Early Book Review: Wolf’s Clothing (Legend Tripping) by E.J. Russell

Wolf’s Clothing by E.J. Russell is the second book in the Legend Tripping series. It is currently scheduled for release on October 10 2016. I was somehow unaware it was part of a series until I started reading it. It did take me a bit to catch up, and I think that readers that have already read Stumptown Spirits will have a head start. However, I did catch up and full enjoy the novel despite the lack.

For Trent Pielmeyer, the answer is run like hell. Run away from his hostile family, away from the disbelieving cops, and far, far, far away from anything that smacks of the supernatural. After seven years’ captivity in a whacked-out alternate dimension, he is so over legend tripping.When Christophe Clavret spots Trent in a Portland bar, he detects a kindred spirit—another man attempting to outrun the darkness of his own soul. But despite their sizzling chemistry, Trent’s hatred of the uncanny makes Christophe hesitant to confide the truth: he’s a werewolf, one of a dwindling line, the victim of a genetic curse extending back to feudal Europe. But dark forces are at work, threatening more than their growing love. If Christophe can’t win Trent’s trust, and if Trent can’t overcome his fear of the paranormal, the cost could be Trent’s freedom and Christophe’s humanity. Or it might be both their lives.

Wolf’s Clothing is an interesting book that initially took me by surprise. I wish I had read the previous book first, but I feel like the character development and story stood well on its own. Trent has survived seven years of horror, and come out the other side only to have to hide the reason he was missing and deal with the family issues he had been trying to avoid his entire life. In trying to ground himself he runs to the only people that know his story- only to discover that his plan is no longer a viable option. Christophe has his own problems, and when the pair meet they are instantly in lust. I like that the plot is complex, as are the characters. This could have been an easy love story with only the supernatural revelations standing in their way- but the plot against Christophe, the wedding, and Trent's facing of his demons make the story move quickly. I like that the story is a LBGTQ romance under all the other things going on, and is not used as a gimmick or attention grabber. It flows perfectly with the story and felt fully organic rather than because the author was trying to fit in a niche or be trendy. I love a read that defies exceptions in a multitude of way while feeling like it just happened rather than being planned. The rest of the story is so full of complications, betrayal, and coming to understand the bigger picture that it was simply wonderful.

Wolf’s Clothing made me eager to go back and read Stumptown Spirits, and explore the few other books by the author. I think readers that enjoy urban fantasy and complex characters and conflicts will enjoy the read. I would not recommend it to read that are upset by non traditional couples and LBGTQ stories.

Book Review: The Haunted Pub by Melanie Tushmore

The Haunted Pub by Melanie Rushmore is a contemporary novel that will appeal to adult and new adult readers. Suffering from depression, and going through a rough time because of it, Fizz's misery culminates in his parents throwing him out, leaving him with two bags, twenty pounds, and nowhere to go. Desperate, he calls his brother, who takes him to The Queen Anne's Revenge, where Fizz winds up living in a room that hasn't had a human inhabitant for more years than anyone can actually count—a room that seems to already have an occupant.

The Haunted Pub is full of characters with flaws. Fizz has struggled with depression, and perhaps more, all his life. His parents have just kicked him out of the house, and the only place for him to stay is with his cousin at a pub that is rumored to be haunted- in the creepiest room to boot. The majority of the pub’s staff lives in the upper floors as well, and one roommate’s band also reverses there. The story is about the haunted inhabitants of the pub, and the connections the living inhabitants make as well. I really felt like I got to know five or six characters really well, and enjoyed reading about their interactions and growth individually. The ghostly aspected built slowly, but that was the perfect pace to make the big conflict at the end so real and high emotion. I became so enthralled with the characters that I really have not stopped thinking about them, and how they might be doing, since I finished the book. Since it is the characters that hook me, I know I will be looking for more from the author.

The Haunted Pub has a little bit of everything. Readers that are offended by LGBTQ relationships or characters will want to steer clear, but readers that do not care how the characters identify as long as they are well written and that their book is compelling will enjoy the read. There is a gothic feel, with plenty of adult angst and mental and emotional struggles to keep readers (and characters) guessing at every turn. I only wish I could read more about how the characters deal with whatever comes next, because life always throws something new at you when you least expect it. 

Book Review: Magic Fell by Andi Van

Magic Fell by Andi Van is a fantasy novel that will appeal to the young adult, new adult, and adult audience. Magic has been missing from the world for a millennium, and it’s needed now more than ever. But in a culture where arcane power is forbidden and practitioners are executed, Tasis will have to keep his own aptitude for magic secret. With nothing to direct them besides bizarre dreams and a mysterious cat, Tasis and his sister Zaree undertake a quest to discover the hidden island that was once home to the guild. Kelwin Tiovolk departs his village following his mentor’s suggestion. As an elf wandering into human civilization, he’s in danger simply for being who he is. A brawl at an inn leads him straight into the path of the young man he’s been dreaming about, and he’s compelled to help Tasis and his sister any way he can. Together, the trio might have a chance of accomplishing their mission, or the attempt might kill them.

Magic Fell is a wonderful introduction to a fantasy world. The world is one that has faced war and conflict, resulting in a fear of magic and all thing different. Tasis has magic, and is different from those around him in many ways but is a good hearted person that wants to honor his mother's life and be a good person. Zaree is his sister in every way but blood, though she is different from those around them as well, although she goes through great strides to keep her secrets. Kelwin is an elf on a quest to learn more from the world, and to figure out his crazy dreams. When Tasis and Zaree meet up with Kelwin the adventure really begins. I like that there is a noble quest, and plenty of action and danger to keep readers eager to see just what is going to happen next. I liked that many different kinds of love were addressed, the complicated love of family (both by blood and by choice) as well as he start of romantic and friendship based love. I loved how matter of factly everyone's preferences and identities are handled and accepted, and the way conflicts are presented. The fear and hate that some have for anything or anyone they cannot (or refuse to) understand is something that is extremely relevant now. 

Magic Fell is a wonderful fantasy novel with complex characters and high action. The only people I would not recommend this read to are those that are not open minded about sexuality and gender identity. These are issues that come up in the book (and frankly are handled perfectly), so those that cannot accept people and relationships that fall outside preconceived idea will want to pass. 

Book Review: Playing Passion's Game by Leslie Davis

Playing Passion's Game by Leslie Davis is a contemporary romance. Trent Williams’s entire world revolves around her love of gaming. She has little time for romantic distractions and prefers instead to be with her closest friends who, like her, live for the thrill that comes from a competition well played. Happy in her job, seemingly content with her life, Trent still finds herself haunted by the past that threatens to keep her alone forever. The self-imposed solitude she places on her heart only leaves her all too aware of just how lonely she is. All work and no play in her executive job forces Juliet Sullivan to search for a different direction in life. Disillusioned by it all, Juliet is desperate to seek out new horizons. When Trent unwittingly comes to the rescue of her younger sister, Juliet immediately finds herself drawn to Trent’s silent strength and undeniable charm. Now the new direction Juliet so desperately desires seems intent on leading her straight into Trent’s arms.

Playing Passion's Game is a wonderful read. As I expected from the author, both Trent and Juliet felt very real. They each had their faults, fears, and fallibilities just like the rest of us. Even though some stereotypes were touched upon, the majority of the time it was done in a way that pointed out the expectations of others, and the reality. I think readers that enjoy well written characters and realistic stories will find themselves completely caught up in the story. Honestly, the characters are people that I would love to hang out with and know in real life. The fact that the main characters are lesbians is more of a side note- the romance, characters, and struggles they face are so real that it was organic. The difference between an author that truly knows their characters and how they feel, and those that write to fill a niche market or for the love of money rather that the story is clear. Davis is obviously a writer that loves what they are writing, rather than writing to follow the money. Which will hopeful help them continue writing and find success- because I want more!

Playing Passion's Game might have a slightly corny title, but like the other books I have read from the author I quickly found myself lost in the story and caring deeply for all the characters. I adore the author, and will continue reading whatever they release. I am eagerly waiting for more! 

Book Review: Starstruck by Leslie Davis

Starstruck by Leslie Davis is a contemporary romance that I had trouble putting down. Actress Cassidy “C.J.” Hayes is famous for her role in The Alchemidens, a fantasy show where she plays a kick-ass heroine. Her rising success has brought her quickly under Hollywood’s glaring spotlight. It also gained her the unwelcome attentions of an obsessive fan who wants more than just an autograph. Aiden Darrow is both a well-respected screenwriter and a writer of lesbian romances. As a big fan of actress C.J. Hayes, Aiden is astounded when the woman of her dreams ends up moving into the house next door to her. Their attraction is undeniable, but Cassidy is understandably nervous about getting too close to anyone. Aiden, meanwhile, is trying to separate reality from fiction because Cassidy is nothing like the character she portrays so well. All through her childhood, Aiden dreamed of a hero to come rescue her, but can she be the hero that Cassidy so desperately needs now?

Starstruck is a realistic lesbian romance. Both Cassidy and Aiden have trauma in their past or present to deal with, and are struggling with letting another person in. Cassidy is dealing with a stalker that has escalated from wanting to get close to Cassidy to wanting to kill her, because if he cannot have her no one should. Aiden grew up in the foster system, and escapes from the real world through watching movies and writing. When the woman of her fantasies moves in next door, separating fiction and reality should have been hard, the real Cassidy is wonderful in her own way and the attraction cannot be denied. Of course conflict, including communication fails, assumptions, and so on take place. Real danger from the stalker and character growth and interactions are present as well. The balance of completely realistic relationship and personal fears and doubts with the concerns of high profile people, are address very well. I also liked the little cameo of characters I recognized from previous books by the author.

Starstruck is a pretty perfect contemporary romance. It dealt with problems the characters might face in the real world, and they reacted as anyone might. I like that the fact that the gender of Aiden and Cassidy are more of a side note than anything else for me. LGBT issues are raised, but it was organic rather than feeling forced or done for effect. I had trouble putting this book down, and have added Davis to me list of authors to watch and read regularly.

Book Review: Love Games by Eden Scott

Love Games by Eden Scott is a novella featuring a romance between two men. Technology-challenged historian Regis is on a mission of mercy for his miserably pregnant cousin, Penny. She needs a diversion and the only thing that will satisfy is the latest version of a video game, Dead Knights at Castle Kill. When Regis braves the aisles of a video game retailer, he is swept off his feet by Mars, the tall, dark, and gorgeous salesclerk who works there. But there's very little chance that such a savvy gamer would ever notice a man who can barely use his computer. Convinced he needs to fake some gamer knowledge to bridge the gap, Regis is determined to make it work. 

Love Games is a short but sweet story. Regis is a responsible academic with no love for video games. However, when his mission of mercy brings him into Mars’s orbit he is swept away. He is willing to do just about anything to connect with Mars, except tell him that he is not a video game fan, never mind the master gamer that he has lead Mars to believe he is. His cousin Peggy urges him to come clean, but Regis doubts his value and continues the deception. Will Mars still be interested is he discovers Regis’s lie?

Love Games is a novella, which I missed when reading the description. I think it did a good job of covering the vulnerable and self-doubting side most of us carry inside- and how so many people think that they need to deceive to be considered good enough. I enjoyed the story, and the realistic use of personal doubts and fears that anyone and everyone can relate to.  

Book Review: Playing In Shadow by Lesley Davis

Playing In Shadow is the second book in the Playing series by Lesley Davis. I did not read the first book in the series, and while i was still able to catch up quickly, the couple that comes together in the first book does continue their story in this book, so I do wish I had already read Playing Passion's Game. I will be going back to read it shortly. 

After surviving a devastating car crash, Bryce Donovan is plagued by crippling nightmares that leave her terrified to close her eyes. She still bears the scars from that night, both emotionally and physically. Her job at Tweedy Contractors brings the diversion she is desperate for, and the new apprentice painter is a welcome distraction. As a gifted artist, Scarlet Tweedy creates beauty in every medium she employs. But she’s always been expected to take over her father’s business. The problem is she doesn’t want to follow in his footsteps while she has dreams of her own to pursue. But can she choose her own path over what has always been expected of her? 

Playing In Shadow is a solid romance, and a satisfying read. Bryce is still recovering physical and emotionally from a deadly car accident. Not even she has acknowledged how deep some of those scars run. Scarlet is glad to be home and with her friends again, but does not want fall into the role her father has lined up for her. She needs to decide on what is best for her in the long run. Bryce and Scarlet come together fairly quickly, and while that bothered me on some level, the way it happens felt very organic and possible in the real world. I also liked that friends and previous main characters have their stories told and are included in the mix as well. So often the focus on the main characters has me wondering if they completely shut out their friends when love comes into the picture, or if other characters that already have found their happy ending go into hiding.

Playing In Shadow is different from my typical romance reading, but at the same time exactly the same. I loved the two main characters and the secondary characters. The issues they all face were realistic and handled really well. My complaint is the same I have with many romance, in that the main couple fell a little too fast, but sometimes that is how real life happens too, and it felt so very real. I do not often read LGBT romance, but thus far every time I have I have been thrilled with how fantastic the writing is. I guess I need to read more!

Playing In Shadow is a sweet romance with dynamic characters. I would recommend it to anyone open to LGBT romance. I enjoyed the characters and the story and will be reading more from this author.