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Goat shifters in love! Brave goats, wicked fae, and a cursed castle
Supernatural historian and goat shifter Adiel Nielson moved to Fox Hollow to write about the town's unique history as a haven for shifters and psychics. He never expects to encounter the cute guy he flirted with at a rest stop—or to discover that Joel is a shifter as well—and the photographer assigned to his project.
Sparks fly between them, but a misunderstanding threatens their relationship. Then Joel disappears, taken by the fae, and Adiel is the only one who can rescue him.
Nothing tests true love like a fight to the death against three faerie monsters!
Gruff is a suspenseful MM paranormal romance mystery-adventure full of sexy shifters, adorable fainting goats, hurt/comfort, second chance love, age gap attraction, sincere psychics, scary faeries, protective squirrels, found family, and fated mates.
Gruff takes place in the town of Fox Hollow but can be read as a stand-alone from the other Fox Hollow books.
Supernatural historian and goat shifter Adiel Nielson moved to Fox Hollow to write about the town's unique history as a haven for shifters and psychics. He never expects to encounter the cute guy he flirted with at a rest stop—or to discover that Joel is a shifter as well—and the photographer assigned to his project.
Sparks fly between them, but a misunderstanding threatens their relationship. Then Joel disappears, taken by the fae, and Adiel is the only one who can rescue him.
Nothing tests true love like a fight to the death against three faerie monsters!
Gruff is a suspenseful MM paranormal romance mystery-adventure full of sexy shifters, adorable fainting goats, hurt/comfort, second chance love, age gap attraction, sincere psychics, scary faeries, protective squirrels, found family, and fated mates.
Gruff takes place in the town of Fox Hollow but can be read as a stand-alone from the other Fox Hollow books.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2021
45 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Brice
50 books608 followersMorgan Brice writes Urban Fantasy M/M Paranormal Romance with lots of magic, spooky stuff, and sexy men.
Pen name of author Gail Z. Martin.
Pen name of author Gail Z. Martin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 31, 2021
This was fun, with a pair of goat-shifters who flirted as supposed humans, and are surprised to encounter each other again in a shifter town. Adiel is gruffer, Joel more nervous and inexperienced, gun-shy from a bad past relationship, but their attraction is immediate and hard to resist. The interaction of their human and animal selves in the book was a highlight.
Despite some bits of darker backstory and a bit more threat in the second half of the plot, it still reads fast and light, with a warm ending. There could have been more time spent getting to know each other (and time spent in fur), and there's a bit of misunderstanding as plot, but this had enough unique or amusing touches to be an enjoyable read.
Despite some bits of darker backstory and a bit more threat in the second half of the plot, it still reads fast and light, with a warm ending. There could have been more time spent getting to know each other (and time spent in fur), and there's a bit of misunderstanding as plot, but this had enough unique or amusing touches to be an enjoyable read.
October 9, 2021
Two goat shifters working together on a project. One is a photographer, the other a historian with a focus on supernatural things. The attraction is instant.
Joel’s ex was abusive emotionally and verbally, the scars are hurting. Joel easily faints when he’s nervous or anxious. Adiel and Joel their inner goats are way clever than they are, they recognize their mate.
Quite gingerly they start a sort of relationship, only, trust issues and bad relationships ended them before they could really start.
When Joel got in the hands of faeries, the bad ones, Adiel can prove how much he means to him by saving him.
Quite a sweet story, not sensational but fun to read, there is some action and it’s nicely written.
Joel’s ex was abusive emotionally and verbally, the scars are hurting. Joel easily faints when he’s nervous or anxious. Adiel and Joel their inner goats are way clever than they are, they recognize their mate.
Quite gingerly they start a sort of relationship, only, trust issues and bad relationships ended them before they could really start.
When Joel got in the hands of faeries, the bad ones, Adiel can prove how much he means to him by saving him.
Quite a sweet story, not sensational but fun to read, there is some action and it’s nicely written.
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August 11, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/11/2021)! 🎁
August 22, 2021
This was surprisingly delightful. I wasn't sure what to expect, other than goats being involved, but I was wonderfully surprised. This was an incredibly sweet story. It appears as part of the fox hollow series, but it does manage to stand alone.
I'm feeling iffy and maybe not stating my ideas the best, but this book is good company when you're ill and want to take your mind off it but don't have the brainpower to go through an overly complex story. It's that good balance between simple and unpredictable
I'm feeling iffy and maybe not stating my ideas the best, but this book is good company when you're ill and want to take your mind off it but don't have the brainpower to go through an overly complex story. It's that good balance between simple and unpredictable
August 24, 2021
1.75⭐️
When historian and Boer goat shifter Adiel stops to get gas on his way to Fox Hollow, he doesn’t expect to catch the flirtatious eye of an attractive twink, for said twink to play a game of road tag with him, or for his thoughts to be almost completely obsessed by him. When hot twink happens to be the photographer hired to work with him to chronicle Fox Hollow's supernatural sites and people and seems to share his attraction, Adiel is alternately elated and dismayed. It’s risky enough hooking up with coworker, hooking up with a coworker as gorgeous and free-spirited as his cheating ex screams disaster. Joel, a Tennessee fainting goat, feels the same way except his baggage comes from his ex always accusing him of cheating. Each man’s goat, however, shares no such hesitation and recognizes their mate. When their insecurities lead them into danger, the only thing that can save them is learning to trust themselves and their fated love.
This story just didn’t work for me. I have a complicated relationship with Brice’s writing; I admire her enthusiasm for the genre and usually the worldbuilding and lore in her stories. Where I tend to struggle is execution. Sometimes, the humor falls flat; or the writing is a bit sloppy in its repeated beats or choppy pacing. But the most prevalent culprit is that, as imaginative as her work can be, she has a tendency to use “the big misunderstanding” in the most obvious, unimaginative ways. And I hate to say it, but her worst tendencies are present here. “Gruff” is a short novel that doesn’t use its time wisely; e.g. there’s almost as much time spent on Adiel “chubbing up” thinking about the jailbait-looking stranger and Joel’s perspective of their tag game as there is with them on their only date. The story relies so heavily on them being fated mates, they’ve fallen in love after a few interactions.
To be fair, everything in this story is pretty insta: insta ride-or-die friendship, insta-oh these things are definitely what you’ll be facing, etc., while too much time is given to try-hard banter, repetitive inner monologues and unnecessary conversations. Moreover, Joel and Adiel are too similar in their insecurities (which is the bulk of their personality development)—both are out of touch with their beast, want to settle down but feel inadequate, had a long term relationship that created the perfectly opposite baggage to explode in their faces for the BM trope, etc., making new information feel redundant. Imo, the other Fox Hollow entries are much more engaging and entertaining.
When historian and Boer goat shifter Adiel stops to get gas on his way to Fox Hollow, he doesn’t expect to catch the flirtatious eye of an attractive twink, for said twink to play a game of road tag with him, or for his thoughts to be almost completely obsessed by him. When hot twink happens to be the photographer hired to work with him to chronicle Fox Hollow's supernatural sites and people and seems to share his attraction, Adiel is alternately elated and dismayed. It’s risky enough hooking up with coworker, hooking up with a coworker as gorgeous and free-spirited as his cheating ex screams disaster. Joel, a Tennessee fainting goat, feels the same way except his baggage comes from his ex always accusing him of cheating. Each man’s goat, however, shares no such hesitation and recognizes their mate. When their insecurities lead them into danger, the only thing that can save them is learning to trust themselves and their fated love.
This story just didn’t work for me. I have a complicated relationship with Brice’s writing; I admire her enthusiasm for the genre and usually the worldbuilding and lore in her stories. Where I tend to struggle is execution. Sometimes, the humor falls flat; or the writing is a bit sloppy in its repeated beats or choppy pacing. But the most prevalent culprit is that, as imaginative as her work can be, she has a tendency to use “the big misunderstanding” in the most obvious, unimaginative ways. And I hate to say it, but her worst tendencies are present here. “Gruff” is a short novel that doesn’t use its time wisely; e.g. there’s almost as much time spent on Adiel “chubbing up” thinking about the jailbait-looking stranger and Joel’s perspective of their tag game as there is with them on their only date. The story relies so heavily on them being fated mates, they’ve fallen in love after a few interactions.
To be fair, everything in this story is pretty insta: insta ride-or-die friendship, insta-oh these things are definitely what you’ll be facing, etc., while too much time is given to try-hard banter, repetitive inner monologues and unnecessary conversations. Moreover, Joel and Adiel are too similar in their insecurities (which is the bulk of their personality development)—both are out of touch with their beast, want to settle down but feel inadequate, had a long term relationship that created the perfectly opposite baggage to explode in their faces for the BM trope, etc., making new information feel redundant. Imo, the other Fox Hollow entries are much more engaging and entertaining.
August 21, 2021
Gruff is the first book I have read in Morgan Brice's Fox Hollow series. The story is a very novel take on shifters, at least for me. The characters communicate with their animal half as if it is a separate being not just a different form of the same being. Goat shifters are also different from the norm. Joel and Adiel see each other at a gas station and are surprised to end up working together on a research project. Both suffered betrayals from past partners. This combined with the fact that they are working together makes them wary of starting a new relationship. This is a fated mates story, so Adiel and Joel (or at least their goats) realize they are meant to be together. Despite a misunderstanding, they reach a very satisfying HEA.
The fact that this is not the first book in the series did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I did not feel like I was missing necessary information. The couples from previous books play a role but their background stories are not mentioned so there are no spoilers. I will definitely be reading more of this series.
The fact that this is not the first book in the series did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I did not feel like I was missing necessary information. The couples from previous books play a role but their background stories are not mentioned so there are no spoilers. I will definitely be reading more of this series.
December 25, 2021
★ Read when it was part of the Fables Retold Anthology (Retelling: Three Billy Goats Gruff) ★
August 12, 2021
This was a sweet, steamy read featuring two very interesting goats, looking for their forever.
Joel and Adiel’s goats were sassy, snarky and entertaining.
Fantastic book!
“I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Joel and Adiel’s goats were sassy, snarky and entertaining.
Fantastic book!
“I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
August 10, 2021
I just can't get enough of Fox Hollow and the people who live there! Joel and Adiel are perfect additions to the town and their story was adorable. I love how Morgan Brice uses fated mates to explain the attraction and connection between characters, but she doesn't use fated mates to make every problem disapear. Joel and Adiel still had their baggage to work through. And this couple came closer to blowing it than any other so far. But don't worry, you are going to love the journey to their HEA.
October 4, 2021
This story features a romance centered around two goat shifters. Leave it to Ms. Brice to make this storyline so believable, sexy, and funny! The town of Fox Hollow she has created is full of unique shifters, from wolves to cats. Not only is it safe for shifters to be themselves, but this little sanctuary is also LGBTQA+ friendly. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but you will enjoy any visit you can make to Fox Hollow.
This particular story centers around Adiel, who is a supernatural historian. He has received a grant to chronicle the unique history of Fox Hollow. Adiel is a fairly reserved man with a solid work ethic. His newly hired photographer partner, Joel, is a natural with his art, and the two men feel an instant pull towards each other. Both were drawn to Fox Hollow for more than the grant with its fascinating subject matter. Adiel and Joel are both shifters themselves. What a coincidence to find they both turn into goats.
I loved how the inner goat of the men communicates with them. It was adorable reading about their back-and-forth banter. To add to the humor, Joe’s particular goat is the type that faints. It’s more like his body going rigid and unable to move, yet he is completely aware of his surroundings. This seems to happen to Joel at very inconvenient times.
The chemistry was solid and intense. The two together were perfect, but a little bit of self-doubt boils over and creates quite a bit of angst for both of our goats, I mean men! Instalove all the way, but it made sense in the story, so it worked.
There is an intense climax to the story, where they learn to trust what is important and toss aside their worst fears. Fun, quirky, and at times frightening, this shifter romance just plain worked. You will love the unique world created by Ms. Brice, including a super intimidating squirrel shifter and a community that takes care of each other. I highly recommend the story and hope you give it a try. Happy reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement ***
This particular story centers around Adiel, who is a supernatural historian. He has received a grant to chronicle the unique history of Fox Hollow. Adiel is a fairly reserved man with a solid work ethic. His newly hired photographer partner, Joel, is a natural with his art, and the two men feel an instant pull towards each other. Both were drawn to Fox Hollow for more than the grant with its fascinating subject matter. Adiel and Joel are both shifters themselves. What a coincidence to find they both turn into goats.
I loved how the inner goat of the men communicates with them. It was adorable reading about their back-and-forth banter. To add to the humor, Joe’s particular goat is the type that faints. It’s more like his body going rigid and unable to move, yet he is completely aware of his surroundings. This seems to happen to Joel at very inconvenient times.
The chemistry was solid and intense. The two together were perfect, but a little bit of self-doubt boils over and creates quite a bit of angst for both of our goats, I mean men! Instalove all the way, but it made sense in the story, so it worked.
There is an intense climax to the story, where they learn to trust what is important and toss aside their worst fears. Fun, quirky, and at times frightening, this shifter romance just plain worked. You will love the unique world created by Ms. Brice, including a super intimidating squirrel shifter and a community that takes care of each other. I highly recommend the story and hope you give it a try. Happy reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement ***
August 20, 2021
Gruff is a good addition to the Fox Hollow world. I really love the mix of beings that includes shifters, witches, psychics and more. This time sees two newcomers to the small town who are there to help document the town's varied history. Adiel is perfect with a PhD in the history of supernatural phenomena and Joel's work photographing ruins, abandoned buildings etc, is great for looking at historic sights around the area.
The two are attracted to each other the first time they lock eyes over their car roofs at tla gas station. Neither had any idea that they'd soon see each other again miles down the road, now working together for the next year. They also both have their shifter halves talking about mates which is confusing them each further. Each man has reason to be wary with past relationships ending badly for them but their connection isn't one that can't be denied. However, assumptions never work out well and one thing leads to another with a rescue being launched as the fae have grabbed an unwitting person.
Joel and Adiel have obviously been hurt in the past. Theirs is a wary relationship that takes time to build up but I like the time that is taken to know each other, even though its only over a few days. Strong emotions lead to sometimes funny (Joel's shifter reactions) but inevitably hurtful outbursts. Adiel really steps up to the plate and I was surprised with how intense things got towards the end. I enjoyed the conversations each man has with his own shifter side in their own head, makes for some good entertainment as they all have their individual personalities.
I love this town and the community that has built up. We get to interact a lot with them in this book, especially Madden who befriends and defends Joel. Everyone pulls together when needed and supports each other, normally with food.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
The two are attracted to each other the first time they lock eyes over their car roofs at tla gas station. Neither had any idea that they'd soon see each other again miles down the road, now working together for the next year. They also both have their shifter halves talking about mates which is confusing them each further. Each man has reason to be wary with past relationships ending badly for them but their connection isn't one that can't be denied. However, assumptions never work out well and one thing leads to another with a rescue being launched as the fae have grabbed an unwitting person.
Joel and Adiel have obviously been hurt in the past. Theirs is a wary relationship that takes time to build up but I like the time that is taken to know each other, even though its only over a few days. Strong emotions lead to sometimes funny (Joel's shifter reactions) but inevitably hurtful outbursts. Adiel really steps up to the plate and I was surprised with how intense things got towards the end. I enjoyed the conversations each man has with his own shifter side in their own head, makes for some good entertainment as they all have their individual personalities.
I love this town and the community that has built up. We get to interact a lot with them in this book, especially Madden who befriends and defends Joel. Everyone pulls together when needed and supports each other, normally with food.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
September 3, 2021
I really liked this story. I enjoyed the characters' dialogues with their beast, in this case goats. I enjoyed the compatibility of two different goats, one a Boer goat the other a Tennessee fainting goat, and the rare occasion of both in their goat part interacting with each other. The thing with goats is of course that they are stubborn and once both goats recognise the other as their fated mate, no baggage of either protagonist is important enough to avoid the inevitable. So even when Adiel has been cheated on by his previous boyfriend and Joel suffered through a relationship with a jealous partner accusing him of cheating, neither has a chance against the power of the fated mates and that they have to work together isn't much of a reason for resistance either.
Overall the first part of the story is quite cliche and is for light reading. Then in the second half it is getting a bit darker. Something is taking advantage of the goat shifters being at odds with each other and separated for different assignments. A vanishing isle and dark fae are trying to kill Joel, so it is up to Adiel to jump over his insecurities, believe in Joel being the one for him and come to the rescue.
The book isn't overly long so I would say it could have used a few more pages with developing a budding friendship before acknowledging the mate thing. But hey, it has goats, so nothing really can go too wrong. I should also mention that I have never ever written a review before mentioning "goats" ten times.
Overall the first part of the story is quite cliche and is for light reading. Then in the second half it is getting a bit darker. Something is taking advantage of the goat shifters being at odds with each other and separated for different assignments. A vanishing isle and dark fae are trying to kill Joel, so it is up to Adiel to jump over his insecurities, believe in Joel being the one for him and come to the rescue.
The book isn't overly long so I would say it could have used a few more pages with developing a budding friendship before acknowledging the mate thing. But hey, it has goats, so nothing really can go too wrong. I should also mention that I have never ever written a review before mentioning "goats" ten times.
August 16, 2021
Adiel is a boar goat shifter and historian for shifters and the supernatural. He's on his way to Fox Hollow for an assignment when he sees a hottie at a gas station. He's not sure if the guy is flirting with him. His insecurities say no but his goat says yes. He isn't interested in getting involved as his last relationship ended because of a cheating boyfriend.
Joel is a Tennessee Fainting goat shifter and photographer who specializes in the unusual. He's on his way to Fox Hollow for an assignment when he sees a hot, older man at a gas station. He's definitely flirting but not sure he wants it to go any further. His last relationship ended with an abusive ex who accused him of cheating. He's not going to go down that road again.
After playing car tag for awhile Joel and Adiel end up in Fox Hollow. After meeting their bosses they end up meeting and are surprised that they'll be working together. With the help of their goats they decide to risk their working relationship to start a romantic relationship. Will they crash and burn or live HEA?
I really liked this short, fast paced, low angst romance. Joel and Adiel have good chemistry between them and their individual relationships with their goats is sweet. There's a few funny moments concerning Joel's fainting spells and a certain squirrel. Joel and Adiel have a couple of meetings with the supernatural that are interesting with a little angst. I definitely will be reading more of the Fox Hollow books.
Joel is a Tennessee Fainting goat shifter and photographer who specializes in the unusual. He's on his way to Fox Hollow for an assignment when he sees a hot, older man at a gas station. He's definitely flirting but not sure he wants it to go any further. His last relationship ended with an abusive ex who accused him of cheating. He's not going to go down that road again.
After playing car tag for awhile Joel and Adiel end up in Fox Hollow. After meeting their bosses they end up meeting and are surprised that they'll be working together. With the help of their goats they decide to risk their working relationship to start a romantic relationship. Will they crash and burn or live HEA?
I really liked this short, fast paced, low angst romance. Joel and Adiel have good chemistry between them and their individual relationships with their goats is sweet. There's a few funny moments concerning Joel's fainting spells and a certain squirrel. Joel and Adiel have a couple of meetings with the supernatural that are interesting with a little angst. I definitely will be reading more of the Fox Hollow books.
August 13, 2021
Adiel is a Boer goat shifter & Joel is a Tennessee fainting goat. Adiel is a historian who has accepted a grant to document the supernatural beings in Fox Hollow. He is gun shy as his ex cheated on him. Joel is also gun shy as his POS ex was controlling & abusive. Joel is a photographer and has been hired for a project that he never applied for. On the way to Fox Hollow, they run into each other at a gas station, there is an instant attraction. Adiel is first to make it to town & when he is offered the services of the newly hired photographer to take photos to go along w/the historical documentation, he agrees. They are both surprised to see each other again. Our MC's do hit it off & they start a tentative relationship. When misunderstanding happens, which I at first was like, really?? you're not going to talk about it?? I understood why Adiel jumped to that conclusion because of his ex. When Joel is taken by the faeries, only Adiel can get him back & has to fight 3 monsters to get across a bridge to the island where Joel is being held captive. They make a sweet couple. What I really like with this series, is the shifter side is a separate entity & the human side has conversations with them.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
August 21, 2021
I love the Fox Hollow universe. The author is building a town of the most interesting blend of supernatural and paranormal inhabitants with shifters, psychically gifted people, witches amongst others...and even the occasional human. We get to see some of the now regular faces and places about town as Adiel and Joel, both newcomers to Fox Hollow, settle into their new jobs working together and discover their bond.
I like these very different goat shifters (also a new one for me!). Both have previous issues they're still dealing with, so the mate bond journey isn't as smooth as it could be, but they're clearly meant to be. This isn't a long read, but Adiel and Joel fight their bond, then being friends and dating before getting together. The author's pulled off no mean feat squeezing all of that in without it feeling too much.
The storyline's decent (though there's half a star knocked off for leaning on the whole miscommunication thing - not my favourite plot device) and there's a nice balance in the emotional ride the book takes you on. There's levity whilst the men are finding their feet and making friends in the town, then increasing tension as they navigate their newfound bond and 'an incident' occurs (no spoilers here!). All that growing intensity is tempered by lots of humour, though. I especially like the inner conversations Adiel and Joel have with their goat sides.
All in all, for me, Gruff is a worthy addition to the series...looking forward to seeing what's going to happen next in Fox Hollow. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
I like these very different goat shifters (also a new one for me!). Both have previous issues they're still dealing with, so the mate bond journey isn't as smooth as it could be, but they're clearly meant to be. This isn't a long read, but Adiel and Joel fight their bond, then being friends and dating before getting together. The author's pulled off no mean feat squeezing all of that in without it feeling too much.
The storyline's decent (though there's half a star knocked off for leaning on the whole miscommunication thing - not my favourite plot device) and there's a nice balance in the emotional ride the book takes you on. There's levity whilst the men are finding their feet and making friends in the town, then increasing tension as they navigate their newfound bond and 'an incident' occurs (no spoilers here!). All that growing intensity is tempered by lots of humour, though. I especially like the inner conversations Adiel and Joel have with their goat sides.
All in all, for me, Gruff is a worthy addition to the series...looking forward to seeing what's going to happen next in Fox Hollow. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
August 27, 2021
Absolutely, hysterical! Adiel, a boer goat, has an excellent opportunity to put his academic background to use documenting the oral history of shifter lore in Fox Hollow. As he traveled to his destination, he encountered a younger flirtatious fellow traveler heading in the same direction. A few horn toots, nods and winks, made the journey more enjoyable and fired up Adiel's imagination. Joel,Tennessee fainting goat, photographer, was charmed by the older guy checking him out during his trip. He's flirting with the idea of being ready to stop his momadic ways and settle down. Joel, has a few quirks that uplift the story. Delightful, when they find out they are the team for the grant work. They are dragging baggage from past life that compromises their current lives. Miscommunications and misunderstandings complicate external influences. Will they act on their mutual attraction? Will their project be successful? Will they get push back from fox hollow citizens? It's a toss up who are the more likeable, the goats or the men. The courtship is not without adventure, peril, dedication and heroism. More supes show up, some not benelovent. Great adventure, great flow. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2022
I read and reviewed this book in July 2021 when it was part of the Fables Retold Anthology. I'm copying my review here now that the book has been published individually.
*****
I was happy to read another Fox Hollow book!
So far I’ve only read Gruff by Morgan Brice so my rating is based only on that book. It’s part of her Fox Hollow world and can be read as a standalone. I’ve really enjoyed all of the stories set in the Fox Hollow world and Gruff was no exception.
Adiel first spots Joel in a gas station while on his way to a new job. Along the way they seem to play a game of leap frog and trade glimpses of each other. They are both surprised when they end up in the same town and becoming partner working on a project together.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It does have romance, and a bit of sexy time, but what I really liked was the exploring that Adiela and Joel do together. Both are goat shifters (albeit different kinds) and their goats recognize something right away that their human side doesn’t.
While this isn’t a long book, I felt like it had a fair amount of depth to it and I thought the characters were well developed for such a short novella.
*****
I was happy to read another Fox Hollow book!
So far I’ve only read Gruff by Morgan Brice so my rating is based only on that book. It’s part of her Fox Hollow world and can be read as a standalone. I’ve really enjoyed all of the stories set in the Fox Hollow world and Gruff was no exception.
Adiel first spots Joel in a gas station while on his way to a new job. Along the way they seem to play a game of leap frog and trade glimpses of each other. They are both surprised when they end up in the same town and becoming partner working on a project together.
I really enjoyed reading this story. It does have romance, and a bit of sexy time, but what I really liked was the exploring that Adiela and Joel do together. Both are goat shifters (albeit different kinds) and their goats recognize something right away that their human side doesn’t.
While this isn’t a long book, I felt like it had a fair amount of depth to it and I thought the characters were well developed for such a short novella.
August 9, 2021
A Fox Hollow story. Adiel is a boer goat shifter and historian given a grant to write/document the history about the supernatural beings of Fox Hollow. He has dedicated his life to research and study and in his mid thirties he has almost no romantic/sexual experience. His last boyfriend cheated on him and left him with mental scars.
Joel is a Tennessee goat shifter and a photographer, also hired to photo document places in Fox Hollow and work with a historian to preserve the history of this supernatural community. His ex-boyfriend was controlling, abusive and pron to jealousy and baseless accusations which left Joel with unresolved issues.
When Adiel and Joel first see each other it's instant attraction. Their goats know that they are fated mates. Just when they think they'll have a happy ending a misunderstanding breaks them apart and they must fight for each other in order to survive a series of fae trials/challenges.
Many characters from the Fox Hollow series make an appearance and make a great supporting cast. Great story.
Joel is a Tennessee goat shifter and a photographer, also hired to photo document places in Fox Hollow and work with a historian to preserve the history of this supernatural community. His ex-boyfriend was controlling, abusive and pron to jealousy and baseless accusations which left Joel with unresolved issues.
When Adiel and Joel first see each other it's instant attraction. Their goats know that they are fated mates. Just when they think they'll have a happy ending a misunderstanding breaks them apart and they must fight for each other in order to survive a series of fae trials/challenges.
Many characters from the Fox Hollow series make an appearance and make a great supporting cast. Great story.
August 7, 2021
An interesting, entertaining and intriguing Three Billy Goats Gruff retelling in the Fox Hollow’s setting and with two goat shifters nursing the disappointments each one had had with their former lovers. Adiel doubts and Joel’s grudges were risking their together forever. Misunderstanding and stubbornness were ruling, and an adventure turned into a nightmare. Time was running out, they were facing mortal danger and with Fox Hollow’s shifters aboard, the game was on. Liked the interesting challenges with everybody giving a hand and how the protagonists faced their fears and opened their eyes toward commitment and true love. The Fox Hollow’s paranormal characters are amusing with charm, magic and willingness to help, the mysterious and suspenseful scenes kept me intrigued and I enjoyed the exciting confrontation. Voluntarily reviewed this copy that I received free from Hidden Gems.
August 22, 2021
Welcome back to Fox Hollow!
Another addition to the wonderful universe of Fox Hollow, where supernatural beings have created a strong, safe community for everyone to coexist peacefully. For the most part. There are still some beings that are less friendly than others, but at the end of the day Fox Hollow spirit is stronger than any adversary. Needless to say, I like the world it is set in. The characters were alright too. While I was not a fan of the "big misunderstanding" trope and wished the character insight was deeper and longer since the plot plays on the emotional aspect, I still enjoyed this return journey to Fox Hollow and its residents. A cute and fluffy read for the cold autumn evenings to come.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
Another addition to the wonderful universe of Fox Hollow, where supernatural beings have created a strong, safe community for everyone to coexist peacefully. For the most part. There are still some beings that are less friendly than others, but at the end of the day Fox Hollow spirit is stronger than any adversary. Needless to say, I like the world it is set in. The characters were alright too. While I was not a fan of the "big misunderstanding" trope and wished the character insight was deeper and longer since the plot plays on the emotional aspect, I still enjoyed this return journey to Fox Hollow and its residents. A cute and fluffy read for the cold autumn evenings to come.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
September 1, 2022
A cute quick read, it is also an interesting take on shifters, i.e.; they can’t recognize each other, don’t know what animal others are, no super strength compared to humans, etc. Adiel and Joel are very sweet and likable but they internal head play of self-doubt through most of the story was tiresome. I liked their goats and would have liked to see them get more page time. I didn’t care for the whole dramatic interlude with the fae. The guardian challenges were each the same with them hurling the same tired old insults. It really didn’t play out as Isabella predicted. She was very adamant about following the fae rules and protocols, but wasn’t Joel’s interference a violation? And since this whole part was about the fae, shouldn’t we have actually had some there?
I’ll probably read the other stories in this series but they’re not on my hot list.
I’ll probably read the other stories in this series but they’re not on my hot list.
February 24, 2025
Paranormal MM romance with shifters and "true mates." This time the danger does not show up until nearly the end. Two goat shifters are offered jobs in Fox Hollow that at least one of whom does not even remember applying for. Both spot each other as strangers while driving to Fox Hollow, and both are surprised that they will be working together.
They quickly begin a romance, but a misunderstanding due to past bad experiences, jumping to the wrong conclusion, and walking away rather than explaining, leaves both miserable.
One gets into life-threatening trouble, and it turns out that the other is the only one who can save him.
Thankfully for me, no sex beyond kissing until the end, where I could easily skip it.
Typos: Two sentence fragments, and one run-on sentence where a comma should have been a period, and what followed it should have been a new sentence. Some repetition as usual.
They quickly begin a romance, but a misunderstanding due to past bad experiences, jumping to the wrong conclusion, and walking away rather than explaining, leaves both miserable.
One gets into life-threatening trouble, and it turns out that the other is the only one who can save him.
Thankfully for me, no sex beyond kissing until the end, where I could easily skip it.
Typos: Two sentence fragments, and one run-on sentence where a comma should have been a period, and what followed it should have been a new sentence. Some repetition as usual.
August 13, 2021
Lovely retelling of 3 Billy Goats Gruff
This author is an automatic buy/read for me. I love her stuff and ALL of her cross over worlds. This story was great! Joel and Adiel are both different species of goat shifters, both having just moved to Fox Hollow for research grants and projects. Fox Hollow is a safe haven for those of paranormal or supernatural bent, especially psychics, witches and shifters. Joel is a photographer who loves exploring and capturing forgotten areas through the lens of his camera while Adiel studies the paranormal and supernatural histories. What happens when Joel disappears after crossing a mysterious bridge? Adiel has to save him of course! Loved it! And I must also recommend you read this author’s other books set in similar worlds.
This author is an automatic buy/read for me. I love her stuff and ALL of her cross over worlds. This story was great! Joel and Adiel are both different species of goat shifters, both having just moved to Fox Hollow for research grants and projects. Fox Hollow is a safe haven for those of paranormal or supernatural bent, especially psychics, witches and shifters. Joel is a photographer who loves exploring and capturing forgotten areas through the lens of his camera while Adiel studies the paranormal and supernatural histories. What happens when Joel disappears after crossing a mysterious bridge? Adiel has to save him of course! Loved it! And I must also recommend you read this author’s other books set in similar worlds.
December 5, 2021
A Goat of A Chance at Love
A chance encounter at a truck stop refilling fuel, sees Adiel, Boer Goat Shifter, shocked at the young hot guy flirting with him who then follows him, winking, waving and blowing kisses at varying stops along the way.
Adiel has taken a new job in shifter town Fox Hollows, documenting shifter and paranormal history.
When he turns up at the first meeting, he’s red faced as he meets the photographer hired to document his findings; the young hottie road flirt; Joel. Joel is also a goat shifter: a fainting goat.
So begins another fun instalment in the Fox Hollows series with MM romance, past relationships issues, dark magic and humour.
A wonderful addition to the series.
A chance encounter at a truck stop refilling fuel, sees Adiel, Boer Goat Shifter, shocked at the young hot guy flirting with him who then follows him, winking, waving and blowing kisses at varying stops along the way.
Adiel has taken a new job in shifter town Fox Hollows, documenting shifter and paranormal history.
When he turns up at the first meeting, he’s red faced as he meets the photographer hired to document his findings; the young hottie road flirt; Joel. Joel is also a goat shifter: a fainting goat.
So begins another fun instalment in the Fox Hollows series with MM romance, past relationships issues, dark magic and humour.
A wonderful addition to the series.
August 11, 2021
I do enjoy a fated mates plot when the mates don’t realise that they are fated. Although the side characters do!
This is not an instalove but more an “insta attraction” between the very likeable main characters Adiel and Joel. The chemistry between them leads to a couple of medium heat scenes and there is mention of more off page.
Adiel and Joel both carry baggage from previous relationships and this does cause an issue but not enough to derail their HEA.
There’s some action/drama against the villains to keep things interesting in this very engaging and enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to more in the series.
This is not an instalove but more an “insta attraction” between the very likeable main characters Adiel and Joel. The chemistry between them leads to a couple of medium heat scenes and there is mention of more off page.
Adiel and Joel both carry baggage from previous relationships and this does cause an issue but not enough to derail their HEA.
There’s some action/drama against the villains to keep things interesting in this very engaging and enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to more in the series.
August 25, 2021
This was definitely an enjoyable read and I really enjoyed visiting fox hollow. Overall the love that built and world building was very good. When the fae came along the story seemed to drag for about a chapter, but then came right back around. Overall these two finding themselves to be faster mates was wonderful. I also loved the two types of goats. This was a great world, I loved the combo of supernatural and shifters. I would recommend this for a cute shorter shifter read. I do think it could have used more content in the romance, but I still solidly recommend this as worth your time and enjoyable. I received an arc in exchange for my honest review
August 26, 2021
Fantastic paranormal story with goat shifters. I loved this story, from the playful game of car tag to the conflict and final battle. I loved the unique choice of shifters and the snarky inner goat sides. This paranormal, second-chance, fated mates story has an age gap, insecurity due to past negative partner experiences, misunderstandings and jumping to conclusions, and a fight for the one you love. It was great to see so many characters from the related Fox Hollow stories, again. Another great Morgan Brice story!
I received this story as an ARC initially, but then bought a copy. This is my honest, voluntary review.
I received this story as an ARC initially, but then bought a copy. This is my honest, voluntary review.
November 1, 2022
Goats, a squirrel, and fae... oh my!
I Love it here in Fox Hollow! Old friends welcomed me back. As ever my mouth was watering for the delicious goodness to be had in a town that truly does work with it's stomach. So much food, so little time. This book has a dark side. A fae encounter that is just scary enough. And since I was reading this on Halloween... Something new. Two different kinds of goat shifters as fated mates. Ooh, and a hyper squirrel bestie, bears, a psychic, a witch, a human, and horned fae with murderous intent. And of course... HEA. You are so going to love this book!
I Love it here in Fox Hollow! Old friends welcomed me back. As ever my mouth was watering for the delicious goodness to be had in a town that truly does work with it's stomach. So much food, so little time. This book has a dark side. A fae encounter that is just scary enough. And since I was reading this on Halloween... Something new. Two different kinds of goat shifters as fated mates. Ooh, and a hyper squirrel bestie, bears, a psychic, a witch, a human, and horned fae with murderous intent. And of course... HEA. You are so going to love this book!
August 12, 2021
Loved this story! Fox Hollow is one of my favorite towns with all the wonderful stories inside and now Joel and Adiel is not an exception. This story is about how past, insecurities and misunderstanding can interfere with a new relationship if we let them and how love is always the answer even in a paranormal world of shifters, magic, psychics and fated mates. I also love the presence of many of the characters of previous stories especially Madden and Elias and how they helped to save the day. A captivating tale!
August 14, 2021
Unusual and amazing story story about a gay couple
Adiel is a professor in supernatural with a grant to write stories about this town of supernatural and shifters. He is an African goat shifter.
Joel is a Tennessee fainting goat shifter and a photographer. They are to work on the project together. They are also fated mates.
These shifters are unique, guy, and in a supernatural situation that could be deadly. This is a fast paced story that in engaging and mysterious. I like this story because it's unique characters and plot.
Highly recommended.
bookwormsuzy
Adiel is a professor in supernatural with a grant to write stories about this town of supernatural and shifters. He is an African goat shifter.
Joel is a Tennessee fainting goat shifter and a photographer. They are to work on the project together. They are also fated mates.
These shifters are unique, guy, and in a supernatural situation that could be deadly. This is a fast paced story that in engaging and mysterious. I like this story because it's unique characters and plot.
Highly recommended.
bookwormsuzy
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