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wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
5.0
I've enjoyed every book in this series that I've read. As is kind of the way with some of them, the ending feels pretty abrupt, but I can live with that.
ellelainey's review against another edition
5.0
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Bodyguard's Familiar, by T.J. Nichols
Familiar Mates, Book 10
★★★★★
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: LGBTQIA+, First Time, Assassins, Romance, Crime Family
Triggers: mentions of homophobia, loss of family, assassination, cancer, grief, loss
Genre: MM, Romance, Shifter, PNR, Crime
~
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Romance: ★★★★☆
~
The Bodyguard's Familiar is a forced proximity story between two MC's who were raised in shady families. One into a family of assassins, the other into a Korean yakuza-style family set-up. Both want nothing to do with the illegal work of their families, but are dragged in by duty, necessity, and an unexpected attack and a blood debt.
I don't want to say too much about the plot itself, as it was well-paced but fast-paced within terms of a lot of action and movement, while having quite a complex but highly intriguing plot. There are three big plots in the book: 1) a forced proximity romance, 2) the crime family aspect, and 3) the illegal smuggling of shifters. Within that, there was also the light angst of a first time gay relationship, mild internalised homophobia, two outsiders of the shifter/magic community finding their way, and also a united front of fighting for a common cause.
In terms of characterisation, I loved both Caleb and Jay equally. The beauty of the dual POV is that you get to see the story from both perspectives, and that was important here. Not only because of the mind-sharing aspect of the story, but also because they both had such similar family experiences but vastly different ways of handling it. Caleb was very much a live-in-the-moment character, who wanted to enjoy life to the fullest, while Jay was badgered by the curse of reading minds and always knowing when others disapproved of or judged him. Being closeted gay was a huge aspect of Jay's personality, and his struggle throughout the book, while Caleb is not only open but a minor celebrity who doesn't shy away from taking what he wants when he wants it.
Their dynamic together was dynamite! It was brilliant to see the push and pull, and how Caleb helped Jay open up, while Jay offered Caleb a more serious and balanced perspective of his lifestyle. Their chemistry with each other was palpable right from the start, and you could feel their motivations, their hopes and fears, and why they were drawn to each other, despite the forced proximity. Though that definitely added a tension that sped things up.
I really liked how Jay and Caleb were mostly alone throughout the novel, on the run while trying to plot against their enemies. It felt reminiscent, but still unique to, the Rock Star's Familiar, with the forced proximity and criminal family/on the run aspect. Yet, here it had an extra slice of danger, because both were deadly families not afraid to take out anyone standing in their way.
I loved their banter, and how Caleb's playful attitude slowly rubbed off on Jay, and helped him open up. Yet, neither were boxed into their personality traits, not only learning from each other but also sharing their troubles, learning to rely on each other, and growing their bond through a short period of time.
There was a limited secondary cast, due to the close proximity aspect, but we were introduced to the couple who are central to the next book, and I love that. I love how Nichols always makes sure that we feel connected to each book in the series, while allowing each one to stand alone. It's rare that I find a “standalone” series that actually functions exactly as it claims to. Every book has it's own couple, it's own story, and can be read in any order, at any time you prefer. Yet, if you read them all in order, you get that little extra something of learning about the connected storyline that only adds to the world-building. Each book adds another layer to the overall series storyline of the Coven, the bond between shifters and witches, and how that affects each shifter/witch differently.
~
OVERALL
The Bodyguard's Familiar was another brilliant addition to the Familiar Mates series. While acting as a standalone, it also introduces the next couple in the series, as other books have. It has everything you want in a good read – chemistry, excitement, sizzle and danger. It takes you on a journey, while leading the two MC's on a self-discovery journey of varying proportions. In the end, it culminates in a satisfying plot that takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions. I can't wait for the next book.
~
Favourite Quote
“Caleb was ninety percent questions and ten percent flirt.”
“But sure. Let’s go to your place and see if we can get shot or knifed. I haven’t done quite enough cardio today.”
“You’re cute when you’re angry. Your eyes light up and—”
“I’m going to run you through with my tusk.” He was going to pin him down and show him how fucking cute he was.
Jay laughed and leaned in so his lips were by Caleb’s ear. “Is that what you call it?”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Bodyguard's Familiar, by T.J. Nichols
Familiar Mates, Book 10
★★★★★
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: LGBTQIA+, First Time, Assassins, Romance, Crime Family
Triggers: mentions of homophobia, loss of family, assassination, cancer, grief, loss
Genre: MM, Romance, Shifter, PNR, Crime
~
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Heat: ★★★☆☆
Chemistry: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Romance: ★★★★☆
~
The Bodyguard's Familiar is a forced proximity story between two MC's who were raised in shady families. One into a family of assassins, the other into a Korean yakuza-style family set-up. Both want nothing to do with the illegal work of their families, but are dragged in by duty, necessity, and an unexpected attack and a blood debt.
I don't want to say too much about the plot itself, as it was well-paced but fast-paced within terms of a lot of action and movement, while having quite a complex but highly intriguing plot. There are three big plots in the book: 1) a forced proximity romance, 2) the crime family aspect, and 3) the illegal smuggling of shifters. Within that, there was also the light angst of a first time gay relationship, mild internalised homophobia, two outsiders of the shifter/magic community finding their way, and also a united front of fighting for a common cause.
In terms of characterisation, I loved both Caleb and Jay equally. The beauty of the dual POV is that you get to see the story from both perspectives, and that was important here. Not only because of the mind-sharing aspect of the story, but also because they both had such similar family experiences but vastly different ways of handling it. Caleb was very much a live-in-the-moment character, who wanted to enjoy life to the fullest, while Jay was badgered by the curse of reading minds and always knowing when others disapproved of or judged him. Being closeted gay was a huge aspect of Jay's personality, and his struggle throughout the book, while Caleb is not only open but a minor celebrity who doesn't shy away from taking what he wants when he wants it.
Their dynamic together was dynamite! It was brilliant to see the push and pull, and how Caleb helped Jay open up, while Jay offered Caleb a more serious and balanced perspective of his lifestyle. Their chemistry with each other was palpable right from the start, and you could feel their motivations, their hopes and fears, and why they were drawn to each other, despite the forced proximity. Though that definitely added a tension that sped things up.
I really liked how Jay and Caleb were mostly alone throughout the novel, on the run while trying to plot against their enemies. It felt reminiscent, but still unique to, the Rock Star's Familiar, with the forced proximity and criminal family/on the run aspect. Yet, here it had an extra slice of danger, because both were deadly families not afraid to take out anyone standing in their way.
I loved their banter, and how Caleb's playful attitude slowly rubbed off on Jay, and helped him open up. Yet, neither were boxed into their personality traits, not only learning from each other but also sharing their troubles, learning to rely on each other, and growing their bond through a short period of time.
There was a limited secondary cast, due to the close proximity aspect, but we were introduced to the couple who are central to the next book, and I love that. I love how Nichols always makes sure that we feel connected to each book in the series, while allowing each one to stand alone. It's rare that I find a “standalone” series that actually functions exactly as it claims to. Every book has it's own couple, it's own story, and can be read in any order, at any time you prefer. Yet, if you read them all in order, you get that little extra something of learning about the connected storyline that only adds to the world-building. Each book adds another layer to the overall series storyline of the Coven, the bond between shifters and witches, and how that affects each shifter/witch differently.
~
OVERALL
The Bodyguard's Familiar was another brilliant addition to the Familiar Mates series. While acting as a standalone, it also introduces the next couple in the series, as other books have. It has everything you want in a good read – chemistry, excitement, sizzle and danger. It takes you on a journey, while leading the two MC's on a self-discovery journey of varying proportions. In the end, it culminates in a satisfying plot that takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions. I can't wait for the next book.
~
Favourite Quote
“Caleb was ninety percent questions and ten percent flirt.”
“But sure. Let’s go to your place and see if we can get shot or knifed. I haven’t done quite enough cardio today.”
“You’re cute when you’re angry. Your eyes light up and—”
“I’m going to run you through with my tusk.” He was going to pin him down and show him how fucking cute he was.
Jay laughed and leaned in so his lips were by Caleb’s ear. “Is that what you call it?”
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