Lena Austin

The first story is about a volcanologist of Comanche descent who wanted to make a living outside the reservation, and a coyote shifter who was kicked out of his pack for sniffing around the pack leader’s mate – laughable since he is gay. Neither of the men found a home with their original packs, yet both are happy to find a new family/pack in the other.

Jeff, while living a life of science, is very much aware of his heritage. When a wounded coyote comes to the cabin he uses as a base for his observations, he picks up on the fact pretty quickly. The way he manages to gain the shifter’s trust is hilarious. Rody is very skeptical in the beginning, not sure the human can be trusted. He has heard nothing but bad things about humans from his cruel pack leader, so he approaches Jeff with utmost caution.

The whirlwind affair that follows is overtaken by a surprise event which forms the basis of Jeff’s future with the coyotes, and indeed all the shifters of Yellowstone. And Rody, cute as can be, finally has not just a lover but the acceptance of his whole pack. If you like short stories about men who are made for each other, if you enjoy reading about shifters who are closer to animals in their thinking than their more “civilized” brethren in other paranormal worlds, and if you’re looking for a read that is as cute as it is hot, then you will probably like this short story.


NOTE: The collection this book was published in has been provided by Changeling Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
… (meer)

The second story in this series has an entirely different slant than the first. Here, a man returns to his family homestead thinking he is sick and just needs some R&R, when actually he is suffering from quite a serious affliction. The coyote shifter who is rescued by Lee is ecstatic about his new pack mate, but has no idea what he’s really in for once they both realize what sickness Lee is suffering from.

Lee and Will are great together! Lee is finding out he isn’t only human, and has to deal with suddenly being part of a shifter world he never knew existed. Will has found a new pack mate, and I loved his attempts of explaining to the “poor human” what that actually means. His reaction to Lee’s shifting and the animal he turns into is so sweet, it made me smile. Neither of them will accept the barriers their animal forms seem to raise, and for once, being able to turn into humans becomes a life saver for both of them in terms of having a relationship.

If you like stories about men whose world turns upside down and they need to learn how to cope, if you enjoy a relationship that starts on a purely physical basis but quickly evolves into more, and if you’re looking for a fun read with a large side of emotion, then you will probably like this short story.


NOTE: The collection this story was published in has been provided by Changeling Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
… (meer)

This short story about an alley cat shifter and the hot firefighter he falls for is not just hilariously funny, it is also hot, and it carries a heartwarming message about true love overcoming all kinds of obstacles. The way the book is written in alternating points of view between Dustin and Tigs, each providing a piece of the story in form of a "blog", ensures the style is informal. It made me feel more as if these characters were talking to me than that I was reading a book. I really liked that!

Dustin is a firefighter who has begun to consider other options in life—he has been extinguishing fires and saving people for a while and now, in his midthirties, he is beginning to wonder what else may be out there. He has some plans, but Fate has other ideas. And for once I liked what she had in store. But there is more to Dustin than meets the eye. Yes, he is hot and physically very attractive. But he is also kind, supportive, and has a big heart. I loved him from the start.

Tigs is hilarious. He is a cat shifter, of alley cat status, and doesn’t think very highly of himself. Which is too bad, because he really is an amazing guy. It all gradually emerges as the story develops, and all I can say is don’t be fooled by his "scruffy" exterior. Dustin was able to look beyond it, and so was I. The way Tigs introduces himself sets the tone perfectly:

"My name is Tigs, and I’m a cat shifter. Don’t get smart, it’s not short for Tigger or anything stupid like that. I don’t fucking bounce or lisp my words, and I’m a gray tabby. I usually work construction and home renovation, me and my crew. We’re all shifters of one type or another, but we get along most of the time."

If you like your paranormal tales with a healthy dose of snark and humor, if "rags to riches" is a story line you favor, and if you're looking for a read that is as funny as it is hot while still managing to touch your heart, then you will probably like this short story.… (meer)