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Apex Investigations #1
Fox and Wolf
Apex Book One
Werewolf PI Dylan Weems is a hired to solve the murder of a client’s customer. As an ex-cop, Dylan is the perfect man for the job, but he doesn’t expect the complication of alluring fox shifter Rey.
Ever since finding the dead body of one of his clients, Rey Mercier’s life is a mess, and he needs help desperately. He has no idea why he’s the target of some ruthless people or what he did to anger them. Hopefully Dylan and his motley crew of shifters at Apex Investigations can help him find out, but first Dylan and Rey have to deal with literal corporate tigers and dire crocodiles shifters… all while deciding what to do about the mate bond that’s becoming undeniable. And is that even possible between fox and wolf?
Werewolf PI Dylan Weems is a hired to solve the murder of a client’s customer. As an ex-cop, Dylan is the perfect man for the job, but he doesn’t expect the complication of alluring fox shifter Rey.
Ever since finding the dead body of one of his clients, Rey Mercier’s life is a mess, and he needs help desperately. He has no idea why he’s the target of some ruthless people or what he did to anger them. Hopefully Dylan and his motley crew of shifters at Apex Investigations can help him find out, but first Dylan and Rey have to deal with literal corporate tigers and dire crocodiles shifters… all while deciding what to do about the mate bond that’s becoming undeniable. And is that even possible between fox and wolf?
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2018
107 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Julia Talbot
307 books267 followersJulia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia is a hybrid author, and has been published by many presses as well as self publishing. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved. Julia also writes as Minerva Howe. Find Julia at @juliatalbot on Twitter, or at www.juliatalbot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
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August 18, 2019DNF at 90%
This was one hot mess. I don't think this author's writing is for me. I am sorry to say that it felt like the book was not thought out or researched well if at all. By the end of the book I still had no idea who all the characters were, where they came from or what was going on in general. It felt hastily thrown together. The idea was right there but the execution was lacking. Sorry for the bad review, I really tried to find positives in this book. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review/No rating
This was one hot mess. I don't think this author's writing is for me. I am sorry to say that it felt like the book was not thought out or researched well if at all. By the end of the book I still had no idea who all the characters were, where they came from or what was going on in general. It felt hastily thrown together. The idea was right there but the execution was lacking. Sorry for the bad review, I really tried to find positives in this book. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review/No rating
dnf
January 1, 2019DNF early on. No rating.
Where on earth was the editor for this book? The first few pages are an illogical mess. Returned for a refund.
Where on earth was the editor for this book? The first few pages are an illogical mess. Returned for a refund.
December 26, 2018
Cute, light, sexy, and funny, with multiple POVs, a strong cast of characters (plenty of room to grow a series), some action, and a happy ending.
This was a light, pleasant read. I liked and found the setting interesting, but I'll admit I would have liked a bit more background and world-building.
All in all though I had fun reading and I definitely have enough interest to want to continue when the next book is released.
P.S.: This is fated mates done right.
3.5 stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Fox and Wolf provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted to Gay Book Reviews.
This was a light, pleasant read. I liked and found the setting interesting, but I'll admit I would have liked a bit more background and world-building.
All in all though I had fun reading and I definitely have enough interest to want to continue when the next book is released.
P.S.: This is fated mates done right.
3.5 stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Fox and Wolf provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted to Gay Book Reviews.
December 18, 2018
Rey is a fox shifter who's gotten himself into a mess. He is somewhat of an investigator/courier and the last transaction has turned deadly. When he goes to Apex Investigations for help, he finds that he's in more trouble than he ever dreamed.
Dylan is a wolf shifter and an investigator for AI. As soon as he smells the fox in the office, he knows something strange is happening. He can't get enough of Rey and he's instantly protective of him. And he soon learns that they will both need more help to stay alive.
This book was difficult for me to rate because I absolutely loved the story. It had so many awesome shifters and I love how they all had their own personas that came with their animal self as well as their human self. So much of the story was really interesting in that respect. I also loved how much plot line there was. It was constant and there was a lot of action going on.
I've read quite a few shifter books and I have always loved the pack mentality. The idea that they all shift into their animal forms and preen and rub and pet and become family. This book had this in spades. They all looked out for Rey and adopted him into their pack so quickly, knowing and understanding that he fit.
The major drawback for me was the simplicity of the dialogue and some of the writing exchanges. There were a lot of two and three word sentences and it was confusing when some of the characters were mind readers and some weren't. Even between friends and not mates, which was weird to me.
I am taken with this story enough to give it another go with the next book. So many truly fun, loving characters that I'm excited to get to know.
*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted at http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Dylan is a wolf shifter and an investigator for AI. As soon as he smells the fox in the office, he knows something strange is happening. He can't get enough of Rey and he's instantly protective of him. And he soon learns that they will both need more help to stay alive.
This book was difficult for me to rate because I absolutely loved the story. It had so many awesome shifters and I love how they all had their own personas that came with their animal self as well as their human self. So much of the story was really interesting in that respect. I also loved how much plot line there was. It was constant and there was a lot of action going on.
I've read quite a few shifter books and I have always loved the pack mentality. The idea that they all shift into their animal forms and preen and rub and pet and become family. This book had this in spades. They all looked out for Rey and adopted him into their pack so quickly, knowing and understanding that he fit.
The major drawback for me was the simplicity of the dialogue and some of the writing exchanges. There were a lot of two and three word sentences and it was confusing when some of the characters were mind readers and some weren't. Even between friends and not mates, which was weird to me.
I am taken with this story enough to give it another go with the next book. So many truly fun, loving characters that I'm excited to get to know.
*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted at http://gaybook.reviews/ *
January 2, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Fox and Wolf by Julia Talbot is a cute paranormal story about the Apex Private Investigation firm and it’s varied shifter team members. Wolf shifter, Mick, runs Apex and is the one who vets the clients and then hands them over to the appropriate investigator. When fox shifter Rey Mercier comes to Apex needing help, he is handed off to Dylan—another wolf and former cop. The goal is to find out who is after Rey and why. The little fox is one who normally stays under the radar, but he has ruffled someone’s feathers and there are a mess of vicious crocs out for his blood. Dylan will risk everything to save Rey—after all, it’s not often one’s mate comes along out of the blue.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Fox and Wolf by Julia Talbot is a cute paranormal story about the Apex Private Investigation firm and it’s varied shifter team members. Wolf shifter, Mick, runs Apex and is the one who vets the clients and then hands them over to the appropriate investigator. When fox shifter Rey Mercier comes to Apex needing help, he is handed off to Dylan—another wolf and former cop. The goal is to find out who is after Rey and why. The little fox is one who normally stays under the radar, but he has ruffled someone’s feathers and there are a mess of vicious crocs out for his blood. Dylan will risk everything to save Rey—after all, it’s not often one’s mate comes along out of the blue.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
June 8, 2020
I had a hard time with this one. It really needed some good editing. We have misspelled words, missing words & even at one point of Dylan's named changed. The story itself was a mess and very disjointed for me. I really like PI books as well as mate/shifter books. I really liked the MCs & the secondary characters, but the story needed work. I will not be continuing with this series.
July 12, 2021
I couldn’t get along with the writing style, so for the most part it did just feel like words on paper. I did like the group though. The characters had a family vibe and I’m always a sucker for a misfit group. The extra abilities was a bit strange but I liked the instant shift. Mate story so pretty quick in the romance. I’m curious about the rest so will give the next one a go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
2.5*
Sometimes I love the story and sometimes it's over the top, corny and the writing is just bad. I don't know what to really think.
One minute it's serious while they're in the middle of a murder investigation and the next they're tearing each other's clothes off... It doesn't make sense. I get the mate aspect, but the seriousness to sill aspect, the timing is way off. It keeps taking me out of the story. It starts to pick up and get good, and then bam, we're mates I cant keep my hands off you. I'd rather hear about the mystery.
Sometimes I love the story and sometimes it's over the top, corny and the writing is just bad. I don't know what to really think.
One minute it's serious while they're in the middle of a murder investigation and the next they're tearing each other's clothes off... It doesn't make sense. I get the mate aspect, but the seriousness to sill aspect, the timing is way off. It keeps taking me out of the story. It starts to pick up and get good, and then bam, we're mates I cant keep my hands off you. I'd rather hear about the mystery.
September 6, 2019
I Tried
My IQ regressed about 50 points in the first chapter. It declined exponentially after that. I DNF'd at @ 35% because I was concerned for my remaining brain cells.
Utter. Tripe.
And btw, WTF are the rest of y'all smokin'?
4 stars my left cheek.
My IQ regressed about 50 points in the first chapter. It declined exponentially after that. I DNF'd at @ 35% because I was concerned for my remaining brain cells.
Utter. Tripe.
And btw, WTF are the rest of y'all smokin'?
4 stars my left cheek.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2019
Fox and Wolf is fast developed mystery romance, between a wolf shifter Dylan and fox shifter Rey. What I didn't like in their romance was to many sex scenes. This book was to short for them.
January 28, 2021
Fun and sweet, but not quite what I hoped for.
The writing itself is fine and I liked the characters and basic plot lines well enough. But everything was just a little too easy, too cutesy and too superficial for me to fully enjoy.
The world building is basically non existant, like there are different types of shifters and some seem to know about each other and others are more like myths without any reason for that, and humans seem to be there, but don't feature into the story and they probably know about shifters but not really? There is not even an attempt at an explanation, just an offhand remark here and there.
There is however an attempt at a suspense plot that takes up a lot of room in this story and was at least half of what I hoped to read about. But it was a mess, mostly. You know how sometimes in movies there are two armies clashing and it's a mass combat scene where you can't really tell who is who and who is winning and you just sort of lean back and let the action wash over you and wait for it to be over so someone will inform you of the outcome? This felt sort of like that to me. Things happen without much logical connection that I could see, both parties make an awful lot of stupid mistakes for supposedly being professionals and the mood was far too much focused on the fluff for me to feel any kind of real suspense.
All in all it wasn't horrible, but it could have been worlds better.
The writing itself is fine and I liked the characters and basic plot lines well enough. But everything was just a little too easy, too cutesy and too superficial for me to fully enjoy.
The world building is basically non existant, like there are different types of shifters and some seem to know about each other and others are more like myths without any reason for that, and humans seem to be there, but don't feature into the story and they probably know about shifters but not really? There is not even an attempt at an explanation, just an offhand remark here and there.
There is however an attempt at a suspense plot that takes up a lot of room in this story and was at least half of what I hoped to read about. But it was a mess, mostly. You know how sometimes in movies there are two armies clashing and it's a mass combat scene where you can't really tell who is who and who is winning and you just sort of lean back and let the action wash over you and wait for it to be over so someone will inform you of the outcome? This felt sort of like that to me. Things happen without much logical connection that I could see, both parties make an awful lot of stupid mistakes for supposedly being professionals and the mood was far too much focused on the fluff for me to feel any kind of real suspense.
All in all it wasn't horrible, but it could have been worlds better.
September 3, 2019
*A copy was provided by the author for free in exchange for an honest review*
This was a fun read. It feels kind of light and fluffy, but there's depth at the same time. I like the mix of different shifters forming a pack. The romance is okay, it's fine and I enjoyed it more towards the end than I did at first. The progression is a decent speed to. Pretty quick, but not too insta-lovey. The mystery is kind of meh and all over the place but it's okay. Not a big strike.
This was a fun read. It feels kind of light and fluffy, but there's depth at the same time. I like the mix of different shifters forming a pack. The romance is okay, it's fine and I enjoyed it more towards the end than I did at first. The progression is a decent speed to. Pretty quick, but not too insta-lovey. The mystery is kind of meh and all over the place but it's okay. Not a big strike.
October 26, 2020
This book was simply awesome. The two main characters fit together perfectly. Rey was a fox shifter and his mate Dylan was a wolf shifter. I loved the creativity of the villains in this story which were dire crocodile shifters who really stunk badly. I love the whole premise of Apex Investigations and the cases that they work on. The plot was riveting with fascinating characters, and the ending was so sweet and heartfelt. Outstanding.
August 28, 2019
this was interesting.. some spots were a bit slow at spots but overall i really enjoyed it. the characters were a lot of fun.. and sexy. they kept me curious to see what was next and i enjoyed their banter. very good
May 5, 2019
Investigation and security team, all shape shifters! What a wacky and adorable, even if motly, crew. Wolves, big cats, a bear, and drop a fox who's an "information broker" (i.e. industrial spy) into their midst. Fox's recent client was killed and the murderers are on his tail. Serious business, but with humor and irreverence for stereotypes. Very much fun.
June 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. I had zero expectations, which is the best surprise when the book turns out to be so enjoyable. The story is a bit action/thriller/mystery, shifters and fated mates, with lots of love and very little angst. I was smiling thoroughout and immediately wanted to go buy more of Ms. Talbot’s books. Unfortunately there aren’t more in this series. Yet. I hope there will be more.
Bought from Dreamspinner.
Bought from Dreamspinner.
Read
January 4, 2019I loved the cobination of all the shifters. The cam together to form a company and a family basest on love and respect.
However.....I did not like the case Rey hired the agency to solve. It wasn’t well executed and was the weak link in the book.
However.....I did not like the case Rey hired the agency to solve. It wasn’t well executed and was the weak link in the book.
July 14, 2021
Rey and Dylan are just so cute together. I feel like there is a lot of humor in here as well as a lot of love. I like how the guys realized Rey knew best. The grooming session sounds like it could be so much fun.
January 6, 2019
A good start to this shifter PI series that establishes the main players and the place they work, but would benefit from a better explanation of the world it takes place in.
Dylan and Rey meet when Rey comes to Apex investigations for help. Rey's client has been murdered and now people are after him- and he has no idea why. Dylan is an ex-cop and this investigation is right up his alley. With Rey being a fox shifter and Dylan being a wolf shifter there aren't any expectations between the two, but it soon becomes clear that they are fated mates. With increasingly deadly attempts on Rey's life the team scrambles to find out who wants Rey dead and how to save the newly mated pair.
Dylan and Rey very much have an instant relationship, but not insta-love. As fated mates they have an immediate attraction and an immense desire to have sexy times (and frequently). But as they get know each other that is where love can grow. Fated but falling, a very sweet way to be written. It would be nice to know a bit more about how mates work. Everyone didn't think they were mates at first but then just sort of agreed and it would be nice to know why. It would also be interesting to learn a bit more about the ESP thing that keeps happening/getting mentioned and if that is normal- also why Mick seems to have a bit of it (pack alpha thing?). It is clear though that mates happens in shifters in this world and it can happen very quickly. Love to see it in the other investigators, especially as it seems a few already have met their mates but maybe have been denying it.
The world isn't very clear in this book. There is a definite feel that shifters are known by the general populace, though it isn't blatantly said. At first, since the main characters are shifters, they work at an agency of shifters, and they are being attacked by shifters, it seems that shifters must make up a large part of the populace. But later on Dylan mentions that as a cop he rarely worked cases that involved shifters, implying that they are a rather small part of the populace. Or very law abiding? It would be nice to have a better idea of the whole world to get a better feel for the story.
The editing did have some times of being a bit lacking. There was even a point at which Dylan gets misnamed Alan very early on, though it only happened the once. It would be nice to have better editing for the future books.
The relationships between both the mated pair and the investigators is a great base to this story. As a pack and family they are strong together and it is clear that all the characters will continue to be important in the future stories. I look forward to seeing more from Apex!
Dylan and Rey meet when Rey comes to Apex investigations for help. Rey's client has been murdered and now people are after him- and he has no idea why. Dylan is an ex-cop and this investigation is right up his alley. With Rey being a fox shifter and Dylan being a wolf shifter there aren't any expectations between the two, but it soon becomes clear that they are fated mates. With increasingly deadly attempts on Rey's life the team scrambles to find out who wants Rey dead and how to save the newly mated pair.
Dylan and Rey very much have an instant relationship, but not insta-love. As fated mates they have an immediate attraction and an immense desire to have sexy times (and frequently). But as they get know each other that is where love can grow. Fated but falling, a very sweet way to be written. It would be nice to know a bit more about how mates work. Everyone didn't think they were mates at first but then just sort of agreed and it would be nice to know why. It would also be interesting to learn a bit more about the ESP thing that keeps happening/getting mentioned and if that is normal- also why Mick seems to have a bit of it (pack alpha thing?). It is clear though that mates happens in shifters in this world and it can happen very quickly. Love to see it in the other investigators, especially as it seems a few already have met their mates but maybe have been denying it.
The world isn't very clear in this book. There is a definite feel that shifters are known by the general populace, though it isn't blatantly said. At first, since the main characters are shifters, they work at an agency of shifters, and they are being attacked by shifters, it seems that shifters must make up a large part of the populace. But later on Dylan mentions that as a cop he rarely worked cases that involved shifters, implying that they are a rather small part of the populace. Or very law abiding? It would be nice to have a better idea of the whole world to get a better feel for the story.
The editing did have some times of being a bit lacking. There was even a point at which Dylan gets misnamed Alan very early on, though it only happened the once. It would be nice to have better editing for the future books.
The relationships between both the mated pair and the investigators is a great base to this story. As a pack and family they are strong together and it is clear that all the characters will continue to be important in the future stories. I look forward to seeing more from Apex!
December 13, 2018
Blurb summarizes the book quite well, but I’ll recap a little bit: Rey is a self-employed researcher. He’s good at finding, obtaining and delivering information as needed. Until something goes very wrong with his last job and now he’s on the run, living out of his car. In desperation, this fox-shifter turns to Apex Investigations.
Dylan, former cop, now private investigator is assigned the fox’s case. Seems straight forward enough, until the dire-croc’s show up. While not everyone at Apex is as enamored with the case or the fox, Dylan soon realizes there’s something else happening between him and Rey.
I really enjoyed this story. It was fun, it moved smartly along, it had an executed plot with the mating/sex tucked in appropriately. There was full sentence dialog, which was a small complaint I have from other books with the “Mate!”, “Mine!”, “Love!” theme. Absolutely minimal here and used in the right situation.
The characters were interesting and varied – Mick and Dylan are wolf shifters, Rey a fox shifter, Kit is a black bear, James is a mountain lion, and one jaguar with a secret past. They were interesting as people, and enjoyable as their animals.
My one tiny complaint with this book was Dylan picking Rey up and carrying him around. This doesn’t work for me. Put the man down and hold hands, wrap arms around each other, support Rey with an arm around a shoulder or waist. The whole carrying another man around, especially a smaller man, just seems…demeaning, not protective.
Okay, got that off my chest.
This is a pure brain candy book. It’s a fast and light read. Emphasis on the 'light'. This is perfect after a stressful day, or if out running errands when you need something you can pick-up/put-down without losing your train of thought. Characters are delightful, mating was integrated into the plot quite smoothly, plot is fun. It’s a fun read, which is why it earned 4 stars from me. I needed furry fun and I got furry fun.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews<\i>
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Dylan, former cop, now private investigator is assigned the fox’s case. Seems straight forward enough, until the dire-croc’s show up. While not everyone at Apex is as enamored with the case or the fox, Dylan soon realizes there’s something else happening between him and Rey.
I really enjoyed this story. It was fun, it moved smartly along, it had an executed plot with the mating/sex tucked in appropriately. There was full sentence dialog, which was a small complaint I have from other books with the “Mate!”, “Mine!”, “Love!” theme. Absolutely minimal here and used in the right situation.
The characters were interesting and varied – Mick and Dylan are wolf shifters, Rey a fox shifter, Kit is a black bear, James is a mountain lion, and one jaguar with a secret past. They were interesting as people, and enjoyable as their animals.
My one tiny complaint with this book was Dylan picking Rey up and carrying him around. This doesn’t work for me. Put the man down and hold hands, wrap arms around each other, support Rey with an arm around a shoulder or waist. The whole carrying another man around, especially a smaller man, just seems…demeaning, not protective.
Okay, got that off my chest.
This is a pure brain candy book. It’s a fast and light read. Emphasis on the 'light'. This is perfect after a stressful day, or if out running errands when you need something you can pick-up/put-down without losing your train of thought. Characters are delightful, mating was integrated into the plot quite smoothly, plot is fun. It’s a fun read, which is why it earned 4 stars from me. I needed furry fun and I got furry fun.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews<\i>
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 29, 2018
This turned out to be a really great read. It has mystery. It has shifters. There is suspicion. There is danger. There is a lot of action. There is romance. And last but not least there is family, a pack. Julia Talbot wrote an incredible book and if this book is anything to go by the series is going to be just as amazing as this first book was.
Rey walked into Apex looking for help with an issue hat has come up that he never expected to happen. Rey is an information gatherer. He contracts out and does private information gathering for his clients. Recently he was hired by a woman to retrieve her HR file from a company that she was fired from. Rey never expected that this was going to turn into something dangerous. Now he is need of some help and some answers. That is where Apex comes in.
At first Mick is concerned about whether Rey is telling the whole truth or not when he comes into their office but he is willing to take the case on. So he puts Dylan in charge of gathering the information from Rey. What no one expected was for Rey to be Dylan’s mate. But from almost the first meeting Dylan was aware of it and Rey was aware of the calming, safe affect that Dylan had on him.
When the danger continues to increase, the whole team is pulled into the fold for this one. And the more Rey and Dylan grow closer, the more the team starts to realize that Rey is making a spot in their pack as well as Dylan’s heart.
When things become out of control on this case, it is going to take everyone trusting not only their instincts but the others instincts around them as well. If not someone is going to end up hurt or worse, dead.
This was such a great read. It is so action packed. At almost every turn of the page something new is happening. The danger is almost overwhelming for these men but they pull together to support one another. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Rey walked into Apex looking for help with an issue hat has come up that he never expected to happen. Rey is an information gatherer. He contracts out and does private information gathering for his clients. Recently he was hired by a woman to retrieve her HR file from a company that she was fired from. Rey never expected that this was going to turn into something dangerous. Now he is need of some help and some answers. That is where Apex comes in.
At first Mick is concerned about whether Rey is telling the whole truth or not when he comes into their office but he is willing to take the case on. So he puts Dylan in charge of gathering the information from Rey. What no one expected was for Rey to be Dylan’s mate. But from almost the first meeting Dylan was aware of it and Rey was aware of the calming, safe affect that Dylan had on him.
When the danger continues to increase, the whole team is pulled into the fold for this one. And the more Rey and Dylan grow closer, the more the team starts to realize that Rey is making a spot in their pack as well as Dylan’s heart.
When things become out of control on this case, it is going to take everyone trusting not only their instincts but the others instincts around them as well. If not someone is going to end up hurt or worse, dead.
This was such a great read. It is so action packed. At almost every turn of the page something new is happening. The danger is almost overwhelming for these men but they pull together to support one another. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
January 4, 2019
3.5 stars
This was a very enjoyable shifter romance with an interesting mystery subplot. A quick and entertaining read.
Rey is a bit of a mess at first, and obviously in way over his head with big bad dire … creatures out to get him. He hires a PI to help him investigate and hopefully solve the mystery of the sudden threat against his life. Dylan, the PI in question, doesn’t need long to become totally smitten with Rey, though both men are thrown by their unexpected connection. Dare they think the M-word (mate)?
I loved Dylan’s protective side and his use of endearments when addressing Rey, which he does very quickly. They are super sweet together. Dylan and Rey have a bit of an opposites attract vibe going, with emphasis on the attract. I was glad that their relationship was balanced, and that Rey could also be there for Dylan and help him out, so it wasn’t just a case of the bigger shifter protecting the smaller, seemingly more vulnerable one. The investigation itself didn’t always hold my interest, but I did really like how the bond between the two MC’s built up as well as the interactions between Dylan, Rey and Dylan’s pack.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, and prejudices muddled the waters for a while, but love, and the good guys, win in the end.
The world-building is a bit unclear, though I do like that there are all kinds of shifters with different abilities and characteristics in this universe. There also seem to be some racial prejudices between the different animal shifters, which makes “inter-species” relationships slightly more challenging, as Dylan and Rey find out. Dylan belongs to an atypical pack, led by an alpha wolf, but with members from different shifter species. So it’s a kind of chosen family story.
We get to know and care for the entire pack, the author doing a wonderful job of creating interest in the stories that are to follow in this new series.
This was a very enjoyable shifter romance with an interesting mystery subplot. A quick and entertaining read.
Rey is a bit of a mess at first, and obviously in way over his head with big bad dire … creatures out to get him. He hires a PI to help him investigate and hopefully solve the mystery of the sudden threat against his life. Dylan, the PI in question, doesn’t need long to become totally smitten with Rey, though both men are thrown by their unexpected connection. Dare they think the M-word (mate)?
I loved Dylan’s protective side and his use of endearments when addressing Rey, which he does very quickly. They are super sweet together. Dylan and Rey have a bit of an opposites attract vibe going, with emphasis on the attract. I was glad that their relationship was balanced, and that Rey could also be there for Dylan and help him out, so it wasn’t just a case of the bigger shifter protecting the smaller, seemingly more vulnerable one. The investigation itself didn’t always hold my interest, but I did really like how the bond between the two MC’s built up as well as the interactions between Dylan, Rey and Dylan’s pack.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, and prejudices muddled the waters for a while, but love, and the good guys, win in the end.
The world-building is a bit unclear, though I do like that there are all kinds of shifters with different abilities and characteristics in this universe. There also seem to be some racial prejudices between the different animal shifters, which makes “inter-species” relationships slightly more challenging, as Dylan and Rey find out. Dylan belongs to an atypical pack, led by an alpha wolf, but with members from different shifter species. So it’s a kind of chosen family story.
We get to know and care for the entire pack, the author doing a wonderful job of creating interest in the stories that are to follow in this new series.
August 20, 2019
The first book in the Apex Investigations series introduces us to the team and establishes the setting. Apex is a PI firm located in Colorado. The owner is a wolf shifter and he has created a pack consisting of another wolf, a bear, a jaguar and a mountain lion, all with different skills. Into this group enters Rey, a fox, who needs to hire them as he says he is being hunted. At first Mick, the owner is skeptical, and he assigns Dylan, the other wolf, the case. Nothing about Rey’s story makes sense. Yes, a client of his is dead and yes, he’s received threats, but nothing seems to warrant the level of aggression he is talking about. Then, when Dylan takes Rey back to his apartment to get further information the crap really hits the fan and all of a sudden it seems the fox was telling the truth and there’s a bigger story here. Mayhem ensues. Oh, and just for the fun, turns out Dylan and Rey are mates.
The book gets off to a slow start and it feels like you came in in the middle of something. The initial writing is rocky and confusing. More background legend would have helped establish the setting and a faster moving story arc would have grabbed my interest better. Once things pick up though the story moves, the relationship dynamics become more interesting and the action scenes grab you.
As the story developed, I could see that each of the characters were going to be interesting and I’m assuming each will get a story of their own where we get to know them better. The big crisis scene not only establishes the relationships among the team, but a new character is introduced, and the situation evolves allowing for the creation of an even better team and place for book two. This book definitely left me with an interest in what was going to happen next and that’s always a good thing.
**I received an advanced reader copy for an objective review. **
The book gets off to a slow start and it feels like you came in in the middle of something. The initial writing is rocky and confusing. More background legend would have helped establish the setting and a faster moving story arc would have grabbed my interest better. Once things pick up though the story moves, the relationship dynamics become more interesting and the action scenes grab you.
As the story developed, I could see that each of the characters were going to be interesting and I’m assuming each will get a story of their own where we get to know them better. The big crisis scene not only establishes the relationships among the team, but a new character is introduced, and the situation evolves allowing for the creation of an even better team and place for book two. This book definitely left me with an interest in what was going to happen next and that’s always a good thing.
**I received an advanced reader copy for an objective review. **
August 25, 2019
I really enjoyed the plot line to this book but struggled a little with the characters and their relationship.
We dive straight into the investigation for Rey as he comes to Apex investigations on the run from someone searching for him. He doesn't know who or why and that makes these PI's perfect for the job. As soon as he meets Dylan, they are drawn to one another which is just another thing to try and understand on top of everything else.
So, the story line dealing with Rey and why someone is after him I found really good and was really interested to find out where it would lead. With the relationship between Rey and Dylan, I struggled a bit because I didn't really feel like there was anything built. We just dived in with no talk about what a mate bond is or would mean. I also didn't get the feeling of a connection between the two as there wasn't much time between their first meeting and anything else. I know a lot of books that have mates together as soon as possible but there is normally a tangible feeling between them which I didn't get here.
I love the motley crew at Apex Investigations - two wolves, two large cats and a bear. All together as a pack with Mick as the alpha/boss. You can tell he really cares about them all even if sometimes they drive him a little crazy.
I would recommend giving this story a try as it may work differently for you than it did for me and, as I said, I loved the story overall but the MC's didn't really hit it out of the park for me. I am looking forward to reading the next couple and seeing how the series progresses.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
We dive straight into the investigation for Rey as he comes to Apex investigations on the run from someone searching for him. He doesn't know who or why and that makes these PI's perfect for the job. As soon as he meets Dylan, they are drawn to one another which is just another thing to try and understand on top of everything else.
So, the story line dealing with Rey and why someone is after him I found really good and was really interested to find out where it would lead. With the relationship between Rey and Dylan, I struggled a bit because I didn't really feel like there was anything built. We just dived in with no talk about what a mate bond is or would mean. I also didn't get the feeling of a connection between the two as there wasn't much time between their first meeting and anything else. I know a lot of books that have mates together as soon as possible but there is normally a tangible feeling between them which I didn't get here.
I love the motley crew at Apex Investigations - two wolves, two large cats and a bear. All together as a pack with Mick as the alpha/boss. You can tell he really cares about them all even if sometimes they drive him a little crazy.
I would recommend giving this story a try as it may work differently for you than it did for me and, as I said, I loved the story overall but the MC's didn't really hit it out of the park for me. I am looking forward to reading the next couple and seeing how the series progresses.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
September 2, 2019
I think I was expecting something a little grittier, a little sexier, but what we got instead was something that was more fantastical, sweeter, and something I truly enjoyed. With a fox shifter in danger and a wolf who feels the need to protect, I was all set to enjoy a good shifter romance. Adding in the shifter surprises and the family dynamic of the pack, and I was all in.
There were little things that were a bit inconsistent, like eye colors changing, and a few things that felt a little rushed and superficial, and the safe house procedures were laughably abysmal, but overall I was drawn into the relationship and the whole pack. The pack itself was interesting to me with its mix and dynamic between all the different shifters. It really was a case of choosing your own family and there are certain characters that intrigue me more than others. I'm definitely coming back for more of the series.
But back to Fox and Wolf. We didn't really dive deep into the characters and that was a bit of a shame. What I learned, I liked, but there was so much more to be said. The drama surrounding them and bringing them together seemed quite far-fetched and seemingly nonsensical until you get into book two...but we'll get there. For now, it felt a little too big, a little too much. It fits later though. And the fox-sense is so true to species and not paranormal/otherworldly. For a lot of people they might see it as a bit of psychic-ness, but it's an actual trait that foxes have to sense danger before it catches them and I loved that addition. Overall I was impressed by the individuals and can't wait to get going with everything that's coming their way.
There were little things that were a bit inconsistent, like eye colors changing, and a few things that felt a little rushed and superficial, and the safe house procedures were laughably abysmal, but overall I was drawn into the relationship and the whole pack. The pack itself was interesting to me with its mix and dynamic between all the different shifters. It really was a case of choosing your own family and there are certain characters that intrigue me more than others. I'm definitely coming back for more of the series.
But back to Fox and Wolf. We didn't really dive deep into the characters and that was a bit of a shame. What I learned, I liked, but there was so much more to be said. The drama surrounding them and bringing them together seemed quite far-fetched and seemingly nonsensical until you get into book two...but we'll get there. For now, it felt a little too big, a little too much. It fits later though. And the fox-sense is so true to species and not paranormal/otherworldly. For a lot of people they might see it as a bit of psychic-ness, but it's an actual trait that foxes have to sense danger before it catches them and I loved that addition. Overall I was impressed by the individuals and can't wait to get going with everything that's coming their way.
August 16, 2019
reviewer's choice award
Fox and Wolf by author Julia Talbot is the first book in the Apex Investigation series. I loved how many new and interesting paranormals she introduces in this book. I also liked the mystery who dun it vibe. This is a well thought out story and I loved the characters. I want more!
We get a good lay of the land so to speak in this book. I liked that it did not feel like an info dump it was a natural part of the book. That can be hard to do sometimes, and I appreciate how seamless it happens in this book.
Rey is a fox shifter. He is the person who hires Apex Investigations. He found a dead body of one his own clients. Now he is being hunted. He has no clue why. He is living out of his car, and very scared. Also, he sleeps totally adorably just had to say that.
He is an information broker; I think that is a fitting job for a fox.
Dylan, he is a werewolf. He works for Apex Investigations. He is really good at his job. I liked he is easy going, not overly alpha. He has a protective nature. He is kind and strong, along with very smart.
Overall this is a great introduction to this world and those living in it. I really loved the pace and overall feel of this book. Made me want more. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I wanna see who falls in love next and what cases they take on
Fox and Wolf by author Julia Talbot is the first book in the Apex Investigation series. I loved how many new and interesting paranormals she introduces in this book. I also liked the mystery who dun it vibe. This is a well thought out story and I loved the characters. I want more!
We get a good lay of the land so to speak in this book. I liked that it did not feel like an info dump it was a natural part of the book. That can be hard to do sometimes, and I appreciate how seamless it happens in this book.
Rey is a fox shifter. He is the person who hires Apex Investigations. He found a dead body of one his own clients. Now he is being hunted. He has no clue why. He is living out of his car, and very scared. Also, he sleeps totally adorably just had to say that.
He is an information broker; I think that is a fitting job for a fox.
Dylan, he is a werewolf. He works for Apex Investigations. He is really good at his job. I liked he is easy going, not overly alpha. He has a protective nature. He is kind and strong, along with very smart.
Overall this is a great introduction to this world and those living in it. I really loved the pace and overall feel of this book. Made me want more. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I wanna see who falls in love next and what cases they take on
December 22, 2021
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It's such a pity when a book doesn't convince me because of the writing, and this was once of those.
I can't exactly say what's wrong, just... Doesn't do it for me, o guess. The style felt off and the pace was all over the place. I just couldn't click with how the authors tells things, and that was a big hardship since the beginning.
I love PI books, having both an investigation and a romance feels amazing. And if we add a group of misfits that make their own family, I should be a goner.
I don't like instaloves that much, but shifter matings are my one and only exception. I there are some true mates romances I love, but here... It just felt rushed. Dylan and Rey barely know and the only thing that makes their romance going it that feeling they have. Not enough for me, there was something lacking.
It's a pity because as I would normally crave knowing more of the other team member, bit this time I'm not sure I will continue with the series.
It's such a pity when a book doesn't convince me because of the writing, and this was once of those.
I can't exactly say what's wrong, just... Doesn't do it for me, o guess. The style felt off and the pace was all over the place. I just couldn't click with how the authors tells things, and that was a big hardship since the beginning.
I love PI books, having both an investigation and a romance feels amazing. And if we add a group of misfits that make their own family, I should be a goner.
I don't like instaloves that much, but shifter matings are my one and only exception. I there are some true mates romances I love, but here... It just felt rushed. Dylan and Rey barely know and the only thing that makes their romance going it that feeling they have. Not enough for me, there was something lacking.
It's a pity because as I would normally crave knowing more of the other team member, bit this time I'm not sure I will continue with the series.
January 28, 2019
Rey, a fox shifter, comes to Apex Investigations because of a big problem. His normal, routine job ended with his client being murdered, and he needs someone to figure out why the courier job became so dangerous. Dylan, a wolf shifter, is assigned to his case, and things quickly get serious when dangerous shifters - I won't say what - come after Rey. It takes some investigation to determine what is behind the attacks.
I enjoyed the whole idea of Apex Investigations being staffed by different kinds of shifters. I enjoyed several of Dylan's coworkers and boss. The potential for upcoming cases and books is definitely there.
However, there were many scenes that I just skimmed through because they became redundant to me: numerous scenes where all the guys would be eating, starved after some activity, and some of the sex scenes between Rey and Dylan. It took me out of any emotional connection I was having with the MCs.
I enjoyed the whole idea of Apex Investigations being staffed by different kinds of shifters. I enjoyed several of Dylan's coworkers and boss. The potential for upcoming cases and books is definitely there.
However, there were many scenes that I just skimmed through because they became redundant to me: numerous scenes where all the guys would be eating, starved after some activity, and some of the sex scenes between Rey and Dylan. It took me out of any emotional connection I was having with the MCs.
February 10, 2019
https://optimumm.blog/2019/02/10/revi...
Dylan is PI at the Apex Investigations. As a former cop and a werewolf, he’s good at his job, but he didn’t expect Rey, the sexy fox shifter.
Rey is desperate and scared when he crosses Apex Investigations door. His client had been murdered, and his life threatened. Dylan is the PI in charge of his case, but Rey may find more than peace and safety with him.
Fox and Wolf by Julia Talbot is book one of the Apex Investigations.
I’m going to be very honest (like usual), I disliked the book. It was too confusing, the characters barely developed, and the plot full of holes and inconsistency. I was disappointed in the book.
Dylan and Rey are sweet and could have been wonderful, but the author completely missed them, and I found them empty instead.
The writing was confusing, the author tried to alternate between too much POV, and at the end, I didn’t know who was thinking what or who was talking to who.
I’m disappointed because it wasn’t my first book by Julia Talbot and I adored the ones I’ve read, but here she completely missed her mark.
2 Stars for me.
Dylan is PI at the Apex Investigations. As a former cop and a werewolf, he’s good at his job, but he didn’t expect Rey, the sexy fox shifter.
Rey is desperate and scared when he crosses Apex Investigations door. His client had been murdered, and his life threatened. Dylan is the PI in charge of his case, but Rey may find more than peace and safety with him.
Fox and Wolf by Julia Talbot is book one of the Apex Investigations.
I’m going to be very honest (like usual), I disliked the book. It was too confusing, the characters barely developed, and the plot full of holes and inconsistency. I was disappointed in the book.
Dylan and Rey are sweet and could have been wonderful, but the author completely missed them, and I found them empty instead.
The writing was confusing, the author tried to alternate between too much POV, and at the end, I didn’t know who was thinking what or who was talking to who.
I’m disappointed because it wasn’t my first book by Julia Talbot and I adored the ones I’ve read, but here she completely missed her mark.
2 Stars for me.
August 27, 2019
What a great introduction to the Apex Investigations family of shifters! Because they are a family, close knit,with funny banter and hilarious dynamics. They definitely care about each other and trust one another without any doubt. When Rey comes to them asking for help,they might not believe him,but Dylan does, and that's enough for them.
Poor Rey! Sweet fox hunted by ugly,smelly crocodile shifters. The worst thing is that he doesn't even know what they want from him. Good thing,then,that he has Dylan by his side to help figure everything out. And even better that things between them heat up pretty soon,too. I mean,there's nothing greater than the arms of a stong wolf around you to soothe away the fears,right? Big,bad wolf Dylan is really a softie and ready to do anything to protect his adorable fox...they're so cute together!
Their adventures were really fun to read. Fox And Wolf is a really good mystery that has kept me intrigued, the romance between Dylan and Rey is very sweet and I'm crazy about the other members of the Apex pack. The story is well written and gripping and I really recommend it.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Poor Rey! Sweet fox hunted by ugly,smelly crocodile shifters. The worst thing is that he doesn't even know what they want from him. Good thing,then,that he has Dylan by his side to help figure everything out. And even better that things between them heat up pretty soon,too. I mean,there's nothing greater than the arms of a stong wolf around you to soothe away the fears,right? Big,bad wolf Dylan is really a softie and ready to do anything to protect his adorable fox...they're so cute together!
Their adventures were really fun to read. Fox And Wolf is a really good mystery that has kept me intrigued, the romance between Dylan and Rey is very sweet and I'm crazy about the other members of the Apex pack. The story is well written and gripping and I really recommend it.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
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