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Into the Woods
Shaun McCarry left home as a young teenager, certain that whatever he had to do to survive on his own was better than being dragged around the country by his troubled, alcoholic father. Once he got away, he vowed never to look back. But years later, on the eve of his thirtieth birthday, he receives a bizarre letter from his dad indicating Shaun's in grave danger. The letter sends him on a journey deep into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. There, he uncovers a disturbing family history that leaves Shaun questioning everything he thought he knew about his past and even his future.
His only ally comes in the form of a mysterious drifter named Rannon James who seems to know more about Shaun's history than Shaun does. Shaun's drawn to the sexy and vaguely familiar man. And when Rannon tells him a story of love and loss, of loyalty and betrayal, and of two childhood friends who share a destiny, Shaun realizes he's inextricably and intimately linked to the other man.
But with danger stalking his every move, and fighting a terrifying change in himself that he never asked for, Shaun's not sure who he can trust. Maybe not even himself...
Genres: Gay / Contemporary / Dark Fantasy / Shapeshifter / Suspense / Thriller
279 pages, ebook
First published February 27, 2011
About the author
M.L. Rhodes
42 books569 followersI’m author M.L. Rhodes and I write m/m romance and fantasy. This means my books are about gay or bisexual men meeting, falling in love, and finding happily-ever-afters with other men. Sometimes the settings are contemporary, sometimes the stories take place in worlds filled with dragons, witches, or other fantasy and paranormal creatures. But there’s one thing of which you can be certain…in my books, love always wins!
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 1, 2011
Oh, God, I want to squeeze this book and hugs it tight, IT IS THAT GOOD. It woves every element I love flawlessly:
(1) a different take on vampire/shapeshifter myth; which makes it very interesting. how shapeshifters are created to be protector of vampires and to actually provide the blood needed
(2) likeable, amazing, and wonderful characters. this is a "soulmate" theme without actually pushing it into that instant love/mating theme. both Shaun and Rannon are two halves of one soul, but they need fourteen years to finally be together. so there is enough angst and yearning; but even when they meet again, they cannot immediately BE together, because Shaun doesn't know what he is (a vampire) and Rannon has no idea how to tell him. not when shapeshifters are murdering vampires, and Rannon is a shapeshifter. but the angst doesn't turn into self-pity or crying galore, and that is just PERFECT for me.
(3) perfect build-up with a murder of Shaun's dad, then there is that sense of running from danger element, that keeps me turning pages (or pressing next on my Kindle) and don't want to stop
(4) hot but at the same time tender sex between the two guys. but the "amount" is enough, it doesn't "crowd" the story ...
it a story that is emotionally intense yet heartbreaking (in a good way) and a bit melancolic with a touch of danger that just pulls my heart from the get go. i love it, LOVE IT! i did say that i wanted to hug this story, right?
(1) a different take on vampire/shapeshifter myth; which makes it very interesting. how shapeshifters are created to be protector of vampires and to actually provide the blood needed
(2) likeable, amazing, and wonderful characters. this is a "soulmate" theme without actually pushing it into that instant love/mating theme. both Shaun and Rannon are two halves of one soul, but they need fourteen years to finally be together. so there is enough angst and yearning; but even when they meet again, they cannot immediately BE together, because Shaun doesn't know what he is (a vampire) and Rannon has no idea how to tell him. not when shapeshifters are murdering vampires, and Rannon is a shapeshifter. but the angst doesn't turn into self-pity or crying galore, and that is just PERFECT for me.
(3) perfect build-up with a murder of Shaun's dad, then there is that sense of running from danger element, that keeps me turning pages (or pressing next on my Kindle) and don't want to stop
(4) hot but at the same time tender sex between the two guys. but the "amount" is enough, it doesn't "crowd" the story ...
it a story that is emotionally intense yet heartbreaking (in a good way) and a bit melancolic with a touch of danger that just pulls my heart from the get go. i love it, LOVE IT! i did say that i wanted to hug this story, right?
June 3, 2018
This has been in my TBR for many years and thanks to the TBR challenge I finally read it. Unfortuantely, I didn't like it as much as some of my GR friends apparently did.
There's a long slow burn UST and a lot of backfill on both men's stories-- their early childhood friendship, their stories after they were separated, and tons of info on the Fens vs. the Mals -- the two different species that have had a longterm feud.
Then there was denial on Shaun's part - a lot of denial and refusal to believe in what he was becoming and then more time spent of denying a relationship with Rannon. In short, the author said the same thing about 12 different ways and all I wanted was a resolution to the internal conflict and to see the men finally get together.
So, not a favorite, but not bad. And some people will love this different take on weres and vampire-like creatures.
There's a long slow burn UST and a lot of backfill on both men's stories-- their early childhood friendship, their stories after they were separated, and tons of info on the Fens vs. the Mals -- the two different species that have had a longterm feud.
Then there was denial on Shaun's part - a lot of denial and refusal to believe in what he was becoming and then more time spent of denying a relationship with Rannon. In short, the author said the same thing about 12 different ways and all I wanted was a resolution to the internal conflict and to see the men finally get together.
So, not a favorite, but not bad. And some people will love this different take on weres and vampire-like creatures.
April 9, 2011
4.5
The first 1/3 of the book really sucked me in with the storytelling and intrigue. I devotedly read every single word to make sure I didn't miss anything. That same intrigue wasn't as strong later in the book, but it still kept me involved as the relationship between Rann and Shaun took shape and weaved together. I really enjoyed this book and was sorry to see it end. So close to a 5 star read, might end up that way.
The first 1/3 of the book really sucked me in with the storytelling and intrigue. I devotedly read every single word to make sure I didn't miss anything. That same intrigue wasn't as strong later in the book, but it still kept me involved as the relationship between Rann and Shaun took shape and weaved together. I really enjoyed this book and was sorry to see it end. So close to a 5 star read, might end up that way.
December 18, 2011
What a great story. The plot was developed with each page and tension of the story held my attention true the whole book. I was really enjoying every page. The couple, Shaun and James, were really great together, and totally hot. I could feel the emotions from both of them true whole story and it never stopped. The story is really well written and I LOVED IT.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED STORY !!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED STORY !!
March 1, 2011
A great story. I hope this is the beginning of a new series, because there were aspects that felt a little...unfinished, maybe. I'd love to see more in this world.
February 28, 2013
The whole prologue could have been summarized with one simple sentence:
Due to modern education, Foodstuffs are learning their right to Just Say No to Munchers but in a violent and possibly overdramatic way.
And then add a foot note that says Foodstuffs are called Fels and Munchers are called Mals.
But no, there had to be a disconnected prologue instead that went on and on - detailing all these myths and backstory that ultimately played almost no role in the actual story itself.
Which is why I'm just going to pretend the actual story began with Shaun's dad so I don't end up writing a 46-page essay on why I hate everything.
The story itself:
Liked the two main characters, even though there wasn't enough detailing on either of them. I don't really get a sense of who they are beyond their history (which is not personality) and while I can tell you what pudding they've been baking for the past ten years, I can't actually tell you what kind of people they are, which is never a good thing.
The relationship however - pretty good. You get a sense of rightness whenever the two of them are together, kind of like staring at those aww-so-sweet couples at parties or reunions that make you grit your teeth because they're like a neon reminder that you're not getting laid.
Of course, as usual Rhodes can't resist moments of
They might say it differently, like 'I can't do this to you' or 'I don't deserve you' or 'Stay here and hide I'll defend you rawrrr' but you know that what they're actually saying is 'fuck off'.
I guess it's that I'm too jaded - this is the exact kind of stuff I might like 200 romance novels ago, but now it just feels like yet another scene in a movie where someone's hanging off a cliff and you're like 'Hahaha just fall - or don't - already'.
Wait, I think I remember the word now: cliché.
But overall? A pretty decent read to kill an hour with if you're looking for some generic fluffy romance to be your weapon of choice. Just go in with the assumption that this is like the median of every romance novel you'll ever read and you'll do just fine.
Due to modern education, Foodstuffs are learning their right to Just Say No to Munchers but in a violent and possibly overdramatic way.
And then add a foot note that says Foodstuffs are called Fels and Munchers are called Mals.
But no, there had to be a disconnected prologue instead that went on and on - detailing all these myths and backstory that ultimately played almost no role in the actual story itself.
Which is why I'm just going to pretend the actual story began with Shaun's dad so I don't end up writing a 46-page essay on why I hate everything.
The story itself:
Liked the two main characters, even though there wasn't enough detailing on either of them. I don't really get a sense of who they are beyond their history (which is not personality) and while I can tell you what pudding they've been baking for the past ten years, I can't actually tell you what kind of people they are, which is never a good thing.
The relationship however - pretty good. You get a sense of rightness whenever the two of them are together, kind of like staring at those aww-so-sweet couples at parties or reunions that make you grit your teeth because they're like a neon reminder that you're not getting laid.
Of course, as usual Rhodes can't resist moments of
They might say it differently, like 'I can't do this to you' or 'I don't deserve you' or 'Stay here and hide I'll defend you rawrrr' but you know that what they're actually saying is 'fuck off'.
I guess it's that I'm too jaded - this is the exact kind of stuff I might like 200 romance novels ago, but now it just feels like yet another scene in a movie where someone's hanging off a cliff and you're like 'Hahaha just fall - or don't - already'.
Wait, I think I remember the word now: cliché.
But overall? A pretty decent read to kill an hour with if you're looking for some generic fluffy romance to be your weapon of choice. Just go in with the assumption that this is like the median of every romance novel you'll ever read and you'll do just fine.
July 16, 2015
There was so much potential to this book. Sadly, it didn't lead anywhere. My rating dropped the further I read. I'll sum it up to 2 stars.
I was expecting something else from the blurb and the story took a completely different turn. Bottom line, I wanted action and supernatural with a sprinkle of romance and didn't get it. So didn't like the story much.
I was expecting something else from the blurb and the story took a completely different turn. Bottom line, I wanted action and supernatural with a sprinkle of romance and didn't get it. So didn't like the story much.
April 20, 2012
There is rather in essence two prologues to this, first is a fantasy piece, involving curses and royal machinations, then it hops with a man being run down/attacked by shifters while trying to mail a package. It then shifts to the main story which has Shaun going to find his father he hasn’t seen in 10 years after receiving a cryptic letter. However he arrives in the mountain town to find his father was killed. He meets a strange young man he’s oddly attracted to, and he knows something weird is going on. He goes to stay at the cabin his father was living in and falls ill, when the young man Rannon helps him. Only it seems Rannon and he were childhood friends, as Shaun’s father was a drunk who kept moving them around. Rannon knows why Shaun is sick. He’s a vamp which kicks in at age 30 but Shaun’s dad never told him and now, centuries later, shifters like Rannon hunt vamps and they are after Shaun now they got his Dad. So there is lots of fighting and Rannon protecting Shaun and maybe local law enforcement who are not so ignorant to the paranormal world as they assume. It was a fun read and my heart broke a bit for poor Rannon whose family beat him and how his heart broke when Shaun’s father took him away, Ran’s only friend. I was curious about the priest, because he did some suspicious things but it was never explored. I also found it a bit weird that Ran followed Shawn to Nepal (before they met up again in the mountains) but still, it was an enjoyable read and I just let that go.
May 11, 2011
To be perfectly honest, i was getting a little bit tired of the whole Vampires versus Werewolves dichotomy... It's really not original and by god i wanted them to get it on in the sack, not the battlefield! Well... i do enjoy a good fight scene.... but still... the sack. After Edward Cullen and Jacob Black i was put right off Vampires and Werewolves for life and no matter how many times i watched Underworld, i couldn't shake the feeling that another part of me has died thanks to the mastery Stephanie Meyer has snown in the art of torture...
This having been said, when i started off Into the Woods, i was under the impression that this would be the hot, steamy vamp and Lycanthrope sex that i was craving... what i got was a history, some rather confusing terminology and a shifter that could infiltrate the lair of any evil mastermind worth his salt by posing as his innocuous pussy cat.
The sex was massively hot. I think that was the saving grace for me. Sure, the characters were emotionally scarred from their childhoods - Rann with an abusive father that sees him as a disgrace to his family and his species, and Shaun who directs his anger at his lost childhood on his father - and that makes them kind of endearing... it's the fact that they have been separated for 14 years without seeing each other and still remained in love that makes the characters lovable...
3.5ish stars for me... maybe edging closer to 4...
This having been said, when i started off Into the Woods, i was under the impression that this would be the hot, steamy vamp and Lycanthrope sex that i was craving... what i got was a history, some rather confusing terminology and a shifter that could infiltrate the lair of any evil mastermind worth his salt by posing as his innocuous pussy cat.
The sex was massively hot. I think that was the saving grace for me. Sure, the characters were emotionally scarred from their childhoods - Rann with an abusive father that sees him as a disgrace to his family and his species, and Shaun who directs his anger at his lost childhood on his father - and that makes them kind of endearing... it's the fact that they have been separated for 14 years without seeing each other and still remained in love that makes the characters lovable...
3.5ish stars for me... maybe edging closer to 4...
November 2, 2012
This book was the gay, paranormal version of Romeo and Juliet. When I started reading this book I was unsure how much I would like it. I am not really into the whole paranormal romance genre. But to my pleasant surprise I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were a few small errors with it, but overall it was a great read.
Shaun and Rannon were such a great couple in this book. Their history made this book even better. I just loved how they came together even after all the time they had been apart. Sometimes you would never have guessed they were apart for 15 years.
I loved both characters and they were both well written and described very well. Neither had the greatest childhood and both had struggles with who and what they were. Rannon dealt better with his issues than Shaun though, but then again he had more time to come to terms with everything because he always knew.
This book developed well and was just the right length. The HEA was well deserved and I feel at peace with the ending. I highly recommend this book :)
Shaun and Rannon were such a great couple in this book. Their history made this book even better. I just loved how they came together even after all the time they had been apart. Sometimes you would never have guessed they were apart for 15 years.
I loved both characters and they were both well written and described very well. Neither had the greatest childhood and both had struggles with who and what they were. Rannon dealt better with his issues than Shaun though, but then again he had more time to come to terms with everything because he always knew.
This book developed well and was just the right length. The HEA was well deserved and I feel at peace with the ending. I highly recommend this book :)
March 3, 2011
This book is a prime example of why I love ML Rhodes' and her writing so, so much. Complex characters, original plot, well-written dialogue and action, hot sex, and a beautiful love story. This is how you write a vampire/werewolf romance folks!
I was hooked from the first page and it held me until the last one. Both main characters were complex, fully thought out and realistic. I loved their backstory over how they met...and I Rannon's devotion to protecting Shaun. I loved their connection they had to each other and how passionate it all was. I also really liked how the forward sort of read as a fairy tale.
I'm so glad that she is back to writing. I don't mind the long waits when the results are gems such as this. Now I'm just waiting for the 4th Draegon Lords book!
I was hooked from the first page and it held me until the last one. Both main characters were complex, fully thought out and realistic. I loved their backstory over how they met...and I Rannon's devotion to protecting Shaun. I loved their connection they had to each other and how passionate it all was. I also really liked how the forward sort of read as a fairy tale.
I'm so glad that she is back to writing. I don't mind the long waits when the results are gems such as this. Now I'm just waiting for the 4th Draegon Lords book!
September 11, 2012
Absolutely amazing! I don't even know where to begin with this review, because I loved it so much. There is just so much I could praise and so little that I found fault with. I fell in love with Into the Woods instantly and just couldn't stop reading. Everything about it was perfect, the writing was excellent, and I didn't want it to end. Shaun and Rannon's romance was absolutely perfect and the paranormal elements were wonderfully done. I loved the foreword, giving us the history of the Fels and Mals and how they came about. I'd highly recommend this to any fans of the genre.
September 6, 2015
A different take on weres and vampires. I really enjoyed the introduction in the tale of how the two developed. I thought the setting was very correct for it's isolation and creepy factor. I liked how there was almost an "insta-love" but with an explanation. The characters really were a good fit of strength and weakness. When one was having trouble or weak the other was strong. A good story:)
March 27, 2011
Ok, I had a tiny problem with the first half of this storyline. In fact, I was almost to the point of giving up on it. Thank goodness for stubbornness cause I would have miss a pick up like you wouldn't believe. Into the Woods went from a 1 rating to a 5 real quick. I'm giving it a 4 star instead of a 5 just because the beginning was sooooooo slow.
April 30, 2011
I really loved this book. It has great paranormal mixed with great romance. I also loved the star-crossed lovers theme.
June 4, 2012
Wow. This book just totally blew me away! From the second I started reading, I was hooked, and I didn't want it to end! Shaun and Rannon are both amazing, the new and original take on vampire/shifter lore was fascinating, and the descriptions of the setting were unbelievably vivid.
I can't even say how much i adore shaun and rannon. they're both fully fleshed-out characters that would have made me want to just wrap them up and keep them safe if they weren't so darned good at doing that for each other. And the two of them together are honestly one of the sweetest and the hottest couples i've read about for a while. I love their story so much, and it was so fun to get to find out more and more of their individual backgrounds while also seeing how much in love they still are in the present.
The lore was indeed fascinating. I enjoyed the short glimpse we were given into how the curses were placed (and think that that story would also make an amazing book!) and the easing-in to the new names for everything that was provided.
I think second only to how much i loved shaun and rannon was how much i loved how well each scene was described. I don't know if i've ever read a book where i was able to so vividly picture each scene, especially the ones in the forest. amazingly well done!
My one complaint is that the lore was set up so well that i started asking questions, wanting to know more, and those questions never got answered. However, being left with questions diminished neither my delight in nor my enjoyment of the book. it just makes me hope there may be a sequel planned eventually :)
I can't even say how much i adore shaun and rannon. they're both fully fleshed-out characters that would have made me want to just wrap them up and keep them safe if they weren't so darned good at doing that for each other. And the two of them together are honestly one of the sweetest and the hottest couples i've read about for a while. I love their story so much, and it was so fun to get to find out more and more of their individual backgrounds while also seeing how much in love they still are in the present.
The lore was indeed fascinating. I enjoyed the short glimpse we were given into how the curses were placed (and think that that story would also make an amazing book!) and the easing-in to the new names for everything that was provided.
I think second only to how much i loved shaun and rannon was how much i loved how well each scene was described. I don't know if i've ever read a book where i was able to so vividly picture each scene, especially the ones in the forest. amazingly well done!
My one complaint is that the lore was set up so well that i started asking questions, wanting to know more, and those questions never got answered. However, being left with questions diminished neither my delight in nor my enjoyment of the book. it just makes me hope there may be a sequel planned eventually :)
June 26, 2011
Absolutely incredible!!! Could hardly put this down. This was so well written. I loved the story that the author created at the beginning that tells the beginning of the Fels and Mals. That was fascinating.
The story has an element of mystery to it with the murder of Shaun's dad. We know whatdid it, but not exactly who. We avoid the whole "insta-love" phenom that annoys so many because Shaun and Rannon were in love as teens so they basically pick up where they left off, and the heat rolls off the pages. ML Rhodes knows how to do the smexin scenes right! ;0) thank you Ms Rhodes for indulging my love for well done, tasteful STEAMING HOT smexin' scene ;0D Shaun and Rannon are hot together. But you can also feel how much in love they are with each other. It's a story that really pulls at your heart strings. They truly were two halves of one whole: soulmates.
This was also a very interesting take on the relationship between vampires and shifters. Despite the current status of relations between the species, they are meant to care for one another, as the story at the beginning explains. The current situation, in turmoil, lends to the excitement of the story in keeping you turning the pages as they are on the run the whole time.
I'd love to see this turned into a series. The characters are beautiful and well rounded. There is definitely more story there. The world that ML has created is one I'd really love to read more about.
The story has an element of mystery to it with the murder of Shaun's dad. We know whatdid it, but not exactly who. We avoid the whole "insta-love" phenom that annoys so many because Shaun and Rannon were in love as teens so they basically pick up where they left off, and the heat rolls off the pages. ML Rhodes knows how to do the smexin scenes right! ;0) thank you Ms Rhodes for indulging my love for well done, tasteful STEAMING HOT smexin' scene ;0D Shaun and Rannon are hot together. But you can also feel how much in love they are with each other. It's a story that really pulls at your heart strings. They truly were two halves of one whole: soulmates.
This was also a very interesting take on the relationship between vampires and shifters. Despite the current status of relations between the species, they are meant to care for one another, as the story at the beginning explains. The current situation, in turmoil, lends to the excitement of the story in keeping you turning the pages as they are on the run the whole time.
I'd love to see this turned into a series. The characters are beautiful and well rounded. There is definitely more story there. The world that ML has created is one I'd really love to read more about.
August 21, 2011
It was official for me to think That M.L. Rhodes always write a good story. After The Draegan Lord series, I stumble into this and found another beautiful romance with beautiful setting. This story told different view of Vampire/Shifters relationship, how it told that at the beginning, shifters, or the Fels, created to be Mal's, the vampires', protector, and as Mal's source of blood. But somehow, along the way, the Fels turn his way from Mals and started to hunt them down. And in this chaos of clan's war, Shaun and Rannon found themselves attracted to each other and recreated the origin of the relationship between Mals and Fels with their love for each other.
I love the fact that Shaun and Ronnan's relationship was grew and stayed over 14 years of separation, how they still yearning for each other and their deermination on protecting their beloved. Ms. Rhodes always made a beautiful stories of love yearning that filled with an overwhelmed angst it made my heart ache. One thing that made me didn't give this one a perfect 5 stars was the fact that the history of The Mals and Fels relationship was left unexplored, and I found that one part was actually essential in the story so we could grab the setting more clearly. But with it left as it is, I just hope that maybe there'd be a continuation of this story. Make it into series, perhaps?
I love the fact that Shaun and Ronnan's relationship was grew and stayed over 14 years of separation, how they still yearning for each other and their deermination on protecting their beloved. Ms. Rhodes always made a beautiful stories of love yearning that filled with an overwhelmed angst it made my heart ache. One thing that made me didn't give this one a perfect 5 stars was the fact that the history of The Mals and Fels relationship was left unexplored, and I found that one part was actually essential in the story so we could grab the setting more clearly. But with it left as it is, I just hope that maybe there'd be a continuation of this story. Make it into series, perhaps?
August 15, 2014
This book started off a bit slow for me, maybe because I don't often read paranormal books. But once I got into it, I had trouble putting it down. I loved the symbiotic relationship that Shaun and Rannon have and how hot they are together. I loved the mythology of how they came to be and I find myself wishing there were more stories about the Fel and Mal and their struggles in getting back to where they were meant to be.
Very enjoyable!
Very enjoyable!
April 12, 2011
**4-4 1/2** This was a great story with a little bit of everything - romance, fear, sadness, regret, confusion, love and finally, hope. Shaun and Rannon are fabulous multi-dimensional characters - emotional, physical, vulnerable. It was clear since they were young that they were meant for each other and that fact was proven over and over. Love them.
March 14, 2011
Great book!!! Such amazing descriptive detail (both written and implied), so vivid and real. I read the book in two days!!!
August 13, 2011
Ok.. How do I describe this?? At first it was a bit long winded for me for about 20% of the book but after that damn everything was soooooo Hawwwt!!!! I'm gonna read this again... Love it!!!
April 11, 2011
When this book was released I actually did a happy dance and threw confetti around. Of course I wanted to read this book as soon as possible, but life got in the way and my aunt got ill. Into the Woods ended up being a comfort read that I read and re-read when I was travelling by train to my aunt. For this, the book will always have a special place.
Apart from the meaning the book has to me, it was a really cool, awesome, fantastic, grand, mind-blowing, stunning and wonderful read! It took me a while to get really into, because of the world building and background story, but once I was in I was hooked, line and sinker.
The Characters
The story is set around Shaun McCarry and Rannon James: two childhood friends and lovers who meet up again years later on the precipice of something big, looming just beyond the horizon.
Rannon is fully aware of what and who he is and no longer willing the hide once he learns his childhood friend is in danger. He is sweet, caring and confident. His motivations and actions in this story are credible and I loved how tried to protect Shaun.
Shaun is thrown into the deep when he finds out his troubled father has died. Suddenly not everything is as it seems and Shaun has to reevaluate everything he knows and he learns something frightening about himself at the same time. Like Rannon he is a believable character who tries to deal with everything that is happening. He is stubborn and just as protective of Rannon as Rannon is of him. He’ll do anything to keep Rannon safe, even from himself. Stubborn, that pretty much describes Shaun.
Both characters had a traumatic childhood, but I liked how they didn’t let that stand in the way or drag them down. Throughout the story they come to terms with what happened to them.
There aren’t many secondary characters. The female sheriff plays an interesting part, but there is no real involvement with Rannon and Shaun. Of course there are the baddies and a few brief scenes with Shaun’s dad. Again the reader gets to see the link to Shaun and the role he played, but there is no real character development there. The focus of the story is on Rannon and Shaun.
The Story
The story is well thought through and extensive. While reading, you can see the author has spent time working on the background and doesn’t just lay everything out there in a few lines. As a result you get a solid story that draws a reader right in. You feel sympathetic towards the characters and the plight they’re in.
At times I found the background a bit too much and it took a while for the story to get started. Once it does, it's all action. What I did miss in the plot was a link between Rannon and Shaun with the past. It’s hinted, but not worked through. At the end it made me wonder if there will be a sequel. The story is set mostly in the Appalachian Mountains.
The Heat
Woooowieeee! Keep a fire extinguisher ready, because the heat level goes straight through the roof! When Shaun and Rannon give in, they don’t hold anything back! The scenes are very hot and steamy. Then again, did you expect anything less from M.L. Rhodes?
Needless to say I loved this book and it goes straight on my all-time favorite paranormal romance book list! Into the Woods was worth the wait and I might even forgive her for releasing it over the third Draegan book! ;-)
Apart from the meaning the book has to me, it was a really cool, awesome, fantastic, grand, mind-blowing, stunning and wonderful read! It took me a while to get really into, because of the world building and background story, but once I was in I was hooked, line and sinker.
The Characters
The story is set around Shaun McCarry and Rannon James: two childhood friends and lovers who meet up again years later on the precipice of something big, looming just beyond the horizon.
Rannon is fully aware of what and who he is and no longer willing the hide once he learns his childhood friend is in danger. He is sweet, caring and confident. His motivations and actions in this story are credible and I loved how tried to protect Shaun.
Shaun is thrown into the deep when he finds out his troubled father has died. Suddenly not everything is as it seems and Shaun has to reevaluate everything he knows and he learns something frightening about himself at the same time. Like Rannon he is a believable character who tries to deal with everything that is happening. He is stubborn and just as protective of Rannon as Rannon is of him. He’ll do anything to keep Rannon safe, even from himself. Stubborn, that pretty much describes Shaun.
Both characters had a traumatic childhood, but I liked how they didn’t let that stand in the way or drag them down. Throughout the story they come to terms with what happened to them.
There aren’t many secondary characters. The female sheriff plays an interesting part, but there is no real involvement with Rannon and Shaun. Of course there are the baddies and a few brief scenes with Shaun’s dad. Again the reader gets to see the link to Shaun and the role he played, but there is no real character development there. The focus of the story is on Rannon and Shaun.
The Story
The story is well thought through and extensive. While reading, you can see the author has spent time working on the background and doesn’t just lay everything out there in a few lines. As a result you get a solid story that draws a reader right in. You feel sympathetic towards the characters and the plight they’re in.
At times I found the background a bit too much and it took a while for the story to get started. Once it does, it's all action. What I did miss in the plot was a link between Rannon and Shaun with the past. It’s hinted, but not worked through. At the end it made me wonder if there will be a sequel. The story is set mostly in the Appalachian Mountains.
The Heat
Woooowieeee! Keep a fire extinguisher ready, because the heat level goes straight through the roof! When Shaun and Rannon give in, they don’t hold anything back! The scenes are very hot and steamy. Then again, did you expect anything less from M.L. Rhodes?
Needless to say I loved this book and it goes straight on my all-time favorite paranormal romance book list! Into the Woods was worth the wait and I might even forgive her for releasing it over the third Draegan book! ;-)
October 27, 2012
Good story, but I would have liked it better without the unnecessary prologue/foreword
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- A lot of the story, particularly in the early chapters, hovers on that “halfway intriguing and halfway frustrating” line between not revealing enough information and revealing too much. A couple of times I just wanted to book to tell me who “he” was and what he was doing with “it” and so on (example: “He had to get there before they caught him”…Who’s he? Where’s there? Who are they?), but mostly the storytelling technique just kept me interested.
- Rhodes always spends a lot of time developing the backgrounds of her main characters. This can get tedious at times, especially when long stretches of exposition occur early on in the story before the reader has had a chance to form an attachment to the characters, but it also makes Rhodes’s characters more three-dimensional than many in this genre.
- The vast majority of the shapeshifter stories I’ve read have been about werewolves, and this is similar to those in some ways but very different in others. I enjoyed reading about a different kind of shifter lore.
- One of the secondary characters who turns out to be not just a good guy, but a pretty bad-A good guy, is a woman. I’ve seen characters like her in other m/m novels, but they’re usually men.
CONS:
- There’s a foreword (which in addition to being oddly named--since it’s part of the story itself--is also misspelled as “forward”) that contains a wealth of background information that’s flat and rather wooden-sounding. And on top of that, the information it contains, while interesting, isn’t all that important to the actual book. It’s like Rhodes had a backstory that was so fleshed out she couldn’t bear to leave it untold, but it doesn’t have much bearing on the current characters’ lives. At the very least, I think the content of the foreword should have been incorporated into the story itself.
- I understand the reasoning behind spelling accented speech phonetically, but it still gets on my nerves most of the time. Sentences like this simply slow down my reading: “You jest let us take keer of ye.”
- Some key descriptive phrases get repeated often enough that I started to find them annoying. For instance, at one point Rannon’s “chest tightens” 3 times within the span of about 6 pages.
Overall comments: Rhodes is a good writer, and I always enjoy her books; I’ve just liked others by her more than I liked this one. This book has less sex than any other Rhodes book I’ve read (only 2 scenes here), but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of sexual tension. Every little touch, every smile, every expression causes a frisson of desire in one character or the other.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- A lot of the story, particularly in the early chapters, hovers on that “halfway intriguing and halfway frustrating” line between not revealing enough information and revealing too much. A couple of times I just wanted to book to tell me who “he” was and what he was doing with “it” and so on (example: “He had to get there before they caught him”…Who’s he? Where’s there? Who are they?), but mostly the storytelling technique just kept me interested.
- Rhodes always spends a lot of time developing the backgrounds of her main characters. This can get tedious at times, especially when long stretches of exposition occur early on in the story before the reader has had a chance to form an attachment to the characters, but it also makes Rhodes’s characters more three-dimensional than many in this genre.
- The vast majority of the shapeshifter stories I’ve read have been about werewolves, and this is similar to those in some ways but very different in others. I enjoyed reading about a different kind of shifter lore.
- One of the secondary characters who turns out to be not just a good guy, but a pretty bad-A good guy, is a woman. I’ve seen characters like her in other m/m novels, but they’re usually men.
CONS:
- There’s a foreword (which in addition to being oddly named--since it’s part of the story itself--is also misspelled as “forward”) that contains a wealth of background information that’s flat and rather wooden-sounding. And on top of that, the information it contains, while interesting, isn’t all that important to the actual book. It’s like Rhodes had a backstory that was so fleshed out she couldn’t bear to leave it untold, but it doesn’t have much bearing on the current characters’ lives. At the very least, I think the content of the foreword should have been incorporated into the story itself.
- I understand the reasoning behind spelling accented speech phonetically, but it still gets on my nerves most of the time. Sentences like this simply slow down my reading: “You jest let us take keer of ye.”
- Some key descriptive phrases get repeated often enough that I started to find them annoying. For instance, at one point Rannon’s “chest tightens” 3 times within the span of about 6 pages.
Overall comments: Rhodes is a good writer, and I always enjoy her books; I’ve just liked others by her more than I liked this one. This book has less sex than any other Rhodes book I’ve read (only 2 scenes here), but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of sexual tension. Every little touch, every smile, every expression causes a frisson of desire in one character or the other.
March 17, 2011
This was a wonderful story. I liked how it opened with the history of the Mals (vampires) and Fels (shapeshifters), giving it an odd fairy tale sort of feel, and then it just took off from there. My heart went out to Shaun and Rannon because of their sad childhoods and even to Doyle because while he may not have been the best father to Shaun, there were still circumstances out of his control. They all suffered because of the Fels hunting down and exterminating the Mals. I was impressed by the love and devotion between Shaun and Rannon, which never went away even after so many lonely years apart. It's like they were made for each other. Their innocent first love grew into something so strong and fierce that they were willing to die for each other. By the end of the story I was convinced that there was nothing they couldn't accomplish as long as they were together. I also liked the idea of the folks of Dreamspell (including the cute older couple who owned the grocery store and the sheriff) looking out for and protecting their own. Shaun and Rannon's future was far from safe, so it made me feel better that they wouldn't be alone and on the run. I hope there will be more stories to follow because it seemed a little unfinished. I'd like to hear more about the other Mals and Fels out there who could join Shaun and Rannon in bringing peace between their species as originally intended long ago.
May 9, 2011
3-1/2 stars
I enjoy Ms. Rhodes books and this is an interesting story about the vampiric Mals and the shapeshifting Fels and two men in particular, Shaun and Rannan.
In the beginning, the Fels were the protectors and companions of the Mal. Somehow, in the distant past the relationship got corrupted until the Fels started hunting Mals in horrific and malicious ways. Whole families were dedicated to eradicating Mals, much like Rannan's family. Rannan never had the stomach for hunting, however, and when one special Mal comes to his notice, he knows it's time to stop the killing for good.
Shaun has spent most of his life running, first with his father, then from himself and his heritage. Now an article writer for magazines, he's nearing his 30th birthday and he can't run anymore. With the help of a very special Fel, however, he ready now to defend what's his and lay down roots for good.
My only complaint is the amount of angst about halfway through the book. Ms. Rhodes ties up the main threads of the story quite nicely, while still leaving others open for future books. I don't know if there will be more books in the future, but I will certainly keep an eye out for them!
I enjoy Ms. Rhodes books and this is an interesting story about the vampiric Mals and the shapeshifting Fels and two men in particular, Shaun and Rannan.
In the beginning, the Fels were the protectors and companions of the Mal. Somehow, in the distant past the relationship got corrupted until the Fels started hunting Mals in horrific and malicious ways. Whole families were dedicated to eradicating Mals, much like Rannan's family. Rannan never had the stomach for hunting, however, and when one special Mal comes to his notice, he knows it's time to stop the killing for good.
Shaun has spent most of his life running, first with his father, then from himself and his heritage. Now an article writer for magazines, he's nearing his 30th birthday and he can't run anymore. With the help of a very special Fel, however, he ready now to defend what's his and lay down roots for good.
My only complaint is the amount of angst about halfway through the book. Ms. Rhodes ties up the main threads of the story quite nicely, while still leaving others open for future books. I don't know if there will be more books in the future, but I will certainly keep an eye out for them!
April 27, 2011
This is a case of almost, but not quite good enough for an average grade. The writing was competent. Except for one sex scene near the end that fell into a crassness that didn't match the rest of the book. It was odd enough to have me pause and ask, "Huh?"
Overall, the setup was interesting. Though the plotting could have been better. There wasn't a moment where I felt like they were woven with the "danger" that was out there. Even when they were confronted with the enemy, I didn't feel like it connected.
Separate from the outside forces, the characters and their goals could have been fleshed out a bit more. It was pretty much about sex. Despite the fact that they previously knew each other, there needed to be a bit more to draw them together.
The last part of the story fell apart. It was a complete mess.
As a whole, the novel didn't leave enough of an impression with me, to be honest.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
Overall, the setup was interesting. Though the plotting could have been better. There wasn't a moment where I felt like they were woven with the "danger" that was out there. Even when they were confronted with the enemy, I didn't feel like it connected.
Separate from the outside forces, the characters and their goals could have been fleshed out a bit more. It was pretty much about sex. Despite the fact that they previously knew each other, there needed to be a bit more to draw them together.
The last part of the story fell apart. It was a complete mess.
As a whole, the novel didn't leave enough of an impression with me, to be honest.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
July 12, 2011
So after I finally found my Kindle the day before I left on my vacation, I wanted to get a substantial portion of Swordspoint read since I had barely touched it in my lost-Kindle depression. Anyway, I picked this up again yesterday and finished it in the car. My overall is that the characters are good, but this book suffers from far too many cliches such as ridiculously nice old ladies, criminals with lazy motivation and a too simple climax. I'm also bothered that the backstory from the beginning is never touched upon. Rather disappointing. But the pairing was nice and the supernatural was nice (aside from the stupid insta-healing through kissing/licking). Nothing special but it was worth it for the were/vampire pairing.
January 27, 2013
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I really liked liked both Shaun and Rannon, and their relationship. I also liked that things weren't always as they appeared, and some people were better or worse than they originally seemed. But there were some interesting questions raised that were left open-ended. Perhaps that was to leave room for a sequel, but it felt more like loose ends.
I was also distracted by a few consistency issues, wrong names being used, and a twist on one of my pet-peeve misspellings: "lose" for "loose" (I usually see it the other way around), among other things. Overall I enjoyed it and thought it was well done, but not my favorite by this author.
I really liked liked both Shaun and Rannon, and their relationship. I also liked that things weren't always as they appeared, and some people were better or worse than they originally seemed. But there were some interesting questions raised that were left open-ended. Perhaps that was to leave room for a sequel, but it felt more like loose ends.
I was also distracted by a few consistency issues, wrong names being used, and a twist on one of my pet-peeve misspellings: "lose" for "loose" (I usually see it the other way around), among other things. Overall I enjoyed it and thought it was well done, but not my favorite by this author.
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