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justabean_reads's review
4.0
(Usual disclaimer about the author being a friend.)
It's been forever since this series updated, and it's so nice to have a new book! I also ended up rereading the second half of Tiger in the Hot Zone, since it's been seven years! And I maybe forgot who these people even were. Though I also think it stands alone pretty well, I just wanted to remember what we already knew about the characters.
This is absolutely my favourite series by Esker, and I think there's two main things I like about it that were really highlighted here: a) team as family vibes where someone is isolated because of their own damage, but learning to trust other people and look for comfort from friends is rewarded; b) sensible civilians, where if someone isn't trained to be an action hero, they won't suddenly get action hero skills, but they're also not going to just stand around being helpless while the Hero Saves the Day, and their own non-action-hero skills can have their moment to shine. Here we get Caine who by combination of how his powers work, his backstory and a recent loss tends to be very much a loner, which in the end isn't what saves him, and Gilly, a writer with agoraphobia who isn't going to put up with his shit, and it's just really sweet and fun! Also, and I'm sure I mentioned this with the last book which had a physically disabled heroine, it's really nice to have a romance series that deals with disability as an everyday thing.
More soon! Justice for Matteo! (Costa is also good, looking forward to it, but MATTEO!)
It's been forever since this series updated, and it's so nice to have a new book! I also ended up rereading the second half of Tiger in the Hot Zone, since it's been seven years! And I maybe forgot who these people even were. Though I also think it stands alone pretty well, I just wanted to remember what we already knew about the characters.
This is absolutely my favourite series by Esker, and I think there's two main things I like about it that were really highlighted here: a) team as family vibes where someone is isolated because of their own damage, but learning to trust other people and look for comfort from friends is rewarded; b) sensible civilians, where if someone isn't trained to be an action hero, they won't suddenly get action hero skills, but they're also not going to just stand around being helpless while the Hero Saves the Day, and their own non-action-hero skills can have their moment to shine. Here we get Caine who by combination of how his powers work, his backstory and a recent loss tends to be very much a loner, which in the end isn't what saves him, and Gilly, a writer with agoraphobia who isn't going to put up with his shit, and it's just really sweet and fun! Also, and I'm sure I mentioned this with the last book which had a physically disabled heroine, it's really nice to have a romance series that deals with disability as an everyday thing.
More soon! Justice for Matteo! (Costa is also good, looking forward to it, but MATTEO!)
timap's review
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Azarias, the male dragon shifter lead, has learned to be alone and to keep his shifted form a secret. With his best friend and work partner recently deceased, he’s become a lone wolf workaholic. But when a non-work emergency leaves him stuck, he ends up in a random wardrobe rather than his personal safe room.
Gilly, the female human lead and owner of the wardrobe, is shocked to find a random male in her “safe” space. Traumatised and agoraphobic because of it, she doesn’t know how to cope with this invasion. When Azarias realises, he shares his secret with her to provide her peace of mind.
But he finds himself drawn back to her, repeatedly, even as he pursues a shifter criminal, who is getting a bit close...
This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet, funny, contemporary shifter romance. I enjoyed Azarias’ shifting perspective on his relationships with others, including Gilly. I enjoyed Gilly’s changing perspective on herself and her limitations. I enjoyed the non-romance plot, and the cleverness of the author’s writing. I appreciated the secondary character interactions, especially Azarias’ partner’s daughter. I laughed at Azarias’ boss and am looking forward to more stories in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gilly, the female human lead and owner of the wardrobe, is shocked to find a random male in her “safe” space. Traumatised and agoraphobic because of it, she doesn’t know how to cope with this invasion. When Azarias realises, he shares his secret with her to provide her peace of mind.
But he finds himself drawn back to her, repeatedly, even as he pursues a shifter criminal, who is getting a bit close...
This story is dual POV, well written, and a sweet, funny, contemporary shifter romance. I enjoyed Azarias’ shifting perspective on his relationships with others, including Gilly. I enjoyed Gilly’s changing perspective on herself and her limitations. I enjoyed the non-romance plot, and the cleverness of the author’s writing. I appreciated the secondary character interactions, especially Azarias’ partner’s daughter. I laughed at Azarias’ boss and am looking forward to more stories in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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