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a_reader_obsessed's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
I’ll be honest. The most I ever knew about Puss n' Boots was the cute Antonio Banderas portrayal in the Shrek movies, so I looked it up and got the gist of the fairytale. This was quite the charming m/m reimagining.
Sweet, down on his luck Willem finds that he’s inherited the family cat from his late father and is quite baffled and a bit miffed that he didn’t get more. Not that much gets him down with his ever optimism and kind heart, but he’s taken aback when said cat starts talking to him and promises to help set some of the things in his life right.
Kasha is not a only a cat but forever serving penance to help those he’s bound to. Sometimes he hates them, most of the time he’s ambivalent. Funny how after all these years he might just actually have strong feelings for his new charge.
Overall a simple story about love and redemption. It doesn’t hurt at all that this was sexy, had a good dose of action, and had a satisfying ending! Again, a very nice retelling of a classic tale.
I’ll be honest. The most I ever knew about Puss n' Boots was the cute Antonio Banderas portrayal in the Shrek movies, so I looked it up and got the gist of the fairytale. This was quite the charming m/m reimagining.
Sweet, down on his luck Willem finds that he’s inherited the family cat from his late father and is quite baffled and a bit miffed that he didn’t get more. Not that much gets him down with his ever optimism and kind heart, but he’s taken aback when said cat starts talking to him and promises to help set some of the things in his life right.
Kasha is not a only a cat but forever serving penance to help those he’s bound to. Sometimes he hates them, most of the time he’s ambivalent. Funny how after all these years he might just actually have strong feelings for his new charge.
Overall a simple story about love and redemption. It doesn’t hurt at all that this was sexy, had a good dose of action, and had a satisfying ending! Again, a very nice retelling of a classic tale.
shandra's review
4.0
Unique and Enchanting!
Fairy tale adaptations have been popular since the beginning of fairy tales. Angel Martinez manages to create a unique blend of Japanese folklore and classic Western European fairy tale with her take on the story of "Puss in Boots." I couldn't anticipate the story arc while reading; I loved the ending so much I almost cried.
Willem is the youngest of three brothers in a family whose father made his money as a beer brewer. He winds up inheriting "Puss" the family cat rather than anything else from his father's legacy as his oldest brother inherited the family business and his middle brother gained his father's vehicle -which made sense as he no longer has a driver's license- and there's a moment of shame, sadness, and sorrow at the thought his father didn't love him as much as his brothers yet his good nature turns it around as he realizes the old tomcat wants to go with him wherever he's taking himself after his father's estate has been handled. It's easy to immediately fall in love with Puss who is exactly the right blend of cat and man.
Kasha, as the cat demon asks to be called, is a servant of Amaterasu who is banished to live among humans for failing in his duties three times. He's devious in a way I associate with felines while being affectionate in a way I think we all wish our cat companions were all the time. His devotion to doing right by Willem is admirable and I gotta admit reading about him going up against an ogre alone? I was terrified for him.
For those worried about unhappy endings, this one does have a happy ever after, but it comes at a price the way fairy tales all did in the past. I love the epilogue which reassured me things worked out well for these characters. I sincerely hope people decide to give this one a shot if they're interested in a new take on an underused story. Boots is a fantastic read filled with fun and a little bit of filth to keep it interesting for the adult reader.
Fairy tale adaptations have been popular since the beginning of fairy tales. Angel Martinez manages to create a unique blend of Japanese folklore and classic Western European fairy tale with her take on the story of "Puss in Boots." I couldn't anticipate the story arc while reading; I loved the ending so much I almost cried.
Willem is the youngest of three brothers in a family whose father made his money as a beer brewer. He winds up inheriting "Puss" the family cat rather than anything else from his father's legacy as his oldest brother inherited the family business and his middle brother gained his father's vehicle -which made sense as he no longer has a driver's license- and there's a moment of shame, sadness, and sorrow at the thought his father didn't love him as much as his brothers yet his good nature turns it around as he realizes the old tomcat wants to go with him wherever he's taking himself after his father's estate has been handled. It's easy to immediately fall in love with Puss who is exactly the right blend of cat and man.
Kasha, as the cat demon asks to be called, is a servant of Amaterasu who is banished to live among humans for failing in his duties three times. He's devious in a way I associate with felines while being affectionate in a way I think we all wish our cat companions were all the time. His devotion to doing right by Willem is admirable and I gotta admit reading about him going up against an ogre alone? I was terrified for him.
For those worried about unhappy endings, this one does have a happy ever after, but it comes at a price the way fairy tales all did in the past. I love the epilogue which reassured me things worked out well for these characters. I sincerely hope people decide to give this one a shot if they're interested in a new take on an underused story. Boots is a fantastic read filled with fun and a little bit of filth to keep it interesting for the adult reader.
teresab78's review
5.0
Reread 06/03/2023 I still really liked this story but it is more of a 4 or 4.5 than a straight out 5... I won't adjust my stars though :D
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
I loved this reimagining of an old fairy-tale! Boots was charming and sweet with just the hint of angst. I loved the humour and silliness of a cat in boots along with the sexiness of his other form. Kasha and Willem were well matched.
I really liked the twist of making this old European tale into a Japanese mythology with Japanese demon cat. It added some exoticism to the story. I loved Kasha and his tale, even though it was a little sad. I am partial to cats and my daughter loves Japanese culture so this book made me smile.
Sometimes shorter novellas try to pack too much in and end up leaving important stuff out. This was not the case with Boots. I found the length to be perfect to tell the tale and I was left wholly satisfied.
I highly recommend picking up this story!
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
I loved this reimagining of an old fairy-tale! Boots was charming and sweet with just the hint of angst. I loved the humour and silliness of a cat in boots along with the sexiness of his other form. Kasha and Willem were well matched.
I really liked the twist of making this old European tale into a Japanese mythology with Japanese demon cat. It added some exoticism to the story. I loved Kasha and his tale, even though it was a little sad. I am partial to cats and my daughter loves Japanese culture so this book made me smile.
Sometimes shorter novellas try to pack too much in and end up leaving important stuff out. This was not the case with Boots. I found the length to be perfect to tell the tale and I was left wholly satisfied.
I highly recommend picking up this story!
ellelainey's review
5.0
Book – Boots
Author – Angel Martinez
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 90
Cover – Perfect!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes.
Genre – LGBT, Romance, Fairytale-Retelling, Paranormal, Supernatural
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
This was a lovely, really cute retelling of Puss in Boots. However, I want to get the bad points out the way quickly – there was no sense of time (historical/contemporary or year) and no sense of origin. All we has the brewery and the name of the MC's family to suggest his heritage, though it often slipped in. The same can be said for Kasha, because there were hints that he was a demon, a kind of God like creature, but also with a Japanese background that wasn't properly explained. The story also ended at 94%, which felt good for the story and plot, but left me feeling just a touch cheated for not having more to read.
However, I enjoyed the other aspects of the story and pushed these aside without problem. It's just a niggle that bothers me, since I'm detail-orientated. I don't think it helped that I'm from the UK and had no historical context to place the mining crisis, mentioned in the Author's Note.
There is a hint of a Dom/sub relationship between the MC's that was dealt with nicely; gentle, not too hard core. The Master/slave relationship was much more subtle and less solid, because of Willem's disinterest in being a 'Master'.
Kasha, the cat character, was adorable, feisty and definitely a feline in nature. Their portrayal was brilliantly spot on and always interesting to read. I never got bored or thought the character predictable, though there were risks there, with this being a fairytale retelling. I found the whole concept of the story highly original, especially from the characterisation point of view.
Willem as just as interesting; newly homeless, with his father having just died and his boyfriend having cheated on him and moved the new lover into their apartment. His life is in the pits, when we begin the story, and it only gets better and better as Kasha settles into his lief as his cat and nighttime human lover.
As for Joey, well let's just say that I most definitely approved of Kasha's solution and loved how that resolved itself. Brilliantly done.
~
Overall, it was a fantastic story, an original retelling and will definitely be something I read again. I'm a fan of Martinez' writing and this one didn't disappoint. From the characters to the plot and the level of craftsmanship that it required to make this plot believeable and the characters relatable, it's five stars all over.
~
Favourite Quote
““Hey, you all right, babe?”
“I'm shattered,” Kasha whispered against his throat. “Nothing but a kaleidoscope of jagged pieces.”
“Did I–?”
Kasha put a finger over his lips to shush him. “You are not a stud, my dear Willem. You are a god.”
Willem grinned and tipped Kasha's head up for a tender kiss. “A little over the top, there. But I'll take it.””
““Eat your peas and I'll even pay attention when you show me your new shoes later.”
He whispered in Willem's ear, “It's a new pair of boots.”
“Oh.” Willem's heart beat a little faster against Yorukaze's palm. “Maybe you could model them for me, then?”
“With pleasure.”
“And maybe you could keep them on when I take you to bed?”
“My dear Willem, what else is a good pair of boots for?””
Author – Angel Martinez
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 90
Cover – Perfect!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes.
Genre – LGBT, Romance, Fairytale-Retelling, Paranormal, Supernatural
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
This was a lovely, really cute retelling of Puss in Boots. However, I want to get the bad points out the way quickly – there was no sense of time (historical/contemporary or year) and no sense of origin. All we has the brewery and the name of the MC's family to suggest his heritage, though it often slipped in. The same can be said for Kasha, because there were hints that he was a demon, a kind of God like creature, but also with a Japanese background that wasn't properly explained. The story also ended at 94%, which felt good for the story and plot, but left me feeling just a touch cheated for not having more to read.
However, I enjoyed the other aspects of the story and pushed these aside without problem. It's just a niggle that bothers me, since I'm detail-orientated. I don't think it helped that I'm from the UK and had no historical context to place the mining crisis, mentioned in the Author's Note.
There is a hint of a Dom/sub relationship between the MC's that was dealt with nicely; gentle, not too hard core. The Master/slave relationship was much more subtle and less solid, because of Willem's disinterest in being a 'Master'.
Kasha, the cat character, was adorable, feisty and definitely a feline in nature. Their portrayal was brilliantly spot on and always interesting to read. I never got bored or thought the character predictable, though there were risks there, with this being a fairytale retelling. I found the whole concept of the story highly original, especially from the characterisation point of view.
Willem as just as interesting; newly homeless, with his father having just died and his boyfriend having cheated on him and moved the new lover into their apartment. His life is in the pits, when we begin the story, and it only gets better and better as Kasha settles into his lief as his cat and nighttime human lover.
As for Joey, well let's just say that I most definitely approved of Kasha's solution and loved how that resolved itself. Brilliantly done.
~
Overall, it was a fantastic story, an original retelling and will definitely be something I read again. I'm a fan of Martinez' writing and this one didn't disappoint. From the characters to the plot and the level of craftsmanship that it required to make this plot believeable and the characters relatable, it's five stars all over.
~
Favourite Quote
““Hey, you all right, babe?”
“I'm shattered,” Kasha whispered against his throat. “Nothing but a kaleidoscope of jagged pieces.”
“Did I–?”
Kasha put a finger over his lips to shush him. “You are not a stud, my dear Willem. You are a god.”
Willem grinned and tipped Kasha's head up for a tender kiss. “A little over the top, there. But I'll take it.””
““Eat your peas and I'll even pay attention when you show me your new shoes later.”
He whispered in Willem's ear, “It's a new pair of boots.”
“Oh.” Willem's heart beat a little faster against Yorukaze's palm. “Maybe you could model them for me, then?”
“With pleasure.”
“And maybe you could keep them on when I take you to bed?”
“My dear Willem, what else is a good pair of boots for?””
liza5326's review
3.0
A very interesting take on Puss in Boots. Willem's father dies and all he gets is the cat and $300. But it turns out that this cat isn't a normal cat. He's a kasha demon who has been cursed. That's where things got a little screwy. Not a bad story, overall, just strange in some spots. But what else can you expect from Angel Martinez?
ctsquirrel's review
5.0
Was going to be a 3.5 or a solid 4/5, but all the snark and a few Shrek references bumped it up.
Quotes:
"Curiosity may have killed the cat, but enforced patience will surely give him a stroke."
Quotes:
"Curiosity may have killed the cat, but enforced patience will surely give him a stroke."
the_novel_approach's review
4.0
Reviewed by Cassie for The Novel Approach
I didn’t realize until I was about halfway through this story that the only thing I knew about the story of Puss in Boots was actually from the movie Shrek, so I jumped over to Wikipedia and looked that sucker up. I’m so glad I did, because half the fun of these retellings of fairytales that Angel Martinez is so good at is enjoying how the pieces of the original get their modern update, then enjoying where they get turned on their ear for the M/M update. This was a good one.
Willem’s a nice guy who’s down on his luck, with no real direction or plan for getting his life back under his control. Kasha, like any cat worth his whiskers, comes in to run the show and get Willem back on track. The magic that ensues is interesting and fun, and the pacing of the whole thing is pretty spot on. There’s enough space to give real time to the story and characters, making the whole thing a satisfying read. There was even a bit of suspense at the end that made the finale all the more enjoyable.
This is the second of Angel Martinez’s revamped fairytales I’ve read, and I’ve found them to be truly enjoyable novellas that are perfect for satisfying that modern fantasy itch while providing just a touch of nostalgia. Usually referencing one of the more obscure fairytales, they feel fresh even while sourcing a story you may already be familiar with. There’s no sense of rehashing an overused plot yet again, despite the familiarity. Boots is worth your time. Pick it up and enjoy it on one of these cold weekend afternoons; it’s the perfect excuse to stay in where it’s warm!
I didn’t realize until I was about halfway through this story that the only thing I knew about the story of Puss in Boots was actually from the movie Shrek, so I jumped over to Wikipedia and looked that sucker up. I’m so glad I did, because half the fun of these retellings of fairytales that Angel Martinez is so good at is enjoying how the pieces of the original get their modern update, then enjoying where they get turned on their ear for the M/M update. This was a good one.
Willem’s a nice guy who’s down on his luck, with no real direction or plan for getting his life back under his control. Kasha, like any cat worth his whiskers, comes in to run the show and get Willem back on track. The magic that ensues is interesting and fun, and the pacing of the whole thing is pretty spot on. There’s enough space to give real time to the story and characters, making the whole thing a satisfying read. There was even a bit of suspense at the end that made the finale all the more enjoyable.
This is the second of Angel Martinez’s revamped fairytales I’ve read, and I’ve found them to be truly enjoyable novellas that are perfect for satisfying that modern fantasy itch while providing just a touch of nostalgia. Usually referencing one of the more obscure fairytales, they feel fresh even while sourcing a story you may already be familiar with. There’s no sense of rehashing an overused plot yet again, despite the familiarity. Boots is worth your time. Pick it up and enjoy it on one of these cold weekend afternoons; it’s the perfect excuse to stay in where it’s warm!
serukis's review
5.0
Willem loses his job, lover and apartment in quick succession, so imagine his disappointment when the only thing his father leaves him in his will is the old brewery cat. But this particular cat can talk, and soon Willem finds that his fortunes will change forever.
Boots is a retelling of the old puss in boots fairytale, and, let me just say, it is one of the most adorable books I've ever read! <3
It is a very character driven story, as Willem and Puss/Kasha tread along the well-known plot of the fairytale (with a twist :)). I felt very close to their characters, especially Kasha. Kasha is a, well, kasha. He has been banished to earth in order to help humans. He enters their service when they give him boots, and then is relieved from service once they take the boots away. Most of the time he's in the form of a cat, but he can turn into a human too (oddly, with penile spines and a rough tongue - sort of a leftover from being a cat, haha). He's quite sarcastic and quick-witted, but there is a much more vulnerable and heartbroken side to him that makes you just want to scoop him up and protect him (and I'm allergic to cats!). Willem on the other hand, is tall, strong and dependable, though he really does have a rather impressive temper. However, despite this temper, Willem is gentle and protective and I love him and Pasha together.
With any other book, I'd get annoyed at the all-too-perfect and convenient ending, but, as it's based on a fairytale, I don't mind over much. It suits the fairytale feel of the story. :) If you don't like happily ever afters, however, Boots has one, so be warned!
Something strange about this story, actually. Often I found myself thinking that it was set in the past, even though there was mention of Antonio Banderas and cars. This usually would bother me, but in Boots it didn't really. I guess, again, I'll contribute it to the fairytale feel and the kind of dream-like quality the whole text has.
Boots isn't really that long - it's about a hundred or so pages - but I think that this is just about the right length. Any more, and Kasha and Willem's story would have been stretched out too far, which would have been detrimental to the story as a whole.
I loved how humorous and quirky the story was, as well. I loved the fact that the ogre was a lawyer and an investment banker (as well as, you know, an ogre). I also love the fact that his initials were I M Ogre (esq.). Little things like that just add a whole new level to the book. I also loved the interactions between Willem and Kasha - they were filled with wit and humour as well, and I found myself laughing and quoting bits to my (long suffering) fiancee (even though she's already read the book). :)
And, of course, it wouldn't be a review of erotica if I didn't mention the sex scenes. I found myself much more interested and invested in the sex scenes that I usually get, and they were both kinky and steamy to boot. I'm not sure if it was Willem's commanding bedroom presence, Kasha's adorableness or something else entirely, but I loved them.I even found myself admiring the metaphors that ran through the sex scenes, especially the one based on a storm. I'm a strange person admiring language in a sex scene, I know. Dont' judge me, hahaha.
If you enjoy fairytales, happy endings and hot, sweet man-love, you'll enjoy Boots. It's such a sweet, fulfilling story. <3
Boots is a retelling of the old puss in boots fairytale, and, let me just say, it is one of the most adorable books I've ever read! <3
It is a very character driven story, as Willem and Puss/Kasha tread along the well-known plot of the fairytale (with a twist :)). I felt very close to their characters, especially Kasha. Kasha is a, well, kasha. He has been banished to earth in order to help humans. He enters their service when they give him boots, and then is relieved from service once they take the boots away. Most of the time he's in the form of a cat, but he can turn into a human too (oddly, with penile spines and a rough tongue - sort of a leftover from being a cat, haha). He's quite sarcastic and quick-witted, but there is a much more vulnerable and heartbroken side to him that makes you just want to scoop him up and protect him (and I'm allergic to cats!). Willem on the other hand, is tall, strong and dependable, though he really does have a rather impressive temper. However, despite this temper, Willem is gentle and protective and I love him and Pasha together.
With any other book, I'd get annoyed at the all-too-perfect and convenient ending, but, as it's based on a fairytale, I don't mind over much. It suits the fairytale feel of the story. :) If you don't like happily ever afters, however, Boots has one, so be warned!
Something strange about this story, actually. Often I found myself thinking that it was set in the past, even though there was mention of Antonio Banderas and cars. This usually would bother me, but in Boots it didn't really. I guess, again, I'll contribute it to the fairytale feel and the kind of dream-like quality the whole text has.
Boots isn't really that long - it's about a hundred or so pages - but I think that this is just about the right length. Any more, and Kasha and Willem's story would have been stretched out too far, which would have been detrimental to the story as a whole.
I loved how humorous and quirky the story was, as well. I loved the fact that the ogre was a lawyer and an investment banker (as well as, you know, an ogre). I also love the fact that his initials were I M Ogre (esq.). Little things like that just add a whole new level to the book. I also loved the interactions between Willem and Kasha - they were filled with wit and humour as well, and I found myself laughing and quoting bits to my (long suffering) fiancee (even though she's already read the book). :)
And, of course, it wouldn't be a review of erotica if I didn't mention the sex scenes. I found myself much more interested and invested in the sex scenes that I usually get, and they were both kinky and steamy to boot. I'm not sure if it was Willem's commanding bedroom presence, Kasha's adorableness or something else entirely, but I loved them.I even found myself admiring the metaphors that ran through the sex scenes, especially the one based on a storm. I'm a strange person admiring language in a sex scene, I know. Dont' judge me, hahaha.
If you enjoy fairytales, happy endings and hot, sweet man-love, you'll enjoy Boots. It's such a sweet, fulfilling story. <3
mrella's review
4.0
The story is cute and cuddly, just like The Puss :)
Unexpected twists and turns kept me reading through the night and into the wee hours. Nice and easy, sticking to the original story in all the important places, but with several surprises of its own, a dash of yaoi - a few very sexy scenes - and the books is a 5 star read :)
Unexpected twists and turns kept me reading through the night and into the wee hours. Nice and easy, sticking to the original story in all the important places, but with several surprises of its own, a dash of yaoi - a few very sexy scenes - and the books is a 5 star read :)