Sydney Blackburn

Well, I finished reading it, but I skimmed over half in order to do it. Save your money.

There are interesting bits. But the dialogue is often very annoying, because the characters are often very dumb/clueless/stupid, and the writing style is basic. By which I mean, often boring, and very wordy for no good reason. This should have been shorter, punchier, more intelligent. The young people are insultingly stilted and slow-witted most of the time. By the time any actual plot happens, I didn't care enough.

As if that isn't bad enough, the editing at all levels fell far short of what was needed, from major plot development to line edits.… (mehr)

I ship #Carnet. ;D

Garnet is a "rouge" wolf, that means he's gay, and his own alpha chased him out of the pack's territory, when he was 13. Since then he formed his own pack (him as appointed alpha), with other rouge wolves, and they live by their own rules. They opened a cabaret, where everyone has their role: dancers, magicians, etc.

And then Carn shows up on opening night. He's a lone rouge alpha, and he wants Garnet's pack. Only problem is, Carn is Garnet's mate, which should be impossible. They were told rouge's can't have mates. All Carn wanted was a family, somewhere to belong to, and he tries to convince Garnet to let him in the pack, he doesn't insist to be the alpha.

Carn isn't the only complication Garnet has to deal with. Before opening night his nephew, Bariston shows up. He ran away, because he thinks he's bisexual, does that makes him rouge? He's confused. Bariston is also the alpha's son, who deeply hates Garnet for some reason, which in the end will cause more problems.

This was a very unique story, with a hint of humor, and playfulness. It wasn't deeply emotional, which I liked, and it was sexy, but I missed that carnal desire that mates have for each other. It was there, but I wanted more.

I don't know if the author planned a series or not, I would totally go for it. Every character could have their own story, even Mike, the human bouncer. ;) And Bariston, even though he's only 16.
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Darcy has never felt sexual attraction or a desire to engage with anyone. Michael has been in denial of finding men attractive. When Michael sees Darcy for the first time, he is convinced she is the girl of his dreams...until a year later he meets Darcy again and finds out he is a man. There is something about Darcy that speaks to him. His reluctance to get "involved" with Darcy and Darcy's lack of sexual interest encourage them to get to know each other. There is more of a friendly vibe between them. Well, all except for the nightly kiss that Michael gives him. They soon realize that they have been dating without really realizing it, and they both find they have feelings for the other that they didn't think would be there.

This was a short story, but it was really sweet. It really focused on the relationship building between Michael and Darcy without any sex to muddy the waters. I enjoyed watching Darcy try to figure out if he is demisexual rather than asexual, and I enjoyed watching Michael let his guard down and just appreciate and enjoy his time with Darcy. It was very well written.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by IndiGo Marketing & Design… (mehr)