(Gay / Dark Fantasy / Werewolf / Shapeshifter / BDSM / Romantic Comedy / Suspense / Thriller / Series) What's a shapeshifter to do when the man he desperately wants is allergic to him? Raymond Marvels never imagines his call to the IT department at his graphics design job would result in his meeting Lou Canis, the most gorgeous man he's ever seen. There's one small problem, though--Ray is allergic to Lou. Yet his allergy is only one of the weird things going on between them. Lou, a werewolf, isn't sure how to fix the situation, because it seems his would-be lover's allergy is to Lou's human form and not his canine one. Lou decides to tell Ray his deep dark secret, which has unexpected results when Ray embraces both sides of Lou. Yet after a witch doctor gives Ray some medicine to solve his problem, Ray and Lou discover they must also face a dangerous conspiracy evolving around them...
There is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
Ray and Lou are interesting characters who have an instant attraction as soon as they meet at work. Unfortunately, the attraction also comes with a sneezing attack for Ray. It doesn't take long to figure out that Ray is allergic to Lou. While Ray thinks it is a reaction to laundry detergent or the like, Lou knows that it could be to the secret part of him, his wolf side. Lou is a Lycan. Now how to break that to the new boyfriend?
The book is the story of how Ray and Lou fall in love, including finding out your lover has interesting family traits and what that means. Enter the allergy, hot dreams, office sex, pack family dynamics, a broken hearted sister, untrusting weres from outside the pack, a witch doctor, a hunter and brewing hunter/were war to fill in the rest of the story and leave us hanging for the next.
We meet Lou (full name Lupine Canis) and his family (you will love the names of his 6 brothers and sisters). Their mother has a mean streak, though she loves them. Beyond telling Lou and Ray's story, it also very clearly sets up the rest of the brothers and sisters for their own stories as only one is married currently. It goes out of its way to leave tidbits of info to tantalize and makes sure we know that his other two brothers are also gay.
My bet is the next story is about Bandit. We will see.
I love TA Chase books and this one was no exception. Some of the sex scenes had my heart pounding and I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what would happen next. At one point, I wished I had a hot Were panting after me, a truckbed, a national forest and some rope! Whew!
Second time more like four stars so average them and it is 4.5 stars...
Way too much sex. I like the characters and what plot there is but the sex kept drawing me out of the story. even skimming the sex scenes there was so much. I am guesstimating here but i think over 50% of the book was probably sex or them talking about the sex they planed to have as soon as they found an empty truck bed or a somewhat deserted parking lot
I do not believe in instant love, where it takes only 4 days from the very first sight, through non-stop sex in places appropriate or not, revelation of a huge mind-blowing secret like yeah-werewolves-are-real (I wish I had your nerves, Ray) to the declaration of one's undying love for ever and ever and ever.
I also have a feeling I have already read this book five or six time, if not more, only written by different authors. One star.
Страстная любовь-морковь с первого, есессно, взгляда, умопомрачительный секс везде где можно и особенно где нельзя (с короткими перекурами на сюжет), холодящее душу разоблачение вервульфа, виндиктивный экс-бойфренд, так и не высунувший своего трусливого носа из леса, раскрытие темных тайн российской и американской истории ...
*** "One of Lou’s ancestors came over from Russia and settled the land before other white men ever put a foot on North American soil." Я всегда подозревала, что это простые русские серые волки ребята открыли Америку, а вовсе не Колумб с Веспуччи *snicker* Кстати, может это и вовсе Афанасий Никитин был? Он тоже, вроде, все по Индии путешествовал *snicker-snicker* ***
...и страшные клятвы в вечной любви <3
И вся эта драма, с самого начала и до самого конца, со сдохшего жалкой смертью компьютера (меньше порна надо смотреть на работе, Рэй) и до жизнеутверждающего "I’m Lou’s partner and I’ll stand beside him, no matter what happens.” заняла всего 3-4... нет, не года и не месяца. и не недели. ДНЯ.
I liked this story but it had too much sex and absolutely zero sexual tension. Plus, it was insta-love which is always a turn off for me. It was cute but somewhere near the end the story lost me and I was just ready for it to end.
Well, the story wasn't exactly new. The allergy was just a small annoyance in the story and didn't add much to it. The two MCs were likable. The ending was rushed and abrupt. What saved the story? There wash lot of decent sex scenes. Other than that it was fairly run of the mill.
Allergies is the classical shapeshifter story that got me hooked to the genre years ago. It's light and funny and plays with the stereotype of werewolves legends turning them in a joke between the partners.
Ray is a computer geek. We haven't a real physical description of him other than being six feet tall, that it would be a considerable height if not that his soon to be partner is six feet and half, giving to Ray an aurea of fragility that arises the protective feeling of Lou (short for Lupine). Another thing I noticed is that probably Ray for human standard is more or less a plain-john type of man, not the one you would turn to see on the street, and he is not even the party animal, preferring his couch and a videogame, to night club and dancing. So no, Ray has very little chance to find the man of his life if that man didn't enter his life by force. But Ray has to have something that makes him irresistible for lycan standards, since as soon as Lou sees him, he has the suddenly need to claim the man, and also other lycans have pretty strong reaction to him as well. Should be something in his smell... Anyway, the attraction is mutual, very much physical, and Ray doesn't struggle to much to let Lou have his way with him. There is only a problem, Ray is allergic to Lou, and not since Lou has a "inner" furry side, since Ray is not allergic to him when he is in shifted form. All the sneezing and sniffling thing adds humor to the story; there is even a bit of "adventure" streak, a threatening to the pack from an outside enemy, but I believe the author is planning to use it in a further story, since in this one is really a second line aspect, not fully developed.
Where Ray is not exactly the usual pretty and cute hero, but more a normal man, also Lou si not the classic "alpha male"; true, with Ray he can play the role of the Alpha, he can growl and bite as he likes, since Ray loves him, and lets him be the one "apparently" in control, but in the context of his family, it's pretty clear that Lou is far from being the leader... sometime he is even directed by his sisters, letting alone the fact that the real Alpha of the pack is his mother. Anyway, being Lou as he is, adds again humor to the story: Lou is really a playful soul, very much alike an uber-energetic puppy, with much chagrin of his partner Ray, that wouldn't want to think to puppies when he is with Lou! Lou is the youngest son after six brothers and sisters, and maybe he was also a bit spoiled by his mother. He begins his relationship with Ray with all the energy of a puppy with a new toy, and doesn't let many choice to the man. He is only lucky enough that Ray is so attracted to him that at first he is blind to all the oddities around him: a family where all the siblings have names more suited to dogs than kids, a family that always refers to themself as "pack", that instead of kissing you on the cheek to greet you, lick you... only a very infatuated man can overlook to all of this. But Ray is not stupid and sooner or later will start to wonder about all of this.
There is a lot of sex, very explicit and detailed, but maybe since I pay more attention to the funny side of the story, I found it really enjoyable with a bit of kinkiness that never sounded wrong. I really like when a man plays "alpha" without giving too much importance to the thing, and Lou does exactly that, all the biting and the forcing are more foreplay than real dominance acts.
Dislike~ This is going to seem really weird (and no smart arse remarks from the peanut gallery)... I followed this story as a serial on the author’s website. Reading this now as a book was great; however, because I'd basically read it before it had none of the ‘omph’ that a T A Chase story would usually have on me. Obviously this will not affect everyone, but it was my main dislike. Interesting, huh. Has anyone else had this reaction after reading something in serial form and then as a book??
Like~ A quirky take on the usual werewolf paranormal tail tale where the love interest (Ray) is allergic to the alpha male (Lou). Too funny. I liked it. I also liked the punny take on names, how Lou referred to his family and also the family’s interactions with each other. It gave me as a reader something a bit different, which made the story the more enjoyable.
Dislike~ It never hit me on my first reading, but it struck me on the second that the so-called shy Ray and the ‘damn the torpedoes’ Lou fall into bed together pretty damn quickly. This might annoy people. To be honest, I can take it or leave it as long as there is some sort of development of the relationship as the story progresses – and there was in this case – otherwise the whole thing is as completely boring as bat poo.
Like~ The author has created a great cast of great characters and an interesting world. Some people might think the story doesn’t really end because there is no real resolution of the issues raised in the last part of the book. That is because it doesn’t. The story arc continues in Nick of Time; something to keep in mind.
So, what I think:
This author gives good read and this is no exception. A must for those with an obsession for shifter stories (ie Tracy).
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
This is a cute, maybe a bit too cute, shifter story. Ray Marvels meets Lou Canis when he calls the IT department about his broken computer. The men are instantly attracted to each other when they meet and soon things are getting hot and heavy between them.
Unfortunately as they spend time together it becomes apparent that Ray may be allergic to Lou. Constant sneezing and the need to take allergy medication are further complicated when Lou shares his secret with Ray, he's a Lycan.
Aside from the allergic reaction the story is pretty standard with the shifter and his human mate at the center of the action, and wolf pack dynamics and danger from hunters adding to the mix in the storyline. I liked both Ray and Lou, they're well written and likable characters and I enjoyed it as they meet, fall in lust then love and work on making a relationship work for them.
What I didn't enjoy was the "cutesiness" (not a real word, I know) of Lou and his pack. From their names: Spike, Bandit and Lassie to name a few to the character traits that Ray sees in them such as...
If Ray stuck with the dog comparisons, he would say Bandit reminded him of a curious Jack Russell terrier. Bandit's hair was white with a splash of brown on one side. Lassie looked like a collie, with her pointy nose and chin. Her hair was long and golden blonde.
I usually love reading books by T.A. Chase and have quite a few of them in my "books I loved" shelf but while I didn't hate this story I was a bit disappointed. It's a cute lighthearted take on the classic shifter storyline and should appeal to fans of the author and readers of the genre. This is the first book in the Preters series although I read it months after the second book, Nick of Time.
Hm, its hard to review shifter titles because I'm so weak against the genre itself (i can put up with alot of weird stuff in shifter stories). If you're a fan of shifter titles then there's nothing really original about this title but its still worth reading because it just leaves you with a happy feeling.
There were a few things that didn't make any sense really and seemed completely pointless like the whole allergy concept and you had to deal with the typical "multiple gay men in the family" plotline which isn't very realistic but the relationship between Ray and Lou hit all the shifter-fan sweet spots plus Lou's older brothers were very appealing as well.
The story and events in the book hits all the right buttons for shifter fans however for those who don't like shifter stories than you definitely want to stay away from this title.
3.5 stars I think it's my first experience with T.A. Chase's ... and it's pretty cute. I mean, having a lover who is allergic to your human side rather than your wolf side? *grin*. I can't help to smile imagining the situation. Plus the whole Canis clan is intriguing (and their names are downright funny!). The only complain is toward the ending ... T.A. Chase seems to introduce a danger towards the clan, that I feel sort of like out of the blue and not really resolved. Hope to get to know more about the clan. Especially since a couple of the Canis' brothers (Rover and Bandit) probably need a love story of their own
3.5* This story had an interesting idea, I loved that Ray was allergic to Lou, but only his human side, he had no allergies to his wolf! I sort of wished that part of it had been more developed and brought out, the allergy causing trouble for them to be together, but that didn't really happen. The siblings were interesting and the names- holy cow- that mother really does have a very wierd sense of humor. The ending left quite a few things open and unresolved, not in the love story, that's all HEA... I could have done with a few less sex scenes, since they didn't add much and were pretty repetitive.
It's a het. romance that just happen to have two gay guy in it. Not my kind of story.
Lou’s hand was buried in Ray’s hair at the nape of his neck. His other arm encircled Ray’s waist, bringing the smaller man even closer. Lou nibbled on Ray’s bottom lip and trust his tongue in as Ray gasped.
Please. It's cliche, cheezy, not interesting, Lou's the perfect virgin bride and add to that that Ray do not seems to have moral problem to invade Lou's dream...
I liked the story, but I have to admit, that by re-reading this book, I got a slight impression of to much sex in it. But the overall picture was really good. I love both Ray and Lou, they were perfect together. I will definitely read other books in this series.
This was a good start to this series. Lou and Ray were such a likable couple and the secrets and craziness along with Lou 's meddling family and alpha mother combined made this one good story and just read for me.
One of my absolute favorite novels ... Ray's predicament in being allergic to his boyfriend [Lou:] is priceless, and the way T.A. Chase wove the reasoning together was unique. Because Ray's not JUST allergic to Lou, period - he's allergic only to Lou's adult form, not his wolf.
I have to admit though, that alone and by itself would have led to an 'ok' novel. What pushed this over the top in my favorites list was Lou's family, their names, their personalities, and the clash of danger that's hinted at toward the end. I mean, how many families have 3 sets of twins, and among them two females named Patches and Spike, and two males names Bandit and Rover? [And Lou is short for Lupine!:]
Bandit intrigued me especially, and the hint of an 'uh-oh' situation between him and another minor character that shows up toward the end - Allen, a white wolf from out of town who is 'stranded' with his brother and father - had me dying to read a second novel in this series.
Unfortunately, the second novel is centered around Nick and Gryphon [a human and a vampire:], but I have high hopes that the series will circle back around to others in the Canis family....
Allergies by author T.A. Chase starts out with us meeting the adorably cute Raymond. He is cute in that geeky way that makes you go awe…I know I sure did. He really has a project he needs done but his darn computer doesn’t want to work. Enter in Lou… Lou is the IT guy but hunkier than any other IT guy you have ever met. Raymond would love to get to know Lou and vice versa but Raymond has these sneezing fits around Lou. Can you date someone you’re allergic too? This book has adorably cute humor that had me turning the pages. The connection between Lou and Raymond is really well done too, it has that sweet but really intense feeling to it. I appreciated the story and connection, its rare in a book with humor to find the sex scenes this well done and balanced. This is the book you pick up when you want to smile and believe that true love really can conquer all.
Overall: I'd like to give this 2.5 stars, but there isn't an option. Enjoyable and fun, but not particularly deep, it's one of those stories that takes place over...ohh..3 days (4 tops), so a certain amount of suspension of disbelief must occur. The book is what it is.
What I liked Well-done sex scenes. There were a fair number of them, which doesn't necessarily make it close to my heart, but they were well done and they never seem intrusive to the story.
What didn't work The end. I'm still waiting for it. I realize it's part of a series and the main focus of the story (Ray's allergies) was solved, but when the second of the series has nothing to do with the first, I WORRY.
Names. I'm sensitive to names, so reading Lou and Ray kinda tweaked me (in a bad way) but it wasn't awful enough that I stopped reading. I understand people have normal names (and..uh...not so normal names). I read too much fantasy it seems. Or I'm picky.
From their first meeting Ray is instantly attracted to Lou and vice versa. Whe ray gets flustered or embarrased he just says whatever is on his mind. Its kind of endearing.
Ray realises early on that there are a lot of Dog references coming from Lou, a why does ray keep sneezing, surely he cant be allergic to the one man that he's falling head over heals for.
being introduced to Lou's family is about to turn rays world upside down as he realizes that there is more to this world than he ever imagined
Will he cope with his lovers secrets or will he Freek and run.
I hope that there will be a sequel to the book as I definately feel that the story has much more to tell about the world just over Rays horizon and the coming of a possible fight.
While I thought this was cute I thought that there would be more of an "allergic reaction" to Lou other than a few sneezes. Once he found out about the allergy I was hoping for more of a human/wolf thing. I know I can't be the only one where I find the human connecting with the wolf sweet. I love the petting, scratching, cuddling, etc. I thought there would be more of that..at least when they were alone.
One thing I didn't really care for was Bandit's voyeuristic tendencies. Let them be!
I liked the set up for a threat to the pack, but I wish that it was brought out a little more before it just ended.
Also, too much repetitive sex. I can not believe I am saying that, but it's true. I will continue on with this series.
Oh and can I say either the mother really had a sense of humor or she hates her kids. HA!
Entering his dreams is a little rapey. Having sex with him in the dream is a lot rapey.
WAY too much sex.
A female alpha and the alpha heir is also female!
He said 6/7 was the usual litter side but it appears that two is the standard.
Saying thank you isn't because someone did something they didn't feel obligated to do. It lets the person know they are appreciated. I always thank my family.
A leather couch would be the best for canine children. What would woven cloth do under sharp little claws? As a dog owner I can tell you the tighter the weave the more impervious to hook shaped objects it is. Leather has no weave and can wash off.
No plot until the very end. Mothers reaction stereotypical and offensive threat.
hhhhmmmmmmm, I liked the book, but come on, way too much sex for a couple of guys who have just met each other..... Seemed that they had only just met each other and fell in love straight away. it felt as though they moved too fast, don't get me wrong, I believe in love at first sight but love at first sight, sex after sex after sex without even a date before hand? I'm not old fashioned but a drink or at least a bite to eat before you jump into the back of some guys van seemed a little more romantic instead of pants down and legs up.
I decided to give it 3 stars out of five, i liked the characters, I was expecting a little more character description but i used my imagination and where do their clothes go when they shift?????
I'd give this a 3.5 stars, if there was a .5. I had an epiphany today about what the main theme is behind a lot of m/m books I read and that is acceptance. Acceptance for who you are as a person no mater what. That hit me as I thought about this book. Ray and Lou's (Lupine, seriously?) relationship got off to a great start, but Lou was hiding his true self, his wolf form from Ray at first. He was trying to find a way to tell Ray w/o having Ray run away scared. I really like this story, even though the dog names (come on! Spot, Spike, Rover? Seriously? lol) were a little bit distracting. I didn't know whether to laugh or moan in agony. lol Very cute story and nicely done smex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Why does he glow? Why do transformations cause glowing? Why is energy being wasted in the form of useless, unnecessary light? Is that way transformations suck so much energy, because they cause inexplicable glowing during transformation? Isn't that stupid? Isn't that really not a great evolutionary feature, glowing?
Lou definitely got the better deal. I mean, Lupine compared to Rover? Bandit is maybe okay, except not really because it's so clearly a pet name. And Patches...
Basically, the entire thing is all pulpy and stuff. It's not bad, kind of amusing most of the time, it's just very pulpy.
What can I say about "Allergies"? All in all it is a decent book. Not the greatest, but decent. In my opinion the book lacks a sense of flow during intense moments. For instance, when Ray sees Lou shift in front of him, and when Ray and Lou's mother talk for the first time. Each moment feels contrived, as if the author has not yet figured out how to execute anger from his mind to pen and paper. However, the author does nail intimacy very well. This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I will try another.
I think the most interesting thing about this book was Ray's allergy to Lou's human side and it wasn't even that interesting but I also didn't find anything overtly annoying or offensive either so I didn't hate it. I even liked both characters, at least what I could get to know which wasn't much in the 1st place. That last problem introduced about Spike's last boyfriend...well, it just seemed like something the author remembered last minute to reason writing other books about the rest of the pack basically. Can't say I'm interested.
Rating: 2.5 ✮
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Allergies didn't start clicking for me until I was about 1/3 of the way in. Once most of the characters had taken their places, and things started happening in the story, then I started liking the book. I loved that all of Lou's siblings had dog names, something I'd never seen before. Because so much was left hanging at the end I was really glad that I had the sequel, Nick of Time, warming up in the wings.