Simon liked the idea of having a Fated Mate; after all, Ra and Seth certainly seem happy enough. A random encounter in Jackson changes his thinking though, making him wonder if he should have thought that mate thing through more thoroughly. As a snake shifter, he was used to being alone. Who cared if he upset anyone or not? But his old behavior wasn’t going to win him any hearts, including his mate’s.
Darwin works three jobs to survive. On his own for more years than he can count, he stays away from shifters and shifter towns. Trusting no one, he works and sleeps and while his life is dull, it’s safe and that’s all Darwin cares about. When he comes across a snake in his apartment, his first instinct is to hit it with his trusty bat. But the mate pull works both ways and Darwin’s forced to consider some changes in his life.
Two stalkers, two kidnappings, life is rarely dull in Arrowtown. With Ra running for mayor and Liam’s and Lucien’s life threatened by their past, Simon and Darwin have their work cut out for them. Being mates is one thing; love is a totally different matter.
Usual warnings associated with stories about men falling in love with other men. If it’s not your cup of tea please don’t buy this. NOTE: This is an MPREG story and includes a scene with a flying mouse, a very clever Fae child and a grumpy snake.
Lisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips. When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate. Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com. If you want to chat with her on Skype, then email for contact details.
Not as much fun as the first book but still... not bad.
After reading (and loving) A Tiger's Tale, the first book in the Arrowtown series, I had high hopes for this story. I mean, a mouse and a snake? Talk about blurring the lines between mate and prey! Sadly, this didn't live up to my expectations.
It wasn't a bad story. I did enjoy it for what it was, but it didn't have the charm that the first story did. I had a hard time liking Darwin for some reason. He was just... I dunno, brusque? Standoffish? Whiny? He was a tough little guy, I'll give him that much, and he had a lot of spunk. But, it wasn't a charming kind of spunk. He didn't listen very well and instead of talking to Simon about their issues, he got all bent out of shape, made assumptions and just didn't try all that hard to get to know him.
Simon, I liked. I liked him from the first story and even though the Simon from the first book wasn't anything like the Simon here, I still enjoyed it when I was in his head.
There was a severe lack of communication between these two knuckleheads. Simon ended up in a funk and slept all day, every day and Darwin, instead of trying to find out what was wrong, gets all pissy, thinking Simon really doesn't want him. Well, turns out there was a very good reason for Simon's ennui, and Darwin almost missed out on it due to his lack of care for his mate. Simon wasn't totally innocent in all of this though. He could have put forth more of an effort into trying to connect with Darwin.
As for the plot, there seemed to be a lot of missing pieces. I wouldn't call them plot holes, per se; more like there were parts left out. The book felt almost like two different stories because of this. We get the first part, where Darwin and Simon meet and then mate, which was very exciting and I enjoyed it immensely. But then the story skips to a month later and Darwin and Simon are at odds with each other. It was very jarring and pulled me out of the story. There were other scenes throughout the book like this, where parts were just skimmed over and I was left scratching my head, wondering how we got to this point or that place
There were a few redeeming moments in here that I liked. I was happily surprised with the pregnancy and especially the birth. I've never read a birthing like that before. It was pretty damned creative. And the side story with Liam has my interest piqued. I really want to read Liam's story. It was a fast read and I didn't notice any glaring proofreading errors, so that's a plus.
On the brain candy scale, I would say this is like one of those heart shaped boxes of chocolates you get on Valentines Day. Some of the chocolates are filled with caramel or dark chocolate fudge and you devour their yummy goodness, but then you bite into one that's filled with some quasi-fruit flavored syrupy goo which you immediately spit out. You move on to the next one, hesitantly take a bite only to discover you got one of those rare ones where they forgot to insert the filling. So, delicious in some spots, but disappointing or just not to your taste in others.
What a disappointment after the first book A Tiger's Tale! That book was hilarious and reminded me of Eve Langlais. Unfortunately, this book was a departure and was more typical of Lisa Oliver's style. It also had plot and character development issues.
Surprisingly, the plot just skidded to a halt and crashed and burned immediately after Simon and Darwin mated. Their relationship went off page and then the plot retroactively told their story for a while. The plot skipped time and details. Also, Simon and Darwin's mating bond was weak. They weren't attracted to each other and didn't have that internal drive to want to be with each other. Simon was socially and relationship inept. Darwin was self centered, immature, and very insecure.
I became bored with the story and apathetic about the MCs. I wanted sappy-shifter-fated-mates love. I wanted sexual chemistry and hot sex. I wanted to laugh like I did with the first book. I wanted funny characters and crazy antics. Sorry that it happened, but I lost interest and abandoned this book.
3.5 stars for me. I enjoyed this one MUCH more than the first book in the series. While some things were still a bit over the top (like, the bad guy who's obsessed with Simon) I enjoyed the storytelling in this one more.
I do wish there had been a bit more substance to Simon and Darwin's relationship. There seemed to be a lot of things that happened off-page, and important things, too! Also, I don't know if I really felt the connection between Simon and Darwin. Heck, I was more interested in the other characters and what was going on in Arrowtown itself.
I do want to read the next book, as things happened towards the end of this one that should make the next book or two very interesting. If the books keep improving, I'll be happy I stuck with this series.
Good addition to the series. I just finished a series, that was a heavy read for me, so when I needed a light read that I would enjoy I knew this was just what i needed. I enjoyed Simon and Darwin, and how their relationship progressed. It was nice to see Simon questioning himself. Looking forward to the next one in the series, but I am unsure how Ms Oliver will redeem Western. I hope for a Liam's sake
Each book in the Arrowtown collection features a new romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
I love the little warning about a flying mouse, lets just say it was a kicker. I came aross Lisa Oliver some time ago with her first book, and have followed her since then. Her stories are very entertaining and will keep you begging for more. The characters are fully developed and you will fall in love with them from the start. The story caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end.
Simon has been on his own for some time. He has no education so works three jobs to survive. He is the cutest little mouse shifter you will have ever seen, and he is one sexy little dancer. He has been dancing for humans for some time and even though he is good at it, he looks for a different time. Then one night and his fate is set. He has met his mate and he wants to run.
Simon is a big ass snake but who knows what kind. His mate is a cute little sexy mouse shifter. Two different types, one prey one predator and things are going to heat up real fast. Especially since someone else wants the little mouse.
I loved this book almost as much as the first one. It gave me all that I wanted and so much more. I especially loved the fact that a mate whether prey or predator can get pregnant. There are a few little twists that are so much fun to read. I had a lot of fun with this book and would definitely recommend it.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Paul Henry Serres model is the perfect depiction of Darwin after you read the first chapter.
Lisa has used several of them and sometimes same model in different poses on different series' and all seem to well represent their character.
I have to say that this one is particularly eye catching.
Darwin may well have had a troubled childhood and adult life but you shouldn't assume that he's a weak man because of it.
Simon also had a cr@ppy childhood that leaves him with many doubts as to whether he'd make a good mate and parent given that he's a snake shifter and they aren't known for being warm and fuzzy.
There's a lot that takes place in this book but Lisa is excellent at weaving an enticing tale and drawing you in, whilst ensuring that there no loose ends and always leaves you wanting more.
Even if Lisa Oliver were to release a book a week it could never be enough for me!
I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series and will probably have read this again before the weekend is over.
I'll be checking out the MM summer anthology at the end of this month.
As the first one, too much miscommunication and relationship drama and way too little plot shenanigans to be considered trashy goodness.
I didn't hate it, it didn't offend me and was surprisingly respectful of strippers but the end especially with how fast things are introduced and dropped was badly written even for this author's standards.
The introduction of the next book was just laughable and I'll probably won't be reading it considering that they'll try to turn a kidnapping, molesty, baby killer wannabe, stalker into one of the next book romantic interests -.-
Anyway, as proven by my insistance in reading all the trashy series this author pumps out, I'm willing to ignore a lot of issues for the dramatic goodness she manages to put in most of her series overarching plots, however this series is missing that and so it's just left with flat and boring character, no interesting plot dramas and a bunch of relationship issues due to miscommunication/no communication at all and I'm just not interested in that.
First this is a M/M pregnancy book if this is not your thing don't waste time and read this book.
This is the story of Simon a snake shifter and Darwin a mouse shifter. Yes mice are food for many breeds of snakes and the irony is not lost on me. Darwin works hard and is working when Simon finds him. Darwin bitten by life, fearful and distrustful, must overcome his fears, his past, and the demanding nature of Simon. The story is fast paced and picks up around a year after the events in the first book. Like many Lisa Oliver books you can read this 2nd book as a stand alone, but reading the first will enhance the reading experience. Note Lisa Oliver has introduced Liam's mate in this book, but the author has a tendency to let things cook a bit so please do not rage if Liam ends up as book 4!
I am a big fan of Lisa Oliver. I really liked the first book in the Arrowtown series and I liked this one a bit better. I think it was more focused than the first book. Simon and Darwin were wonderful as the MCs. I really like it when mates don't automatically get along. I like it when they have to work at their mating. It seems a bit more realistic to me. Once again, I loved all the other characters that make up this pack. I honestly can't wait for the next book in the series.
If you want to skip the first one and start here, I think you would be okay. However, I do recommend both this book and the previous one. Both are really good books.
I loved Simon and Darwin. Who would think a snake and mouse would make such a cute couple. I can't wait to see what happens with the rest of the group. Especially poor Liam.
Simon a snake is the fated mate to Darwin a mouse , Darwin is not very trusting of people . When they meet they have to learn to trust and love each other .
I loved Darwin and Simon but hated Western he was pity, greedy, slimy and Liam deserved better. Cam was great, I love the town is supportive of the club. Brutus makes me laugh, he lives by his stomach.
There's no secret that I'm a big fan of this author, but I'm having some trouble getting into this particular series. Not enough to stop reading it, though, but the "light" plot takes away from the overall enjoyment.
Book two is a fast paced on the edge of your seat read, lots going on. You cheer, are nervous for the boys and stay emotional with them. This is a great addition as book two and am looking forward to more books on the boys and on Tarrytown.
I swear, every time there is a new book by Lisa Oliver it's my own personal Christmas Day! Her new series Arrowtown is a wonderful addition to her amazing shifter series! I love how she pairs up opposite shifters with each other, one being a predator and one prey. This book was no exception. Simon is a snake shifter (haven't seen many of these written about) and Darwin is a mouse shifter. You'd think that being a mouse, Darwin was going to be meek and mild, you'd be completely wrong! Lisa writes her characters with their own back bones and they are WONDERFUL! There was so much going on in this book, you'll have to read it yourself, since I'm not giving anything away. Just sit in your favorite reading place, grab yourself something to drink, maybe a snack, and enjoy the roller coaster ride Lisa Oliver is about to put you on!!
I enjoy reading all books written by Ms. Oliver. This book was all that I needed on a rainy Friday morning with romance, mayhem and hero to the rescue, earning the five stars and more.
I loved the story Lisa. And I like how it's being played out. But poor, poor Liam! I feel so sorry that he doesn't get his mate. But I am glad about the Mayor\Police. Out with the bad and in with the good!! Keep writing Lisa.I will keep buying!
Book 2 of Arrowtown. Story of Simon a Snake Shifter and his Mate Darwin a Mouse Shifter. MM story with Male Pregnancy. Great addition to the series. Highly Enjoyable and Entertaining Read. Highly Recommend. Can't go wrong with a Lisa Oliver Book.
These books get better and better every time I read them! They're funny and sweet and heart wrenching but these books are some of the best I've ever read. I love them and cannot wait to read the next book!