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True #1
True
Ethan must find a new mate in one cycle of the moon or perish. But how can he love again when his heart is broken?
17 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2007
2 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Rowan McBride
13 books262 followersBorn an Air Force dependent, Rowan McBride traveled the world and totally missed the 80’s as most Americans know it. In exchange, xe’s gotten to walk in clogs, break an arm at Mt. Fuji, and say prayers at a Korean Buddhist temple. So far it seems like a fair trade. Although xe graduated from high school in Hawaii, xe didn’t learn to hula and make leis until going to college in Iowa. After leaving the Midwest, xe moved to Washington, DC and very nearly got xemself a Juris Doctor degree. Now xe’s chilling out in Texas, diabolically planning road trips that could span years.
People say xyr life is random, and that’s probably true. Rowan comforts xemself with the working theory that a random life makes for good stories. When that doesn’t work, there’s Pocky. Lots and lots of Pocky.
People say xyr life is random, and that’s probably true. Rowan comforts xemself with the working theory that a random life makes for good stories. When that doesn’t work, there’s Pocky. Lots and lots of Pocky.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 10, 2011
It is really short but I loved it. Great story
September 5, 2017
They say “the shorter the better” about many things, but I rarely apply it to a story I read and love as much as 'Ethan'. Usually I want to find out more about worlds and characters I like – and don’t get me wrong, I wanted more about Ethan and Brandon as well. But somehow the author managed to write the story just right: with enough details for me to understand what the Novahn are all about and how they interact with humans, and with just about enough information about Ethan and his problem. I think it’s an amazing feat to put this much worldbuilding and character development in such a short book, and as a result it felt longer than its number of pages.
The Novahn are a somewhat mysterious species who live on Earth, unknown by humans. They have special rules about their interactions, always have to mate with a human partner despite their special needs to be closer to a mate than most humans are comfortable with, and if they are not mated and in love, they die. Quite a challenge, as Ethan finds out, since humans have a tendency to break up - something unheard of in Novahn culture. There are a few more interesting nuggets of information in this story, but I’ll let you find out about them yourself.
So when Ethan’s lover of six years, the man Ethan thought was his “forever”, breaks up with him, it is a huge blow. Ethan still loves the ex and has no interest in finding someone else to mate with in the thirty days or so he has before he dies. He is literally at death’s door when Brandon finds him – and what happens next is amazing on more than one level.
If you like your stories with a big side of suspense on top of their very sweet nature, if you believe in the power of passion and love, and if you’re looking for an imaginative story with unusual aliens and a strong message of “love conquers all”, then you will probably like this story as much as I do. I absolutely adore it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Loose Id for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The Novahn are a somewhat mysterious species who live on Earth, unknown by humans. They have special rules about their interactions, always have to mate with a human partner despite their special needs to be closer to a mate than most humans are comfortable with, and if they are not mated and in love, they die. Quite a challenge, as Ethan finds out, since humans have a tendency to break up - something unheard of in Novahn culture. There are a few more interesting nuggets of information in this story, but I’ll let you find out about them yourself.
So when Ethan’s lover of six years, the man Ethan thought was his “forever”, breaks up with him, it is a huge blow. Ethan still loves the ex and has no interest in finding someone else to mate with in the thirty days or so he has before he dies. He is literally at death’s door when Brandon finds him – and what happens next is amazing on more than one level.
If you like your stories with a big side of suspense on top of their very sweet nature, if you believe in the power of passion and love, and if you’re looking for an imaginative story with unusual aliens and a strong message of “love conquers all”, then you will probably like this story as much as I do. I absolutely adore it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Loose Id for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 31, 2017
Short, light, and fun to read.
Read
March 30, 2009Ethan is a Novahn, an alien breed who recharges itself through phisycal love. They are linked to their mates and to satisfy the dreams of their lovers they change physically to accomodate that dream.
Ethan has never found his true love, his fated mate. He thinks to have found someone quite right, Jeff, but one night, abruptaly, Jeff breaks their relationship, and like custom for his people, Ethan leaves without a word. He has a lunar cycle, thirty day, to find a new mate or he will die. But he is too tired to try, and so he decides to welcome the death. But Brendan, Jeff's brother, suddenly appears in his life. They met only once, when Brendan was 17 years old and Ethan 20, and the boy was too young to claim Ethan. Cause from the first time he saw Ethan, Brendan knew he has found his love. Now, five years later, he will not stop in front of nothing to let Ethan live: he has prepared himself to steal Ethan from Jeff and he is only a good thing that Jeff has dumped Ethan. No one and nothing is between him and his mate.
A very brief tale, heartbreaking and funny at the same time. Ethan is a wonderful character, so faithful to his nature, only needing of love, a true love. And Brendan is the perfect knight on a shining armour, who sees in Ethan the true lover and not the esternal package. My first taste of Rowan McBride, I think I will read more by her
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/10...
Ethan has never found his true love, his fated mate. He thinks to have found someone quite right, Jeff, but one night, abruptaly, Jeff breaks their relationship, and like custom for his people, Ethan leaves without a word. He has a lunar cycle, thirty day, to find a new mate or he will die. But he is too tired to try, and so he decides to welcome the death. But Brendan, Jeff's brother, suddenly appears in his life. They met only once, when Brendan was 17 years old and Ethan 20, and the boy was too young to claim Ethan. Cause from the first time he saw Ethan, Brendan knew he has found his love. Now, five years later, he will not stop in front of nothing to let Ethan live: he has prepared himself to steal Ethan from Jeff and he is only a good thing that Jeff has dumped Ethan. No one and nothing is between him and his mate.
A very brief tale, heartbreaking and funny at the same time. Ethan is a wonderful character, so faithful to his nature, only needing of love, a true love. And Brendan is the perfect knight on a shining armour, who sees in Ethan the true lover and not the esternal package. My first taste of Rowan McBride, I think I will read more by her
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/10...
June 10, 2011
sometimes it's little read like this make you want more. ohhh how i wish it was longer
March 5, 2013
It was adorable.
Awkwardly phrased and I tl;dr'd at the explicative parts (too explicative, man)
But this is one of those True Love stories that I love because they're so cute.
Awkwardly phrased and I tl;dr'd at the explicative parts (too explicative, man)
But this is one of those True Love stories that I love because they're so cute.
November 15, 2017
It’s amazing that the author was able to build such a strong character and romance in so few pages—only 37 pages to this story about Ethan, a Novahn shapeshifter, who is cast off by his mate, Jeff, after six years together. He’d thought he’d be with Jeff for life. Granted, he wasn’t his true mate, but it felt as if he were very close to it, and Ethan didn’t think he’d ever find another.
When Jeff told him it was over, in true Novahn tradition, Ethan left with only the clothes on his back. He then had only until the next full moon to find another mate or he’d die. Fortunately, his best friend doesn’t want to see him fail and as he’s lying on the rooftop of her house waiting for his death, a young man named Brandon comes to find him. Brandon is Jeff’s brother and met Ethan five years before. Apparently as soon as he met Ethan he felt a spark of something intense, but he hadn’t reached his maturity at that point, so Ethan didn’t recognize it, and Brendan was also tongue-tied and clumsy so Ethan didn’t really get a good impression at that time.
Now, though, it’s pretty evident from the moment Brendan touches Ethan and carries the weak man down to the ground level, where they take a cab to Brendan’s hotel, that there’s more than just a spark between them. The sex is hot and heavy and the tenderness equally appealing. This is a really great story and I wish it had been a lot longer. I’m definitely looking forward to more in this series, whether it’s about Ethan or other Novahns. The world-building was quite good for the brevity of the story but I’m sure there’s much more to learn.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of paranormal shifter stories.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
When Jeff told him it was over, in true Novahn tradition, Ethan left with only the clothes on his back. He then had only until the next full moon to find another mate or he’d die. Fortunately, his best friend doesn’t want to see him fail and as he’s lying on the rooftop of her house waiting for his death, a young man named Brandon comes to find him. Brandon is Jeff’s brother and met Ethan five years before. Apparently as soon as he met Ethan he felt a spark of something intense, but he hadn’t reached his maturity at that point, so Ethan didn’t recognize it, and Brendan was also tongue-tied and clumsy so Ethan didn’t really get a good impression at that time.
Now, though, it’s pretty evident from the moment Brendan touches Ethan and carries the weak man down to the ground level, where they take a cab to Brendan’s hotel, that there’s more than just a spark between them. The sex is hot and heavy and the tenderness equally appealing. This is a really great story and I wish it had been a lot longer. I’m definitely looking forward to more in this series, whether it’s about Ethan or other Novahns. The world-building was quite good for the brevity of the story but I’m sure there’s much more to learn.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of paranormal shifter stories.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
September 30, 2017
It’s hard to pack a lot into thirty-seven pages but somehow, someway, this story managed it. True, there is a major insta-love element, and little to no build up for Ethan and Brendan, but there is also an explanation for the insta-love, so I could get behind it, in this case.
Ethan is Novahn, a form of shapeshifter but not in the sense I am used to. Ethan shapeshifts to reflect the desires of his taken mate. There are rules, and because Novahn are beings who essentially need to be tied to a mate, when he loses his, his death is set—unless he finds another mate. But that isn’t always so easy to do.
For being so short, there is a nice backstory and world-building. Could it use more? Absolutely. I would love to know more about the Novahn and how they came to be here, and their culture. There was enough dropped throughout that made me extremely curious as to their shapeshifting and the rules they live by, but enough information was given for the purpose of this story. I won’t lie, though; there is so much potential here that it could totally carry a full-length novel. So, yes, the story could have been longer, and I would not have been the slightest bit upset. Even so, I didn’t need it to be longer, and that is the most important factor. There was a great pacing, the characters were both explored fairly well, the story had a beginning that captured my attention. Pretty much a story with all the elements needed to make it work, just delivered in a delicious little package.
A sweet little romance and an HEA, totally recommended for someone looking for a quickie read to fit into a short amount of time.
Reviewed by Lindsey for
Ethan is Novahn, a form of shapeshifter but not in the sense I am used to. Ethan shapeshifts to reflect the desires of his taken mate. There are rules, and because Novahn are beings who essentially need to be tied to a mate, when he loses his, his death is set—unless he finds another mate. But that isn’t always so easy to do.
For being so short, there is a nice backstory and world-building. Could it use more? Absolutely. I would love to know more about the Novahn and how they came to be here, and their culture. There was enough dropped throughout that made me extremely curious as to their shapeshifting and the rules they live by, but enough information was given for the purpose of this story. I won’t lie, though; there is so much potential here that it could totally carry a full-length novel. So, yes, the story could have been longer, and I would not have been the slightest bit upset. Even so, I didn’t need it to be longer, and that is the most important factor. There was a great pacing, the characters were both explored fairly well, the story had a beginning that captured my attention. Pretty much a story with all the elements needed to make it work, just delivered in a delicious little package.
A sweet little romance and an HEA, totally recommended for someone looking for a quickie read to fit into a short amount of time.
Reviewed by Lindsey for
September 3, 2017
It could have been good for me if:
But it wasn't the case so one star for me, sorry (it had real potential i think through!!)
I ddn't read any review before reading this book so i was really surprised when i looked at them after finishing readng it because they were all good.
But it wasn't the case so one star for me, sorry (it had real potential i think through!!)
I ddn't read any review before reading this book so i was really surprised when i looked at them after finishing readng it because they were all good.
September 1, 2017
Sweet little romance.
As a member of the race of Novahn Ethan needs to be with someone to live; he has to love and bond with the person. Having just been broken up with the person he thought was the closest he would ever find to a true mate, Ethan is ready to let go and die. But if he was just close, then maybe his true mate is out there somewhere; and Brendan wants the chance to find out.
Ethan is super sweet and loving. He really wants to be in a good relationship, not just bounce from person to person to stay alive. Meeting Brendan you get to see that someone out there matches him and the way they are together is very cute. A good fast read that I would love more from!
As a member of the race of Novahn Ethan needs to be with someone to live; he has to love and bond with the person. Having just been broken up with the person he thought was the closest he would ever find to a true mate, Ethan is ready to let go and die. But if he was just close, then maybe his true mate is out there somewhere; and Brendan wants the chance to find out.
Ethan is super sweet and loving. He really wants to be in a good relationship, not just bounce from person to person to stay alive. Meeting Brendan you get to see that someone out there matches him and the way they are together is very cute. A good fast read that I would love more from!
April 22, 2018
This was a fast read, and a lot of world building takes place in these pages. Due to the shortness of the read I felt like the connection between the mc's is rushed and kind of forced upon the reader. I would have like more.
May 6, 2025
This book was sweet from start to finish. Ethan was a very endearing character, and was very relatable in his struggles. The ending was unexpected, and the mechanics of the Novahn in general are fascinating. I hope to see a lot more of this universe in the future!!
September 2, 2017
I can tell that this will be a great series. Maybe the brother will meet his own shifter and get his hea. This is a must read.
September 2, 2017
I was fascinated by this story and the life cycle concept. The story was beautiful and will stay with me for a long time.
December 25, 2017
2.75 stars
December 26, 2017
Just wish it were a bit longer so things (all the things) could be developed further.
March 26, 2013
2012 Review:
Ah, damn. Another short story, this one. I don’t think I like the author, based on other stuff by her I’ve read or skimmed (most of which featured absolutely despicable, immoral protagonists), but this story was endearing.
I found the, er, sci-fi mythology interesting. It’s a real pity this wasn’t longer, though. I would have liked to really wallow, because this lovely depth of devotion? Yeah, this was sweet. As silly as the concept of love at first sight generally is, it worked here, with a touch of fated mates, even if that worked differently. To have this teenager base his entire life on becoming the best he can be, spending five years working towards winning this one person he only met for a few minutes? Sure, it’s unrealistic, but I liked. I really did.
Oh! Oh my god! I just noticed that I completely loved one of her full length books. That’s… actually pretty amazing.
Well, apparently she is versatile. Heh. I still don’t want to really read the stories with manipulative, conscienceless, murdering, sociopathic protagonists. Guess I’ll just have to be careful when I pick up a book. And I really, really want that other series by her to continue. <3
Ah, damn. Another short story, this one. I don’t think I like the author, based on other stuff by her I’ve read or skimmed (most of which featured absolutely despicable, immoral protagonists), but this story was endearing.
I found the, er, sci-fi mythology interesting. It’s a real pity this wasn’t longer, though. I would have liked to really wallow, because this lovely depth of devotion? Yeah, this was sweet. As silly as the concept of love at first sight generally is, it worked here, with a touch of fated mates, even if that worked differently. To have this teenager base his entire life on becoming the best he can be, spending five years working towards winning this one person he only met for a few minutes? Sure, it’s unrealistic, but I liked. I really did.
Oh! Oh my god! I just noticed that I completely loved one of her full length books. That’s… actually pretty amazing.
Well, apparently she is versatile. Heh. I still don’t want to really read the stories with manipulative, conscienceless, murdering, sociopathic protagonists. Guess I’ll just have to be careful when I pick up a book. And I really, really want that other series by her to continue. <3
March 29, 2014
It is short but heart warming story. My heart almost sank whenever the lunar cycle topic brought up. And I think Ethan is kind of pitiful (and obviously Jeff is a jerk)But I love Brendan's devotion or Myra's flippant yet caring behaviour. Overall it is a sweet story of finding true love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2011
4.5 Stars
September 21, 2011
An oldie, but a goodie...I would love more in this universe, what unique characters and writing. Love it!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews