book was just hella' good fun. Here's the link to my review of the e-book...Chosen Pride - my e-book review
So...lets see...I think we've established I love Mary Calmes, I've read this book and really liked it but the audiobook was even funner (yes, that's a word of course it is...ok, I just made it one)
Tristan James did an awesome job on this one for me especially with the voices of the MCs. First off he met my initial requirements of giving me voices that were consistent and conveyed emotion keeping me engaged in the story. But beyond that he gave me voices that gave life to the characters and we're not just talking people here these are shifters and I needed the voices to give me that something more that make me feel like I was being emerged in the world of the paranormal and I was.
John Slade is a lion shifter who for me is just beyond amusing. John's a lion shifter so of course this means he's a predator and pretty much at the top of the food chain. Nothing truly makes him feel threatened so at times he's pretty oblivious to things in his world like Sebastian the shifter who's wanted him practically since they met and John is so secure in his knowledge of his place of in the food chain that he doesn't even realize Sebastian is a shifter for the longest time. John's also stunningly gorgeous and given that he's a lion shifter...this makes sense. I mean really think about it lions are one nature's noblest beast and they are truly beautiful so logic for me says that a lion shifter's going to be beautiful no matter what his form...human or beast. I love that there are things about his world that John just takes for granted and it comes through in his voice and it's almost bland tone of confidence that some things are the way the are and that he knows it without being told. I was more than a little pleased and impressed with how well Tristan James conveyed the personality contained by this character and really helped bring him to life for me.
I was also totally enamored with Kelvin MacCurdy's voice. His thick Scottish brogue was beautiful and totally curled my toes. While not as complex of a character as John. Kelvin is a man who is strong and controlled physically, emotionally and mentally. He knows his world and understands his place in it until John Slade comes along and makes him want more. I loved the emotion and depth that were brought to this character for me by Mr. James.
While I absolutely enjoyed the e-book the audio book gave this story a level of fun and enjoyment that was a wonderfully pleasant surprise and has me thinking that maybe I need to get the audio books for the first two stories in this series.
********************
An audio book of 'Chosen Pride' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sept. 30/Oct. 1 - We interrupt this regularly scheduled reading plan to bring you a Mary Calmes reading break...because...Tristan James wanted to read to me again ;)
July 11/12, 2018 - with this one my visit to L'Ange is complete...for now and really nothing's changed I love Calvin and Jon because well Calvin's just sweet, honorable and awesome and Jon...he may be a bit on the arrogant side but it's unapologetically so he's more than willing to name it and claim it and he's also a bit of a dofuss!!! So really how could I not like him? and now it's time for something new.
December 21, 2016
Chosen Pride by Mary Calmes is book 3 in her L'Ange Series and I really enjoyed this series, shifters Mary style - all of them a little twisted, all of them looking for their mates, and none of them apologizing for their animal inside. This story is Jon Slade's story and it's actually one I was eager to read, even if he was not always portrayed in the best of light in previous books! Jon narrates this story and I loved getting inside his head...that of a prideful, sexy, lion who swaggers when he walks and only wants to find his mate. His other half. His heart. But don't let the soft side of Jon fool ya...he knows he is king of the shifters (even if he doesn't have his own pride), he knows he is powerful, stealthy, sly, and of course just like all other cats..he knows he is so much better than any of the canine type shifters. Wolves. Jackals. Hyena's...puh-lease, better than all. He is after all, born to be a Rex. Born to be king of the shifters. So when he finally does meet his mate. A wolf. A wolf who would rather stand by archaic tradition and serve his Sir,staying as the fenrir, rather than be with his true mate, he is stunned. He is hurt. He is left at L'Ange slowly pining away for his wolf.
Then when he finds out that the Wolf king and his court (yeah there are other terms used in the book, but that's what he is) is coming to L'Ange to host handfastings of two of his men. He quickly find out, one of the men to be wed is his mate, Kelvin. Jon doesn't know how he will face his mate after the rejection. When the time comes and he sees that his mate may not have been handling their separation well either..Jon has hope for the first time in almost a year, that maybe...just maybe he will get his man. It's not that easy though, because Kelvin who us the kings fenrir or guardian is bound by honor, law, tradition, duty, and expectations to wed the next fenrir bearer, breed her to produce a male heir. Fenrir's are seen as nothing but beasts useful only in protecting the king and breeding a new generation of fenrir.
Sometimes though - passion trumps duty. Sometimes the heart, even the heart of a beast and a prideful lion, cannot be ignored. Sometimes the pack, even a pack of mixed species shifters - predators & prey, come together and stand together; redefining expectations and changing the future. This book, it gives you the unlikely happily ever after ... even if all the characters have to work for every moment.
Things I adored in this book:
I loved watching Jon explain how he was going to dote and love on Kelvin, a man who thinks he deserves no love.
“I’m gonna kiss you and hug you and keep you and wrap your heart up so tight that one day you’ll wake up and not even remember what it was like to not be treasured.”“I—”“You were a fucking idiot to ever run away from me,” I confirmed haughtily. “You better never leave me again.”“Jon—”“You have no family, no one who loves you, but with me —Jesus, Kelvin— I’m your mate, you ignorant piece of crap. I was put on this earth to stand beside you and hold your hand, and yeah, you don’t love me yet, I don’t love you either, but I’ve never met any mated pair that it didn’t happen for eventually. You can’t fuckin’ help it!”
I loved that Roman found out more about his heritage. I loved Linus and his conniving sneaky ways. I loved Arman as he embraced his beast. Quade, as he steps up and shows everyone what an Alpha is...all of it was perfect!
I hope we get more from this series. I will no longer put off reading shifters by Mary as I love her twisted, brilliant mind!
5 Stars and a definite recommendation!
Then when he finds out that the Wolf king and his court (yeah there are other terms used in the book, but that's what he is) is coming to L'Ange to host handfastings of two of his men. He quickly find out, one of the men to be wed is his mate, Kelvin. Jon doesn't know how he will face his mate after the rejection. When the time comes and he sees that his mate may not have been handling their separation well either..Jon has hope for the first time in almost a year, that maybe...just maybe he will get his man. It's not that easy though, because Kelvin who us the kings fenrir or guardian is bound by honor, law, tradition, duty, and expectations to wed the next fenrir bearer, breed her to produce a male heir. Fenrir's are seen as nothing but beasts useful only in protecting the king and breeding a new generation of fenrir.
Sometimes though - passion trumps duty. Sometimes the heart, even the heart of a beast and a prideful lion, cannot be ignored. Sometimes the pack, even a pack of mixed species shifters - predators & prey, come together and stand together; redefining expectations and changing the future. This book, it gives you the unlikely happily ever after ... even if all the characters have to work for every moment.
Things I adored in this book:
I loved watching Jon explain how he was going to dote and love on Kelvin, a man who thinks he deserves no love.
“I’m gonna kiss you and hug you and keep you and wrap your heart up so tight that one day you’ll wake up and not even remember what it was like to not be treasured.”“I—”“You were a fucking idiot to ever run away from me,” I confirmed haughtily. “You better never leave me again.”“Jon—”“You have no family, no one who loves you, but with me —Jesus, Kelvin— I’m your mate, you ignorant piece of crap. I was put on this earth to stand beside you and hold your hand, and yeah, you don’t love me yet, I don’t love you either, but I’ve never met any mated pair that it didn’t happen for eventually. You can’t fuckin’ help it!”
I loved that Roman found out more about his heritage. I loved Linus and his conniving sneaky ways. I loved Arman as he embraced his beast. Quade, as he steps up and shows everyone what an Alpha is...all of it was perfect!
I hope we get more from this series. I will no longer put off reading shifters by Mary as I love her twisted, brilliant mind!
5 Stars and a definite recommendation!
February 2, 2017
4.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and as much as I loved this one...and I did, it just wasn't quite enough to make it to 5.
While this isn't 'The Marshals' it's still Mary Calmes and it's still really good. So if you haven't read books 1 or 2 in this series...please go read them and come back. I'm going to try not to be too spoilerish about stuff in those books but I make no promises so there you go, you have been warned.
Jon has been around since the first book but it was in book 2 that he and we the readers met Kelvin, his fated mate. Kelvin walked away from him. His obligations didn't allow for fated mates...he had responsibilities, obligations to fulfill and they didn't allow for a fated mate much less one that's male. He tried to be kind and gentle about it but for Kelvin duty came before all else. I cried...ok, I'm a big softee and Kelvin just broke my heart right along with Jon's.
I just didn't get it, how could he do it? He was meant to be with Jon and he walked away? That's crazy right...well maybe not so much. Not when your whole life has been geared towards the belief that those obligations are your sole purpose, they're what gives your existence meaning and yet, neither man has ever truly gotten over Kelvin's decision.
'Chosen Pride' is set after the events of the second book that saw Kelvin break Jon's heart and then leave. Now here we are back at L'Ange where the wolves have requested permission to hold a conclave.
While the main focus of the story is Jon and Kelvin there is so much more going on and the reader gets to catch up with characters from the first two books as well. The residents of L'Ange show themselves to not only be unique and surprisingly powerful individuals but they turn out to be force to be reckoned with when they unit as a pack to defend their alpha and all that is his.
So far this series has gotten better with each book. While the first book was admittedly a slow start and the next book was definitely better this book has from book #2's 3.5 stars rounded down to a solid 'hail mary' 4 stars. I started reading this one at bedtime on the 22nd and while I had to take breaks because really sleeping is not conducive to a good reading experience I finished this one early in the morning on Dec. 23rd and if there's a book 4 in the offing I'm ready for it...anytime would be good.
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An ARC of 'Chosen Pride' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
While this isn't 'The Marshals' it's still Mary Calmes and it's still really good. So if you haven't read books 1 or 2 in this series...please go read them and come back. I'm going to try not to be too spoilerish about stuff in those books but I make no promises so there you go, you have been warned.
Jon has been around since the first book but it was in book 2 that he and we the readers met Kelvin, his fated mate. Kelvin walked away from him. His obligations didn't allow for fated mates...he had responsibilities, obligations to fulfill and they didn't allow for a fated mate much less one that's male. He tried to be kind and gentle about it but for Kelvin duty came before all else. I cried...ok, I'm a big softee and Kelvin just broke my heart right along with Jon's.
I just didn't get it, how could he do it? He was meant to be with Jon and he walked away? That's crazy right...well maybe not so much. Not when your whole life has been geared towards the belief that those obligations are your sole purpose, they're what gives your existence meaning and yet, neither man has ever truly gotten over Kelvin's decision.
'Chosen Pride' is set after the events of the second book that saw Kelvin break Jon's heart and then leave. Now here we are back at L'Ange where the wolves have requested permission to hold a conclave.
While the main focus of the story is Jon and Kelvin there is so much more going on and the reader gets to catch up with characters from the first two books as well. The residents of L'Ange show themselves to not only be unique and surprisingly powerful individuals but they turn out to be force to be reckoned with when they unit as a pack to defend their alpha and all that is his.
So far this series has gotten better with each book. While the first book was admittedly a slow start and the next book was definitely better this book has from book #2's 3.5 stars rounded down to a solid 'hail mary' 4 stars. I started reading this one at bedtime on the 22nd and while I had to take breaks because really sleeping is not conducive to a good reading experience I finished this one early in the morning on Dec. 23rd and if there's a book 4 in the offing I'm ready for it...anytime would be good.
********************
An ARC of 'Chosen Pride' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2017
3.5 stars
We've known Jon Slade since book 1, and I was very excited, at the end of Book 2, to discover that we would get his and Kelvin's book next.
Spoiler for book 2 ahead, in case you haven't read it:
Jon and Kelvin meet, and they immediately know they are the other's mate. I LOVE fated mates in shifter stories. Gets me every time.
But while Jon is ecstatic in that instant of recognition, Kelvin won't have it. He's sweet about it, but he tells Jon, in no uncertain terms, that his life doesn't accommodate a male mate. He must reproduce for his pack (touta), in his station of Fenrir. And he is already betrothed to someone, whom he'll mate with later in the year.
So Book 3 begins with a truly heartbroken Jon, many months down the road from where Book 2 ended. He hasn't seen Kelvin since their first meeting, and he still feels pain inside at knowing his fated mate is out there, and soon to be mated with someone else.
Imagine his shock and devastation when Kelvin's pack comes to L'Ange to hold their royal ceremonies there. Jon was sad enough at the situation, but now he actually has to SEE Kelvin again. Be in his presence and know that he can't have him. It's just too much.
I've said it before, Calmes shines for me when she does internal relationship angst. I enjoy her OTT "happenings" to her couples from external sources. Kidnappings, guns, etc. are no stranger to a Calmes MC, but the crème de la crème, for me, is when she has internal relationship conflict. I'm putty in her hands. I truly felt Jon's anguish given the situation. And he was no doormat when Kelvin wants to see him.
I ate it up and was begging for more.
Because this is one of her full-lengths, and one of her shifter stories at that, it wouldn't be Calmes without the dun, dun, dun surprises and twists. I won't spoil any of that for readers.
Just know that this was my favorite of the L'Ange series, with a lot of presence from the MCs from the first two books. They are, after all, each other's families.
We've known Jon Slade since book 1, and I was very excited, at the end of Book 2, to discover that we would get his and Kelvin's book next.
Spoiler for book 2 ahead, in case you haven't read it:
Jon and Kelvin meet, and they immediately know they are the other's mate. I LOVE fated mates in shifter stories. Gets me every time.
But while Jon is ecstatic in that instant of recognition, Kelvin won't have it. He's sweet about it, but he tells Jon, in no uncertain terms, that his life doesn't accommodate a male mate. He must reproduce for his pack (touta), in his station of Fenrir. And he is already betrothed to someone, whom he'll mate with later in the year.
So Book 3 begins with a truly heartbroken Jon, many months down the road from where Book 2 ended. He hasn't seen Kelvin since their first meeting, and he still feels pain inside at knowing his fated mate is out there, and soon to be mated with someone else.
Imagine his shock and devastation when Kelvin's pack comes to L'Ange to hold their royal ceremonies there. Jon was sad enough at the situation, but now he actually has to SEE Kelvin again. Be in his presence and know that he can't have him. It's just too much.
I've said it before, Calmes shines for me when she does internal relationship angst. I enjoy her OTT "happenings" to her couples from external sources. Kidnappings, guns, etc. are no stranger to a Calmes MC, but the crème de la crème, for me, is when she has internal relationship conflict. I'm putty in her hands. I truly felt Jon's anguish given the situation. And he was no doormat when Kelvin wants to see him.
"You said I wouldn't be anything to you [...], you said we would never be what we're supposed to be to each other."
I ate it up and was begging for more.
Because this is one of her full-lengths, and one of her shifter stories at that, it wouldn't be Calmes without the dun, dun, dun surprises and twists. I won't spoil any of that for readers.
Just know that this was my favorite of the L'Ange series, with a lot of presence from the MCs from the first two books. They are, after all, each other's families.
January 17, 2021
There are so many great reviews that highlight this story, so I'll have to give this a different twist. You have to go back to the first story because the world that Mary Calmes weaves in your heart is breath taking. You become so immense in the scenery, background, history that it's difficult to believe the world exist in the authors imagination, because it becomes our reality. I want to visit L'Ange in the winter and enjoy all the festivities. The shifters relationship are complex, fun, exciting, sexy as all hell, and just so personable, it's like your best friend and you want them to be happy, yet understanding the road won't be easy. "Lion shifter is prefect just want more. Not much information on the book, just know this is another great successful series, involving unusual shifters , stags, hyenas, you'll read it many times. So get a nice latte, warm blanket,do not disturb sign, Also be prepared if this is your first series, to set aside a special fund, because you'll want a complete collection of all her books.
December 7, 2017
It starts like
Then there's lots of this
And quite a lot of this
It ends this way
And I was left like
I NEED MORE MARY CALMES!!!!
Can I be a shifter now?
Then there's lots of this
And quite a lot of this
It ends this way
And I was left like
I NEED MORE MARY CALMES!!!!
Can I be a shifter now?
November 18, 2017
Why though? Why does she do this? She invents these societies with ridiculously baroque class systems and laws--all as an excuse for people to be sadistic assholes with no consequences--so one character can yawn and casually explain to the other that [Gaelic/Greek/Arabic bullshit word] means that Joe can cut Sam's liver out and eat it and then make a lamp out of Sam and marry or kill his entire family because reasons.
Dial that shit back, Mary, it's weird and tiresome.
And don't get me started on Kelvin's fucking Scottish accent. His MINNESOTA SCOTTISH ACCENT. Kelvin lives in Minnesota and travels all over the world, why does he speak with a nigh-incomprehensible brogue? I was ready for Kelvin to fall off a cliff after five minutes of that, but--spoiler alert--the fucker's still alive and butchering the spoken/written word right to the end.
Dial that shit back, Mary, it's weird and tiresome.
And don't get me started on Kelvin's fucking Scottish accent. His MINNESOTA SCOTTISH ACCENT. Kelvin lives in Minnesota and travels all over the world, why does he speak with a nigh-incomprehensible brogue? I was ready for Kelvin to fall off a cliff after five minutes of that, but--spoiler alert--the fucker's still alive and butchering the spoken/written word right to the end.
Read
February 7, 20175 Hearts
Buddy read and review with my girl Jenni Lea.
Gah! The title of this, Chosen Pride. I get giddy when I GET the title of a book and this seems simple on the surface but it oh so much more and it makes me smile so big thinking of it.
So…*whistles and twiddles thumbs*
Where to begin, where to begin.
Hey, I’ll start from the beginning, how about that?
From the beginning, I mean Old Loyalty New Love when we first meet Jon Slade as the guy who was hired to seduce Roman and failed because we know Roman is the mate of Quade. But Jon, he was interesting but not really a likable character in that book but then again, he couldn’t compete with Quade but he was someone to remember. In Fighting Instinct, we get more of Jon as he now works at L’Ange and we get to know him and what kind of shifter he is. Jon begins to form into this tangible and loyal man to both Quade and Roman as well as Arman. But it’s the end of this book that makes you take notice to this king of the jungle and it’s what breaks your heart. I fell hard for Jon at the end of Fighting Instinct and knowing he would indeed get his story told made me happy.
BUT… this is Mary Calmes and while she kicks ass with fated mates, she still implements TMCSS in this but thankfully it’s 99.5% off page. Don’t misunderstand that it doesn’t gut you just because it’s off page because it totally hurts but as per the norm, the reunion is worth it.
Now, this was different for me in the beginning and I have to be honest, if it weren’t for my girl Jenni Lea buddy reading it with me I might have stopped. You see, I am used to the separation and the longing but Mary, she did this different thing and had me caring about someone else deep and fast and I didn’t want to see them hurt. I should have known better and know that Mary would never hurt someone she made me care about but the way she goes about it? Pure brilliance I tell you.
This book is really hard to review without spoiling. I mean, you know from the blurb and if you have read the series – which I highly recommend you do – that Jon has met his mate in Kelvin MacCurdy but Kelvin turns him away and breaks Jon’s heart. When Jon learns that Kelvin is coming to L’Ange it gets interesting and then it gets exciting, a bit violent and bloody but the whole book is really this cinematic storytelling that gives this series an amazing story line.
Jon, you were this bit of a slimy character when we first meet you but seeing you change, shift for the first time *swoon*, mourn the chance to be with your mate and then just step up in every way imaginable was beautiful. The way you want to stand up for Kelvin and smother him with love, affection and family was adorable and the way you fold into your pack was just stunning.
Kelvin, my Scottish ginger brother how can I not fall at your feet and roll over for a belly rub? Seriously! When we learn of your life, of what it means to be the Fenrir I wanted to stuff you in my pocket because you need a mother’s care but I know I would have a fight on my hands with Jon if I touched you so I will just pretend. But really, seeing you again as you make it known who and what you want, all your declarations to Jon and what you give to him made me fall so much in love with you it was a bit painful.
I said it in my review for Fighting Instintct that Mary Calmes does not get enough credit for these worlds she creates with her shifter characters and I am saying it again. We don’t just get one breed of shifter here, we have so many and each one has their own set of laws that don’t get confusing or run the risk of being carbon copies of the others. This new world with fated/true mates of different shifters is stunning in its complexity but Ms. Calmes makes it so easy to follow and just be amazed by all of it. The new twists to the story, things we learn about those who champion L’Ange for what it was meant to be sat me down hard. I wasn’t quite ready for it but I loved it and that end, the whole deal with… yeah. It was beautifully brutal and again, truly cinematic in the way I saw it all happening as I read.
We get more of everyone in this book, Quade/Roman, Linus/Arman as well as family and new shifters that show up and even learn more about who really works at L’Ange. It was a pure joy to read and to feel the romance between Jon and Kelvin as they learn to give in to being mates and move forward to bigger and better things.
While the story ends nicely and wrapped up, I am not ready to be done with it yet. But that’s pretty much me after finishing every book by the author.
See the chat and hilarious marked spoilers between JL and I, as well as her review, on the blog...
Buddy read and review with my girl Jenni Lea.
“I will cherish you, do you understand?”
Gah! The title of this, Chosen Pride. I get giddy when I GET the title of a book and this seems simple on the surface but it oh so much more and it makes me smile so big thinking of it.
So…*whistles and twiddles thumbs*
Where to begin, where to begin.
Hey, I’ll start from the beginning, how about that?
From the beginning, I mean Old Loyalty New Love when we first meet Jon Slade as the guy who was hired to seduce Roman and failed because we know Roman is the mate of Quade. But Jon, he was interesting but not really a likable character in that book but then again, he couldn’t compete with Quade but he was someone to remember. In Fighting Instinct, we get more of Jon as he now works at L’Ange and we get to know him and what kind of shifter he is. Jon begins to form into this tangible and loyal man to both Quade and Roman as well as Arman. But it’s the end of this book that makes you take notice to this king of the jungle and it’s what breaks your heart. I fell hard for Jon at the end of Fighting Instinct and knowing he would indeed get his story told made me happy.
BUT… this is Mary Calmes and while she kicks ass with fated mates, she still implements TMCSS in this but thankfully it’s 99.5% off page. Don’t misunderstand that it doesn’t gut you just because it’s off page because it totally hurts but as per the norm, the reunion is worth it.
Now, this was different for me in the beginning and I have to be honest, if it weren’t for my girl Jenni Lea buddy reading it with me I might have stopped. You see, I am used to the separation and the longing but Mary, she did this different thing and had me caring about someone else deep and fast and I didn’t want to see them hurt. I should have known better and know that Mary would never hurt someone she made me care about but the way she goes about it? Pure brilliance I tell you.
This book is really hard to review without spoiling. I mean, you know from the blurb and if you have read the series – which I highly recommend you do – that Jon has met his mate in Kelvin MacCurdy but Kelvin turns him away and breaks Jon’s heart. When Jon learns that Kelvin is coming to L’Ange it gets interesting and then it gets exciting, a bit violent and bloody but the whole book is really this cinematic storytelling that gives this series an amazing story line.
Jon, you were this bit of a slimy character when we first meet you but seeing you change, shift for the first time *swoon*, mourn the chance to be with your mate and then just step up in every way imaginable was beautiful. The way you want to stand up for Kelvin and smother him with love, affection and family was adorable and the way you fold into your pack was just stunning.
"I carried the kernel of hope with me, my mother’s promise, my father’s, that my mate was out there and he would find me. It was too bad that when he did, he didn’t want me."
Kelvin, my Scottish ginger brother how can I not fall at your feet and roll over for a belly rub? Seriously! When we learn of your life, of what it means to be the Fenrir I wanted to stuff you in my pocket because you need a mother’s care but I know I would have a fight on my hands with Jon if I touched you so I will just pretend. But really, seeing you again as you make it known who and what you want, all your declarations to Jon and what you give to him made me fall so much in love with you it was a bit painful.
I said it in my review for Fighting Instintct that Mary Calmes does not get enough credit for these worlds she creates with her shifter characters and I am saying it again. We don’t just get one breed of shifter here, we have so many and each one has their own set of laws that don’t get confusing or run the risk of being carbon copies of the others. This new world with fated/true mates of different shifters is stunning in its complexity but Ms. Calmes makes it so easy to follow and just be amazed by all of it. The new twists to the story, things we learn about those who champion L’Ange for what it was meant to be sat me down hard. I wasn’t quite ready for it but I loved it and that end, the whole deal with… yeah. It was beautifully brutal and again, truly cinematic in the way I saw it all happening as I read.
We get more of everyone in this book, Quade/Roman, Linus/Arman as well as family and new shifters that show up and even learn more about who really works at L’Ange. It was a pure joy to read and to feel the romance between Jon and Kelvin as they learn to give in to being mates and move forward to bigger and better things.
While the story ends nicely and wrapped up, I am not ready to be done with it yet. But that’s pretty much me after finishing every book by the author.
See the chat and hilarious marked spoilers between JL and I, as well as her review, on the blog...
May 14, 2020
Tristan James + That heavenly accent = dreamy sigh
Month of Mary 2019 reread 5/9/2019 Mary is brutal on her shifters.
5/14/2020 I really hated Linus in this book. And Mary is brutal with her shifters.
Month of Mary 2019 reread 5/9/2019 Mary is brutal on her shifters.
5/14/2020 I really hated Linus in this book. And Mary is brutal with her shifters.
June 27, 2017
3.75 stars
I’ve listened to a number of audiobooks by Tristan James, and he blows me away every single time. ‘Chosen Pride’ was no different. The narrator does an excellent job with character voices, pacing, and mood setting. I had no trouble immersing myself in the world of L’Ange.
I went into this book not very fond of Kelvin, given the way he callously rejected Jon at the end of book 2. But, as Kelvin’s story was slowly revealed, the reasons for his actions made sense.
Though Kelvin at first seemed cold, he’s really a big old softie with a heart of gold.
It would be hard not to feel for Jon. He’s a lonely man, and he pines for the mate he can’t have.
When the two are reunited, they find it difficult to keep their feelings, and their hands, in check. In the midst of a volatile situation, Kelvin finally cracks and gives in to the mate he was forced to reject.
Once Kelvin finally got his head out of his ass, he and Jon wasted no time in going for what they both wanted. These two were hot.
The emotional relationship between the two relies heavily on their fated bond. It’s a bit insta-lovey, but I was willing to accept that. It’s a common trope in shifter books, after all.
But even with the quick jump to love, there’s no denying that Jon and Kelvin fit together. Both men had spent much of their lives alone, and found in each other happiness and home.
There’s a large amount of plot in this book, revolving around Kelvin’s pack. I wasn’t a fan of book 2 because I thought there was too much going on, and everything was OTT. While a lot happens in ‘Chosen Pride’ as well, it was entertaining, instead of chaotic.
Calmes’ shifter reads tend to be gritty and bloody. This book is no different. The plot was gripping, with Jon and Kelvin having to work hard to get their HEA, and a happy ending for others at L’Ange.
Overall, I really liked ‘Chosen Pride’. The romance is sweet and sexy, and the plot kept me hooked. The audiobook was excellent.
I’ve listened to a number of audiobooks by Tristan James, and he blows me away every single time. ‘Chosen Pride’ was no different. The narrator does an excellent job with character voices, pacing, and mood setting. I had no trouble immersing myself in the world of L’Ange.
I went into this book not very fond of Kelvin, given the way he callously rejected Jon at the end of book 2. But, as Kelvin’s story was slowly revealed, the reasons for his actions made sense.
Though Kelvin at first seemed cold, he’s really a big old softie with a heart of gold.
It would be hard not to feel for Jon. He’s a lonely man, and he pines for the mate he can’t have.
When the two are reunited, they find it difficult to keep their feelings, and their hands, in check. In the midst of a volatile situation, Kelvin finally cracks and gives in to the mate he was forced to reject.
Once Kelvin finally got his head out of his ass, he and Jon wasted no time in going for what they both wanted. These two were hot.
The emotional relationship between the two relies heavily on their fated bond. It’s a bit insta-lovey, but I was willing to accept that. It’s a common trope in shifter books, after all.
But even with the quick jump to love, there’s no denying that Jon and Kelvin fit together. Both men had spent much of their lives alone, and found in each other happiness and home.
There’s a large amount of plot in this book, revolving around Kelvin’s pack. I wasn’t a fan of book 2 because I thought there was too much going on, and everything was OTT. While a lot happens in ‘Chosen Pride’ as well, it was entertaining, instead of chaotic.
Calmes’ shifter reads tend to be gritty and bloody. This book is no different. The plot was gripping, with Jon and Kelvin having to work hard to get their HEA, and a happy ending for others at L’Ange.
Overall, I really liked ‘Chosen Pride’. The romance is sweet and sexy, and the plot kept me hooked. The audiobook was excellent.
January 11, 2017
Well, damn it. I was really looking forward to reading this book, and it was just okay.
So this is Jon's book. I didn't like Jon at first; I think that was the whole point of the character's introduction (), but I warmed up to him in the second book, and I ended up feeling quite bad for him.
My problems with this book were many, so prepare for a long review. ;)
The first was how Jon was treated, especially by Linus, at the beginning of the book.
I just never got attached to the character of Kelvin. His accent was difficult to understand, and he kept lapsing into Gaelic, which usually turns me off in a book. Plus, I'll be honest, I'm just not enamored with Scotsmen like a lot of romance authors are, apparently. And then there was some discrepancies between how the character was portrayed at different parts of the book, and it felt like the author was changing her mind (and directions) as the book progressed. Kelvin stated that he had received blowjobs (and, inferred, aplenty) before, but then, a third of the way (ish) into the book, all of the sudden Kelvin is viewed as a big hairy ugly beast who no one wants to be with in the pack (or whatever the hell they're calling themselves) and it's a huge chore to have him around and he's just more animal than man and he doesn't deserve to be treated with humanity. Okay, that's fine...but who, exactly, if he's so repulsive and disgusting (), is giving him the blowjobs? None of that made sense. Obviously, if he's getting some action, at least SOME in his pack (or in his travels, or whatever) find him attractive. But Kelvin is SO FREAKING SHOCKED that Jon (or, even, ANYONE) can find him attractive. This does not compute.
The difference between how Kelvin and Enoch were treated just shows this disparity.
There was also a lot going on with Quade and Roman and Linus and Arman, and it was just TOO MUCH crammed into this book, and it got to the point that I was having trouble keeping up with the plot.
Also, as an aside, I am totally sick of reading about someone's "blown pupils." LOL Sorry not sorry.
I really liked the series up until this book, so I left feeling pretty bummed out about this installment. There's room for more books in the series if the author is so inclined (), and I will definitely read those if she writes them, but this book just felt sloppy to me, and I was wondering if maybe it was because she was trying to tie up all of the loose ends and just finish the series into a trilogy.
So this is Jon's book. I didn't like Jon at first; I think that was the whole point of the character's introduction (), but I warmed up to him in the second book, and I ended up feeling quite bad for him.
My problems with this book were many, so prepare for a long review. ;)
The first was how Jon was treated, especially by Linus, at the beginning of the book.
I just never got attached to the character of Kelvin. His accent was difficult to understand, and he kept lapsing into Gaelic, which usually turns me off in a book. Plus, I'll be honest, I'm just not enamored with Scotsmen like a lot of romance authors are, apparently. And then there was some discrepancies between how the character was portrayed at different parts of the book, and it felt like the author was changing her mind (and directions) as the book progressed. Kelvin stated that he had received blowjobs (and, inferred, aplenty) before, but then, a third of the way (ish) into the book, all of the sudden Kelvin is viewed as a big hairy ugly beast who no one wants to be with in the pack (or whatever the hell they're calling themselves) and it's a huge chore to have him around and he's just more animal than man and he doesn't deserve to be treated with humanity. Okay, that's fine...but who, exactly, if he's so repulsive and disgusting (), is giving him the blowjobs? None of that made sense. Obviously, if he's getting some action, at least SOME in his pack (or in his travels, or whatever) find him attractive. But Kelvin is SO FREAKING SHOCKED that Jon (or, even, ANYONE) can find him attractive. This does not compute.
The difference between how Kelvin and Enoch were treated just shows this disparity.
There was also a lot going on with Quade and Roman and Linus and Arman, and it was just TOO MUCH crammed into this book, and it got to the point that I was having trouble keeping up with the plot.
Also, as an aside, I am totally sick of reading about someone's "blown pupils." LOL Sorry not sorry.
I really liked the series up until this book, so I left feeling pretty bummed out about this installment. There's room for more books in the series if the author is so inclined (), and I will definitely read those if she writes them, but this book just felt sloppy to me, and I was wondering if maybe it was because she was trying to tie up all of the loose ends and just finish the series into a trilogy.
February 9, 2019
2.5 stars
Just what in seven hells happened here? I loved the first two. Wonderful, expansive stories with colorful, likable characters set in the atmospheric winter world of New England. What do we get here? Absolutely no world building. We get a horribly dry museum tour of Chateau L'Ange; several of them if fact. We get inside Jon's infantile head and we only learn a little bit more about Kelvin...if you can sift through the author's attempt to mimic a Scottish accent on paper. We get Sheridan and Enoch; why they were included in this installment is a mystery as we learn next to nothing about them...set up for the next book? We also get details-ad-nauseum of wolf hierarchy, which nearly put me to sleep. And I adore shifter stories! We also get Arman not acting like Arman, which made me furious. And, in the end, we get an implausible, seat-of-the-pants back story for Roman's mother :::sigh:::
There are other important points I'd like to list, but they would be spoilers. Suffice to say I was terribly disappointed. In summary, the book felt cobbled together from leftover bits and pieces, and more importantly it felt like a screen play for stage.
Nov 2017 note: If you listen to the first two in this series, you feel compelled to listen to this last one as well. Even though it's a sex fest in places...and you just want to bang your head on the nearest hard object...as if the author simply ran out of ideas...you just want to know how it turned out for John and Kelvin. It's kind of a "must" for fans of the series.
Just what in seven hells happened here? I loved the first two. Wonderful, expansive stories with colorful, likable characters set in the atmospheric winter world of New England. What do we get here? Absolutely no world building. We get a horribly dry museum tour of Chateau L'Ange; several of them if fact. We get inside Jon's infantile head and we only learn a little bit more about Kelvin...if you can sift through the author's attempt to mimic a Scottish accent on paper. We get Sheridan and Enoch; why they were included in this installment is a mystery as we learn next to nothing about them...set up for the next book? We also get details-ad-nauseum of wolf hierarchy, which nearly put me to sleep. And I adore shifter stories! We also get Arman not acting like Arman, which made me furious. And, in the end, we get an implausible, seat-of-the-pants back story for Roman's mother :::sigh:::
There are other important points I'd like to list, but they would be spoilers. Suffice to say I was terribly disappointed. In summary, the book felt cobbled together from leftover bits and pieces, and more importantly it felt like a screen play for stage.
Nov 2017 note: If you listen to the first two in this series, you feel compelled to listen to this last one as well. Even though it's a sex fest in places...and you just want to bang your head on the nearest hard object...as if the author simply ran out of ideas...you just want to know how it turned out for John and Kelvin. It's kind of a "must" for fans of the series.
December 31, 2016
3.5 rounded up because it's Mary. This would have been a solid 5* if not for I was ready to stop reading, but it's Mary. This is a very satisfying addition to the series. I just wish there was more to come.
dnf
February 16, 2018DNF @35%
You guys, it’s hard for me to do this, it really is. Usually I love Mary’s insane stories, and I really enjoyed the previous book in this series, but this book...I just...
I usually don’t DNF books, if I can’t get into something, I put it away and try to read it later. But I just know I won’t be reading this in the future, so I have no choice. *going into my box of shame*
Some of my reasons for disliking this book can be kinda spoiler-ish, so read at your own risk!
Sheridan and Jon. What was up with THAT. That part annoyed me to no end because it seemed like they really had a connection, I was actually kinda rooting for them, even though I knew there was no way they were going to end up together. I just don’t understand why that part was necessary, especially when that whole connection went POOF when Jon and Kelvin met again. And then we find out that Sheridan and Enoch are actually mates...I mean, WHY? I don’t get why that was necessary for the story. It was just weird and I was confused.
But you know, I didn’t stop there because when Kelvin and Jon met again I hoped that Mary’s special brand of ‘I love you to death/you are MINE’ will redeem that whole fuckery. But that part was also weird, I didn’t buy their connection, it was wayyyy too fast. I was like, why do you love each other? I don’t get it.
After that, I was too annoyed to go on.
I also couldn’t handle Kelvin’s Scottish accent. I really appreciate the fact that the author tried to get the Scottish accent right, but when I had to go back and read the sentence again because I didn’t get what the hell Kelvin was saying, it was frustrating AF. I had to do it a few times, and at some point I just wanted to yell at him to speak GODDAMN ENGLISH.
Anyways. It doesn’t mean that I won’t be reading any more books by Mary Calmes in the future, because I probably will. But this book just didn’t work for me. You should probably try it though, if you’re a Mary fan, because it seems like most people liked it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the case for me. :(
You guys, it’s hard for me to do this, it really is. Usually I love Mary’s insane stories, and I really enjoyed the previous book in this series, but this book...I just...
I usually don’t DNF books, if I can’t get into something, I put it away and try to read it later. But I just know I won’t be reading this in the future, so I have no choice. *going into my box of shame*
Some of my reasons for disliking this book can be kinda spoiler-ish, so read at your own risk!
Sheridan and Jon. What was up with THAT. That part annoyed me to no end because it seemed like they really had a connection, I was actually kinda rooting for them, even though I knew there was no way they were going to end up together. I just don’t understand why that part was necessary, especially when that whole connection went POOF when Jon and Kelvin met again. And then we find out that Sheridan and Enoch are actually mates...I mean, WHY? I don’t get why that was necessary for the story. It was just weird and I was confused.
But you know, I didn’t stop there because when Kelvin and Jon met again I hoped that Mary’s special brand of ‘I love you to death/you are MINE’ will redeem that whole fuckery. But that part was also weird, I didn’t buy their connection, it was wayyyy too fast. I was like, why do you love each other? I don’t get it.
After that, I was too annoyed to go on.
I also couldn’t handle Kelvin’s Scottish accent. I really appreciate the fact that the author tried to get the Scottish accent right, but when I had to go back and read the sentence again because I didn’t get what the hell Kelvin was saying, it was frustrating AF. I had to do it a few times, and at some point I just wanted to yell at him to speak GODDAMN ENGLISH.
Anyways. It doesn’t mean that I won’t be reading any more books by Mary Calmes in the future, because I probably will. But this book just didn’t work for me. You should probably try it though, if you’re a Mary fan, because it seems like most people liked it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the case for me. :(
May 18, 2017
3.5 stars. Maybe 3.75? I don't know, I'm conflicted.
So I read my reviews for Old Loyalty, New Love and Fighting Instinct to see what I said - I also reread the books themselves and pretty much stand by those reviews, especially for book 2. I mentioned my concerns regarding the set-up at L'Ange which are addressed in this entry - and very well done too - and the sidelining of previous characters was not an issue here! In fact we see quite a lot of Quade & Roman as well as Linus & Arman. However I disliked what seemed to me like a complete change in character from Roman - he's a powerful man, in business, wealth, physically and mentally, yet in this he came across like some sort of omega. And not because that was the expectations of the shifter world - . Then too, while I very much enjoyed the whole Shifter hierarchy it all felt a bit familiar - sort of like a Celtic https://www.goodreads.com/series/5450... world. Which I love, obvs, and you can't deny the Calmes goodness but. . . niggles, itty-bitty niggly-wigglies that itched me. But I liked it and will always be a total Mary Calmes fangirl. I don't know if the series is continuing - I'm up for it - and I can certainly see a great deal of potential now that we've got the set up of a shifter sanctuary.
So, all in all, let's sort of split the difference and say 3.65 stars.
So I read my reviews for Old Loyalty, New Love and Fighting Instinct to see what I said - I also reread the books themselves and pretty much stand by those reviews, especially for book 2. I mentioned my concerns regarding the set-up at L'Ange which are addressed in this entry - and very well done too - and the sidelining of previous characters was not an issue here! In fact we see quite a lot of Quade & Roman as well as Linus & Arman. However I disliked what seemed to me like a complete change in character from Roman - he's a powerful man, in business, wealth, physically and mentally, yet in this he came across like some sort of omega. And not because that was the expectations of the shifter world - . Then too, while I very much enjoyed the whole Shifter hierarchy it all felt a bit familiar - sort of like a Celtic https://www.goodreads.com/series/5450... world. Which I love, obvs, and you can't deny the Calmes goodness but. . . niggles, itty-bitty niggly-wigglies that itched me. But I liked it and will always be a total Mary Calmes fangirl. I don't know if the series is continuing - I'm up for it - and I can certainly see a great deal of potential now that we've got the set up of a shifter sanctuary.
So, all in all, let's sort of split the difference and say 3.65 stars.
August 18, 2020
I tried to be an adult, like I claimed I was going to be, to a friend when we were discussing having received 'Chosen Pride' and our need to read it immediately. I had some time before it released so I stated that I was going to be an adult and read a few other books first. It didn't take long for me to give up on adulting and join my friend in his blanket fort, eager, ready, and beyond excited, to see what the intensely talented Mary Calmes was going to bring to the story of Jon and Kelvin. I will warn you, however, that there will be no spoilers in this review.
It was just like coming home to be back at L'Ange with Quade, Roman, Arman, Linus, Jon, and all of the myriad secondary characters that make this world a family. Jon is a lion shifter and as such, he shares some common behaviors with male lions in the wild. He isn't very observant, all things considered, but Linus says that all apex predators are obtuse. He also becomes easily distracted and will go off in his own head while you're talking to him - something that drives Linus bonkers. Jon is gorgeous, loyal, oozes pheromones, and he’s broken-hearted after Kelvin tells him it isn’t possible for them to be mates.
“How does a lion have a wolf for a mate?”
“Oh, I have no idea, but clearly you’re his mate and he’s your pride,” Sheridan said.
He lost me again. “What?”
“A wolf mates for life. A lion does not. But a lion, a male lion, is devoted to his pride. He only has one. Think of the entire pride in one man, and that’s the mating bond that you share.”
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
It was just like coming home to be back at L'Ange with Quade, Roman, Arman, Linus, Jon, and all of the myriad secondary characters that make this world a family. Jon is a lion shifter and as such, he shares some common behaviors with male lions in the wild. He isn't very observant, all things considered, but Linus says that all apex predators are obtuse. He also becomes easily distracted and will go off in his own head while you're talking to him - something that drives Linus bonkers. Jon is gorgeous, loyal, oozes pheromones, and he’s broken-hearted after Kelvin tells him it isn’t possible for them to be mates.
“How does a lion have a wolf for a mate?”
“Oh, I have no idea, but clearly you’re his mate and he’s your pride,” Sheridan said.
He lost me again. “What?”
“A wolf mates for life. A lion does not. But a lion, a male lion, is devoted to his pride. He only has one. Think of the entire pride in one man, and that’s the mating bond that you share.”
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
February 2, 2017
Three what happened? stars
That's absolutely unheard of for me when it comes to Mary Calmes. I Love Mary Calmes. Her characters, the different universes she creates... it's easy to get absorbed into and escape for a few hours of enjoyable reading.
L'Ange is a wonderful series and I was looking forward to this installment. Sadly, I find myself at a loss. Is it me? Why am I not loving this book as much as the other ones? Then it dawned on me.
While I was able to lose myself in the story, I was irritated with how everything was playing out. I am such a picky reader and a lot of what I have to say would be considered spoilers. Feel free to comment (after reading the book of course if you encountered the same issues I did).
spoilers. Stop reading now if you don't want to know
When it comes to mates Calmes, has always emphasized throughout the series that Love, Loyalty and valuing your mate above all else is paramount. That was not the case for Jon and Kelvin. I could accept Kelvin's reluctance to mate with Jon because he considered himself straight and having a male mate was not what he envisioned for himself. This is not why he rejects Jon, though. He rejects Jon, ( over riding his biological, hard-wired imperative to be with his fated mate because of duty!) I was instantly seeing red, well because yanno... fated mate. This broke with canon and I thought the reason flimsy regardless of the fact that Kelvin was bred to be the King's protector and that his male progeny would continue the tradition.
The second thing I took issue with was the on page hook up between Jon and Sheridan. I'm not a prude by any means but I did take issue with Jon blowing Sheridan after knowing full well Kelvin is his mate. I felt like neither took the mate bond seriously. What Jon did would be considered rebound sex but because we're talking shifters here and the premise these bonds are built on, I just couldn't accept what was going down on page. Pun intended.
Kelvin's sudden 180 in behavior simply because he saw Jon with Sheridan was a hard sell. I just couldn't buy it and I couldn't take him seriously. I was so irritated with Kelvin, I wished Jon had been paired with someone else entirely. I couldn't stop comparing this book to the first book (
, and the more I compared the two, the more I felt that Jon got the short end of the mating stick.The other thing that irritated me (only because it was hard to get the Scottish brogue and voice in my head right), was trying to understand the Gaelic words and sound them out in my head. That mental gymnastics pulled me out the story a couple times because of course, being the weirdo that I am, I was obsessed with getting it right in my head. That's my little quirk and indulging that weird quirk made it that much harder to enjoy Jon and Kelvin's romance.
Last but not least the constant whining not the pining but the whining (especially by Kelvin), made me want to reach through the pages and just knock his teeth out! I wanted to like Kelvin, I really , truely did but in the end I just couldn't. I didn't find him endearing I thought of him as an annoying, whining, spineless wolf and my sweet golden lion deserved better.
On the plus side. YES! After all that whining above there is actually a plus :)
It was wonderful to be reunited with past characters ( Linus and Armand especially). Everytime Linus appeared on page I smiled. I'm always giddy to read about what he's going to do next and true to form he always surprises me with his actions.
Another nice plus was the surprising back story regarding Roman's mother. I won't go into detail here in this review because I think that's one twist you should read for yourself. Needless to say, with a little nudge from the visiting king, L'Ange, finally became what it was meant to be. A true sanctuary.
The things I found distracting may not bother you as much as it did me. So please if you're a Calmes fan take a stab at it and read this latest installment. You just may totally think I'm crazy and disagree with me :P Regardless of the let down this is still one of the best books I've read this year. Mary Calmes, has a remarkable gift for story telling.
January 21, 2021
I just reread and I disagree with my earlier review.
I’m sad to say I was disappointed by this book. While the first two books had mixed reviews, I was in the camp that liked them a lot - both had signature the Mary Calmes "I need you more than life, I will keep you/you keep me/you are my home" elements that are like a warm, fuzzy blanket for me. I missed that here. To be fair, there was a little bit of that, but nowhere near the normal amount or enough for me. In fact, the majority of this book focused on other people and their impacts on Jon and Kelvin, rather than Jon and Kelvin themselves. From about 25% to 50%, I was a happy cat. Before and after, not so much.
For those who disliked the first book because of Roman's burns, they were only mentioned once, very briefly, in this book. I wonder if the author heard those complaints loud and clear.
In addition to the lack of development between our couple, I also struggled with the characterization of Kelvin as so much less than by his pack - and the way that the people who treated him poorly did so with impunity. Once a character reveals ugliness like that, it's over for me. I'm not going to believe anything positive about them (and I get very annoyed by lack of loyalty in friends - I'm looking at you Sheridan, chummy chummy with one of the bad apples because you received her approval). I also want to see comeuppance for people like that - and I didn't here. The bad guys (in three separate incidences) went blithely about their way and I found that unsatisfying to read.
All in all, I'm disappointed. This wasn't what I was hoping for from this book. Your mileage my vary, of course.
I’m sad to say I was disappointed by this book. While the first two books had mixed reviews, I was in the camp that liked them a lot - both had signature the Mary Calmes "I need you more than life, I will keep you/you keep me/you are my home" elements that are like a warm, fuzzy blanket for me. I missed that here. To be fair, there was a little bit of that, but nowhere near the normal amount or enough for me. In fact, the majority of this book focused on other people and their impacts on Jon and Kelvin, rather than Jon and Kelvin themselves. From about 25% to 50%, I was a happy cat. Before and after, not so much.
For those who disliked the first book because of Roman's burns, they were only mentioned once, very briefly, in this book. I wonder if the author heard those complaints loud and clear.
In addition to the lack of development between our couple, I also struggled with the characterization of Kelvin as so much less than by his pack - and the way that the people who treated him poorly did so with impunity. Once a character reveals ugliness like that, it's over for me. I'm not going to believe anything positive about them (and I get very annoyed by lack of loyalty in friends - I'm looking at you Sheridan, chummy chummy with one of the bad apples because you received her approval). I also want to see comeuppance for people like that - and I didn't here. The bad guys (in three separate incidences) went blithely about their way and I found that unsatisfying to read.
All in all, I'm disappointed. This wasn't what I was hoping for from this book. Your mileage my vary, of course.
February 5, 2017
Rating: 4.5 stars
Kelvin and Jon are great together. I think they're my favorite couple. They were easy together and both needed to be love--a perfect match. I do need to admit that I did like Sheridan for Jon too. I wish it was a ménage.
All the rituals, ceremonies, and descriptions were great, but after a while, took away from the book's flow. It became heavy in parts and I skipped some of the chateau descriptions since I was more interested in the couple itself.
Plus, the bit with Quade felt too out of place for me. Yes, I understand the purpose, but I hope it wasn't that detailed. Overall, another great story for the series.
Kelvin and Jon are great together. I think they're my favorite couple. They were easy together and both needed to be love--a perfect match. I do need to admit that I did like Sheridan for Jon too. I wish it was a ménage.
All the rituals, ceremonies, and descriptions were great, but after a while, took away from the book's flow. It became heavy in parts and I skipped some of the chateau descriptions since I was more interested in the couple itself.
Plus, the bit with Quade felt too out of place for me. Yes, I understand the purpose, but I hope it wasn't that detailed. Overall, another great story for the series.
December 26, 2016
My favorite
This series is stellar and highly original. The third book is by far my current favorite. Jon and Kelvin were amazing together. The romance and pining and soul deep love was painful and joyous. I love the mythology of L'Ange, and to have some theories about Roman's family confirmed was awesome. Brilliant.
This series is stellar and highly original. The third book is by far my current favorite. Jon and Kelvin were amazing together. The romance and pining and soul deep love was painful and joyous. I love the mythology of L'Ange, and to have some theories about Roman's family confirmed was awesome. Brilliant.
July 24, 2017
4.5 Stars
December 26, 2016
I’ve been waiting for this for SO LONG! I ADORE this series in both it’s written and audiobook formats. I listen to them frequently so I feel like I know these guys personally LOL.
Jon started out as a sort of “bad guy” in that he was meant to seduce Roman (to get a promotion) but couldn’t because Roman was in love with Quade. Jon seems like he’s lazy or at least without direction, but Roman sees something else in him and decides to “keep” him at L’Ange. Then we see him again when he travels to New York to help Arman with Linus’ revenge and there’s where he meets Kelvin.
We got a delicious hint of their matehood there and thus the anxious waiting for this book!
Kelvin is a wolf-shifter who (we find out) has a specific set of (TERRIBLE) rules to follow regarding his station. (Mary’s wolves are NOT noble creatures in general but rather barbaric – which is funny because her Hyena and Jackals are very noble!) He’s never been with a man and (at first) feels he can’t be with Jon due to his job title and the subsequent duties associated with his title.
However… there’s some pretty exciting twists and turns which put our poor heart-broken Jon in the same proximity as Kelvin (who’s also hurting) and their mate-bond cannot be denied.
But before all that – there’s a wrinkle – and this wrinkle had me scratching my head and wondering where the story was headed – and that has to do with a certain assistant Linus hires.
(I’m not going to elaborate because that’s the fun of reading the story yourself!)
In any case, it’s a Mary story, so you know it’s good. You know it ends happily. You know there’s going to be some violence and some excitement. (WOW – yes there is!) Fans of the series will get to see more of our previous MCs – I LOVE LINUS so much in this!!! And Arman has a scene that brought me to tears.
Highly recommended for fans of the series and the author, but I would read books one and two first (because they are awesome and because they add so much to this story.)
(I can't wait for the Audio - Tristan James is gonna ROCK Kelvin's accent - I hope!)
4.25 of 5 stars
Jon started out as a sort of “bad guy” in that he was meant to seduce Roman (to get a promotion) but couldn’t because Roman was in love with Quade. Jon seems like he’s lazy or at least without direction, but Roman sees something else in him and decides to “keep” him at L’Ange. Then we see him again when he travels to New York to help Arman with Linus’ revenge and there’s where he meets Kelvin.
We got a delicious hint of their matehood there and thus the anxious waiting for this book!
Kelvin is a wolf-shifter who (we find out) has a specific set of (TERRIBLE) rules to follow regarding his station. (Mary’s wolves are NOT noble creatures in general but rather barbaric – which is funny because her Hyena and Jackals are very noble!) He’s never been with a man and (at first) feels he can’t be with Jon due to his job title and the subsequent duties associated with his title.
However… there’s some pretty exciting twists and turns which put our poor heart-broken Jon in the same proximity as Kelvin (who’s also hurting) and their mate-bond cannot be denied.
But before all that – there’s a wrinkle – and this wrinkle had me scratching my head and wondering where the story was headed – and that has to do with a certain assistant Linus hires.
(I’m not going to elaborate because that’s the fun of reading the story yourself!)
In any case, it’s a Mary story, so you know it’s good. You know it ends happily. You know there’s going to be some violence and some excitement. (WOW – yes there is!) Fans of the series will get to see more of our previous MCs – I LOVE LINUS so much in this!!! And Arman has a scene that brought me to tears.
Highly recommended for fans of the series and the author, but I would read books one and two first (because they are awesome and because they add so much to this story.)
(I can't wait for the Audio - Tristan James is gonna ROCK Kelvin's accent - I hope!)
4.25 of 5 stars
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