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Heart's Gate #1
Finder's Keeper
The truth might ruin his dreams—or make them come true.
When Zane moves into an old gothic brownstone, he discovers the house comes equipped with a caretaker—Kit, who lives in the basement. Zane is immediately drawn to the charming and attractive Kit. But Kit is much more than he seems. He is a two-hundred-year-old half-human, half–red-fox spirit who guards a Gate between the mortal and spirit worlds—a fact Zane should recognize, but doesn’t.
Orphaned at a young age, Zane never learned he comes from a long line of mystical Keepers. Kit needs Zane’s help to protect the Gate, but how can he tell Zane of his legacy when that will crush Zane’s dreams of traveling the world? If he takes up the mantle, Zane will be bound to the Gate, unable to leave it. But when Zane realizes Kit’s true nature, and his own, he’ll have to make a choice—fight to protect Kit and the Gate, or deny his destiny and any chance of a future with Kit.
When Zane moves into an old gothic brownstone, he discovers the house comes equipped with a caretaker—Kit, who lives in the basement. Zane is immediately drawn to the charming and attractive Kit. But Kit is much more than he seems. He is a two-hundred-year-old half-human, half–red-fox spirit who guards a Gate between the mortal and spirit worlds—a fact Zane should recognize, but doesn’t.
Orphaned at a young age, Zane never learned he comes from a long line of mystical Keepers. Kit needs Zane’s help to protect the Gate, but how can he tell Zane of his legacy when that will crush Zane’s dreams of traveling the world? If he takes up the mantle, Zane will be bound to the Gate, unable to leave it. But when Zane realizes Kit’s true nature, and his own, he’ll have to make a choice—fight to protect Kit and the Gate, or deny his destiny and any chance of a future with Kit.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2017
7 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Shira Anthony
43 books427 followersShira Anthony is a complete sucker for a happily-ever-after, and rarely reads or writes a story without one. Never a fan of instalove, Shira likes to write stories about real men with real issues making real relationships work.
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 14, 2019
3.5 Stars
A really easy going paranormal romance with an interesting take on how we’re connected to that of the spirit world.
As per the blurb, Zane moves into an inherited house but little does he know, it surrounds a Gate - a doorway to the other side that is protected and regulated by a Guardian. Said Guardian is Kit, and though Zane assumes Kit is simply the caretaker of the house, Zane really has no clue that his own ancestry hides a hidden destiny, that he’s a Keeper who helps the Guardian maintain safety between both sides. Thing is, once committed there’s all sorts of rules and restrictions that ensue.
Very likeable characters, with a good dash of sexy, it was a nice progression between Zane and Kit getting to know each other. Their push pull was enjoyable as they grapple with their responsibilities, their new life changes and reveals, and a burgeoning love that was never expected but oh so appreciated.
Simple and sweet, there’s little to find fault with here except wondering when the sequel will come out!
A really easy going paranormal romance with an interesting take on how we’re connected to that of the spirit world.
As per the blurb, Zane moves into an inherited house but little does he know, it surrounds a Gate - a doorway to the other side that is protected and regulated by a Guardian. Said Guardian is Kit, and though Zane assumes Kit is simply the caretaker of the house, Zane really has no clue that his own ancestry hides a hidden destiny, that he’s a Keeper who helps the Guardian maintain safety between both sides. Thing is, once committed there’s all sorts of rules and restrictions that ensue.
Very likeable characters, with a good dash of sexy, it was a nice progression between Zane and Kit getting to know each other. Their push pull was enjoyable as they grapple with their responsibilities, their new life changes and reveals, and a burgeoning love that was never expected but oh so appreciated.
Simple and sweet, there’s little to find fault with here except wondering when the sequel will come out!
September 26, 2017
Tag Team Review with Sara
FOUR HEARTS--I'll be honest, I didn't read the blurb when I saw Shira Antony's addition to the new Dreamspun Beyond line. And if I did, I probably wouldn't have read it. Because ghosts spirits.
But it's Shira Anthony and I've yet to be disappointed, especially with her ginger MCs. Every one of them have been solid characters. Finder's Keeper can be added to the list.
Set in Cleveland, Ohio, 28 year old engineer, Zane, finally moves into his cousin's brownstone five years after his cousin's death. He never met his cousin Ralph, being as he and his twin sister's were orphans and grew up in the foster care system. With a new job and house set up,, Zane finally answer the pull inside him to go to this house. He was surprised when he discovered his house comes with a ginger haired caretaker who lives in his basement.
Zane is isn't used to letting people in especially new people, but there is something about Kit that draws him to the mysterious man. Kit knows what the draw is. Zane is his Keeper and he's Zane's Guardian and the house is where they need to be together to make their powers stronger. Kit is a kitsune, a human/ red fox spirit hybrid that has lived for over two centuries and the pull he feel with this Keeper is different. With a demon sidekick, Kit tries to keep an eye on the man while battling his feelings for Zane and self sacrificing his happiness to keep Zane in comfort. It's sweet and little hurt/comfort mixed in.
A Guardian is the gatekeeper to the spirit world, there is a Gate to guard. The Keeper is the battery to supply the Guardian the power to grant wayward spirits a safe travel to the spirit world. The Gate is in the house and Zane is none the wiser. A chunk of the story is based on Kit trying to hide the supernatural bridge from the man. It makes for an interest set up and read because fate4 can't be denied in this one. Nor can love.
The story was smooth, but I think it could have been smoother in certain areas. I have a niggle with the near death experiences regarding Zane. In the beginning Zane is introduced as super klutzy and has lived a life where mysterious injuries tend to happen to him. Hell, even his parents were killed in an accident with him. The klutzy/clumsy vibe kinda died down and world building took precedence. There was a spook factor, but with an attack once and then it kinda stalled. Also, I kinda expected more trepidation on Zane's part when he embraced the supernatural. I get it he's been exposed his entire life, his twin sister runs a tarot shop. But he was a denier and little glimpse of his troubled childhood would make me expect more fight from Zane. More reaction from Zane to the spooky forces out to get him at least.
Overall, strong story. The romance is slow burn and a mix of insta-love. The feelings develop really quickly. There is one sweet sex scene that felt super appropriate with the way the two feelings develop. Plus, virginity score. I bought the feels and the romance end of this tale.
There are two side characters that seem to have potential for future leads, as this is the first in the Heart's Gate series. I see demon loving in my future. (I hope!)
Recommended for readers who like supernatural, damaged fox spirits and slow burn!
A copy provided for an honest review.
FOUR HEARTS--I'll be honest, I didn't read the blurb when I saw Shira Antony's addition to the new Dreamspun Beyond line. And if I did, I probably wouldn't have read it. Because ghosts spirits.
But it's Shira Anthony and I've yet to be disappointed, especially with her ginger MCs. Every one of them have been solid characters. Finder's Keeper can be added to the list.
Set in Cleveland, Ohio, 28 year old engineer, Zane, finally moves into his cousin's brownstone five years after his cousin's death. He never met his cousin Ralph, being as he and his twin sister's were orphans and grew up in the foster care system. With a new job and house set up,, Zane finally answer the pull inside him to go to this house. He was surprised when he discovered his house comes with a ginger haired caretaker who lives in his basement.
Zane is isn't used to letting people in especially new people, but there is something about Kit that draws him to the mysterious man. Kit knows what the draw is. Zane is his Keeper and he's Zane's Guardian and the house is where they need to be together to make their powers stronger. Kit is a kitsune, a human/ red fox spirit hybrid that has lived for over two centuries and the pull he feel with this Keeper is different. With a demon sidekick, Kit tries to keep an eye on the man while battling his feelings for Zane and self sacrificing his happiness to keep Zane in comfort. It's sweet and little hurt/comfort mixed in.
A Guardian is the gatekeeper to the spirit world, there is a Gate to guard. The Keeper is the battery to supply the Guardian the power to grant wayward spirits a safe travel to the spirit world. The Gate is in the house and Zane is none the wiser. A chunk of the story is based on Kit trying to hide the supernatural bridge from the man. It makes for an interest set up and read because fate4 can't be denied in this one. Nor can love.
The story was smooth, but I think it could have been smoother in certain areas. I have a niggle with the near death experiences regarding Zane. In the beginning Zane is introduced as super klutzy and has lived a life where mysterious injuries tend to happen to him. Hell, even his parents were killed in an accident with him. The klutzy/clumsy vibe kinda died down and world building took precedence. There was a spook factor, but with an attack once and then it kinda stalled. Also, I kinda expected more trepidation on Zane's part when he embraced the supernatural. I get it he's been exposed his entire life, his twin sister runs a tarot shop. But he was a denier and little glimpse of his troubled childhood would make me expect more fight from Zane. More reaction from Zane to the spooky forces out to get him at least.
Overall, strong story. The romance is slow burn and a mix of insta-love. The feelings develop really quickly. There is one sweet sex scene that felt super appropriate with the way the two feelings develop. Plus, virginity score. I bought the feels and the romance end of this tale.
There are two side characters that seem to have potential for future leads, as this is the first in the Heart's Gate series. I see demon loving in my future. (I hope!)
Recommended for readers who like supernatural, damaged fox spirits and slow burn!
A copy provided for an honest review.
January 22, 2018
2.5 Hearts
Bleeeeerrrrggggghhhhhhh....
I don't know what happened! I was so looking forward to this one but I never connected to these characters which is a shame since it's got a lot going for it-unusual shifters, intriguing plot and cracky fluff. Slam dunk, right?
Kit is a ginger fox shifter and guardian of a gate to the spirit world who lost his keeper five years ago. He's been white knuckling it since then until Zane finally gets a job in Ohio and moves into the house he's inherited. Zane is the next keeper in the family line but since he and his sister were orphaned he doesn't know it. Kit is loathe to tell him for fear of binding him to a life he doesn't want yet the longer Kit goes without a keeper the weaker he becomes.
Me and the martyr thing don't get along and Kit lets it go on for far too long, especially considering Zane keeps telling him how much he wants all the things, so it came across as unnecessary drama. That coupled with the fact that I never felt their soul deep, forever-n-ever connection left me...
I know. For shame. I did like the spirit world and how vast and rich texturally it sounded filled with unusual creatures. Zane's attraction to Kit was nice and I liked that Kit was awkward and inexperienced due to never having formed a romantic connection to anyone before much less his keeper. But I didn't get the warm squishy feels I've come to expect when reading the cracky fluff.
This is my second rodeo with this author in audio format and as much as it makes me feel like a pill to say this, I don't think her writing style is conducive to audiobooks. It comes across choppy and muddled. There are excessive details regarding everyone and their sister's actions that make the narrative difficult to follow. I found myself so distracted with trying to keep up with who's sighing, who's finding the cure for cancer, who's making a batch of scones and who's about to die at the hands of some nefarious being that I think I subconsciously checked out after awhile. I kept listening but I was mailing it in. The action nor the romance plots moved me and both took too long to coalesce. However, I have resolved to try her in written form and hopefully that goes better. 🙏
As far as the narration goes, Obi differentiated all the characters well. I liked his voice for Kit but his voice for Zane was a little too breathy for me and I think sometimes he "punched" the wrong moments.
This will be my last Anthony audiobook and I wouldn't recommend it but my opinions are my own and YMMV.
A review copy was provided.
Bleeeeerrrrggggghhhhhhh....
I don't know what happened! I was so looking forward to this one but I never connected to these characters which is a shame since it's got a lot going for it-unusual shifters, intriguing plot and cracky fluff. Slam dunk, right?
Kit is a ginger fox shifter and guardian of a gate to the spirit world who lost his keeper five years ago. He's been white knuckling it since then until Zane finally gets a job in Ohio and moves into the house he's inherited. Zane is the next keeper in the family line but since he and his sister were orphaned he doesn't know it. Kit is loathe to tell him for fear of binding him to a life he doesn't want yet the longer Kit goes without a keeper the weaker he becomes.
Me and the martyr thing don't get along and Kit lets it go on for far too long, especially considering Zane keeps telling him how much he wants all the things, so it came across as unnecessary drama. That coupled with the fact that I never felt their soul deep, forever-n-ever connection left me...
I know. For shame. I did like the spirit world and how vast and rich texturally it sounded filled with unusual creatures. Zane's attraction to Kit was nice and I liked that Kit was awkward and inexperienced due to never having formed a romantic connection to anyone before much less his keeper. But I didn't get the warm squishy feels I've come to expect when reading the cracky fluff.
This is my second rodeo with this author in audio format and as much as it makes me feel like a pill to say this, I don't think her writing style is conducive to audiobooks. It comes across choppy and muddled. There are excessive details regarding everyone and their sister's actions that make the narrative difficult to follow. I found myself so distracted with trying to keep up with who's sighing, who's finding the cure for cancer, who's making a batch of scones and who's about to die at the hands of some nefarious being that I think I subconsciously checked out after awhile. I kept listening but I was mailing it in. The action nor the romance plots moved me and both took too long to coalesce. However, I have resolved to try her in written form and hopefully that goes better. 🙏
As far as the narration goes, Obi differentiated all the characters well. I liked his voice for Kit but his voice for Zane was a little too breathy for me and I think sometimes he "punched" the wrong moments.
This will be my last Anthony audiobook and I wouldn't recommend it but my opinions are my own and YMMV.
A review copy was provided.
March 15, 2018
4 Stars
In a bold effort to change-up his life and start afresh, Zane makes a drastic move from NC to Cleveland, Ohio, when he inherits an old brownstone from his now deceased distant relative.
When he arrives he quickly learns that the house comes with a live-in caretaker, in the form of a beautiful and enigmatic red-head named Kit. Zane is pretty carefree regarding Kit’s presence, which may or may not having something to do with the mysterious pull Zane feels, both towards the house and Kit himself – a pull that makes Zane feel like he’s finally where he’s always belonged, as inexplicable as it first seems.
What Zane doesn’t know yet is that the old house holds a magical gateway to the spirit world, which is one of many gateways scattered around our world. All gateways are under the care and protection of two beings: a Guardian and a Keeper.
Kit, who is actually a half fox-spirit/half human hybrid, has been this gate’s Guardian for centuries, helping spirits cross back and forth between this world and the their world.
Unbeknownst to Zane, he is the new Keeper. It’s a role he was unknowingly born to and a position of great importance. Essentially, a Keeper’s role is to give power (like a battery of sorts) to the Guardian. A Guardian relies heavily on a Keeper to keep his strength and complete his task, and without Zane, Kit has been draining power, and essentially his life, since his last Keeper (Zane’s uncle) passed away five years earlier.
Kit is elated when Zane finally arrives, but he’s also apprehensive to place such a heavy burden on Zane’s shoulders. He doesn’t want to scare Zane away, or worse, trap Zane in a life-long task that will tie him to Kit and the house forever. For the first time in his long life, Kit is feeling something towards Zane that is profoundly different than anything he’s ever experienced in his relationships with his past Keepers. But as Kit continues to keep the truth from Zane for as long as possible, he grows weaker still, which only becomes more worrisome when some nasty spirits beginning testing his power, practically forcing Kit to reveal the truth to Zane.
Inevitably, destiny and new love can’t be denied, and Kit’s surprising new revelations come with some interesting, yet unsurprising, reactions from Zane.
I really enjoyed this story and I found myself completely fascinated by the immersive world-building going on here. This was one of those stories that unfolded so clearly in my mind’s eye that I couldn’t help but imagine how great this story would play out on screen. Seriously, if this story, exactly as is, had a film version out there, I have a feeling it would be a go-to favourite. It simply held all the elements I love in a romantic paranormal story.
After reading a lot of the other reviews, I feel a bit like I read a different story than the one some of my GR friends experienced. I’m kind of thankful for that feeling though, because I definitely seemed to connect to this story a lot more than some, and I’m glad I’m squarely situated in the camp of overall enjoyment. Phew!
This is only my second read from Shira Anthony but I certainly feel like her stories and her writing resonates with me personally, and I can’t wait to read more from her past and future endeavours.
In a bold effort to change-up his life and start afresh, Zane makes a drastic move from NC to Cleveland, Ohio, when he inherits an old brownstone from his now deceased distant relative.
When he arrives he quickly learns that the house comes with a live-in caretaker, in the form of a beautiful and enigmatic red-head named Kit. Zane is pretty carefree regarding Kit’s presence, which may or may not having something to do with the mysterious pull Zane feels, both towards the house and Kit himself – a pull that makes Zane feel like he’s finally where he’s always belonged, as inexplicable as it first seems.
What Zane doesn’t know yet is that the old house holds a magical gateway to the spirit world, which is one of many gateways scattered around our world. All gateways are under the care and protection of two beings: a Guardian and a Keeper.
Kit, who is actually a half fox-spirit/half human hybrid, has been this gate’s Guardian for centuries, helping spirits cross back and forth between this world and the their world.
Unbeknownst to Zane, he is the new Keeper. It’s a role he was unknowingly born to and a position of great importance. Essentially, a Keeper’s role is to give power (like a battery of sorts) to the Guardian. A Guardian relies heavily on a Keeper to keep his strength and complete his task, and without Zane, Kit has been draining power, and essentially his life, since his last Keeper (Zane’s uncle) passed away five years earlier.
Kit is elated when Zane finally arrives, but he’s also apprehensive to place such a heavy burden on Zane’s shoulders. He doesn’t want to scare Zane away, or worse, trap Zane in a life-long task that will tie him to Kit and the house forever. For the first time in his long life, Kit is feeling something towards Zane that is profoundly different than anything he’s ever experienced in his relationships with his past Keepers. But as Kit continues to keep the truth from Zane for as long as possible, he grows weaker still, which only becomes more worrisome when some nasty spirits beginning testing his power, practically forcing Kit to reveal the truth to Zane.
Inevitably, destiny and new love can’t be denied, and Kit’s surprising new revelations come with some interesting, yet unsurprising, reactions from Zane.
I really enjoyed this story and I found myself completely fascinated by the immersive world-building going on here. This was one of those stories that unfolded so clearly in my mind’s eye that I couldn’t help but imagine how great this story would play out on screen. Seriously, if this story, exactly as is, had a film version out there, I have a feeling it would be a go-to favourite. It simply held all the elements I love in a romantic paranormal story.
After reading a lot of the other reviews, I feel a bit like I read a different story than the one some of my GR friends experienced. I’m kind of thankful for that feeling though, because I definitely seemed to connect to this story a lot more than some, and I’m glad I’m squarely situated in the camp of overall enjoyment. Phew!
This is only my second read from Shira Anthony but I certainly feel like her stories and her writing resonates with me personally, and I can’t wait to read more from her past and future endeavours.
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September 18, 20175 Hearts
***Tag Team Review with SRAL!***
I realize that y’all are probably tired of me raving about the Dreasmpun line and now that I’ve got the Beyond books to revel in, I just can’t stop being in love with both series.
When I saw that Shira Anthony would be contributing to the new line I was happy and then I read the blurb and had to tone down my excitement until I got my hands on the book. I love the idea of fate: that something beyond your run of the mill existence has been planned and is out there waiting for you to find it. It’s even better when that existence comes with the love of your life and the only place you belong.
Yeah. All together now… Le sigh.
We meet Zane Mayer as he is taking a perilous walk to the Cleveland brownstone he will be living in now that he has taken a new job and had the house left to him from his second cousin. Zane does find it odd that he was left the brownstone considering he never met is Cousin Ralph and that there is “do not sale” attached to the in heritance. But Zane doesn’t find it odd enough to leave Raleigh and start a new life. I just don’t think it’s the life he ever imagined, or maybe it’s exactly the life he dreamed of.
Along with the brownstone becoming his, Zane soon learns that the house comes with a caretaker, Kit, who lives in the mother-in-law suite in the basement. Though Zane should find it odd that the house comes with its own live in caretaker, he just rolls with it because Kit is an adorable curly haired ginger with green eyes, pale skin covered in freckles that you want to count and is one fabulous cook. It’s only normal that Zane overlook the fact that a virtual stranger has lived in this house and just assumes to keep living there… right?\
But Kit isn’t just a caretaker; he’s a half red-fox half human spirit who has been guarding the gate between the spirit and human world for well over 200 years. The gate that just happens to be conveniently located in his bedroom. You see, Kit is a Guardian of the gate who needs to find his Keeper to make them strong and keep the right and wrong spirits from moving between the two worlds. Oh and guess who the Keeper is? Yup, but Zane doesn’t know it yet.
I love the idea of the Guardian and the Keeper. That apart they can survive but only on the weakest level. It’s only together that they become stronger to survive and strive. The world building we get in this book, which is listed as the first in a series, is fantastic. We get the knowledge of who Kit is and how he became a Guardian and the number of Keepers he’s been bonded to over the years. We get all of this as the slow burn romance happens quietly between Zane and Kit and while Kit wrestles with the decision to tell Zane about his true path and his true self. Kit has never felt the way he feels for Zane about a Keeper before and fears that once Zane knows the whole truth, he’ll leave.
Oh and Zane, he doesn’t know he’s a Keeper because most Keepers learn of their history and their destiny through their parents and Zane’s parents died when he was young. He was raised in a foster home with his twin sister Ren until a family took both of them in until they were adults. Zane feels a pull toward Kit that is more than physical attraction but doesn’t know how to pinpoint why he feels it.
Anyway. Zane and Kit have a full week of getting to know one another when Zane feels there is something wrong with Kit so he seeks him out and sees Kit for who he really is. I loved this part and Zane’s reaction to seeing Kit as a red fox spirit. Kit in his true form as a fox spirit is of the Kitsune persuasion and not a full shifter-esque fox. I went and stalked the author’s website to see if she talks about Kit and she said her inspiration for him was from Japanese Anime and I fell down a rabbit hole of videos with Tomoe and Soushi just admiring how gorgeous a fox spirit is. I would love to see a drawn image of Kit with his long red hair, vibrant green eyes and those tails…those tails! *swoon*
So Zane sees Kit and Kit has to get over the “I know better than you” deal and tell Zane who he is. With Zane having a twin sister who reads Tarot and owns an occult shop, it’s not a ginormous leap for Zane to believe he is part of something bigger than he ever imagined. Zane accepts his job as the Keeper of the Gate and is more than thrilled to find out that he can be bound to Kit in every way he wants to be. Kit has reservations about letting Zane bind him as once bound, neither the Guardian nor the Keeper can leave the Gate without consequence and Kit cares for Zane too much to let him sacrifice everything he dreams of. Silly of Kit to assume before Zane can tell that this is more than he could have ever hoped for.
What I loved about this book and honestly, I am just getting it as I write this review, is there’s a sense while reading of trying to grasp onto something and hold on while everything seems to moves quickly. A feeling of unease and uncertainty but one of hope that now as I am looking over my notes, Zane and Kit were having those exact feelings as they try to figure this new relationship out. Both the romantic and the supernatural but these two are amazing together and this new threat they face between worlds will only make them stronger.
Yeah, I know. I went rambling there didn’t I but I really loved this story. I adored the hurt comfort with Kit, how he’s been told his fox spirit form is hideous and that he is only a servant to his Keeper and how Zane will make him feel his worth no matter what. I loved the hell out of Lor in any form he’s in and how a demon became BFF’s with a Guardian for some 200 years. I had feelings about Steve and am so glad I was right and the bit with Ren at the end is how I totally felt about this book!
Okay, I will stop now. Just know if you couldn’t tell, I LOVED this book and I want so much more in this series.
***Tag Team Review with SRAL!***
I realize that y’all are probably tired of me raving about the Dreasmpun line and now that I’ve got the Beyond books to revel in, I just can’t stop being in love with both series.
When I saw that Shira Anthony would be contributing to the new line I was happy and then I read the blurb and had to tone down my excitement until I got my hands on the book. I love the idea of fate: that something beyond your run of the mill existence has been planned and is out there waiting for you to find it. It’s even better when that existence comes with the love of your life and the only place you belong.
Yeah. All together now… Le sigh.
We meet Zane Mayer as he is taking a perilous walk to the Cleveland brownstone he will be living in now that he has taken a new job and had the house left to him from his second cousin. Zane does find it odd that he was left the brownstone considering he never met is Cousin Ralph and that there is “do not sale” attached to the in heritance. But Zane doesn’t find it odd enough to leave Raleigh and start a new life. I just don’t think it’s the life he ever imagined, or maybe it’s exactly the life he dreamed of.
Along with the brownstone becoming his, Zane soon learns that the house comes with a caretaker, Kit, who lives in the mother-in-law suite in the basement. Though Zane should find it odd that the house comes with its own live in caretaker, he just rolls with it because Kit is an adorable curly haired ginger with green eyes, pale skin covered in freckles that you want to count and is one fabulous cook. It’s only normal that Zane overlook the fact that a virtual stranger has lived in this house and just assumes to keep living there… right?\
He couldn’t explain it, but in spite of the strangeness that seemed to accompany Kit and the house, Zane felt as if he belonged.
But Kit isn’t just a caretaker; he’s a half red-fox half human spirit who has been guarding the gate between the spirit and human world for well over 200 years. The gate that just happens to be conveniently located in his bedroom. You see, Kit is a Guardian of the gate who needs to find his Keeper to make them strong and keep the right and wrong spirits from moving between the two worlds. Oh and guess who the Keeper is? Yup, but Zane doesn’t know it yet.
I love the idea of the Guardian and the Keeper. That apart they can survive but only on the weakest level. It’s only together that they become stronger to survive and strive. The world building we get in this book, which is listed as the first in a series, is fantastic. We get the knowledge of who Kit is and how he became a Guardian and the number of Keepers he’s been bonded to over the years. We get all of this as the slow burn romance happens quietly between Zane and Kit and while Kit wrestles with the decision to tell Zane about his true path and his true self. Kit has never felt the way he feels for Zane about a Keeper before and fears that once Zane knows the whole truth, he’ll leave.
Oh and Zane, he doesn’t know he’s a Keeper because most Keepers learn of their history and their destiny through their parents and Zane’s parents died when he was young. He was raised in a foster home with his twin sister Ren until a family took both of them in until they were adults. Zane feels a pull toward Kit that is more than physical attraction but doesn’t know how to pinpoint why he feels it.
Anyway. Zane and Kit have a full week of getting to know one another when Zane feels there is something wrong with Kit so he seeks him out and sees Kit for who he really is. I loved this part and Zane’s reaction to seeing Kit as a red fox spirit. Kit in his true form as a fox spirit is of the Kitsune persuasion and not a full shifter-esque fox. I went and stalked the author’s website to see if she talks about Kit and she said her inspiration for him was from Japanese Anime and I fell down a rabbit hole of videos with Tomoe and Soushi just admiring how gorgeous a fox spirit is. I would love to see a drawn image of Kit with his long red hair, vibrant green eyes and those tails…those tails! *swoon*
A Guardian’s duty was to act as the conduit for the Keeper’s power and to oversee the passage of spirits to and from the human world. The true power to maintain the Gate resided with the Keeper.
So Zane sees Kit and Kit has to get over the “I know better than you” deal and tell Zane who he is. With Zane having a twin sister who reads Tarot and owns an occult shop, it’s not a ginormous leap for Zane to believe he is part of something bigger than he ever imagined. Zane accepts his job as the Keeper of the Gate and is more than thrilled to find out that he can be bound to Kit in every way he wants to be. Kit has reservations about letting Zane bind him as once bound, neither the Guardian nor the Keeper can leave the Gate without consequence and Kit cares for Zane too much to let him sacrifice everything he dreams of. Silly of Kit to assume before Zane can tell that this is more than he could have ever hoped for.
What I loved about this book and honestly, I am just getting it as I write this review, is there’s a sense while reading of trying to grasp onto something and hold on while everything seems to moves quickly. A feeling of unease and uncertainty but one of hope that now as I am looking over my notes, Zane and Kit were having those exact feelings as they try to figure this new relationship out. Both the romantic and the supernatural but these two are amazing together and this new threat they face between worlds will only make them stronger.
The connection wasn’t unexpected— Keepers and Guardians had a natural chemistry through their bond— but the intensity of it took Kit by surprise.
Yeah, I know. I went rambling there didn’t I but I really loved this story. I adored the hurt comfort with Kit, how he’s been told his fox spirit form is hideous and that he is only a servant to his Keeper and how Zane will make him feel his worth no matter what. I loved the hell out of Lor in any form he’s in and how a demon became BFF’s with a Guardian for some 200 years. I had feelings about Steve and am so glad I was right and the bit with Ren at the end is how I totally felt about this book!
Okay, I will stop now. Just know if you couldn’t tell, I LOVED this book and I want so much more in this series.
September 18, 2017
3.5 stars
It was pretty sweet -- and I thought Kit was adorable. I definitely thought he was more developed as character compared to Zach.
The world-building was nice, not too difficult to understand, but at the same time it felt rather contained because would all the stories be happening inside . That sounds like a restricted surrounding and I'm not sure how the universe will be expanded then.
It was pretty sweet -- and I thought Kit was adorable. I definitely thought he was more developed as character compared to Zach.
The world-building was nice, not too difficult to understand, but at the same time it felt rather contained because would all the stories be happening inside . That sounds like a restricted surrounding and I'm not sure how the universe will be expanded then.
May 10, 2021
Cuddly and adorable, Kit is a housemate I would love to keep. I want to "kiss him and love him and squeeze him and hug him and call him George. He can be my very own bunny rabbit." Kidding aside, aptly named Kit is a half red fox spirit. He guards an important gate between the spirit and human world. Unfortunately for Kit, he's been neglected for five long years. He languishes away as he waits for his human counterpart, a keeper, to finally show up.
This symbiotic relationship between a keeper and guardian should be easy to talk about, if one was raised in a supernatural environment. In some ways, Zane was raised to be able to easily accept this information. His sister reads tarot cards and believes she is a medium. Zane prefers to be grounded in reality even as he dreams of traveling the world. A potential big drawback with being a keeper is being locked to one location, never to travel the world. Zane's future as a keeper conflicting with his desire to travel makes Kit wary to bring up the Keeper responsibilities. This leads to Kit not getting what he needs and he continues to waste away.
I liked both Kit and Zane. They are a perfect match. Their sweetness exudes from the pages and a reader may end up with a bit of an overdose in consideration. The two of them are working so hard to be thoughtful for each other that they end up cross purposes. This makes for a plausible conflict with a lovely resolution. From a character perspective, Ms. Anthony does a great job in developing endearing characters. She also creates a world I want to visit. The spirit world sounds fantastic. The little glimpses of it as well as hints of possible trouble are intriguing. There are several threads which are left hanging and hook me into the next book in this series. I will be eagerly awaiting the following book. I want to learn more about Kit's father. Also, the reveals about Zane's past just come about as this story ends. So many questions and so few answers!
The romance in this story is a slow build up and moves into a comfortable companionship. For me, the heat was not there. It is more a sensual loving to create the beginnings of a long lasting bond. This paranormal romance is recommended to m/m readers who enjoy sweetness with a happily ever after and a promise of more to come.
September 16, 2017
Full review at :
OptimuMM - Home of MM Book Reviews
This is a definitely a high fantasy book.
Although maybe its not for everyone, this book will be a success among the fantasy/manga lovers.
The author, from whom I read for the very first time, created this universe where there are Gates between the spirit and human worlds. Every Gate has a Guardian, and every Guardian has a Keeper, from whom the Guardian gets his powers.
The Guardian is always a spirit and the Keeper is human. Until Kit, who is half spirit half human. Kit’s father is the strongest spirit among the Guardians of the Gate who fell in love with Kit’s human mother. Unfortunately, Kit’s mom died, and soon after, his Gate appeared to Kit. Since then, Kit had several Keepers all—Zane’s ancestors.
Being a Guardian means him nor the Keeper can venture far from the Gate. So when Zane arrives, Kit is holding back telling the truth to Zane because Zane wants to travel the world.
Zane was uprooted from his old home and moved into the house his uncle left him and his twin sister. They grew up in foster care after their parents died. Until recently, they didn’t know about their uncle. Something is pulling him toward this house. He can’t explain it, but this pull is accompanied by righteousness and a feeling of belonging. Imagine his surprise when he finds out that the house comes with a very handsome caretaker.
I love fantasy, the imagination of authors who are capable of creating such an imaginary world always amazes me. I’m probably not wrong when I say that in every man there is still a little guy who likes to imagine being a pirate or mage or warrior, some kind of superhero. This book awakened this child inside of me allowing me to travel in this world where magic is normal and other species are fascinating!
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
OptimuMM - Home of MM Book Reviews
This is a definitely a high fantasy book.
Although maybe its not for everyone, this book will be a success among the fantasy/manga lovers.
The author, from whom I read for the very first time, created this universe where there are Gates between the spirit and human worlds. Every Gate has a Guardian, and every Guardian has a Keeper, from whom the Guardian gets his powers.
The Guardian is always a spirit and the Keeper is human. Until Kit, who is half spirit half human. Kit’s father is the strongest spirit among the Guardians of the Gate who fell in love with Kit’s human mother. Unfortunately, Kit’s mom died, and soon after, his Gate appeared to Kit. Since then, Kit had several Keepers all—Zane’s ancestors.
Being a Guardian means him nor the Keeper can venture far from the Gate. So when Zane arrives, Kit is holding back telling the truth to Zane because Zane wants to travel the world.
Zane was uprooted from his old home and moved into the house his uncle left him and his twin sister. They grew up in foster care after their parents died. Until recently, they didn’t know about their uncle. Something is pulling him toward this house. He can’t explain it, but this pull is accompanied by righteousness and a feeling of belonging. Imagine his surprise when he finds out that the house comes with a very handsome caretaker.
I love fantasy, the imagination of authors who are capable of creating such an imaginary world always amazes me. I’m probably not wrong when I say that in every man there is still a little guy who likes to imagine being a pirate or mage or warrior, some kind of superhero. This book awakened this child inside of me allowing me to travel in this world where magic is normal and other species are fascinating!
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
September 25, 2017
There was nothing specific that bothered me here. I just wanted more. There wasn't enough to make me believe in the relationship between Kit and Zane.
The description of the world beyond the gate was amazing. I would have read the book just for that part alone.
Even though I wasn't completely sold on this one, I'll definitely pick up the next book if the author decides to write one.
The description of the world beyond the gate was amazing. I would have read the book just for that part alone.
Even though I wasn't completely sold on this one, I'll definitely pick up the next book if the author decides to write one.
September 12, 2017
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a sweet paranormal romance. When Zane inherits a house from his uncle, he doesn’t expect to share it with a fox spirit and a demon. Zane is surprised to learn that he is to be the next keeper of a gate to the spirit world and he is even more surprised to find himself attracted to Kit, a two century old fox spirit.
Zane and Kit are both quite loosely sketched. Zane is an engineer. He and his twin sister grew up in foster care and remain close. Little bits of Kit’s life and emotions are explained to readers but I didn’t ever feel very connected to either character. This is a relatively low heat story - the sex is sweet and intimate. Kit taking on some of his fox form in bed was a bit of a turn-off for me but otherwise, these two are good together.
The ‘gates’ in this book remind me of the portals in Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments books. I’m still not sure how I felt about a whole novel based around one element of urban fantasy lore. In some ways, it keeps the story contained and manageable in a single novel. But - it also keeps the story contained. Compared to most contemporary paranormal romance, there is little action and not much world building. Kit and Zane are tethered to a house - an interesting house with a gate to the spirit world in the basement - but it’s not the most exciting UF plot.
This isn’t one of my favourite Shira Anthony books. I’ve enjoyed her writing in several different genres and while this didn’t quite work for me, I’m sure other readers will be drawn to this sweet supernatural romance.
This is a sweet paranormal romance. When Zane inherits a house from his uncle, he doesn’t expect to share it with a fox spirit and a demon. Zane is surprised to learn that he is to be the next keeper of a gate to the spirit world and he is even more surprised to find himself attracted to Kit, a two century old fox spirit.
Zane and Kit are both quite loosely sketched. Zane is an engineer. He and his twin sister grew up in foster care and remain close. Little bits of Kit’s life and emotions are explained to readers but I didn’t ever feel very connected to either character. This is a relatively low heat story - the sex is sweet and intimate. Kit taking on some of his fox form in bed was a bit of a turn-off for me but otherwise, these two are good together.
The ‘gates’ in this book remind me of the portals in Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments books. I’m still not sure how I felt about a whole novel based around one element of urban fantasy lore. In some ways, it keeps the story contained and manageable in a single novel. But - it also keeps the story contained. Compared to most contemporary paranormal romance, there is little action and not much world building. Kit and Zane are tethered to a house - an interesting house with a gate to the spirit world in the basement - but it’s not the most exciting UF plot.
This isn’t one of my favourite Shira Anthony books. I’ve enjoyed her writing in several different genres and while this didn’t quite work for me, I’m sure other readers will be drawn to this sweet supernatural romance.
Read
August 19, 2017My first entry in the Dreamspun Beyond line of contemporary, romance-forward paranormal books from Dreamspinner Press. Think Harlequin with a supernatural twist and, of course, a sweet HEA.
Kit is half-human, half red-fox spirit, and the Guardian of a gateway between the human and spirit worlds. Kit's powers have waned because since the death of his last Keeper--the human whose powers give a guardian strength--Kit has been alone for five years.
Zane has no idea he is the Keeper Kit's been waiting for. He arrives at the brownstone his second cousin left him and his twin sister, ready to start a new job and a new life in Cleveland. The last thing he expects is to find the house comes complete with such an attractive caretaker.
Zane and Kit are drawn to each other, as Guardian and Keeper. But Kit is afraid to tell Zane what he is, and Zane is helpless as he watches Kit become weaker and weaker. Will Kit finally tell Zane the truth about their connection and bind him forever to the gateway, or will he sacrifice himself to ensure Zane's freedom?
I hope you enjoy reading this sweet, romantic story as much as I did writing it! I'm already thinking ahead to a spinoff story in the same universe--Heart's Gate. <3
Kit is half-human, half red-fox spirit, and the Guardian of a gateway between the human and spirit worlds. Kit's powers have waned because since the death of his last Keeper--the human whose powers give a guardian strength--Kit has been alone for five years.
Zane has no idea he is the Keeper Kit's been waiting for. He arrives at the brownstone his second cousin left him and his twin sister, ready to start a new job and a new life in Cleveland. The last thing he expects is to find the house comes complete with such an attractive caretaker.
Zane and Kit are drawn to each other, as Guardian and Keeper. But Kit is afraid to tell Zane what he is, and Zane is helpless as he watches Kit become weaker and weaker. Will Kit finally tell Zane the truth about their connection and bind him forever to the gateway, or will he sacrifice himself to ensure Zane's freedom?
I hope you enjoy reading this sweet, romantic story as much as I did writing it! I'm already thinking ahead to a spinoff story in the same universe--Heart's Gate. <3
September 18, 2017
BRB, swooning.
Kit is so freakin' adorable! He is caring and kind, and quite the hottie as well. Zane is a keeper (heh) too - smart, funny, and humble. I adored these two together, and the sense of wonder from Zane was thoroughly charming. His thoughtfulness toward Kit made me smile, and Kit's awkwardness in accepting this new-to-him consideration is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
The author does a fantastic job of bringing in some wonderful plot elements that I haven't often seen in paranormal romances. Her descriptions of the nature of the spirit world and its effect on the human world really made this book something special. The guardian/keeper dynamic is an interesting one as well, and fun to explore.
I do have a few minor complaints, especially some plot developments late in the book that don't have time to be fully explored or explained enough for my liking. Also, there are a few errors in the editing where the terms "Guardian" and "Keeper" are swapped that made things confusing until I figured out what was intended. These characters are so great I'm happy to overlook these things, though.
This is a great book that brings some welcome novelty to the genre. I recommend it highly.
Kit is so freakin' adorable! He is caring and kind, and quite the hottie as well. Zane is a keeper (heh) too - smart, funny, and humble. I adored these two together, and the sense of wonder from Zane was thoroughly charming. His thoughtfulness toward Kit made me smile, and Kit's awkwardness in accepting this new-to-him consideration is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
The author does a fantastic job of bringing in some wonderful plot elements that I haven't often seen in paranormal romances. Her descriptions of the nature of the spirit world and its effect on the human world really made this book something special. The guardian/keeper dynamic is an interesting one as well, and fun to explore.
I do have a few minor complaints, especially some plot developments late in the book that don't have time to be fully explored or explained enough for my liking. Also, there are a few errors in the editing where the terms "Guardian" and "Keeper" are swapped that made things confusing until I figured out what was intended. These characters are so great I'm happy to overlook these things, though.
This is a great book that brings some welcome novelty to the genre. I recommend it highly.
September 18, 2017
This was really, really, really good.
I’m a sucker for a lot of magic and make believe in my science fiction and this has it in spades! First, we have the magic holder who doesn’t know how special he is, then we find out his mentor is another “undervalued” magic holder and the situation seems to unmanageable but with only a bit of imagination – it’s all managed!
The world building is fantastic and I hope we get to see more from this world as there was so much time spent creating it. We also get to meet a lot of interesting people and I hope to re-visit them in the future as well.
The chemistry is very sweet between Kit and Zane and while I wasn’t always super keen on all the tails, for the most part, it really works!
Highly enjoyable fated mate romance with a lot of great world-building and creativity!
4.5 of 5 stars
I’m a sucker for a lot of magic and make believe in my science fiction and this has it in spades! First, we have the magic holder who doesn’t know how special he is, then we find out his mentor is another “undervalued” magic holder and the situation seems to unmanageable but with only a bit of imagination – it’s all managed!
The world building is fantastic and I hope we get to see more from this world as there was so much time spent creating it. We also get to meet a lot of interesting people and I hope to re-visit them in the future as well.
The chemistry is very sweet between Kit and Zane and while I wasn’t always super keen on all the tails, for the most part, it really works!
Highly enjoyable fated mate romance with a lot of great world-building and creativity!
4.5 of 5 stars
September 19, 2017
I love this book! Kit, adorable and lovely, magical and sexy, stole my heart right from the first. And Zane is his perfect match, intelligent and accepting. This story takes us into a mystical plane existing beside our own, as close as the nearest gate between the worlds. Believable, beautiful, and sometimes frightening, this fun, fast paced story ended all too soon. Can't wait to visit with these well-loved characters again.
September 15, 2017
Dazzling Start to a New Series
I was intrigued when I read the summary for this book. A half-human, half-fox spirit gatekeeper to the realm of the spirits? This was going to be a whole different ballgame! Boy, was I right.
Zane is a clueless Keeper, the power source that Kit needs in order to operate the Gate and stay strong himself. Having been orphaned at a very young age, he has never gotten the history of his family and how necessary he is to the continued operation of the Gate. Kit has served the Gate and the Carter household for 200 years. His strong spirit has been severely weakened by five years without a Keeper. Now the two have to figure out how to not only live with each other, but what to do with an attraction that just won’t quit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The premise is so unusual that it was captivating almost from the start. I say almost because the very beginning is a bit slow, though I promise it’s worth it. There is a lot of background on Kit and his service that needs to be gone through, but Zane’s obliviousness to everything makes his portion of the beginning drag things out.
From there, however, it picks up considerably and turns into a well-spun intrigue of a story. The Gatekeeper and his servant, Lor, a very cheeky demon, have constant conversations that are both amusing and informational. Zane’s twin, Ren, plays an integral part of the story, as well, even though she is nowhere near Ohio. A trip through the Gate with Kit brings us Traalo, mayor of the village of spirits that has sprung up around Kit’s Gate. With diverse and charismatic characters, you become fully engaged and desperate to know more.
The story takes place in Cleveland and in the spirit village, and while Cleveland is pretty much a minor backdrop, the village is simply incredibly written. The imagery is such that a solid picture forms in the mind, and you can easily walk with the characters through a wonderland.
The character growth on both sides is enormous and messy, a realistic expectation followed through beautifully.
The chemistry is instant upon meeting, but Kit is an innocent, and it’s a very slow buildup that takes you three quarters of the way through the book before they act on their attraction. Even here, though, paranormal twists come through, and it makes for a delightfully sexy time.
By the time I reached the end, I was thrilled for both Kit and Zane, wishing that the incredibly adorable Lor had someone of his own to love, and hoping against hope that there would be more books on this line.
Finder’s Keeper is a curious twist on the paranormal, to be sure! It’s worth a solid four stars and a hearty recommendation, and I was so excited to learn that it IS actually the first in a new series! I look forward to seeing where things go from here.
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from Dreamspinner Press with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
I was intrigued when I read the summary for this book. A half-human, half-fox spirit gatekeeper to the realm of the spirits? This was going to be a whole different ballgame! Boy, was I right.
Zane is a clueless Keeper, the power source that Kit needs in order to operate the Gate and stay strong himself. Having been orphaned at a very young age, he has never gotten the history of his family and how necessary he is to the continued operation of the Gate. Kit has served the Gate and the Carter household for 200 years. His strong spirit has been severely weakened by five years without a Keeper. Now the two have to figure out how to not only live with each other, but what to do with an attraction that just won’t quit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The premise is so unusual that it was captivating almost from the start. I say almost because the very beginning is a bit slow, though I promise it’s worth it. There is a lot of background on Kit and his service that needs to be gone through, but Zane’s obliviousness to everything makes his portion of the beginning drag things out.
From there, however, it picks up considerably and turns into a well-spun intrigue of a story. The Gatekeeper and his servant, Lor, a very cheeky demon, have constant conversations that are both amusing and informational. Zane’s twin, Ren, plays an integral part of the story, as well, even though she is nowhere near Ohio. A trip through the Gate with Kit brings us Traalo, mayor of the village of spirits that has sprung up around Kit’s Gate. With diverse and charismatic characters, you become fully engaged and desperate to know more.
The story takes place in Cleveland and in the spirit village, and while Cleveland is pretty much a minor backdrop, the village is simply incredibly written. The imagery is such that a solid picture forms in the mind, and you can easily walk with the characters through a wonderland.
The character growth on both sides is enormous and messy, a realistic expectation followed through beautifully.
The chemistry is instant upon meeting, but Kit is an innocent, and it’s a very slow buildup that takes you three quarters of the way through the book before they act on their attraction. Even here, though, paranormal twists come through, and it makes for a delightfully sexy time.
By the time I reached the end, I was thrilled for both Kit and Zane, wishing that the incredibly adorable Lor had someone of his own to love, and hoping against hope that there would be more books on this line.
Finder’s Keeper is a curious twist on the paranormal, to be sure! It’s worth a solid four stars and a hearty recommendation, and I was so excited to learn that it IS actually the first in a new series! I look forward to seeing where things go from here.
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from Dreamspinner Press with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
October 21, 2017
When I read the blurb for this book, it immediately caught my attention, and when I noticed that the author was Shira Anthony, I just couldn’t leave it. I knew I’d be up for a very magical read with lovable characters and she didn’t disappointed.
When the books starts, we get to know Zane, who is having a really hard time finding where he belongs. He decides to escape to the house that was left to him and his sister. Little did he know that with the house comes a guardian and a responsibility he won’t be able to turn away from. When I started reading, I didn’t know exactly how the elements would come together to make it the paranormal book that the blurb promised, because everything just started off as a normal contemporary tale of an MC trying to make sense of his purpose. This made the story so enjoyable because we actually went through the same process as Zane throughout the story. Zane was completely clueless to his family’s history of guardians and keepers.
Kit was my favorite part of the whole book. He was adorable and the fact that he’s half a kitsune makes it even better. I want to state all the reasons why I fell in love with Kit, but many of them would contain spoilers so, you’ll just have to take my word for it that Kit is just the greatest and you don’t want to miss out on such an amazing character.
The moment this book turned from a paranormal to a fantasy book, was the height of the story. On the other side of the gate is another dimension that was so vividly described in such bright colors that I seriously just wanted to cross the gate as well, just so I could experience it even more with my other senses. I just couldn’t get enough of it and hope that we get to see more of this world in the other books coming.
There was one aspect that was a bit less for me, which was the whole mystery. I found that part a bit weak, for the amount of greatness the rest of the book contained. I hope this was because this book is supposed to be an introduction to this universe that author built, and therefore there’s no room for the extra action that could’ve been included, but that in the next books she will include more of.
Overall a great book and I can’t wait to read more of this series!
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Janet from Alpha Book Club
When the books starts, we get to know Zane, who is having a really hard time finding where he belongs. He decides to escape to the house that was left to him and his sister. Little did he know that with the house comes a guardian and a responsibility he won’t be able to turn away from. When I started reading, I didn’t know exactly how the elements would come together to make it the paranormal book that the blurb promised, because everything just started off as a normal contemporary tale of an MC trying to make sense of his purpose. This made the story so enjoyable because we actually went through the same process as Zane throughout the story. Zane was completely clueless to his family’s history of guardians and keepers.
Kit was my favorite part of the whole book. He was adorable and the fact that he’s half a kitsune makes it even better. I want to state all the reasons why I fell in love with Kit, but many of them would contain spoilers so, you’ll just have to take my word for it that Kit is just the greatest and you don’t want to miss out on such an amazing character.
The moment this book turned from a paranormal to a fantasy book, was the height of the story. On the other side of the gate is another dimension that was so vividly described in such bright colors that I seriously just wanted to cross the gate as well, just so I could experience it even more with my other senses. I just couldn’t get enough of it and hope that we get to see more of this world in the other books coming.
There was one aspect that was a bit less for me, which was the whole mystery. I found that part a bit weak, for the amount of greatness the rest of the book contained. I hope this was because this book is supposed to be an introduction to this universe that author built, and therefore there’s no room for the extra action that could’ve been included, but that in the next books she will include more of.
Overall a great book and I can’t wait to read more of this series!
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Janet from Alpha Book Club
January 2, 2018
Audiobook provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Original review published on Hearts on Fire Reviews.
Zane and his twin sister have inherited an old gothic brownstone from an uncle, and though they initially think to sell it, Zane feels compelled to keep it, so he packs his belongings and heads out to see it in person. As it turns out, that’s the right decision as the house is the façade given to the Gate – the entry to the spirit world and Zane is its Keeper.
Kit is the Guardian and poses initially as the caretaker. Unfortunately, he never really explains everything to Zane—including his own attraction and the need to bind with the Keeper to complete the protection of the Gate.
That’s about as clear and concise and simple as I can make this. It’s very difficult to follow world-building when listening to an audiobook and even more difficult to go into detail in a review. At least with an e-book one can go back over the confusing pages. Trying to do that with an audiobook generally confuses me further.
In this case, the narrator didn’t add enough performance to the telling of the story to keep everything interesting and clear. The voices were different, but not so different that it was always evident who was speaking. There were also several points of character confusion. I’m not sure if the narrator mistakenly read the wrong name, or if the wrong name was present in the e-book, but there were at least two instances where, for example, Zane was speaking and instead of referring to the other character as Kit, he called him Zane.
As the story progressed, it was also difficult to get past all the self-sacrificing from Kit, who refused to tell Zane about his role as the Keeper and all the entanglements that would occur due to the responsibility of holding up that role. Though only about six hours long, I honestly couldn’t wait to get to the end of the audiobook so I could find out if Kit suddenly got his act together. Very frustrating, to be sure. And the answer is yes, he did. And as it turned out, Zane was more than a Keeper, but I won’t give away what they found out.
The story was good but I would recommend it in e-book format so that readers can take the time to process the world-building as it’s presented. I generally enjoy this author’s work so I do recommend this story because I think the story itself is likely better than my perception from listening to the audiobook. So if you are like some spirit world with your MM romance, try this one.
Zane and his twin sister have inherited an old gothic brownstone from an uncle, and though they initially think to sell it, Zane feels compelled to keep it, so he packs his belongings and heads out to see it in person. As it turns out, that’s the right decision as the house is the façade given to the Gate – the entry to the spirit world and Zane is its Keeper.
Kit is the Guardian and poses initially as the caretaker. Unfortunately, he never really explains everything to Zane—including his own attraction and the need to bind with the Keeper to complete the protection of the Gate.
That’s about as clear and concise and simple as I can make this. It’s very difficult to follow world-building when listening to an audiobook and even more difficult to go into detail in a review. At least with an e-book one can go back over the confusing pages. Trying to do that with an audiobook generally confuses me further.
In this case, the narrator didn’t add enough performance to the telling of the story to keep everything interesting and clear. The voices were different, but not so different that it was always evident who was speaking. There were also several points of character confusion. I’m not sure if the narrator mistakenly read the wrong name, or if the wrong name was present in the e-book, but there were at least two instances where, for example, Zane was speaking and instead of referring to the other character as Kit, he called him Zane.
As the story progressed, it was also difficult to get past all the self-sacrificing from Kit, who refused to tell Zane about his role as the Keeper and all the entanglements that would occur due to the responsibility of holding up that role. Though only about six hours long, I honestly couldn’t wait to get to the end of the audiobook so I could find out if Kit suddenly got his act together. Very frustrating, to be sure. And the answer is yes, he did. And as it turned out, Zane was more than a Keeper, but I won’t give away what they found out.
The story was good but I would recommend it in e-book format so that readers can take the time to process the world-building as it’s presented. I generally enjoy this author’s work so I do recommend this story because I think the story itself is likely better than my perception from listening to the audiobook. So if you are like some spirit world with your MM romance, try this one.
October 4, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Zane is a cheerful, pleasant, and a nice guy who wants to travel the world. He loves his sister, and likes his job, Kit’s cooking, and Kit himself. Beyond that, there’s not much depth to him, which almost works as he spends much of the book as the reader’s eyes and ears. But it means Zane’s relationship with Kit becomes candy sweet without a distinctive flavor. Fortunately for Zane, and the book, Kit has quite a bit of character on his own.
Kit is half human and half kitsune — hence the name. His father doesn’t care for him and abandoned him once Kit’s human mother died, and seems to have spent much of his time tearing down any self esteem Kit might have had. This self doubt and insecurity has crippled Kit’s powers. Other spirits and lesser demons comment that Kit is impressively powerful, or would be if he ever found a Keeper who could match him.
As a Guardian, Kit has spent much of his 200 plus years taking care of the Guardians of his gate. He is, or has been, their servant, their butler, their caretaker, but never a friend or a partner. When Zane wants to help with the dishes or the housework, Kit is flustered and confused, which only gets worse for him when Zane wants to be friends. It’s not something Kit’s ever had to deal with before, and change isn’t easy for someone so steeped in a predestined role. Adding on to that, his last Keeper, Zane’s uncle, was suffering from dementia. Kit had to devote every part of every day to caring for someone who could no longer take care of themselves or even think for themselves. For years until his death. That was followed by five more years of being alone with the gate with no Keeper to help him or justify his existence. It’s given Kit an odd perspective and quite a few hangups, and when Zane arrives Kit only wants to go back to the way things ought to be.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Zane is a cheerful, pleasant, and a nice guy who wants to travel the world. He loves his sister, and likes his job, Kit’s cooking, and Kit himself. Beyond that, there’s not much depth to him, which almost works as he spends much of the book as the reader’s eyes and ears. But it means Zane’s relationship with Kit becomes candy sweet without a distinctive flavor. Fortunately for Zane, and the book, Kit has quite a bit of character on his own.
Kit is half human and half kitsune — hence the name. His father doesn’t care for him and abandoned him once Kit’s human mother died, and seems to have spent much of his time tearing down any self esteem Kit might have had. This self doubt and insecurity has crippled Kit’s powers. Other spirits and lesser demons comment that Kit is impressively powerful, or would be if he ever found a Keeper who could match him.
As a Guardian, Kit has spent much of his 200 plus years taking care of the Guardians of his gate. He is, or has been, their servant, their butler, their caretaker, but never a friend or a partner. When Zane wants to help with the dishes or the housework, Kit is flustered and confused, which only gets worse for him when Zane wants to be friends. It’s not something Kit’s ever had to deal with before, and change isn’t easy for someone so steeped in a predestined role. Adding on to that, his last Keeper, Zane’s uncle, was suffering from dementia. Kit had to devote every part of every day to caring for someone who could no longer take care of themselves or even think for themselves. For years until his death. That was followed by five more years of being alone with the gate with no Keeper to help him or justify his existence. It’s given Kit an odd perspective and quite a few hangups, and when Zane arrives Kit only wants to go back to the way things ought to be.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
August 20, 2017
Every time I start reading a paranormal book, I convince myself I don’t really like paranormal and I always end up showing me how mistaken I was. This wasn’t different, I really enjoyed it.
What I liked the most about it was the whole concept, a gate, a guard and a keeper. I was so interested to see how everything would work and what it mean for the main characters. The book cover had me thinking it would be more sinister than it actually was, but I wasn’t disappointed by it. The paranormal part of the book was one of the best things about it, although there were times when it became a little confusing to understand some aspects of it, especially at the end.
I liked both main characters but there was some mystery around Kit that was especially attractive to me. I did had a little issues about him, exactly because of the mysterious vibe I got from him. I think the story might have been a little better, and it would add something more to that feature, if it was told only from Zane’s point of view. I also have ambivalent feelings about Kit’s hesitance, sometimes it was really sweet, but there were times when it became too frustrating.
I felt a little underwhelmed by the romance. I had a hard time trying to connect emotions with Zane and Kit, and even though I liked them as characters, I don’t really care much for them as a couple.
Overall I had a good time reading it. It was very entertaining and it had a nice plot.
What I liked the most about it was the whole concept, a gate, a guard and a keeper. I was so interested to see how everything would work and what it mean for the main characters. The book cover had me thinking it would be more sinister than it actually was, but I wasn’t disappointed by it. The paranormal part of the book was one of the best things about it, although there were times when it became a little confusing to understand some aspects of it, especially at the end.
I liked both main characters but there was some mystery around Kit that was especially attractive to me. I did had a little issues about him, exactly because of the mysterious vibe I got from him. I think the story might have been a little better, and it would add something more to that feature, if it was told only from Zane’s point of view. I also have ambivalent feelings about Kit’s hesitance, sometimes it was really sweet, but there were times when it became too frustrating.
I felt a little underwhelmed by the romance. I had a hard time trying to connect emotions with Zane and Kit, and even though I liked them as characters, I don’t really care much for them as a couple.
Overall I had a good time reading it. It was very entertaining and it had a nice plot.
October 29, 2017
Book & Author: Finders Keepers by Shira Anthony
Rating: 4.5 stars
I was hooked on this story. It’s uniqueness caught me and it’s characters held me tight.
Although Zane was the guy that wasn’t “different” and sort billed as normal and boring I liked him that way. It showed the contrast between him and Kit so much the better. One not taking the spotlight away from the other but showing even more clear their roles regarding protecting the gate even better. Kit was magical and giving and shy and beautiful. He tried to be more to his Keeper, to be the thing that kept them there but with Zane his feelings changed. He didn’t want to trap him knowing his dreams were bigger than the house Kit was not allowed to leave.
The descriptions of not just the house that Kit lived in but of Kit and the world beyond the gate was a huge part of this story and it was so well written that I felt that world and lived that world with every word in this book. I loved Ren, Zane’s sister, even with the little bit she was visible in the story she made things interesting but definitely not as much as Lor who was mischief and fun but for a demon his care for Kit shined through.
The chemistry between these two was sweet and slow but perfect for the Dreamspun series since that’s exactly what you should expect going into one. I loved them together, I loved them learning each other and saving each other, Their relationship made this fun to read. Oh and the magic because I love me some magic!
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Rating: 4.5 stars
I was hooked on this story. It’s uniqueness caught me and it’s characters held me tight.
Although Zane was the guy that wasn’t “different” and sort billed as normal and boring I liked him that way. It showed the contrast between him and Kit so much the better. One not taking the spotlight away from the other but showing even more clear their roles regarding protecting the gate even better. Kit was magical and giving and shy and beautiful. He tried to be more to his Keeper, to be the thing that kept them there but with Zane his feelings changed. He didn’t want to trap him knowing his dreams were bigger than the house Kit was not allowed to leave.
The descriptions of not just the house that Kit lived in but of Kit and the world beyond the gate was a huge part of this story and it was so well written that I felt that world and lived that world with every word in this book. I loved Ren, Zane’s sister, even with the little bit she was visible in the story she made things interesting but definitely not as much as Lor who was mischief and fun but for a demon his care for Kit shined through.
The chemistry between these two was sweet and slow but perfect for the Dreamspun series since that’s exactly what you should expect going into one. I loved them together, I loved them learning each other and saving each other, Their relationship made this fun to read. Oh and the magic because I love me some magic!
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
February 15, 2018
This was really, really, really good.
I’m a sucker for a lot of magic and make believe in my science fiction and this has it in spades! First, we have the magic holder who doesn’t know how special he is, then we find out his mentor is another “undervalued” magic holder and the situation seems to unmanageable but with only a bit of imagination – it’s all managed!
The world building is fantastic and I hope we get to see more from this world as there was so much time spent creating it. We also get to meet a lot of interesting people and I hope to re-visit them in the future as well.
The chemistry is very sweet between Kit and Zane and while I wasn’t always super keen on all the tails, for the most part, it really works!
Highly enjoyable fated mate romance with a lot of great world-building and creativity!
5 of 5 stars
Audio
Kenneth Obi is a new to me narrator and he does a pretty good job. That’s what I kept thinking as I was listening to this audiobook. He does a nice enough job, but there was SO MUCH he could have done that I was a bit disappointed with the relative lack of drama. The voices he chose for Kit and Zane were opposite of how I’d pictured them and that kept me off balance for a bit as well.
He nicely differentiates all the many characters and he does give them unique voices, but he didn’t do as much as he could have with all the wildly creative members of this cast.
It was a nice way to enjoy the story however and recommended overall.
4 of 5 stars
Overall 4.5 of 5 stars
I’m a sucker for a lot of magic and make believe in my science fiction and this has it in spades! First, we have the magic holder who doesn’t know how special he is, then we find out his mentor is another “undervalued” magic holder and the situation seems to unmanageable but with only a bit of imagination – it’s all managed!
The world building is fantastic and I hope we get to see more from this world as there was so much time spent creating it. We also get to meet a lot of interesting people and I hope to re-visit them in the future as well.
The chemistry is very sweet between Kit and Zane and while I wasn’t always super keen on all the tails, for the most part, it really works!
Highly enjoyable fated mate romance with a lot of great world-building and creativity!
5 of 5 stars
Audio
Kenneth Obi is a new to me narrator and he does a pretty good job. That’s what I kept thinking as I was listening to this audiobook. He does a nice enough job, but there was SO MUCH he could have done that I was a bit disappointed with the relative lack of drama. The voices he chose for Kit and Zane were opposite of how I’d pictured them and that kept me off balance for a bit as well.
He nicely differentiates all the many characters and he does give them unique voices, but he didn’t do as much as he could have with all the wildly creative members of this cast.
It was a nice way to enjoy the story however and recommended overall.
4 of 5 stars
Overall 4.5 of 5 stars
September 14, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bBY on 9/15
From that review: " Finder's Keepers is one of those stories where one of the main characters arrives at a place, in this case an old brownstone bequeathed to him and his twin sister by an unknown uncle and immediately feels a connection. Ties to that place and to the handsome man he finds making him coffee and breakfast the next morning. Not instant love feelings but something that goes deeper. An emotional tie that somehow Zane can't explain away, not that he really wants too..."
For all our reviews, author guest blogs, contests and more, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bBY on 9/15
From that review: " Finder's Keepers is one of those stories where one of the main characters arrives at a place, in this case an old brownstone bequeathed to him and his twin sister by an unknown uncle and immediately feels a connection. Ties to that place and to the handsome man he finds making him coffee and breakfast the next morning. Not instant love feelings but something that goes deeper. An emotional tie that somehow Zane can't explain away, not that he really wants too..."
For all our reviews, author guest blogs, contests and more, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 1, 2018
Enjoyed very much, but the ending left a bunch of threads hanging so I hope there's another book with these characters. I'd like to see a bit more development of them and the ideas around the Gates, etc.
October 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Furry sex might have been a bit weird, but wasn’t a game breaker in my estimation. Supporting characters played the roles I almost expected them to, that was nice.
March 7, 2018
This book reminded me of some Japanese anime I watched and I liked it. It isn't unforgettable, but an ok story, nice and low drama, just the kind you can find in the dreamspun beyond series.
October 12, 2017
2.5 Stars
This is a cute, lighthearted PNR and is a nice start/intro to a series. While it was an enjoyable(ish) read, for me there were small(ish?) annoyances that tended to overshadow that.
Kit (half-human, half-fox) for most of his life, and he is over 200 years old (so a long time) has been the Guardian of the gate that links and separates the human world and the other side, he does this with a link to his human keeper, which makes them contained to the house (mostly) where the gate is. His past keeper died five years ago and finally the next in the family line of Keepers, Zane, is on his way to the house, where Kit introduces him to this new life, a lot Zane is unaware of and in the mean time falls for him and tries to have faith that he'll stay.
Kit was adorable and loveable and I did become fond of him, but it should've been more. I should have loved him more, should've been giddy reading his character, swooning over his cuteness, oohing and aahing over his adorkableness. I should've been but I wasn't.
I liked Zane just fine. He's caring, open minded when it came down to it all, understanding and a touch of grumpiness.
But tbh both characters are not fleshed out enough to keep a strong connection with them.
I struggled with Kit's avoidance and indecision, big time. Right from the beginning he sweaaars he's gonna tell Zane the truth, why he's there, truth about the house, the gate etc. Every time he got the chance to he took the biggest cop outs, created excuses, also he was kind of a dick to Lor.
I can totally understand his reasons for being scared to tell but he kept bringing it up then freaking side stepped it, every time. This is the guy that knows the serious dangers, is suffering because of his refusal to fill Zane in and goddamn communicate with him right even when Zane questions what's going on. This is the guy who is SUPPOSEDLY OVER 200 YEARS OLD.
Hmph. Ok this will be a tiny thing for some but it was obviously a problem for me. And seriously end up cutting my connection with this book, I just end up going through the motions with the rest of the book (probably for around 50% of the book). Although some interesting stuff happened in the last 20% of the book. Also, I don't buy into the gate containing them to it.
This should've been an awesome book; making me fall in love with quirky characters, the paranormal-contemporary elements, the cute and sweet romance. I didn't and it wasn't. Unfortunately. This book was enjoyable to a point, but mostly fell completely flat for me. It wasn't awful I'm just not sure it was good but saying that, I'd still at least try give the next book in this series/world a go, if there's gonna be more.
“However long I live, I’m pretty sure my life with you will never be dull.”
This is a cute, lighthearted PNR and is a nice start/intro to a series. While it was an enjoyable(ish) read, for me there were small(ish?) annoyances that tended to overshadow that.
Kit (half-human, half-fox) for most of his life, and he is over 200 years old (so a long time) has been the Guardian of the gate that links and separates the human world and the other side, he does this with a link to his human keeper, which makes them contained to the house (mostly) where the gate is. His past keeper died five years ago and finally the next in the family line of Keepers, Zane, is on his way to the house, where Kit introduces him to this new life, a lot Zane is unaware of and in the mean time falls for him and tries to have faith that he'll stay.
Kit was adorable and loveable and I did become fond of him, but it should've been more. I should have loved him more, should've been giddy reading his character, swooning over his cuteness, oohing and aahing over his adorkableness. I should've been but I wasn't.
I liked Zane just fine. He's caring, open minded when it came down to it all, understanding and a touch of grumpiness.
But tbh both characters are not fleshed out enough to keep a strong connection with them.
I struggled with Kit's avoidance and indecision, big time. Right from the beginning he sweaaars he's gonna tell Zane the truth, why he's there, truth about the house, the gate etc. Every time he got the chance to he took the biggest cop outs, created excuses, also he was kind of a dick to Lor.
I can totally understand his reasons for being scared to tell but he kept bringing it up then freaking side stepped it, every time. This is the guy that knows the serious dangers, is suffering because of his refusal to fill Zane in and goddamn communicate with him right even when Zane questions what's going on. This is the guy who is SUPPOSEDLY OVER 200 YEARS OLD.
Hmph. Ok this will be a tiny thing for some but it was obviously a problem for me. And seriously end up cutting my connection with this book, I just end up going through the motions with the rest of the book (probably for around 50% of the book). Although some interesting stuff happened in the last 20% of the book. Also, I don't buy into the gate containing them to it.
This should've been an awesome book; making me fall in love with quirky characters, the paranormal-contemporary elements, the cute and sweet romance. I didn't and it wasn't. Unfortunately. This book was enjoyable to a point, but mostly fell completely flat for me. It wasn't awful I'm just not sure it was good but saying that, I'd still at least try give the next book in this series/world a go, if there's gonna be more.
December 3, 2017
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls
When Zane moves into his late cousin’s brownstone, he expects the chance to start over and maybe travel the world a bit but instead what he finds is Kit, the supposed caretaker, and he’s not sure what he’s to do with him. Kit, though, knows all too well who Zane really is – the Keeper – but Zane doesn’t seem to know anything about the world Kit is so much apart of. Kit’s happy Zane is finally there but doesn’t want to ruin Zane’s chance of having a happy life. Unfortunately, as Kit weakens, his abilities to keep the Gate safe is compromised and he ultimately reveals his true self to Zane. Now Zane has to choose between his destiny with Kit or a life possibly traveling the world.
This was such a great little story. I’ll be honest, I didn’t read the blurb before I read this one. I saw it was by Ms. Anthony and requested it right away so I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I really enjoyed seeing this story unfold though. I liked that Zane didn’t know what was going on and how Kit tried to put Zane’s interests first. The little glimpses we see of Kit holding things together at first were really fascinating to me especially since he’s a kitsune. Not enough stories about kitsune’s, IMO! Zane was an intriguing character too, though. I liked that he was so naive about things but then was really determined to embrace who he was without making a fuse about everything.
This was a pretty good story but I had a few niggles with it. For one, I liked that Zane is introduced as clumsy and has all these things happen to him. We find out why that is but I missed the fact that he stops being so klutzy in general. I get the danger portions are taken out but that wasn’t 100% all it was so I felt like that was just pushed to the wayside. Also, I liked that this was a slow-burn sorta story BUT I felt like it took a little too long for things to really get going with the book. I almost put it down because things weren’t happening fast enough for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I loved the world building and I loved the idea of the guardian/Keeper roles and how they keep the world safe from malicious demons/ghosts. I enjoyed Kit and Zane as characters and the relationship that they formed. I’m looking forward to getting back to this world and seeing what character gets their story next!
When Zane moves into his late cousin’s brownstone, he expects the chance to start over and maybe travel the world a bit but instead what he finds is Kit, the supposed caretaker, and he’s not sure what he’s to do with him. Kit, though, knows all too well who Zane really is – the Keeper – but Zane doesn’t seem to know anything about the world Kit is so much apart of. Kit’s happy Zane is finally there but doesn’t want to ruin Zane’s chance of having a happy life. Unfortunately, as Kit weakens, his abilities to keep the Gate safe is compromised and he ultimately reveals his true self to Zane. Now Zane has to choose between his destiny with Kit or a life possibly traveling the world.
This was such a great little story. I’ll be honest, I didn’t read the blurb before I read this one. I saw it was by Ms. Anthony and requested it right away so I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I really enjoyed seeing this story unfold though. I liked that Zane didn’t know what was going on and how Kit tried to put Zane’s interests first. The little glimpses we see of Kit holding things together at first were really fascinating to me especially since he’s a kitsune. Not enough stories about kitsune’s, IMO! Zane was an intriguing character too, though. I liked that he was so naive about things but then was really determined to embrace who he was without making a fuse about everything.
This was a pretty good story but I had a few niggles with it. For one, I liked that Zane is introduced as clumsy and has all these things happen to him. We find out why that is but I missed the fact that he stops being so klutzy in general. I get the danger portions are taken out but that wasn’t 100% all it was so I felt like that was just pushed to the wayside. Also, I liked that this was a slow-burn sorta story BUT I felt like it took a little too long for things to really get going with the book. I almost put it down because things weren’t happening fast enough for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I loved the world building and I loved the idea of the guardian/Keeper roles and how they keep the world safe from malicious demons/ghosts. I enjoyed Kit and Zane as characters and the relationship that they formed. I’m looking forward to getting back to this world and seeing what character gets their story next!
January 8, 2018
Audiobook reviewI'm sorry to say that this book and I were not meant to be. I liked the premise of the book, I do think there was potential in it. It just...didn't go anywhere.
I might go a bit against the grain when I say that the book didn't make any sense. It felt a little bit like random scenes were put together without a natural progression of events. And at the same time I also felt like the book didn't ever really go anywhere, nothing happened. Half way in, I was still looking for a plot, for something to happen other than the monologues relating to what you read in the blurb.
So moving along to Zane and Kit. I felt like they were a bit one dimensional and flat. I would've loved to see them more fleshed out, a bit more flawed, more personality - and one that didn't change with the flip of a coin. But that might just be me. I never connected to either of them, or felt the chemistry between the two of them. And they had this strange combination of insta-love and slow-burn, I couldn't really get a grip on it.
A pet peeve of mine is unnecessary drama. Where scenes are drawn out for dramatic effect only- think soap opera and melodrama. Add some martyrdom, and non-communicating to the mix and the book is in a whole lot of trouble. It's just to unnecessary, and frankly gets on my nerves. I mean it is one thing to hint at something, to keep the readers guessing, build a suspense, and quite another to add those things for dramatic effect only.
The one thing that actually did work for me was the narrator. Kenneth Obi did a really good job narrating this book and well worth an extra star for his effort, but sadly the story itself was not. I will be happy to listen to other works of Obi’s in the future. Just not this one.
This book and I wasn't a match made in the bookish heavens, so it's time we part ways. Hopefully the next book by Ms Anthony will be a better match for me.
A copy of this book was generously provided in exchange for an honest review
March 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, though it does start (and continue) sort of slow.
Kit is the Keeper of a Spirit Gate. He has been a Keeper for a couple of centuries and being half-spirit will continue to do so for many more. However, his job has a counterpart, a Guardian, who gives him power to maintain the protections around the Gate. Zane is from the line of Guardian's who have been watching this Gate since it formed and he takes over the house where the Gate is located. The only thing is, Zane doesn't know about the Gate, or spirits, or his job as a Guardian.
Kit is very unsure of himself for most of the book. While he is confident and capable in his job, from protecting the Gate to helping keep up the house, he is very uncertain about his own worth. With Zane coming in, Kit very much likes him and wants to give him everything. The problem is, Kit's everything is restricted to the Gate, which he sees as limiting Zane. So he tries to keep himself away, even when it hurts both him and Zane. It was sad to see, but at times it also made it drag a bit. Kit was so hesitant and unsure of himself he didn't even want to tell Zane about the Gate; when he finally did it was like pulling teeth to get the whole truth out of him. But once the Kit got everything out, he could start to truly see what he was worth, which was very rewarding.
Zane was a great balance for Kit, both different and very much the same. He did indeed want to travel, but he saw that as a dream that could change, one that would still even work in his new life as a Guardian. Zane was understanding of Kit holding things back, as he saw it as Kit waiting until everything was out there, but once his heart was out it hurt him when Kit was still hesitant. Zane has been prone to wandering, but his wandering his whole life has been to find a home, a place that he truly felt he belonged, just like Kit. They matched so well, it just took an extra push to make Kit truly see that.
The ending was fast paced and brought about some changes and surprises that were well appreciated. I enjoyed the love that built up in the book, and ending it off with the action and hope for the future was the perfect way to go!
Kit is the Keeper of a Spirit Gate. He has been a Keeper for a couple of centuries and being half-spirit will continue to do so for many more. However, his job has a counterpart, a Guardian, who gives him power to maintain the protections around the Gate. Zane is from the line of Guardian's who have been watching this Gate since it formed and he takes over the house where the Gate is located. The only thing is, Zane doesn't know about the Gate, or spirits, or his job as a Guardian.
Kit is very unsure of himself for most of the book. While he is confident and capable in his job, from protecting the Gate to helping keep up the house, he is very uncertain about his own worth. With Zane coming in, Kit very much likes him and wants to give him everything. The problem is, Kit's everything is restricted to the Gate, which he sees as limiting Zane. So he tries to keep himself away, even when it hurts both him and Zane. It was sad to see, but at times it also made it drag a bit. Kit was so hesitant and unsure of himself he didn't even want to tell Zane about the Gate; when he finally did it was like pulling teeth to get the whole truth out of him. But once the Kit got everything out, he could start to truly see what he was worth, which was very rewarding.
Zane was a great balance for Kit, both different and very much the same. He did indeed want to travel, but he saw that as a dream that could change, one that would still even work in his new life as a Guardian. Zane was understanding of Kit holding things back, as he saw it as Kit waiting until everything was out there, but once his heart was out it hurt him when Kit was still hesitant. Zane has been prone to wandering, but his wandering his whole life has been to find a home, a place that he truly felt he belonged, just like Kit. They matched so well, it just took an extra push to make Kit truly see that.
The ending was fast paced and brought about some changes and surprises that were well appreciated. I enjoyed the love that built up in the book, and ending it off with the action and hope for the future was the perfect way to go!
September 27, 2022
This was a nice book. I liked the dynamic between the men, and although I thought Zane was a bit slow on the uptake, I still found him easy to like. Kit was fantastic. He's the kind of character I love. Strong without knowing either his own strength or how worthy he is of the love Zane keeps telling him he deserves, and that Zane wants to give him. Just a happy, cozy book. Made me happy.
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