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The Pride #1
Blind Tiger
1924, Chicago. Prohibition is in full swing and gang bosses rule the city with might—and magic.
When Sam Cunningham flees his small-town life to try his luck in the big city of Chicago, he quickly finds himself in over his head in a world of gangs, glitz, and glamour. Fortunately, he has his cousin Eldon to teach him the trade of hex-making.
Everything changes the night Sam visits The Pride speakeasy and meets grumpy cheetah-shifter Alistair Gatti. After losing his first witch to the horrors of the World War, Alistair isn’t interested in any new entanglements, romantic or magical. Especially when said entanglement comes in the form of kind, innocent Sam.
When Eldon is brutally murdered, Sam becomes drawn into the dark underworld of the Chicago gangs. Sam must find the missing hex Eldon created for one of the crime bosses—before whoever killed Eldon comes back for him.
Together, Alistair and Sam begin the search for the mysterious hex, diving deep into the seedy side of Chicago’s underworld while dodging rival gangs. And as they come to rely on one another, Alistair realizes he’s falling for the one man he can’t afford to love.
When Sam Cunningham flees his small-town life to try his luck in the big city of Chicago, he quickly finds himself in over his head in a world of gangs, glitz, and glamour. Fortunately, he has his cousin Eldon to teach him the trade of hex-making.
Everything changes the night Sam visits The Pride speakeasy and meets grumpy cheetah-shifter Alistair Gatti. After losing his first witch to the horrors of the World War, Alistair isn’t interested in any new entanglements, romantic or magical. Especially when said entanglement comes in the form of kind, innocent Sam.
When Eldon is brutally murdered, Sam becomes drawn into the dark underworld of the Chicago gangs. Sam must find the missing hex Eldon created for one of the crime bosses—before whoever killed Eldon comes back for him.
Together, Alistair and Sam begin the search for the mysterious hex, diving deep into the seedy side of Chicago’s underworld while dodging rival gangs. And as they come to rely on one another, Alistair realizes he’s falling for the one man he can’t afford to love.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2021
67 people are currently reading
1379 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,638 followersJordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 15, 2021
4 I Shouldn't Be Surprised Stars
Admittedly, if this was from any other author, it would take an awful lot to persuade me to consider reading a book that contains several less favored tropes - the mob, the roaring 20’s, dead spouse/mate. However, I didn’t hesitate as this new series is from the author who brought us Whyborne and Griffin, and it didn’t do me wrong.
As per the blurb, Sam is a newcomer to flashy dangerous Chicago, escaping from his awful terrible family. He’s just grateful his equally disowned cousin Eldon has graciously taken him in, introducing him to the wonderful world of magic. When Sam shows a natural talent for creating spells he’s excited for a new life, and the last thing he expects is to be embroiled in a dangerous mystery when his poor cousin ends up murdered.
Thrust into the underground society where crime, evading prohibition laws, and turf wars are a dime a dozen, Sam meets Alistair, who helps run a “family” owned speakeasy named The Pride. Alistair and company are a group of much feared shifters, powerful witch familiars who wield their unique assets to be independent contractors, not necessarily favoring any particular mob boss but maintaining a neutrality that hangs on a very delicate balance.
Perhaps fortunately Sam only has Alister to turn to for help, and it’s a race against time to find the mysterious spell Eldon was killed for or their livelihood, perhaps their very lives, could be forfeit as powerful rival bosses put on the pressure.
What really makes this work is the unhurried character development of both Sam and Alister. Sam may be all wide eye innocence and naïveté, but his endearing soul has grit and determination. Alister has a tragic past because of course he does, and that lends a certain understandable vulnerability to him in putting up barriers as to not be hurt again. As they work together, it’s obvious their connection is magnetic, and each struggles with their feelings of inadequacy and fear.
For those who want/need to know, this is set after JLH’s Hexword creation but inhabits the same alternate universe. Having not read the aforementioned, I wasn’t confused or lost, and I’m now even more inspired to read the other series. JLH did a fantastic job at world building, focusing on the Chicago setting bringing that time period to life with the addition of magic and shifters. The action, the high stakes, the mystery - all played out quite nicely, and the romantic development was spot on with plausible progression. This easily kept my attention, and I look forward to more adventures and swoony love for Sam and Alistair, as well as any other supporting cast members who need their happy ending as well!
Admittedly, if this was from any other author, it would take an awful lot to persuade me to consider reading a book that contains several less favored tropes - the mob, the roaring 20’s, dead spouse/mate. However, I didn’t hesitate as this new series is from the author who brought us Whyborne and Griffin, and it didn’t do me wrong.
As per the blurb, Sam is a newcomer to flashy dangerous Chicago, escaping from his awful terrible family. He’s just grateful his equally disowned cousin Eldon has graciously taken him in, introducing him to the wonderful world of magic. When Sam shows a natural talent for creating spells he’s excited for a new life, and the last thing he expects is to be embroiled in a dangerous mystery when his poor cousin ends up murdered.
Thrust into the underground society where crime, evading prohibition laws, and turf wars are a dime a dozen, Sam meets Alistair, who helps run a “family” owned speakeasy named The Pride. Alistair and company are a group of much feared shifters, powerful witch familiars who wield their unique assets to be independent contractors, not necessarily favoring any particular mob boss but maintaining a neutrality that hangs on a very delicate balance.
Perhaps fortunately Sam only has Alister to turn to for help, and it’s a race against time to find the mysterious spell Eldon was killed for or their livelihood, perhaps their very lives, could be forfeit as powerful rival bosses put on the pressure.
What really makes this work is the unhurried character development of both Sam and Alister. Sam may be all wide eye innocence and naïveté, but his endearing soul has grit and determination. Alister has a tragic past because of course he does, and that lends a certain understandable vulnerability to him in putting up barriers as to not be hurt again. As they work together, it’s obvious their connection is magnetic, and each struggles with their feelings of inadequacy and fear.
For those who want/need to know, this is set after JLH’s Hexword creation but inhabits the same alternate universe. Having not read the aforementioned, I wasn’t confused or lost, and I’m now even more inspired to read the other series. JLH did a fantastic job at world building, focusing on the Chicago setting bringing that time period to life with the addition of magic and shifters. The action, the high stakes, the mystery - all played out quite nicely, and the romantic development was spot on with plausible progression. This easily kept my attention, and I look forward to more adventures and swoony love for Sam and Alistair, as well as any other supporting cast members who need their happy ending as well!
May 16, 2021
Audiobook - 5 ++++ stars
Story - 3.5 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
September 12, 2024
4 Stars
Occupying the same supernaturally-tinged alt-universe Hawk first created in his Hexworld series, Blind Tiger kicks-off a brand-spanking new standalone series I couldn’t wait to start!
Set in Chicago during the roaring twenties, this book is full of magic and intrigue, rivalling gangs and revenge plots, talented witches and their shifter familiars, and one unexpected (for the characters) but truly lovely romance that is marked in destiny.
This story had a bit of everything I was looking for, from the complex characters to the engaging mystery plot; to the slow-burn romance between human Sam (surprise, he’s a witch!) and a taciturn cheetah shifter named Alastair (who is secretly Sam’s destined familiar, shh!); to the very vivid and very immersive historically-themed, fantasy-inspired setting.
Unsurprisingly, it all came together to make for one really enjoyable read for me, and I can’t wait to see what happens next for Sam, Alastair and all their friends.
Occupying the same supernaturally-tinged alt-universe Hawk first created in his Hexworld series, Blind Tiger kicks-off a brand-spanking new standalone series I couldn’t wait to start!
Set in Chicago during the roaring twenties, this book is full of magic and intrigue, rivalling gangs and revenge plots, talented witches and their shifter familiars, and one unexpected (for the characters) but truly lovely romance that is marked in destiny.
This story had a bit of everything I was looking for, from the complex characters to the engaging mystery plot; to the slow-burn romance between human Sam (surprise, he’s a witch!) and a taciturn cheetah shifter named Alastair (who is secretly Sam’s destined familiar, shh!); to the very vivid and very immersive historically-themed, fantasy-inspired setting.
Unsurprisingly, it all came together to make for one really enjoyable read for me, and I can’t wait to see what happens next for Sam, Alastair and all their friends.
April 26, 2021
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!
WOW!! What a fabulous start to a new Hexworld series! 4.5 Roaring Stars!! 👏👏👏👏
Set in the Roaring 20’s:
Chicago
Speakeasy called “The Pride” (love this pun on more than one level!!)
Flappers
Jazz
Crazy cocktails
Big Cat familiars
One WWI vet cheetah familiar (sour puss)
One country bumpkin (Sammy Sam Sam)
Put them together and you get—well, nothing at first 😂😂
Wait a while and you have:
Murder
Threats
A shared bed 😱😍
Talks
Touches
Groans
What I loved:
Big Kitty Family—can I pet you??
Sammy Sam Sam growing in confidence
Sour Puss Alistair coming out of his shell
The mystery
The interaction between everyone—so good!
The setting!!! Chicago, mob bosses, and jazz!
Greg Tremblay KILLED this NARRATION!!
What I didn’t like:
The fact that the next book isn’t out yet 😩
My rec?? An enthusiastic YESSSSSSSS!
WOW!! What a fabulous start to a new Hexworld series! 4.5 Roaring Stars!! 👏👏👏👏
Set in the Roaring 20’s:
Chicago
Speakeasy called “The Pride” (love this pun on more than one level!!)
Flappers
Jazz
Crazy cocktails
Big Cat familiars
One WWI vet cheetah familiar (sour puss)
One country bumpkin (Sammy Sam Sam)
Put them together and you get—well, nothing at first 😂😂
Wait a while and you have:
Murder
Threats
A shared bed 😱😍
Talks
Touches
Groans
What I loved:
Big Kitty Family—can I pet you??
Sammy Sam Sam growing in confidence
Sour Puss Alistair coming out of his shell
The mystery
The interaction between everyone—so good!
The setting!!! Chicago, mob bosses, and jazz!
Greg Tremblay KILLED this NARRATION!!
What I didn’t like:
The fact that the next book isn’t out yet 😩
My rec?? An enthusiastic YESSSSSSSS!
December 20, 2024
3.5 stars
A promising start to a new series and it seems like the rest, the second book at least, will still focus on the same couple. I realized it only after finishing the book and it was a welcome surprise, because there’s still a lot for Alistair and Sam to figure out regarding their relationship and each other.
I have to say that I didn’t fall in love with the romance. The MCs are both fleshed-out and realistic characters, I liked them and their issues were completely explained and justified by their backgrounds and past experiences, but at times annoyed me a little, especially when they caused .
I did like how the author handled their dynamic, though, Sam was humble and a sweetheart but not a pushover and they complemented each other well. They also gave me some good laughs, which is always appreciated, but I’m still waiting for that It’s not nice to tease readers and not deliver. LOL
I would’ve preferred to skip the
I liked Alistair’s family—the Gatti surname was a nice touch LOL—Philip included, even though I really didn’t appreciate how It didn’t endear the character to me, but I’m keeping an open mind because he seemed nice otherwise.
Although I was already familiar with it from reading the Hexworld series, the magic system seemed clear and well-explained to me and the mystery kept me guessing. The plot was mostly self-contained, but there’s more than one hint at some possible future developments that make me look forward to the rest of the series.
I’ve been debating with myself if rounding up or down and in the end I decided to round up. Even though the romance wasn’t my favorite thing in this book, there were a ton of other things that I loved, from the , and if I can enjoy a romance so much despite my lukewarm feeling about the actual romance part, I think that’s more than enough reason to add that half-star.
As always, BRing makes it all that much better. Thank you to Gabi, Rosa and Shile for the company and excellent conversation. 😊
A promising start to a new series and it seems like the rest, the second book at least, will still focus on the same couple. I realized it only after finishing the book and it was a welcome surprise, because there’s still a lot for Alistair and Sam to figure out regarding their relationship and each other.
I have to say that I didn’t fall in love with the romance. The MCs are both fleshed-out and realistic characters, I liked them and their issues were completely explained and justified by their backgrounds and past experiences, but at times annoyed me a little, especially when they caused .
I did like how the author handled their dynamic, though, Sam was humble and a sweetheart but not a pushover and they complemented each other well. They also gave me some good laughs, which is always appreciated, but I’m still waiting for that It’s not nice to tease readers and not deliver. LOL
I would’ve preferred to skip the
I liked Alistair’s family—the Gatti surname was a nice touch LOL—Philip included, even though I really didn’t appreciate how It didn’t endear the character to me, but I’m keeping an open mind because he seemed nice otherwise.
Although I was already familiar with it from reading the Hexworld series, the magic system seemed clear and well-explained to me and the mystery kept me guessing. The plot was mostly self-contained, but there’s more than one hint at some possible future developments that make me look forward to the rest of the series.
I’ve been debating with myself if rounding up or down and in the end I decided to round up. Even though the romance wasn’t my favorite thing in this book, there were a ton of other things that I loved, from the , and if I can enjoy a romance so much despite my lukewarm feeling about the actual romance part, I think that’s more than enough reason to add that half-star.
As always, BRing makes it all that much better. Thank you to Gabi, Rosa and Shile for the company and excellent conversation. 😊
March 22, 2021
This book opens a new series in the Hexworld universe, with a novel Prohibition setting, and a pair of mismatched and appealing main characters. Alistair is a cheetah-shifter familiar, scarred by past losses and war experiences, slow to trust, and disdainful of ignorance.
Sam, who ran from emotionally abusive parents to stay with a cousin he barely knew, is an innocent, as well as ignorant. He shouldn't appeal to Alistair at all, except he does, and not just for magical reasons. When murder, a missing vital hex, and the big-cat familiars Alistair calls family come into the mix, the result is adventure, surprises, and a slow romance with a warm heart. These guys are each what the other needs, but first they have to survive the gangs of Chicago.
You wouldn't have to have read the other Hexworld books to follow this one, but the background worldbuilding would give a running start. The feel of this book, in its level of action, emotional engagement, and fantasy, is very similar to the other series, exciting but low to moderate angst, fascinating and fun.
Sam, who ran from emotionally abusive parents to stay with a cousin he barely knew, is an innocent, as well as ignorant. He shouldn't appeal to Alistair at all, except he does, and not just for magical reasons. When murder, a missing vital hex, and the big-cat familiars Alistair calls family come into the mix, the result is adventure, surprises, and a slow romance with a warm heart. These guys are each what the other needs, but first they have to survive the gangs of Chicago.
You wouldn't have to have read the other Hexworld books to follow this one, but the background worldbuilding would give a running start. The feel of this book, in its level of action, emotional engagement, and fantasy, is very similar to the other series, exciting but low to moderate angst, fascinating and fun.
March 21, 2021
3.5
Back in the Hexworld again. Furs and Feathers, finally. We changed from NY to Chicago but it's not only a change in scenery. There was a complete world war between the last time and the start of the new series, a war that sent the men back broken into a city ridden by corruption and a society caring more about prohibition than mental health but women can vote now and familiars have last names. Small steps in a world that only changed its color but not the bones.
As always when Hawk creates a world it's an atmospheric read and I was instantly drawn into the alternate 1920's Chicago. All those black and white movies with speakeasies, moonshine and jazz came to my mind and Blind Tiger fits in easily but is it only me missing the complexity of the original series with its darkness and conspiracy? Maybe I ask too much for a first book of a series and I'm certain Hawk is going to delivery and I will see Pride 1 in a different light after reading the next books of the series. It's everything there but the spark to make this world something special which doesn't have to hide behind its sister series.
So it's a good 3.5 and the reason why I didn't round up: I love Alistair and Sam as the unlikely couple they are and there are scenes between them where I can feel it but not all of them and the time when Alistair's finally saying his I love you it was nearly casually, en passant. So I'm looking forward to the next book while keeping my fingers crossed that Hawk didn't completely abandon NY.
Back in the Hexworld again. Furs and Feathers, finally. We changed from NY to Chicago but it's not only a change in scenery. There was a complete world war between the last time and the start of the new series, a war that sent the men back broken into a city ridden by corruption and a society caring more about prohibition than mental health but women can vote now and familiars have last names. Small steps in a world that only changed its color but not the bones.
As always when Hawk creates a world it's an atmospheric read and I was instantly drawn into the alternate 1920's Chicago. All those black and white movies with speakeasies, moonshine and jazz came to my mind and Blind Tiger fits in easily but is it only me missing the complexity of the original series with its darkness and conspiracy? Maybe I ask too much for a first book of a series and I'm certain Hawk is going to delivery and I will see Pride 1 in a different light after reading the next books of the series. It's everything there but the spark to make this world something special which doesn't have to hide behind its sister series.
So it's a good 3.5 and the reason why I didn't round up: I love Alistair and Sam as the unlikely couple they are and there are scenes between them where I can feel it but not all of them and the time when Alistair's finally saying his I love you it was nearly casually, en passant. So I'm looking forward to the next book while keeping my fingers crossed that Hawk didn't completely abandon NY.
May 15, 2021
I really liked the author's Hexworld series. I'm glad they decided to use this idea again and develop it into another series. Although I didn't like this book as much as the Hexworld series.
The characters are interesting and have a lot of potential. This author definitely likes tortured heroes. All characters always have some very tragic past. And so it is this time too - there are many dramatic events in Alistair and Sam's past. But they are good characters that are easy to like and that definitely have a certain depth to them.
The plot is also quite interesting. A lot is happening and there is no time to get bored. Although the mystery of Sam's cousin's death is not something that knocks you off your feet. But it's a solid story. Sam and Alistair are fascinated with each other from the beginning, but I like that they have a moment for their relationship to develop. Still, the forced closeness is an advantage of course. As for the fact that they are star-crossed lovers, they have at least some time to get to know each other.
As I mentioned, the idea is a continuation of the vision that the author used in his Hexworld series. I have always found the world created by the author very interesting and I like reading about it. I believe that it has a lot of potential, which the author proves by placing the action in times later than the original series. It works pretty well for me.
It looks like the next book will be about Alistair and Sam again. It surprised me. I thought that, like in Hexworld series, each book in the series will be about a different pair of characters. I prefer my heroes' story in MM romances to be confined to one book, so it's not something I'm waiting for. I just don't like going back to the exact same couple in this genre. But I like Alistair and Sam so I will probably read the next book in this series as well.
The characters are interesting and have a lot of potential. This author definitely likes tortured heroes. All characters always have some very tragic past. And so it is this time too - there are many dramatic events in Alistair and Sam's past. But they are good characters that are easy to like and that definitely have a certain depth to them.
The plot is also quite interesting. A lot is happening and there is no time to get bored. Although the mystery of Sam's cousin's death is not something that knocks you off your feet. But it's a solid story. Sam and Alistair are fascinated with each other from the beginning, but I like that they have a moment for their relationship to develop. Still, the forced closeness is an advantage of course. As for the fact that they are star-crossed lovers, they have at least some time to get to know each other.
As I mentioned, the idea is a continuation of the vision that the author used in his Hexworld series. I have always found the world created by the author very interesting and I like reading about it. I believe that it has a lot of potential, which the author proves by placing the action in times later than the original series. It works pretty well for me.
It looks like the next book will be about Alistair and Sam again. It surprised me. I thought that, like in Hexworld series, each book in the series will be about a different pair of characters. I prefer my heroes' story in MM romances to be confined to one book, so it's not something I'm waiting for. I just don't like going back to the exact same couple in this genre. But I like Alistair and Sam so I will probably read the next book in this series as well.
May 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
A good start to this series! Blind Tiger is in the same universe as Hexworld but takes place a couple decades later, in the prohibition era of the 1920's. I don't think you need to read the Hexslayer series, first, but I do think you'll get a better perspective on the whole witch/familiar thing and how it all works, if you do. Plus, Hexworld is an awesome series, so if you haven't read it, and you like magic and shifters, you definitely should check it out.
Alistair Gatti is definitely grumpy and kind of an asshole, but he'd also do anything for those he cares about. He reminded me of a combination of Nick and Jamie from Hexslayer. He's got the whole broody/grumpy assholish demeanor that Nick had (though not quite dialed up to 11), but he also purrs when he's with Sam and he wants to protect him. Alistair's also like Jamie in that war really changed him. He doesn't really feel worthy of love, anymore, and he sure doesn't feel like a hero just because he managed to come back alive. He's a bit jaded and closed off. He's entirely unprepared for Sam walking into his life.
Sam Cunningham is inexperienced and naive and insecure. He's got the biggest heart, too. His parents were abusive toward him, always telling him he wasn't worth anything and his older (deceased) brother was just so perfect, unlike Sam. Until Sam decided to leave without a word, going to Chicago to find a better life. It takes him a while to find his feet and his worth, but he gets there.
There were a couple things that kind of bugged me...I wasn't overly fond of the
I'm looking forward to the next book!
A good start to this series! Blind Tiger is in the same universe as Hexworld but takes place a couple decades later, in the prohibition era of the 1920's. I don't think you need to read the Hexslayer series, first, but I do think you'll get a better perspective on the whole witch/familiar thing and how it all works, if you do. Plus, Hexworld is an awesome series, so if you haven't read it, and you like magic and shifters, you definitely should check it out.
Alistair Gatti is definitely grumpy and kind of an asshole, but he'd also do anything for those he cares about. He reminded me of a combination of Nick and Jamie from Hexslayer. He's got the whole broody/grumpy assholish demeanor that Nick had (though not quite dialed up to 11), but he also purrs when he's with Sam and he wants to protect him. Alistair's also like Jamie in that war really changed him. He doesn't really feel worthy of love, anymore, and he sure doesn't feel like a hero just because he managed to come back alive. He's a bit jaded and closed off. He's entirely unprepared for Sam walking into his life.
Sam Cunningham is inexperienced and naive and insecure. He's got the biggest heart, too. His parents were abusive toward him, always telling him he wasn't worth anything and his older (deceased) brother was just so perfect, unlike Sam. Until Sam decided to leave without a word, going to Chicago to find a better life. It takes him a while to find his feet and his worth, but he gets there.
There were a couple things that kind of bugged me...I wasn't overly fond of the
I'm looking forward to the next book!
April 29, 2021
I read several books by Jordan L. Hawk previously, but I admit that at recent years I only focuses on her Hexworld universe and none of her other series because they either becoming repetitive or I just don't care about it. But yes, the Hexworld universe, I like! 🧡 Thus, I was curious about this one.
Well, as a start of a series, this looks promising!
Sam arrived in Chicago after leaving his family and hometown, staying with his cousin Eldon. Soon Sam ended up in the thrill and danger of Chicago during prohibition era, when Eldon was murdered.
Alistair recognized his witch immediately in Sam, but after losing his first one after the war, Alistair wasn't ready to bond with another one only to lose his heart in the process. However, he couldn't simply stay away from Sam, especially after Sam received an unwanted attention from a gangster that Eldon was involved with.
Well... grumpy vs. kind/sweet hero is one of my favorite pairings and I got this from cheetah-shifter Alistair Gatti and witch-in-the-making Sam Cunningham. Sam, especially, was precious little being! Sure, he was a bit naive and lack of confidence about himself... but I could immediately see that he had the potential to be great! I think being with the Gatti Pride will do him very good.
Alistair, well, he's the kind of that broken hero who doesn't want to open up his heart to another but loses the battle anyway? I wasn't very into Alistair because of course he would do something stupid in the name of "I thought it was the best for you!" reason. But at least he realized his mistakes... I expect to see him do better and step up for Sam.
I think this is a series that only features one couple ... based on the note about book #2 in the end of this book. I do hope that every book will have notable and significant character or arc development though. Especially since that series I abandoned from Hawk is the one with one couple for the whole series.
In the meantime, I look forward for the next book.
Well, as a start of a series, this looks promising!
Sam arrived in Chicago after leaving his family and hometown, staying with his cousin Eldon. Soon Sam ended up in the thrill and danger of Chicago during prohibition era, when Eldon was murdered.
Alistair recognized his witch immediately in Sam, but after losing his first one after the war, Alistair wasn't ready to bond with another one only to lose his heart in the process. However, he couldn't simply stay away from Sam, especially after Sam received an unwanted attention from a gangster that Eldon was involved with.
Well... grumpy vs. kind/sweet hero is one of my favorite pairings and I got this from cheetah-shifter Alistair Gatti and witch-in-the-making Sam Cunningham. Sam, especially, was precious little being! Sure, he was a bit naive and lack of confidence about himself... but I could immediately see that he had the potential to be great! I think being with the Gatti Pride will do him very good.
Alistair, well, he's the kind of that broken hero who doesn't want to open up his heart to another but loses the battle anyway? I wasn't very into Alistair because of course he would do something stupid in the name of "I thought it was the best for you!" reason. But at least he realized his mistakes... I expect to see him do better and step up for Sam.
I think this is a series that only features one couple ... based on the note about book #2 in the end of this book. I do hope that every book will have notable and significant character or arc development though. Especially since that series I abandoned from Hawk is the one with one couple for the whole series.
In the meantime, I look forward for the next book.
December 20, 2024
This is a good starting point for a series. I liked the ambiance and the magic system was interesting and original. I also liked the differences beteween other shifter stories I've read and this one.
I also liked the characters, they're well fleshed out, despite I've spend most of the book wanting to smack their heads into each other. They can be really exasperating. And the mystery, was interesting despite being a bit obvious in my opinion. Still, the way the author guides you through it make it a good reading.
And as always, this was much more interesting thanks to my fellow BReades, Ele, Gabi and Shile. I'm looking forward to read the second one with you all.
I also liked the characters, they're well fleshed out, despite I've spend most of the book wanting to smack their heads into each other. They can be really exasperating. And the mystery, was interesting despite being a bit obvious in my opinion. Still, the way the author guides you through it make it a good reading.
And as always, this was much more interesting thanks to my fellow BReades, Ele, Gabi and Shile. I'm looking forward to read the second one with you all.
dnf
March 28, 2021DNF 52%
I started this book four days ago and it's been quite the slog. I just don't think this author is my cuppa and this certainly isn't my favorite time period. I also found the system of magic underdeveloped and poorly explained. So... moving on.
I started this book four days ago and it's been quite the slog. I just don't think this author is my cuppa and this certainly isn't my favorite time period. I also found the system of magic underdeveloped and poorly explained. So... moving on.
August 1, 2025
“Alistair…it’s all right if you don’t want to bond. If you never do. But I’m not going to walk away and leave you behind.” “You say that now,” Alistair said. “I mean it.” Sam smiled, a small, sad smile. “You’ll see.”
4.5⭐️
Give me shifters, Prohibition, a different timeline in the 1920s where people can be who they want. Give me Chicago mafia, magic, and I am sat like a little duckling. That is for sure.
Blind Tiger is my first Jordan L Hawk book. I have been looking at their books for a while but never really knew where or what to pick up first. I am glad I chose this one.
The story of big thick Sam, who is shy and has been put down by his family, trying to become something or someone in Chicago while meeting everyone at the Blind Tiger, especially Eldon, is something I could slurp up all day long.
We do not have fated mates here. We have that is my witch and I am their familiar. Take that how you will. Either way, it is great.
This was a fantastic time. And some sexy time. I loved all the characters, especially our main family at the Blind Tiger. This is really just a found family book with mystery, murder, shape shifting, sex, witches, hexes, magic, and all that jazz. All the good stuff that makes you want to snuggle up under a blanket and read the entire thing in one sitting.
Loved it. Give me ten more just like it.
4.5⭐️
Give me shifters, Prohibition, a different timeline in the 1920s where people can be who they want. Give me Chicago mafia, magic, and I am sat like a little duckling. That is for sure.
Blind Tiger is my first Jordan L Hawk book. I have been looking at their books for a while but never really knew where or what to pick up first. I am glad I chose this one.
The story of big thick Sam, who is shy and has been put down by his family, trying to become something or someone in Chicago while meeting everyone at the Blind Tiger, especially Eldon, is something I could slurp up all day long.
We do not have fated mates here. We have that is my witch and I am their familiar. Take that how you will. Either way, it is great.
This was a fantastic time. And some sexy time. I loved all the characters, especially our main family at the Blind Tiger. This is really just a found family book with mystery, murder, shape shifting, sex, witches, hexes, magic, and all that jazz. All the good stuff that makes you want to snuggle up under a blanket and read the entire thing in one sitting.
Loved it. Give me ten more just like it.
March 25, 2021
I abandoned other series by this writer ( to me it got repetitive and should have ended long before it did ), but I could not resist the shifters, especially since I remember and expected the book to be well written. I have to say, I am not sure for how long I will stick with these books, but as a beginning of the series I really enjoyed it.
I have read and enjoyed several m/m romances set in the 1920s. Some were strictly historical, some historical fantasies, but the stories I read had been set in New York. This one is set in Chicago during prohibition and it was just such a delightful fun to get lost in that time plus some magic added to the mix.
At the end of the book the author talks a little bit about some places and events mentioned in the book and you can see that he did a lot of research, which I always appreciate and this book is no exception. Even more so, since this one has clear fantastical elements - shifters ( huge attraction for me, if done well, and in this book I think it was done very well) and magic. Now, I was kinda underwhelmed by the actual magic done but I do wonder if it was by design. The actual magic in this book, the one we saw so far anyway requires a lot of labor involved from the hexmen. Those are people who are able to design hexes that do different things and they sell/give it to other people who are able to work with hexes created by somebody else.
We also have witches and they bond with familiars and clearly this is a very important part of the magical world in this book. After I finished the book, I am still not sure whether witches are by definition able to create hexes, not just work with them or those are two different things . I am also assuming that bond increases the strength of witch and familiar as magical beings, but again I am not sure what it is that they actually can do. Hopefully next books will show us that.
Yes, we do have the beginning of the romance between Alistair and Sam. Alistair is a grumpy, but easy to like guy who was hurt in the past and lost his witch and Sam is your country innocent who was also hurt but in a different way. I liked them both lots even if they did not always behaved in the smartest way possible, but their behavior made sense to me and I thought they had nice chemistry and I am looking to reading more adventures about them.
In this book besides falling in love with each other the men are involved in investigating the murder of Sam's cousin who showed Sam how to create his first hexes. I liked the suspense part of the plot, it was fun, but it was super easy for me to figure out who was the villain.
Grade:B
I have read and enjoyed several m/m romances set in the 1920s. Some were strictly historical, some historical fantasies, but the stories I read had been set in New York. This one is set in Chicago during prohibition and it was just such a delightful fun to get lost in that time plus some magic added to the mix.
At the end of the book the author talks a little bit about some places and events mentioned in the book and you can see that he did a lot of research, which I always appreciate and this book is no exception. Even more so, since this one has clear fantastical elements - shifters ( huge attraction for me, if done well, and in this book I think it was done very well) and magic. Now, I was kinda underwhelmed by the actual magic done but I do wonder if it was by design. The actual magic in this book, the one we saw so far anyway requires a lot of labor involved from the hexmen. Those are people who are able to design hexes that do different things and they sell/give it to other people who are able to work with hexes created by somebody else.
We also have witches and they bond with familiars and clearly this is a very important part of the magical world in this book. After I finished the book, I am still not sure whether witches are by definition able to create hexes, not just work with them or those are two different things . I am also assuming that bond increases the strength of witch and familiar as magical beings, but again I am not sure what it is that they actually can do. Hopefully next books will show us that.
Yes, we do have the beginning of the romance between Alistair and Sam. Alistair is a grumpy, but easy to like guy who was hurt in the past and lost his witch and Sam is your country innocent who was also hurt but in a different way. I liked them both lots even if they did not always behaved in the smartest way possible, but their behavior made sense to me and I thought they had nice chemistry and I am looking to reading more adventures about them.
In this book besides falling in love with each other the men are involved in investigating the murder of Sam's cousin who showed Sam how to create his first hexes. I liked the suspense part of the plot, it was fun, but it was super easy for me to figure out who was the villain.
Grade:B
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2021
The author takes us back into the wonderfully crafted Hexworld universe but shifts the time-frame forward by a couple of decades into prohibition-era Chicago. There's a slow-burn romance between a war-ravaged cheetah-shifting Alistair and a emotionally abused Sam (brimming with low-self-esteem). They are surrounded by a found-family of big cat shifting secondary characters and their associated loved ones/witches ... running an illegal speakeasy (said titular blind tiger) operation that's caught up in an escalating gangland warfare between two (or possibly more) territorial crime-lords.
There was much to like about both MCs but there were definite moments when I wanted to smack them for their self-sabotaging thinking and behaviors (Alistair more than Sam). I'm particularly fond of secondary characters Holly (chanteuse) and the mysteriously scarred Reinhold. A great start to a new series and I'm definitely looking out for the next installment.
There was much to like about both MCs but there were definite moments when I wanted to smack them for their self-sabotaging thinking and behaviors (Alistair more than Sam). I'm particularly fond of secondary characters Holly (chanteuse) and the mysteriously scarred Reinhold. A great start to a new series and I'm definitely looking out for the next installment.
July 21, 2021
YES, YES, YES!
I loved everything about this story, the characters, the plot, the twists (though there weren't many). I've found that I really enjoy books set in the 20s era and this one really hits the sweet spot.
I'll eagerly wait for the sequel
I loved everything about this story, the characters, the plot, the twists (though there weren't many). I've found that I really enjoy books set in the 20s era and this one really hits the sweet spot.
I'll eagerly wait for the sequel
March 31, 2021
I like this world but I didn't feel a connection to the couple and didn't really buy the romance.
March 16, 2021
Very promising start to a new series. Didn't knock me over the way Widdershins did, but that was my first book by JLH and I was so thrilled to find a new author who pushed all of the right buttons for me. The Roaring (lol) 20's is always an interesting time period, and the diverse set of secondary characters in The Pride add a lot of richness to the story. I feel like the grumpy/soft combination has been done many times, but Hawk has just started to scratch the surface of Alastair and Sam's fledgling relationship, and I have faith that he will add more nuance and complexity as the series progresses (who would have thought that Griffin was the designated problem child when Widdershins began?). And although the book is set in a different city and decades later than the Hexworld series, one can always hope that an older but still sexy Cicero from Hexbreaker will make a cameo appearance someday.
Keep on roaring, Jordan. There will always be an audience for imaginative queer paranormal romances featuring MCs who don't realize they are awesome, and the found families who accept them as they are.
Keep on roaring, Jordan. There will always be an audience for imaginative queer paranormal romances featuring MCs who don't realize they are awesome, and the found families who accept them as they are.
April 26, 2021
4.5 Stars
Hawk was my introduction to the MM genre and every since I’ve devoured his works and loved every one of them. While it’s not required, I think the reader gets more enjoyment out of this one if they read the Hexworld series first, so that you can really understand the witch and familiar world. Not only was this book one of my favorite authors, but it threw us into one of my favorite time periods (and took away all homophobia from the time which was just complete icing to me). I really enjoyed the start of this new series, loved both of our MCs, and can’t wait to see more stories set in the same world!
Hawk was my introduction to the MM genre and every since I’ve devoured his works and loved every one of them. While it’s not required, I think the reader gets more enjoyment out of this one if they read the Hexworld series first, so that you can really understand the witch and familiar world. Not only was this book one of my favorite authors, but it threw us into one of my favorite time periods (and took away all homophobia from the time which was just complete icing to me). I really enjoyed the start of this new series, loved both of our MCs, and can’t wait to see more stories set in the same world!
October 10, 2024
The most important thing to know about BLIND TIGER is that Sam is the purest, softest MC and he must be protected at all costs. I loved Sam so much and watching him navigate the illicit, sexy, and sometimes dangerous world of Chicago speakeasies was so much fun. He just revels in all his new experiences and is welcoming to everyone he meets.
I'll admit I didn't completely feel the chemistry between Sam and Alistair but I did adore the way Alistair always boosted Sam's confidence and helped show him his worth. Even at his grumpiest, Alistair never lets Sam put himself down or believe the hurtful things Sam's parents used to say to him.
I'll be curious to see where Sam and Alistair's story goes next.
Content Warning: references to suicide, wartime violence, PTSD, death of a sibling; Sam's parents were mentally and emotionally abusive
I'll admit I didn't completely feel the chemistry between Sam and Alistair but I did adore the way Alistair always boosted Sam's confidence and helped show him his worth. Even at his grumpiest, Alistair never lets Sam put himself down or believe the hurtful things Sam's parents used to say to him.
I'll be curious to see where Sam and Alistair's story goes next.
Content Warning: references to suicide, wartime violence, PTSD, death of a sibling; Sam's parents were mentally and emotionally abusive
March 30, 2021
You know that moment when you open a brand new box of chocolates and you don't want to start them because you know that even though you'll love every one of them, that they will go too fast?
Yep. This was Blind Tiger. I didn't want to start, but I wanted to start, then I wanted to delay the deliciousness, then I wanted to devour it in one sitting... the start of a new Jordan L Hawk series is always exciting, add in hexes, and shifters, and a country boy in the city and I loved every minute of it.
Roll on, book 2...
Is it here yet?
Yep. This was Blind Tiger. I didn't want to start, but I wanted to start, then I wanted to delay the deliciousness, then I wanted to devour it in one sitting... the start of a new Jordan L Hawk series is always exciting, add in hexes, and shifters, and a country boy in the city and I loved every minute of it.
Roll on, book 2...
Is it here yet?
April 25, 2021
Sorry, I couldn't get into the characters [no connection, insta-love] or the story. Won’t be taking this series any further. 😕
February 21, 2023
Review audiobook
So, I loved this the first time but re-reading or listening was maybe not the best idea.
I was waiting all the time for Alistair to screw up.
Nevertheless, I want the second book!!@@
First review
oh this was fun to read! such a delightful first book in a real promising new series.
and i really loved the world building. the setting in the 1920s is very interesting and there is a bit of a different take on witches and familiars, which would be interesting to get more information on as till now the differences between hexmakers and witches and normals are not so clear. but that is just a minor detail.
both characters are well drawn, with a strong history and I loved how their relationship developed. I also liked the Pride crew - although not sure about Simon. who offers such a thing to the boyfriend of his brother????
it also is a bit confusing that at first they are portraied as such a close-knitted group, but later on Alistair is described more of a loner (maybe just because it fits the story better)
can't wait to get my hands on the next book
So, I loved this the first time but re-reading or listening was maybe not the best idea.
I was waiting all the time for Alistair to screw up.
Nevertheless, I want the second book!!@@
First review
oh this was fun to read! such a delightful first book in a real promising new series.
and i really loved the world building. the setting in the 1920s is very interesting and there is a bit of a different take on witches and familiars, which would be interesting to get more information on as till now the differences between hexmakers and witches and normals are not so clear. but that is just a minor detail.
both characters are well drawn, with a strong history and I loved how their relationship developed. I also liked the Pride crew - although not sure about Simon. who offers such a thing to the boyfriend of his brother????
it also is a bit confusing that at first they are portraied as such a close-knitted group, but later on Alistair is described more of a loner (maybe just because it fits the story better)
can't wait to get my hands on the next book
March 19, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Blind Tiger is the first book in Jordan L. Hawk’s new The Pride series and things start off really well here. The story takes place in Chicago during Prohibition and is set amidst the gangs and speakeasies of the era. The series is also set in the same world as Hawk’s Hexworld series, with witches and their familiars and the hex-fueled magic. However, there is no law enforcement component here (in fact, Alistair and his family are on the wrong side of the liquor laws) and the book is set in a different city with no overlapping characters (at least so far). Hawk does a great job explaining all the world building aspects, so you definitely don’t need to have read Hexworld to enjoy this story. But, of course, fans of that series will likely appreciate getting a chance to revisit the world (and the series is fabulous and well worth reading).
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Blind Tiger is the first book in Jordan L. Hawk’s new The Pride series and things start off really well here. The story takes place in Chicago during Prohibition and is set amidst the gangs and speakeasies of the era. The series is also set in the same world as Hawk’s Hexworld series, with witches and their familiars and the hex-fueled magic. However, there is no law enforcement component here (in fact, Alistair and his family are on the wrong side of the liquor laws) and the book is set in a different city with no overlapping characters (at least so far). Hawk does a great job explaining all the world building aspects, so you definitely don’t need to have read Hexworld to enjoy this story. But, of course, fans of that series will likely appreciate getting a chance to revisit the world (and the series is fabulous and well worth reading).
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 8, 2021
I loved this start to a new series!! Sam is average but so sweet even after the abuse of his family. Alistair is prickly for good reason but still mostly kind to Sam. I loved seeing them together. I loved the setting and although this book tackles many different problems and issues, I could feel the love the Gattis had for each other in their little family. I am so looking forward to more in this world.
March 23, 2021
I didn't love this one, but I did enjoy it a lot.
So this book has a few major elements. Sam has very low self-esteem, due to parental abuse. I see a lot of myself in this character and can relate to his experience and outlook easily. It was satisfying to see him finding a place for himself in the world and slowly overcoming some of his problems. I look forward to seeing him grow over the course of the series.
I also really like the new setting, speakeasies in Prohibition-era Chicago, and I'm glad Hawk will be bringing us back to this world. As always with his books, there is a lot of flavor, and I really felt immersed.
The romance is pretty good. I like Alistair a lot too, and the plot of his not wanting to take another chance is believable and heartfelt. There is a lot of cuddling in the first half and I always enjoy that. There was something missing for me, though, and I can't really articulate it. They have a small argument right after they finally get together, and while their positions in the argument make sense for their characters, the emotional tone feels out of place. A pacing issue, maybe.
The main plot about the murder and gangs didn't really capture my attention. I also didn't really get a feel for most of the side characters, except Wanda and Holly. I am not sure why there are so many people in the Gatti family, from a reading standpoint, and I had trouble keeping track of who was who. I don't remember right now what specific cats the siblings turn into, or all of the characters who were in the war. But I'm sure we'll learn more about these interesting characters down the road.
This world felt almost queernormative this time, more like our world, in which there are still phobic people, but being queer is not remarkable in some places. I don't know if that is the nature of Hexworld in the 1920s or the real situation in this neighborhood of Chicago at that time, or only 1920s Hexworld Chicago. But homophobia does not play much of a role in Sam and Alistair's lives, from internal or external sources. Sam's religious upbringing seems like it was joyless overall and more anti-magic than anything else.
So this book has a few major elements. Sam has very low self-esteem, due to parental abuse. I see a lot of myself in this character and can relate to his experience and outlook easily. It was satisfying to see him finding a place for himself in the world and slowly overcoming some of his problems. I look forward to seeing him grow over the course of the series.
I also really like the new setting, speakeasies in Prohibition-era Chicago, and I'm glad Hawk will be bringing us back to this world. As always with his books, there is a lot of flavor, and I really felt immersed.
The romance is pretty good. I like Alistair a lot too, and the plot of his not wanting to take another chance is believable and heartfelt. There is a lot of cuddling in the first half and I always enjoy that. There was something missing for me, though, and I can't really articulate it. They have a small argument right after they finally get together, and while their positions in the argument make sense for their characters, the emotional tone feels out of place. A pacing issue, maybe.
The main plot about the murder and gangs didn't really capture my attention. I also didn't really get a feel for most of the side characters, except Wanda and Holly. I am not sure why there are so many people in the Gatti family, from a reading standpoint, and I had trouble keeping track of who was who. I don't remember right now what specific cats the siblings turn into, or all of the characters who were in the war. But I'm sure we'll learn more about these interesting characters down the road.
This world felt almost queernormative this time, more like our world, in which there are still phobic people, but being queer is not remarkable in some places. I don't know if that is the nature of Hexworld in the 1920s or the real situation in this neighborhood of Chicago at that time, or only 1920s Hexworld Chicago. But homophobia does not play much of a role in Sam and Alistair's lives, from internal or external sources. Sam's religious upbringing seems like it was joyless overall and more anti-magic than anything else.
May 5, 2025
Not a chore to read, pretty good plot. There are some emotional beats the author failed to address in two critical moments in the second half. That's always disappointing in a romance--isn't that the point of them?
I've read a few other novels by this author, set in this universe. I quite liked Hexbreaker, for instance, though that was eight years ago, and needs change with experience, so I wonder if I'd still give it five stars... Anyway. This one's fine, the prose is okay, the two main characters done well enough that I blinked at tears in the final scene. I'll read the next one as I already own it. Maybe it will be a bit better put together.
I've read a few other novels by this author, set in this universe. I quite liked Hexbreaker, for instance, though that was eight years ago, and needs change with experience, so I wonder if I'd still give it five stars... Anyway. This one's fine, the prose is okay, the two main characters done well enough that I blinked at tears in the final scene. I'll read the next one as I already own it. Maybe it will be a bit better put together.
May 21, 2021
I love this author. So this is set in the Hexworld Series world & is a great start. Alistar is a WWI cheetah vet who lost his witch after the warto suicide. Sam runs from a horrible family live and ends up staying with his cousin who ends up being murdered. His cousin Eldon is a hexmaker & was doing some shady dealings. When Alistar sees Sam, he knows that he is his witch, but refuses to bond with him. Now they are trying to find out who killed Eldon, find a missing hex & dance around each other.
August 1, 2024
4.5 stars
This was my first time listening to this story, but the third time experiencing it! Loved it even more with Greg’s narration!!
My only complaint was the “I know what you really want/need even though you said otherwise” attitude Alistair had at times towards Sam, but it all worked out in the end. I’m so looking forward to book two when it comes out!
This was my first time listening to this story, but the third time experiencing it! Loved it even more with Greg’s narration!!
My only complaint was the “I know what you really want/need even though you said otherwise” attitude Alistair had at times towards Sam, but it all worked out in the end. I’m so looking forward to book two when it comes out!
July 13, 2021
Great addition to the Hex world
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