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Rougaroux Social Club #1
Bayou Dreams
Note: This book has been previously published. There are no changes from the last publication.
Sheriff Scott Dupree’s got more problems than he can handle. He’s alpha of his small werewolf pack and coming up for re-election as sheriff in a year. On top of this, his mother is casting love spells to find Scott a mate. It’s all Scott can do to keep the town and pack under control, let alone his urges to mate.
Ted Canedo is openly gay, a disgraced ex-cop from New Orleans. His patrol partner was killed on duty, and Ted took the blame for taking protection money from the store owner to save his partner’s wife and kids grief. No one knew Ted was in love with his partner, not even his partner. Having him die in Ted’s arms killed something inside Ted too.
When the moon is full, and Scott’s momma works her magic, Ted’s erotic dreams and his work as a PI bring him to St. Jerome and sexy, straight Scott. Scott’s stunned to learn his wolf is gay and wants to mate with Ted.
Ted refuses to become involved with a straight man, much less a werewolf, terrified to risk his heart again if it means he has to watch Scott fight to the death for his right to claim Ted as his mate.
-Gay for You
-Shifter
-Fated Mates
-Sheriff and Private Investigator
Sheriff Scott Dupree’s got more problems than he can handle. He’s alpha of his small werewolf pack and coming up for re-election as sheriff in a year. On top of this, his mother is casting love spells to find Scott a mate. It’s all Scott can do to keep the town and pack under control, let alone his urges to mate.
Ted Canedo is openly gay, a disgraced ex-cop from New Orleans. His patrol partner was killed on duty, and Ted took the blame for taking protection money from the store owner to save his partner’s wife and kids grief. No one knew Ted was in love with his partner, not even his partner. Having him die in Ted’s arms killed something inside Ted too.
When the moon is full, and Scott’s momma works her magic, Ted’s erotic dreams and his work as a PI bring him to St. Jerome and sexy, straight Scott. Scott’s stunned to learn his wolf is gay and wants to mate with Ted.
Ted refuses to become involved with a straight man, much less a werewolf, terrified to risk his heart again if it means he has to watch Scott fight to the death for his right to claim Ted as his mate.
-Gay for You
-Shifter
-Fated Mates
-Sheriff and Private Investigator
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2011
74 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Lorenz
68 books316 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)gay romance
I’m from New Orleans, that’s N’awlins for those of you who speak the language. I grew up in the Riverbend, or Carrollton, for the old timers, but was a Quarter rat from the age of 11, taking 3 buses to go to art class on Burgundy Street at the Cabrini Doll Museum and NORD center. I attended University of New Orleans and have a BA in Fine Art. My mother worked at Tulane University, six blocks from our house and when we were kids my brother and I parked cars in our driveway for the Saints games at Tulane Stadium. We could get six cars down the drive, two on the front lawn, and two on the street and we only charged $2 a car. We made enough to buy a coupla roast beef po’boys at Comeaux’s on Hickory St. and a snowball over at Williams Snow Ball Stand. We lived 1/2 a block from a cemetery, but doesn’t everyone in N’awlins? We used to watch jazz funerals from our front porch.
Now, my family lives in Katy, Texas. I have a “real” job, a truly supportive and understanding husband, two incredible kids, and a slightly neurotic dog. We used to have a guinea pig, but the dog killed it. Did I say slightly?
My son is 15 and has Asperger’s Syndrome (high functioning Autism) and Crohn’s Disease, and is a constant lesson in patience, acceptance and managing expectations. He’s super smart, loves video games, fencing, movies, building with legos, and hanging around the house. Like me, he believes that it’s all about him. Sometimes, I wonder if I don’t have Asperger’s, too. Oh, and he’s very handsome.
My daughter, 13, is so creative it’s scary- she loves to paint, draw manga and anima, build dioramas with any box she can get her hands on, create worlds with legos and then make movies with them, sculpt people, animals and objects with those little twist ties from the grocery store, does pottery, and wants to be a lifeguard. And she’s smart, too. And
beautiful, inside and out.
I write for a few hours in the evenings and on weekends as much as I can, without neglecting my family. (That laughter you hear is my husband) I attend a critique group, and do whatever the kids are into at the time.
(1)gay romance
I’m from New Orleans, that’s N’awlins for those of you who speak the language. I grew up in the Riverbend, or Carrollton, for the old timers, but was a Quarter rat from the age of 11, taking 3 buses to go to art class on Burgundy Street at the Cabrini Doll Museum and NORD center. I attended University of New Orleans and have a BA in Fine Art. My mother worked at Tulane University, six blocks from our house and when we were kids my brother and I parked cars in our driveway for the Saints games at Tulane Stadium. We could get six cars down the drive, two on the front lawn, and two on the street and we only charged $2 a car. We made enough to buy a coupla roast beef po’boys at Comeaux’s on Hickory St. and a snowball over at Williams Snow Ball Stand. We lived 1/2 a block from a cemetery, but doesn’t everyone in N’awlins? We used to watch jazz funerals from our front porch.
Now, my family lives in Katy, Texas. I have a “real” job, a truly supportive and understanding husband, two incredible kids, and a slightly neurotic dog. We used to have a guinea pig, but the dog killed it. Did I say slightly?
My son is 15 and has Asperger’s Syndrome (high functioning Autism) and Crohn’s Disease, and is a constant lesson in patience, acceptance and managing expectations. He’s super smart, loves video games, fencing, movies, building with legos, and hanging around the house. Like me, he believes that it’s all about him. Sometimes, I wonder if I don’t have Asperger’s, too. Oh, and he’s very handsome.
My daughter, 13, is so creative it’s scary- she loves to paint, draw manga and anima, build dioramas with any box she can get her hands on, create worlds with legos and then make movies with them, sculpt people, animals and objects with those little twist ties from the grocery store, does pottery, and wants to be a lifeguard. And she’s smart, too. And
beautiful, inside and out.
I write for a few hours in the evenings and on weekends as much as I can, without neglecting my family. (That laughter you hear is my husband) I attend a critique group, and do whatever the kids are into at the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 7, 2014
~~Buddy read with my bestie Jen~~
I love wolfie books. LOVE. THEM.
And the Bayou? Come to mama, New Orleans voodoo magic. Any day that includes a beignet and chicory coffee from Cafe Du Monde is a good day.
So I'm super disappointed that I didn't love this book. Because I WANTED to love it.
BUT.
NO, just no.
I never bought the premise that Scott's wolf is gay, but Scott is not. It goes against all shifter/mate protocol.
It would have made more sense if Scott was struggling with his sexuality as a man, but that wasn't the case. It was mentioned over and over and over (and over) again that Scott only wanted to fuck women...until he meets Ted.
I didn't feel the tug between the MCs. It took them forever and a fucking day to get together, so the book wasn't even all that hot. *pouts*
Scott's mama was all kinds of meddling and annoying.
Ted came across as weirdly defensive, and I didn't buy his backstory. The reason he wasn't on the police force anymore? Lame, way LAME.
The setting didn't really come alive.
I dunno. *shrugs*
I couldn't get into it, and I'll forget it tomorrow.
I love wolfie books. LOVE. THEM.
And the Bayou? Come to mama, New Orleans voodoo magic. Any day that includes a beignet and chicory coffee from Cafe Du Monde is a good day.
So I'm super disappointed that I didn't love this book. Because I WANTED to love it.
BUT.
NO, just no.
I never bought the premise that Scott's wolf is gay, but Scott is not. It goes against all shifter/mate protocol.
It would have made more sense if Scott was struggling with his sexuality as a man, but that wasn't the case. It was mentioned over and over and over (and over) again that Scott only wanted to fuck women...until he meets Ted.
I didn't feel the tug between the MCs. It took them forever and a fucking day to get together, so the book wasn't even all that hot. *pouts*
Scott's mama was all kinds of meddling and annoying.
Ted came across as weirdly defensive, and I didn't buy his backstory. The reason he wasn't on the police force anymore? Lame, way LAME.
The setting didn't really come alive.
I dunno. *shrugs*
I couldn't get into it, and I'll forget it tomorrow.
March 5, 2011
Lynn really pulled me in with this one. Fan-fawking-tabulous story in my opinion.
This wasn't one of those stories of love at first sight, but rather the attraction was instantly there for both men, one sided for the most part since the Scott couldn't accept the fact that his mate was a gay man and he'd be straight all his life. He believed his Mamman's voodoo was contributed to the attraction that led the men to each other. There was no jumping into each others pants right away either with all the I love you's after a day that sometimes made you want to gag. There's a chase and the chase was on with both men coming to accept certain issues that they each harbored in their own way.
As these stories go there's always potential for other creations in the mix when new characters appear and I really hope after reading this book that Lynn doesn't disappoint and pursues this to give us readers satisfaction.
This wasn't one of those stories of love at first sight, but rather the attraction was instantly there for both men, one sided for the most part since the Scott couldn't accept the fact that his mate was a gay man and he'd be straight all his life. He believed his Mamman's voodoo was contributed to the attraction that led the men to each other. There was no jumping into each others pants right away either with all the I love you's after a day that sometimes made you want to gag. There's a chase and the chase was on with both men coming to accept certain issues that they each harbored in their own way.
As these stories go there's always potential for other creations in the mix when new characters appear and I really hope after reading this book that Lynn doesn't disappoint and pursues this to give us readers satisfaction.
May 5, 2011
so the start of this book was blah. i pretty much hated following ted around watching him hook his "meat" into prostitutes in the bathroom and all this other boring shit. I figured at some point this would matter in the story but it never did it just showed how boring and slutty Ted is. After chapter three it got better when the two MC's meet. Once they meet i couldn't stop reading it
May 5, 2011
4.5 Stars
I really really liked this book. Once I started it I didn't want to put it down. I loved how it was set in Southern Louisiana and it had a lot of culture without being over the top.
This was a sweet shifter story. I just wish it gave more info on the history of the werewolves. I hope the sequel comes out soon.
I really really liked this book. Once I started it I didn't want to put it down. I loved how it was set in Southern Louisiana and it had a lot of culture without being over the top.
This was a sweet shifter story. I just wish it gave more info on the history of the werewolves. I hope the sequel comes out soon.
March 5, 2011
3.5 stars
Some books just suffer from the length, either too short or a tad too long. This one falls in the later category. The beginning and middle part of this book are actually very interesting. It's a rather comical situation, you know, when a straight werewolf finds out that his mate is a guy. Usually, in some of other shapeshifter stories, this fact will be completely ignored for the sake of "Mate" concept. But in this one, Scott is having a hard time to accept that "I'm not gay, but my mate is".
Until the last few chapters when Ted returns to New Orleans after the ceremony that supposedly breaks up their attraction. This one part is already weird: Suddenly Ted is attacked by some goons of a client, because he's a werewolf and he doesn't want Ted to tell anyone, however, he also thinks Ted does his job well and the client actually has given him money ... The other part is, Ted's return somehow making the sparks and chemistry between him and Scott slightly disappears.
And the whole Ted cannot commit to Scott because he has a life in New Orleans, AFTER they actually consumated their love is another point that seems to be dragged on just to make this story fits "novel" category.
I think if it is trimmed down few chapters, it will be better. Still, I give it 3.5 stars because I do like the story up till the middle part.
Some books just suffer from the length, either too short or a tad too long. This one falls in the later category. The beginning and middle part of this book are actually very interesting. It's a rather comical situation, you know, when a straight werewolf finds out that his mate is a guy. Usually, in some of other shapeshifter stories, this fact will be completely ignored for the sake of "Mate" concept. But in this one, Scott is having a hard time to accept that "I'm not gay, but my mate is".
Until the last few chapters when Ted returns to New Orleans after the ceremony that supposedly breaks up their attraction. This one part is already weird: Suddenly Ted is attacked by some goons of a client, because he's a werewolf and he doesn't want Ted to tell anyone, however, he also thinks Ted does his job well and the client actually has given him money ... The other part is, Ted's return somehow making the sparks and chemistry between him and Scott slightly disappears.
And the whole Ted cannot commit to Scott because he has a life in New Orleans, AFTER they actually consumated their love is another point that seems to be dragged on just to make this story fits "novel" category.
I think if it is trimmed down few chapters, it will be better. Still, I give it 3.5 stars because I do like the story up till the middle part.
May 16, 2011
What a delightful M/M story... and a slam-bang setup for a series. I felt like this book offered so much by way of comedy and warmth and a fresh take on some paranomral chestnuts.
Delightful minor characters, and the clever hoodoo subplot was a veritable stew of comedy and style; it managed ot be germane to the story AND the region and felt fresher than a lot of flimflammery passing for magic these days.
On that tip, I was especially happy to see southern Louisiana become such a character in its own right! Lorenz gooes out of her way to situate the environment both in terms of specific detail AND cultural context. Total win in this case. So many locations in M/M titles become a kind of bland cartoon (if it's Paris, the Eiffel Tower... If it's NYC, Statue of Liberty, also built by Eiffel oddly enough LOL). Not here. I grew up in the deep South and have family all over the area discussed and all the little telling details let me know that Lorenz knew her turf and did her homework. Brava!
Tremendous wit and a juicy setup and appealing characetrs. I'll take two bowls and cornbread to dip, please. Very excited for the sequel here and more boys in the bayou... Get crackin' Lorenz!
Delightful minor characters, and the clever hoodoo subplot was a veritable stew of comedy and style; it managed ot be germane to the story AND the region and felt fresher than a lot of flimflammery passing for magic these days.
On that tip, I was especially happy to see southern Louisiana become such a character in its own right! Lorenz gooes out of her way to situate the environment both in terms of specific detail AND cultural context. Total win in this case. So many locations in M/M titles become a kind of bland cartoon (if it's Paris, the Eiffel Tower... If it's NYC, Statue of Liberty, also built by Eiffel oddly enough LOL). Not here. I grew up in the deep South and have family all over the area discussed and all the little telling details let me know that Lorenz knew her turf and did her homework. Brava!
Tremendous wit and a juicy setup and appealing characetrs. I'll take two bowls and cornbread to dip, please. Very excited for the sequel here and more boys in the bayou... Get crackin' Lorenz!
January 18, 2015
Just what I didn't need. Another brilliant series to drain the bank account & clutter up my to read pile!
Lynn Lorenz has skilfully crafted a believable world where werewolves, normally the stuff of legends, are among us. There were no glaring contradictions to ruin the story either. It was a nice twist having the alpha do a gay-for-you plot line as well. A refreshing change from the norm given how the gay werewolf theme is being done to death at the moment. Scott's mother was a hoot & the cat was...well pretty much a typical cat really! Look. In a nut-shell, this is a fun romp. If you like your alpha to have puppy-ish characteristics when discovering the joys of gay sex; if you like werewolves; if you like mum's in princess slippers jinxing their children; then this is the book for you.
Lynn Lorenz has skilfully crafted a believable world where werewolves, normally the stuff of legends, are among us. There were no glaring contradictions to ruin the story either. It was a nice twist having the alpha do a gay-for-you plot line as well. A refreshing change from the norm given how the gay werewolf theme is being done to death at the moment. Scott's mother was a hoot & the cat was...well pretty much a typical cat really! Look. In a nut-shell, this is a fun romp. If you like your alpha to have puppy-ish characteristics when discovering the joys of gay sex; if you like werewolves; if you like mum's in princess slippers jinxing their children; then this is the book for you.
August 26, 2012
3.5*
Ted is a PI, and ex cop, and he left the force in disgrace ( although he didn't do what he took the fall for).
He has been having graphic dreams about a man he knows is for him for months but no idea where or who he is.
On assignment he sees the local Sheriff and it's lightning striking them both. But Sheriff Scott has huge problems with Ted being his mate.
There were times when I really disliked Scott, and I'm still not sure I'm a huge fan of Scott's mom, but I did like that even though Ted is his mate, he didn't brush all other issues aside and I liked them as a couple.
I'm not sure why the judge situation was done quite that way...I didn't get it, but I guess they needed to give Scott a chance to rescue Ted and redeem himself.
Enjoyable shifter story.
Ted is a PI, and ex cop, and he left the force in disgrace ( although he didn't do what he took the fall for).
He has been having graphic dreams about a man he knows is for him for months but no idea where or who he is.
On assignment he sees the local Sheriff and it's lightning striking them both. But Sheriff Scott has huge problems with Ted being his mate.
There were times when I really disliked Scott, and I'm still not sure I'm a huge fan of Scott's mom, but I did like that even though Ted is his mate, he didn't brush all other issues aside and I liked them as a couple.
I'm not sure why the judge situation was done quite that way...I didn't get it, but I guess they needed to give Scott a chance to rescue Ted and redeem himself.
Enjoyable shifter story.
October 6, 2024
I really hate being in the minority but once again I find myself there.
I am sad.
This had so very much potential. Best setting in the world. GFY. Mates…
I don’t know what happened but the book just didn’t play out like I expected and I didn’t like the characters behaviors all that much.
I’m gonna see what the next book is about. I’m not throwing in the towel completely.
Buddy Read with Dani!!
I am sad.
This had so very much potential. Best setting in the world. GFY. Mates…
I don’t know what happened but the book just didn’t play out like I expected and I didn’t like the characters behaviors all that much.
I’m gonna see what the next book is about. I’m not throwing in the towel completely.
Buddy Read with Dani!!
August 22, 2020
This is the second shifter story by Lynn Lorenz I have read, and if they all continue to be as good, then she's a new favorite author of mine. This story interested me because its Scott's wolf that is gay, not Scott, and that is a concept I have not seen before. I always love an author's world building when it's just a little bit different from what is already out there. I also love bayou country having spent time there when I was younger, so reading about one of my favorite areas was also quite the draw.
Scott is alpha of his small werewolf pack and the local sheriff. Their pack pretty much holds the majority of sheriff deputies, firefighters, and EMS positions in their small county which enables them to stay under the radar of the local humans. Scott is also thirty-five which is a little old to still be unmated. Apparently you either mate, or eventually you go crazy and you die. For the last few months his mother has gone out into the swamp and performed a "ritual" (don't call it a spell, cause she's a good Catholic), in hopes of bringing Scott's mate to him as she wants her son married and giving her grandchildren. Scott is pretty sure there isn't a mate for him and frankly, he's okay with that, as he's not sure he wants a mate, much less children.
Ted is a private investigator in New Orleans, but he was a cop there until two years ago, when his life fell apart. His partner was killed in a convenience store robbery and the rest of the police force blamed Ted and his "faggot" self.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Scott is alpha of his small werewolf pack and the local sheriff. Their pack pretty much holds the majority of sheriff deputies, firefighters, and EMS positions in their small county which enables them to stay under the radar of the local humans. Scott is also thirty-five which is a little old to still be unmated. Apparently you either mate, or eventually you go crazy and you die. For the last few months his mother has gone out into the swamp and performed a "ritual" (don't call it a spell, cause she's a good Catholic), in hopes of bringing Scott's mate to him as she wants her son married and giving her grandchildren. Scott is pretty sure there isn't a mate for him and frankly, he's okay with that, as he's not sure he wants a mate, much less children.
Ted is a private investigator in New Orleans, but he was a cop there until two years ago, when his life fell apart. His partner was killed in a convenience store robbery and the rest of the police force blamed Ted and his "faggot" self.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
March 30, 2021
I really didn't like Scott or Ted in this book. Scott was a jerk to Ted and Ted just kept taking it. I'm not crazy about the my wolf wants you but I'm not gay plot either. It just seemed like Ted kept giving in to Scott and really didn't get anything but hot sex in return. The whole book basically resolved around Scott running around trying to break the mating bond and keep his wolves in control and Ted wanting Scott to love him. Ted came over as way to much of a pushover to me and Scott too much of a jerk. Even the characters that supported Scott still came across as somewhat anti-gay. Phrases like "I don't want Wyatt leading this pack way more than if gays are in it." That's his best friend saying that.
May 14, 2011
I have no idea why I want to like shifter books so much. I do and I keep reading them only to be disappointed time after time. I haven't read one that met my expectations, that fulfilled that undefinable something I wanted to find but never have. Until now.
Bayou Dreams by Lynn Lorenz is hands down the best shifter book I've ever read. The writing drew me into the story immediately and the pacing kept my attention completely. The heat between the MCs is scorching. I had my doubts about the idea of "straight guy with a gay wolf", so much so I nearly didn't purchase it. Rest assured that subject is handled as brilliantly as the rest of the book.
I don't like to spoil in my reviews so I'll stop now. If you like shifters read this book. You won't be sorry.
Bayou Dreams by Lynn Lorenz is hands down the best shifter book I've ever read. The writing drew me into the story immediately and the pacing kept my attention completely. The heat between the MCs is scorching. I had my doubts about the idea of "straight guy with a gay wolf", so much so I nearly didn't purchase it. Rest assured that subject is handled as brilliantly as the rest of the book.
I don't like to spoil in my reviews so I'll stop now. If you like shifters read this book. You won't be sorry.
May 11, 2011
4.5 Ravens. Very rarely do I anticipate reading anything the way I did reading Lynn Lorenz’s story. From page one I couldn’t stop smiling, giggling at the mother bound and determined to find her sheriff son a mate. To view the rest of this review, please visit http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...
July 26, 2011
Ahhh, like a breath of fresh air. Another favorite for me. Most enjoyable, yes indeed.
I do hope to see more. A series maybe? Maybe about the deputy finding his mate? Or more about Darcy and Peter? Yeah....please? puppy eyes
I do hope to see more. A series maybe? Maybe about the deputy finding his mate? Or more about Darcy and Peter? Yeah....please? puppy eyes
July 22, 2011
This book, despite a few niggles (discussed below), was probably one of the most realistic gay-for-you stories I've ever read, and also a good example of a werewolf/shapeshifter story.
I know that sounds like a pretty broad statement. No, I haven't read every werewolf story written, not even most of the m/m werewolf stories; I do know that I've run across a lot of stereotypes, a lot of the same story retold with different window dressing. On the surface, you might be able to say that about this story too; man meets werewolf, they find out their mates, have to fight the urge, pack doesn't approve, etc.
The difference here is in the execution. Scott (the werewolf alpha) is truly straight, with no "secret desires" or leanings toward homosexuality. He is baffled by what he sees as an unnaturally strong reaction to this man who shows up in his town one day, and is constantly trying to understand it, fight it, suppress it. I found his struggle to be very realistic, both with what a man with unexpected attraction would experience and the internal struggle with what he thinks he should be and do and what his instincts tell him to do. He seems torn in a million different directions, as wolf, as alpha, as man, as straight, as newly mated, as a son, as a sheriff, as a leader...he has a lot of roles to fill, and must come to some sort of conclusion about himself and his future.
Ted is a little easier to figure out; he's been burned before, falling in love with a straight man, and he avoids any sort of similar entanglement again. His struggle is more with his past, and trying to convince himself that his strong attraction to the shapeshifting sheriff is just physical. I do have a little niggle about his acceptance of Scott as a werewolf; he professes he doesn't believe in supernatural stuff, but he's swayed pretty quickly to Scott's story...though some of that could be the hot man. ;) I did also like the eventual reason behind the wildness affecting the pack; it was reasonable, and believable within the bounds of the werewolf/paranormal world.
Now to the niggles. The last 50 or so pages felt different, almost speeding up in pace enough to be noticeable. They felt slightly less polished, and made me wonder if the author couldn't have expanded the story a little bit, progressing through those last stages a little more slowly. I also felt that the storyline with Ted's case, the woman he's been following/observing, was a little awkward in places. This is most noticeable in his last conversation with her; she appears out of nowhere, and magically has the solution to Ted's current problem. It was a little too deus ex machina for me. I also thought that the shifter aspect was under-utilized at times. Scott only shifts about 3 times in the whole story, and the first time is at least halfway through.
I did, however, like the setup for the next story (if there will be one). It was sort of subtle, but also very believable in the context of the character involved.
Overall, I thought this was well put together, the characters were mostly fun and engaging, and it kept me involved throughout (which is sometimes hard). If there was the ability to give half-stars, I would probably give this 4.5 stars...the niggles I had were just strong enough to not allow a 5 star rating. Highly recommended, particularly for those who enjoy gay-for-you and/or shapeshifter stories.
I know that sounds like a pretty broad statement. No, I haven't read every werewolf story written, not even most of the m/m werewolf stories; I do know that I've run across a lot of stereotypes, a lot of the same story retold with different window dressing. On the surface, you might be able to say that about this story too; man meets werewolf, they find out their mates, have to fight the urge, pack doesn't approve, etc.
The difference here is in the execution. Scott (the werewolf alpha) is truly straight, with no "secret desires" or leanings toward homosexuality. He is baffled by what he sees as an unnaturally strong reaction to this man who shows up in his town one day, and is constantly trying to understand it, fight it, suppress it. I found his struggle to be very realistic, both with what a man with unexpected attraction would experience and the internal struggle with what he thinks he should be and do and what his instincts tell him to do. He seems torn in a million different directions, as wolf, as alpha, as man, as straight, as newly mated, as a son, as a sheriff, as a leader...he has a lot of roles to fill, and must come to some sort of conclusion about himself and his future.
Ted is a little easier to figure out; he's been burned before, falling in love with a straight man, and he avoids any sort of similar entanglement again. His struggle is more with his past, and trying to convince himself that his strong attraction to the shapeshifting sheriff is just physical. I do have a little niggle about his acceptance of Scott as a werewolf; he professes he doesn't believe in supernatural stuff, but he's swayed pretty quickly to Scott's story...though some of that could be the hot man. ;) I did also like the eventual reason behind the wildness affecting the pack; it was reasonable, and believable within the bounds of the werewolf/paranormal world.
Now to the niggles. The last 50 or so pages felt different, almost speeding up in pace enough to be noticeable. They felt slightly less polished, and made me wonder if the author couldn't have expanded the story a little bit, progressing through those last stages a little more slowly. I also felt that the storyline with Ted's case, the woman he's been following/observing, was a little awkward in places. This is most noticeable in his last conversation with her; she appears out of nowhere, and magically has the solution to Ted's current problem. It was a little too deus ex machina for me. I also thought that the shifter aspect was under-utilized at times. Scott only shifts about 3 times in the whole story, and the first time is at least halfway through.
I did, however, like the setup for the next story (if there will be one). It was sort of subtle, but also very believable in the context of the character involved.
Overall, I thought this was well put together, the characters were mostly fun and engaging, and it kept me involved throughout (which is sometimes hard). If there was the ability to give half-stars, I would probably give this 4.5 stars...the niggles I had were just strong enough to not allow a 5 star rating. Highly recommended, particularly for those who enjoy gay-for-you and/or shapeshifter stories.
March 22, 2021
Buckle up buttercup, this will 100% be a bumpy ride, and I may be feeling a little ranty about this one. Want the cliff notes version? Check out my highlights and notes instead.
I went in blind. I've never even heard of this author, the blurb sounded interesting enough. Oh man was I wrong and now I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth. I even went as far as detailing some of MY issues to a friend.
Then I get on here, to see all these 4 & 5 star reviews, and I ask myself again, is it really just me? Are we now expected / required / supposed to rate a book loosely? Not hold the author accountable for the stuff they put on paper and just think - was it horrible? No ? Ok then 5 stars. Anyways, let's get on with it.
It's dated in a way I don't understand. I even had to go back and check the publication date. Published in 2020, however, the story takes place in 2017. Did you have to back date it so that the books that followed fit the current year? Flip phones and iPods. No gay people AT ALL in Luisiana either according to the author. Which ok, if you are setting up this world of yours, that should not come at the 20% mark as a throw away comment. While we're talking about world building, the misogyny in this book is insane. Women are apparently never shifters, they also have to be approved before they're allowed to join the pack, and have to sign a prenup that demands they leave their male offspring behind so they can be raised in pack life, in case of divorce or separation. Obviously female children have no worth here. Women waddle, bored housewives who crave chocolate is apparently akin to an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Moving on.
Scott was a douche. He was straight, always and forever, even if he was mated and loved a man. He spent the majority of the book making Ted feel like shit because again - he is straight. He takes the prize in mixed signals. He has such deep internalized homophobia, it's a wonder this book moved along at all. This can't even be called a gay-for-you book, because Scott is straight ! The author made being a gay man sound like the worst possible thing ever. Again, go read my highlights, her words not mine. As far as Ted goes, he came off as a little boy trying to play tough. Oh he got all riled up and mad, pushed and shoved Scott to the ground in righteous anger, only to simper and cuddle the second Scott showed him an ounce of decency. Then he did it again.
Lastly - I did not understand the need for the drama between Darcy and Peter. It was so incredibly unnecessary. What Peter did with Ted, Ted and Darcy, Darcy and Peter ..... it added absolutely nothing to the book. The ONLY credit I will give this author, is she sure does know how to write a very unlikeable, douchey, male character.
I went in blind. I've never even heard of this author, the blurb sounded interesting enough. Oh man was I wrong and now I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth. I even went as far as detailing some of MY issues to a friend.
Then I get on here, to see all these 4 & 5 star reviews, and I ask myself again, is it really just me? Are we now expected / required / supposed to rate a book loosely? Not hold the author accountable for the stuff they put on paper and just think - was it horrible? No ? Ok then 5 stars. Anyways, let's get on with it.
It's dated in a way I don't understand. I even had to go back and check the publication date. Published in 2020, however, the story takes place in 2017. Did you have to back date it so that the books that followed fit the current year? Flip phones and iPods. No gay people AT ALL in Luisiana either according to the author. Which ok, if you are setting up this world of yours, that should not come at the 20% mark as a throw away comment. While we're talking about world building, the misogyny in this book is insane. Women are apparently never shifters, they also have to be approved before they're allowed to join the pack, and have to sign a prenup that demands they leave their male offspring behind so they can be raised in pack life, in case of divorce or separation. Obviously female children have no worth here. Women waddle, bored housewives who crave chocolate is apparently akin to an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Moving on.
Scott was a douche. He was straight, always and forever, even if he was mated and loved a man. He spent the majority of the book making Ted feel like shit because again - he is straight. He takes the prize in mixed signals. He has such deep internalized homophobia, it's a wonder this book moved along at all. This can't even be called a gay-for-you book, because Scott is straight ! The author made being a gay man sound like the worst possible thing ever. Again, go read my highlights, her words not mine. As far as Ted goes, he came off as a little boy trying to play tough. Oh he got all riled up and mad, pushed and shoved Scott to the ground in righteous anger, only to simper and cuddle the second Scott showed him an ounce of decency. Then he did it again.
Lastly - I did not understand the need for the drama between Darcy and Peter. It was so incredibly unnecessary. What Peter did with Ted, Ted and Darcy, Darcy and Peter ..... it added absolutely nothing to the book. The ONLY credit I will give this author, is she sure does know how to write a very unlikeable, douchey, male character.
April 17, 2012
I downloaded Bayou Dreams because the premise intrigued me. It is about a straight werewolf alpha who finds out that his fated mate is actually a gay man. Instead of succumbing to his fate, as any self-respecting paranormal hero is supposed to do, he decides to break the spell that has "fated" him to spend the rest of his life with a dude. Because he totally doesn't swing that way. Except for when he's in the presence of his fated mate, of course. Because fate is kinky like that.
This could have been a really entertaining book. I think it would have worked well if the author had embraced the absurdity of her plot and turned it into a comedy: a m/m version of How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf, if you will. Unfortunately, she went for angst. It just didn't work, especially since this book featured the least intimidating werewolves I've ever met. I used to think the Naked Werewolf pack was cuddly, but those wolves could kick the Rougaroux Social Club's collective ass (yes, that's really what the pack is called). And Scott had to be the weakest, most whiny alpha in the history of werewolf lore. I actually felt sorry for Ted for being bonded for life to that loser, even though I wasn't too impressed with him either. In fact, I didn't connect to any of the characters in this book.
So anyway, I didn't really enjoy this book. Some of the story elements might have had potential if they had been in a different novel, but they couldn't save this one from the uneven writing, disjointed plot, or uninspiring characters. Not recommended.
This could have been a really entertaining book. I think it would have worked well if the author had embraced the absurdity of her plot and turned it into a comedy: a m/m version of How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf, if you will. Unfortunately, she went for angst. It just didn't work, especially since this book featured the least intimidating werewolves I've ever met. I used to think the Naked Werewolf pack was cuddly, but those wolves could kick the Rougaroux Social Club's collective ass (yes, that's really what the pack is called). And Scott had to be the weakest, most whiny alpha in the history of werewolf lore. I actually felt sorry for Ted for being bonded for life to that loser, even though I wasn't too impressed with him either. In fact, I didn't connect to any of the characters in this book.
So anyway, I didn't really enjoy this book. Some of the story elements might have had potential if they had been in a different novel, but they couldn't save this one from the uneven writing, disjointed plot, or uninspiring characters. Not recommended.
October 1, 2020
This is the second time I've read this book, I did it so the story was fresh in my mind when I read the second one. I have to say I LOVED THIS BOOK as much the second time as the first. I wish it was longer I didn't want it to end. The Ted/Scott relationship really worked, you know the writer has done a good job when you feel connected to them and you are rooting for them. This story made me smile and that's always a good thing.
UPDATE Oct 1, 2020
Well, this is a new one for me. I so rarely reread books but this is my third time with this one and I've never done that before. The 4th book Bayou des Enfants is out and I needed to reconnect with this series and world before I read book 4.
To my surprise I enjoyed the 3rd read as much as I did the first and second time. Looking forward to rereading Bayou's End and Bayou Loup. My rating and my thoughts stay the same.
TAGS
-- shifter/wolf -- out or gay for you -- mates -- sweet -- made me smile -- made me chuckle -- loved the MCs... Scott & Ted -- swoon worthy -- read in one sitting -- looking forward to rereading the rest of this series
UPDATE Oct 1, 2020
Well, this is a new one for me. I so rarely reread books but this is my third time with this one and I've never done that before. The 4th book Bayou des Enfants is out and I needed to reconnect with this series and world before I read book 4.
To my surprise I enjoyed the 3rd read as much as I did the first and second time. Looking forward to rereading Bayou's End and Bayou Loup. My rating and my thoughts stay the same.
TAGS
-- shifter/wolf -- out or gay for you -- mates -- sweet -- made me smile -- made me chuckle -- loved the MCs... Scott & Ted -- swoon worthy -- read in one sitting -- looking forward to rereading the rest of this series
April 5, 2013
I generally stay away from "standard" shifter stories -- I especially can't stand the "shifter-fated-insta-mate" trope -- but this book fit a challenge and I was curious about it, so I gave it a try.
It's not bad, really. It does have the insta-mate stuff....and the "no I'm not gay" stuff...but it's the **wolf** half of the couple who thinks he's straight, which I *think* is unusual in this sort of story (I may be wrong here), and the wolf half who does the most "I can't believe this is happening" angsting -- which I also *think* is kinda unusual.
That said, I didn't think there was anything especially outstanding here. There's some distinct insta-healing by the **human** half of the couple (athletic sex the very same day you get cracked ribs?? I don't THINK so!), and the human MC didn't freak out nearly enough when he found out the wolf MC was a were. And, of course, we had to have the Evil Cardboard Homophobic Villain, just to give the wolf an excuse to fight somebody.
Despite the problems, though, I've read much worse shifter stories. The prose wasn't bad, and it was entertaining in a mindless way. Not a bad way to spend an hour or two.
It's not bad, really. It does have the insta-mate stuff....and the "no I'm not gay" stuff...but it's the **wolf** half of the couple who thinks he's straight, which I *think* is unusual in this sort of story (I may be wrong here), and the wolf half who does the most "I can't believe this is happening" angsting -- which I also *think* is kinda unusual.
That said, I didn't think there was anything especially outstanding here. There's some distinct insta-healing by the **human** half of the couple (athletic sex the very same day you get cracked ribs?? I don't THINK so!), and the human MC didn't freak out nearly enough when he found out the wolf MC was a were. And, of course, we had to have the Evil Cardboard Homophobic Villain, just to give the wolf an excuse to fight somebody.
Despite the problems, though, I've read much worse shifter stories. The prose wasn't bad, and it was entertaining in a mindless way. Not a bad way to spend an hour or two.
December 22, 2024
The idea presented here is that a werewolf has a human side and a wolf side. The human may be whatever orientation, but the wolf wants what the wolf wants (male or female), and it's going to get it. This sets up an interesting tension between the characters that was, to be honest, pretty damn hot.
Having gone to school in New Orleans, I'm a sucker for stories set in Louisiana. Werewolf stories in Louisiana? I'm all about that! The characters of Ted and Scott are interesting and their angst at the undeniable draw between them makes for a good story. The rural countryside and swamps provide atmosphere for a fun, fast-paced story.
Unfortunately, in places things didn't flow quite as smoothly as they could have. The introduction of some characters that are clearly present for future books in the series is a little clunky. Also, I generally give wide leeway for how sex scenes are written. Everyone has something that turns their crank, even if it doesn't do much for me. Even so, the sex scenes didn't always quite read as well as I would have liked. This may be just a personal thing, though.
I liked this book a lot and have already bought the next one in the series!
Having gone to school in New Orleans, I'm a sucker for stories set in Louisiana. Werewolf stories in Louisiana? I'm all about that! The characters of Ted and Scott are interesting and their angst at the undeniable draw between them makes for a good story. The rural countryside and swamps provide atmosphere for a fun, fast-paced story.
Unfortunately, in places things didn't flow quite as smoothly as they could have. The introduction of some characters that are clearly present for future books in the series is a little clunky. Also, I generally give wide leeway for how sex scenes are written. Everyone has something that turns their crank, even if it doesn't do much for me. Even so, the sex scenes didn't always quite read as well as I would have liked. This may be just a personal thing, though.
I liked this book a lot and have already bought the next one in the series!
June 19, 2011
I ADORE “Bayou Dreams”!! Gay-for-you is one of my favorite plotlines (when done well), and LL did it here with very believable confusion and stubbornness on Scott’s part and realistic hesitation on Ted’s to not want to take a chance on a straight man. I also like werewolves but am bored to tears by the big-strong-alpha & shy-twinky-mate scenario that so many folks are writing these days. I love that Ted is just as strong as Scott in his own way, both physically and emotionally, and not just a female substitute. I also admire the author's use of secondary characters to advance the plot and add depth to the leads, but not distract from the main pair. Maman was a hoot!
So, I will be eagerly awaiting more from this series. In the meantime I will be recommending this one to all the m/m romance fans I know.
So, I will be eagerly awaiting more from this series. In the meantime I will be recommending this one to all the m/m romance fans I know.
February 10, 2019
The wolf knows what the wolf wants. Don’t deny it, - Bobby Cotteau
I quite enjoyed this book. The idea of a the wolf controlling the sexuality of a person is interesting. And it's well executed. The writing is really readable. There as some questionable sections but in all honesty it is Louisiana. I liked the characters. The two main characters despite their conflicts made me happy, I wanted their happiness without more voodoo. Their flaws were charming. During the course of the story the major players for the series to date are met, Peter Graham (Bayou's End) and Bobby Cotteau (Bayou Loup). I think Peter was hidden well. My understanding is that Peter is a wolf too, but Scott never picks it despite at least one opportunity. It was a pleasant plot it felt realistic (given the supernatural elements), perhaps feasible is the right word.
I'm not entirely sold on this being on best choice as a first book in the series though. Yes Scott is the Alpha, yes it is an interesting setup but it is sort of complicated. You are having the lore explained, the world set up and a meeting the main players all while trying to understand what is quite a different situation. I'm not sure I've read a story where the wolf and the man have a different sexuality. Having two Alpha werewolves meet and not go for each others throat is also a nice touch.
Definitely one for the mlm paranormal romance lovers. It's short and to the point a pleasant break from other types of reading and a fairly well-executed spin on what can be a rather cookie-cutter sub-genre.
My reading experience in a gif:
February 9, 2019
MM Re-Read Challenge:
Some hot sex in this story... *fanning myself*. Loved the Louisiana Cajun story background and the unique werewolf premise. The story line was strong, engaging and humorous is areas. The main characters held up the paranormal theme beautifully, while those secondary characters provided support when needed.
Another re-read that I cannot change my experience from before - I loved it back then, I love it today.
Some hot sex in this story... *fanning myself*. Loved the Louisiana Cajun story background and the unique werewolf premise. The story line was strong, engaging and humorous is areas. The main characters held up the paranormal theme beautifully, while those secondary characters provided support when needed.
Another re-read that I cannot change my experience from before - I loved it back then, I love it today.
April 25, 2019
Meh. Fated mate and gay for you shifter mm romance.
Bought this on sale on a whim - didn't realize it's G4Y. Really not to my taste - two of my least favorite tropes, plus old-fashioned gender roles, repetitive writing and weak plot and world building. I still don’t get why only men are werewolves in this world. I didn’t care enough about either MC to get past the writing issues.
Bought this on sale on a whim - didn't realize it's G4Y. Really not to my taste - two of my least favorite tropes, plus old-fashioned gender roles, repetitive writing and weak plot and world building. I still don’t get why only men are werewolves in this world. I didn’t care enough about either MC to get past the writing issues.
March 2, 2019
the problem is I can't give it 4 whole stars as I was really annoyed with Scott for more than half of the book ... because seriously ...
Ted was an interesting character and I would have been totally ok with it, if Scott had to grovel a bit more
Ted was an interesting character and I would have been totally ok with it, if Scott had to grovel a bit more
August 25, 2020
3.75 Stars
May 12, 2011
4.25
Scott Dupree’s life is good. He’s sheriff in a small town in Louisiana and pack leader to the werewolves residing in that town. Only problem? He doesn’t have a mate. Normally werewolves mate by age 30, but Scott at 35 is a tad behind everyone else which is utterly frustrating for his mother. You see, she wants grandkids. Lovable, interfering woman she is, she casts a love spell to bring Scott his mate…and fate does only in the form of one gorgeous (gay) ex-cop from New Orleans. Scott’s never been with a man before and he doesn’t want Ted as his mate no matter what his inner werewolf is screaming. His pack would never accept a gay pack leader. Ted, on the other hand, had been down this road before falling for the straight guy, and he too has no desire to have his heart broken again, so he tells Scott to get lost. Problem is Scott’s inner wolf doesn’t care about any of that and just wants Ted. And Ted’s head may say one thing, but his body another. Will these two confused men ever figure it out?
First, I really liked the premise of Bayou Dreams. Yes, the werewolf finding a mate and surprise it’s a man plot has been done before but Lynn Lorenz puts an added twist to the cliche by making Scott’s wolf side gay and the wolf eventually convincing Scott, the man, that loving Ted is his destiny. This unique take on the Gay-For-You trope worked in this instance.
Second, the secondary characters were hilarious. Scott’s mother, or as I call her the Cajun yenta, thinks nothing of going out in the bayou at midnight carrying a dead cat, a gris-gris bag filled with Scott’s nail clippings and hair and casting a love spell for her son. When Scott explains her spell brought him a mate, but not a female one, her reaction: “C’est la vie. He’s cute…you can adopt!” I would love Mrs. Dupree as a mother-in-law, except for the whole dead cat thing.
Third, the sexual chemistry between Ted and Scott was extremely spicy. Nothing like wanting something you’ve told yourself you can’t have, as it makes it all the more tempting. I liken it to that Ted is that double chocolate cake Scott wants, but knows isn’t good for him. Plus with as many times as Scott and Ted two make-out, jerk each other off, and in one instance oral sex happens, you think the two men would figure out they were meant to be together long before the end of the book.
Fourth, Ted’s past is intriguing. He was a New Orleans police officer who was fired from the force for taking a bribe – but that really wasn’t the case. Ted’s history with the police, his current job as a private investigator and the demons that make him try and deny Scott all combine for a complex character who is equal to Scott, the Alpha and town sheriff. There is no imbalance of power between these two…so perhaps Scott’s mother’s midnight request for a strong mate for her son was truly answered? (Sidenote: for those readers who do not like infidelity in their m/m books, this novel does have a few scenes of Ted having sex with people other than Scott. This occurs early on in the book while Ted and Scott are still fighting their attraction to one another. As a reader who despises cheating in romance novels, this action did not bother me, mainly because I knew why Ted was doing it and that the ‘cheating’ would not matter in the long run).
Lastly, we get to see into pack politics as Scott’s position as pack Alpha is threatened when everyone finds out he has a male mate. The climax of the book is Scott fighting another werewolf for control of the pack and Ted watching hoping his lover won’t die during the encounter. While you could see from a mile away what would happen during this fight, that doesn’t make it any less dramatic and interesting and that part of the plot was handled extremely well.
Overall, Bayou Dreams is a distinctive take on the werewolf genre, weaving complex and compelling characters together with ease. Lynn Lorenz’s style of writing was engaging and fun. I eagerly await the next installment so I can see who else in the wolf pack finds his mate. Recommended.
Reviews by Jessewave
Scott Dupree’s life is good. He’s sheriff in a small town in Louisiana and pack leader to the werewolves residing in that town. Only problem? He doesn’t have a mate. Normally werewolves mate by age 30, but Scott at 35 is a tad behind everyone else which is utterly frustrating for his mother. You see, she wants grandkids. Lovable, interfering woman she is, she casts a love spell to bring Scott his mate…and fate does only in the form of one gorgeous (gay) ex-cop from New Orleans. Scott’s never been with a man before and he doesn’t want Ted as his mate no matter what his inner werewolf is screaming. His pack would never accept a gay pack leader. Ted, on the other hand, had been down this road before falling for the straight guy, and he too has no desire to have his heart broken again, so he tells Scott to get lost. Problem is Scott’s inner wolf doesn’t care about any of that and just wants Ted. And Ted’s head may say one thing, but his body another. Will these two confused men ever figure it out?
First, I really liked the premise of Bayou Dreams. Yes, the werewolf finding a mate and surprise it’s a man plot has been done before but Lynn Lorenz puts an added twist to the cliche by making Scott’s wolf side gay and the wolf eventually convincing Scott, the man, that loving Ted is his destiny. This unique take on the Gay-For-You trope worked in this instance.
Second, the secondary characters were hilarious. Scott’s mother, or as I call her the Cajun yenta, thinks nothing of going out in the bayou at midnight carrying a dead cat, a gris-gris bag filled with Scott’s nail clippings and hair and casting a love spell for her son. When Scott explains her spell brought him a mate, but not a female one, her reaction: “C’est la vie. He’s cute…you can adopt!” I would love Mrs. Dupree as a mother-in-law, except for the whole dead cat thing.
Third, the sexual chemistry between Ted and Scott was extremely spicy. Nothing like wanting something you’ve told yourself you can’t have, as it makes it all the more tempting. I liken it to that Ted is that double chocolate cake Scott wants, but knows isn’t good for him. Plus with as many times as Scott and Ted two make-out, jerk each other off, and in one instance oral sex happens, you think the two men would figure out they were meant to be together long before the end of the book.
Fourth, Ted’s past is intriguing. He was a New Orleans police officer who was fired from the force for taking a bribe – but that really wasn’t the case. Ted’s history with the police, his current job as a private investigator and the demons that make him try and deny Scott all combine for a complex character who is equal to Scott, the Alpha and town sheriff. There is no imbalance of power between these two…so perhaps Scott’s mother’s midnight request for a strong mate for her son was truly answered? (Sidenote: for those readers who do not like infidelity in their m/m books, this novel does have a few scenes of Ted having sex with people other than Scott. This occurs early on in the book while Ted and Scott are still fighting their attraction to one another. As a reader who despises cheating in romance novels, this action did not bother me, mainly because I knew why Ted was doing it and that the ‘cheating’ would not matter in the long run).
Lastly, we get to see into pack politics as Scott’s position as pack Alpha is threatened when everyone finds out he has a male mate. The climax of the book is Scott fighting another werewolf for control of the pack and Ted watching hoping his lover won’t die during the encounter. While you could see from a mile away what would happen during this fight, that doesn’t make it any less dramatic and interesting and that part of the plot was handled extremely well.
Overall, Bayou Dreams is a distinctive take on the werewolf genre, weaving complex and compelling characters together with ease. Lynn Lorenz’s style of writing was engaging and fun. I eagerly await the next installment so I can see who else in the wolf pack finds his mate. Recommended.
Reviews by Jessewave
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2017
Rating: 4.5 stars
I enjoyed this story and even when it was written over five years ago, it still has relevant points mixed with the shifter folklore. No marriage equality, yet, for them, but still possible down the road.
I enjoyed this story and even when it was written over five years ago, it still has relevant points mixed with the shifter folklore. No marriage equality, yet, for them, but still possible down the road.
November 3, 2012
I liked it, but I didn’t see anything special about it
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- This book does a better job of describing the irresistible mating pull than most other werewolf stories I’ve read.
- The sexual buildup and payoff are both quite good. I really believed in the desire and the physical passion between the two main characters. (see cons below also)
- The Louisiana setting, as well as the Cajun-flavored culture of the characters, amused me. The men are in a seemingly safe location at one point and hear something “[slip] into the water.” Ted is spooked, but Scott simply says, totally unconcerned, “Just a gator.”
CONS:
- The two men don’t know each other at all before they’re falling in love. (A common flaw in werewolf insta-mate stories.) As in, they’ve hardly had any conversations--and in none of them have the characters’ individual personalities emerged more than just the slightest bit. The sexual attraction is there, but I didn’t see much in the way of emotional affection. The “I love you”s at the end just didn’t seem believable to me.
- There’s some dialogue that comes across as a little stilted because it focuses too much on conveying important background information. In one of the first chapters, for example, Scott is talking to his mother and says, “I’m busy. I just got elected sheriff two years ago after Sheriff Cotteau retired, and I’m trying to focus on my career.” These may be things that readers don’t know, but his mother would certainly already be aware that Scott had been sheriff for about 2 years and that Sheriff Cotteau had retired.
- A couple of minor plot inconsistencies irked me. For instance, a fairly important part of the plot late in the book centers around the fact that Scott doesn’t have Ted’s cell phone number. But several chapters earlier, there’s this: “Scott shrugged. ‘I didn’t have your number to call and let you know.’ Ted pulled out his cell phone and they swapped numbers.”
Overall comments: I didn’t love this, but I thought it was fun. The story is well-paced, the characters are likeable, and there’s nothing halting or awkward about the writing. Not sure how long it will stick with me, but it was a nice diversion for an evening.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- This book does a better job of describing the irresistible mating pull than most other werewolf stories I’ve read.
- The sexual buildup and payoff are both quite good. I really believed in the desire and the physical passion between the two main characters. (see cons below also)
- The Louisiana setting, as well as the Cajun-flavored culture of the characters, amused me. The men are in a seemingly safe location at one point and hear something “[slip] into the water.” Ted is spooked, but Scott simply says, totally unconcerned, “Just a gator.”
CONS:
- The two men don’t know each other at all before they’re falling in love. (A common flaw in werewolf insta-mate stories.) As in, they’ve hardly had any conversations--and in none of them have the characters’ individual personalities emerged more than just the slightest bit. The sexual attraction is there, but I didn’t see much in the way of emotional affection. The “I love you”s at the end just didn’t seem believable to me.
- There’s some dialogue that comes across as a little stilted because it focuses too much on conveying important background information. In one of the first chapters, for example, Scott is talking to his mother and says, “I’m busy. I just got elected sheriff two years ago after Sheriff Cotteau retired, and I’m trying to focus on my career.” These may be things that readers don’t know, but his mother would certainly already be aware that Scott had been sheriff for about 2 years and that Sheriff Cotteau had retired.
- A couple of minor plot inconsistencies irked me. For instance, a fairly important part of the plot late in the book centers around the fact that Scott doesn’t have Ted’s cell phone number. But several chapters earlier, there’s this: “Scott shrugged. ‘I didn’t have your number to call and let you know.’ Ted pulled out his cell phone and they swapped numbers.”
Overall comments: I didn’t love this, but I thought it was fun. The story is well-paced, the characters are likeable, and there’s nothing halting or awkward about the writing. Not sure how long it will stick with me, but it was a nice diversion for an evening.
January 14, 2013
4.0 Stars
Scott Dupree is Sheriff of St. Jerome and alpha of his small werewolf pack. He is overdue to find a mate and his mother has taken to casting love spells for him. Scott has his hands full trying to keep the town and pack under control, let alone his urges to mate. Ted Canedo is openly gay and a disgraced ex-cop from New Orleans. His patrol partner was killed on duty and Ted took the blame for taking protection money from the store owner to save his partner’s wife and kids grief. No one knew Ted was in love with his partner, not even his partner. The full moon and Scott's mama's mojo combine to cause Ted erotic dreams; his work as a PI brings him to St. Jerome and sexy, straight Scott who is stunned to learn that his wolf is gay and wants to mate with Ted. Ted is terrified to risk his heart again by becoming involved with a straight man, much less a werewolf. Especially if it he has to watch Scott fight to the death for his right to claim Ted as his mate.
I liked this story. Ted's PI gig was more entertaining than I thought it would be. It was a nice backdrop for the story. I enjoyed both MCs although I was a little irritz about the whole I'm-not-gay-but-my-wolf-is. Once Scott hooked up with Ted, I think it was a moot point. I really liked some of the secondary characters, especially Peter and Darlene (Scott's mom). I didn't like that Ted let Peter blow him in the car. Even though he and Scott weren't yet together, let alone exclusive, it still riled me.
Bottom line: an enjoyable M/M werewolves romance read.
Scott Dupree is Sheriff of St. Jerome and alpha of his small werewolf pack. He is overdue to find a mate and his mother has taken to casting love spells for him. Scott has his hands full trying to keep the town and pack under control, let alone his urges to mate. Ted Canedo is openly gay and a disgraced ex-cop from New Orleans. His patrol partner was killed on duty and Ted took the blame for taking protection money from the store owner to save his partner’s wife and kids grief. No one knew Ted was in love with his partner, not even his partner. The full moon and Scott's mama's mojo combine to cause Ted erotic dreams; his work as a PI brings him to St. Jerome and sexy, straight Scott who is stunned to learn that his wolf is gay and wants to mate with Ted. Ted is terrified to risk his heart again by becoming involved with a straight man, much less a werewolf. Especially if it he has to watch Scott fight to the death for his right to claim Ted as his mate.
I liked this story. Ted's PI gig was more entertaining than I thought it would be. It was a nice backdrop for the story. I enjoyed both MCs although I was a little irritz about the whole I'm-not-gay-but-my-wolf-is. Once Scott hooked up with Ted, I think it was a moot point. I really liked some of the secondary characters, especially Peter and Darlene (Scott's mom). I didn't like that Ted let Peter blow him in the car. Even though he and Scott weren't yet together, let alone exclusive, it still riled me.
Bottom line: an enjoyable M/M werewolves romance read.
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