Alexander Myers and his twin sister Tabitha were born with the incredible ability to "hear" the thoughts of animals. Alex has managed to keep this a secret and has actually used it to his advantage for his job, working in an emergency animal care clinic and volunteering at the animal shelter while he studies to become a veterinarian. One night while Alex is working the front desk, Dylan Travers, a local animal control officer, comes in with an injured fawn. When Alex and Dylan become involved, it gets harder and harder for Alex to keep his secret. On top of that, Alex has a little menagerie of his own in his apartment, including a ferret called Karma, who he's not supposed to have as a pet. As the two men become closer, Alex worries about how Dylan will react if Alex tells him about his pets and then his special ability. Add to that debilitating migraines from especially 'loud' animals, and a dangerous co-worker who Alex butts heads with, and life is suddenly far more exciting than Alex would like. Will he be able to keep his job, his pets, his lover and his sanity?
I live in southern California, the land of no seasons. (Is wind a season?) I live with three dogs, two cats, and some tortoises. I'm married to a firefighter, which is great in the sense that some nights I get the TV all to myself, but not so great in the sense that some nights I have to figure out what to do when the washer starts leaking. (Or when there's a bat in the house, which is a thing that happened when he was working.)
Most of my books are centered around the firehouse. When you spend a lot of time around firemen, you write what you know! And what's hotter than a fireman?
I read the second edition of this book. There is no mention of this story having been revised, and based on some dated details (references to an MP3 player and two men not being able to get married, for example), I can say with some certainty that it wasn't.
And, really, that's too bad. This story is CUTE (that seems to be the best word for it) and plenty STEAMY (there may be too much sex, but you didn't hear it from me). But it lacks substance and oomph.
Alex and Dylan move in together halfway through the book. We get only Alex's POV, so Dylan, an animal control officer, is just this super nice guy with no flaws.
There is almost no relationship conflict, except Dylan doesn't believe Alex can hear animals' thoughts, and that issue is never resolved.
The book doesn't end as much as stop. Dylan still seems sceptical of Alex's claim, and the MCs have grown apart. Maybe the author is planning a sequel?
The MCs talk kind of like the animals think: Want. Fuck. Hard. Harder. Want.
That got old. Fast.
The villain and his evil plot were laughable. There was no motive, so the whole thing felt like a farce.
This story has potential, but as it stands, the best I can say is it's an easy, sexy read; no thinking required.
Extra half star for Karma the ferret and fat, grumpy cat Macavity.
Keeping Karma by Tory Temple is a very sweet love story. Between the sweet and sexy heroes, fun storyline, a mean villain and super cute animals-including an adorable ferret named Karma, make this enjoyable romp has everything needed in a fast and full filled read.
Alex Myers has a secret. Ever since he can remember, he’s had the ability to hear animal’s thoughts. Because he knows he can help the animals get the best possible care, he’s going to school to become a veterinarian. In the meantime, he works at a local animal care clinic and spends a lot of time with the local animal shelter. Even though his secret helps the animals, it also comes with a price. Many times when an animal in under stress or hurt, it also causes Alex to have horrible migraines, but even though this gift can be a pain, Alex basically tries to embrace it and make the most of it as he can.
When animal control officer, Dylan Travers, brought a severely injured fawn into the clinic, Alex was not only mesmerized by the handsome man, but by his kindness and the care he tries to give to the animal as well. When Alex realizes that Dylan might be attracted to him as well, this excites but also worries Alex. Telling others about his gift, especially potential boyfriends, has never turned out to be a positive experience for Alex. Plus, he’s not sure how understanding the animal control officer will be when he finds out that Alex also has a ferret named Karma that lives with him; especially since owning a ferret in California is illegal.
To Alex’s surprise, Dylan shows some persistence about going out with him, so he agrees and the men hit it off very quickly. Even though Dylan sweetly understands and turns a blind eye about Alex having Karma, Alex still decides to keep his gift a secret from him. As time goes by, it becomes harder to share something that Alex has deliberately kept from his lover.
When Dylan finds out about Alex’s ability will he be able to accept the truth? When Alex discovers an illegal underground selling ring of the shelter animals, it puts his life in danger. Will Dylan be able to save Alex and the animals in time from the heartless criminals?
Keeping Karma was a pretty fast moving story. I thought Alex’s gift was truly an amazing one, but I also felt empathy for him because of the isolation that his gift can cause him to have. He and Dylan are a very well matched pair. Both men are honorable and likeable heroes that I enjoyed getting to know as I read the story. There was a strong chemistry between them that I appreciated, and I enjoyed watching them fall in love.
There isn’t a lot of angst in this book. It’s got a villain that I truly hated, but it basically is just a sweet and lovely romance. The inner conflict that Alex has about keeping his gift from Dylan tore at my heart, and Dylan’s initial reaction made me want to shake some sense into him. I was happy to see them work things out and rejoiced how everything turned out in the end.
The blurb for this one from Dreamspinner states “2nd edition”. Truthfully, I didn’t think there was any significant revisions considering what bothered readers from the first edition seemed to still apply in this one. Basically, this probably is the same story with a different cover. A cover that doesn’t even feature the pet ferret whose name becomes the title of this novella!
Anyway, if I can sum the storyline, it is basically scene, scene, sex, sex, sex, scene, sex, sex … yeah, it lacks of plot or anything resembling substance. It’s like an excuse for the characters to have sex anytime, anywhere and the characterizations don’t matter. It’s paper thin at best! Plus, I simply thought that the sex scenes were boring and outdated (including the solo shower scene, which was SO few years ago, darn it!).
The villain is ridiculous, and I swear, why can’t Alex think that the villain is up to no good based on the villain’s track record?
And the whole problem for these two boiled down to Derek not believing about Alex’s ability to speak to animals. That’s it. Which of course was never really fully addressed (because even after they argued, they still thought sex was good!) and talked out.
Then it ended. Just like that.
Yeah, the only thing that I was willing to give an extra star rating to was the animals. They were cute.
Keeping Karma is sweet and low angst with a lot of hot sexy times, but too many time jumps left me feeling disconnected from the characters and story. Worse, the biggest time jump happens at a point critical in Alex and Dylan's relationship. It had potential, but fell well short for me.
I have a couple of nitpicks for this story...
The cover: why use the dog and a rabbit? Sure, Alex takes Dylan to the county animal shelter and they play with the bunnies and kitties, but Alex owns a cat, a ferret and a snake. It would have made far more sense to me to include the cat and the ferret, instead of a bunny and a dog.
The sex: there is a lot of sex in this story. Most of it's hot but I feel like it got in the way of the character development.A lot.I would have preferred one or two less sex scenes if it meant getting proper romantic story development.
However, my main disappointment is with the story's ending, which doesn't provide a clear resolution. Throughout the story we have glimpses into Alex's reluctance to share his gift with Dylan. It's understandable, right? If my boyfriend suddenly told me he could hear animal's thoughts I would think he was insane until he could prove it.
What's even worse to me though is this is the 2nd edition. I would have thought someone would have corrected at least the ending along the way before publishing it again. Alas, no, the audience is left with a completely unsatisfying ending.
It had potential, and I'd be willing to try some more of the author's work, but I'm sorry, adding my little nits together with the ending...I cannot recommend.
I read the revised edition. I liked the idea of animals, pets, and vets as the MC. But I need to learn my lessons, not every books with pets are cute. Sometimes, what's bothering me is not the pet, but the MCs. Well, I guess they're trying to be cute, but still. I didn't 'see' any strong chemistry between the two MC, except, they're having sex 'all the time'. Including in public places, that you'll be easily get caught, or busted. Like, all the time'. And too much sex in a book, was kinda bored me fast. There's no conflict between the two MC, Dylan was being a very understanding boyfriend for Alex. They're moved in together after like, a few dates? It's too easy, I think. I'm very disappointed that I can't like the story like I wanted to be. I need a better pets stories :(
* Review copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. Reviewed by Lilly from Lelyana's Book Blog. *
This was a cute book and the MCs were sexy together but I got bored many times when there was yet another sex scene. I had to take a couple of breaks and read something else before I could finish it.
Interesting story but the ending was very abrupt and didn’t explore the main topic that drew me in - how the MC can hear animals and how that affected his relationship.
“Animal Communication is the ability we all have to make a connection with an animal through the universal language of telepathy. This means we mentally send and receive thoughts, images (clairvoyant), feelings (clairsentient) and words (clairaudient). Animal Communication can also be described as deepened intuition.” ~ Rachael Millikan (Beyond Barking Animal Communication)
All of us have the ability to communicate with animals but most people have forgotten how. It's a matter of listening with your heart instead of your head. Alex Myers, of 'Keeping Karma' by Tory Temple, is especially gifted in animal telepathy. He usually keeps his skills quiet because of the negative reaction most people have when he does tell them. Alex has a relatively mundane job at the front desk of an emergency veterinary clinic. The best part of his job is helping with the animals where his telepathy skills often come in very handy in triaging their injuries into those who are seriously in need of care and those who are not. Alex is so busy between school and work, he has little time for a social life. When Dylan Travers, animal control officer, comes in late one night with an injured fawn, Alex can't help but hope that might soon change.
Alex and Dylan feel an immediate attraction to each other and soon end up going out and head quickly for the bedroom where their passion ignites in a big way. They already know they have lots of things in common, especially with their love for animals and their welfare. Even so, Alex is afraid to share his gift with Dylan and even more so his illegally owned ferret, Karma. He hides it as long as he can, until Karma gets out of her room and comes into the bedroom where he and Dylan are burning up the sheets. Instead of being upset, Dylan thinks it's funny and tries to reassure Alex that he won't turn him in. In fact, Dylan compliments Alex about Karma's ferret-friendly room that is equipped with ramps, hammocks, towers, and toys. Even though Karma shouldn't be there, Dylan takes it all in stride.
Gordon Sheer, whose mother regularly donates to the animal hospital, comes into the center mostly to harass Alex. Gordon is a homophobic bully and he and Alex can’t stand each other. To Alex's amazement, Gordon decides he wants a job there. Alex is amazed that Gordon even wants a job, period, since he has no idea he even likes animals. From what the animals are communicating to Alex, they don't like Gordon at all! Gordon gets the job and ends up doing a lot of what Alex is doing since, technically, Alex is hired for reception. Soon Alex begins to miss his contact with the animals. Knowing he still has a key, he goes into the shelter to have his lunch break. The animals are unusually distressed and are trying to warn him that things are not as they should be there. He doesn't take them seriously at first but the more frightened they become the closer he listens. Alex can hear voices and realizes it is Gordon and someone else in the animal room. Alex knows he has to do something so he dials Dylan's number and walks into the room, scared but determined to get to the bottom of what is going on. Then the man with Gordon starts choking him and Alex falls to the floor.
This is a well written, entertaining read. I was particularly drawn to the animal telepathy aspect of the story since, as a certified animal communicator, I have several years of personal experience with animal communication. Tory's depiction of what Alex experienced when the animals communicated with him are close to what actually happens. I also know about being overwhelmed, as Alex was, with so many voices talking to you and trying to hear all of them at once. I also do animal rescue and have had many ferrets in the family over the years. Tory obviously knows a lot about ferret behavior because the way she described Karma was right on the money. They are funny, wicked smart, and can be quite destructive at times, but so adorable that it's difficult to stay mad at them. I despised Gordon and thought he sounded like a spoiled rotten twelve-year-old. Alex and Dylan were super hot in and out of bed and presented me with several steamy demonstrations of that fact. It made me feel a bit like a voyeur. If you like animals, ferrets in general, hot men in uniform, even hotter sex, and suspense, you may enjoy this story. Thanks, Tory, for the giggles Karma's antics gave me, the introduction to animal telepathy, and for giving Alex and Dylan their happy ending.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Ferret. The blurb had me at ferret. I’m owned by one of these little guys so I just had to read Keeping Karma. Alex’s ability to hear animals was another plus. He’s doing great things with his education and job choice. It allows him to use his ability for good. Alex is so easily likeable. He puts his health at risk to help animals that can’t articulate their thoughts as easily as us bipedal humans.
The author throws in a sexy animal control officer that loves his job and helps animal in a completely different way. This is exactly the type of man that Alex needs in his life, someone who is just as compassionate in his love of animals that he is. There was so much promise here in these pages. I had so much high hopes for this. I had two big issues that hindered my enjoyment.
Look at that cute cover. Doesn’t it scream sweet romance? Dylan and Alex hump like the bunny on the cover far too much. They cannot keep their hands off of each other and get it on constantly. Location doesn’t matter. They go after each other in completely inappropriate places where they even get caught by the random character that is kind of villainesque.
The ending definitely felt happily ever afterish but the men never exchanged an “I love you.” This would have been important in solidifying their bond, especially after Dylan finds out about Alex’s BIG secret. You know that that is the big thing they’re going to have to get through for their relationship to work long-term. One of these guys can clearly hear (in his head) what the animals around him are thinking. Dylan has a reaction that felt off. Then how he behaves after when it is mentions goes back to my over-sexed issue. I honestly don’t know if Dylan ever accepted it in the end.
Alex works the nightshift at the emergency animal clinic while he puts himself through vet school. Alex has the ability to "hear" animals which sometimes leaves him with debilitating migraines.
Dylan is an animal control officer who meets Alex when he brings an injured fawn into the clinic. The two feel the attraction immediately and the two agree to meet for breakfast. Their relationship steadily progresses from there and Alex is waiting to see if it becomes something more before he spills his little secret.
The douche bag son of one of the animal shelter's biggest donors strong arms Alex into helping him get a job at the clinic. The guy is a real tool, and it's obvious that he doesn't really like animals. Alex can't figure out what his game is, but the tension has him wondering if he should find a new job.
On a random night off Alex decides to ride along with Dylan as he answers calls for Animal Control. The last call of the night is to pick up two abused and abandoned dogs. The cries for help from the dogs send Alex into the mother of all migraines.
Dylan is able to get Alex to his sister where she explains Alex's "condition." Dylan doesn't take it well, telling Alex he believes that Alex believes he can hear the animals. Dylan's brush off of Alex's abilities puts a huge strain on their relationship. It's like the elephant in the room no one talks about.
One night on his break Alex goes to eat his dinner with the animals in the shelter and stumbles upon a robbery in progress. Will Dylan be able to get to him in time?
This is a cute, quirky story but it felt unfinished to me.
From the blurb and the book title I got the impression that Alex was hiding Karma his ferret because Dylan was a straight laced, by the book kind of guy. I didn't get that impression from Dylan. I loved Dylan, he was the perfect guy. Kind, caring and compassionate.
I felt like the storyline with the arrogant son of the clinic donor was rushed and didn't seem to have a lot of motive or substance. It was quickly explained away with little to no detail. I'm a details girl, I like a lot of them.
Also, after Dylan rescued Alex there was no more mention of Alex's abilities or whether Dylan had accepted it. There wasn't any closure.
Alex's little menagerie of animals were cute and I loved the connection he had with them. Overall, this was a cute enjoyable read.
ARC provided by author or publisher in exchange for a review from Two Chicks Obsessed.
Man. Ok. Well. This book started out really good. It’s a very compelling set-up: a guy who can “hear” animals, an animal control officer and a ferret (in a state where they’re illegal!) Alex is working toward becoming a vet himself when he meets Dylan and the two instantly hit it off. I was a bit put off by the speed at which they moved from having breakfast together (Alex works the night shift) to sex – but… you know… it wasn’t all bad. But then… the rest of the book was literally one sex scene after another! I had to skim because I got so fed up with them. They had virtually no interaction that didn’t involve sex either beginning, middle or end. It even ends up causing trouble for them when they get caught in a place they shouldn’t… which I’ll discuss in a moment.
The animal speaking part was fun. They’re all pretty simple and basic, but it was really clear how much Alex cared for them and it was sweet and funny. Except that when they are “broadcasting” loudly (usually pain and/or fear) he gets a migraine. This is rough for him as he works for and wants to be a vet. It’s never addressed how he’s going to deal with that exactly.
Next is the “villain” – Gordon – who catches the couple in a “sticky” situation – heh heh. He then demands stuff from Alex and shows up at his work and then later ends up doing something even more bizarre that is never explained and felt really out of place.
Finally, the couple moves at lightning speed through their relationship (including moving in together!) but we never get an “I love you”. That felt strange and incomplete considering their devotion to one another.
All in all the book just seemed kind of random and very scattered. It had lots of interesting ideas that sort of just exploded into a story and in the end it really lacked a finite direction.
(On a side note – while the original cover from 2009 isn’t as attractive as the new one, it is more accurate. There are rabbits and dogs in the story but the main animals are a ferret named Karma and a cat so I’m not sure why they weren’t represented on the new cover in place of the (very cute!) puppy and rabbit.)
I can’t recommend this and give it a 2.5 of 5 stars for original idea and interesting MCs but for a very confusing story.
This story had infinite amounts of potential, and while it’s a cute story, it definitely didn’t achieve all that it could. Alex is a veterinary student working his way through school in an emergency animal clinic where he works nights. Dylan is an animal control officer who takes one look at Alex and knows he wants to get to know the man. Alex has this interesting ability to hear the thoughts of animals, who apparently think in human terminology. This was my first issue. Snakes thinking “cold,” rabbits thinking “fear,” and ferrets thinking “play” just kind of hit me wrong.
Anyhoo, Alex is trying to keep secret this ability because previous boyfriends freaked out and exited stage right. The storyline is A to B to C with gratuitous amounts of sexy times and a decided lack of relationship building between the main characters. I’m all for strong chemistry, but in this case it actually detracted from the story, especially as the story is not classified as erotica. Then there’s this random peripheral character who is a walking bully and whose inclusion in the story seems superfluous in the extreme. He could have just been included in his final appearance and the story wouldn’t have suffered at all. The saving grace of the story is definitely of the four-legged variety. The various animals and the way they were portrayed was adorable, and they really made the story for me. Yes, I realize that I said the thoughts bothered me, and they do, but viewing the world from the animals’ perspectives was quite cute.
***A copy of this book was provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest and fair review.***
Alex Myers works part time as a receptionist at an emergency animal clinic and shelter while going to school to become a veterinarian. With a year left until he can work as a Vet Tech, his boss allows him to help with the animals when needed, giving him valuable hands-on learning. Little do they know Alex possesses a special ability to hear the thoughts of the animals around him.
Alex meets Animal Control Officer Dylan Travers one night when he comes into the clinic carrying an injured fawn he found on the side of the road. He's immediately attracted to Dylan but doesn't act on it until a week later when Dylan comes back to the clinic to ask Alex out for breakfast. From then on, Alex and Dylan begin a passionate relationship.
Alex is scared to tell Dylan about his ability knowing that Dylan would never believe him. But as their relationship progresses it becomes harder and harder to keep his secret. Alex is determined not to lose Dylan, after all, how many men would accept him and his small menagerie of pets, including Karma, his illegal pet ferret?
4 Stars!
This was a fun read. I enjoyed Alex and Dylan and thought they were cute together. Their relationship was fairly easy throughout the book, it moved quickly but didn't feel overly rushed. I had a bit of a hard time feeling like we really got to know Dylan, mainly since the story is only told from Alex's POV, but there was nothing about him that I didn't like.
The villain in the book was a bit over the top. I couldn't understand exactly what made him behave the way he did or his reasons for hating Alex. I'm not sure if it was explained and I missed it or if we never really learn the reason. Either way, I wished we were privy to a little more backstory there.
Overall the writing was good and the story was cute. This was an easy read with very little angst and lots of smex!
I chose this book solely for the author as I have enjoyed previous books written by Temple. I was hesitant of the subject matter since it had the potential to become increasingly silly, which isn’t my taste. But while it didn’t go in that direction, this may be the first time I say that the purpose of this book escapes me.
I never felt a connection with these guys or the story itself. Their relationship was almost purely physical and I still wasn’t feeling it. They meet for breakfast and then hook up. Then, their main interaction throughout the rest of the book is that they have sex. They don’t go out on dates, they have sex. They don’t have any major conversations getting to know each other, they have sex. Alex moves in with Dylan and they have more sex. When Alex goes on a ride along with Dylan at work they talk about the next time they can have sex, only to take a work break so they can, of course, have sex.
The main point here was supposed to be that Alex could hear the thoughts of animals. The thoughts he heard were basic in the form of hungry, tired, cold. The animals all had single thought word bursts, which didn’t really add anything for me. Then, when Alex and Dylan were having their many intimate moments, they began speaking in one word bursts as well and it all started to run together.
How young is this guy? Did his parents get married before or after they had children? They've only been together 20 years. If he's in vet school in this country, he has to already have an undergraduate degree so he should be in his early 20s at least. Okay he's 27. So his parents didn't get married right away. I think that's cool.
The rodents didn't want out? My pet rodents were always trying to find the way out of their cages.
If Gordon hates animals? Why is he there in the middle of the night?
Too much sex and during it, they sound too much like the animals, repeating words and general thoughts instead of even short sentences. Like "hard, hard, yes, yes." It was hot the first time but after that it was all the same.
They exchanged keys "weeks ago" so they've been saying a while and Dylan already has MC been ready to call him bf but they're just now thinking of making it permanent and exclusive?
Pwp. There is as much or more sex than plot. I really don't think I'm exaggerating. I really think the rating for the book would be much higher if there were more character and plot development and less sex. I'm so bored.
I'm glad the animals aren't brilliant, that they're just animals, but his gift really isn't that impressive. He doesn't hear anything that isn't pretty obvious from observation.
Cool that the author understands that a migraine isn't simply a bad headache.
The little bit of danger at the end wasn't long enough not the worry of the bf but it was there which raises this from a 1.5 to a 2. Still, I probably won't read anything else by this author.
Okay so this is an adorable story. Light, fluffy, and there is A LOT of sexy times. The furry critters are the best kind of secondary characters for any book. Alex works in a Veterinarian Clinic… The night shift. It’s how he meets Dylan an Animal Control Officer! So anyway, Alex can hear animals. When I first read that in the blurb I assumed it was very Dr. Doolittle but it’s not. He doesn’t hear them like all their thoughts. He gets emotions mostly. Hunger, happiness, tired, scared. All the “eat, sleep, friend, kill,” feelings lol. So I thought that was shockingly more realistic… If you expand your mind that is. Dylan is such a sweetheart and crazy understanding. He really adores Alex and they have a serious attraction to each other. I mean sex on the first date? LOL these two say yes to that! Of course there’s a bad guy who has tricks up his sleeve but this isn’t an angsty story at all. Simply a situation that actually doesn’t last very long. This isn’t written to drag you deep into the pits of suspense and drama. It’s a feel good book. A take me lightly story. Tory Temple has written a story for readers who simply want to sit back, laugh a little, and enjoy some love. It was enjoyable and fun.
more 2,5 stars than 3. and the half star is for the cute animals.
Let me say, this story has really potential und there were scenes I really really loved but overall it would need work. Especially plot development and depth of the characters.
My biggest problem was that I couldn't see any chemistry between the two MC's. They meet, go for breakfast, have sex, have sex again...and again and... - I felt like all they did were having sex - and then they move in with each other after only a short time (and didn't Alex say he wouldn't give up his flat because it was really great there?)
Beside that it lacked for me. I can't tell you exactly what...but some things came out of the blue for me... like Dylan didn't believe Alex that he could hear the thoughts of animals one second and in the next scene he seems to be on board with the whole thing and accepts it as truth an then BAM! end of the book!
The suddenly emerging villain felt like a farce and I still don't know why that was in the book. I think the story gained nothing through it.
Alex is a vet tech in school who is able to hear basic snippets of thoughts of animals. He works overnights in the emergency animal clinic. Dylan is an animal control officer who brings an animal in one night. They talk, flirt, and eventually start dating. Overall, they are a cute couple.
There is a lot of sex in the book, and while I appreciate good sex in a book, sometimes it felt that there was no other major plot or reason for the sex other than just to add more pages. There were a ton of things that could've been written to make the story have a little more beef, and that opportunity was unfortunately missed.
I didn't like the end, and that made me chose 3 stars instead of rounding up to 4. There was some good story with Dylan finding out about his gift, but the ending was really glossed over. They didn't deal with anything as a couple. We were just told things were off and then all of a sudden everything is great. We didn't get to see any true resolution happen. It was not fulfilling at all.
OK, first of all, this is a lovely story, I adored the characters (both human and animal) and the plot is... intriguing to me.
"Keeping Karma" introduces the reader to Alex, a veterinary student with a special gift... he can hear the animals he works with; Dylan, an animal control officer who takes an instant liking to Alex, when he brings in an injured fawn; and Karma, a ferret living with Alex and his other pets even though she's an illegal pet in California.
Alex and Dylan hit it off and are soon living together, quite happily, but Karma's constant hijinks and Alex's secret just might throw a wrench in the whole thing... read it and find out what happens! ;-P
I picked up this title because I've always liked the idea of actually being able to talk to animals. Though I was wary that Tory Temple might be writing a gay Dr. Dolittle, the author did no such thing! Instead, writing an enjoyable tale perfect for an afternoon read.
Tory Temple’s KEEPING KARMA is a sweet romance, made even more enjoyable with the addition of delightful furry critters including the ferret of the title, Karma.
Alex is studying to be a veterinarian. To pay the bills he works the front desk at an emergency vet clinic but also volunteers at a local animal shelter and works at the clinic assisting the vets to gain the experience he needs. Alex and his twin sister, Tabitha, were born with an unusual ability. They are able to telepathically hear animals’ thoughts. It’s beyond cute the way the animals’ thoughts are depicted, usually as one word or a series of words, such as playplayplay, hungry, outoutout. You can just see a fun loving little ferret trapped in a cage thinking exactly these thoughts.
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
This was an enjoyable story. Alex has learned to keep his ability a secret so others don’t think he’s crazy. It is a benefit sometimes when helping injured animals.
This story is told from Alex’s point of view. You can see how both characters feel about each other through his eyes and as their relationship develops. When Dylan learns about him “hearing” animals Alex is sure that their relationship will be over.
This was not a very deep story, you could tell the characters’ feelings, but they didn’t do too much to delve into the feelings. This story was nice, but my only thing is they didn’t really resolve their issue just glossed over it with everything been fine in the end.
Cover art by Anna Sikorska is cute and I wouldn’t do anything different.
Lots of animals and the one guy can hear animals thoughts which are really funny. He hooks up with Animal Control Officer. The main conflict is Animal Control guy doesn’t believe the fact he can hear animals. My only complaint was they seemed to be having issues because he didn’t believe him, BF is attacked, Animal Control Officer saves him and that’s it, suddenly everthing is fine and dandy. No explanation of why he suddenly believed him or them working through the issues. Just from fear that the relationship was drifting apart to sure honey, I believe you. But it was a cute idea and I liked the animals talking.
Adorable little book about a vet tech that can read animal thoughts and the animal control officer he falls for.
The communication with the animals read true to me. This is exactly what I believe my pets think inside their furry little heads.
I just wish it were longer. The relationship moved a little fast for me, and the talent and its drawbacks I think could have been more deeply delved into. And they could have done a bit more with the plot.
But all in all, this book is full of the cute and was a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Cute story about a guy who can hear what animals are thinking. Working in a clinic while studying to be a vet he meets a sexy animal control officer. Can Alex bring himself to tell Dylan about his ability and what about Karma, his pet ferret, that he shouldn't be keeping? Overall a sweet story with nice protags, cute animals, a dastardly villain and some romantic and sexy moments.
I enjoyed this story. It features lots of animals, and a hero w the ability to hear and understand what animals are thinking. The chemistry between the two heroes was great. I felt like the ending was abrupt. They went from Dylan being skeptical about Alex's ability, to Dylan being totally accepting.
This was such a sweet romance! However, I have to say, the animals stole the show. Karma was adorable, but Macavity was my favorite with his bored litany of "not real not real" when idly batting with his toy mouse.
2.5 Cute but there was at least one instance of rather glaring contradiction to what had been previously said/described, and while it didn't have any affect on the story itself it just kept bugging me. A lot of sex scenes - could have done with a few less. But the animals were a lot of fun.