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San Andreas Shifters #2
The Omega Objection
Can a gentle giant with a trampled heart show a man who’s been running all his life that sometimes there are monsters worth running towards?
A werewolf walks into a bar.
Tank is working as a bouncer when he notices something odd about the new sexy-as-sin bartender. He’s odorless, he’s amazingly popular with shifters, and he’s terrified.
A man without a smell.
Isaac is trying to escape his past. He hides in San Francisco because everyone knows that there are no werewolves in the Bay Area.
Until one walks into his bar.
Can Tank figure out Isaac’s secrets in time to save him? And can Isaac forgive Tank for being a wolf in time to learn how to love?
New York Times best selling author Gail Carriger (writing as G.L. Carriger) brings you the next in her charming gay werewolves series.
The San Andreas Shifter books stand alone and do not have to be read in any particular order. But if you're a stickler this book is preceded by Bryan & Max's story, The Sumage Solution.
Delicate Sensibilities?
This book contains M/M sexy times, mild themes of dominance and submission, and horrible puns. If you get offended easily, then you probably will. San Andreas Shifter stories contain bad language, dirty deeds, and outright admiration for the San Francisco Bay Area. Not the faint of heart/mouth/tongue.
A werewolf walks into a bar.
Tank is working as a bouncer when he notices something odd about the new sexy-as-sin bartender. He’s odorless, he’s amazingly popular with shifters, and he’s terrified.
A man without a smell.
Isaac is trying to escape his past. He hides in San Francisco because everyone knows that there are no werewolves in the Bay Area.
Until one walks into his bar.
Can Tank figure out Isaac’s secrets in time to save him? And can Isaac forgive Tank for being a wolf in time to learn how to love?
New York Times best selling author Gail Carriger (writing as G.L. Carriger) brings you the next in her charming gay werewolves series.
The San Andreas Shifter books stand alone and do not have to be read in any particular order. But if you're a stickler this book is preceded by Bryan & Max's story, The Sumage Solution.
Delicate Sensibilities?
This book contains M/M sexy times, mild themes of dominance and submission, and horrible puns. If you get offended easily, then you probably will. San Andreas Shifter stories contain bad language, dirty deeds, and outright admiration for the San Francisco Bay Area. Not the faint of heart/mouth/tongue.
346 pages, ebook
First published November 4, 2018
180 people are currently reading
1038 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
June 21, 2025
That was so damn good, I think I'm hooked. These characters are fantastic and I think it restores my faith in werewolf stories, and no, this isn't your usual omegaverse stuff.
God, I love the portrayal of the pack and the “roles” the wolves embody. Finally, it's like I remember it from way back. Honestly... I like omegaverse now and then, but actually, the whole heat cycles and being slaves to your bodies and roles is pretty annoying.
Yes, even in this series there are roles and there are assholes who take advantage of them, and yes, Isaac is caught up in it too. Nevertheless, there is still free will.
Each of the characters in this series is different than they seem and it's really beautifully done. I love how Isaac and Tank fit together and have a dynamic that isn't obvious.
Isaac was tall and slender, but not too much of either. Tank really liked that, because with little guys he was always afraid of crushing them. Besides, those pixie types took one look at him and went belly-up, or, more properly, ass-up, and Tank wasn’t into that. 🐾🤗🐾
Here we go again. Curse of my birth, everyone wants me, except that they actually don’t. Not me, not really. They want the way I make them feel. They want the wolf I bury inside. Social addiction.
Gladdy had put it best when they’d first discovered him. “Being around you is like swimming in warm comforting pudding.” 🐾🥺🐾
He let out a hopeless little sigh and raised his head to kiss. Tank waited for it.
So Isaac licked the seam of Tank’s mouth, wondering if he tasted of brandy and citrus and spices. He nibbled, questing. Tank yielded with the smallest of sighs, opening to his query. It was a sweet benediction colored with spikes of light and want. 🫠🐾🫠
The second book was less chaotic than the first, but unfortunately it didn't answer any of the open questions about worldbuilding. Still, it was really good. I'm going to go back and read book 0.5 before continuing.
God, I love the portrayal of the pack and the “roles” the wolves embody. Finally, it's like I remember it from way back. Honestly... I like omegaverse now and then, but actually, the whole heat cycles and being slaves to your bodies and roles is pretty annoying.
Yes, even in this series there are roles and there are assholes who take advantage of them, and yes, Isaac is caught up in it too. Nevertheless, there is still free will.
Each of the characters in this series is different than they seem and it's really beautifully done. I love how Isaac and Tank fit together and have a dynamic that isn't obvious.
Isaac was tall and slender, but not too much of either. Tank really liked that, because with little guys he was always afraid of crushing them. Besides, those pixie types took one look at him and went belly-up, or, more properly, ass-up, and Tank wasn’t into that. 🐾🤗🐾
Here we go again. Curse of my birth, everyone wants me, except that they actually don’t. Not me, not really. They want the way I make them feel. They want the wolf I bury inside. Social addiction.
Gladdy had put it best when they’d first discovered him. “Being around you is like swimming in warm comforting pudding.” 🐾🥺🐾
He let out a hopeless little sigh and raised his head to kiss. Tank waited for it.
So Isaac licked the seam of Tank’s mouth, wondering if he tasted of brandy and citrus and spices. He nibbled, questing. Tank yielded with the smallest of sighs, opening to his query. It was a sweet benediction colored with spikes of light and want. 🫠🐾🫠
The second book was less chaotic than the first, but unfortunately it didn't answer any of the open questions about worldbuilding. Still, it was really good. I'm going to go back and read book 0.5 before continuing.
December 21, 2018
This pack's got charisma!
It took but a few short pages for me to become smitten all over again with the San Andreas pack. Carriger's way with dialogue makes these shifters unbearably charming; it's snappy, accessible and on the right side of slangy.
It's also funny.
This pack is, ostensibly, a pack full of misfits. Though I have to say, if this is what misfitdom looks like, SIGN ME UP! They all have distinct personalities that sometimes clash and they have banded together in an abandoned old mansion on the outskirts of San Francisco and are slowly expanding their family while strengthening their pack. What's more, they all seem to like each other and have fun together.
In this instance, (in case the title didn't give it away) they add an Omega: Isaac. Isaac has been on the run for a long time. His reasoning for doing so is understandable. He's taken to being a bit skittish when around wolves. Once he meets Tank everything in him tells him to skedattle but he's kind of dug in at his little bar with his friends and co-workers and Tank is such a yummy man mountain. When the baddies from his past start bearing down it's harder than ever to make himself hit the road.
I ❤️ me a size difference and I really like it when the big guy is a gentle giant and Tank is. Tank is very cognizant of his size and how intimidating it can be for others. There were so many endearing moments between he and Isaac; it's almost like they have a sixth sense about one another which worked towards convincing me their bond went beyond chemistry or kismet. Plus, Tank is adorable! When he started word vomitting about the barbecue... no way could anyone resist him.
Tank loves his pack. It's clear in his enthusiasm about them and his actions towards them. More than anything else he wants to be useful. He carries a significant amount of shame about this and persistently minimizes his worth which made me want to squeeze him even though I didn't really understand where it came from.
What I liked best about Isaac was his ability to read Tank and keeping up a fairly constant barrage of positive regard which went a long way towards showing Tank how essential he was not just to him but to his pack.
This installment ticked a lot of boxes for me: kinky, submissive big guy, big guy bottoming, possessiveness and mineing, smaller top, did I mention it was kinky? Not super #TeamPain kinky, just D/s and some orgasm denial with a smidge of begging. It'll do in a pinch.
They are into each other and quickly get on the same page. The catchphrase 'resistance is futile' ain't just for space aliens anymore, ya hear? I like a slow burn as much as the next but sometimes... why wait? They don't. And I dug it. Muchly.
The pack dynamics are hilarious with Marvin and his throw pillows, Max with his acerbic wit and Alec with his quiet strength and compassion. Isaac's friends from the bar add to the fun as well and some new and interesting shifters were introduced that I'm hoping will continue to make appearances as the series progresses.
The Omega Objection was a sweet, sexy, low angst read that's entertaining and balances the line between romance and action well about a man who finally finds his place among a bunch of so called misfits and another man who finally understands his worth among a bunch of misfits; it was exactly what the doctor ordered. Carriger has created a world that's uniquely her own in the shifter-verse that I thoroughly enjoy visiting and can't wait to see what comes next.
A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It took but a few short pages for me to become smitten all over again with the San Andreas pack. Carriger's way with dialogue makes these shifters unbearably charming; it's snappy, accessible and on the right side of slangy.
It's also funny.
This pack is, ostensibly, a pack full of misfits. Though I have to say, if this is what misfitdom looks like, SIGN ME UP! They all have distinct personalities that sometimes clash and they have banded together in an abandoned old mansion on the outskirts of San Francisco and are slowly expanding their family while strengthening their pack. What's more, they all seem to like each other and have fun together.
In this instance, (in case the title didn't give it away) they add an Omega: Isaac. Isaac has been on the run for a long time. His reasoning for doing so is understandable. He's taken to being a bit skittish when around wolves. Once he meets Tank everything in him tells him to skedattle but he's kind of dug in at his little bar with his friends and co-workers and Tank is such a yummy man mountain. When the baddies from his past start bearing down it's harder than ever to make himself hit the road.
I ❤️ me a size difference and I really like it when the big guy is a gentle giant and Tank is. Tank is very cognizant of his size and how intimidating it can be for others. There were so many endearing moments between he and Isaac; it's almost like they have a sixth sense about one another which worked towards convincing me their bond went beyond chemistry or kismet. Plus, Tank is adorable! When he started word vomitting about the barbecue... no way could anyone resist him.
Tank loves his pack. It's clear in his enthusiasm about them and his actions towards them. More than anything else he wants to be useful. He carries a significant amount of shame about this and persistently minimizes his worth which made me want to squeeze him even though I didn't really understand where it came from.
What I liked best about Isaac was his ability to read Tank and keeping up a fairly constant barrage of positive regard which went a long way towards showing Tank how essential he was not just to him but to his pack.
This installment ticked a lot of boxes for me: kinky, submissive big guy, big guy bottoming, possessiveness and mineing, smaller top, did I mention it was kinky? Not super #TeamPain kinky, just D/s and some orgasm denial with a smidge of begging. It'll do in a pinch.
They are into each other and quickly get on the same page. The catchphrase 'resistance is futile' ain't just for space aliens anymore, ya hear? I like a slow burn as much as the next but sometimes... why wait? They don't. And I dug it. Muchly.
The pack dynamics are hilarious with Marvin and his throw pillows, Max with his acerbic wit and Alec with his quiet strength and compassion. Isaac's friends from the bar add to the fun as well and some new and interesting shifters were introduced that I'm hoping will continue to make appearances as the series progresses.
The Omega Objection was a sweet, sexy, low angst read that's entertaining and balances the line between romance and action well about a man who finally finds his place among a bunch of so called misfits and another man who finally understands his worth among a bunch of misfits; it was exactly what the doctor ordered. Carriger has created a world that's uniquely her own in the shifter-verse that I thoroughly enjoy visiting and can't wait to see what comes next.
A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2025
Well that was fun, just like the other books in this series.
I love the world building and the dynamics of this unusual pack and I loved how Isaac's story unfolded. Tank is such a sweetheart, far more than the gentle giant impression he gives.
The Dom/sub elements were well crafted to the narrative too and I liked how intertwined both Tank's non rank and Isaac's Omega status were fitted into both the revealed plot but also the pack as a whole.
Super sweet, spicy and with all the feels, this was a fab addition to the series.
I love the world building and the dynamics of this unusual pack and I loved how Isaac's story unfolded. Tank is such a sweetheart, far more than the gentle giant impression he gives.
The Dom/sub elements were well crafted to the narrative too and I liked how intertwined both Tank's non rank and Isaac's Omega status were fitted into both the revealed plot but also the pack as a whole.
Super sweet, spicy and with all the feels, this was a fab addition to the series.
November 18, 2018
Nope. Glad it's over, but seething at what I see as lazy writing, ABO/BDSM crap, and ridiculous cultural/species politics. I really, really liked the first one and was SO looking forward to this one. Not much of a storyline; didn't like either main character. It was more of an internal hate fest (I'm not good enough! I'm worthless! Please abuse me!) for the two protagonists and I simply got sick of it. In another week, I won't even remember this book. And that's just sad.
December 8, 2020
3.5 stars
November 5, 2018
DOA: the characters, the story line, the chemistry
I’ve been looking forward to this book, but I can’t quite remember why: The characters are static, the story spins in place, and every potential for tension is resolved immediately -- heaven forbid the story line actually develops some momentum.
Here are my issues with this read in a nutshell:
Isaac: The omega the world objects to. Apparently. And has done so for his entire life. Poor sod.
Tank: The gigantic wolf who objects to himself. Apparently. An inferiority complex as big as his overgrown self. Another poor sod.
Chemistry: None. The characters were cast. Turned out they fit. -- A miracle! *gasp* -- That was it. There was no (need for) development, no (need for) plot, no (need for) chemistry. The characters were, they came, they met, the end.
Ending: I wasn’t even waiting around for the ending. Or better, the ending was already obvious from the beginning. Which is often the case, I know, but in this case, there simply wasn’t anything happening between the beginning and the predictable ending, so what was I reading again?
However, I think it’s me and not the book. The tone of the series probably hasn’t changed since the last installment, I don’t think. Maybe my taste has gotten more discerning or my patience shorter. So, if you liked the other books, don’t let me stop you from enjoying this story. I won’t be waiting for the next volume in this series, the Enforcer Enigma, but if it happens to fall into my hands, who’s to say…(Colin and Judd just sound a lot more interesting. At least, there hast to be a story there, right? Right???)
I’ve been looking forward to this book, but I can’t quite remember why: The characters are static, the story spins in place, and every potential for tension is resolved immediately -- heaven forbid the story line actually develops some momentum.
Here are my issues with this read in a nutshell:
Isaac: The omega the world objects to. Apparently. And has done so for his entire life. Poor sod.
Tank: The gigantic wolf who objects to himself. Apparently. An inferiority complex as big as his overgrown self. Another poor sod.
Chemistry: None. The characters were cast. Turned out they fit. -- A miracle! *gasp* -- That was it. There was no (need for) development, no (need for) plot, no (need for) chemistry. The characters were, they came, they met, the end.
Ending: I wasn’t even waiting around for the ending. Or better, the ending was already obvious from the beginning. Which is often the case, I know, but in this case, there simply wasn’t anything happening between the beginning and the predictable ending, so what was I reading again?
However, I think it’s me and not the book. The tone of the series probably hasn’t changed since the last installment, I don’t think. Maybe my taste has gotten more discerning or my patience shorter. So, if you liked the other books, don’t let me stop you from enjoying this story. I won’t be waiting for the next volume in this series, the Enforcer Enigma, but if it happens to fall into my hands, who’s to say…(Colin and Judd just sound a lot more interesting. At least, there hast to be a story there, right? Right???)
October 31, 2018
Rating: 2.5/5
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this novel with the condition that I review it should I feel so inclined. Thoughts and opinions are my own. I would have reviewed this novel regardless of when or how I got it.
I'm generally a big fan of Carriger works, but this series has been a miss for me. That being said, the modern voice and wit Carriger uses in the San Andreas Shifters series, and in this book especially, is amazing. Also queer characters for daaaaaays! However, at the end of the day, it didn't save the book for me.
The Omega Objection needed/needs a SERIOUS developmental edit to par down extraneous characters/plot lines and develop Tank and Isaac’s characters and relationship. I kept reading until the end because I love the way Gail writes in her modern voice, and her wit had me rolling, but I was not invested in the relationship like I wanted to be.
I was invested in Isaac’s story line but not his romance with Tank. Neither Isaac nor Tank really developed much as characters by the end of the novel, and what development did occur felt rushed. The new characters that were introduced weren't fleshed out at all, which basically ruined them. All the old favorites got trotted out, but their appearances just ended up stealing the show and introducing secondary or tertiary plot lines that distracted me from the story at hand.
I feel bad tearing a Carriger book apart like this, but that’s where I’m at. I really, really wanted to like The Omega Objection; it had so much potential, and had all the right ingredients for me to love it, but in the end the mix didn't bake well and the cake was not for me. I honestly, really and truly, liked The Omega Objection better than I did The Sumage Solution, but I ended up rating it lower because of the weak characters and muddled plot.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this novel with the condition that I review it should I feel so inclined. Thoughts and opinions are my own. I would have reviewed this novel regardless of when or how I got it.
I'm generally a big fan of Carriger works, but this series has been a miss for me. That being said, the modern voice and wit Carriger uses in the San Andreas Shifters series, and in this book especially, is amazing. Also queer characters for daaaaaays! However, at the end of the day, it didn't save the book for me.
The Omega Objection needed/needs a SERIOUS developmental edit to par down extraneous characters/plot lines and develop Tank and Isaac’s characters and relationship. I kept reading until the end because I love the way Gail writes in her modern voice, and her wit had me rolling, but I was not invested in the relationship like I wanted to be.
I was invested in Isaac’s story line but not his romance with Tank. Neither Isaac nor Tank really developed much as characters by the end of the novel, and what development did occur felt rushed. The new characters that were introduced weren't fleshed out at all, which basically ruined them. All the old favorites got trotted out, but their appearances just ended up stealing the show and introducing secondary or tertiary plot lines that distracted me from the story at hand.
I feel bad tearing a Carriger book apart like this, but that’s where I’m at. I really, really wanted to like The Omega Objection; it had so much potential, and had all the right ingredients for me to love it, but in the end the mix didn't bake well and the cake was not for me. I honestly, really and truly, liked The Omega Objection better than I did The Sumage Solution, but I ended up rating it lower because of the weak characters and muddled plot.
March 30, 2019
So... I DESPISE shifter books. I think they are the absolute worst & it pains me to admit this but this book was actually... fun?? Listen, I don’t know if it’s the holiday spirit & I’m just in a really good mood but i enjoyed this & was like engaged in the tale. First of all, a big positive in this book is the diversity in characters. This is one of the more diverse books I’ve read in some time & I’m trying my best to only support books that have a good amount of representation. Also, all of the characters are like... mad cute. They’re all fucked up but good for each other. An issue I had with this book though is that there are A LOT of characters that come at u all at once. It was kind of difficult to keep track of everyone. Regardless, I’m kind of in shock that I enjoyed a shifter book. Don’t get me wrong, wasn’t a perfect book by any means but eh, I enjoyed it more than I thought i would. My world view has changed & I’m struggling to follow it.
July 17, 2020
I randomly saw this book had been added to my library and I wanted to read it because I didn't previously know that this author wrote romance and I wanted to try it out. However I found this book to just be fine and not particularly original.
One of the major issues I had with this story was the world-building. I know this is the second book in this series but Carriger just kept using terms that she never explained and based on another review I saw, this was a problem with book one as well. There are so many species and different roles in this story and that could be very interesting but instead it was just confusing because the lack of explanation. I really felt that we were thrown into the deep end as readers and expected to just figure everything out but we weren't given enough information to do that.
I thought that the romance and the characters were fine but I didn't really feel any connection between Issac and Tank. Their relationship starts with mutual attraction but it never seemed to develop beyond that and then all the sudden they love each other. This book neither goes all in on the typical "fated mates" trope nor does it use some other trope and it just leaves the relationship feeling very middling.
I've read other books like this and it seems like the unique aspect of this series was the sheer number of species but because of the previously discussed lack of explanation, it just left me feeling confused and made the story unclear and, in my opinion, overly long. This story also deals with somewhat serious issues concerning Issac's past but all the other characters are so easygoing and silly all the time that the overall tone is weird.
I think this book is fine and maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read this series in order and if you want to read this series, I would recommend reading it that way. However, I have read books like this that I think are better so this series wouldn't be my first recommendation.
One of the major issues I had with this story was the world-building. I know this is the second book in this series but Carriger just kept using terms that she never explained and based on another review I saw, this was a problem with book one as well. There are so many species and different roles in this story and that could be very interesting but instead it was just confusing because the lack of explanation. I really felt that we were thrown into the deep end as readers and expected to just figure everything out but we weren't given enough information to do that.
I thought that the romance and the characters were fine but I didn't really feel any connection between Issac and Tank. Their relationship starts with mutual attraction but it never seemed to develop beyond that and then all the sudden they love each other. This book neither goes all in on the typical "fated mates" trope nor does it use some other trope and it just leaves the relationship feeling very middling.
I've read other books like this and it seems like the unique aspect of this series was the sheer number of species but because of the previously discussed lack of explanation, it just left me feeling confused and made the story unclear and, in my opinion, overly long. This story also deals with somewhat serious issues concerning Issac's past but all the other characters are so easygoing and silly all the time that the overall tone is weird.
I think this book is fine and maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read this series in order and if you want to read this series, I would recommend reading it that way. However, I have read books like this that I think are better so this series wouldn't be my first recommendation.
November 9, 2018
DNF. I can't finish it. Too long, too drawn out, but not really accomplishing anything. I don't feel a connection with either character individually or as a couple. There just isn't enough here for me to continue on.
November 5, 2018
Tank has always known his place in the pack. He is to be the big scary werewolf, the muscle, the cannon fodder. That was the fate of his father and his father before him, and so it will be with Tank. He might not like it, but at least he has a purpose. When the pack’s newly created security/bodyguard service gets a job to help beef-up the security at a bar’s new shifter-themed night, Tank is the man for the job. He might not particularly want to play bouncer, but his pack needs the money so what can he do? His ability to be whatever the pack needs him to be, turns out to work in favor for once, though, when his eyes land on one of the bartenders. Scentless, and strange, and strangely attractive, Isaac is probably far out of Tank’s league. But that doesn’t stop Tank from hoping that his luck holds just a little bit longer.
I’ve been really looking forward to this second book (and third story) in this series. After reading The Sumage Solution last year, I fell completely in love with this world and was excited to see where Carriger took this pack.
Despite the fact that I enjoyed the first novel in this series, I will admit that it was a bit daunting as a jumping-off point to this world. There was a lot of backstory and world building to get thru in that book, and as a result it sometimes felt a bit confusing. That is not the case here. This story feels a lot more grounded. Yeah all the more fantastical elements with shifters of many shapes, and magic of many kinds, still exists…but a lot of it is pushed to the back so that Tank and Isaac can have center stage. It made for a much easier read, to be honest. It probably helped that this story mostly just focuses on werewolves, instead of the whole smorgasbord of magical and shifter elements. They still peep in, from time to time, but the story mostly stays with Tank and Isaac and their various interactions.
And speaking of interactions….woooh baby. I wouldn’t go so far as to say this book had full-on BDSM themes, but there is some really freaking hot D/s elements to their sexual relationship. Tank with his need to belong to someone, and Isaac with his determination to control at least one part of his life, fit together so damn well. Neither of them was sure of what the other wanted or expected, but despite all those doubts there was this underlying need in both of them that made every time they were on page together nearly combustible. And despite the fact that I’m not one, these days, to really enjoy a majority of the sex scenes in books, I didn’t skim a single one in this story. The sex felt absolutely necessary to who these characters were to each other and to themselves. To have missed that would have left something missing in the story for me. It never once felt like they were going to fuck because X-amount of pages had passed since the last sex scene. It felt organic and essential. Just as it should be, in my opinion.
While this was not a perfect story–the whole stalker sub-plot was rather underwhelming in the end–it was one that I had a lot of fun reading. The pages just flew by as I go deeper and deeper into the plot, and stopping was very much out of the question once things started to get going. These werewolves could have been very boring (I mean, what is this, the 800th werewolf book I’ve read?) but I loved Carriger’s various takes on the shifters and their culture. It was not exactly all new, but it was just different enough to make me always want to know just that little bit more about them.
I think that readers who enjoyed this series so far and going to end up really liking this one, and if they are anything like me, they are going to be clamoring for the next book. The pairing in that one looks to be very exciting. This book ended up being almost everything I was hoping for, and I can’t wait to see where Carriger can take these characters and this world.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I’ve been really looking forward to this second book (and third story) in this series. After reading The Sumage Solution last year, I fell completely in love with this world and was excited to see where Carriger took this pack.
Despite the fact that I enjoyed the first novel in this series, I will admit that it was a bit daunting as a jumping-off point to this world. There was a lot of backstory and world building to get thru in that book, and as a result it sometimes felt a bit confusing. That is not the case here. This story feels a lot more grounded. Yeah all the more fantastical elements with shifters of many shapes, and magic of many kinds, still exists…but a lot of it is pushed to the back so that Tank and Isaac can have center stage. It made for a much easier read, to be honest. It probably helped that this story mostly just focuses on werewolves, instead of the whole smorgasbord of magical and shifter elements. They still peep in, from time to time, but the story mostly stays with Tank and Isaac and their various interactions.
And speaking of interactions….woooh baby. I wouldn’t go so far as to say this book had full-on BDSM themes, but there is some really freaking hot D/s elements to their sexual relationship. Tank with his need to belong to someone, and Isaac with his determination to control at least one part of his life, fit together so damn well. Neither of them was sure of what the other wanted or expected, but despite all those doubts there was this underlying need in both of them that made every time they were on page together nearly combustible. And despite the fact that I’m not one, these days, to really enjoy a majority of the sex scenes in books, I didn’t skim a single one in this story. The sex felt absolutely necessary to who these characters were to each other and to themselves. To have missed that would have left something missing in the story for me. It never once felt like they were going to fuck because X-amount of pages had passed since the last sex scene. It felt organic and essential. Just as it should be, in my opinion.
While this was not a perfect story–the whole stalker sub-plot was rather underwhelming in the end–it was one that I had a lot of fun reading. The pages just flew by as I go deeper and deeper into the plot, and stopping was very much out of the question once things started to get going. These werewolves could have been very boring (I mean, what is this, the 800th werewolf book I’ve read?) but I loved Carriger’s various takes on the shifters and their culture. It was not exactly all new, but it was just different enough to make me always want to know just that little bit more about them.
I think that readers who enjoyed this series so far and going to end up really liking this one, and if they are anything like me, they are going to be clamoring for the next book. The pairing in that one looks to be very exciting. This book ended up being almost everything I was hoping for, and I can’t wait to see where Carriger can take these characters and this world.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
June 3, 2024
April 2024
still not my favorite in this series, but definitely worth reading - but it should be read in order. otherwise I think some things just don't make sense
previous review
Hmm... on the second go I didn't enjoy it as much. Tank was a bit too submissive for me this time around and I was a bit disappointed that nobody recognised his need for personal recognition.
Loved to see Bryan and Max again and I am looking forward to Colin's snd Judds story
still not my favorite in this series, but definitely worth reading - but it should be read in order. otherwise I think some things just don't make sense
previous review
Hmm... on the second go I didn't enjoy it as much. Tank was a bit too submissive for me this time around and I was a bit disappointed that nobody recognised his need for personal recognition.
Loved to see Bryan and Max again and I am looking forward to Colin's snd Judds story
July 3, 2019
[3.5 Stars] Another fun installment in the San Andreas Shifters series. I love Isaac and Tank. I think they're really sweet. On the whole, I liked reading about their developing romance more than I did Bryan and Max which is why this gets a higher rating. I also think there was less sex and less "muchness" that the first book was drenched in. I loved reading about the pack dynamics too. I'm excited for the third one since Colin, AHH.
December 5, 2018
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, I have been a fan of Gail Carriger for at least the last seven years. I fell in love with her writing and quirky humor with Soulless, the first in The Parasol Protectorate series and from there it was all history!
Her world building and character development is on point and I love that she writes diverse stories. I have read a few of her LGBTQ novels and loved how beautifully she portrays romance between people, not just romance between man and woman—-or werewolf and a soulless.
I don’t read a ton of LGBTQ romances or novels for that matter, but I love Carriger’s ability to world build and create interesting romances so when this second book in the San Andreas Shifters series came up, I was happy to review it.
So first of all, if you aren’t open minded or fans of LGBTQ romance, then you should look elsewhere. This is a gay romance novel and obviously isn’t for everyone, but as a straight married woman, I still found lots to love in this book. What sets Carriger apart from traditional writers is her ability to world build not just setting but romances and make you forget that you are reading something out of your traditional genre.
Now this book does contain some mildly graphic M/M content, but I didn’t think that it was anything that you wouldn’t get in a traditional romance novel, the only thing that’s different is the gender. So keep an open mind and I promise that you will love her characters and romances that are gay, straight, or otherwise!
The two characters in this book, Tank and Isaac, for me lacked some of the same chemistry that Max and Bryan from the first novel in this series. It wasn’t that I didn’t like them, I just didn’t connect to them in the same way as I did the other two. Their romance was still sweet, but for me it just wasn’t as intense as the first one in the series. The characters grow and develop nicely on their own but together the romance wasn’t as intense as I had hoped.
One thing that never waivers in any of her books—-the world she creates. I can easily get lost in her novels and let the world captivate me. This book is no exception. When it comes to supernatural characters, I tend to gravitate toward vampires—-werewolves aren’t usually my favorite. However, Carriger does such a great job at making them more than just hot headed beasts.
She creates this whole cult world that is seeped in werewolves and typical werewolf behavior, but yet the characters are so human and real that you almost forget that they are werewolves. I love this setting, and don’t even get me started on how much I love her humor—and of course I love the supernatural characters. I also love how fun it is seeing other favorites from previous books or series make cameos.
So for this book, I didn’t feel like it was a 3 star book because I thought the setting was so vivid and I enjoyed the characters a lot, but it wasn’t a 5 star for me either because the romance was a little off for me. So I had to go with a 4 star on this one. I am excited to read the next book in the series. If you haven’t discovered Carriger yet, I highly recommend any of her books. This series as well as some of her others, could stand alone if absolutely necessary…..but why would you want to miss all the fun cameos and nuances of reading a series?
See my full review here
Her world building and character development is on point and I love that she writes diverse stories. I have read a few of her LGBTQ novels and loved how beautifully she portrays romance between people, not just romance between man and woman—-or werewolf and a soulless.
I don’t read a ton of LGBTQ romances or novels for that matter, but I love Carriger’s ability to world build and create interesting romances so when this second book in the San Andreas Shifters series came up, I was happy to review it.
So first of all, if you aren’t open minded or fans of LGBTQ romance, then you should look elsewhere. This is a gay romance novel and obviously isn’t for everyone, but as a straight married woman, I still found lots to love in this book. What sets Carriger apart from traditional writers is her ability to world build not just setting but romances and make you forget that you are reading something out of your traditional genre.
Now this book does contain some mildly graphic M/M content, but I didn’t think that it was anything that you wouldn’t get in a traditional romance novel, the only thing that’s different is the gender. So keep an open mind and I promise that you will love her characters and romances that are gay, straight, or otherwise!
The two characters in this book, Tank and Isaac, for me lacked some of the same chemistry that Max and Bryan from the first novel in this series. It wasn’t that I didn’t like them, I just didn’t connect to them in the same way as I did the other two. Their romance was still sweet, but for me it just wasn’t as intense as the first one in the series. The characters grow and develop nicely on their own but together the romance wasn’t as intense as I had hoped.
One thing that never waivers in any of her books—-the world she creates. I can easily get lost in her novels and let the world captivate me. This book is no exception. When it comes to supernatural characters, I tend to gravitate toward vampires—-werewolves aren’t usually my favorite. However, Carriger does such a great job at making them more than just hot headed beasts.
She creates this whole cult world that is seeped in werewolves and typical werewolf behavior, but yet the characters are so human and real that you almost forget that they are werewolves. I love this setting, and don’t even get me started on how much I love her humor—and of course I love the supernatural characters. I also love how fun it is seeing other favorites from previous books or series make cameos.
So for this book, I didn’t feel like it was a 3 star book because I thought the setting was so vivid and I enjoyed the characters a lot, but it wasn’t a 5 star for me either because the romance was a little off for me. So I had to go with a 4 star on this one. I am excited to read the next book in the series. If you haven’t discovered Carriger yet, I highly recommend any of her books. This series as well as some of her others, could stand alone if absolutely necessary…..but why would you want to miss all the fun cameos and nuances of reading a series?
See my full review here
December 15, 2019
Loved the audiobook - since I love omegaverse stories (in whatever way they are written) this was a no brainer. I still think I like the prequel best but this had strong elements going for it. Continued look into the pack was nice. I really liked Isaac and his situation - Tank was ok but there were times he seemed overplayed. I so want to read Colin's story!
August 12, 2020
So very good!
I loved this book even more than I expected to. It made me laugh, made me cry (seriously, more than once), made me want more. I can’t wait for the next book, and the next after that, and so on. I’m hoping this series has a long run!
I loved this book even more than I expected to. It made me laugh, made me cry (seriously, more than once), made me want more. I can’t wait for the next book, and the next after that, and so on. I’m hoping this series has a long run!
September 22, 2024
3.5 stars only because this was more tense than I was expecting.
The whole time I was reading this, I was waiting for whoever was coming for Issac to show up, and that took away from the cuteness and the fluff of the story.
Tank and Issac were adorable, of course, and when Isaac met the pack, that was all cuteness. The couple that I really want to read about is next. I normally wait a few books before continuing with a series, but I am so excited to read Judd and Colin's story that I am sure I will be reading it soon.
The whole time I was reading this, I was waiting for whoever was coming for Issac to show up, and that took away from the cuteness and the fluff of the story.
Tank and Issac were adorable, of course, and when Isaac met the pack, that was all cuteness. The couple that I really want to read about is next. I normally wait a few books before continuing with a series, but I am so excited to read Judd and Colin's story that I am sure I will be reading it soon.
October 3, 2019
It started off well enough... but it was a little slow. And then when it hit 60%, I lost interest. I don’t even know why the book lost me then 🙈
October 9, 2020
So it'd been so long since I read the first book in this series I thought I'd skim it and catch myself up before reading this one. Yeah, I remembered nothing and this magic/shifter world is completely different than any other and all too quickly I got sucked into the book so basically read the entire thing so that I could read this one.
Gotta say I am so happy I read this book now. I had forgotten how good the first book was when it came out and really happy I came back to this. I loved this book. I love this whole pack. Tank is such a sweetie and Isaac is unique in what he is. There was so much to love about this story. The information about Isaac's past is slowly revealed over the course of the story and even when you suspect some of what's coming there was a lot to learn about how he got to be how he was. Tank's slow steady presence and his wish to be nothing more than what Isaac needed was just so lovely. I found this story to be touching in just how much everyone needed that little extra care that Isaac could provide, but that Isaac probably needed what Tank gave him even more.
I really enjoyed every element of this story, from Isaac learning to trust in Tank to giving his pack a chance. I loved his introduction to the pack and how Alec handled everything. I want to jump into the next book immediately! This was just such fun and the characters are all really great. The world building is different and makes the things interesting instead of this being just another shifter world.
Gotta say I am so happy I read this book now. I had forgotten how good the first book was when it came out and really happy I came back to this. I loved this book. I love this whole pack. Tank is such a sweetie and Isaac is unique in what he is. There was so much to love about this story. The information about Isaac's past is slowly revealed over the course of the story and even when you suspect some of what's coming there was a lot to learn about how he got to be how he was. Tank's slow steady presence and his wish to be nothing more than what Isaac needed was just so lovely. I found this story to be touching in just how much everyone needed that little extra care that Isaac could provide, but that Isaac probably needed what Tank gave him even more.
I really enjoyed every element of this story, from Isaac learning to trust in Tank to giving his pack a chance. I loved his introduction to the pack and how Alec handled everything. I want to jump into the next book immediately! This was just such fun and the characters are all really great. The world building is different and makes the things interesting instead of this being just another shifter world.
December 11, 2018
Another great story. How gratifying it is to find a story that has plot, characterization and romance all packed into something close to perfection!
I would change just one tiny little detail but apart from that personal choice, I think the author has created an amazing story once more. The world of shifters we have come to enjoy in these San Andreas books is perfectly balanced and structured. It's fun just to read about the character's lives even if no romance existed.
For me, it was difficult to put down, really just to sleep.
I can't wait for the next one already!
I would change just one tiny little detail but apart from that personal choice, I think the author has created an amazing story once more. The world of shifters we have come to enjoy in these San Andreas books is perfectly balanced and structured. It's fun just to read about the character's lives even if no romance existed.
For me, it was difficult to put down, really just to sleep.
I can't wait for the next one already!
September 1, 2020
After getting the hang of the worldbuilding in the first book, (and meeting Tank, the huge, quiet, solid mid-pack werewolf) I was eager to read this story. Tank was an enigma, and here we see who he is unfolding- protector, solitary, self-deprecating, unsure of his worth, loyal and smarter than he seems.
The werewolf pack needs income in their new Bay Area home, and one of the jobs they're fitted for is security. Tank is assigned a job as a bouncer at a bar, and there he sees Isaac. The human bartender is an enigma, a man whose aura is welcoming and sympathetic, to the point that local shifters line up to talk to him. The mixed crowd of bar-goers come away from a drink with Isaac calmer, more centered, as the gorgeous man polishes a glass, serves a beer, and smiles at his next customer.
But Isaac also has no smell, nothing to suggest who, or maybe what, he is. He seems human, but he's a puzzle. Tank's as drawn in as the rest of the shifters, with a side of attraction that has nothing to do with Isaac's calming manner. Tank wants to protect the man, and just plain wants him. But outside the bar, Isaac is reticent, and wary.
Isaac's past has not led him to believe any werewolf will treat him well. But when he's accosted by a black dog shifter who's become a stalker, Tank is protective without being demanding. Isaac is worried he may have to run again, after a lifetime of running. But right now, he has a job he likes, friends, a decent boss, and Tank doesn't push him. In fact, Tank is willing to be pushed in some very intriguing ways for such a big man and a wolf.
But the trouble Isaac was running from hasn't vanished. And his tentative new relationship with a big werewolf who is willing, eager, to sub for him won't have time to get off the ground. Isaac's ready to run again. Except Tank- having found the exact thing he's been looking for so long, in a gorgeous package of dark skin and sharp mind and forceful personality and no scent- will do anything, not to have Isaac go.
I really enjoyed this book, from the mesh of main character needs and vulnerabilities, to the mix of pack and strangers. The plot is good but not too complex, the worldbuilding is effective, now that I'm immersed in it, and the resolution was sweet. A new story to join my favorite shifter tales.
The werewolf pack needs income in their new Bay Area home, and one of the jobs they're fitted for is security. Tank is assigned a job as a bouncer at a bar, and there he sees Isaac. The human bartender is an enigma, a man whose aura is welcoming and sympathetic, to the point that local shifters line up to talk to him. The mixed crowd of bar-goers come away from a drink with Isaac calmer, more centered, as the gorgeous man polishes a glass, serves a beer, and smiles at his next customer.
But Isaac also has no smell, nothing to suggest who, or maybe what, he is. He seems human, but he's a puzzle. Tank's as drawn in as the rest of the shifters, with a side of attraction that has nothing to do with Isaac's calming manner. Tank wants to protect the man, and just plain wants him. But outside the bar, Isaac is reticent, and wary.
Isaac's past has not led him to believe any werewolf will treat him well. But when he's accosted by a black dog shifter who's become a stalker, Tank is protective without being demanding. Isaac is worried he may have to run again, after a lifetime of running. But right now, he has a job he likes, friends, a decent boss, and Tank doesn't push him. In fact, Tank is willing to be pushed in some very intriguing ways for such a big man and a wolf.
But the trouble Isaac was running from hasn't vanished. And his tentative new relationship with a big werewolf who is willing, eager, to sub for him won't have time to get off the ground. Isaac's ready to run again. Except Tank- having found the exact thing he's been looking for so long, in a gorgeous package of dark skin and sharp mind and forceful personality and no scent- will do anything, not to have Isaac go.
I really enjoyed this book, from the mesh of main character needs and vulnerabilities, to the mix of pack and strangers. The plot is good but not too complex, the worldbuilding is effective, now that I'm immersed in it, and the resolution was sweet. A new story to join my favorite shifter tales.
July 12, 2019
Lovely sequel, and IMO more enjoyable than the first. 4.5 rounded down
I found the world-building and terminology to be less confusing than in the first book, which I think is partially because we're building off the first book, but mostly because things were a little more straightforward in this one without all the mage/sumage confusion. I really liked Tank and Issac a lot both individually and together, and I really appreciated the way the author subverted a lot of classic tropes here. I liked that Isaac I think the werewolf pack dynamics/hierarchy in this world are super interesting, and I love that we get to see these familiar trope elements used in a way that feels interesting and fresh, though not entirely divorced of their roots.
A couple of small quibbles:
-I really liked Tank's insecurity about his place in the pack and with Isaac. I thought it made a lot of sense, and I liked that it came up a number of times, but it felt very surface-level and I wanted more. Each time it came up, somebody would say one line telling Tank he was important, and he'd be like "Oh, I am! Okay then." To me, it made sense with these shallow comments, that the insecurity would keep cropping up, and then we get to the ~big~ climactic moment in regards to that particular issue, and literally Isaac spends two sentences reassuring him, and it's all good again. I just felt like it wasn't properly addressed, and it was such a good/interesting issue that I wanted there to be more/deeper resolution, both with Isaac, and with the larger pack.
-There were a number of one-line tense shifts, where suddenly a sentence would be in present tense, and it bothered me. Editing here doesn't feel as tight as with her other series--which, to be fair, I've exclusively listened to on Audiobook, which tends to buff away those kinds of issues. Honestly I minor issue overall, but a little disappointing, as tense-switching (along with POV switching) is one of my biggest pet peeves in writing.
I found the world-building and terminology to be less confusing than in the first book, which I think is partially because we're building off the first book, but mostly because things were a little more straightforward in this one without all the mage/sumage confusion. I really liked Tank and Issac a lot both individually and together, and I really appreciated the way the author subverted a lot of classic tropes here. I liked that Isaac I think the werewolf pack dynamics/hierarchy in this world are super interesting, and I love that we get to see these familiar trope elements used in a way that feels interesting and fresh, though not entirely divorced of their roots.
A couple of small quibbles:
-I really liked Tank's insecurity about his place in the pack and with Isaac. I thought it made a lot of sense, and I liked that it came up a number of times, but it felt very surface-level and I wanted more. Each time it came up, somebody would say one line telling Tank he was important, and he'd be like "Oh, I am! Okay then." To me, it made sense with these shallow comments, that the insecurity would keep cropping up, and then we get to the ~big~ climactic moment in regards to that particular issue, and literally Isaac spends two sentences reassuring him, and it's all good again. I just felt like it wasn't properly addressed, and it was such a good/interesting issue that I wanted there to be more/deeper resolution, both with Isaac, and with the larger pack.
-There were a number of one-line tense shifts, where suddenly a sentence would be in present tense, and it bothered me. Editing here doesn't feel as tight as with her other series--which, to be fair, I've exclusively listened to on Audiobook, which tends to buff away those kinds of issues. Honestly I minor issue overall, but a little disappointing, as tense-switching (along with POV switching) is one of my biggest pet peeves in writing.
July 8, 2019
Considering that I liked this better than the first book, it's a bit odd that I'm rating it one star less, but....there are a bunch of things about this book (and the first book too, actually) that just aren't working for me. First of all, I feel like the quality of this series isn't on par with the quality in the parasolverse books, which is a crying shame. The prose is just...not all there. There's lots of overexplaining and repetition and it just doesn't flow in the way I'm used to seeing from Carriger.
I'm also a bit :/ about the romance. I feel like Carriger does romance best when it's not actually at the forefront of the book (see parasol verse)? Or maybe it's just that with nothing else going on, the book feels flat and the prose becomes stuffing and I get bored, because I don't want to be spoonfed everything. Also, I'm just not into size kink at all and so far both books are big (hah) on size kink.
I think I also just have to face up to the fact that shifter romances aren't my thing, or at least not in this way. I don't like possessiveness and animalistic traits in humans and soulbonding/mates for life and neediness and excessive touching/snuggling, and those things seem to be key elements in shifter romances, or this one at least.
I really wanted to love this book! And the series! I like the world building and I love the whole concept of a queer wolf pack, and I love the setting, and I love a lot of things, but ultimately I just feel like these aren't the characters I want to read about because I do not care about Gentle Giants as a trope.
I'm still going to read the next book though.
I'm also a bit :/ about the romance. I feel like Carriger does romance best when it's not actually at the forefront of the book (see parasol verse)? Or maybe it's just that with nothing else going on, the book feels flat and the prose becomes stuffing and I get bored, because I don't want to be spoonfed everything. Also, I'm just not into size kink at all and so far both books are big (hah) on size kink.
I think I also just have to face up to the fact that shifter romances aren't my thing, or at least not in this way. I don't like possessiveness and animalistic traits in humans and soulbonding/mates for life and neediness and excessive touching/snuggling, and those things seem to be key elements in shifter romances, or this one at least.
I really wanted to love this book! And the series! I like the world building and I love the whole concept of a queer wolf pack, and I love the setting, and I love a lot of things, but ultimately I just feel like these aren't the characters I want to read about because I do not care about Gentle Giants as a trope.
I'm still going to read the next book though.
November 6, 2018
I have special place in my heart for big men with soft hearts. Tank is so kind and a bit lost in a world too small for his size. I love that about him.
September 21, 2019
Although I felt the story could have been pared down quite a bit, I still really enjoyed it. It was easier to get through than the first book in the series because it wasn't so convoluted.
The MCs were pretty good too. I loved Tank and wished he hadn't been so unsure of himself. Isaac was alright. He had been through a lot and was skittish but with Tank he was dominant. It was a weird combination.
The secondary characters were great. Max was my favorite in this one.
I am bummed that it is going to take so long for the next book to come out because I would like to know more about Colin.
Anyway, I would recommend this book to shifter-lovers for sure.
The MCs were pretty good too. I loved Tank and wished he hadn't been so unsure of himself. Isaac was alright. He had been through a lot and was skittish but with Tank he was dominant. It was a weird combination.
The secondary characters were great. Max was my favorite in this one.
I am bummed that it is going to take so long for the next book to come out because I would like to know more about Colin.
Anyway, I would recommend this book to shifter-lovers for sure.
March 15, 2022
After thorough research, I determined there was no mpreg in this book - WAHOO NO MPREG!! - and carried on with the series.
I’m very glad I did because this one was very enjoyable. Isaac was fucking awesome. His omega charm certainly sucked me in.
Tank was honestly kind of a placeholder for me, aside from the crazy hot sex scenes, which is unfortunate because that was one of his biggest securities. Sorry buddy.
The pack as a whole is very lovable, and definitely won both Isaac and me over in this book.
I will forever be in love with Max though, who is barely in the book but steals every scene he’s in, especially when he gets to show off. I would love more books with him.
I’m very glad I did because this one was very enjoyable. Isaac was fucking awesome. His omega charm certainly sucked me in.
Tank was honestly kind of a placeholder for me, aside from the crazy hot sex scenes, which is unfortunate because that was one of his biggest securities. Sorry buddy.
The pack as a whole is very lovable, and definitely won both Isaac and me over in this book.
I will forever be in love with Max though, who is barely in the book but steals every scene he’s in, especially when he gets to show off. I would love more books with him.
September 16, 2020
3.5 stars
Paranormal romance all around breaking in-book and genre stereotypes, and not just finding but recognizing one's place in a bigger whole.
Content warnings include: partially unprotected sex on-page, BDSM in the form of Dom/sub dynamics, violence, casual use of ableist slur that goes unchallenged; mentions of kidnapping, chaining and getting locked in a cage, sexual harassment and assault, a suicidal cult, racism.
I'm not going to go into the plot because it establishes itself well on its own and the book's blurb is actually pretty good.
What I can say is that while I enjoyed myself as I was reading, the pacing was.... off. Generally there was something weird about this book that I can't quite put my finger on. There were some side sentences that just felt odd, and I believe the book would have benefited from a bit more editing to smooth these things over, as this made it feel rushed.
Additionally, I think the series would benefit from sensitivity readers. It does it's best to be diverse, but the language used around queerness, race, and privilege isn't quite up to par at times, and made me wince occasionally.
I did like the main characters Isaac and Tank but sometimes it was hard for me to follow their motivations and trains of thought. I wasn't exactly confused by their actions, but every now and then I wished there was more insight into why they were acting the way they did. Another thing here was that their characterisation wasn't always clear to me.
I also wished for a bit more worldbuilding, but I understand why it wasn't done here as neither of the characters are particularly knowledgeable or care about the specific stuff in the background they are either not aware of or have as basic knowledge.
I was never annoyed or confused by this, but I believe it would be harder to get into this if one hadn't read The Sumage Solution, book1 in this series, and Marine Biology Marine Biology , the short story prequel.
Speaking of, while I'm not a fan of the title due to the expectations that arise with it, I do think it fits in well with the series as a whole, especially regarding book3, The Enforcer Enigma, that I'm looking forward to a lot.
In the most basic of sense, the book is omegaverse, given that there are alphas, betas and omegas. However, the book very much does not include any of the worldbuilding inherent in a/b/o stories. Omegas have a very different function here - and that's partly of my issues I had with the worldbuilding. Not because of what omegas do, but because I found it, as well as other things, pretty vague and hard to grasp.
Which brings me to something I really enjoyed: the side characters. Especially Tank's pack, the San Andreas Pack, is a lovely group of people. The prequel and book1 already established two important couples, and book3 will pair up another one that has been hinted at for a long time, and I'm hoping for more books, especially one about Lovejoy and Mana, or ones about characters introduced in this book.
Speaking of the characters and the previous books, one thing I couldn't help but notice is that there are quite some parallels between Tank and Bryan, and Max and Isaac. The latter are both prickly and guarded, while the former are big softies that don't talk much. There are still a lot of differences, especially in their dynamics.
One thing that I was a little disappointed about was how none of the questions left over from book1 were answered. They were just... forgotten and seemingly remain without consequences. This confused me as they were made to seem quite important and impactful at the time.
I loved that basically the entire cast is queer or queer-friendly, and many of them are PoC. Isaac is a Black gay man and Tank is white and bi. Tank, who very much lives up to his name in appearance, is a submissive bottom and lacks self-confidence in quite a few areas, whereas Isaac is a dominant top, empathetic and values his independence.
There were some wonderful conversations about being queer and especially about bisexuality. However, as mentioned above, sometimes the language used made me wince.
Another thing I loved was the humor. It's typical of the author and part of her brand even, I would say, and it made me laugh out loud several times.
There is also an abundance of pet-names - almost all of the characters use them, a lot. I'm not sure if this is an American thing, a San Francisco thing or supposed to be a queer thing (?), though it could also just be the author's style as she does use a lot of pet-names in general in her other books as well. It just stood out to me in this one.
Overall I did enjoy reading this a lot, but there were a few things that bothered me. Especially the beginning and the overall pacing was off, and I still have a few question marks floating around in my head, but ultimately I had a great reading experience.
Paranormal romance all around breaking in-book and genre stereotypes, and not just finding but recognizing one's place in a bigger whole.
Content warnings include: partially unprotected sex on-page, BDSM in the form of Dom/sub dynamics, violence, casual use of ableist slur that goes unchallenged; mentions of kidnapping, chaining and getting locked in a cage, sexual harassment and assault, a suicidal cult, racism.
I'm not going to go into the plot because it establishes itself well on its own and the book's blurb is actually pretty good.
What I can say is that while I enjoyed myself as I was reading, the pacing was.... off. Generally there was something weird about this book that I can't quite put my finger on. There were some side sentences that just felt odd, and I believe the book would have benefited from a bit more editing to smooth these things over, as this made it feel rushed.
Additionally, I think the series would benefit from sensitivity readers. It does it's best to be diverse, but the language used around queerness, race, and privilege isn't quite up to par at times, and made me wince occasionally.
I did like the main characters Isaac and Tank but sometimes it was hard for me to follow their motivations and trains of thought. I wasn't exactly confused by their actions, but every now and then I wished there was more insight into why they were acting the way they did. Another thing here was that their characterisation wasn't always clear to me.
I also wished for a bit more worldbuilding, but I understand why it wasn't done here as neither of the characters are particularly knowledgeable or care about the specific stuff in the background they are either not aware of or have as basic knowledge.
I was never annoyed or confused by this, but I believe it would be harder to get into this if one hadn't read The Sumage Solution, book1 in this series, and Marine Biology Marine Biology , the short story prequel.
Speaking of, while I'm not a fan of the title due to the expectations that arise with it, I do think it fits in well with the series as a whole, especially regarding book3, The Enforcer Enigma, that I'm looking forward to a lot.
In the most basic of sense, the book is omegaverse, given that there are alphas, betas and omegas. However, the book very much does not include any of the worldbuilding inherent in a/b/o stories. Omegas have a very different function here - and that's partly of my issues I had with the worldbuilding. Not because of what omegas do, but because I found it, as well as other things, pretty vague and hard to grasp.
Which brings me to something I really enjoyed: the side characters. Especially Tank's pack, the San Andreas Pack, is a lovely group of people. The prequel and book1 already established two important couples, and book3 will pair up another one that has been hinted at for a long time, and I'm hoping for more books, especially one about Lovejoy and Mana, or ones about characters introduced in this book.
Speaking of the characters and the previous books, one thing I couldn't help but notice is that there are quite some parallels between Tank and Bryan, and Max and Isaac. The latter are both prickly and guarded, while the former are big softies that don't talk much. There are still a lot of differences, especially in their dynamics.
One thing that I was a little disappointed about was how none of the questions left over from book1 were answered. They were just... forgotten and seemingly remain without consequences. This confused me as they were made to seem quite important and impactful at the time.
I loved that basically the entire cast is queer or queer-friendly, and many of them are PoC. Isaac is a Black gay man and Tank is white and bi. Tank, who very much lives up to his name in appearance, is a submissive bottom and lacks self-confidence in quite a few areas, whereas Isaac is a dominant top, empathetic and values his independence.
There were some wonderful conversations about being queer and especially about bisexuality. However, as mentioned above, sometimes the language used made me wince.
Another thing I loved was the humor. It's typical of the author and part of her brand even, I would say, and it made me laugh out loud several times.
There is also an abundance of pet-names - almost all of the characters use them, a lot. I'm not sure if this is an American thing, a San Francisco thing or supposed to be a queer thing (?), though it could also just be the author's style as she does use a lot of pet-names in general in her other books as well. It just stood out to me in this one.
Overall I did enjoy reading this a lot, but there were a few things that bothered me. Especially the beginning and the overall pacing was off, and I still have a few question marks floating around in my head, but ultimately I had a great reading experience.
September 6, 2021
These are incredible, heartfelt and sexy stories. Even though the characters are shifters they are also partly human with all the emotions and a lot of the problems that humans encounter. They want to feel safe and they want love in their lives while protecting and running their pack. This author builds a story slowly, with incredible depth and mystery. She is absolutely marvelous and these are books that you will want to read slowly to savor every scene and every word. Can't wait for the next one! Oh yeah...I did say "read slowly” :)
November 4, 2018
I'm so distressed to have to 3 star this book. I'm a HUGE HUGE fan of miss.carriger. She is my staple.
I didnt connect to either character. I just ....didnt. It was hard for me to get my head in his book. I did however love Max more and lord knows I LOVE MARVIN!!! 😍😍😍
The next book .....enforcer enigma ....had me salivating already tho. Judd. I like him already lol I like my men crotchety
I didnt connect to either character. I just ....didnt. It was hard for me to get my head in his book. I did however love Max more and lord knows I LOVE MARVIN!!! 😍😍😍
The next book .....enforcer enigma ....had me salivating already tho. Judd. I like him already lol I like my men crotchety
August 8, 2020
It's been a while since I read book one in the series but it wasn't that hard to re-immerse myself in this world. I liked the dynamic between Isaac and Tank and how they worked together.
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