Stewart Wieck (1968–2017)

A Hearts On Fire Review

4.25 STARS--Any Urban Fantasy fans out there? Maybe a reader that has turned the UF/Paranormal Romance tide but would want some MM main characters added to the mix? Am I the only one? I hope not because I think I found a book you will enjoy.

This is not the same old rehashed shifter plot. *shakes head* A unique twist on werewolves, demons, mages and the modern day world they inhabit.

Terra Laurent's "The Beast Within" is told from damaged Kapre agent, Aaron's POV. A Kapre agent? Think FBI paranormal edition. They are who the police call in case of supernatural crime. They hunt and exterminate the baddies, in this case werewolves and demons and others who do not follow the rule. Aaron suffers from PTSD, is hugely scarred, his lover pretty much dumped him and he has a shifter living within him from his attack.

Aaron moves across country from California to Maryland, barely has a grip on the beast living inside him and has to keep it a secret or else he'll be hunted. Unfortunately he has to have a human partner. Aaron gets one snarky, smart mouthed partner in Tony.

“You're a dick," Ellison said. "Or, is it just that you suck it?"

Aaron knew by the stillness in the room that everyone was awaiting Tony's response.

"Both," Tony agreed lightly. "And if you actually had one you might be in trouble, sailor.”

Ah, Tony was definitely a breath of fresh air to Aaron's dark and broody presence. But don't let the smart mouth fool you, Tony has some personal demons of his own. The story was both funny, a little dark and not entirely light. A great mix IMO. Both partners are attracted to one another and they try to fight it...for what good it does them because when they finally succumb...YUMMY! The story was not a sex filled, screwing each other every other page kind of read. Though it spans a few days, it felt longer.

The paranormal world created was very interesting, I love anything with mythology veins mixed into paranormal. The tastes of magic I read was intricate and simple at the same time. And I wanted to know even MORE.

The suspense/thriller angle was also a great twist. I never could guess who was what or who was with whom. I loved the secondary characters (Matthew, Robert, Braven and even Carlos too). And for a solid story, I let somethings slide but I will mention them just the same.

Concerns: Nothing extreme - there were a few editing mishaps - not hard to follow along. Also the story is set in Maryland but the writing was British. It was not hard to understand but just a heads up of sorts. And while the story was only a span of a couple of days (it didn't feel like it), I'm hesitating on the insta-love vibe between Aaron and Tony. But I am happy Aaron questioned his feelings as well. And there were brief bouts of MANTEARS. Thankfully it was a few tears slipping but I could have down without. (my pet peeve)

I think I would like to see Tony's POV also just so I can see his take on certain key points. I do enjoy their coupling. And that hospital scene? Oh YES!! I'm happy how that ended.

The story ends with a cliffhanger but what seems like a strong HFN possible HEA ending so don't despair. This is a promising lead for this UF series. I'm not one to follow one couple throughout a number of books but I think I will with this series. Definitely looking forward to book #2. Solid story with strong characters.

Hello Terra Laurent, I want to revisit this world you created!"… (meer)

Clan Novel: Toreador serves as the opening book to White Wolf's Clan Novel series: an ambitious series seemingly intended to both explain the different clans as seen through the eyes of their creators and to give an example of how a story arc might span all sects, clans and other factions out there in the World of Darkness.

The writing is pleasant, the language not too flowery or stilted. Characters are not always likeable, but considering the fact that we're talking bloodsucking fiends here, perhaps that's not surprising. All in all a decent piece of writing, but nothing to spark a continued interest in either the characters or the clan they belong to.… (meer)