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Cambio Springs #1
Shifting Dreams
Librarian note: Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00BOGUGUS.
Somedays, Jena Crowe just can’t get a break. Work at her diner never ends, her two boys are bundles of energy, and she’s pretty sure her oldest is about to shift into something furry or feathery. Added to that, changes seem to be coming to the tiny town of Cambio Springs—big changes that not everyone in the isolated town of shapeshifters is thrilled about.
Caleb Gilbert was looking for change, and the quiet desert town seemed just the ticket for a more peaceful life. He never counted on violence finding him, nor could he have predicted just how crazy his new life would become.
When murder rocks their small community, Caleb and Jena will have to work together. And when the new Chief of Police isn’t put off by any of her usual defenses, Jena may be faced with the most frightening change of all: lowering the defenses around her carefully guarded heart.
Shifting Dreams is the first novel in Cambio Springs, the new paranormal romance series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the best-selling Elemental Mysteries series.
Somedays, Jena Crowe just can’t get a break. Work at her diner never ends, her two boys are bundles of energy, and she’s pretty sure her oldest is about to shift into something furry or feathery. Added to that, changes seem to be coming to the tiny town of Cambio Springs—big changes that not everyone in the isolated town of shapeshifters is thrilled about.
Caleb Gilbert was looking for change, and the quiet desert town seemed just the ticket for a more peaceful life. He never counted on violence finding him, nor could he have predicted just how crazy his new life would become.
When murder rocks their small community, Caleb and Jena will have to work together. And when the new Chief of Police isn’t put off by any of her usual defenses, Jena may be faced with the most frightening change of all: lowering the defenses around her carefully guarded heart.
Shifting Dreams is the first novel in Cambio Springs, the new paranormal romance series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the best-selling Elemental Mysteries series.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2013
About the author
Elizabeth Hunter
73 books6,068 followersELIZABETH HUNTER is a ten-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.
She has published over forty works of fiction and sold over three million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
She has published over forty works of fiction and sold over three million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
August 11, 2016
4.5 stars
Even better the second time through. Elizabeth Hunter is a damn good writer.
My other reviews for this series:
Long Ride Home: A Cambio Springs Short Story (Cambio Springs #0.5)
Five Mornings: A Cambio Springs Short Story (Cambio Springs, #1.5)
Desert Bound (Cambio Springs, #2)
Waking Hearts (Cambio Springs, #3)
Even better the second time through. Elizabeth Hunter is a damn good writer.
My other reviews for this series:
Long Ride Home: A Cambio Springs Short Story (Cambio Springs #0.5)
Five Mornings: A Cambio Springs Short Story (Cambio Springs, #1.5)
Desert Bound (Cambio Springs, #2)
Waking Hearts (Cambio Springs, #3)
June 27, 2016
3.5 This series? Interesting, it has potential.
I was a bit surprised, it's a little different than the typical shifter books (I dunno how it's different, it just it).
It focused more on the love story than the crime and mystery and stuff, although I hoped it would be different. I'd have liked for the author to decide, it's pretty hard to make a great romance and a great mystery. Even I can't decide what it was! I mean, yeah, most UF have more than just one main theme, but this one felt a bit strange, like a little kid who doesn't know what toy he wants to play with, so he chooses both.
Still, it was a good one. I liked the characters and I liked the plot, in general. It's worth giving it a try if you like shifters.
I was a bit surprised, it's a little different than the typical shifter books (I dunno how it's different, it just it).
It focused more on the love story than the crime and mystery and stuff, although I hoped it would be different. I'd have liked for the author to decide, it's pretty hard to make a great romance and a great mystery. Even I can't decide what it was! I mean, yeah, most UF have more than just one main theme, but this one felt a bit strange, like a little kid who doesn't know what toy he wants to play with, so he chooses both.
Still, it was a good one. I liked the characters and I liked the plot, in general. It's worth giving it a try if you like shifters.
October 29, 2014
There is a town deep in the Mojave Desert, that nothing is as it seems.
Welcome to Cambio Springs
Home and shelter for shapeshifters, this unique town is struggling to survive. The only way is through progress and unexpectedly, blood...
An unheard of, in this town of loyalty and solidarity, murder investigation will unearth secrets, greed and passions. It will either lead in the future or in the whole town's doom.
"Everything happens for a reason."
Caleb Gilbert, accepts the job offer of Cambio Spring's Police Chief. He doesn't realise what his job entails and the secrets this sleepy and dusty town harbors. He just want to leave his past behind and start anew.
He also doesn't count on stumbling upon shifters, learning a life-altering truth about himself and above all, falling in love with an alluring and complex woman.
Jena Crowe is a mother to two boys. A daughter and granddaughter. A beloved friend and lonely widow. And a hawk shapeshifter. She tried to cheat fate once but she returned home, the only she ever had and the only one she needs. She thinks she has paid destiny her due and that she is done with love, but her future awaits.
A large cast of secondary character each with his own rich back story and personality, adds depth and charm in this book. This is a close-knit community, that take cares of its own.
Another exciting and intriguing story by Elizabeth Hunter! She is one of my favourite authors mainly because of her ability to draw you right in the story and make fantasy seem as everyday occurrence. Every time I read one of her books, I feel like vampires and shapeshifters are real and I'll meet one down the street or maybe I have already talked to one without realising it.
Her paranormal creatures are mainly human, with realistic problems and characteristics, not God-like creatures above laws and emotions.
This book is just the beginning. Cambio Springs, has a lot of stories to tell. Can't wait...
January 12, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down (the start was stronger than the finish for me)
This had several positives going for it, including a hilarious opening scene involving a man shifting into an animal to dine and dash. Overall the book had a fresh take on small town shifter romance feel with a police officer H, who’s unaware of the paranormal, and a single mom widow who’s a shifter. Some Native American mythology woven in, small town politics, cute kids, large friend group, and different shifter dynamics all built up the story well. On the negative side, some of the events were convoluted and I don't know if this writer is a good fit for my personal taste as the progression of the plot and the writing style didn't gel for me totally. I did like the humorous moments, as well as the sweeter ones. The suspenseful parts fell the flattest for me. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (h had only been with her husband; H was divorced but not a manwhore).
The attraction between the main characters was instant and held some nice charm, but the pacing for the romance was off imo. The H did the pursuing and the h pumped the brakes for reasonable reasons (him not knowing about the paranormal and her fears of losing someone else she loved to name a couple). While her reasons made sense given her backstory, she gave the H whiplash at times, which he absolutely did not deserve. I definitely liked the H more than the h, but they were both sympathetic characters. The H had a bit of swagger and competency with a protective streak and a hidden vulnerable side due to darkness in his past. The h was an excellent mom, as well as being loyal and also protective. She also had some big fears. They did fit each other well and I would have preferred that they were a solid couple earlier so that there wasn't friction over the relationship status in addition to some of the dangerous moments. Some steam that’s only somewhat explicit was kind of a bummer given the sparks flying between these two.
Supporting characters were critical for the book as many will likely be getting their own books or at least featuring in the rest of the series. The h's friend group were supportive and caring and also able to lay down tough truths at times. Not that they had their lives all together either of course. The other townsfolk were fun characters or suspects or a combo of both. The h's children were at times funny and other times emotional. The H had several outstanding scenes with the kids, mostly funny ones.
The investigation for the murder mystery was sadly more frustrating than intriguing for me. Though a twist involving the H did add some of that intrigue back in, then promptly deflated it slightly with the reaction of other characters. There were multiple suspenseful scenes where there was danger from other shifters and I ended up more confused by these scenes than anything else. The climax was dramatic and also a bit messy. But the ending is HEA and the epilogue is several months in the future with some cuteness injected. I felt very much like this was a mixed bag where what I liked, I liked a whole lot, but what didn't work for me is still bugging me.
This had several positives going for it, including a hilarious opening scene involving a man shifting into an animal to dine and dash. Overall the book had a fresh take on small town shifter romance feel with a police officer H, who’s unaware of the paranormal, and a single mom widow who’s a shifter. Some Native American mythology woven in, small town politics, cute kids, large friend group, and different shifter dynamics all built up the story well. On the negative side, some of the events were convoluted and I don't know if this writer is a good fit for my personal taste as the progression of the plot and the writing style didn't gel for me totally. I did like the humorous moments, as well as the sweeter ones. The suspenseful parts fell the flattest for me. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (h had only been with her husband; H was divorced but not a manwhore).
The attraction between the main characters was instant and held some nice charm, but the pacing for the romance was off imo. The H did the pursuing and the h pumped the brakes for reasonable reasons (him not knowing about the paranormal and her fears of losing someone else she loved to name a couple). While her reasons made sense given her backstory, she gave the H whiplash at times, which he absolutely did not deserve. I definitely liked the H more than the h, but they were both sympathetic characters. The H had a bit of swagger and competency with a protective streak and a hidden vulnerable side due to darkness in his past. The h was an excellent mom, as well as being loyal and also protective. She also had some big fears. They did fit each other well and I would have preferred that they were a solid couple earlier so that there wasn't friction over the relationship status in addition to some of the dangerous moments. Some steam that’s only somewhat explicit was kind of a bummer given the sparks flying between these two.
Supporting characters were critical for the book as many will likely be getting their own books or at least featuring in the rest of the series. The h's friend group were supportive and caring and also able to lay down tough truths at times. Not that they had their lives all together either of course. The other townsfolk were fun characters or suspects or a combo of both. The h's children were at times funny and other times emotional. The H had several outstanding scenes with the kids, mostly funny ones.
The investigation for the murder mystery was sadly more frustrating than intriguing for me. Though a twist involving the H did add some of that intrigue back in, then promptly deflated it slightly with the reaction of other characters. There were multiple suspenseful scenes where there was danger from other shifters and I ended up more confused by these scenes than anything else. The climax was dramatic and also a bit messy. But the ending is HEA and the epilogue is several months in the future with some cuteness injected. I felt very much like this was a mixed bag where what I liked, I liked a whole lot, but what didn't work for me is still bugging me.
May 29, 2017
UPDATE:
The ENTIRE Cambio Springs series (yes all three books AND the short stories) are currently FREE to read if you have Kindle Unlimited!
Just thought you should know.
REVIEW:
Once again, I'm going back and writing a review for an older book of mine. Shifting Dreams came out in the days when the common wisdom for writers was:
"Don't go to Goodreads! Goodreads is for readers. Leave the readers in their space and leave GR alone."
So... that's what I did. BUT FORGET THAT. You guys are having too much fun over here. I'm jumping into the pool. Take that, Common Wisdom.
SO Caleb and Jena. CALEB AND JENA, YOU GUYS.
I love them so much. Like SO MUCH. For real, I gave Caleb the name of one of my very first crushes in the world. I'm not even lying about that. PLUS... cowboy hats.
YES, my country is showing. I make no apologies.
And JENA!
She's a chef, a mom, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a hawk shapeshifter... and she probably does not have time for your shit. And I love her for it.
I wrote Jena back in the days when I first became a single mom (which whoa, was a while ago) so she's just super real to me. I love her. Love her kids. I love that she has no time for herself, but still manages to maintain her humor and love and appreciation. I love that she can also be kind of a mess sometimes, because can't we all? I mean, I'm a grown up, but I don't always feel that way. And I love that she has her girls.
I love Cambio Springs.
I may travel a lot and fly hither and yon (extra points for using 'yon' in a sentence today!) BUT I grew up in a small town. I live in a small town. Small town people are my people. And while I don't live in the Mojave desert, I have spent quite a lot of time in desert towns and...
Quirky. Quirky is a good name for them.
I was driving through the desert one night, smelling the creosote out the window after it had rained, and I just got to thinking, "If there was a place in the world where you could hide—really hide—it would be out here."
And so Cambio Springs was born. A whole town of shapeshifters and the people who love them, hidden out in the desert, trying to survive. Small town rivalries, intense loyalty, LOTS of secrets and no secrets at all. Cambio Springs may be a town full of shapeshifters, but I feel like anyone who has lived in a small town will recognize this place.
I hope you love it as much as I do.
The ENTIRE Cambio Springs series (yes all three books AND the short stories) are currently FREE to read if you have Kindle Unlimited!
Just thought you should know.
REVIEW:
Once again, I'm going back and writing a review for an older book of mine. Shifting Dreams came out in the days when the common wisdom for writers was:
"Don't go to Goodreads! Goodreads is for readers. Leave the readers in their space and leave GR alone."
So... that's what I did. BUT FORGET THAT. You guys are having too much fun over here. I'm jumping into the pool. Take that, Common Wisdom.
SO Caleb and Jena. CALEB AND JENA, YOU GUYS.
I love them so much. Like SO MUCH. For real, I gave Caleb the name of one of my very first crushes in the world. I'm not even lying about that. PLUS... cowboy hats.
YES, my country is showing. I make no apologies.
And JENA!
She's a chef, a mom, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a hawk shapeshifter... and she probably does not have time for your shit. And I love her for it.
I wrote Jena back in the days when I first became a single mom (which whoa, was a while ago) so she's just super real to me. I love her. Love her kids. I love that she has no time for herself, but still manages to maintain her humor and love and appreciation. I love that she can also be kind of a mess sometimes, because can't we all? I mean, I'm a grown up, but I don't always feel that way. And I love that she has her girls.
I love Cambio Springs.
I may travel a lot and fly hither and yon (extra points for using 'yon' in a sentence today!) BUT I grew up in a small town. I live in a small town. Small town people are my people. And while I don't live in the Mojave desert, I have spent quite a lot of time in desert towns and...
Quirky. Quirky is a good name for them.
I was driving through the desert one night, smelling the creosote out the window after it had rained, and I just got to thinking, "If there was a place in the world where you could hide—really hide—it would be out here."
And so Cambio Springs was born. A whole town of shapeshifters and the people who love them, hidden out in the desert, trying to survive. Small town rivalries, intense loyalty, LOTS of secrets and no secrets at all. Cambio Springs may be a town full of shapeshifters, but I feel like anyone who has lived in a small town will recognize this place.
I hope you love it as much as I do.
October 23, 2023
Shifting Dreams by Elizabeth Hunter
Cambio Springs series #1. Paranormal shifters mystery and romance.
Caleb Gilbert moves to the small town of Cambio Springs as the new Chief of Police. He thought moving to the small community would mean slowing down but there is a murder within days of his arrival and while wounds indicated scratches from an animal, he also realizes that everyone in the town is lying to him for some reason. It doesn’t make sense but he is dedicated to solving puzzle.
Jean Crowe thought the stranger at the bar was intriguing. Sharing a kiss with him was an innocent moment in time she could keep in her back pocket when dealing with two jobs and being a single mom to two growing boys. Finding out the new Chief of Police is human the night her relative is killed complicates her life more than she can handle. Avoiding Caleb is in her best interests.
The kiss Caleb and Jean shared, promised great chemistry and steamy nights. Murder and two teen boys slow things down on the romance front but bring the paranormal to the forefront. A town with all kinds of shifters is revealed that ramps up the mystery.
I loved the slow reveal of Caleb’s “personality” and his slow build of trust with the boys and Jean. Chemistry is great and exciting but fitting into everyday life is so much better.
Additional secondary characters make clear that future stories are sure to appeal just as much as this one.
Cambio Springs series #1. Paranormal shifters mystery and romance.
Caleb Gilbert moves to the small town of Cambio Springs as the new Chief of Police. He thought moving to the small community would mean slowing down but there is a murder within days of his arrival and while wounds indicated scratches from an animal, he also realizes that everyone in the town is lying to him for some reason. It doesn’t make sense but he is dedicated to solving puzzle.
Jean Crowe thought the stranger at the bar was intriguing. Sharing a kiss with him was an innocent moment in time she could keep in her back pocket when dealing with two jobs and being a single mom to two growing boys. Finding out the new Chief of Police is human the night her relative is killed complicates her life more than she can handle. Avoiding Caleb is in her best interests.
The kiss Caleb and Jean shared, promised great chemistry and steamy nights. Murder and two teen boys slow things down on the romance front but bring the paranormal to the forefront. A town with all kinds of shifters is revealed that ramps up the mystery.
I loved the slow reveal of Caleb’s “personality” and his slow build of trust with the boys and Jean. Chemistry is great and exciting but fitting into everyday life is so much better.
Additional secondary characters make clear that future stories are sure to appeal just as much as this one.
September 22, 2014
3.5 stars, possibly 4. I enjoyed it, but it felt almost like it was written for a YA audience, even though it has explicit sex and the H/h are 30+ years old. However, the mythos about the shape-shifting town was unique. I liked it. Also intriguing are the Native American taboos about the dead, etc.
I began this Cambio Springs series with the short prequel, Long Ride Home (review). Shifting Dreams is set three years after the prequel, in Cambio Springs, a small town off the beaten path in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. Hunter portrayed the setting better than many authors in this genre. Her imagery brought to mind the smell of creosote, the Palo Verde trees, the red canyons, the everlasting dust, the intense heat, etc.
Hunter writes dialogue well, drawing several chuckles. The romance was okay, but it didn't move me to any depth. Sex didn't occur till the relationship had developed (kudos to EH). What I liked best? The murder mystery and the sense of community -- the interactions with interesting secondary characters. For example, the whole town must use the same church building but the denomination varies each week. Hah! I also loved the developing bond between Caleb (the hero) and little Aar-Bear.
The plot felt a bit contrived, because I didn't buy the reason Caleb Gilbert was hired to be the Police Chief for Cambio Springs. I did buy the premise for murder, even though it felt a bit hasty. The suspense was pretty good, actually, and kept me on my toes, which I like. I was able to guess who done it, to some extent. Smexy times in the midst of a potentially deadly suspense scene?? Grrrr!
Characters:
Our heroine, Jena Crowe is a widowed mother of two with a degree in culinary arts. She runs her family's restaurant, the Blackbird Diner, in Cambio Springs, and can shift into a hawk, an eagle, etc. She belongs to one of the oldest families in town (seven founding families run the town council). Jena is strong and fierce, but sometimes stupid, like when she left Caleb alone in the canyon that time, and went to Ted's house. I ♥ her two boys, especially Aaron (Bear), who is quite perceptive at only 8 years. Hunter portrayed his older brother Lowell, Jr. (Low), age 11, as a typical teenager. I also enjoyed Jena's grandmother Alma the owl, her father Tom the raven, and her mother Cathy, the normal human. I look forward to hearing more about her assorted friends: Allie the fox, Ted (Teodora) the mountain lion, Alex the wolf, Ollie (Oliver) the bear, etc.
The hero, Caleb Gilbert, is an outsider. Most likely, I was supposed to feel angst for Caleb's tragic past, and empathize with his yearning for acceptance, belonging, and forgiveness. The recipe for a sympathetic hero was there, but I just didn't feel it. Instead, I simply liked Caleb. He's a good guy, solid to the core, protective and dedicated to justice, good looking, good humored, and cocky, with that brash male swagger I love. Sexy! Plus, he loves kids and old folks. What's not to like? ツ
Caleb's instincts were screaming in the Springs, especially THIS scene, on Jena's living room sofa one hot afternoon: "She stared at the incredibly attractive, half-naked man who was already snoring..." (Never saw the next bit coming.)
The ending gets a bit gruesome, when the murderer was finally caught. But pretty captivating, for all that. The coyote was interesting.
The epilogue points to the next book, where no doubt Alex McCann, the alpha wolf shifter, will make his move on Teodora Vasquez.
Content: Sex (a few scenes), cussing (with F-bombs), no profanity, 3 typos.
July 28, 2015
This book does okay as a paranormal romance, but has some problematic elements that I had a hard time with. I liked the worldbuilding well-enough. Cambio Springs is an interesting community with a secret to protect but a desperation for jobs and growth. The town is dying as there's no industry to speak of and that makes it hard for them to support the number of people who want, need even, to be there. That tension between secrecy and trying to open to new industry is at the heart of the story and it's a pretty good start.
I started off liking Caleb rather a lot. He's a good guy coming off a bad time in his prior job but with enough Kudos to get the position of new town police chief. Unfortunately, he's now chief of a town with something to hide and he's definitely not on the inside. For about the first half of the story, he really had my sympathy. Unfortunately, Hunter really neuters the guy in every action scene he's in. Apparently, it takes more time to pull a trigger on a gun already pointed at, uh, a thing than it takes for that thing to attack him physically. This happens twice and isn't the only way he's forced by the author to fail at doing even basic things his character should be able to do. He's a hardcore police guy who has dealt with gang and gun violence. He shouldn't be undergoing failure after failure every time bad/violent things happen.
That'd be bad enough, but there were more than a few scenes when I wondered if Hunter had engineered a gender switch somewhere in there. Caleb is all man for the first half, but the second half of the novel completely betrays that. I get him having emotional reactions. Guys have those, no doubt. But his emotions were all expressed in ways that were very feminine. And no, I don't mean just all the crying. You can tease me with the strong, protective guy, but you lose all that goodwill when he falls apart under stress—one time he's even shown up by the 11 year-old boy. Seriously, if you build "competent law officer" into the background of your character, then you should probably build a story that includes him acting competently in law officer situations. I'm just sayin...
Jena was a rocky start that never really got off the ground (ironic as she's a shifter raptor). She's a tough woman in a tough situation but she takes forever to warm up to the obviously interested Caleb and since her stupid resistance happened in the beginning when I still liked him, that was a bad thing. I then hoped that while Caleb was busy going all wussy that she'd get to be tough, but that sadly didn't pan out, either. Add the occasional irrational panic stupidity and I'm afraid I never did quite engage with her.
In other words, both main characters fumble key scenes where they come off looking like incompetent dorks. Not that there's anything wrong with dorks, but if that's your story, you should probably not be telegraphing "tough and competent" as your buildup.
In the end, this was 2 and a half stars that I'm rounding to three just because it wasn't that bad. It's saved by the interesting setup and I kind of cared for some of the side characters (particularly Jena's boys). I'm undecided if I'll continue on in the series, but I might. Dr. Ted sounded like she might be kinda fun.
A note about Steamy: It was weak steam, but steamy nonetheless. A couple scenes with an explicit element (and one full-on sex scene that was kind of lame). So lower mid range for me and another disappointment.
I started off liking Caleb rather a lot. He's a good guy coming off a bad time in his prior job but with enough Kudos to get the position of new town police chief. Unfortunately, he's now chief of a town with something to hide and he's definitely not on the inside. For about the first half of the story, he really had my sympathy. Unfortunately, Hunter really neuters the guy in every action scene he's in. Apparently, it takes more time to pull a trigger on a gun already pointed at, uh, a thing than it takes for that thing to attack him physically. This happens twice and isn't the only way he's forced by the author to fail at doing even basic things his character should be able to do. He's a hardcore police guy who has dealt with gang and gun violence. He shouldn't be undergoing failure after failure every time bad/violent things happen.
That'd be bad enough, but there were more than a few scenes when I wondered if Hunter had engineered a gender switch somewhere in there. Caleb is all man for the first half, but the second half of the novel completely betrays that. I get him having emotional reactions. Guys have those, no doubt. But his emotions were all expressed in ways that were very feminine. And no, I don't mean just all the crying. You can tease me with the strong, protective guy, but you lose all that goodwill when he falls apart under stress—one time he's even shown up by the 11 year-old boy. Seriously, if you build "competent law officer" into the background of your character, then you should probably build a story that includes him acting competently in law officer situations. I'm just sayin...
Jena was a rocky start that never really got off the ground (ironic as she's a shifter raptor). She's a tough woman in a tough situation but she takes forever to warm up to the obviously interested Caleb and since her stupid resistance happened in the beginning when I still liked him, that was a bad thing. I then hoped that while Caleb was busy going all wussy that she'd get to be tough, but that sadly didn't pan out, either. Add the occasional irrational panic stupidity and I'm afraid I never did quite engage with her.
In other words, both main characters fumble key scenes where they come off looking like incompetent dorks. Not that there's anything wrong with dorks, but if that's your story, you should probably not be telegraphing "tough and competent" as your buildup.
In the end, this was 2 and a half stars that I'm rounding to three just because it wasn't that bad. It's saved by the interesting setup and I kind of cared for some of the side characters (particularly Jena's boys). I'm undecided if I'll continue on in the series, but I might. Dr. Ted sounded like she might be kinda fun.
A note about Steamy: It was weak steam, but steamy nonetheless. A couple scenes with an explicit element (and one full-on sex scene that was kind of lame). So lower mid range for me and another disappointment.
February 26, 2014
I've enjoyed Hunter's Elemental World books but the residents of Cambio Springs are actually more up my supernatural alley.
Outsiders pretty much have to marry in to learn the secret that the residents of Cambio Springs are keeping, but the town is dying, there are no jobs and families are being forced to move away from the only place that they will ever truly be able to be themselves. That freedom from hiding is what brought young widow Jena and her two sons back home to Cambio Springs and her extended family.
As a single mom, Jena is too busy for a relationship, but when she decides to enjoy a flirtation with a handsome stranger from out of town, she expects some smooches but no entanglements after they say goodnight. Caleb Gilbert, is 'not just passing through' though, and has been hired as Cambio Springs' new police chief in conjunction with a scheme to bring new life to the town and entanglements are just want he comes to want with the smart and capable Jena. But when there's a murder in the close knit community, Caleb quickly realizes that he is trying to solve a puzzle where all the pieces don't fit and everyone in Cambio Springs is lying to him.
I really enjoyed my first full length visit to Cambio Springs, an out of the way desert town with a secret. I really loved the swaggering and sharply intelligent Caleb and the fact that even though Jena really makes him work for it, he is relentless in his pursuit of getting her to give him a chance. I also really loved all of the supporting characters in Jena's friends and family – including her kids, who feel like real kids. And because I really liked the connections in the community, I didn't mind the relaxed pace of the story. I also really liked how Caleb's own secret makes it so that he ends up truly belonging in his new home.
Now, the wait begins, I can't wait to see Hunter does next in her series. I wouldn't minds seeing more of Caleb and Jena, though I can see potential in Jenna's girl friends for some hard to get HEAs.
If you missed the prequel short, A Long Ride Home, you might want to check it out in order to tide you over until the March 5th release date for Shifting Dreams, the short gives a little background for the Jena's situation and it is also really quite touching.
ARC courtesy of the author - release date is March 4th.
Outsiders pretty much have to marry in to learn the secret that the residents of Cambio Springs are keeping, but the town is dying, there are no jobs and families are being forced to move away from the only place that they will ever truly be able to be themselves. That freedom from hiding is what brought young widow Jena and her two sons back home to Cambio Springs and her extended family.
As a single mom, Jena is too busy for a relationship, but when she decides to enjoy a flirtation with a handsome stranger from out of town, she expects some smooches but no entanglements after they say goodnight. Caleb Gilbert, is 'not just passing through' though, and has been hired as Cambio Springs' new police chief in conjunction with a scheme to bring new life to the town and entanglements are just want he comes to want with the smart and capable Jena. But when there's a murder in the close knit community, Caleb quickly realizes that he is trying to solve a puzzle where all the pieces don't fit and everyone in Cambio Springs is lying to him.
I really enjoyed my first full length visit to Cambio Springs, an out of the way desert town with a secret. I really loved the swaggering and sharply intelligent Caleb and the fact that even though Jena really makes him work for it, he is relentless in his pursuit of getting her to give him a chance. I also really loved all of the supporting characters in Jena's friends and family – including her kids, who feel like real kids. And because I really liked the connections in the community, I didn't mind the relaxed pace of the story. I also really liked how Caleb's own secret makes it so that he ends up truly belonging in his new home.
Now, the wait begins, I can't wait to see Hunter does next in her series. I wouldn't minds seeing more of Caleb and Jena, though I can see potential in Jenna's girl friends for some hard to get HEAs.
If you missed the prequel short, A Long Ride Home, you might want to check it out in order to tide you over until the March 5th release date for Shifting Dreams, the short gives a little background for the Jena's situation and it is also really quite touching.
ARC courtesy of the author - release date is March 4th.
April 27, 2020
Based on the blurb I expected something like Kate Daniels with a little romance. Not sure what gave me that idea. It actually says „new paranormal romance series“. Need to pay more attention.
Anyway, despite this being PNR, which is not my favourite genre, I enjoyed myself. Slowly developing romance. She likes him, she likes him not, but generally only a low amount of the usual, annoying romance tropes. No Instalove, thank goodness.
Not a lot of shape-shifting at first, but the why is different. Some might say the physics of it all need more explaining—size ratio before and after shifting, how does the magic work, et cetera. But it worked well enough.
Someone is murdered, people are shot at and it‘s not the most obvious candidates. It‘s not a suspenseful thriller, the story ambles along at a fairly chilled pace, but it was done well enough to keep me interested.
I declare this an excellent beach read. I might have become emotional at some point and cried a little. Yes, I would pick up another book by the author. Not really interested in the next couple to get hitched in the sequel though.
Anyway, despite this being PNR, which is not my favourite genre, I enjoyed myself. Slowly developing romance. She likes him, she likes him not, but generally only a low amount of the usual, annoying romance tropes. No Instalove, thank goodness.
Not a lot of shape-shifting at first, but the why is different. Some might say the physics of it all need more explaining—size ratio before and after shifting, how does the magic work, et cetera. But it worked well enough.
Someone is murdered, people are shot at and it‘s not the most obvious candidates. It‘s not a suspenseful thriller, the story ambles along at a fairly chilled pace, but it was done well enough to keep me interested.
I declare this an excellent beach read. I might have become emotional at some point and cried a little. Yes, I would pick up another book by the author. Not really interested in the next couple to get hitched in the sequel though.
May 14, 2013
I just love the way Elizabeth Hunter develops her characters and her story. Like a red carpet, her story just unravels so nicely. This is not a fast-paced book, but I love the connection to Native American culture. The main characters are likable and the secondary ones are colorful. This series has lots of potential.
August 13, 2016
3.5-stars.
What’s different in Shifting Dreams? No alpha showdown.
Unlike many possessive alpha characters in the supernatural world, Caleb is just an easy-going, good guy with a sense of humor. And frankly I am not even sure he is capable of protecting anyone from big, bad mountain lions, bears, etc.
What to expect:
World building is simple. The author's portrayal of Cambio Springs, a small town populated by mostly shifters in the isolated area of Mojave Desert, is colorful and relatable.
Hunter’s effortless writing style saves me from getting dizzy with all the names and associations being jammed into the first quarter of the book. The suspense in the murder mystery is sufficient to keep me interested.
The romance between MCs is carefully developed but it doesn’t have the depth I was hoping for. Shifting Dreams is not Hunter's best, but nonetheless a good start for the series, and a nice stand-alone pick for the readers who enjoy likable characters, witty dialogue, and light-hearted romance.
#kindle library
What’s different in Shifting Dreams? No alpha showdown.
Unlike many possessive alpha characters in the supernatural world, Caleb is just an easy-going, good guy with a sense of humor. And frankly I am not even sure he is capable of protecting anyone from big, bad mountain lions, bears, etc.
What to expect:
World building is simple. The author's portrayal of Cambio Springs, a small town populated by mostly shifters in the isolated area of Mojave Desert, is colorful and relatable.
Hunter’s effortless writing style saves me from getting dizzy with all the names and associations being jammed into the first quarter of the book. The suspense in the murder mystery is sufficient to keep me interested.
The romance between MCs is carefully developed but it doesn’t have the depth I was hoping for. Shifting Dreams is not Hunter's best, but nonetheless a good start for the series, and a nice stand-alone pick for the readers who enjoy likable characters, witty dialogue, and light-hearted romance.
#kindle library
November 29, 2014
It was ...Okay.
Cambio Springs is a little town of secret shapeshifters founded by seven families (wolves, cats, birds, reptiles).
Jena is a widow with 2 boys, she works at the family diner, and met a handsome cowboy a night in the bar.
Well, the outsinder turns out to be the new police chief, part of a plan to improve the dying town and build a spa.
Entertaiment, but not overly brilliant.
The boys are cute, the story about the town interesting. where lacks is the credibility in police work, he goes without gun even in a murder investigation? really?
Tal vez siga con el otro libro, no sé aun.
Cambio Springs is a little town of secret shapeshifters founded by seven families (wolves, cats, birds, reptiles).
Jena is a widow with 2 boys, she works at the family diner, and met a handsome cowboy a night in the bar.
Well, the outsinder turns out to be the new police chief, part of a plan to improve the dying town and build a spa.
Entertaiment, but not overly brilliant.
The boys are cute, the story about the town interesting. where lacks is the credibility in police work, he goes without gun even in a murder investigation? really?
Tal vez siga con el otro libro, no sé aun.
February 26, 2014
Beautifully written. But boring to the point of tears, this is an Harlequins book with a slight paranormal twist. Unless you are into "classic" romance, where the couple is everything, this is not the story for you. Mystery and world building are very light side dishes, if they are at all.
If you get rid of the animal side, it's simply a western romance about the new sheriff in town. How they fell in love is up to you, they met, made out and he starts pursuit. Why? No idea, not once I felt he stopped to think about the children (as a real 'burden') or the quite big lies he was told. Superficial is what comes in mind.
I didn't dnf out of respect for the author, but I'm sorry I didn't enjoy much reading this.
If you get rid of the animal side, it's simply a western romance about the new sheriff in town. How they fell in love is up to you, they met, made out and he starts pursuit. Why? No idea, not once I felt he stopped to think about the children (as a real 'burden') or the quite big lies he was told. Superficial is what comes in mind.
I didn't dnf out of respect for the author, but I'm sorry I didn't enjoy much reading this.
March 25, 2018
A very interesting new world, where shifters of different kinds live in secret in a small dessert town.
Jena, a young widowed mother of two young boys has been back home to Cambio Springs for a few years now after her husband's death, when the new chief of police arrives and starts making things complicated for her.
Caleb, who is leaving behind his old life in hopes of starting over in Cambio Springs, has his hands full when he has to solve a murder on his first week in his new life.
The two make a great couple and I really enjoyed reading their story. I liked the atmosphere of the story and the secondary characters that were introduced, two of which have their own story in the next book in the series, Desert Bound.
Before that, though, we get to read a short story about some important moments in Ted and Alex's life that brought them where they are, in Five Mornings.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Long Ride Home (Cambio Springs #0.5)
Jena, a young widowed mother of two young boys has been back home to Cambio Springs for a few years now after her husband's death, when the new chief of police arrives and starts making things complicated for her.
Caleb, who is leaving behind his old life in hopes of starting over in Cambio Springs, has his hands full when he has to solve a murder on his first week in his new life.
The two make a great couple and I really enjoyed reading their story. I liked the atmosphere of the story and the secondary characters that were introduced, two of which have their own story in the next book in the series, Desert Bound.
Before that, though, we get to read a short story about some important moments in Ted and Alex's life that brought them where they are, in Five Mornings.
Previous book reviews:
✦ Long Ride Home (Cambio Springs #0.5)
April 9, 2017
Often overlooked gem
I totally love this book and the rest in the series. Definitely grab it if you like interesting characters, romance, mystery, a totally different shifter world and extremely well written words.
I totally love this book and the rest in the series. Definitely grab it if you like interesting characters, romance, mystery, a totally different shifter world and extremely well written words.
March 19, 2023
Great introduction to a series where all kinds of shifters are linked to an with a magical spring. Sadly their community has a murder mystery and the to town human policeman is drawn to the grieving h. It's good fantasy with a strong plot. Loved it.
February 13, 2024
Second Read: February 2024
Ended up re-reading this book after finishing Dust Born and Strange Dreams. It was a fun return to the first story, of when Caleb the Sheriff who turned out to be magical himself settled in a small town full of shifters and secrets in the beginning.
His courting with Jena Crowe was delightful. The town's cast of characters were also great. I will probably re-read the next ones too
------------------------------------------------------
First Read: July 2015
Well, hell, THIS is a nice surprise!
I was intrigued with this book after reading a review -- I honestly forgot where, but the reviewer basically said that she had read so many urban fantasy/paranormal romance over the years, and they became the same-old but this one was good for her. I didn't exactly know what 'pushed' me into it, it was one of those unexplainable things when it comes to reading. I know that the author had another series (with the first book actually offered for free) but this one has shifters and I'm always a bit keen on that.
And I really enjoyed it! Yes, the first 1/4th of the book was a bit of a challenge for me. Not because of the world-built, but because of the NAMES and connections between the people of Cambio Springs.
See, Cambio Springs is a fictional tiny town, tucked into an isolated canyon in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Cambio Springs was made of the descendants of seven families that basically built the town. It was a town of shapeshifters, as the first seven ancestors drunk the water from the magical mineral springs and ended up being able to shape-shift.
Thus there were a LOT of McCanns, Crowes, Campbells, Quinns, Vasquez, and they were practically related in one way or another. It was a bit hard to keep track at first. But the writing was easy, and soon I was swept away with the story. ESPECIALLY, after the murder happened since the victim was one I didn't see coming (I thought it would happened to one of the husbands).
I really liked Jena and Caleb. Jena was a single mother of two (her children were adorable, especially the youngest one); she was also one of the avian shifters (from her family, the Crowe). Meanwhile Caleb was the outsider, brought from outside Cambio Springs to be appointed as the town's Chief of Police.
At first, Jena must danced around the truth (well, her and the rest of the town) but then something happened to Caleb (which was frickin' cool) that made him somehow part of the town as well. I liked their 'flirting' dance. I liked that Caleb -- despite his past -- had an easy-going attitude in him. I liked that he was not the usual brooding Alpha male. I enjoyed reading about Caleb and Jena's sons. I just found everything to be likable, including the light mystical sense surrounding Caleb's ancestry.
The mystery was nice too -- it wasn't very heavy in investigation; probably because the suspect was an animal (so to speak) and it wasn't like Caleb could easily check who turned into what animals and asked each and every one of them. I thought the murderer was a good one, and the motive believable.
So yep, despite the slightly rough start, I totally liking this. I am definitely going to read the sequel. Plus, I might have to check that other series by Elizabeth Hunter.
Personal note:
Has 'baby' as endearments but not as annoying as usual.
Ended up re-reading this book after finishing Dust Born and Strange Dreams. It was a fun return to the first story, of when Caleb the Sheriff who turned out to be magical himself settled in a small town full of shifters and secrets in the beginning.
His courting with Jena Crowe was delightful. The town's cast of characters were also great. I will probably re-read the next ones too
------------------------------------------------------
First Read: July 2015
Well, hell, THIS is a nice surprise!
I was intrigued with this book after reading a review -- I honestly forgot where, but the reviewer basically said that she had read so many urban fantasy/paranormal romance over the years, and they became the same-old but this one was good for her. I didn't exactly know what 'pushed' me into it, it was one of those unexplainable things when it comes to reading. I know that the author had another series (with the first book actually offered for free) but this one has shifters and I'm always a bit keen on that.
And I really enjoyed it! Yes, the first 1/4th of the book was a bit of a challenge for me. Not because of the world-built, but because of the NAMES and connections between the people of Cambio Springs.
See, Cambio Springs is a fictional tiny town, tucked into an isolated canyon in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Cambio Springs was made of the descendants of seven families that basically built the town. It was a town of shapeshifters, as the first seven ancestors drunk the water from the magical mineral springs and ended up being able to shape-shift.
Thus there were a LOT of McCanns, Crowes, Campbells, Quinns, Vasquez, and they were practically related in one way or another. It was a bit hard to keep track at first. But the writing was easy, and soon I was swept away with the story. ESPECIALLY, after the murder happened since the victim was one I didn't see coming (I thought it would happened to one of the husbands).
I really liked Jena and Caleb. Jena was a single mother of two (her children were adorable, especially the youngest one); she was also one of the avian shifters (from her family, the Crowe). Meanwhile Caleb was the outsider, brought from outside Cambio Springs to be appointed as the town's Chief of Police.
At first, Jena must danced around the truth (well, her and the rest of the town) but then something happened to Caleb (which was frickin' cool) that made him somehow part of the town as well. I liked their 'flirting' dance. I liked that Caleb -- despite his past -- had an easy-going attitude in him. I liked that he was not the usual brooding Alpha male. I enjoyed reading about Caleb and Jena's sons. I just found everything to be likable, including the light mystical sense surrounding Caleb's ancestry.
The mystery was nice too -- it wasn't very heavy in investigation; probably because the suspect was an animal (so to speak) and it wasn't like Caleb could easily check who turned into what animals and asked each and every one of them. I thought the murderer was a good one, and the motive believable.
So yep, despite the slightly rough start, I totally liking this. I am definitely going to read the sequel. Plus, I might have to check that other series by Elizabeth Hunter.
Personal note:
Has 'baby' as endearments but not as annoying as usual.
February 16, 2013
This was an excellent novel with all the things that make great novels. The writing was excellent, the story was compelling, the characters were interesting and the mystery revolved around the romance (or maybe vice versa)
The story is multi-faceted in that you have to deal with the reasons behind Caleb’s reasons for coming to Cambio Springs, Jena’s reasons for avoiding him, a murder and a BIG secret.
The love/hate romance of Caleb and Jena is the core of the romantic part of the story but solving the murder is the other major event and when you realize that the new Chief of Police is an “outsider” (meaning he is unaware of the shifters in this small town) makes his job a LOT harder since it becomes obvious that the murder seems to be committed by a shifter and nobody will talk to him about such things.
Throw in a lot of unemployed people needing jobs and the murder ties in with the possibility of a new hotel resort being built which would benefit the town and you have all the necessary elements for a good murder mystery then add it the romance and the paranormal aspect and it all melds together perfectly.
The story is multi-faceted in that you have to deal with the reasons behind Caleb’s reasons for coming to Cambio Springs, Jena’s reasons for avoiding him, a murder and a BIG secret.
The love/hate romance of Caleb and Jena is the core of the romantic part of the story but solving the murder is the other major event and when you realize that the new Chief of Police is an “outsider” (meaning he is unaware of the shifters in this small town) makes his job a LOT harder since it becomes obvious that the murder seems to be committed by a shifter and nobody will talk to him about such things.
Throw in a lot of unemployed people needing jobs and the murder ties in with the possibility of a new hotel resort being built which would benefit the town and you have all the necessary elements for a good murder mystery then add it the romance and the paranormal aspect and it all melds together perfectly.
November 20, 2014
Caleb moves to Cambio Springs to take on the job of Chief of Police. Unfortunately for him his arrival is followed very quickly by the murder of a town elder, the only elder who voted against a development project that would bring much needed jobs to town.
Oh...did I mention the town is inhabited by shifters and it seems the elder was murdered by a cat of some sort.
Shifting Dreams is a good idea which wasn't as well executed as I would have liked. The story was good in parts but there were moments which dragged and a few moments which were kind of cheesy. The conclusion really felt forced and the double epilogue wasn't needed.
Oh...did I mention the town is inhabited by shifters and it seems the elder was murdered by a cat of some sort.
Shifting Dreams is a good idea which wasn't as well executed as I would have liked. The story was good in parts but there were moments which dragged and a few moments which were kind of cheesy. The conclusion really felt forced and the double epilogue wasn't needed.
July 2, 2015
A nice mix of snark and sentiment
I loved the relationship between Caleb and Jena. It wasn't rushed and the love built cautiously. The supporting cast was just that, supporting and strong. There were no TSTL moments. There is a great banter between the main characters, and genuine sentiment. I really like Hunters' take on this shifter town and it's governing council. There is a nice mix of lore and mysticism. The book flows nicely, and the action is punctuated with quiet moments with family and friends. Overall, this is a great introduction to an enticing shifter series.
I loved the relationship between Caleb and Jena. It wasn't rushed and the love built cautiously. The supporting cast was just that, supporting and strong. There were no TSTL moments. There is a great banter between the main characters, and genuine sentiment. I really like Hunters' take on this shifter town and it's governing council. There is a nice mix of lore and mysticism. The book flows nicely, and the action is punctuated with quiet moments with family and friends. Overall, this is a great introduction to an enticing shifter series.
October 18, 2023
I loved this book! It was so good and I had a hard time putting it down. Shapeshifters are not my usual paranormal/fantasy type of book, but this was so well written that it just drew me in. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
October 12, 2023
Hunter puts a lovely twist on the traditional shifter books! This book centers around Cambio Springs, a small town made of all kinds of shifters. The town mayor decides to bring an outsider in to start/head up the new police force and there is much backlash. Throw in a murder for the new police chief to solve and Coyote the trickster and this book takes a unique turn! Couldn’t put it down! Loved the family vibe the entire town creates and the slow burn romance as well!
March 22, 2013
As many of you know I am a very big Elizabeth Hunter fan. Hunter's Elemental Mysteries series is one of my favorites. Shifting Dreams is the first book in an all new series and after reading this first book in the Cambio Springs series I am so excited about what is to come from this world!
Cambio Springs, where Shifting Dreams takes place, is almost a character itself. All the people that live in this special town are also the keeper of its secrets and vice versa. I truly loved all the back story, rich history, and folklore that Hunter created/adapted to bring in all of the paranormal elements that flow through this town that makes it what it is. I have always been a big fan of any type shifter story and it is always refreshing to me to have the history of why people are shifting in the first place… I was given that in Shifting Dreams.
What I love most about Hunter's writing is how real she makes her characters, regardless of all the paranormal world they are living in.
Jena is a widowed mother of two boys who is completely devoted to her family. What I really liked about Jena is that she didn’t complain about the hardship in her life. She took what she was given and worked with it to the best of her ability. I loved how strong Jena was, but I will say her ability to be so stubborn towards love with our main man Caleb drove me a little nuts. (More on that later) Jena’s two boys are really who stole my heart. Low, Jena’s oldest son, is tough. He feels very protective of his mom and brother and takes that very seriously. Bear, the younger of the two brothers, has an uncanny ability to know things about people and because of this he has an easy way with people because he knows who he can trust. Put in the fact that Bear is just plain cute and you have a character that I am really wanting to see more of.
Caleb is new to the small town of Cambio Springs and has no idea what he has gotten himself into by taking the job of sheriff. Caleb has a past that he wants desperately to get away from but he soon discovers that he can’t hide like he wanted in this small town. I really liked Caleb, and not just because he was hot, strong, and totally sure of himself in a charming way… When a murder takes place in the town he goes above and beyond to solve what happened even after being blocked by many of the townspeople to protect their secret.
The relationship between Caleb and Jena was fun to watch unfold. Caleb tried to get to Jena at every available moment and let me tell you Jena did not make it easy for him at all. I love the two of them together and as Shifting Dreams progressed I wanted all four (Jena, Caleb, Bear, and Low) of them to be a family. Elizabeth Hunter did not write their story as an easy get together, but maybe that is why I cheered for them so hard.
I think anyone could enjoy Shifting Dreams, especially fans of Mercy Thompson, or any shifter romance mystery. I am so excited to continue with this series!
Happy Reading,
Rebecca
www.bendingthespine.blogspot.com
Cambio Springs, where Shifting Dreams takes place, is almost a character itself. All the people that live in this special town are also the keeper of its secrets and vice versa. I truly loved all the back story, rich history, and folklore that Hunter created/adapted to bring in all of the paranormal elements that flow through this town that makes it what it is. I have always been a big fan of any type shifter story and it is always refreshing to me to have the history of why people are shifting in the first place… I was given that in Shifting Dreams.
What I love most about Hunter's writing is how real she makes her characters, regardless of all the paranormal world they are living in.
Jena is a widowed mother of two boys who is completely devoted to her family. What I really liked about Jena is that she didn’t complain about the hardship in her life. She took what she was given and worked with it to the best of her ability. I loved how strong Jena was, but I will say her ability to be so stubborn towards love with our main man Caleb drove me a little nuts. (More on that later) Jena’s two boys are really who stole my heart. Low, Jena’s oldest son, is tough. He feels very protective of his mom and brother and takes that very seriously. Bear, the younger of the two brothers, has an uncanny ability to know things about people and because of this he has an easy way with people because he knows who he can trust. Put in the fact that Bear is just plain cute and you have a character that I am really wanting to see more of.
Caleb is new to the small town of Cambio Springs and has no idea what he has gotten himself into by taking the job of sheriff. Caleb has a past that he wants desperately to get away from but he soon discovers that he can’t hide like he wanted in this small town. I really liked Caleb, and not just because he was hot, strong, and totally sure of himself in a charming way… When a murder takes place in the town he goes above and beyond to solve what happened even after being blocked by many of the townspeople to protect their secret.
The relationship between Caleb and Jena was fun to watch unfold. Caleb tried to get to Jena at every available moment and let me tell you Jena did not make it easy for him at all. I love the two of them together and as Shifting Dreams progressed I wanted all four (Jena, Caleb, Bear, and Low) of them to be a family. Elizabeth Hunter did not write their story as an easy get together, but maybe that is why I cheered for them so hard.
I think anyone could enjoy Shifting Dreams, especially fans of Mercy Thompson, or any shifter romance mystery. I am so excited to continue with this series!
Happy Reading,
Rebecca
www.bendingthespine.blogspot.com
October 28, 2015
Strange things happen in Cambio Springs . . . people are clannish, secrets are guarded, an outsider never quite fits in. Caleb Gilbert rode into town toting some heavy emotional baggage, but he was determined to make a home and a place for himself as the chief of police. He runs into a wall of resistance from some of the strange locals who don't cotton to outsiders as they protect their secrets at all costs. Jena Crowe is a widowed mom with two young boys, making ends meet by running her parent's diner during the day and tending bar at night. Sparks fly when Caleb & Jena meet & share one electrifying kiss on Caleb's first night in town. In the weeks that follow, he pursues Jena as diligently as she pushes him away. Why won't she let him get close? How can he break through her guard? Late one night, Caleb is called out to the scene of a murder to find a very naked Jena sitting on the porch crying. He senses her lies when he tries to question her. . . in fact, Caleb knows that everyone on the scene is lying to him. The murder victim is a tribal elder, found lying naked in a pool of blood, bearing some strange deadly scratches. As Caleb investigates the scene, he realizes that something is very wrong here. The evidence just doesn't add up, and he can't catch a murderer if no one will tell him the truth. What is going on in this town? Who & what are these people?
There's a fascinating cast of characters in Cambio Springs. Caleb is so sexy, so gorgeous. And while he pretty much rode into town on a white horse, he's also in need of some TLC himself. He left a past that haunts him and carries a saddle bag full of self-inflicted guilt. Jena's simply afraid to love and trust again, afraid of being left alone once more if another man either dies too young as her first husband did or simply rides out of town like most outsiders eventually do. Caleb has his work cut out for him once he decides that he wants to be the man in Jena & her son's lives. Sooner or later, everyone must choose whether or not to allow someone close enough to help them close the door on the past, accept the present, and move forward into the future. And while trying to convince Jena that he's the real deal, Caleb is experiencing some strange sensations/dreams of his own. There's an intriguing supporting cast that I know will be fodder for future stories . . . I look forward to reading their stories, especially Ted & Alex and Ollie & Allie.
Shifting Dreams is a hard book to describe without spoilers. You really need to live and experience the story as you read it. I found this book to be different than other series I've read by Hunter, but just as captivating in its own way. The town of Cambio Springs is an intriguing mystery. Like a present, this book builds anticipation, unwrapping the mystery of the town & people one page at a time. I was quickly hooked by Hunter's writing style (as always) and found this book to be an unique, often funny, fascinating, and yes, even sexy read. A Must Read!
There's a fascinating cast of characters in Cambio Springs. Caleb is so sexy, so gorgeous. And while he pretty much rode into town on a white horse, he's also in need of some TLC himself. He left a past that haunts him and carries a saddle bag full of self-inflicted guilt. Jena's simply afraid to love and trust again, afraid of being left alone once more if another man either dies too young as her first husband did or simply rides out of town like most outsiders eventually do. Caleb has his work cut out for him once he decides that he wants to be the man in Jena & her son's lives. Sooner or later, everyone must choose whether or not to allow someone close enough to help them close the door on the past, accept the present, and move forward into the future. And while trying to convince Jena that he's the real deal, Caleb is experiencing some strange sensations/dreams of his own. There's an intriguing supporting cast that I know will be fodder for future stories . . . I look forward to reading their stories, especially Ted & Alex and Ollie & Allie.
Shifting Dreams is a hard book to describe without spoilers. You really need to live and experience the story as you read it. I found this book to be different than other series I've read by Hunter, but just as captivating in its own way. The town of Cambio Springs is an intriguing mystery. Like a present, this book builds anticipation, unwrapping the mystery of the town & people one page at a time. I was quickly hooked by Hunter's writing style (as always) and found this book to be an unique, often funny, fascinating, and yes, even sexy read. A Must Read!
April 14, 2017
Really loved this one! Couldn't get into her Elemental series but I love the start of this one.
March 2, 2017
Shifting Dreams tells the story of Jena Crowe, a widow with two adorable young sons who lives in the small town of Cambio Springs, and Caleb Gilbert, a former homicide detective who recently moved into Jena's small town after accepting the position of Chief of Police. Although Caleb is familiar with life in a small town he's more than just an average outsider in this small town. Cambio Springs has a secret (all of its residents could shift at will - feathers, fur or scales), but the town's about to change, if the idea of a hotel & spa is approved by the Elders, and someone from the outside is just who the mayor thinks is needed to keep the town's citizens safe.
Unbeknownst to the mayor, his choice for Chief was a perfect one. Caleb meets Jena the night before being introduced to the townies and they have an instant connection. Jena's a bit more open to him believing he's just passing through. Since the loss of her husband, she's remained closed off in an attempt to protect herself from more loss. Sadly, loss cannot always be protected against and she's going to be grateful to have Caleb by her side.
I'd read the prequel in 2014, but lost track of the series. I'm glad I've returned to it; I really enjoyed it. I especially liked feeling like I was back home in the Mojave Desert of California. Cambio Springs has (at least) two more books and I hope to read them both soon.
Unbeknownst to the mayor, his choice for Chief was a perfect one. Caleb meets Jena the night before being introduced to the townies and they have an instant connection. Jena's a bit more open to him believing he's just passing through. Since the loss of her husband, she's remained closed off in an attempt to protect herself from more loss. Sadly, loss cannot always be protected against and she's going to be grateful to have Caleb by her side.
I'd read the prequel in 2014, but lost track of the series. I'm glad I've returned to it; I really enjoyed it. I especially liked feeling like I was back home in the Mojave Desert of California. Cambio Springs has (at least) two more books and I hope to read them both soon.
June 28, 2017
Shifting Dreams by Elizabeth Hunter is the premier of her Cambio Springs series. Cambio Springs is a small tight knit community of shifters all descended from the original seven families who founded the town and became shifters after drinking from the fresh water spring. Now the town has fallen on hard times due to the close of the nearby military base, but changes are coming. A proposal for a new exclusive resort taking advantage of the natural (non-magical) springs in the area offers the promise of jobs if the idea can pass the town council.
Jena Crowe has her hands full running the local diner and raising her two sons alone. She isn't looking for love. Caleb Gilbert arrives looking for a change as the newly hired police chief. He finds a challenge in Jena. Then Jena's grandmother (who is temporarily holding up the new resort project) is murdered, and all evidence points to one of the shifters being responsible.
I've previously read in Hunter's original Elemental series, so I decided to give this one a try. She did an excellent job of blending mystery and romance and the chaos of ordinary life. Like her other series the depth of the secondary characters and development of the worldview were excellent. 5 stars.
Jena Crowe has her hands full running the local diner and raising her two sons alone. She isn't looking for love. Caleb Gilbert arrives looking for a change as the newly hired police chief. He finds a challenge in Jena. Then Jena's grandmother (who is temporarily holding up the new resort project) is murdered, and all evidence points to one of the shifters being responsible.
I've previously read in Hunter's original Elemental series, so I decided to give this one a try. She did an excellent job of blending mystery and romance and the chaos of ordinary life. Like her other series the depth of the secondary characters and development of the worldview were excellent. 5 stars.
June 20, 2016
3.5 Stars
I've read previous books by this author and enjoyed them so when this e-book came up as on sale, I bought it (something I rarely do - if it's not available at my library, I'll generally just read something else instead). While this was well written, I was still able to guess who the perpetrator was behind the central plot mystery. So I'm bumping my rating down from 4 stars to 3.5 for that alone. Also, I just felt like the other characters were only developed just to be able to make a series out of it, which I probably won't bother to read because I didn't particularly care about any of them other than maybe Ollie. I liked this, but I didn't love it.
I've read previous books by this author and enjoyed them so when this e-book came up as on sale, I bought it (something I rarely do - if it's not available at my library, I'll generally just read something else instead). While this was well written, I was still able to guess who the perpetrator was behind the central plot mystery. So I'm bumping my rating down from 4 stars to 3.5 for that alone. Also, I just felt like the other characters were only developed just to be able to make a series out of it, which I probably won't bother to read because I didn't particularly care about any of them other than maybe Ollie. I liked this, but I didn't love it.
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April 21, 2015 DNF at 56%
The characters just didn't work for me. It all felt very immature for the ages of the characters. But mostly, I just didn't care about what was going on. The feel of the book lacked the depth that I've become accustomed to for Ms. Hunter's novels. Hoping this was a one-time fluke.
The characters just didn't work for me. It all felt very immature for the ages of the characters. But mostly, I just didn't care about what was going on. The feel of the book lacked the depth that I've become accustomed to for Ms. Hunter's novels. Hoping this was a one-time fluke.
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