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Bluewater Bay #4
Moonstruck
Anthony Rawson is screwed. Fans, producers, and his agent are all chomping at the bit for the next book in his wildly popular Triple Moon series, but he’s got epic writer’s block and is way behind deadline. Then he reads Axis Mundi, a fanfic novel by his online friend “SirMarrok.” It isn’t just a great story—it’s exactly what the series needs.
Samir Daoud is thrilled when “Ulfhedinn” wants to meet up after reading Axis Mundi. When Ulfhedinn turns out to be Anthony Rawson himself, Samir is starstruck. When Anthony tells him he wants to add Axis Mundi to the Triple Moon series, Samir is sure he’s being pranked. And when their online chemistry carries over—big-time—into real life, Samir is convinced it’s all too good to be true.
The problem is … it might be. The book deal, the sex, the money—everything is amazing. But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Samir is left wondering if Anthony really loves him, or just loves his book.
This 95,000-word novel has been previously published under a different title.
Samir Daoud is thrilled when “Ulfhedinn” wants to meet up after reading Axis Mundi. When Ulfhedinn turns out to be Anthony Rawson himself, Samir is starstruck. When Anthony tells him he wants to add Axis Mundi to the Triple Moon series, Samir is sure he’s being pranked. And when their online chemistry carries over—big-time—into real life, Samir is convinced it’s all too good to be true.
The problem is … it might be. The book deal, the sex, the money—everything is amazing. But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Samir is left wondering if Anthony really loves him, or just loves his book.
This 95,000-word novel has been previously published under a different title.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2014
27 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
January 20, 2015
*2.5 stars*
I LOVE the writing combo of L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov. In fact, I've read TEN of their joint books, including the entire Market Garden series, which is a favorite of mine. However, this one... it didn't quite gel with me.
This book is 360 pages and it felt LONG. Nothing really happens. I feel like the blurb sort of is the entire book. Most of the story is about writing and coming up with the latest book in the Wolf Landing series and the logistics of it. It isn't a bad story, just slow and sort of meandering.
I'm also not sure how realistic it is that Kevin is just sort of whisked away into the world of publishing so seamlessly. I'm not a publishing or writing expert of any kind, but I would imagine that there would be more push back from Hunter's agent and publisher. There was also a lack of tension that was missing from the relationship between Kevin and Hunter. I didn't feel the love and didn't quite buy the romance.
There were some bright spots, I think. I always like an age difference in books, so seeing a "silver fox" was right up my alley! The sex was also dirtier than I was expecting (yay!) even if it seemed a bit out of character for Kevin, who is normally more insecure. I also think this book would be a bigger hit for readers of fan fiction, who might really relate to the story, which is heavy on the fan fic talk. I feel like I might have missed a few inside jokes here or there.
I wish I enjoyed this one more because I think this author pair is wonderful together, but the whole story felt a little dull, a little flat. Not bad, but not great, I'm not sure if I would recommend this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I LOVE the writing combo of L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov. In fact, I've read TEN of their joint books, including the entire Market Garden series, which is a favorite of mine. However, this one... it didn't quite gel with me.
This book is 360 pages and it felt LONG. Nothing really happens. I feel like the blurb sort of is the entire book. Most of the story is about writing and coming up with the latest book in the Wolf Landing series and the logistics of it. It isn't a bad story, just slow and sort of meandering.
I'm also not sure how realistic it is that Kevin is just sort of whisked away into the world of publishing so seamlessly. I'm not a publishing or writing expert of any kind, but I would imagine that there would be more push back from Hunter's agent and publisher. There was also a lack of tension that was missing from the relationship between Kevin and Hunter. I didn't feel the love and didn't quite buy the romance.
There were some bright spots, I think. I always like an age difference in books, so seeing a "silver fox" was right up my alley! The sex was also dirtier than I was expecting (yay!) even if it seemed a bit out of character for Kevin, who is normally more insecure. I also think this book would be a bigger hit for readers of fan fiction, who might really relate to the story, which is heavy on the fan fic talk. I feel like I might have missed a few inside jokes here or there.
I wish I enjoyed this one more because I think this author pair is wonderful together, but the whole story felt a little dull, a little flat. Not bad, but not great, I'm not sure if I would recommend this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
March 18, 2021
Just as I really enjoyed this when it was originally published as Lone Wolf as part of the Bluewater Bay series, I still enjoyed it now it's out on its own in the world.
I will say though, that this was originally part of a series and while the names etc have been changed, there are still references to that series - which centred around the town where filming of the paranormal TV show based on the books mentioned in this narrative takes place.
But the story itself just appeals to me, it's mostly about fanfic, how sometimes the authors of fanfic take the characters in directions the creators never imagined and sometimes those directions are not only good ones, they invigorate the original.
Whether this would ever happen in real life, I'm not sure as I believe authors are advised to stay away from fanfics of their work in case they inadvertently pick up ideas from it and leave themselves open to litigation.
Which is, in itself, a bit of a mind-bender given they're the creators of the originals in the first place but hey, what do I know!?
Still, taken on its own, this is a hot silver fox not quite romance which also looks at the pressures of fame and fan expectations in a way which feels utterly real and relatable.
#ARC kindly provided by the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
I will say though, that this was originally part of a series and while the names etc have been changed, there are still references to that series - which centred around the town where filming of the paranormal TV show based on the books mentioned in this narrative takes place.
But the story itself just appeals to me, it's mostly about fanfic, how sometimes the authors of fanfic take the characters in directions the creators never imagined and sometimes those directions are not only good ones, they invigorate the original.
Whether this would ever happen in real life, I'm not sure as I believe authors are advised to stay away from fanfics of their work in case they inadvertently pick up ideas from it and leave themselves open to litigation.
Which is, in itself, a bit of a mind-bender given they're the creators of the originals in the first place but hey, what do I know!?
Still, taken on its own, this is a hot silver fox not quite romance which also looks at the pressures of fame and fan expectations in a way which feels utterly real and relatable.
#ARC kindly provided by the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
Read
April 19, 2019This is no longer a Bluewater Bay book, BTW.
Read
October 13, 2014Book #4 of Bluewater Bay, likely the closest thing Darth Voinov and I will ever come to writing a romantic comedy.
January 3, 2015
First of all, a little reader's advisory ... Lone Wolf is the fourth book in a Bluewater Bay universe -- while most of this novels are stated to be 'stand alone' however, I also thought that this was the least 'stand-alone' from the previous three. There are too many references to characters of Wolf Landing, including the characters first introduced in the first book from this universe, Starstruck. I believe anyone who only purchase this book because of the Voinov and Witt combo but have not yet read the previous books (or at least Starstruck) would likely be confused with the names like Gabriel, Max, Levi, or Carter.
Now, onto the story itself.
I had to admit that the whole idea of an author reading fan-fiction based on his own works was not exactly out of this world. I am actually pretty sure, with the whole spotlight on fan-fiction these days, including the P2P fan--fiction after the likes of 50 Shades of Grey has brought the world of fanfiction more to the surface. It's no longer flying under the radar. Heck, I am even sure that some TV writers probably look at fan-fictions for ideas (Supernatural everyone?).
Having said that, I didn't exactly buy the premise ... I mean, of course I'm not an author myself, but for Hunter to easily welcome Kevin and his story to be part of the Wolf Landing world, including hooking Kevin up to his agent and to sweep him away to the world of publishing and fans and conventions, is something that is just "too good to be true". While as a reader I can also suspend my disbelief, but at the same time, it also made me unable to fully embrace it. Not to mention the whole discussions about fandoms and fan-fictions and all the pros and cons -- during Kevin's critique group scene -- felt a little too close too home, it made me all fidgety and uneasy. What can I say, I was reading this after the whole fiasco regarding fan-fiction inclusion on Goodreads database ... you can understand my discomfort, yes?
Oh, and I'm also not a huge fan of stories where the romance seems to be a bit unbalanced -- somehow, that is what I felt from this story. Kevin is a HUGE fan of Hunter and his books. All the time Kevin is crushing over Hunter gets to the point where I couldn't help to wonder whether Kevin actually likes Hunter for the man, or the author that he has been idolizing? Is his feeling real or just an extension of his crush? Will it get anywhere after they actually working together? And I was questioning this because the last part where Hunter edits their works seems to create another issue for the two of them. The whole "I love you" seems to be too early for the two of them, considering that I actually sense that their future won't be too smooth with their new partnership.
Hunter also is a bit different than what I imagined him to be. Somehow, I imagined him for being a hermit and difficult; so this version of Hunter didn't match my version of Hunter (that I concluded when reading Starstruck) and somehow it threw me off a balance.
Other than that, I thought the writing was very accessible. I never read the works from this duo -- mainly because the books they released so far are not my cup of tea -- but since both has been writing for sometimes, I think the partnership works. Just don't ask me about the sex scenes though, I mainly skimmed it *shrugs*. So yes, overall, it is a nice reading but not exactly my favorite from the universe.
The copy of this book is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any copy received.
Now, onto the story itself.
I had to admit that the whole idea of an author reading fan-fiction based on his own works was not exactly out of this world. I am actually pretty sure, with the whole spotlight on fan-fiction these days, including the P2P fan--fiction after the likes of 50 Shades of Grey has brought the world of fanfiction more to the surface. It's no longer flying under the radar. Heck, I am even sure that some TV writers probably look at fan-fictions for ideas (Supernatural everyone?).
Having said that, I didn't exactly buy the premise ... I mean, of course I'm not an author myself, but for Hunter to easily welcome Kevin and his story to be part of the Wolf Landing world, including hooking Kevin up to his agent and to sweep him away to the world of publishing and fans and conventions, is something that is just "too good to be true". While as a reader I can also suspend my disbelief, but at the same time, it also made me unable to fully embrace it. Not to mention the whole discussions about fandoms and fan-fictions and all the pros and cons -- during Kevin's critique group scene -- felt a little too close too home, it made me all fidgety and uneasy. What can I say, I was reading this after the whole fiasco regarding fan-fiction inclusion on Goodreads database ... you can understand my discomfort, yes?
Oh, and I'm also not a huge fan of stories where the romance seems to be a bit unbalanced -- somehow, that is what I felt from this story. Kevin is a HUGE fan of Hunter and his books. All the time Kevin is crushing over Hunter gets to the point where I couldn't help to wonder whether Kevin actually likes Hunter for the man, or the author that he has been idolizing? Is his feeling real or just an extension of his crush? Will it get anywhere after they actually working together? And I was questioning this because the last part where Hunter edits their works seems to create another issue for the two of them. The whole "I love you" seems to be too early for the two of them, considering that I actually sense that their future won't be too smooth with their new partnership.
Hunter also is a bit different than what I imagined him to be. Somehow, I imagined him for being a hermit and difficult; so this version of Hunter didn't match my version of Hunter (that I concluded when reading Starstruck) and somehow it threw me off a balance.
Other than that, I thought the writing was very accessible. I never read the works from this duo -- mainly because the books they released so far are not my cup of tea -- but since both has been writing for sometimes, I think the partnership works. Just don't ask me about the sex scenes though, I mainly skimmed it *shrugs*. So yes, overall, it is a nice reading but not exactly my favorite from the universe.
The copy of this book is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any copy received.
April 14, 2019
I loved the idea and concept of this book. 😌 It’s not that often we get an author as a protagonist let alone two authors, and I knew I usually loved the Aleksandr Voinov and L.A. Witt combo but this didn’t work out as well as I expected. 😶
The beginning of this book started strong. Anthony Rawson, a really accomplished author, has been talking with Sir Marrock, Samir, for a couple years already and they have an amazing friendship. And they occasionally flirt with each other. Samir, Sir Marrock, is such a huge fan of Anthony the author but he didn’t know he was talking to his idol author. When Samir gave his fan fiction Axis Mundi, which is written based on Anthony’s hit series, the author was in love with that book. And he decided to meet with Samir in person and things just fall into place for these two guys.
I think the main issue for me in this book was that I never felt like these two guys had a real connection. 😭 I felt like they were together because of a convenient situation and not because they were madly and deeply in love with each other. And the book was a bit winded. This could have seriously reduced down to 100 pages less. 🙂 And with Anthony’s space issues and Samir’s insecurity, after a while, you get a bit tired. 🤷♀️ I wished I got the Anthony’s fictional hit series in this book instead of these two’s story. I loved the idea and storyline of the book but I didn’t love its execution. It was such a shame because I know how good these two authors can be when they get that zing. This book just lacked that “it” factor. Regardless, if you are a fan of these two authors, you might still like it more than I did.
3.25 moon me baby stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the authors via IndiGo Marketing & Design for an honest and unbiased review.
The beginning of this book started strong. Anthony Rawson, a really accomplished author, has been talking with Sir Marrock, Samir, for a couple years already and they have an amazing friendship. And they occasionally flirt with each other. Samir, Sir Marrock, is such a huge fan of Anthony the author but he didn’t know he was talking to his idol author. When Samir gave his fan fiction Axis Mundi, which is written based on Anthony’s hit series, the author was in love with that book. And he decided to meet with Samir in person and things just fall into place for these two guys.
I think the main issue for me in this book was that I never felt like these two guys had a real connection. 😭 I felt like they were together because of a convenient situation and not because they were madly and deeply in love with each other. And the book was a bit winded. This could have seriously reduced down to 100 pages less. 🙂 And with Anthony’s space issues and Samir’s insecurity, after a while, you get a bit tired. 🤷♀️ I wished I got the Anthony’s fictional hit series in this book instead of these two’s story. I loved the idea and storyline of the book but I didn’t love its execution. It was such a shame because I know how good these two authors can be when they get that zing. This book just lacked that “it” factor. Regardless, if you are a fan of these two authors, you might still like it more than I did.
3.25 moon me baby stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the authors via IndiGo Marketing & Design for an honest and unbiased review.
December 27, 2014
I struggled to finish this. I needed more tension, more character depth, more chemistry in order to be really invested in the two MCs and their romance.
An okay read but not as memorable or enjoyable as the others in the series.
An okay read but not as memorable or enjoyable as the others in the series.
March 14, 2016
Remember 'The Neverending Story'...
My son loved that movie. Me...not so much and apparently that still holds true. I really liked Hunter and Kevin they definitely had chemistry that went on and on and on.
Hunter Easton is the author of book series that spawned 'Wolf's Landing' the fictional television series set in Bluewater Bay and the common thread that runs throughout this series and Hunter has been suffering from the dreaded writer's block and it just seems to go on and on and on...
that is until Wolf Hunter (Hunter Easton's on-line persona) reads 'The World Tree' a piece of fanficion written by Lone Wolf who is Wolf Hunter's on-line friend. Kevin Hussain who is Lone Wolf agrees to meet with him. Thus begins our story and from this meeting things go on and on and on...
Hunter and Kevin end up collaborating on incorporating The World Tree to into Hunter's series this collaboration goes on and on and on...until...our two authors start to heat up more than the pages of their book collaboration...and this also goes on and on and on...until...
Kevin let's his insecurities get the better of him and he flees a fan event only to return to his home where he hides from everything not sure what to do or how to handle things, riddled by insecurities and guilt that goes on and on and on...
Yes, we have a theme here everything just goes on and on and on...until...it felt like the never ending story.
In general I liked the story, the characters, their interaction until it started going on and on and on...maybe if some things had been tightened up I would have felt differently. I can honestly say that I find it quite easy to believe that another time, a different frame of mind and not quite so much on and on and I would have enjoyed this story a whole lot more.
I knew I was in definite trouble when I realized that even though I sincerely liked Kevin, I was starting to find him a bit whiney and annoying and in spite of the fact that the sex between these two was smoking hot I still managed to get to the point where I was skimming those sections as my mind silently moaned 'Oh my god! Again? Really? How the hell are these two ever going to get things done?' then much to my surprise towards the end the book they seemed to have the same thought.
So now it's time for me to move on to book 5 because I'm starting to feel like I'm going on and on and on...
My son loved that movie. Me...not so much and apparently that still holds true. I really liked Hunter and Kevin they definitely had chemistry that went on and on and on.
Hunter Easton is the author of book series that spawned 'Wolf's Landing' the fictional television series set in Bluewater Bay and the common thread that runs throughout this series and Hunter has been suffering from the dreaded writer's block and it just seems to go on and on and on...
that is until Wolf Hunter (Hunter Easton's on-line persona) reads 'The World Tree' a piece of fanficion written by Lone Wolf who is Wolf Hunter's on-line friend. Kevin Hussain who is Lone Wolf agrees to meet with him. Thus begins our story and from this meeting things go on and on and on...
Hunter and Kevin end up collaborating on incorporating The World Tree to into Hunter's series this collaboration goes on and on and on...until...our two authors start to heat up more than the pages of their book collaboration...and this also goes on and on and on...until...
Kevin let's his insecurities get the better of him and he flees a fan event only to return to his home where he hides from everything not sure what to do or how to handle things, riddled by insecurities and guilt that goes on and on and on...
Yes, we have a theme here everything just goes on and on and on...until...it felt like the never ending story.
In general I liked the story, the characters, their interaction until it started going on and on and on...maybe if some things had been tightened up I would have felt differently. I can honestly say that I find it quite easy to believe that another time, a different frame of mind and not quite so much on and on and I would have enjoyed this story a whole lot more.
I knew I was in definite trouble when I realized that even though I sincerely liked Kevin, I was starting to find him a bit whiney and annoying and in spite of the fact that the sex between these two was smoking hot I still managed to get to the point where I was skimming those sections as my mind silently moaned 'Oh my god! Again? Really? How the hell are these two ever going to get things done?' then much to my surprise towards the end the book they seemed to have the same thought.
So now it's time for me to move on to book 5 because I'm starting to feel like I'm going on and on and on...
November 19, 2014
2.5 Stars
OK....anyone who know's me here on GR's knows I am a huge, huge fan of Mr Voinov. Lone Wolf is a collaboration with the very talented LA Witt.
So, why didn't I enjoy it, well it was probably because I was so bloody confused as to who, was who..... and all the WOLF's mentioned.
Hunter Wolf, Wolf Hunter, Wolf's Landing, Lone Wolf, WolfCon.....Yep get the picture, my pretty little blonde head just couldn't keep up with it all.
I tried, in fact I read the 1st 15% twice. I eventually get the jist of everything but alas I just didn't feel the whole story. I did read the whole book, and to be fair I enjoyed the end part. But it just didn't work for ME as a whole.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for ARC.
OK....anyone who know's me here on GR's knows I am a huge, huge fan of Mr Voinov. Lone Wolf is a collaboration with the very talented LA Witt.
So, why didn't I enjoy it, well it was probably because I was so bloody confused as to who, was who..... and all the WOLF's mentioned.
Hunter Wolf, Wolf Hunter, Wolf's Landing, Lone Wolf, WolfCon.....Yep get the picture, my pretty little blonde head just couldn't keep up with it all.
I tried, in fact I read the 1st 15% twice. I eventually get the jist of everything but alas I just didn't feel the whole story. I did read the whole book, and to be fair I enjoyed the end part. But it just didn't work for ME as a whole.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for ARC.
April 5, 2015
I'm not quite sure what to say about this one. It wasn't working for me for the first 100 pages so I skipped to the end and still with the last 50 pages the lack of communication was the still being addressed. That doesn't really give me hope for the chunk I still have to read.
This had an odd dynamic to it. It's something that I need to set aside and revisit later. Right now I'm being generous with my rating.
This had an odd dynamic to it. It's something that I need to set aside and revisit later. Right now I'm being generous with my rating.
January 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this one, it gives an insight into everything an author has to deal with.
The references to the world of fanfiction and fan conventions are interesting and without prejudices, I liked that.
Lone Wolf is definitely more than just a sweet M/M romance and a great addition to the series.
January 7, 2015
~Arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review~
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
3.5 stars
Books with Aleksandr Voinov's & L. A. Witt' s name are definitely must reads for me, just like this one. I usually avoid reading series out of order, but resistance is futile when it comes to my favourite authors. Lucky for me that the book can be read as a standalone, even though it's the 4th one in the series.
- Have you everfantasized wanted to read an author-fan romance novel? If you did, then come and meet Lone Wolf- a fun, emotional and steamy mm contemporary romance. The story is told from two point of views. The MCs are Hunter Easton who is a world-famous author and then we have Kevin Hussain, also an author and one of Hunter's biggest fans. Btw. Mahir from Hostile Ground (one of my fav books by these authors) is Kevin's uncle!
- The romance was slow-building and hot- my favourite type.
- The MCs were fun, geeky and endearing. The chemistry between them was palpable and in spite of some drama I liked them a lot.
- The story gives us a glimpse in the world of authors- all the positive and negative sides. I think that most of the people (including myself once) don't consider writing as a proper job, more of a hobby and some of those who do probably think of it as an easy and overpaid job, but being a blogger and devoted reader gives you a totally new perspective. Just like this story. Becoming a writer takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice (especially of your personal life) and of course talent.
Even when you do become one and publish your first book- the success is not granted. The sole fact that some of the most famous names of the literature became famous after their death is a big proof. Nowadays, with the all modern technology, is definitely a lot easier to get your name and book out there, but it still doesn't mean an instant 7 numbers contract, and that's why we all should appreciate more the effort the authors make.
- Special treat for fans of friends-to-lovers/ younger guy ft. older guy romance.
- I loved the ending!
- I liked the first half of the story slightly better than the 2nd one. That's because I felt that the story was dragging in the 2nd half (60 %-80 %) and that some developments of the plot were repetitive and unnecessary.
- This was fairly a light read, especially when it comes to these authors and while I did enjoy it, I think I prefer more their darker reads. While it wasn't cheesy at all, it was maybe a bit too romantic for my taste.
All in all, Voinov and Witt can't do wrong in my book. I liked it a lot, even though it's not one of my favourite reads by these authors, but I think that the fans with be pleased.
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
3.5 stars
Books with Aleksandr Voinov's & L. A. Witt' s name are definitely must reads for me, just like this one. I usually avoid reading series out of order, but resistance is futile when it comes to my favourite authors. Lucky for me that the book can be read as a standalone, even though it's the 4th one in the series.
~ Pros:
- Have you ever
- The romance was slow-building and hot- my favourite type.
- The MCs were fun, geeky and endearing. The chemistry between them was palpable and in spite of some drama I liked them a lot.
- The story gives us a glimpse in the world of authors- all the positive and negative sides. I think that most of the people (including myself once) don't consider writing as a proper job, more of a hobby and some of those who do probably think of it as an easy and overpaid job, but being a blogger and devoted reader gives you a totally new perspective. Just like this story. Becoming a writer takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice (especially of your personal life) and of course talent.
Even when you do become one and publish your first book- the success is not granted. The sole fact that some of the most famous names of the literature became famous after their death is a big proof. Nowadays, with the all modern technology, is definitely a lot easier to get your name and book out there, but it still doesn't mean an instant 7 numbers contract, and that's why we all should appreciate more the effort the authors make.
- Special treat for fans of friends-to-lovers/ younger guy ft. older guy romance.
- I loved the ending!
~ Cons:
- I liked the first half of the story slightly better than the 2nd one. That's because I felt that the story was dragging in the 2nd half (60 %-80 %) and that some developments of the plot were repetitive and unnecessary.
- This was fairly a light read, especially when it comes to these authors and while I did enjoy it, I think I prefer more their darker reads. While it wasn't cheesy at all, it was maybe a bit too romantic for my taste.
All in all, Voinov and Witt can't do wrong in my book. I liked it a lot, even though it's not one of my favourite reads by these authors, but I think that the fans with be pleased.
February 16, 2015
2.5 stars
The story starts with our heroes, who are chatting online for over 2 years, deciding to meet at last, after one of them sends a fanfic book he wrote about their favorite series to the other. The person to receive the book, Wolf Hunter, happens to be the writer of the series though Lone Wolf doesn't know that but quickly realizes the truth. Surprisingly for him, Hunter's reaction is very positive, in fact he wants to include that book in his series. And so the story begins...
If that book meant to be able to work as a stand alone, I think it failed its purpose. The first 30%-35% is nothing but an endless gushing of the Wolf's Landing series. Reading 80 pages where two guys do nothing but discuss how amazing Max is, how hot Gabriel is, how that scene in the interrogation room was sexy as hell, how their gazes locked in another, when you have absolutely no idea who those people are, is boring and confusing at the same time. It was a discussion between two close friends with many inside jokes and thrown into the middle of it, I couldn't understand even half of it.
Fortunately, when those two became a couple and started working together, things changed in a positive way. There was Hunter's fear of perhaps surrendering too much of his own freedom, Kevin's (=Lone Wolf) trepidation of leaving the life he knew and his steady paycheck to become an author, and the normal insecurities that come from a new relationship.
I have to say though that I never felt any chemistry between them; They care for each other, but there's not that burning passion that makes you unable to think of anything else. When near the end of the book it was the end of their romance for me. I mean, I can't for the life of me imagine that I'd be in a relationship for what? 1 month? 2 months at most? and when forced to spend sometime apart from that person, I wouldn't contact them at the same day, let alone, same week. Also, the ending was a bit hasty, the "I love you's" said without any problems solved, so the future between them seems unsure to say the least.
I guess people who've already read a book or two in the series, will probably appreciate it more than I did. From the little I saw in the middle (and what I know of their own personal works) these two can write well and with feeling; It just felt that they got sidetracked here and focused more on the inner workings of the writing and publishing business, than the romance per se.
ARC provided by NetGalley
The story starts with our heroes, who are chatting online for over 2 years, deciding to meet at last, after one of them sends a fanfic book he wrote about their favorite series to the other. The person to receive the book, Wolf Hunter, happens to be the writer of the series though Lone Wolf doesn't know that but quickly realizes the truth. Surprisingly for him, Hunter's reaction is very positive, in fact he wants to include that book in his series. And so the story begins...
If that book meant to be able to work as a stand alone, I think it failed its purpose. The first 30%-35% is nothing but an endless gushing of the Wolf's Landing series. Reading 80 pages where two guys do nothing but discuss how amazing Max is, how hot Gabriel is, how that scene in the interrogation room was sexy as hell, how their gazes locked in another, when you have absolutely no idea who those people are, is boring and confusing at the same time. It was a discussion between two close friends with many inside jokes and thrown into the middle of it, I couldn't understand even half of it.
Fortunately, when those two became a couple and started working together, things changed in a positive way. There was Hunter's fear of perhaps surrendering too much of his own freedom, Kevin's (=Lone Wolf) trepidation of leaving the life he knew and his steady paycheck to become an author, and the normal insecurities that come from a new relationship.
I have to say though that I never felt any chemistry between them; They care for each other, but there's not that burning passion that makes you unable to think of anything else. When near the end of the book it was the end of their romance for me. I mean, I can't for the life of me imagine that I'd be in a relationship for what? 1 month? 2 months at most? and when forced to spend sometime apart from that person, I wouldn't contact them at the same day, let alone, same week. Also, the ending was a bit hasty, the "I love you's" said without any problems solved, so the future between them seems unsure to say the least.
I guess people who've already read a book or two in the series, will probably appreciate it more than I did. From the little I saw in the middle (and what I know of their own personal works) these two can write well and with feeling; It just felt that they got sidetracked here and focused more on the inner workings of the writing and publishing business, than the romance per se.
ARC provided by NetGalley
January 1, 2015
This book lands in categories with names like “a breath of fresh air” and “bright” and “low angst”, taking with it two guys who are simultaneously rolling with it and wondering, how the hell did this happen? This query is lobbed often and in various and sundry formats but, most of the time, the answer is to not question but keep on rollin’.
This is ultra-contemporary in setting, including details about what’s going on in the literary world RIGHTNOW. At the same time, it almost has a sort of fairytale quality thanks to that same level of low angst, as well as how compatible Hunter and Kevin are to each other. Ya just never know when you’re going to meet someone with whom you click immediately upon that meeting. It can be thrilling and jarring all at once.
The long and short of it is, this is a fun read that made me smile and giggle.
It does read a bit like an insider’s guide to the subject matter, threatening to pull me out of the story a few times, but the details fit the story and the setting. Be ready to recognize some of your own lives in this one.
Tugging again on the fairytale thread, sometimes the stars align, even if a bit crooked, blinking like Christmas lights about to crap out.
Sometimes you find the one who makes your blood sing like a friggin’ aria belted out by Judas Priest. Scary and transcendent and home.
Sometimes the path you’d hoped to take someday complete construction ahead of schedule and under budget. It feels too good to be true, yet reality won’t be denied, or even nudged.
Sometimes you’re Hunter.
And sometimes you’re Kevin.
And sometimes you’re Kevin and you’ve awakened something new in Hunter. Sometimes you’re Hunter and you’ve awoken next to Kevin.
Things do get a bit messy as stress and pressure and demands start to increase in several areas, including whatever this “thing” is twixt Hunter and Kevin. As it’s happening, it’s slowly but unrelentingly ratcheted up and leads to not at all unrealistic results. I actually felt that adrenaline push during the last quarter of the story.
But then…
Every once in a while, it all slides into place. That place. The place of frightening, breathtaking and calming perfection with healthy doses of humility and humor. The sky’s the limit but you’re not always sitting at the top.
That’s when love comes in… because it’s already there.
This is one of my favorite collaborations between Voinov and Witt and has earned a place on my comfort food, aka re-read, shelf. :D
This is ultra-contemporary in setting, including details about what’s going on in the literary world RIGHTNOW. At the same time, it almost has a sort of fairytale quality thanks to that same level of low angst, as well as how compatible Hunter and Kevin are to each other. Ya just never know when you’re going to meet someone with whom you click immediately upon that meeting. It can be thrilling and jarring all at once.
The long and short of it is, this is a fun read that made me smile and giggle.
It does read a bit like an insider’s guide to the subject matter, threatening to pull me out of the story a few times, but the details fit the story and the setting. Be ready to recognize some of your own lives in this one.
Tugging again on the fairytale thread, sometimes the stars align, even if a bit crooked, blinking like Christmas lights about to crap out.
Sometimes you find the one who makes your blood sing like a friggin’ aria belted out by Judas Priest. Scary and transcendent and home.
Sometimes the path you’d hoped to take someday complete construction ahead of schedule and under budget. It feels too good to be true, yet reality won’t be denied, or even nudged.
Sometimes you’re Hunter.
And sometimes you’re Kevin.
And sometimes you’re Kevin and you’ve awakened something new in Hunter. Sometimes you’re Hunter and you’ve awoken next to Kevin.
Things do get a bit messy as stress and pressure and demands start to increase in several areas, including whatever this “thing” is twixt Hunter and Kevin. As it’s happening, it’s slowly but unrelentingly ratcheted up and leads to not at all unrealistic results. I actually felt that adrenaline push during the last quarter of the story.
But then…
Every once in a while, it all slides into place. That place. The place of frightening, breathtaking and calming perfection with healthy doses of humility and humor. The sky’s the limit but you’re not always sitting at the top.
That’s when love comes in… because it’s already there.
This is one of my favorite collaborations between Voinov and Witt and has earned a place on my comfort food, aka re-read, shelf. :D
March 30, 2019
2.5 stars
Moonstruck (if I’m not mistaken) is a revamped version of Lone Wolf. I didn’t read the original, but ‘Moonstruck’ works as a standalone removed from the series.
The book tells the love story of two authors - Anthony Rawson, author of a massively popular paranormal series with writer’s block, and Samir Daoud, a fanfic author and one of Anthony’s biggest fans.
When Anthony’s at his wits’ end trying to get the next book out, he comes up with an idea - to include Samir’s brilliant fanfic piece as the next book.
Of course, Samir wasn’t aware that his online friend was Anthony Rawson himself. But with a little persuasion, he’s down for the ride.
From the moment they meet in person, keeping their relationship strictly professional isn’t easy.
Their online friendship easily moves to IRL. I could appreciate this. I have some awesome online friends that I imagine I’d have a blast with IRL too!
But underneath that new in-person friendship, there’s also an undeniable tension between Samir and Anthony.
When they give in to it, it’s hot. Just a bit dirty, and sometimes a bit sweet.
The romance builds gradually as Samir and Anthony iron out the details of their professional partnership, and get freaky in the meantime.
This is where things didn’t really pan out for me - the romance and the professional stuff.
The romance isn’t exactly insta-love, but it’s quick and a lot of it rests on Anthony and Samir’s online friendship. Which is fine, but readers just have to take the two men at their word that their online friendship meant as much to them as it did.
I just didn’t really see the grand romance on-page, so it seemed rushed and luke-warm to me.
And the professional stuff. First, I had trouble believing that an author and his team/publisher would so easily integrate a fanfic author into a wildly popular series.
But more importantly - that whole side of the book bored me. The ironing out of details, the back and forth on the books, the fans, etc. It all took up a huge chunk of the book, and I just didn’t find it interesting.
Overall, this was an okay read. I liked the beginning of Samir and Anthony’s relationship, but by the end the lukewarm romance and all of the writing industry stuff just didn’t keep me interested.
Moonstruck (if I’m not mistaken) is a revamped version of Lone Wolf. I didn’t read the original, but ‘Moonstruck’ works as a standalone removed from the series.
The book tells the love story of two authors - Anthony Rawson, author of a massively popular paranormal series with writer’s block, and Samir Daoud, a fanfic author and one of Anthony’s biggest fans.
When Anthony’s at his wits’ end trying to get the next book out, he comes up with an idea - to include Samir’s brilliant fanfic piece as the next book.
Of course, Samir wasn’t aware that his online friend was Anthony Rawson himself. But with a little persuasion, he’s down for the ride.
From the moment they meet in person, keeping their relationship strictly professional isn’t easy.
Their online friendship easily moves to IRL. I could appreciate this. I have some awesome online friends that I imagine I’d have a blast with IRL too!
But underneath that new in-person friendship, there’s also an undeniable tension between Samir and Anthony.
When they give in to it, it’s hot. Just a bit dirty, and sometimes a bit sweet.
The romance builds gradually as Samir and Anthony iron out the details of their professional partnership, and get freaky in the meantime.
This is where things didn’t really pan out for me - the romance and the professional stuff.
The romance isn’t exactly insta-love, but it’s quick and a lot of it rests on Anthony and Samir’s online friendship. Which is fine, but readers just have to take the two men at their word that their online friendship meant as much to them as it did.
I just didn’t really see the grand romance on-page, so it seemed rushed and luke-warm to me.
And the professional stuff. First, I had trouble believing that an author and his team/publisher would so easily integrate a fanfic author into a wildly popular series.
But more importantly - that whole side of the book bored me. The ironing out of details, the back and forth on the books, the fans, etc. It all took up a huge chunk of the book, and I just didn’t find it interesting.
Overall, this was an okay read. I liked the beginning of Samir and Anthony’s relationship, but by the end the lukewarm romance and all of the writing industry stuff just didn’t keep me interested.
January 9, 2015
Unfortunately this installment in the series just didn't work for me. The MC's had zero chemistry, and frankly, Kevin was a whiny little baby for most of the book. I wasn't all that impressed with Hunter either. He had about as much personality as a sack of potatoes. Ugh! Enough! I just didn't like it and that's that.
June 23, 2015
3.75 stars. For a longer book, I kind of expected more. We barely made it to the HFN. I liked the story, and it was well written. I enjoyed hearing about the writing/editing process. But when I'm reading over 300 pages, I want a solid HEA, damnit!
December 31, 2015
3.5 stars
Imagine that your wildest dream had just come true… that you’ve finally met someone you’ve only known and admired on an online chat room-- you’ve been chatting and flirting for months. Imagine that this person is more than you ever expected, and this person promises and delivers you the moon. And all within the space of twenty-four hours. A fairy tale, right?
For me, the compelling thing about The Lone Wolf is what happens when the online frontier crashes into real life. The fun is in the fairy tale aspect that unfolds.
Kevyan (Kevin) Hussain’s life is completely turned around when he finally meets online buddy Hunter Easton. They’ve maintained a strictly chat room relationship for the past two years, pseudonyms and all. But, Hunter is a big-time writer of a series of books that the popular TV drama, Wolf’s Landing, is based on. When Hunter decides they need to meet up in RL, Kevin is sucked into his high-octane, glamorous world.
What starts off as online chat and flirt meetings becomes a discovery of mutual interests for Kevin and Hunter, not the least of which is their love of fanfic, and in particular, the shifter TV show Hunter writes for. The other connection is that Kevin, too, is a gifted writer (though, unpublished and a newbie at it all). The amazing thing is that he might be able to help Hunter climb out of the writer’s block keeping him from delivering the next installment in his book series.
I like the premise for their meeting… the reversal of roles, that the newbie helps the old-timer. I like that they have an age and experience difference. It reads as kind of surreal, though-- the quick and easy coming together, the rapid changes to Kevin’s life. Yes, Kevin and Hunter have known each other for years on the ’net, but their RL physical relationship happens so quickly.
I kept thinking of all the complications and ramifications of Hunter sharing his lucrative writing project-- which involves a book series and an on-going TV drama-- with Kevin. Hunter is notorious for his privacy issues, and his opening up so fully to Kevin about his sexuality and his private life is a big change. Seems like a big risk to take. Especially in a Hollywood celebrity world where one imagines that opening up and dishing out secrets and trust wouldn’t come very easily.
Kevin and Hunter’s story reads as kind of slick and facile-- like a Hollywood TV show. Perhaps this has to do with the reader not being in on their early online relationship. The courtship was there, really, and we miss out on that. So we have to catch up with the speed and ease with which they come together in real life.
I don’t think Lone Wolf works completely as a stand alone read. There are too many references to characters and events in the first book of this series Starstruck. If you can muddle through some confusion, it’s fairly easy to get caught up in Kevin and Hunter; they are engaging characters. There isn’t a lot of combustion or tension in their romance, though, considering all those issues mentioned. Sure, Kevin has to deal with the fallout and life-changing events that tumble out of his meeting Hunter. But… who wouldn’t want that-- to meet someone you’ve admired and lusted after, but who seemed completely out of reach?
In the end, Lone Wolf didn't knock my socks off but it is a pleasant, wouldn’t-it-be-great-if-that-really-happened-to-you kind of fairy tale. Where we get to watch someone’s wildest wishes come true.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2014
My Review:
I've loved every book from this series, but I think that this one has been my favorite so far. Not only does the book have a writer...it has two writers. And one of those, Kevin, is discovering that his dream of being a full-time writer is really and truly a possibility.
But the book really starts with Hunter. He's the extremely popular writer of the Hunter's Landing series. (The entire Bluewater Bay series is built around this little town where the TV series based upon the Hunter's Landing book series is filmed...think Game of Thrones except these books are about wolf shifters, not empires.) Hunter is late and has writer's block with book #8 in the series. He's not allowed to read the fanfic that has been created around his writing legally, but he's made the exception for one person...Kevin. Kevin has no idea that THE best-selling writer, Hunter, is his friend on the fan forums. He thinks that the guy is just another fan and as been sending him his fanfic writing for a while. But when he finishes his 250,000 word novel, Hunter knows this is the solution to his problems with book #8 and sets out to meet the anonymous author.
I loved, LoVeD, LOVED this set-up. Seriously, this is what can be so cool about the anonymous venue of the internet. Kevin has no idea what's about to happen to him...because Hunter has pull in the literary world and he knows that Kevin's writing could be the salvation for his series so he begins to use that influence to get Kevin into a contract writing for the series. That part of the book was excellent. I loved getting to know the two guys as writers. It was also good to see Kevin's reactions which felt so real. This all happens really, really quickly...just because Hunter is so behind on his deadlines. He doesn't have time to adjust or even be able to take it all in. And that's before the complications of the relationship that's starting between these two guys. There's a lot of pressure and I thought the authors did a great job of showing that in the story.
There is a lot against these guys having a successful relationship. There's a big difference in age (I'm thinking it's about 20 yrs) which translates into a huge difference in life experience. Add to that they are creating a very serious business partnership which is based upon the ability of them both to be able to write. As a writer, I can tell you the slightest upset in a person's emotional state can REALLY interfere with one's ability to write well. That's a ton of pressure, but also where the age-difference helps. Hunter has been in the business for a long time. He understands those pressures. I really did like the two of them together. I'd love a follow-up book so we can see how well they handles things together after they are a bit more settled into these new roles.
But overall, I loved this book. These are all meant to be stand-alone novels, but after reading a few of the other reviews, I'm thinking this one is enhanced a lot if you read book #1 in the series which establishes the information about the TV show and all the personalities involved.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I've loved every book from this series, but I think that this one has been my favorite so far. Not only does the book have a writer...it has two writers. And one of those, Kevin, is discovering that his dream of being a full-time writer is really and truly a possibility.
But the book really starts with Hunter. He's the extremely popular writer of the Hunter's Landing series. (The entire Bluewater Bay series is built around this little town where the TV series based upon the Hunter's Landing book series is filmed...think Game of Thrones except these books are about wolf shifters, not empires.) Hunter is late and has writer's block with book #8 in the series. He's not allowed to read the fanfic that has been created around his writing legally, but he's made the exception for one person...Kevin. Kevin has no idea that THE best-selling writer, Hunter, is his friend on the fan forums. He thinks that the guy is just another fan and as been sending him his fanfic writing for a while. But when he finishes his 250,000 word novel, Hunter knows this is the solution to his problems with book #8 and sets out to meet the anonymous author.
I loved, LoVeD, LOVED this set-up. Seriously, this is what can be so cool about the anonymous venue of the internet. Kevin has no idea what's about to happen to him...because Hunter has pull in the literary world and he knows that Kevin's writing could be the salvation for his series so he begins to use that influence to get Kevin into a contract writing for the series. That part of the book was excellent. I loved getting to know the two guys as writers. It was also good to see Kevin's reactions which felt so real. This all happens really, really quickly...just because Hunter is so behind on his deadlines. He doesn't have time to adjust or even be able to take it all in. And that's before the complications of the relationship that's starting between these two guys. There's a lot of pressure and I thought the authors did a great job of showing that in the story.
There is a lot against these guys having a successful relationship. There's a big difference in age (I'm thinking it's about 20 yrs) which translates into a huge difference in life experience. Add to that they are creating a very serious business partnership which is based upon the ability of them both to be able to write. As a writer, I can tell you the slightest upset in a person's emotional state can REALLY interfere with one's ability to write well. That's a ton of pressure, but also where the age-difference helps. Hunter has been in the business for a long time. He understands those pressures. I really did like the two of them together. I'd love a follow-up book so we can see how well they handles things together after they are a bit more settled into these new roles.
But overall, I loved this book. These are all meant to be stand-alone novels, but after reading a few of the other reviews, I'm thinking this one is enhanced a lot if you read book #1 in the series which establishes the information about the TV show and all the personalities involved.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 25, 2019
The mysterious Anthony Rawson, the author of the book Triple Moon, that started the craze, the fans, the television series, is finally revealed in ‘Moonstruck’. I was captivated by the blurb, the concept of an author having horrible writer's block (and, since I have author friends I know how bad it can be), and a younger fan who writes such an incredible piece of fanfic that the author is hooked.
I liked Anthony right from the start, and empathized with his struggle. I can't imagine having so many people after you to finish a book, and you have zero clue as to where the next idea is coming from. Your entire life has revolved around these characters, and your own world building, and now you're just drawing a blank. Of course, Anthony isn't supposed to be reading fanfic because it might influence him, but nothing says Ulfhedinn can't read it, and strike up a friendship with a young writer who goes by SirMarrok.
Samir, SirMarrok, is stunned when the meeting with the guy he's been chatting with turns out to be none other than Anthony Rawson, Samir’s favorite author. The guy he's been flirting with online…hell, the guy he sent explicit slash porn about his own characters to. Talk about an out of body experience. When Anthony tells Samir he wants his book ‘Axis Mundi’ to be the eighth book in the Triple Moon series, Samir almost falls off his chair. I didn't blame him. Of course, it helps a lot (and made me respect Anthony) when Anthony assures him that he doesn't want to steal his work, he wants Samir to get the credit and the pay for writing his book. Granted there's always a lot of legalese and issues to deal with, plus Anthony has to convince his agent.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
I liked Anthony right from the start, and empathized with his struggle. I can't imagine having so many people after you to finish a book, and you have zero clue as to where the next idea is coming from. Your entire life has revolved around these characters, and your own world building, and now you're just drawing a blank. Of course, Anthony isn't supposed to be reading fanfic because it might influence him, but nothing says Ulfhedinn can't read it, and strike up a friendship with a young writer who goes by SirMarrok.
Samir, SirMarrok, is stunned when the meeting with the guy he's been chatting with turns out to be none other than Anthony Rawson, Samir’s favorite author. The guy he's been flirting with online…hell, the guy he sent explicit slash porn about his own characters to. Talk about an out of body experience. When Anthony tells Samir he wants his book ‘Axis Mundi’ to be the eighth book in the Triple Moon series, Samir almost falls off his chair. I didn't blame him. Of course, it helps a lot (and made me respect Anthony) when Anthony assures him that he doesn't want to steal his work, he wants Samir to get the credit and the pay for writing his book. Granted there's always a lot of legalese and issues to deal with, plus Anthony has to convince his agent.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
April 14, 2019
What an enjoyable ride this was!
It had great characters, great dialogue, steamy sexy times and a good storyline.
Anthony and Samir worked perfectly together. You could feel their chemistry, both emotionally and physically. They had fun banter and even funnier one-liners. I just couldn't get enough.
The whole "getting published" storyline was also fascinating. Honestly, going in I expected to skip all those parts but they were so well done I wish I had copies of Anthony's books; especially Axis Mundi because I also want to know about Raphael and Dima Sobakin dammnit! Lol!
The only issue for me was Samir's meltdown in the last two chapters of the book. I thought he overdid it. If he had issues (and he had the right to them admittedly), he should've communicated with Anthony rather than acting out and disappearing. HE turned out doing what he was accusing Anthony of. It annoyed me for awhile but looking back, I guess it was well founded.
All in all,this was a great , enjoyable book. I only wish was that it was longer, and that we got more of Samir and Anthony after everything worked out.
***This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.***
It had great characters, great dialogue, steamy sexy times and a good storyline.
Anthony and Samir worked perfectly together. You could feel their chemistry, both emotionally and physically. They had fun banter and even funnier one-liners. I just couldn't get enough.
The whole "getting published" storyline was also fascinating. Honestly, going in I expected to skip all those parts but they were so well done I wish I had copies of Anthony's books; especially Axis Mundi because I also want to know about Raphael and Dima Sobakin dammnit! Lol!
The only issue for me was Samir's meltdown in the last two chapters of the book. I thought he overdid it. If he had issues (and he had the right to them admittedly), he should've communicated with Anthony rather than acting out and disappearing. HE turned out doing what he was accusing Anthony of. It annoyed me for awhile but looking back, I guess it was well founded.
All in all,this was a great , enjoyable book. I only wish was that it was longer, and that we got more of Samir and Anthony after everything worked out.
***This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.***
January 23, 2015
What a great and insightful read. A fictional look into the Writer's craft as told through the eyes and words of four writers, two the novel's main characters and two the novel's authors. This is a witty, emotional and educational piece of writing.
Not a "Wham, Bang, thank you Ma'am" plot, this is slow, meandering and instructive, almost a romantic comedy, a rags-to-riches tale.
The sex was not intrusive, more relevant for the character and relationship development. Not porn for the sake of sex.
Instructive: I hear all the time the phrase "fan fic" and now, thanks to this story, I have more of an insight to what this actually is. Some of the terms confused me however, it would have been great to have a glossary of abbreviations, not all readers are fan-fic savvy.
Kevin's breakdown towards the end of the novel disappointed me, not because the character had a breakdown, more because he went from being a confident wanna-be writer, assertive both publically and private/sexually, to a quivering mess, hiding away from both his public and his boyfriend. This change seemed a little disjointed, there was no hint of this part of his character earlier in the novel.
Overall, I loved it, to the extent that I sluttishly stayed in my pjs until 3.30pm reading when I should have been doing my year-end accounting.
Not a "Wham, Bang, thank you Ma'am" plot, this is slow, meandering and instructive, almost a romantic comedy, a rags-to-riches tale.
The sex was not intrusive, more relevant for the character and relationship development. Not porn for the sake of sex.
Instructive: I hear all the time the phrase "fan fic" and now, thanks to this story, I have more of an insight to what this actually is. Some of the terms confused me however, it would have been great to have a glossary of abbreviations, not all readers are fan-fic savvy.
Kevin's breakdown towards the end of the novel disappointed me, not because the character had a breakdown, more because he went from being a confident wanna-be writer, assertive both publically and private/sexually, to a quivering mess, hiding away from both his public and his boyfriend. This change seemed a little disjointed, there was no hint of this part of his character earlier in the novel.
Overall, I loved it, to the extent that I sluttishly stayed in my pjs until 3.30pm reading when I should have been doing my year-end accounting.
January 21, 2015
2.0 Stars
It pains me to rate this book because I really enjoy both authors. I liked Hunter and Kevin up until Kevin turned into a whiny, ungrateful bitch some where around 85%. Also, the book was too slow moving and a bit boring for my tastes. Mostly it was about a writer's wet dream. Not in a sexy, smexy kind of way but in a holy-hell-if-only kind of way. It's about editors and publishers and agents and advances and book deals and book signings and fans, fans, fans. Ugh. If you're into that ... stuff ... and want to read ALL ABOUT IT, then try this one out. Otherwise, give it a pass.
Bottom line: Not my cuppa.
It pains me to rate this book because I really enjoy both authors. I liked Hunter and Kevin up until Kevin turned into a whiny, ungrateful bitch some where around 85%. Also, the book was too slow moving and a bit boring for my tastes. Mostly it was about a writer's wet dream. Not in a sexy, smexy kind of way but in a holy-hell-if-only kind of way. It's about editors and publishers and agents and advances and book deals and book signings and fans, fans, fans. Ugh. If you're into that ... stuff ... and want to read ALL ABOUT IT, then try this one out. Otherwise, give it a pass.
Bottom line: Not my cuppa.
November 15, 2014
I received an advance copy of the ebook through NetGalley in exchange for this review.
Lone Wolf is one of those m/m romance novels that is evocative of fanfic—in a good way. More than once I’ve had conversations with fannish friends about how we wish that finding books we want to read were as easy as finding fanfics that suit our mood; the “coffeehouse” and “bookstore” stories that are the literary equivalent of hot chocolate or ice cream to comfort and soothe. Lone Wolf evokes both of these tropes, adds some meta discussions about writing and fanfic, and provides the obligatory steamy sexy and happy ending (pun not intended at first, but now it is) that will please many a reader.
The novel is part of Riptide Publishing’s “Bluewater Bay” series, a set of (so far) five novels by ten writers set in a shared universe. The eponymous bay is home to author Hunter Easton, famous for his Wolf’s Landing paranormal novels that are being adapted for a popular television series that is also being shot in the small town in northwest Washington. The popularity of the books and television series is meant to evoke Twilight and Game of Thrones—and does so in a way that encourages even more nods and winks to the audience. After all, it is the vast popularity of rewritten fan novels of Twilight that have given mainstream audiences a knowledge of contemporary fandom that makes a lot of the discussions in Lone Wolf accessible to the reader in a way that they wouldn’t have been even five years ago.
You see, Hunter Easton, famous author, also likes to hang out in his own fan forum using the pseudonym Wolf Hunter, and his best friend in fandom is Lone Wolf. Lone Wolf has just finished his long-awaited fan novel—one that Hunter has been waiting for as eagerly as the other fans online. Disobeying his editor’s injunction to never read fanfic, Hunter has read everything by Lone Wolf, but nothing by anyone else. (This is how we know they have something **special** together.) Hijinks ensue when Hunter finishes the fic, absolutely has to meet Lone Wolf in person, finds out that he is gorgeous, gay, and single, and online friendship quickly becomes in person romance. In the meantime there are discussions of fandom, the writing trade, the con circuit, and all of those things that are one part wishful thinking to three parts absolute accuracy. (Ever been in a miserable writing critique circle when you know you’re a great writer? Yeah, those scenes are here. Ever had long, in-depth conversations about fictional people as if they were real? Those too. Love the perfect coffee shop setting with the elaborate descriptions of delicious caffeine? Oh yes.)
Lone Wolf is a quick, easy read, and the perfect thing to relax with when you’ve had too much “real life”—online, or off.
June 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this one. I liked the characters, especially their often immature (read: horndog) inner thoughts. Felt like this was a fairly realistic peek behind the curtain of the author process, thoughts, anxieties, etc. Most importantly, while the HEA of the book wasn't as fluffy as my marshmallow heart would probably want, it felt genuine - like that's exactly where these two characters would be and how they would act at this point in their relationship.
One of my favourites of the series so far.
One of my favourites of the series so far.
January 9, 2015
2.75 STARS
Honestly, it's actually 2.5 stars but I thought there was a few redeeming qualities to it.
I really loved the first book from L.A. Witt and I saw great reviews in Mr. Voinov's books so I had high expectations from this. Sadly, it was a big disappointment. I mean I was just trying to get through it. I knew I was not into it the moment I told myself, "Okay just finished this book so you can read another one."
Anyway, this story was about Hunter Easton, the author of the book/television franchise that was a big part of this series, and Kevin Hussain. Kevin was just a normal guy who wrote fan fictions about Wolf's Landing. He had been chatting with Wolf Hunter in a fan fiction forum/site for almost two years. Little did he know that it was Hunter Easton he was talking to. Kevin sent his long novel (but still a fan fiction of Wolf's Landing) to Wolf Hunter and guess what? It was the perfect book to be book number 8! They decided to meet and all is revealed.
I couldn't say it was insta-love because they had been flirting a lot online and had jerk off to imaginations about each other before learning and seeing them in person. My problem is, they had very little chemistry. I mean I guess it was there but it felt weird? Also, there was no build up to their first sex. Speaking of...
Kevin was suppose to be a shy kind of kid but in their first attempt to have sex, he suddenly turn into this overconfident guy who could flirt and have nasty sex. I really thought, "Why was he flirting a lot all of a sudden?" I mean fine, Kevin said he had to drink half the bottle of the wine to have liquid courage but I still thought there would be a sign of wariness or something because being tipsy or drunk didn't suddenly make a person 100% confident. And that was how Kevin looked like.
Plus, the sudden shift of personality also included Kevin in bed. He was seriously demanding as if he had no shy bone in his body. I've read a lot of books with "shy guy but really controlling/dominant in bed" but the transition here wasn't great. It felt really forced. It wasn't shown or showed properly. It was like he fell out of character all of a sudden. Then bam! he was the shy kid again. And he wasn't even passing out/feeling tipsy/hazy after that first sex when he had liquid courage. So what the fuck did he really drink then? I really liked Kevin when he was in the shy and introvert persona. He really made sense as a character.
Hunter, on the other hand, was just okay. I mean I had a different vision of Hunter in my mind when he was mentioned in the first book but this Hunter was okay. He was actually a hot DILF.
Oh and can I say I just laughed at some of the lines like but it's just me I guess (because I was really trying to find a way to latch on to this so I just thought, "hey some of this lines did sound funny even if it didn't!"):
"There should be a brand-new pack in there."
Pack? Pack of...?
Oh.
Right."
I mean he literally forgot what he was suppose to get. Really? It would've been better as a metaphor. I mean maybe Hunter was that good.
"When they were together - when they kissed, touched, fuck - everything made sense."
I didn't know if this was the first time I read this line in a book (probably not) but I giggled when I read it. Okay, I was just entertaining myself.
Oh and I love long books really but this felt like I was taking years to finish it. Oh and I really got my eyes rolling because there were too many author related prose. Like I get it, they're authors but there was so much of those.
The redeeming quality to this book is Wolf's Landing and The World Tree. I thought those books were really interesting. I really wanted to get a hand on that one because from the little bits of it being dropped in every book of this series, it sounded very interesting. I was more into this when they started talking about the book or the publishing thing and all things related to that and not to the romance. The thing I found most interesting was the pen name thing.
Also, that book reminds me of Sterek so much which I love. I didn't know the inspiration for Wolf's Landing but it did remind me of Sterek especially the part where they explained how Gabriel and Max (two main characters in Wolf's Landing) had so much sexual tension and they eye-fucked each other so much.
Honestly, can I just have the Wolf's Landing book?
Overall, a very disappointing long read.
Honestly, it's actually 2.5 stars but I thought there was a few redeeming qualities to it.
I really loved the first book from L.A. Witt and I saw great reviews in Mr. Voinov's books so I had high expectations from this. Sadly, it was a big disappointment. I mean I was just trying to get through it. I knew I was not into it the moment I told myself, "Okay just finished this book so you can read another one."
Anyway, this story was about Hunter Easton, the author of the book/television franchise that was a big part of this series, and Kevin Hussain. Kevin was just a normal guy who wrote fan fictions about Wolf's Landing. He had been chatting with Wolf Hunter in a fan fiction forum/site for almost two years. Little did he know that it was Hunter Easton he was talking to. Kevin sent his long novel (but still a fan fiction of Wolf's Landing) to Wolf Hunter and guess what? It was the perfect book to be book number 8! They decided to meet and all is revealed.
I couldn't say it was insta-love because they had been flirting a lot online and had jerk off to imaginations about each other before learning and seeing them in person. My problem is, they had very little chemistry. I mean I guess it was there but it felt weird? Also, there was no build up to their first sex. Speaking of...
Kevin was suppose to be a shy kind of kid but in their first attempt to have sex, he suddenly turn into this overconfident guy who could flirt and have nasty sex. I really thought, "Why was he flirting a lot all of a sudden?" I mean fine, Kevin said he had to drink half the bottle of the wine to have liquid courage but I still thought there would be a sign of wariness or something because being tipsy or drunk didn't suddenly make a person 100% confident. And that was how Kevin looked like.
Plus, the sudden shift of personality also included Kevin in bed. He was seriously demanding as if he had no shy bone in his body. I've read a lot of books with "shy guy but really controlling/dominant in bed" but the transition here wasn't great. It felt really forced. It wasn't shown or showed properly. It was like he fell out of character all of a sudden. Then bam! he was the shy kid again. And he wasn't even passing out/feeling tipsy/hazy after that first sex when he had liquid courage. So what the fuck did he really drink then? I really liked Kevin when he was in the shy and introvert persona. He really made sense as a character.
Hunter, on the other hand, was just okay. I mean I had a different vision of Hunter in my mind when he was mentioned in the first book but this Hunter was okay. He was actually a hot DILF.
Oh and can I say I just laughed at some of the lines like but it's just me I guess (because I was really trying to find a way to latch on to this so I just thought, "hey some of this lines did sound funny even if it didn't!"):
"There should be a brand-new pack in there."
Pack? Pack of...?
Oh.
Right."
I mean he literally forgot what he was suppose to get. Really? It would've been better as a metaphor. I mean maybe Hunter was that good.
"When they were together - when they kissed, touched, fuck - everything made sense."
I didn't know if this was the first time I read this line in a book (probably not) but I giggled when I read it. Okay, I was just entertaining myself.
Oh and I love long books really but this felt like I was taking years to finish it. Oh and I really got my eyes rolling because there were too many author related prose. Like I get it, they're authors but there was so much of those.
The redeeming quality to this book is Wolf's Landing and The World Tree. I thought those books were really interesting. I really wanted to get a hand on that one because from the little bits of it being dropped in every book of this series, it sounded very interesting. I was more into this when they started talking about the book or the publishing thing and all things related to that and not to the romance. The thing I found most interesting was the pen name thing.
Also, that book reminds me of Sterek so much which I love. I didn't know the inspiration for Wolf's Landing but it did remind me of Sterek especially the part where they explained how Gabriel and Max (two main characters in Wolf's Landing) had so much sexual tension and they eye-fucked each other so much.
Honestly, can I just have the Wolf's Landing book?
Overall, a very disappointing long read.
June 3, 2019
First things first, when do we get to read the Triple Moon series???
Please don’t tell me it doesn’t exist, I NEED it! *blinky begging eyes*
Second would be, well, my red face. I didn’t realize (or pay close enough attention) that this was previously released. I dabbled a bit with the Bluewater Bay series but I missed this story the first time around. Truth be told, I rather enjoyed it with Anthony and Samir and can’t envision them any differently. I felt a bit of déja vu with the setting but couldn’t quite place it. Kudos to the authors for creating a fresh take. I don’t think I would have known if I hadn’t gone searching for the book’s details. In case you’re wondering, this was formerly known as Lone Wolf. I can’t say how much has changed but I’m happy I read this version.
Lastly, I don’t read much fanfic. I don’t think it made much difference for me. However, if you are drawn to the fanfic world I would say, this has your name on it.
What's to like: Samir works in IT by day and writes shifter fanfic by night. He’s been chatting regularly with another fan, SirMarrok, and they’ve been swapping their stories back and forth. Their online relationship has built over the past two years and suddenly (and or coincidentally), Ulfhedinn requests to meet in person. What Samir (SirMarrok) doesn’t know is that his online bestie is actually the world-renowned writer of the original series Triple Moon. When he stumbles into the cafe for their first face to face, naturally he freaks out. Once he calms down and averts a panic attack, he discovers Anthony’s plan. Well, more like a proposal. Or in all honesty, a hopeful proposal. Which in turn launches a private writing retreat hidden away in Anthony’s estate. It doesn’t take long for their online chemistry to spark in real life. Things take off at supersonic speed. Although I’m not a big fan of misrepresentation with an online identity, I found this a legit exception. Nothing was malicious and I understood the need for Anthony’s stealth mode. I enjoyed how they fell into…normal day to day living. Ha! They were certainly enjoying themselves. The whole publishing part (another author’s work mid-series) was probably unrealistic I’m sure but nevertheless, enjoyable. That’s the bottom line, I enjoyed them.
What's to love: I adore both Voinov and Witt and when they collaborate, I’m in heaven. Their characters always have fiery chemistry. Samir and Anthony are no exception. I enjoyed what each brought to the table. Anthony has a reputation for being well, a lone wolf. In all reality, he just hasn’t come across the perfect mate until now. Samir balances him. He doesn’t suffocate him or become a burden. He grows into a comfort, something Anthony has never found in a lover before. Samir worries…about everything. Which is understandable. This eventually comes to head at WolfCon. Overwhelmed and overcome with his new reality, Samir breaks. Anthony longs to pick up the pieces but he’s not sure it’s welcome. What if he’s overstepping his boundaries? He has flipped Samir’s life upside down. Space, maybe he just needs space. That’s what he always craved himself. Well, until now. *slight spoiler* If you’re concerned about a happy ending, you can relax, all is well before the final pages. Because the truth is, they are meant for one another. And how can you not love that?
Beware of: Opposites and similarities even out their path. Age gap, done oh-so-right. A virtual relationship is taken to…the flesh. And an up close and personal look at the highs and lows of what our dear authors experience…writer’s block, editing, publishing woes and everything else in between.
This book is for: I think fanfic enthusiasts will appreciate this the most. But if that’s not you, don’t let that stop you, I’m not either and I was just as enthralled by this lovely pair.
Book UNfunk
Please don’t tell me it doesn’t exist, I NEED it! *blinky begging eyes*
Second would be, well, my red face. I didn’t realize (or pay close enough attention) that this was previously released. I dabbled a bit with the Bluewater Bay series but I missed this story the first time around. Truth be told, I rather enjoyed it with Anthony and Samir and can’t envision them any differently. I felt a bit of déja vu with the setting but couldn’t quite place it. Kudos to the authors for creating a fresh take. I don’t think I would have known if I hadn’t gone searching for the book’s details. In case you’re wondering, this was formerly known as Lone Wolf. I can’t say how much has changed but I’m happy I read this version.
Lastly, I don’t read much fanfic. I don’t think it made much difference for me. However, if you are drawn to the fanfic world I would say, this has your name on it.
What's to like: Samir works in IT by day and writes shifter fanfic by night. He’s been chatting regularly with another fan, SirMarrok, and they’ve been swapping their stories back and forth. Their online relationship has built over the past two years and suddenly (and or coincidentally), Ulfhedinn requests to meet in person. What Samir (SirMarrok) doesn’t know is that his online bestie is actually the world-renowned writer of the original series Triple Moon. When he stumbles into the cafe for their first face to face, naturally he freaks out. Once he calms down and averts a panic attack, he discovers Anthony’s plan. Well, more like a proposal. Or in all honesty, a hopeful proposal. Which in turn launches a private writing retreat hidden away in Anthony’s estate. It doesn’t take long for their online chemistry to spark in real life. Things take off at supersonic speed. Although I’m not a big fan of misrepresentation with an online identity, I found this a legit exception. Nothing was malicious and I understood the need for Anthony’s stealth mode. I enjoyed how they fell into…normal day to day living. Ha! They were certainly enjoying themselves. The whole publishing part (another author’s work mid-series) was probably unrealistic I’m sure but nevertheless, enjoyable. That’s the bottom line, I enjoyed them.
What's to love: I adore both Voinov and Witt and when they collaborate, I’m in heaven. Their characters always have fiery chemistry. Samir and Anthony are no exception. I enjoyed what each brought to the table. Anthony has a reputation for being well, a lone wolf. In all reality, he just hasn’t come across the perfect mate until now. Samir balances him. He doesn’t suffocate him or become a burden. He grows into a comfort, something Anthony has never found in a lover before. Samir worries…about everything. Which is understandable. This eventually comes to head at WolfCon. Overwhelmed and overcome with his new reality, Samir breaks. Anthony longs to pick up the pieces but he’s not sure it’s welcome. What if he’s overstepping his boundaries? He has flipped Samir’s life upside down. Space, maybe he just needs space. That’s what he always craved himself. Well, until now. *slight spoiler* If you’re concerned about a happy ending, you can relax, all is well before the final pages. Because the truth is, they are meant for one another. And how can you not love that?
Beware of: Opposites and similarities even out their path. Age gap, done oh-so-right. A virtual relationship is taken to…the flesh. And an up close and personal look at the highs and lows of what our dear authors experience…writer’s block, editing, publishing woes and everything else in between.
This book is for: I think fanfic enthusiasts will appreciate this the most. But if that’s not you, don’t let that stop you, I’m not either and I was just as enthralled by this lovely pair.
Book UNfunk
January 3, 2016
Hunter is a famous author of Wolf’s Landing. He’s not supposed to read fan fictions of his books, but he does it anyway. He actually has a writer’s block, but he finds a solution for it.
Kevin is working as an IT guy, but in his free time he writes fan fictions of his favorite book series. He sends his work to his closest online friend, Wolf Hunter, for beta tests. After sending him his new story, Hunter wants to meet up with Kevin in person. Then, his friend turns out to be his idol author, Hunter Easton. Kevin is totally fanboying, but things still get better for him. Hunter proposes Kevin to publish his newest fan fiction as the eight book of his series.
They start to meet up on a regular basis from then on and they have a lot of sex. Also, their life is peaceful untill fame is involved.
It was hard for me to get into the story but it finally did click for me at some point. I really liked the WolfCon scene. It was a very fun event, plus it was nice to see Levi and Carter again.
Overall, it's a slow paced, fluffy story with a little bit of drama.
ARC kindly provided by Riptide via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kevin is working as an IT guy, but in his free time he writes fan fictions of his favorite book series. He sends his work to his closest online friend, Wolf Hunter, for beta tests. After sending him his new story, Hunter wants to meet up with Kevin in person. Then, his friend turns out to be his idol author, Hunter Easton. Kevin is totally fanboying, but things still get better for him. Hunter proposes Kevin to publish his newest fan fiction as the eight book of his series.
They start to meet up on a regular basis from then on and they have a lot of sex. Also, their life is peaceful untill fame is involved.
It was hard for me to get into the story but it finally did click for me at some point. I really liked the WolfCon scene. It was a very fun event, plus it was nice to see Levi and Carter again.
Overall, it's a slow paced, fluffy story with a little bit of drama.
ARC kindly provided by Riptide via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2014
I liked this insight into fanfic and the publishing industry this book provides. It's easy to see that the authors are using their insider knowledge when Hunter advises and cautions Kevin about what he's getting himself in for, when he has the opportunity to sign a contract for a book deal.
I also liked the two main characters - Older, wiser, reclusive Hunter, who takes a while to figure out exactly what Kevin's inclusion in his life will mean. Kevin - younger and idealist is spellbound by the wonders of his windfall. He wants Hunter to really accept him, so this is the sticking point of the story.
So, not much angst at all really. The smex is hawt, the scenes with Levi and Carter slide in neatly into the Bluewater Bay series, and the HEA is truly happy.
Small niggles: I wanted more clarity with their collaborative writing process, and I wanted to feel less like Kevin's book was seemingly subsumed by Hunter's edits. I wanted to hear more about the characters, but that really is the minor sub plot isn't it?
I look forward to the last one (is it?) in the series, and will get onto #3 asap.
Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley and read with thanks. Out December 20th.
I also liked the two main characters - Older, wiser, reclusive Hunter, who takes a while to figure out exactly what Kevin's inclusion in his life will mean. Kevin - younger and idealist is spellbound by the wonders of his windfall. He wants Hunter to really accept him, so this is the sticking point of the story.
So, not much angst at all really. The smex is hawt, the scenes with Levi and Carter slide in neatly into the Bluewater Bay series, and the HEA is truly happy.
Small niggles: I wanted more clarity with their collaborative writing process, and I wanted to feel less like Kevin's book was seemingly subsumed by Hunter's edits. I wanted to hear more about the characters, but that really is the minor sub plot isn't it?
I look forward to the last one (is it?) in the series, and will get onto #3 asap.
Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley and read with thanks. Out December 20th.
January 6, 2015
Kevin writes fan-fiction for the fabulously famous Hunter Easton's paranormal series.
Hunter, the uber-rich author of said series, is in a writing slump, unable to move the series forward which is expected of him, and soon.
Long story short; Hunter reads Kevin's work, falls in love with it, and they meet up.
Hunter wants to collaborate with Kevin, eventually in more ways than one. But, becoming a team on both fronts is easier said than done.
A simply told story of a man that has it all finding the one thing he never knew was missing.
Although this story was written by two awesome authors I just didn't connect with the author that "had it all."
There was a bit too much sex that didn't equal up with the emotional investment of the characters. I guess I'm trying to say that the desire was not emanating from the characters enough to make me believe the sex was anything more than filler at times.
I'm the odd chick out as others have truly loved this story and maybe you will too.
*I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Hunter, the uber-rich author of said series, is in a writing slump, unable to move the series forward which is expected of him, and soon.
Long story short; Hunter reads Kevin's work, falls in love with it, and they meet up.
Hunter wants to collaborate with Kevin, eventually in more ways than one. But, becoming a team on both fronts is easier said than done.
A simply told story of a man that has it all finding the one thing he never knew was missing.
Although this story was written by two awesome authors I just didn't connect with the author that "had it all."
There was a bit too much sex that didn't equal up with the emotional investment of the characters. I guess I'm trying to say that the desire was not emanating from the characters enough to make me believe the sex was anything more than filler at times.
I'm the odd chick out as others have truly loved this story and maybe you will too.
*I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review*
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