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Camp H.O.W.L. #2
Under a Blue Moon
A Camp H.O.W.L. Novel
Once in a blue moon, opposites find they’re a perfect match.
Nick Perry is tired of helping people with their marriages, so when a spot opens up to work with teens at Camp H.O.W.L., he jumps at it. He doesn’t expect to fall in lust with the dreamy new camp doctor, Drew Welch. But Drew is human, and Nick has seen secrets ruin too many relationships to think that a human/werewolf romance can go anywhere.
Happy-go-lucky Drew may not sprout claws, but he’s been part of the Were community all his life. He has no trouble fitting in at the camp—except for Nick’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge the growing attraction between them, and his ridiculous stance on dating humans. Fate intervenes when one of Drew's private practice patients threatens his life. Will the close call help Nick to see a connection like theirs isn’t something to let go of?
Once in a blue moon, opposites find they’re a perfect match.
Nick Perry is tired of helping people with their marriages, so when a spot opens up to work with teens at Camp H.O.W.L., he jumps at it. He doesn’t expect to fall in lust with the dreamy new camp doctor, Drew Welch. But Drew is human, and Nick has seen secrets ruin too many relationships to think that a human/werewolf romance can go anywhere.
Happy-go-lucky Drew may not sprout claws, but he’s been part of the Were community all his life. He has no trouble fitting in at the camp—except for Nick’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge the growing attraction between them, and his ridiculous stance on dating humans. Fate intervenes when one of Drew's private practice patients threatens his life. Will the close call help Nick to see a connection like theirs isn’t something to let go of?
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2018
10 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Bru Baker
43 books122 followersBru Baker writes sophisticated gay romantic fiction with strong characters, real-world problems, and plenty of humor.
Bru spent fifteen years writing for newspapers before making the jump to fiction. She now balances her time between writing and working at a Midwestern library in the reference department. Whether it’s creating her own characters or getting caught up in someone else’s, there’s no denying that Bru is happiest when she’s engrossed in a story. She and her husband have two children, which means a lot of her books get written from the sidelines of various sports practices.
Bru spent fifteen years writing for newspapers before making the jump to fiction. She now balances her time between writing and working at a Midwestern library in the reference department. Whether it’s creating her own characters or getting caught up in someone else’s, there’s no denying that Bru is happiest when she’s engrossed in a story. She and her husband have two children, which means a lot of her books get written from the sidelines of various sports practices.
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January 3, 2020
3 Hearts
Keeping with a similar storyline both in tone and theme, some might appreciate this while others might not.
As with the first book Camp H.O.W.L., this centers around the quasi-secretive camp that helps transition and support werewolves going through their first change, focusing mostly on the various staff members who take care of these young adults. This time around it’s all about new employees Nick and Drew, who are ready to dive into their jobs as counselor and medical doctor respectively. These two meet at the airport when their flight is delayed and lustily hook up during their overnight layover. Though both think the other is hot hot hot, they don’t bother getting each other’s deets, thinking their one night stand will simply remain a fond memory.
However, life never goes as planned, and both Drew and Nick are quite surprised to see the other at Camp HOWL. The blurb describes the conflict perfectly. Despite their strong attraction and connection, Nick adamantly refuses to give into his desire for Drew, thinking Drew being a human will predispose a future relationship towards inevitable failure. What Nick can’t wrap his obstinate head around is the fact that Drew is well acquainted with all things werewolf, having been raised by a pack since he was a young child. There’s pretty much nothing that Drew doesn’t already know or can’t anticipate, yet Nick resists and resists and resists some more.
Personally, I found all this self denial a bit tiresome (just like I think some found Tate’s resistance in Camp H.O.W.L. equally so), but if one knows that going in or enjoys this sort of conflict, then there shouldn’t be any issue at all.
This series continues to be narrated by Dorian Bane, and he seamlessly brings consistency to repeat characters. Bane’s enthusiasm is infectious and he aptly showcases the humor, elevating my rating by keeping me engaged. Nick might be a stubborn ass, but he’s put in his place multiple times over by the feisty Drew, and that was highly entertaining.
I’m definitely the odd man out regarding the love for this sequel. Admittedly, this had some nice shifter undertones of proprietary claiming and protective mate vibes but overall, this fell short for me due to having a comparable conflict to the first book. While I’m hoping for something different in the next installment, I don’t think that will happen. Oh well. Maybe my mood will change by then when I get to it!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review>
Keeping with a similar storyline both in tone and theme, some might appreciate this while others might not.
As with the first book Camp H.O.W.L., this centers around the quasi-secretive camp that helps transition and support werewolves going through their first change, focusing mostly on the various staff members who take care of these young adults. This time around it’s all about new employees Nick and Drew, who are ready to dive into their jobs as counselor and medical doctor respectively. These two meet at the airport when their flight is delayed and lustily hook up during their overnight layover. Though both think the other is hot hot hot, they don’t bother getting each other’s deets, thinking their one night stand will simply remain a fond memory.
However, life never goes as planned, and both Drew and Nick are quite surprised to see the other at Camp HOWL. The blurb describes the conflict perfectly. Despite their strong attraction and connection, Nick adamantly refuses to give into his desire for Drew, thinking Drew being a human will predispose a future relationship towards inevitable failure. What Nick can’t wrap his obstinate head around is the fact that Drew is well acquainted with all things werewolf, having been raised by a pack since he was a young child. There’s pretty much nothing that Drew doesn’t already know or can’t anticipate, yet Nick resists and resists and resists some more.
Personally, I found all this self denial a bit tiresome (just like I think some found Tate’s resistance in Camp H.O.W.L. equally so), but if one knows that going in or enjoys this sort of conflict, then there shouldn’t be any issue at all.
This series continues to be narrated by Dorian Bane, and he seamlessly brings consistency to repeat characters. Bane’s enthusiasm is infectious and he aptly showcases the humor, elevating my rating by keeping me engaged. Nick might be a stubborn ass, but he’s put in his place multiple times over by the feisty Drew, and that was highly entertaining.
I’m definitely the odd man out regarding the love for this sequel. Admittedly, this had some nice shifter undertones of proprietary claiming and protective mate vibes but overall, this fell short for me due to having a comparable conflict to the first book. While I’m hoping for something different in the next installment, I don’t think that will happen. Oh well. Maybe my mood will change by then when I get to it!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review>
July 20, 2020
3.5 Stars
This second story in the Camp H.O.W.L. series follows new camp counsellors, Nick and Drew—one werewolf and one human; both doctors in their own rights—as they each grapple with their increasing attraction, while working out whether a relationship can ever truly be that of equals between a were and a human.
Granted, all the push and pull here comes from Nick’s end, as he, a born werewolf, can’t (initially) fathom how he could possibly make a relationship work with a very human Drew, regardless of Drew’s lifetime of werewolf knowledge and experience, and his undeniably kind, charming and intelligent nature.
I adored Drew—that part was easy—but Nick’s stubborn, close-minded attitude, that dominated three quarters of the story, very much made me grumpy at his ongoing obstinance. I hated that Drew had to, in a way, prove himself worthy of Nick’s affections, even if Nick remained adamant that he didn’t have a problem with humans, per se, but rather the supposed inequalities that would present themselves in a relationship between a werewolf and a human. To me, this didn’t all really make sense past the point that Nick knew Drew grew up in a pack and had spent his life caring about and being around werewolves—which is a fact that was known very early in the story.
Aside from Nick’s annoying denial of their amazing relationship potential, I actually enjoyed all other aspects of this story. I enjoyed being back at Camp H.O.W.L.—a place designed to help young werewolves (late teens) learn to control their first shifts—and I liked all the little subplots that occurred throughout, which kept the story flowing well and definitely kept me entertained.
Although the whole “relationship denial” plot was one also used in the first book (Camp H.O.W.L.), I liked this one a great deal more and I look forward to seeing what happens in book three (Hiding In Plain Sight) between Drew’s werewolf stepbrother Jackson and fellow camp counsellor Harris.
This second story in the Camp H.O.W.L. series follows new camp counsellors, Nick and Drew—one werewolf and one human; both doctors in their own rights—as they each grapple with their increasing attraction, while working out whether a relationship can ever truly be that of equals between a were and a human.
Granted, all the push and pull here comes from Nick’s end, as he, a born werewolf, can’t (initially) fathom how he could possibly make a relationship work with a very human Drew, regardless of Drew’s lifetime of werewolf knowledge and experience, and his undeniably kind, charming and intelligent nature.
I adored Drew—that part was easy—but Nick’s stubborn, close-minded attitude, that dominated three quarters of the story, very much made me grumpy at his ongoing obstinance. I hated that Drew had to, in a way, prove himself worthy of Nick’s affections, even if Nick remained adamant that he didn’t have a problem with humans, per se, but rather the supposed inequalities that would present themselves in a relationship between a werewolf and a human. To me, this didn’t all really make sense past the point that Nick knew Drew grew up in a pack and had spent his life caring about and being around werewolves—which is a fact that was known very early in the story.
Aside from Nick’s annoying denial of their amazing relationship potential, I actually enjoyed all other aspects of this story. I enjoyed being back at Camp H.O.W.L.—a place designed to help young werewolves (late teens) learn to control their first shifts—and I liked all the little subplots that occurred throughout, which kept the story flowing well and definitely kept me entertained.
Although the whole “relationship denial” plot was one also used in the first book (Camp H.O.W.L.), I liked this one a great deal more and I look forward to seeing what happens in book three (Hiding In Plain Sight) between Drew’s werewolf stepbrother Jackson and fellow camp counsellor Harris.
June 23, 2018
There is more to learn about this shifter world – where shifters have a formal first Turn after puberty, on the first full moon after their nineteenth birthday – and this second volume in the series does a great job fleshing out some of the details of the worldbuilding as well as adding more fantastic characters and their adventures. While Adrian and Tate in the first book were moonmates, true mates that few people knew really existed, Nick and Drew have entirely different issues. Add a variety of packs with their politics, bigots and supremacists even within the shifter society, and issues around shifters staying hidden at all costs and you have the setting for another great love story.
Nick has a few issues. He is a counselor who has so far focused on relationships, but his personal takeaway is not to get in one himself. Ever. Imagine his surprise when he begins to feel attraction to Drew that is not just superficial. On top of that Drew is not even a Were, so Nick believes he can never really understand where Nick comes from and what is important to him. A permanent relationship between him and Drew just doesn’t seem to be possible without asking for trouble. Boy, does Nick turn out to be wrong!
Drew may be a human, but he has grown up among Weres, has a Pack, and knows many of the people at Camp H.O.W.L. from frequent visits. He is looking forward to being the camp’s doctor, but Nick’s refusal to acknowledge the growing feelings between them does not bode well for Drew’s happiness. Drew knows he can be a good partner for Nick, but Nick just can’t seem to get it. It takes a threat from an unexpected source resulting in a close call for Drew before Nick will admit to himself – and Drew – that there is not just more going on between them than they wanted to admit, that they need each other, but that they work well as a couple.
Nick and Drew have a great start physically, with off-the-charts chemistry, but their brains take a while to catch up. Nick has too many preconceptions about humans and can’t see how Drew could ever be a member of a pack - even though he clearly is. Drew is pissed off at Nick for ignoring and belittling him as if being human were a disability. Opposites are supposed to attract – and eventually they do – but it takes a crisis or two, some external threats, and xxxx for Nick and Drew to realize that the bond they have is worth fighting for. I liked the first book in this series, what with a great introduction to an interesting paranormal world and complicated characters, but this second volume takes it up a notch by making the focus relationship more visceral, more immediately passionate, and more complicated.
If you like complicated interspecies romances with a few complications, if two strangers who are bonded beyond their expectations are your thing, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read set in a well-developed paranormal version of our reality, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It brims with passion, heat, and as much suspense as well-placed humor. I am definitely looking forward to the next story in this series!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Nick has a few issues. He is a counselor who has so far focused on relationships, but his personal takeaway is not to get in one himself. Ever. Imagine his surprise when he begins to feel attraction to Drew that is not just superficial. On top of that Drew is not even a Were, so Nick believes he can never really understand where Nick comes from and what is important to him. A permanent relationship between him and Drew just doesn’t seem to be possible without asking for trouble. Boy, does Nick turn out to be wrong!
Drew may be a human, but he has grown up among Weres, has a Pack, and knows many of the people at Camp H.O.W.L. from frequent visits. He is looking forward to being the camp’s doctor, but Nick’s refusal to acknowledge the growing feelings between them does not bode well for Drew’s happiness. Drew knows he can be a good partner for Nick, but Nick just can’t seem to get it. It takes a threat from an unexpected source resulting in a close call for Drew before Nick will admit to himself – and Drew – that there is not just more going on between them than they wanted to admit, that they need each other, but that they work well as a couple.
Nick and Drew have a great start physically, with off-the-charts chemistry, but their brains take a while to catch up. Nick has too many preconceptions about humans and can’t see how Drew could ever be a member of a pack - even though he clearly is. Drew is pissed off at Nick for ignoring and belittling him as if being human were a disability. Opposites are supposed to attract – and eventually they do – but it takes a crisis or two, some external threats, and xxxx for Nick and Drew to realize that the bond they have is worth fighting for. I liked the first book in this series, what with a great introduction to an interesting paranormal world and complicated characters, but this second volume takes it up a notch by making the focus relationship more visceral, more immediately passionate, and more complicated.
If you like complicated interspecies romances with a few complications, if two strangers who are bonded beyond their expectations are your thing, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read set in a well-developed paranormal version of our reality, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It brims with passion, heat, and as much suspense as well-placed humor. I am definitely looking forward to the next story in this series!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
June 19, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
Nick Perry is the new counselor at Camp H.O.W.L (he replaces Tate, from previous book); on his way to the camp for his new job, his flight runs into trouble, which ends up with him having to stay overnight until the weather is clear.
Luckily, Nick shares a seat with a gorgeous human – and well, under a blue moon’s influence, find himself sharing a bed as well. But Nick doesn’t do relationship with human, so he marks the night as a one night stand, and doesn’t even ask for the human’s phone number. Imagine his surprise that the object of his lust is the new camp doctor, Drew Welch.
Bru Baker continues her Camp H.O.W.L series with new characters to root for – for me, in this case, is in the form of Drew. I LOVE this guy!!! Even though Drew is a human, he shows that werewolves can’t take him for granted. Drew’s stepfather and stepbrothers are werewolves, so he knows how to deal with them. He is a smart cookie, our Drew. I loved when Drew challenged Nick to both physical and mental games! Drew proves that he isn’t simply prey.
Now, NICK, on the other hand … he totally grating on my nerves with his “traditional” perception of weak humans. Even when the other wolf staffs at the Camp keep saying that Drew can take care of himself, Nick is adamant of keeping his opinion, that he cannot be with a human since a human doesn’t understand wolves … plus he seems to worry that Drew is just going to break. Stupid Nick *grumbles grumbles*
I thought Nick’s apology in the end needed A LOT of improvement – that scene seems too short for me, and too convenient for Nick *hmph* — but Drew is SUCH a darling, and I love him too much to not give this a higher rating. Besides when Nick felt miserable over his own decision, it was quite fun to read (and I was happy that he was miserable *haha*).
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Nick Perry is the new counselor at Camp H.O.W.L (he replaces Tate, from previous book); on his way to the camp for his new job, his flight runs into trouble, which ends up with him having to stay overnight until the weather is clear.
Luckily, Nick shares a seat with a gorgeous human – and well, under a blue moon’s influence, find himself sharing a bed as well. But Nick doesn’t do relationship with human, so he marks the night as a one night stand, and doesn’t even ask for the human’s phone number. Imagine his surprise that the object of his lust is the new camp doctor, Drew Welch.
Bru Baker continues her Camp H.O.W.L series with new characters to root for – for me, in this case, is in the form of Drew. I LOVE this guy!!! Even though Drew is a human, he shows that werewolves can’t take him for granted. Drew’s stepfather and stepbrothers are werewolves, so he knows how to deal with them. He is a smart cookie, our Drew. I loved when Drew challenged Nick to both physical and mental games! Drew proves that he isn’t simply prey.
Now, NICK, on the other hand … he totally grating on my nerves with his “traditional” perception of weak humans. Even when the other wolf staffs at the Camp keep saying that Drew can take care of himself, Nick is adamant of keeping his opinion, that he cannot be with a human since a human doesn’t understand wolves … plus he seems to worry that Drew is just going to break. Stupid Nick *grumbles grumbles*
I thought Nick’s apology in the end needed A LOT of improvement – that scene seems too short for me, and too convenient for Nick *hmph* — but Drew is SUCH a darling, and I love him too much to not give this a higher rating. Besides when Nick felt miserable over his own decision, it was quite fun to read (and I was happy that he was miserable *haha*).
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
June 20, 2018
4.5 Stars ~ ‘Under a Blue Moon’ begins with Nick and Drew meeting on a flight to Indianapolis not knowing they’re each heading to Camp H.O.W.L. Oh, how I could empathize with Nick’s werewolf senses trapped on a plane with all the human smells. I hate being stuck on a plane with people who don’t understand the word limited when it comes to perfumes and scented lotions. Nick is unexpectedly soothed by Drew’s natural scent and their flight, even with the emergency reroute, is much easier because of it. Well, that and sharing a hotel room for the night before they both have new flights the following day. The author definitely starts this second book in the series with a bang, and a sniff. *grins*
“A lot of Packs called their human members Pack-adjacent, but his stepfather’s Pack had embraced them wholly when Drew and his mother had married into it almost thirty years ago. He’d grown up with Weres, and sometimes he felt more wolf than man himself. He and Nick hadn’t talked about their Packs yesterday, and in the light of day, Drew realized that probably meant Nick didn’t realize Drew had a Pack.”
Drew has known Adrian since they were kids and he was introduced in book one. Drew is a physician who has been hired to be the infirmary doctor at the camp and he’s opening his own practice in the small town nearby. He figures life will be so much easier, and less stressful, dealing with nineteen-year-olds working through their Turn than the drug addicts and prostitutes he saw as an ER doctor. Nick is a psychologist and has been hired to replace Tate now that Adrian and Tate are living in New York with Adrian’s pack. Nick has spent enough time dealing with marital counseling and other human issues, and now he just wants to be where he can make a difference and really help. He and Drew are much alike in that regard.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
“A lot of Packs called their human members Pack-adjacent, but his stepfather’s Pack had embraced them wholly when Drew and his mother had married into it almost thirty years ago. He’d grown up with Weres, and sometimes he felt more wolf than man himself. He and Nick hadn’t talked about their Packs yesterday, and in the light of day, Drew realized that probably meant Nick didn’t realize Drew had a Pack.”
Drew has known Adrian since they were kids and he was introduced in book one. Drew is a physician who has been hired to be the infirmary doctor at the camp and he’s opening his own practice in the small town nearby. He figures life will be so much easier, and less stressful, dealing with nineteen-year-olds working through their Turn than the drug addicts and prostitutes he saw as an ER doctor. Nick is a psychologist and has been hired to replace Tate now that Adrian and Tate are living in New York with Adrian’s pack. Nick has spent enough time dealing with marital counseling and other human issues, and now he just wants to be where he can make a difference and really help. He and Drew are much alike in that regard.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
April 29, 2019
Another enjoyable entry into the series.
April 24, 2020
It's ok but I had a lot of issues with it. I think my biggest problem was that none of the main characters were really likable, not to me, at least. The plot was nice but not unexpected. There was a part if it that I loved. It address, even if very shortly, a domestic violence situation. Overall it was ok.
Read
July 5, 2018 5 Hearts
This series, this author and this line are a dream made in this gingers shifter romance reading heaven! I loved being in the world of Camp H.O.W.L with Tate and Adrian and now we get more with Drew and Nick.
Since Tate and Adrian have left camp life for New York, there is an open spot for a camp counselor for the wolflings learning to control their shift and it’s a good thing because Nick Perry is Tate’s replacement and the camp also has a new staff doctor, Drew Welch at the infirmary. But what these two new employees at the camp don’t know is each other so when their mutual flight gets delayed and they end up sharing a passionate night together neither of them can nor want to forget. It’s just a shame the next time they’ll see each other is during a “get to know the new guy” meeting at the camp and well, let’s just say it wasn’t what either man expected.
I loved the take on this with a wolf and a human. Sure, it has happened before in books but usually the human is introduced to the shifters animal form later in the story as a big reveal. Here, Drew grew up with a Pack as his step father is second in his Pack and married Drew’s very human mother. Drew has grown up just as any wolf would save the ability to shift. He knows how shifters think, he knows their silent language and he knows what one grumpy hot as hell wolf needs and what Drew wants. Thankfully Drew is pretty freaking patient because his wolf, isn’t as confident.
Nick is grumpy and prickly but cautious. Having been a private marriage counselor, he knows that keeping secrets from your partner can lead to nothing but trouble and feels being with a human would mean keeping secrets about his wolf. It’s a justifiable reason to not get into a romantic relationship with a human but Drew isn’t just any human and Nick is put through his own sets of lessons to learn and accept this.
Watching Nick and Drew first meet hot and heavy and then have Nick react the way he does to Drew was so much fun to read. Having read shifters, I knew Nick felt Drew as his mate long before he accepted it but it’s always fun to watch the romantic clueless fumble along with their affection and try to pass it off as something it’s not. I loved watching Drew prove Nick wrong time and time again and Nick finally accepting what he feels for Drew and that his fears of intimacy have nothing to do with Drew being Human.
GAH! Nick is total wolf in everything that concerns Drew that I was grinning like a fool. The whole smell deal, the way he is calmed when Drew is around, the protectiveness and of course, the jealousy and need to claim what’s his. It was fantastic seeing Nick be all wolf over his human even when he tried to fight it so damn hard.
Of course it was great to get bits of Tate and Adrian again and I am really hoping there is another book because there are strong hints throughout with Harris and Jackson that need to be explored long after that flirting at the hospital. I mean, right? There’s more???? Please?
This was just a pure delight to read. The UST was amazing and the games the men play was a blast to follow along with. Drew knows how to get to Nick and playing a little dirty even in a yoga class made me grin like a fool. The bit of drama at the end was perfect for the story, the title is spot on with what it means and that epilogue made my hopeless romantic heart happy.
This series, this author and this line are a dream made in this gingers shifter romance reading heaven! I loved being in the world of Camp H.O.W.L with Tate and Adrian and now we get more with Drew and Nick.
Since Tate and Adrian have left camp life for New York, there is an open spot for a camp counselor for the wolflings learning to control their shift and it’s a good thing because Nick Perry is Tate’s replacement and the camp also has a new staff doctor, Drew Welch at the infirmary. But what these two new employees at the camp don’t know is each other so when their mutual flight gets delayed and they end up sharing a passionate night together neither of them can nor want to forget. It’s just a shame the next time they’ll see each other is during a “get to know the new guy” meeting at the camp and well, let’s just say it wasn’t what either man expected.
I loved the take on this with a wolf and a human. Sure, it has happened before in books but usually the human is introduced to the shifters animal form later in the story as a big reveal. Here, Drew grew up with a Pack as his step father is second in his Pack and married Drew’s very human mother. Drew has grown up just as any wolf would save the ability to shift. He knows how shifters think, he knows their silent language and he knows what one grumpy hot as hell wolf needs and what Drew wants. Thankfully Drew is pretty freaking patient because his wolf, isn’t as confident.
Nick is grumpy and prickly but cautious. Having been a private marriage counselor, he knows that keeping secrets from your partner can lead to nothing but trouble and feels being with a human would mean keeping secrets about his wolf. It’s a justifiable reason to not get into a romantic relationship with a human but Drew isn’t just any human and Nick is put through his own sets of lessons to learn and accept this.
Watching Nick and Drew first meet hot and heavy and then have Nick react the way he does to Drew was so much fun to read. Having read shifters, I knew Nick felt Drew as his mate long before he accepted it but it’s always fun to watch the romantic clueless fumble along with their affection and try to pass it off as something it’s not. I loved watching Drew prove Nick wrong time and time again and Nick finally accepting what he feels for Drew and that his fears of intimacy have nothing to do with Drew being Human.
GAH! Nick is total wolf in everything that concerns Drew that I was grinning like a fool. The whole smell deal, the way he is calmed when Drew is around, the protectiveness and of course, the jealousy and need to claim what’s his. It was fantastic seeing Nick be all wolf over his human even when he tried to fight it so damn hard.
Of course it was great to get bits of Tate and Adrian again and I am really hoping there is another book because there are strong hints throughout with Harris and Jackson that need to be explored long after that flirting at the hospital. I mean, right? There’s more???? Please?
This was just a pure delight to read. The UST was amazing and the games the men play was a blast to follow along with. Drew knows how to get to Nick and playing a little dirty even in a yoga class made me grin like a fool. The bit of drama at the end was perfect for the story, the title is spot on with what it means and that epilogue made my hopeless romantic heart happy.
December 15, 2021
This is my third Bru Baker book and, for the most part, they all seem to follow the instalove followed up with a slow burn storyline, where the characters are (more or less) aware of their instant attraction to one another yet need time to reconcile what that means. I like this type of plot, but Baker has done it better elsewhere: this book is not as strong as the first in the series, primarily due to the (inevitable) miscommunication scene followed by a very fast, not-grovelly-enough apology scene. That being said, if you're interested in books that discuss werewolf prejudice against humans, this is your book.
January 10, 2019
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2018/06/19/revi...
I really liked Under a Blue Moon by Bru Baker. It’s the second book in the Camp H.O.W.L. series and the twenty-second book in the Dreamspun Beyond series. This book is well written and nicely edited. The characters were developed, and I loved the Catch Me If You Can part of the book. That part and the part where Nick and Drew have to take the classes that the camp offers and they turn it into a competition of who can do it better, the human raised by werewolves or the werewolf. I loved how it helped show Nick that just because Drew is human that having been raised by werewolves and having werewolf stepbrothers has taught him how to use what he’s got to survive and thrive around werewolves and that he would be worthy of being in a relationship. I did like the little detail about them having their one-night stand while under a blue moon and that Drew’s mom and stepdad met and fell in love under a blue moon also and that they were proof that a human/werewolf relationship could last and flourish.
Poor Nick Perry is a psychologist and is tired of helping people with their marriages. So when a spot opens up to work with teens at Camp H.O.W.L., he jumps at it. Nick has seen too many relationships ruined by secrets, and this is just between people of the same species since he primarily sees humans. So he’s a big believer that an interspecies relationship doesn’t stand a chance of working and has a firm no dating humans rule. They are perfectly fine for one-night stands but absolutely not for dating. I can understand where he is coming from with that rule since they aren’t supposed to be telling humans what they are to protect the community, so yes dating a human that doesn’t know that you’re a werewolf would be hard on the relationship especially with how they wolf out on the full moon. But he is so stubborn about his attraction to the new camp doctor who, although human, was raised with werewolves so not quite the same scenario as dating a human that doesn’t know about the paranormal community.
I admit to wanting to hit Nick upside the head on more than one occasion for being so stubborn and forcing Drew to constantly prove that he’s just as good as a werewolf and more than a match for Nick. But he was still a loveable character, and the chemistry between him and Drew is hot.
Drew is a human and a doctor, but he’s been part of the Were community all of his life. He has no trouble fitting in at the camp as their new doctor. Except for Nick’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge the growing attraction between them and his ridiculous stance on dating humans and forcing him to constantly prove that he’s just as good as a Were. And he’s just as good because his stepbrothers have seen to that.
I really liked how happy-go-lucky Drew is and how he wants to help the patients that he sees in his little private practice in town. It doesn’t matter to him whether they are human or paranormal. When he gets a case that he’s sure is an ongoing domestic abuse case, he asks Nick for his advice and to see if the woman will talk to him and try to get her some help. When the boyfriend shows up, it all goes to hell.
But will the close call be enough to help Nick see that a connection like theirs isn’t something to let go of? You’re just going to have to read the book to find out. I’m not going to tell you. But it was definitely worth reading. And I can’t wait until the next book in the series.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
I really liked Under a Blue Moon by Bru Baker. It’s the second book in the Camp H.O.W.L. series and the twenty-second book in the Dreamspun Beyond series. This book is well written and nicely edited. The characters were developed, and I loved the Catch Me If You Can part of the book. That part and the part where Nick and Drew have to take the classes that the camp offers and they turn it into a competition of who can do it better, the human raised by werewolves or the werewolf. I loved how it helped show Nick that just because Drew is human that having been raised by werewolves and having werewolf stepbrothers has taught him how to use what he’s got to survive and thrive around werewolves and that he would be worthy of being in a relationship. I did like the little detail about them having their one-night stand while under a blue moon and that Drew’s mom and stepdad met and fell in love under a blue moon also and that they were proof that a human/werewolf relationship could last and flourish.
Poor Nick Perry is a psychologist and is tired of helping people with their marriages. So when a spot opens up to work with teens at Camp H.O.W.L., he jumps at it. Nick has seen too many relationships ruined by secrets, and this is just between people of the same species since he primarily sees humans. So he’s a big believer that an interspecies relationship doesn’t stand a chance of working and has a firm no dating humans rule. They are perfectly fine for one-night stands but absolutely not for dating. I can understand where he is coming from with that rule since they aren’t supposed to be telling humans what they are to protect the community, so yes dating a human that doesn’t know that you’re a werewolf would be hard on the relationship especially with how they wolf out on the full moon. But he is so stubborn about his attraction to the new camp doctor who, although human, was raised with werewolves so not quite the same scenario as dating a human that doesn’t know about the paranormal community.
I admit to wanting to hit Nick upside the head on more than one occasion for being so stubborn and forcing Drew to constantly prove that he’s just as good as a werewolf and more than a match for Nick. But he was still a loveable character, and the chemistry between him and Drew is hot.
Drew is a human and a doctor, but he’s been part of the Were community all of his life. He has no trouble fitting in at the camp as their new doctor. Except for Nick’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge the growing attraction between them and his ridiculous stance on dating humans and forcing him to constantly prove that he’s just as good as a Were. And he’s just as good because his stepbrothers have seen to that.
I really liked how happy-go-lucky Drew is and how he wants to help the patients that he sees in his little private practice in town. It doesn’t matter to him whether they are human or paranormal. When he gets a case that he’s sure is an ongoing domestic abuse case, he asks Nick for his advice and to see if the woman will talk to him and try to get her some help. When the boyfriend shows up, it all goes to hell.
But will the close call be enough to help Nick see that a connection like theirs isn’t something to let go of? You’re just going to have to read the book to find out. I’m not going to tell you. But it was definitely worth reading. And I can’t wait until the next book in the series.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
June 19, 2018
3.5 Stars
Camp H.O.W.L. romance struck again with a pair of adorable were/human couple! The second entry to the series started with a bang. Literary. Cancelled flight enabled Drew and Nick acted on the attraction they felt when they were stranded for the night in Chicago; unaware that they actually set out to the same place. Then followed the awkward moment when they met again in front of their new colleagues.
Drew Welch was an unusual member of the pack. I loved that - despite him being human among weres - he wasn’t portrayed as weak and powerless. Au contraire; he was smart, determined and very competitive over his place among the weres. He knew what he want and go for it. On the other hand, dealing with human’s relationship problems (at his private practice) left Nick so burned out and sceptic to get involve, let alone with a non were.
It was a plausible conflict made complex with the presence of hormonal teens (weres) and camp staffers practically sniffing the pull between them. Told alternately by Drew’s and Nick’s POV in third person, the story took us on a summer camp adventure following two engaging yet opposing characters. It flew effortlessly from one jolly clash to the next that had me cheer for Drew and urging Nick to quick sort himself up.
Praises aside, the story took a downturn close to the last quarter of the book for me. After the even paced of the earlier pages, it felt as if the flow accelerated to a sprint following a crucial incident. The last quarter seemed a bit of a rush with the shooting, misunderstanding, revelation and coming together. After the elaborate plot the pair had gone through, the closing phase felt rather anticlimactic. What a bummer after the delightful chronicle the two MCs brought us readers. For grown up and clearly sensible beings as Drew and Nick, both the falling-out and the dawning revelation were rather silly and conveniently staged; for the sake of drama. Not that I begrudged them their happy beginning, I just wish the path taken were slightly different!!
That saying, “Under a Blue Moon” is another charming piece from Bru Baker. For sure I’ll be looking forward to the next installment in this series and her other books as well.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Camp H.O.W.L. romance struck again with a pair of adorable were/human couple! The second entry to the series started with a bang. Literary. Cancelled flight enabled Drew and Nick acted on the attraction they felt when they were stranded for the night in Chicago; unaware that they actually set out to the same place. Then followed the awkward moment when they met again in front of their new colleagues.
Drew Welch was an unusual member of the pack. I loved that - despite him being human among weres - he wasn’t portrayed as weak and powerless. Au contraire; he was smart, determined and very competitive over his place among the weres. He knew what he want and go for it. On the other hand, dealing with human’s relationship problems (at his private practice) left Nick so burned out and sceptic to get involve, let alone with a non were.
It was a plausible conflict made complex with the presence of hormonal teens (weres) and camp staffers practically sniffing the pull between them. Told alternately by Drew’s and Nick’s POV in third person, the story took us on a summer camp adventure following two engaging yet opposing characters. It flew effortlessly from one jolly clash to the next that had me cheer for Drew and urging Nick to quick sort himself up.
Praises aside, the story took a downturn close to the last quarter of the book for me. After the even paced of the earlier pages, it felt as if the flow accelerated to a sprint following a crucial incident. The last quarter seemed a bit of a rush with the shooting, misunderstanding, revelation and coming together. After the elaborate plot the pair had gone through, the closing phase felt rather anticlimactic. What a bummer after the delightful chronicle the two MCs brought us readers. For grown up and clearly sensible beings as Drew and Nick, both the falling-out and the dawning revelation were rather silly and conveniently staged; for the sake of drama. Not that I begrudged them their happy beginning, I just wish the path taken were slightly different!!
That saying, “Under a Blue Moon” is another charming piece from Bru Baker. For sure I’ll be looking forward to the next installment in this series and her other books as well.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2018
This was a great book. I LOVE Drew and Nick.
The two of them meet on a plane going to Indianapolis. Both are starting new jobs, but unbeknown to each other, they will be working for the same place, Camp H.O.W.L as the camp physician and camp psychologist. Nick is having a hard time on the plane, being trapped with all those smells on the day of the blue moon. But there's something about Drew's scent that draws him in, and when their plane is grounded in Chicago, they spend a great night together.
They get to camp at separate times, and when they discover each other, things didn't go as smoothly as they should of because Drew is human and Nick is a werewolf. Nick definitely has some implicit bias towards humans, thinking that they can't fully understand what it means to be were. Therefore, he could never have a relationship with Drew. Drew does his best to show Nick that isn't true in his case, considering Drew grew up in a pack with step-brothers and step-father who were werewolves.
I do have to say that Drew was my favorite. He held his own being around werewolves. He didn't take crap from anyone, including Nick, who seemed to spend a vast majority of the time with his head up his ass.
I do have some regrets for not reading the first book in the series, Camp H.O.W.L., first. I'm going to rectify that. I want to see Drew before all this and how he gets along with the camp staff, as well as seeing how Tate and Adrian's relationship started.
The two of them meet on a plane going to Indianapolis. Both are starting new jobs, but unbeknown to each other, they will be working for the same place, Camp H.O.W.L as the camp physician and camp psychologist. Nick is having a hard time on the plane, being trapped with all those smells on the day of the blue moon. But there's something about Drew's scent that draws him in, and when their plane is grounded in Chicago, they spend a great night together.
They get to camp at separate times, and when they discover each other, things didn't go as smoothly as they should of because Drew is human and Nick is a werewolf. Nick definitely has some implicit bias towards humans, thinking that they can't fully understand what it means to be were. Therefore, he could never have a relationship with Drew. Drew does his best to show Nick that isn't true in his case, considering Drew grew up in a pack with step-brothers and step-father who were werewolves.
I do have to say that Drew was my favorite. He held his own being around werewolves. He didn't take crap from anyone, including Nick, who seemed to spend a vast majority of the time with his head up his ass.
I do have some regrets for not reading the first book in the series, Camp H.O.W.L., first. I'm going to rectify that. I want to see Drew before all this and how he gets along with the camp staff, as well as seeing how Tate and Adrian's relationship started.
September 11, 2018
This is the second installment of the Camp H.O.W.L Series.
With Tate leaving Camp at the end of the first book, there is now an opening for his position of Camp Counselor. Nick applies for and accepts the job. During his flight he meets Drew, who unknown to him his the new human Camp Doctor. Meaning the get up to all sorts during that flight, without knowing they were about to be colleagues.
Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did Book One, I still think that this is a pretty good addition to the series. I liked the concept of the Camp in the first installment so I was happy to read more about it and the dynamics there.
Nick bothered me in this book though. Nick refuses to date Drew, because Nick believes humans, even those who know about shifters, are incapable of understanding them enough to make good partners even though Drew grew up in and as a member of a wolf pack. His prejudices seriously began to grate on my nerves after a while so I was glad when he finally kicked himself and realized what he was missing out on.
Overall a good addition to this series.
Reviewed by Sarah from Alpha Book Club
With Tate leaving Camp at the end of the first book, there is now an opening for his position of Camp Counselor. Nick applies for and accepts the job. During his flight he meets Drew, who unknown to him his the new human Camp Doctor. Meaning the get up to all sorts during that flight, without knowing they were about to be colleagues.
Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did Book One, I still think that this is a pretty good addition to the series. I liked the concept of the Camp in the first installment so I was happy to read more about it and the dynamics there.
Nick bothered me in this book though. Nick refuses to date Drew, because Nick believes humans, even those who know about shifters, are incapable of understanding them enough to make good partners even though Drew grew up in and as a member of a wolf pack. His prejudices seriously began to grate on my nerves after a while so I was glad when he finally kicked himself and realized what he was missing out on.
Overall a good addition to this series.
Reviewed by Sarah from Alpha Book Club
June 20, 2018
This is the second book in the Camp H.O.W.L series but it stands alone easily. I found it a well paced story and I was well engaged throughout as there was humourous moments as well as the more dramatic parts of the story. The MCs Drew and Nick were both likeable, even Nick as due to the dual POV we understood his perspective.
A very enjoyable read, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
A very enjoyable read, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 19, 2019
I really liked Drew. I liked his heart, his joy of life, his desire to help others and i loved his sense of humor. Nick i didn't care for as much. He constantly underestimated Drew and he just got on my nerves. I thought when Drew was shot he started to redeem himself and then nope. I knew there was going to be a hea, but I was still annoyed with the epilogue because I didn't like Nick.
July 14, 2019
It was alright. I found it to be a bit formulaic. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind formulaic, but this has no wow factor for me. Even with the supernatural setting, the characters were too normal. Nothing stood out to get me excited and ready to go on with the series.
June 20, 2018
I really liked this book.
Great story and characters.
This series just gets better.
Great story and characters.
This series just gets better.
November 16, 2018
Not as good as the first book - DNF at about 73% as it became just too much.
November 3, 2019
Under a Blue Moon is the second book in the ‘Camp H.O.W.L.’ series. The stars are Nick Perry, a therapist/psychiatrist, and Drew Welch, a medical doctor. This is told in third person from both Nick and Drew’s pov.
July 2, 2018
3,5 heart review by Tori (Vicki)
n the first book in this series we learn that Camp H.O.W.L. is where teenage werewolves are sent during their first shift, so they can have a safe environment away from pesky humans. They stay for a month or so, practicing their shifting skills, taking a little yoga, maybe a little hiking or boating, some counseling…. all at the expense of their parents! The camp is mostly run by werewolves, but the occasional human is employed there as well.
One such human is Drew. Drew’s human mom married a werewolf when he was quite young, so he was raised alongside werewolf siblings, and learned how to do everything a wolf does, with the obvious exception. Drew has spent lots of time at Camp H.O.W.L, with his brothers and former boyfriend Jordan. When an opening for camp physician comes up, he is happy to take it, especially when he is able to buy a small medical practice at a nearby town. Off he goes on his journey to Camp H.O.W.L….
Werewolf Nick is a psychologist, having recently given up his private practice and accepting a job as a resident psychologist at Camp H.O.W.L. He didn’t attend that particular camp for his own first shift, but he is friends with Adrian who we met in the first book in the series, and has taken over for Tate, Adrian’s boyfriend and former psychologist at Camp H.O.W.L. Nick is happy to go spend some time in the woods playing with kids, and doesn’t seem bothered by the remote location. Off he goes on his journey to Camp H.O.W.L….
Drew and Nick intersect as seatmates on what should be their last leg to Indianapolis, but things don’t quite turn out as planned when the plane has to divert to Chicago due to weather. As part of their conversation, neither reveals to the other their final destination of Camp H.O.W.L., nor does Drew tell Nick that he knows Nick is a werewolf. The two do some serious flirting, and once the plane lands and their flights for the next morning are secured, they go to a hotel room and fuck for the night! After a quickie in the morning, they go their separate ways.
Imagine their surprise when they meet again at their first staff meeting at Camp H.O.W.L.! Where Nick turns into a total asshole, and treats Drew like crap.
The two continue to have a rough relationship for over half of the book, and it’s really later than that before there is any sign of friendship, much less love. This is really due to Nick’s continuing case of asshole-itis, and his unwillingness to accept that Drew does know what he is doing. Drew is just a great character, a caring doctor to his wolf patients as well as his human ones. I liked him early in the book, and he just got better for me. Nick on the other hand…. I didn’t much care for him, his redemption came way too late. His reaction to finding out Drew worked for Camp H.O.W.L. was just to over the top. I get that he doesn’t want to have a romantic relationship with a human, but that didn’t explain to me well enough why he’s such an asshole to Drew. I’m not a fan of that plot, the excessive reaction to a situation only used to create drama, it’s too similar to the misunderstanding/lack of communication only used to create drama trope. So I was kinda turned off by this pretty early in the book and it never really got to a good place for me with Nick. There was some good moments between them, then the asshole came back out to play, and I was annoyed again. The two start to get to a good place when a camper is injured, but it is short-lived. Only to have them start to get back to the good place until a bad thing happens to Drew, and then we get the jumping to the wrong conclusion moment. But it is a romance so we do eventually get a good ending.
As you can probably tell, I struggled with this book. It really did have moments that I liked, there were some fun times between Drew and Nick, and I don’t mean the times in bed, although those times were good. Drew was a sweetheart, and I liked the good times between them when I could see that Nick was a good guy. I did like the drama that unfolds throughout the story, a small thing happens with a couple of snarky wolves, then there is a bad thing with a camper, then a bad thing with a human, and some good things with some family at the end, and all of that was just fine. I really did like most of it, but Nick just rubbed me the wrong way, and that did affect my enjoyment of the book.
I haven’t read many books by Bru Baker, this may be the second or so I’ve read. All of the parts individually that I need in a book were there, an interesting plot, good sex scenes, good drama, good writing, and one good character! I usually prefer to like both of them, but…. you can’t win them all! I’ll absolutely read another book by this author, and if there is another book or more in this series I’ll happily read them.
If you are looking for a fun series with a bit of a new take on werewolves, I’d give this series a try, I will say that most of the world-building is in the first book. I did like this book for the most part, and just because I didn’t particularly like Nick, doesn’t mean that someone else won’t love him. Oh, and the blue moon thing was really cute!
This book was provided for 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.
n the first book in this series we learn that Camp H.O.W.L. is where teenage werewolves are sent during their first shift, so they can have a safe environment away from pesky humans. They stay for a month or so, practicing their shifting skills, taking a little yoga, maybe a little hiking or boating, some counseling…. all at the expense of their parents! The camp is mostly run by werewolves, but the occasional human is employed there as well.
One such human is Drew. Drew’s human mom married a werewolf when he was quite young, so he was raised alongside werewolf siblings, and learned how to do everything a wolf does, with the obvious exception. Drew has spent lots of time at Camp H.O.W.L, with his brothers and former boyfriend Jordan. When an opening for camp physician comes up, he is happy to take it, especially when he is able to buy a small medical practice at a nearby town. Off he goes on his journey to Camp H.O.W.L….
Werewolf Nick is a psychologist, having recently given up his private practice and accepting a job as a resident psychologist at Camp H.O.W.L. He didn’t attend that particular camp for his own first shift, but he is friends with Adrian who we met in the first book in the series, and has taken over for Tate, Adrian’s boyfriend and former psychologist at Camp H.O.W.L. Nick is happy to go spend some time in the woods playing with kids, and doesn’t seem bothered by the remote location. Off he goes on his journey to Camp H.O.W.L….
Drew and Nick intersect as seatmates on what should be their last leg to Indianapolis, but things don’t quite turn out as planned when the plane has to divert to Chicago due to weather. As part of their conversation, neither reveals to the other their final destination of Camp H.O.W.L., nor does Drew tell Nick that he knows Nick is a werewolf. The two do some serious flirting, and once the plane lands and their flights for the next morning are secured, they go to a hotel room and fuck for the night! After a quickie in the morning, they go their separate ways.
Imagine their surprise when they meet again at their first staff meeting at Camp H.O.W.L.! Where Nick turns into a total asshole, and treats Drew like crap.
The two continue to have a rough relationship for over half of the book, and it’s really later than that before there is any sign of friendship, much less love. This is really due to Nick’s continuing case of asshole-itis, and his unwillingness to accept that Drew does know what he is doing. Drew is just a great character, a caring doctor to his wolf patients as well as his human ones. I liked him early in the book, and he just got better for me. Nick on the other hand…. I didn’t much care for him, his redemption came way too late. His reaction to finding out Drew worked for Camp H.O.W.L. was just to over the top. I get that he doesn’t want to have a romantic relationship with a human, but that didn’t explain to me well enough why he’s such an asshole to Drew. I’m not a fan of that plot, the excessive reaction to a situation only used to create drama, it’s too similar to the misunderstanding/lack of communication only used to create drama trope. So I was kinda turned off by this pretty early in the book and it never really got to a good place for me with Nick. There was some good moments between them, then the asshole came back out to play, and I was annoyed again. The two start to get to a good place when a camper is injured, but it is short-lived. Only to have them start to get back to the good place until a bad thing happens to Drew, and then we get the jumping to the wrong conclusion moment. But it is a romance so we do eventually get a good ending.
As you can probably tell, I struggled with this book. It really did have moments that I liked, there were some fun times between Drew and Nick, and I don’t mean the times in bed, although those times were good. Drew was a sweetheart, and I liked the good times between them when I could see that Nick was a good guy. I did like the drama that unfolds throughout the story, a small thing happens with a couple of snarky wolves, then there is a bad thing with a camper, then a bad thing with a human, and some good things with some family at the end, and all of that was just fine. I really did like most of it, but Nick just rubbed me the wrong way, and that did affect my enjoyment of the book.
I haven’t read many books by Bru Baker, this may be the second or so I’ve read. All of the parts individually that I need in a book were there, an interesting plot, good sex scenes, good drama, good writing, and one good character! I usually prefer to like both of them, but…. you can’t win them all! I’ll absolutely read another book by this author, and if there is another book or more in this series I’ll happily read them.
If you are looking for a fun series with a bit of a new take on werewolves, I’d give this series a try, I will say that most of the world-building is in the first book. I did like this book for the most part, and just because I didn’t particularly like Nick, doesn’t mean that someone else won’t love him. Oh, and the blue moon thing was really cute!
This book was provided for 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 19, 2018
I requested and was given an advance copy of this novel for an honest review.
Camp H.O.W.L here we come again! LOL. Really, in the beginning, we the readers know both Nick and Drew are going to Camp H.O.W.L. and our clueless one-night-stand lovers do not. Nick connected with Drew, but the thing is, he wanted nothing more to do with Drew as he was human, and it could never work between a Were and a human. Ever. Nick seems to be deep in denial land, based on his former practice of marriage counseling. And he jumps to conclusions and makes judgements because a human like Drew would never understand what it's like to be a Were. Hmmm...Nick is such a cynic at a young age. Even his body is telling him...Hey! This is a good thing!!!! But no...
Drew, a man that was raised within a Were pack since he was four years old, is hurt when he finds that both he and Nick are the new people at Camp H.O.W.L., and Nick passes it off like they just met. Fine, Drew can play this game, be professional and friends, nothing more. Well, it's Nick that can't fight his instincts and his body, both of which betray him time after time. And at times, with hilarious results.
I laughed out loud when they decided to have a competition to see who is best at the class offerings at the camp. “I can soooo beat you at meditation.” “No you can't.” This reminded me of a show tune--Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun. You'll have to read the book to find out who wins that one.
Nick always jumps to the wrong conclusions, and stays with those conclusions, even when the mounting evidence proves he is being an idiot. Drew is smarter than Nick knows, but he can be patient for so long before he feels it's a lost cause. Though once Nick finally realizes he's been a(n) (insert your choice here (dick, idiot, ass, etc) it may be too late. You'll have to read Under A Blue Moon to find out. And really, why wouldn't you want to read a nice summer time book that has you laughing out loud, cheering, yelling, and smiling? I can't think of a reason either.
Okay, music that came to mind when reading this book—I already listed Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun, People Will Say We're In Love from Oklahoma!, for some odd reason, Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival, and really, the very first song that came to the fore was Once in a Blue Moon by Van Morrison:
'Just like switching on an electric light
And sometimes you try till you're blue in the face
But when you get that feeling
Nothing's going to take it's place...
Once in a blue moon
Someone like you comes along'
Camp H.O.W.L here we come again! LOL. Really, in the beginning, we the readers know both Nick and Drew are going to Camp H.O.W.L. and our clueless one-night-stand lovers do not. Nick connected with Drew, but the thing is, he wanted nothing more to do with Drew as he was human, and it could never work between a Were and a human. Ever. Nick seems to be deep in denial land, based on his former practice of marriage counseling. And he jumps to conclusions and makes judgements because a human like Drew would never understand what it's like to be a Were. Hmmm...Nick is such a cynic at a young age. Even his body is telling him...Hey! This is a good thing!!!! But no...
Drew, a man that was raised within a Were pack since he was four years old, is hurt when he finds that both he and Nick are the new people at Camp H.O.W.L., and Nick passes it off like they just met. Fine, Drew can play this game, be professional and friends, nothing more. Well, it's Nick that can't fight his instincts and his body, both of which betray him time after time. And at times, with hilarious results.
I laughed out loud when they decided to have a competition to see who is best at the class offerings at the camp. “I can soooo beat you at meditation.” “No you can't.” This reminded me of a show tune--Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun. You'll have to read the book to find out who wins that one.
Nick always jumps to the wrong conclusions, and stays with those conclusions, even when the mounting evidence proves he is being an idiot. Drew is smarter than Nick knows, but he can be patient for so long before he feels it's a lost cause. Though once Nick finally realizes he's been a(n) (insert your choice here (dick, idiot, ass, etc) it may be too late. You'll have to read Under A Blue Moon to find out. And really, why wouldn't you want to read a nice summer time book that has you laughing out loud, cheering, yelling, and smiling? I can't think of a reason either.
Okay, music that came to mind when reading this book—I already listed Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun, People Will Say We're In Love from Oklahoma!, for some odd reason, Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival, and really, the very first song that came to the fore was Once in a Blue Moon by Van Morrison:
'Just like switching on an electric light
And sometimes you try till you're blue in the face
But when you get that feeling
Nothing's going to take it's place...
Once in a blue moon
Someone like you comes along'
June 18, 2018
It is hard enough for a we’re to find his true mate but what happens when a were finds the mate he is meant to be with but that mate is a human. That is the issue that Nick is having with Drew.
Nick and Drew meet in a plan heading to CAMP H.O.W.L. Nick is already having issues with the plane ride because his normal were instincts are heightened because there is a blue moon on the night of his plane ride. So with all the noise and smells among the plane, Nick is slightly irritated or at least he was until this amazing smelling man takes the seat next to him.
Drew is on his way to Camp H.O.W.L to become the new doctor they have on premises plus he will have his own practice in town as well. It is unusual for the camp to let a human in amongst them but Drew was raised as part of a pack so he knows how to handle himself around other weres. Not to mention he has spent some time previously at the camp and knows most, of not all the staff.
What neither Drew or Nick is aware of is they are both heading to the same place and both are to be new members of staff there. When the plane has to make an unexpected detour to Chico instead of their original destination, both men decide to take advantage overhead fact that they are both undeniably attracted to the other and they spend the night together. Neither expects to see the other again after their night of passion. But fate has a way of bringing people together again when it is meant to be.
When Nick and Drew find out they will be working together, Drew is happy about it and hopes to get to know Nick better. But Nick does not share the same feelings. Though his wolf really wants to be with Drew, Nick does not think it is possible for a human and a were to make an equal relationship work. So Nick pushed Drew away.
It is not easy for either man to stay away from the other. Drew is trying to respect Nick’s wishes and Nick is fighting his wolf for all that it is worth.
Can two very different men with different views figure out a way to make it work or is it just better for them to keep their distance from the other.
This serious so far has been an amazing read. I enjoyed his book just as much, if not more then the first book. I look forward to more books in the Camp H.O.W.L. series as they come out. I am totally hooked on this series. It is a great read. And I definitely look forward to more!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Nick and Drew meet in a plan heading to CAMP H.O.W.L. Nick is already having issues with the plane ride because his normal were instincts are heightened because there is a blue moon on the night of his plane ride. So with all the noise and smells among the plane, Nick is slightly irritated or at least he was until this amazing smelling man takes the seat next to him.
Drew is on his way to Camp H.O.W.L to become the new doctor they have on premises plus he will have his own practice in town as well. It is unusual for the camp to let a human in amongst them but Drew was raised as part of a pack so he knows how to handle himself around other weres. Not to mention he has spent some time previously at the camp and knows most, of not all the staff.
What neither Drew or Nick is aware of is they are both heading to the same place and both are to be new members of staff there. When the plane has to make an unexpected detour to Chico instead of their original destination, both men decide to take advantage overhead fact that they are both undeniably attracted to the other and they spend the night together. Neither expects to see the other again after their night of passion. But fate has a way of bringing people together again when it is meant to be.
When Nick and Drew find out they will be working together, Drew is happy about it and hopes to get to know Nick better. But Nick does not share the same feelings. Though his wolf really wants to be with Drew, Nick does not think it is possible for a human and a were to make an equal relationship work. So Nick pushed Drew away.
It is not easy for either man to stay away from the other. Drew is trying to respect Nick’s wishes and Nick is fighting his wolf for all that it is worth.
Can two very different men with different views figure out a way to make it work or is it just better for them to keep their distance from the other.
This serious so far has been an amazing read. I enjoyed his book just as much, if not more then the first book. I look forward to more books in the Camp H.O.W.L. series as they come out. I am totally hooked on this series. It is a great read. And I definitely look forward to more!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
June 23, 2018
4.5 Stars!
I love Shifter stories, when they’re good they always make me giddy. Under A Blue Moon definitely put a smile on my face and I truly enjoyed it.
What I Loved: Drew. I adored Drew. He might have been human but he was far from ignorant about Shifters. He actually knew more about them than most of them knew about themselves. Being raised in a pack from the age of 3 had pretty much made him a Were (even if he didn’t have the correct biology).
I loved his sense of humor and his confidence. He made me laugh more than once and his interactions with everyone were great. He was tough, brave, intelligent and had a great big heart. He was also very loyal and that was exactly what Nick needed because Drew gave as good as he got and balanced him out. They had excellent chemistry.
I also loved the Epilogue and getting a chance to see Drew interact with his family and the pack. It was obvious that he came from good people and it made me hope for the chance to see more of them. I especially hope to see more of Jackson, Jordan and possibly Troy?
What I Liked: I liked the story overall and how these two men who seemed so different at first glance really were perfect for one another. I liked that they had to work a little for the relationship but the friendship they built was done very satisfyingly and you could tell they’d be great together. I also liked the fact that there was plenty of room for many different potential stories in the series.
What I Didn’t Like: I’d say my only complaint really was the fact that Nick's arguments for not wanting to be in a relationship with Drew seemed pretty stupid. It was plain as day that his argument about Drew not understanding his werewolf side was baloney because Drew had grown up in a werewolf family and pack. He was well equipped to be in a relationship with a Shifter.
The other thing and this is just my own personal preference, but it seemed as if the connection between Nick and Drew was a lot stronger than they talked about. It felt like they were mates and just hadn’t figured it out but that wasn’t really touched on. I’m not sure if that’s just not part of the verse or not but it just felt important to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and definitely recommend it. I’m anxious to see what’s next for the Camp HOWL series.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
I love Shifter stories, when they’re good they always make me giddy. Under A Blue Moon definitely put a smile on my face and I truly enjoyed it.
What I Loved: Drew. I adored Drew. He might have been human but he was far from ignorant about Shifters. He actually knew more about them than most of them knew about themselves. Being raised in a pack from the age of 3 had pretty much made him a Were (even if he didn’t have the correct biology).
I loved his sense of humor and his confidence. He made me laugh more than once and his interactions with everyone were great. He was tough, brave, intelligent and had a great big heart. He was also very loyal and that was exactly what Nick needed because Drew gave as good as he got and balanced him out. They had excellent chemistry.
I also loved the Epilogue and getting a chance to see Drew interact with his family and the pack. It was obvious that he came from good people and it made me hope for the chance to see more of them. I especially hope to see more of Jackson, Jordan and possibly Troy?
What I Liked: I liked the story overall and how these two men who seemed so different at first glance really were perfect for one another. I liked that they had to work a little for the relationship but the friendship they built was done very satisfyingly and you could tell they’d be great together. I also liked the fact that there was plenty of room for many different potential stories in the series.
What I Didn’t Like: I’d say my only complaint really was the fact that Nick's arguments for not wanting to be in a relationship with Drew seemed pretty stupid. It was plain as day that his argument about Drew not understanding his werewolf side was baloney because Drew had grown up in a werewolf family and pack. He was well equipped to be in a relationship with a Shifter.
The other thing and this is just my own personal preference, but it seemed as if the connection between Nick and Drew was a lot stronger than they talked about. It felt like they were mates and just hadn’t figured it out but that wasn’t really touched on. I’m not sure if that’s just not part of the verse or not but it just felt important to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and definitely recommend it. I’m anxious to see what’s next for the Camp HOWL series.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
June 18, 2018
We are back at Camp H.O.W.L. for another great story. It was an absolute pleasure to read. Right from the start, I was completely hooked, and I read this story in one sitting. It was fun, lighthearted, with a lot of feel-good vibes, and along the way some heartache and tears.
When Nick and Drew have their one-night stand, they certainly didn’t think they would see other again. But fate is a fickle thing, especially under a blue moon because that is supposed to bring good luck. And it sure did, but not without hurdles. The most stubborn hurdle is Nick himself.
He is a werewolf, psychologist, and sick of counseling married couples who are on the verge of divorce because of holding secrets. Nick doesn’t believe that a human and a werewolf can be partners for life if one of them has to hold his other half a secret. Well, he didn’t count on Drew. Drew might be human, but he has been raised as and among werewolves. If there were one human, who would know what werewolves are, it would be Drew.
I loved these men so much. Drew is a force to be reckoned with. He is getting more and more under Nick’s skin. Challenging him at every opportunity and not letting go. He is attracted to Nick, and he won’t let him forget it. He is such a sweet, positive guy. Independent and sure of his worth as a human, but without being arrogant about it. Nick is one stubborn man. Determined that humans and weres cannot match, he makes one stupid mistake after another. But he can’t stop his protective streak taking over. In the end, he finally gets his head on straight and acknowledges that his prejudices and preconceived notions are getting in the way of love. By being himself, Drew is tearing down all the obstacles Nick has thrown in their way. Add to that a patient consult horribly going wrong, and Nick is a goner.
Although there are not a lot of sex scenes in this book, the chemistry is undeniable. The air is literally sparkling, and the smell of arousal obvious. Their banter is full of sexual innuendos and a wicked sense of humor.
The supporting cast is great, and I sense (and hope) there are some more stories to come. I am not done with Camp H.O.W.L. just yet.
This is the second book in the Camp H.O.W.L. but can be read as a stand-alone. For a better enjoyment of this book, I would recommend reading the books in order, however.
When Nick and Drew have their one-night stand, they certainly didn’t think they would see other again. But fate is a fickle thing, especially under a blue moon because that is supposed to bring good luck. And it sure did, but not without hurdles. The most stubborn hurdle is Nick himself.
He is a werewolf, psychologist, and sick of counseling married couples who are on the verge of divorce because of holding secrets. Nick doesn’t believe that a human and a werewolf can be partners for life if one of them has to hold his other half a secret. Well, he didn’t count on Drew. Drew might be human, but he has been raised as and among werewolves. If there were one human, who would know what werewolves are, it would be Drew.
I loved these men so much. Drew is a force to be reckoned with. He is getting more and more under Nick’s skin. Challenging him at every opportunity and not letting go. He is attracted to Nick, and he won’t let him forget it. He is such a sweet, positive guy. Independent and sure of his worth as a human, but without being arrogant about it. Nick is one stubborn man. Determined that humans and weres cannot match, he makes one stupid mistake after another. But he can’t stop his protective streak taking over. In the end, he finally gets his head on straight and acknowledges that his prejudices and preconceived notions are getting in the way of love. By being himself, Drew is tearing down all the obstacles Nick has thrown in their way. Add to that a patient consult horribly going wrong, and Nick is a goner.
Although there are not a lot of sex scenes in this book, the chemistry is undeniable. The air is literally sparkling, and the smell of arousal obvious. Their banter is full of sexual innuendos and a wicked sense of humor.
The supporting cast is great, and I sense (and hope) there are some more stories to come. I am not done with Camp H.O.W.L. just yet.
This is the second book in the Camp H.O.W.L. but can be read as a stand-alone. For a better enjoyment of this book, I would recommend reading the books in order, however.
June 18, 2018
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I know I enjoyed the first book of this series, but I might have liked this one even more. First I will start by saying that the story flowed very well. Once I started it, I didn't want to stop. And before I knew it, I was done.
Nick and Drew are pretty alike. They are both competitive and tough. They're both smart, too - both doctors. Drew is a physician and Nick is a psychologist. They both know about werewolves and have lived in packs. But the biggest difference, and it's huge for Nick, is that while he is a werewolf, Drew is human and just grew up with them. Nick feels that there will always be a part of him Drew won't understand and that it won't work between them.
Yes, at times I did want to smack Nick and make him wake up. No matter that everyone at Camp H.O.W.L. kept telling him that Drew was very aware of the life of werewolves, and no matter that Drew could beat Nick in several different activities, Nick just saw him as different. I give him credit, he tried not to see Drew as less than but in the end he was blindly stubborn.
Drew is the quintessential "good guy" in this story. I don't think there is anyone with any complaints about him. The teens in the camp don't take him seriously at first but he shows everyone that he can take care of himself and the young wolves. He also takes care of patients at a clinic nearby. There he meets a young woman in an abusive relationship. When he tries to step in and her abuser comes to the clinic, it sets in motion a scenario that does smack Nick and makes him realize what he has or could have with Drew.
Even though I was frustrated at times with Nick, I really liked him and I loved Drew. I liked the way their relationship formed, in spite of Nick's misconceptions. I liked being back at Camp H.O.W.L. and seeing a few familiar faces. The main characters from book one have moved on from the camp but they do make an appearance, so that was cool. I could see the possible set up for a few other relationships in this series and I really hope the author continues it. It was an enjoyable fun book with a little bit of danger and a much needed lesson that differences are good and not to judge a book by it's cover. Definitely recommend it.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
I know I enjoyed the first book of this series, but I might have liked this one even more. First I will start by saying that the story flowed very well. Once I started it, I didn't want to stop. And before I knew it, I was done.
Nick and Drew are pretty alike. They are both competitive and tough. They're both smart, too - both doctors. Drew is a physician and Nick is a psychologist. They both know about werewolves and have lived in packs. But the biggest difference, and it's huge for Nick, is that while he is a werewolf, Drew is human and just grew up with them. Nick feels that there will always be a part of him Drew won't understand and that it won't work between them.
Yes, at times I did want to smack Nick and make him wake up. No matter that everyone at Camp H.O.W.L. kept telling him that Drew was very aware of the life of werewolves, and no matter that Drew could beat Nick in several different activities, Nick just saw him as different. I give him credit, he tried not to see Drew as less than but in the end he was blindly stubborn.
Drew is the quintessential "good guy" in this story. I don't think there is anyone with any complaints about him. The teens in the camp don't take him seriously at first but he shows everyone that he can take care of himself and the young wolves. He also takes care of patients at a clinic nearby. There he meets a young woman in an abusive relationship. When he tries to step in and her abuser comes to the clinic, it sets in motion a scenario that does smack Nick and makes him realize what he has or could have with Drew.
Even though I was frustrated at times with Nick, I really liked him and I loved Drew. I liked the way their relationship formed, in spite of Nick's misconceptions. I liked being back at Camp H.O.W.L. and seeing a few familiar faces. The main characters from book one have moved on from the camp but they do make an appearance, so that was cool. I could see the possible set up for a few other relationships in this series and I really hope the author continues it. It was an enjoyable fun book with a little bit of danger and a much needed lesson that differences are good and not to judge a book by it's cover. Definitely recommend it.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
June 24, 2018
3.5
The blurb does a great job of covering the main plot points of the second installment of the Camp H.O.W.L. series, and though not quite as charming as the first, “Under a Blue Moon” is still a nice addition to the series. Although the primary conflict between the MCs Nick and Drew is similar to that of Tate and Adrian from the first book “Camp H.O.W.L”, with Nick, like Tate, fighting his attraction for his mate, Nick’s struggle and journey is a bit less compelling and based more in stubbornness and prejudice than is Tate’s.
Nick refuses to date Drew, because Nick believes humans, even those who know about Weres, are incapable of understanding them enough to make good partners even though Drew grew up in and as a member of a wolf pack. Plus, for all Nick's many “I don’t have a problem withgays, blacks, women, insert group humans” assertions, he is consistently skeptical of Drew's capacity to take care of himself, Drew's capacity to know how to interact with wolves, Drew’s capacity to do his job despite Drew’s years of experience as a Pack doctor and even Drew’s upbringing with wolf brothers and in a Pack to the point where Nick actually doesn’t fully do his job and read up on an activity for the campers simply because Drew planned it. Thus, making Nick’s character feel less relatable, has him coming across as a bigot even to other shifters, and being too mulish to let go of stereotypes and judgment even when presented with evidence to the contrary.
However, even though Nick can be a bit one-note and irritating, Drew is an absolute charmer and between him and the staff introduced in “Camp H.O.W.L”, helps create the energy and likeability of the story. Drew is fun, capable, strong, not only physically, but mentally and in his self-confidence, and frankly, is almost too good to put up with Nick. Through his patience and willingness to wait for Nick to SLOWLY open up to the possibility that his firmly entrenched beliefs may be untrue or at least inapplicable to Drew, Drew shows how compassion, patience and strength of character can change the hearts and mind of even the most obstinate person and result in acceptance and love. Though, for me, not as enjoyable as the first book, “Under a Blue Moon” is still an overall good read with a much needed reminder about overcoming stereotypes through patience and love.
The blurb does a great job of covering the main plot points of the second installment of the Camp H.O.W.L. series, and though not quite as charming as the first, “Under a Blue Moon” is still a nice addition to the series. Although the primary conflict between the MCs Nick and Drew is similar to that of Tate and Adrian from the first book “Camp H.O.W.L”, with Nick, like Tate, fighting his attraction for his mate, Nick’s struggle and journey is a bit less compelling and based more in stubbornness and prejudice than is Tate’s.
Nick refuses to date Drew, because Nick believes humans, even those who know about Weres, are incapable of understanding them enough to make good partners even though Drew grew up in and as a member of a wolf pack. Plus, for all Nick's many “I don’t have a problem with
However, even though Nick can be a bit one-note and irritating, Drew is an absolute charmer and between him and the staff introduced in “Camp H.O.W.L”, helps create the energy and likeability of the story. Drew is fun, capable, strong, not only physically, but mentally and in his self-confidence, and frankly, is almost too good to put up with Nick. Through his patience and willingness to wait for Nick to SLOWLY open up to the possibility that his firmly entrenched beliefs may be untrue or at least inapplicable to Drew, Drew shows how compassion, patience and strength of character can change the hearts and mind of even the most obstinate person and result in acceptance and love. Though, for me, not as enjoyable as the first book, “Under a Blue Moon” is still an overall good read with a much needed reminder about overcoming stereotypes through patience and love.
June 8, 2018
Rounded up to 3.5 stars.
Blurb does a good job of summarizing the book, so I won’t rehash.
I enjoyed this installment of Camp H.O.W.L., I enjoyed both main characters; I thought their personalities complemented each other and the back and forth dynamic made for and engaging read.
Nick is struggling with werewolf prejudices, that humans and werewolves shouldn’t be mates because were’s have to keep their shifter side hidden. In his experience, secrets between couples never end well.
Drew is a human living in a werewolf pack. He’s well versed in all things werewolf related, respected in his pack and by those at Camp H.O.W.L. I liked how he interacted with his fellow Camp H.O.W.L. employees, and how he quietly and effectively challenged Nick’s prejudices.
Where I had a few concerns with the plot was in Nick’s prejudice after finding out Drew was raised in one of the most influential Packs in the nation AND Drew is working at Camp H.O.W.L. with full knowledge that there are wolves. I struggled with Nick’s continued insistence that being human and wolf made them incompatible [because of secrets] – but Drew knew about him being a wolf.
My other issue was in The Big Misunderstanding. I will fully admit the Big Misunderstanding is typically my least liked plot device, only because the premise of the misunderstanding is usually trite and way overblow. In this case, who in the heck crawls into bed with someone just out of surgery and kisses them? Wolf or no, when someone comes out of surgery they are pretty scanky from iodine, disinfectant, sweat, and halitosis. Plus they are discombobulated from the anesthetic. So when Nick walks in and sees the ex-boyfriend in bed with Drew, the premise didn’t work for me. At all.
I’ll stress again, while *I’m* not a fan of the B.M., I did enjoy the story. Quite a bit in fact. I’m hoping there will be more books in this series.
Ultimately, a fun and engaging read.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Blurb does a good job of summarizing the book, so I won’t rehash.
I enjoyed this installment of Camp H.O.W.L., I enjoyed both main characters; I thought their personalities complemented each other and the back and forth dynamic made for and engaging read.
Nick is struggling with werewolf prejudices, that humans and werewolves shouldn’t be mates because were’s have to keep their shifter side hidden. In his experience, secrets between couples never end well.
Drew is a human living in a werewolf pack. He’s well versed in all things werewolf related, respected in his pack and by those at Camp H.O.W.L. I liked how he interacted with his fellow Camp H.O.W.L. employees, and how he quietly and effectively challenged Nick’s prejudices.
Where I had a few concerns with the plot was in Nick’s prejudice after finding out Drew was raised in one of the most influential Packs in the nation AND Drew is working at Camp H.O.W.L. with full knowledge that there are wolves. I struggled with Nick’s continued insistence that being human and wolf made them incompatible [because of secrets] – but Drew knew about him being a wolf.
My other issue was in The Big Misunderstanding. I will fully admit the Big Misunderstanding is typically my least liked plot device, only because the premise of the misunderstanding is usually trite and way overblow. In this case, who in the heck crawls into bed with someone just out of surgery and kisses them? Wolf or no, when someone comes out of surgery they are pretty scanky from iodine, disinfectant, sweat, and halitosis. Plus they are discombobulated from the anesthetic. So when Nick walks in and sees the ex-boyfriend in bed with Drew, the premise didn’t work for me. At all.
I’ll stress again, while *I’m* not a fan of the B.M., I did enjoy the story. Quite a bit in fact. I’m hoping there will be more books in this series.
Ultimately, a fun and engaging read.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
June 15, 2018
ARC provided for an honest review.
Dr Nick Perry (Psychologist) is a werewolf that's burnt out counseling married couples and jumps at the chance to be camp counselor at Camp H.O.W.L. He has some peculiar ideas about dating.
Dr Drew Welch is the new Camp H.O.W.L. doctor. He's a human adopted into a were community when his mother marries a werewolf. He's been working in the local ER and wants a change so jumps at the position of camp Dr.
These two gentlemen meet on the plane heading to the camp and there's instant chemistry. When their plane gets delayed due to bad weather what's a couple of horny guys to do but spend the night together. Not knowing anything about each other they have a great night together and go their separate ways. When they meet again at the camp it's not smooth sailing. Nick's attitude about dating is the main problem. Just when Drew starts getting through to Nick a situation happens that lands Drew in the hospital. When Nick gets to the hospital he witnesses something to cause him to back away and Drew is left thinking he's being rejected. Supporting members of Camp H.O.W.L. and Drew's community get the guys talking and things get resolved.
This was a good book. There were a few instances where I felt the story was choppy. Where it didn't write smoothly from one scene to another. This was mainly in the first half of the book, I didn't notice it later on. There was a scene where Drew was telling a patient that the hospital would cast a broken clavicle (collar bone). As an RN I caught that right away. If someone breaks the clavicle it's just set and the arm is either ace wrapped to the body or its put in a sling. If it's really severe there may be surgery first. That's a mistake that even Google could've prevented. Otherwise this book would've been a 5 star IMO. Definitely recommend people read this book.
Dr Nick Perry (Psychologist) is a werewolf that's burnt out counseling married couples and jumps at the chance to be camp counselor at Camp H.O.W.L. He has some peculiar ideas about dating.
Dr Drew Welch is the new Camp H.O.W.L. doctor. He's a human adopted into a were community when his mother marries a werewolf. He's been working in the local ER and wants a change so jumps at the position of camp Dr.
These two gentlemen meet on the plane heading to the camp and there's instant chemistry. When their plane gets delayed due to bad weather what's a couple of horny guys to do but spend the night together. Not knowing anything about each other they have a great night together and go their separate ways. When they meet again at the camp it's not smooth sailing. Nick's attitude about dating is the main problem. Just when Drew starts getting through to Nick a situation happens that lands Drew in the hospital. When Nick gets to the hospital he witnesses something to cause him to back away and Drew is left thinking he's being rejected. Supporting members of Camp H.O.W.L. and Drew's community get the guys talking and things get resolved.
This was a good book. There were a few instances where I felt the story was choppy. Where it didn't write smoothly from one scene to another. This was mainly in the first half of the book, I didn't notice it later on. There was a scene where Drew was telling a patient that the hospital would cast a broken clavicle (collar bone). As an RN I caught that right away. If someone breaks the clavicle it's just set and the arm is either ace wrapped to the body or its put in a sling. If it's really severe there may be surgery first. That's a mistake that even Google could've prevented. Otherwise this book would've been a 5 star IMO. Definitely recommend people read this book.
December 2, 2018
When Nick and Drew meet at the airport, they hit it off immediately and sparks fly, but they both have planes to catch and places to be... Nick is unaware that human Drew knows about the existence of werewolves and pegged him for a wolf almost from the get go. Imagine his surprise when he finds out Drew is one of his new co-workers at Camp H.O.W.L.!
FYI, he doesn’t handle surprises well. It wasn’t his finest hour.
Nick doesn’t think a relationship with a human and a were can work, so he keeps Drew at a distance. His concerns are valid, I think, and I liked that he didn’t just put them aside because of his attraction to Drew. That being said, he does test Drew’s patience, and the reader’s, when he starts sending out mixed signals and refuses to let go off his prejudices. Even when Drew proves him wrong, again and again.
Drew’s a great guy, competent, understanding and patient, which he needs to be to deal with headstrong Nick. I also loved his playful side and competitive streak when he goes all out to show Nick a thing or two about what he’s capable of.
Emotions start running high and when disaster strikes, Nick finally understands how much Drew has come to mean to him. But is he too late? I loved the tension and emotional highs and lows that we get near the end of the story, which contrasts nicely with the almost mellow storyline that went before. There’s a lot of humor too, which I liked, and the secondary characters are well-written and help create a warm sense of pack & family around the MC’s. Always a big part of the charm of shifter romances for me.
I very much enjoyed this story. A lot of shifter romances focus on the fated mate connection and are far more insta-lust/insta-love than this one, but I actually really liked that the author took her time to get Nick & Drew there and the real life worries that snuck in.
FYI, he doesn’t handle surprises well. It wasn’t his finest hour.
Nick doesn’t think a relationship with a human and a were can work, so he keeps Drew at a distance. His concerns are valid, I think, and I liked that he didn’t just put them aside because of his attraction to Drew. That being said, he does test Drew’s patience, and the reader’s, when he starts sending out mixed signals and refuses to let go off his prejudices. Even when Drew proves him wrong, again and again.
Drew’s a great guy, competent, understanding and patient, which he needs to be to deal with headstrong Nick. I also loved his playful side and competitive streak when he goes all out to show Nick a thing or two about what he’s capable of.
Emotions start running high and when disaster strikes, Nick finally understands how much Drew has come to mean to him. But is he too late? I loved the tension and emotional highs and lows that we get near the end of the story, which contrasts nicely with the almost mellow storyline that went before. There’s a lot of humor too, which I liked, and the secondary characters are well-written and help create a warm sense of pack & family around the MC’s. Always a big part of the charm of shifter romances for me.
I very much enjoyed this story. A lot of shifter romances focus on the fated mate connection and are far more insta-lust/insta-love than this one, but I actually really liked that the author took her time to get Nick & Drew there and the real life worries that snuck in.
June 25, 2018
Nick Perry does not do relationships, and if he did, it would not be with a human. Causal hookup is ok, though, so he has no qualms about sharing a hot encounter with the sexy human he happens to be stranded with at the airport. The problems start the day after, when he finds out Drew is his new job mate…
Drew Welch is as easy going as attractive. After sharing the hottest encounter in his life with a complete stranger, he wish he had asked the very sexy were for his number, so they could see each other again… He wish comes true when he finds Nick is the new counselor at Camp H.O.W.L. Too bad Nick has the wrong reaction to finding Drew here. In fact, he does not stop sending the wrong kind of signals…
The second book in the Camp H.O.W.L. series is as entertaining as the first one. Both main characters, Nick and Drew are likeable, specially Drew. Drew is a human who grew up in a pack, as a result of his mother marrying a were. He is all wolf (but for his physiology), but Nick, stubborn and highly biased by his experience as marriage counsellor, refuses to see it. From Nick’s point of view, their relationship not possible because they belong to different worlds. Any way, working together makes it really difficult for them to put an end to the crazy chemistry between them. Only when he is about to lose Drew does Nick realize what an idiot he has been. Maybe it is not to late to gain his mate back… or is it?
As I said, likeable characters, an entertaining plot, sweet and spicy romance and some really interesting secondary characters make Uner a Blue Moon an utterly enjoyable story.
Very recommendable.
Drew Welch is as easy going as attractive. After sharing the hottest encounter in his life with a complete stranger, he wish he had asked the very sexy were for his number, so they could see each other again… He wish comes true when he finds Nick is the new counselor at Camp H.O.W.L. Too bad Nick has the wrong reaction to finding Drew here. In fact, he does not stop sending the wrong kind of signals…
The second book in the Camp H.O.W.L. series is as entertaining as the first one. Both main characters, Nick and Drew are likeable, specially Drew. Drew is a human who grew up in a pack, as a result of his mother marrying a were. He is all wolf (but for his physiology), but Nick, stubborn and highly biased by his experience as marriage counsellor, refuses to see it. From Nick’s point of view, their relationship not possible because they belong to different worlds. Any way, working together makes it really difficult for them to put an end to the crazy chemistry between them. Only when he is about to lose Drew does Nick realize what an idiot he has been. Maybe it is not to late to gain his mate back… or is it?
As I said, likeable characters, an entertaining plot, sweet and spicy romance and some really interesting secondary characters make Uner a Blue Moon an utterly enjoyable story.
Very recommendable.
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