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Cravings and Triggers
Zeph is a hardworking bartender with a reputation for being crazy, and the mother of a transgender son. Sani is a Navajo Skinwalker with a dark past, who has learned to avoid his triggers. Will these two learn to love each other in a healthy way or will their short fuses doom their relationship? Humorous stand alone about two well meaning former sociopaths. BW/NAM with a HEA. (less)
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2017
4 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Gisele R. Walko
6 books121 followersI am a wife, mother and Media Assistant at an Elementary School. I like to write in my spare time. In my past life I was a social worker, so some of my stuff focuses on social issues. My children are products of an interracial marriage, and there are lots of biracial kids in my extended family, so lots of my characters are biracial. I love watching horror shows, and puzzles.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 16, 2017
Disclaimer: Gisele is my friend but this has no bearing on my rating.
My heart's on fire
You light me up, and I can't cool down
Your love is wild
You're dangerous
Dangerous
- Wild Belle, "Love Like This"
This was my favorite book of Walko's so far. The characters were just so possessive and crazy, two traits I don't necessarily look for in my fiction (well, I do like crazy, but typically not possessive). But the characters played off each other in calming ways, not just crazy ways, and it made this book really fun.
He wants me, but he’s worried we’ll end in murder suicide. I believe in us.
Zeph was a delight, and I enjoyed all the other characters. Even the antagonists were sympathetic at times. Everyone had their own brand of crazy going on and I dug it.
I fucking love Zephenia. Love. Shit. No. No, I love fucking Zephenia. The other way could be a problem.
Sani was my favorite. MY BEAUTIFUL SANI. He first showed up in Wolf Girl Finds Necromance, and I really wanted him to have his own book. And now he does! He was so adorable and sexy. Although he shed his abusive behavior from Wolf Girl, the insecurities behind it still linger in him. Now he's learned to control himself, although he does flare up at Zeph's douchey ex from time to time. And his possessiveness is well-matched with hers. They're outlets for each other, and it's both disturbing and adorable.
4.5 stars
My heart's on fire
You light me up, and I can't cool down
Your love is wild
You're dangerous
Dangerous
- Wild Belle, "Love Like This"
This was my favorite book of Walko's so far. The characters were just so possessive and crazy, two traits I don't necessarily look for in my fiction (well, I do like crazy, but typically not possessive). But the characters played off each other in calming ways, not just crazy ways, and it made this book really fun.
He wants me, but he’s worried we’ll end in murder suicide. I believe in us.
Zeph was a delight, and I enjoyed all the other characters. Even the antagonists were sympathetic at times. Everyone had their own brand of crazy going on and I dug it.
I fucking love Zephenia. Love. Shit. No. No, I love fucking Zephenia. The other way could be a problem.
Sani was my favorite. MY BEAUTIFUL SANI. He first showed up in Wolf Girl Finds Necromance, and I really wanted him to have his own book. And now he does! He was so adorable and sexy. Although he shed his abusive behavior from Wolf Girl, the insecurities behind it still linger in him. Now he's learned to control himself, although he does flare up at Zeph's douchey ex from time to time. And his possessiveness is well-matched with hers. They're outlets for each other, and it's both disturbing and adorable.
4.5 stars
March 31, 2018
RIP Gisele Walko
Remember when JJ used to say 'Dynamite' on "Good Times" well that was a fair depiction of the main characters, Sani and Zeph apart but together they were truly perfect for one another. Both trying to do and be better but 'cravings and triggers' surrounding them -- making them explode, relapse or exact... no spoilers .. no spoilers Dee! Well anyhow, Zeph and Sani were as I said very flawed characters yet perfect as a couple -- He was her yen to his yan and that was what I found so exhilarating about this cray-cray relationship so that think like a 10 a step program-- one day at a time!
This story had so many subjects depicting the signs -of -our -times and that's why I highly recommend "Cravings and Triggers" by Gisele Walko.
5++ cleverly written stars *****
Remember when JJ used to say 'Dynamite' on "Good Times" well that was a fair depiction of the main characters, Sani and Zeph apart but together they were truly perfect for one another. Both trying to do and be better but 'cravings and triggers' surrounding them -- making them explode, relapse or exact... no spoilers .. no spoilers Dee! Well anyhow, Zeph and Sani were as I said very flawed characters yet perfect as a couple -- He was her yen to his yan and that was what I found so exhilarating about this cray-cray relationship so that think like a 10 a step program-- one day at a time!
This story had so many subjects depicting the signs -of -our -times and that's why I highly recommend "Cravings and Triggers" by Gisele Walko.
5++ cleverly written stars *****
February 7, 2017
I am completely biased, and that's okay. I had fun writing this. I decided to write a book for Sani because Donnya and Heather told me that he should have his own book within a couple of days of each other. It hadn't even occured to me until then. I gave Donnya and Heather both namesakes in the book. I would also like to thank the amazing Heather Crews for beta reading/editing.
July 7, 2020
Big ups to Zeph, the bad-ass mama.
February 6, 2017
Thanks to Gisele Walko, the bar has once more been raised in regards to romance. It's like she was inside my head or something, lol.
It's hard enough to write about a hero with anger management issues and to make him sympathetic. It's doubly hard to do that with a heroine and make her likeable. Cravings and Triggers manages to do that, and make the reader care about their happy ending. No doubt about it, Zeph and Sani were two messed up people, and while neither wallowed in their darkness, it was also a part of them which they were struggling to regulate. Zeph was known throughout the town for wielding a baseball bat or knife at the drop of a hat, and Sani was angry and possessive. Neither wants to be involved with someone of the opposite sex, but the heart tends to overrule any reservations.
Coloring books, punching bags and ice cream figure prominently in their own therapies.
Going in, I had no idea this was a paranormal romance. I was taken by the first chapter in which bartender Zeph has it out with her ex over their transgender son Z. Let's just say that Mama Grizzlies need to give Zeph a lot of respect when it comes to protecting Z. She was seriously channeling Angela Bassett from the iconic car in flames scene in 'Waiting to Exhale'. No, she didn't set the ex's car on fire, but revenge was still sweet.
Zeph especially gave me all kinds of feels. She was a thick, dark skinned Black woman who didn't feel sorry for herself. Her issues had nothing to do with being dark skinned. In fact, her two best friends often give her grief because she'll jokingly fish for compliments. I loved that dynamic. I also got major feels when she puts a jealous Sani in check: "Did you come out here to slut shame me? Fuck that. It's a small town. I've screwed like...a dozen dudes. Half live in this town. Once I let Matt take pictures of me from the neck down. We dated for a few months and I thought it'd be fun. If he's showing them to people, of course I regret it now, but I'm damn near thirty, and I wasn't a virgin when you met me, and I'm not apologizing to you for liking sex or having a past."
I seriously cheered out loud when I read that. Given the ridiculous amounts of shaming sexually adventurous heroines (especially in NA), it's more than refreshing to read an unapologetic woman who makes no bones about sex.
Sani is the tortured alpha hero done right. He's not excusing his past behavior, chalking it off to testosterone. He'd rather be alone than to subject another woman to his darkness. However, he gradually comes to realize that Zeph, despite her own issues, is the kind of woman he truly needs. They understand each other in ways no one else can. And let's face it, a Native American skinwalker who isn't angst-ridden about being a skinwalker is pretty cool.
The other characters - Z, Zeph's son, Heather and Donnya, her ride or die besties, even Adrian, the obnoxious ex - they're well fleshed out. Z especially, tugged at my heartstrings, being a trans-boy surrounded by those few with small minds.
To say I absolutely loved this story is a serious understatement. I'd love to read more about Zeph and Sani. If anything, it won't be boring.
It's hard enough to write about a hero with anger management issues and to make him sympathetic. It's doubly hard to do that with a heroine and make her likeable. Cravings and Triggers manages to do that, and make the reader care about their happy ending. No doubt about it, Zeph and Sani were two messed up people, and while neither wallowed in their darkness, it was also a part of them which they were struggling to regulate. Zeph was known throughout the town for wielding a baseball bat or knife at the drop of a hat, and Sani was angry and possessive. Neither wants to be involved with someone of the opposite sex, but the heart tends to overrule any reservations.
Coloring books, punching bags and ice cream figure prominently in their own therapies.
Going in, I had no idea this was a paranormal romance. I was taken by the first chapter in which bartender Zeph has it out with her ex over their transgender son Z. Let's just say that Mama Grizzlies need to give Zeph a lot of respect when it comes to protecting Z. She was seriously channeling Angela Bassett from the iconic car in flames scene in 'Waiting to Exhale'. No, she didn't set the ex's car on fire, but revenge was still sweet.
Zeph especially gave me all kinds of feels. She was a thick, dark skinned Black woman who didn't feel sorry for herself. Her issues had nothing to do with being dark skinned. In fact, her two best friends often give her grief because she'll jokingly fish for compliments. I loved that dynamic. I also got major feels when she puts a jealous Sani in check: "Did you come out here to slut shame me? Fuck that. It's a small town. I've screwed like...a dozen dudes. Half live in this town. Once I let Matt take pictures of me from the neck down. We dated for a few months and I thought it'd be fun. If he's showing them to people, of course I regret it now, but I'm damn near thirty, and I wasn't a virgin when you met me, and I'm not apologizing to you for liking sex or having a past."
I seriously cheered out loud when I read that. Given the ridiculous amounts of shaming sexually adventurous heroines (especially in NA), it's more than refreshing to read an unapologetic woman who makes no bones about sex.
Sani is the tortured alpha hero done right. He's not excusing his past behavior, chalking it off to testosterone. He'd rather be alone than to subject another woman to his darkness. However, he gradually comes to realize that Zeph, despite her own issues, is the kind of woman he truly needs. They understand each other in ways no one else can. And let's face it, a Native American skinwalker who isn't angst-ridden about being a skinwalker is pretty cool.
The other characters - Z, Zeph's son, Heather and Donnya, her ride or die besties, even Adrian, the obnoxious ex - they're well fleshed out. Z especially, tugged at my heartstrings, being a trans-boy surrounded by those few with small minds.
To say I absolutely loved this story is a serious understatement. I'd love to read more about Zeph and Sani. If anything, it won't be boring.
January 21, 2017
I loved this book. The characters were real, they felt like every day people like you knew them, worked with them and went to school with them, even the supernatural elements were normalized. I definitely recommend this book and this author. I loved that it wasn't the typical romance and that it had touches of darkness. Read it you will love it
February 6, 2017
"Cravings and Triggers" is a perfect title for this book--a psychological exploration into the mind and heart of Zeph and Sani, two people struggling with issues of anger, violence, possessiveness, and self-control. They crave love, stability, family, and friendship, but, like a recovering alcoholic or drug addict, must fight, daily, to beat back the triggers in their lives that leads them down an ugly path they don't wish to revisit. One of many things I most enjoyed about this new novel from Walko was the care she took with showing how Zeph and Sani struggles to work through their issues, their triggers. Zeph is all about self-care, knowing her triggers, her main one being her ex-husband, and she has several inventive ways to calm her anger.
By extension, Zeph, an awesome mother, teaches her transgender son how to cope with being unique in a world where too many people can't and won't understand. And this is the absolute best part of the novel. Zeph and Z, her son born inside the body of a girl. From school and bathroom issues to bullying to parental confusion and disagreement, Walko explores, in a tight and fast paced narrative, every day and real life experiences of many from the transgender community. A hot-button issue, in schools and workplaces, but one handled with care and sensitivity by the author. Excellent.
One of my favorite quotes:
"There's a gun club that meets here on Thursday nights. If you're in the market for a used gun, I'm looking to clear some of my inventory. I could see you that one."
"I have a lot of anger in me and an asshole ex-husband. You don't want me to join your club or buy a gun." Zeph Jones
LOL. Perfect-Cravings and Triggers
By extension, Zeph, an awesome mother, teaches her transgender son how to cope with being unique in a world where too many people can't and won't understand. And this is the absolute best part of the novel. Zeph and Z, her son born inside the body of a girl. From school and bathroom issues to bullying to parental confusion and disagreement, Walko explores, in a tight and fast paced narrative, every day and real life experiences of many from the transgender community. A hot-button issue, in schools and workplaces, but one handled with care and sensitivity by the author. Excellent.
One of my favorite quotes:
"There's a gun club that meets here on Thursday nights. If you're in the market for a used gun, I'm looking to clear some of my inventory. I could see you that one."
"I have a lot of anger in me and an asshole ex-husband. You don't want me to join your club or buy a gun." Zeph Jones
LOL. Perfect-Cravings and Triggers
August 8, 2018
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
First, I want to say I appreciate how much pride this author takes in presenting a clean, well-edited manuscript. Not all indie authors are equal despite their popularity. Ms. Walko could teach a few of these writers a thing or two about their work. One author--who shall remain nameless--is charging $5.99 or more per book and I can't stomach purchasing anything else by her due to all the typos and grammatical issues in every single book she has written. Although Ms. Walko may have a few little grammar issues here and there, it was not enough to set my teeth on edge or make me regret reading or buying this novel.
Second, Zephenia and Sani are truly fun characters. I enjoyed reading both perspectives. The book's supporting character roster keeps everything interesting as well.
Last, you may want to read Donnya and Ezra's story first
before reading this book because there are a lot of spoilers. This one is the finale of this not-quite series.
What I wasn't expecting was for what initially seemed like a contemporary IR romance to turn into a paranormal story. Something about the transition did not work for me and felt staged.
All in all, this was a fun book with loads of laughs, and lots to say about relationships (of all sorts), family, friendship, and community.
First, I want to say I appreciate how much pride this author takes in presenting a clean, well-edited manuscript. Not all indie authors are equal despite their popularity. Ms. Walko could teach a few of these writers a thing or two about their work. One author--who shall remain nameless--is charging $5.99 or more per book and I can't stomach purchasing anything else by her due to all the typos and grammatical issues in every single book she has written. Although Ms. Walko may have a few little grammar issues here and there, it was not enough to set my teeth on edge or make me regret reading or buying this novel.
Second, Zephenia and Sani are truly fun characters. I enjoyed reading both perspectives. The book's supporting character roster keeps everything interesting as well.
Last, you may want to read Donnya and Ezra's story first
before reading this book because there are a lot of spoilers. This one is the finale of this not-quite series. What I wasn't expecting was for what initially seemed like a contemporary IR romance to turn into a paranormal story. Something about the transition did not work for me and felt staged.
All in all, this was a fun book with loads of laughs, and lots to say about relationships (of all sorts), family, friendship, and community.
February 18, 2017
4.5 Stars
Zeph is a kick ass bad mama jama mama bear out to protect her daughter who identifies as a boy. Why her ex-husband and his parents (or anybody else) can't get on board with the program is a mystery to her. Doesn't matter though because she provides the love, strength and understanding that her son Zee needs to navigate the world. Content just to raise her son alone, it's a surprise to her when she feels the sparks of attraction to a quiet local handyman named Sani.
Sani is not completely sane so he's perfect for Zeph. You know, two crazies who have impulse control issues come together to complete a rag tag family of so-called societal misfits. Trust me, they aren't the crazy ones. That title accurately belongs to Zeph's 'ride or die' girlfriends Donnya and Heather who introduces Zeph to 'The Dark World'. Say what now? You have to read it!
This author never fails to entertain or inspire her readers to hunger for more of her creative interpretation of how she sees the world around us. I l♥ved it!
In 2017: Ethan & Michelle's Continuing Story
Zeph is a kick ass bad mama jama mama bear out to protect her daughter who identifies as a boy. Why her ex-husband and his parents (or anybody else) can't get on board with the program is a mystery to her. Doesn't matter though because she provides the love, strength and understanding that her son Zee needs to navigate the world. Content just to raise her son alone, it's a surprise to her when she feels the sparks of attraction to a quiet local handyman named Sani.
Sani is not completely sane so he's perfect for Zeph. You know, two crazies who have impulse control issues come together to complete a rag tag family of so-called societal misfits. Trust me, they aren't the crazy ones. That title accurately belongs to Zeph's 'ride or die' girlfriends Donnya and Heather who introduces Zeph to 'The Dark World'. Say what now? You have to read it!
This author never fails to entertain or inspire her readers to hunger for more of her creative interpretation of how she sees the world around us. I l♥ved it!
In 2017: Ethan & Michelle's Continuing Story
February 1, 2017
There are a lot of things to like about this book. Unfortunately, I wasn't really feeling the paranormal aspect of it and felt the story was strong enough without it.
Overall it was a good book with strong major and minor characters. I'm giving Cravings and Triggers a strong 3.5 stars.
Keep an eye out for my full review.
Overall it was a good book with strong major and minor characters. I'm giving Cravings and Triggers a strong 3.5 stars.
Keep an eye out for my full review.
February 5, 2017
Another good book that I didn't want to end but had to end.
February 4, 2017
ARC for an honest review.This is amazballs. Oh my goodness Sani and Zeph were freaking nuts and all I could think about while reading this book was damn that sounds like my kind of relationship and also my girl Gisele Walko knock this book right out of the park. Thank you for allowing me to read your book!!!!
February 5, 2017
I stayed up until 5:30 am reading this book. It takes a damn good read to make me miss out on my zzzzs! I fell in love with Sani from the beginning, not caring that he may or may not be dangerous.
Sure he stalked his last girlfriend and cut off her hair. So what! That was her. I figured if he was really all that bad, he would have done more damage and he wouldn't feel bad about it. Sani had a conscious and he did his best to isolate himself to keep his demons at bay. Sounds like a good soul to me.
Zeph is a trip! I love how she will pop off at the drop of a dime to protect her baby boy. Don't mess with Z honey! Mama Bear don't play. Lol . Her ability to placate her inner bad girl through coloring and drinking calming tea was a good addition. She tried her best not to lose her cool, but that Adrian kept some mess going.
I won't spoil the book, but I am rating it 4.5 stars. It was great and brought some heat too, but I wanted it to end differently. They still get their HEA, but in a different way than I imagined. ❤️
Sure he stalked his last girlfriend and cut off her hair. So what! That was her. I figured if he was really all that bad, he would have done more damage and he wouldn't feel bad about it. Sani had a conscious and he did his best to isolate himself to keep his demons at bay. Sounds like a good soul to me.
Zeph is a trip! I love how she will pop off at the drop of a dime to protect her baby boy. Don't mess with Z honey! Mama Bear don't play. Lol . Her ability to placate her inner bad girl through coloring and drinking calming tea was a good addition. She tried her best not to lose her cool, but that Adrian kept some mess going.
I won't spoil the book, but I am rating it 4.5 stars. It was great and brought some heat too, but I wanted it to end differently. They still get their HEA, but in a different way than I imagined. ❤️
January 21, 2017
I wrote a detailed review on my author blog. Please check it out! 4.5 stars!!
January 30, 2017
For Zeph, being a single mom can be tough. But dealing with her moronic ex-husband , who refuses to see that he has a trans son, makes it even harder. It doesn't help that Zeph, has a crazy reputation in town. For slicing tires, taking bats to windows, picking up random knives, crowbars, and etc without even thinking. Well... most of the time she doesn't know she has a weapon. So having a boyfriend was out of the question. Except for the casual tinder hooks-ups here and there. That is until she met Sani.
A Navjo skinwalker, with his on kind of crazy. I mean if stalking your ex and cutting her hair counts, I personally think that qualify? Right? So anywho, relationships is a hard no for him. But meeting Zeph and Z really turn that switch on. Making this an entertaining read of two psychopaths in a crazy paranormal love story and I loved every bit of it.
I loved how much Zeph and Sani relationship developed it was wasn't fast or too slow . It was more of a sped that needed to be taken, granted with both of their crazy personality . They calmed each other and both had a crazy af jealous streak that works well for them. Z was such a sweetie pie and Zeph's friends was also a welcome addition that had me rolling with their antics, throughout the book.
February 3, 2017
4.5
This was a first time for me reading from this author even though I own a few of her books. I did get a bit sort of mixed up with the paranormal side of things, I felt there kind of wasn't enough in it to be paranormal or the pull of it wasn't as strong as everything else that was going on in the book.
Definitely love that it wasn't your straight single mom story. I loved that the author wrote about a subject/situation that is happening to some parents and that one parent was supportive and the other had a hard time dealing with it or was in denial about it.
Enjoyable read, kept me up late. I might have to invest in some colouring books and pens myself for future use. Gave half a point for the Native American Hottie!!!!!
This was a first time for me reading from this author even though I own a few of her books. I did get a bit sort of mixed up with the paranormal side of things, I felt there kind of wasn't enough in it to be paranormal or the pull of it wasn't as strong as everything else that was going on in the book.
Definitely love that it wasn't your straight single mom story. I loved that the author wrote about a subject/situation that is happening to some parents and that one parent was supportive and the other had a hard time dealing with it or was in denial about it.
Enjoyable read, kept me up late. I might have to invest in some colouring books and pens myself for future use. Gave half a point for the Native American Hottie!!!!!
February 9, 2017
ARC received from author un exchange for an honest review
To be succinct, this was an imaginative read with lots of interesting twists and turns... Although the Trans element wasn't really my cuppa, I pushed forward and continued on with the story. IMO, Miss Gisele has once again displayed her passion for the craft of writing a 3 dimensional story, where the characters live and breathe, and bleed...
However, to be fair and balanced, this story wasn't entirely pitch perfect, but all in all, I found this story to be a captivating worthwhile read, that left me wanting more of Zeph & Sani's story.
Giving this one: 4 solid stars...
To be succinct, this was an imaginative read with lots of interesting twists and turns... Although the Trans element wasn't really my cuppa, I pushed forward and continued on with the story. IMO, Miss Gisele has once again displayed her passion for the craft of writing a 3 dimensional story, where the characters live and breathe, and bleed...
However, to be fair and balanced, this story wasn't entirely pitch perfect, but all in all, I found this story to be a captivating worthwhile read, that left me wanting more of Zeph & Sani's story.
Giving this one: 4 solid stars...
February 2, 2017
**review to come**
February 5, 2017
Is someone really pissing you off until you see red with thunderbolts on the horizon? Slash some tires and have a hefty crowbar ready.
Again...another wonderfully subversive read from Walko.
There were so many outrageous thoughts, quips, and actions from the H/h that I found myself chuckling throughout my reading of the book..which is what I wanted and expected to do. :)
4.5 stars!
Again...another wonderfully subversive read from Walko.
There were so many outrageous thoughts, quips, and actions from the H/h that I found myself chuckling throughout my reading of the book..which is what I wanted and expected to do. :)
4.5 stars!
December 6, 2019
Sooo when's the sequel coming?
I liked this so much! It was different but in a very good way. Now I'm hooked and want to know what happens with the kids.
I liked this so much! It was different but in a very good way. Now I'm hooked and want to know what happens with the kids.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews